I think we should spread the word that Fallujah is the most happening new Spring Break nightlife spot this year. Then when Jenna and Barbara hit the dunes looking to party she can suffer as much as all the other people worried about their loved ones' safety overseas.

Why hasn't al-Qaida targeted them?

I, ME, sarameg, gave ita a disturbing image!

(ok, she filled in the blanks with something else. But really, the syringe wasn't much better.)

I don't know whether to be proud or concerned.

Hey, scientists swallowing animal reproductive juices...let's just say it was a while before my brain's yell of "Caviar!" was heard by my viscera.

black underwear and safety pins.

Ha, Vortex. Exactly.

Gross mental images, yes. How I will miss you all for the next few days.

Hey, you filled in the blanks! So I guess I should be... afraid.

I think I just got grossed out by PBS. Usually, it is CSI. But no, scientists slurping up sturgeon sperm from the fish's whatever with a syringe. Complete with revolting noises. I'll never be able to consume cream of chicken soup again. Nor mushroom. Gah.

I was eating corn chowder. Was.

Is this where I mention that book I read this weekend informs me that the sperm whale's name is in no way unconnected to what you think it is? Apparently, they have a big resevoir of oil that when it hits air, basically becomes... Not genetically, but appearance-wise. And that was so not even close to the grossest bit of this book.

So, I'm in a hotel. Do I seriously just put the room service tray on the floor of the hallway? That just seems so tacky.

(I'm also hoping I sent enough work emails to justify the ten bucks this internet connection is costing.)

That's what I do, Jesse, if I don't want to keep it in the room. But I was until recently quite oblivious to niceties like tipping the cleaning lady. So what do I know?

Man, (no offense intended to Jilli!style) I'd love these without the bats. Now, I'd never wear them (because when can you?), but at least there'd be love.

Oh, crap, tipping the cleaning lady. Right.

I have spent too much of the last 36 hours dealing with medical professionals.

Yesterday afternoon was the followup with my doctor on the antidepressants and antifatigue medications. The fatigue is less but not resolved. So she doubled my dosage of Provigil. No blood work yet, which surprised me.

Today was Teddy's sonogram. He's still losing weight and there's calcification in his kidneys. But no explanation other than eliminating some of the usual suspects. (Bright sides: One of the usual suspects to be eliminated is cancer. The tests showed he's in pretty good shape for a 13-year-old cat.) So, more blood work (and he won't let us take off the bandage). Appetite stimulant. And if that doesn't work, possibly participation in a study of unexplained calcification in cats.