So I'm getting back into the swing of things. My illness is slowly melting away; leaving behind a few tattered remnants, such as a cough and a general exhaustion. The good news is that I feel much better, and my ability to think clearly is rapidly returning.

I'm also looking forward to finishing my current project; which is to go through all of my articles and look for percentages of moms and dads who accept help with tasks around the house (instrumental support) or advice (expressive support), and then to compare these percentages. I may finish this task at some point tonight. I have about 25 articles left to go through.

Today I was a good ex-boy scout, and I fulfilled my good deed requirement. My office mate found a satchel on the ground that held six jump drives, but he did not get a clear view of the guy who dropped them. Dan had to run off to teach his night class, so I searched through the files, found a name, identified the graduate student, and e-mailed him to let him know I had his jump drives. As it turns out, I had his entire Dissertation in my hands...and he had neglected to back it up since October of this year. He was extremely grateful and he forced me to take $20 for my work. I just did what I hoped anyone in my situation would do, given the circumstances. I have to admit, though, it felt good to return his lectures, Dissertation, academic papers, and presentations. Today I made a difference. :)

Oh and about my departmental crush: she showed up in my office today, just to talk about teaching, class, and life. I guess this was her monthly visit (don't get me wrong; I look forward to these monthly visits). She told me all about teaching at the local junior college, her current classes, and then she talked about dinner...

oh shit.

I think she wanted me to go to dinner with her.

I'm either one of the densest men on Earth; or she presented me with a vague offer to see if I would ask her if she would like company.

Well, I guess I just showed her how hard-headed I am...or else I just played hard-to-get.

I can't think about this right now; I need to get back to work.