Morning musings et al.

Today while driving to work, I was listening to the song "Heal the world" by Michael Jackson. As I was singing joyfully to the lyrics, "Heal the world....make it a better place....for you and for me and the entire human race...." I was also simultaneously hellbent on tailgating the car in front of me so that the jerk in the white car in the next lane can't cut me off again as he had done about 15 seconds ago. I just had to chuckle at the oxymoronic moment.

Last night I went to a great tapas place with two friends. I parked at a 1 hr meter and thought I would remember to come back and drop more quarters. What a dolt I was. Of course the police that happened to be patrolling the area had to be super on top of things that night and hence ended up fining me $35 for an expired meter. Next time, remind me to just park my car in a garage, pay a little extra and not worry about the stupid meter running out? It's such a terrible ripoff.

Dinner was pretty good though. I had dinner with a girl that I had met at the retreat in May. She's an interesting person to talk to. Her background and experiences were all so very different from mine. I had the distinct feeling that even though she's the same age as me, she's way more experienced in life and in her dealings with people. The other thing she really loves to do is to travel. She's a fearless traveler and often go on long trips all by herself. Compared to her, i really feel like the domesticated little cat that never strays too far from home and food and comfort. Haha. My other friend, whom I met through Church, also came out and hung out. She's always very nice and pleasant to hang out with.

Jason and another friend, Frances are coming to town this weekend. I am still racking my brains to figure out how to entertain them. I've already done the kayaking, so I'm not too excited about trying it again. Maybe we will go to DC and do something. Maybe we can play tennis.

My presentation yesterday went well. I was nervous for about 5 seconds. Then I just relaxed. However, my heart kind of sank when one of the scientists asked me a question. I hate not knowing answers.