Grumples returns to Chi-town We went to B-more for a couple of graduation parties -- not the actual graduations since I feel, and I think my friends the new Ph.D.s understand, that I've been to more than my fair share of Hotpants U. commencement ceremonies -- and damn, we had a good time. The cicadas were chirping, buzzing, and generally sounding like an alien invasion force. I ate pizza with my ex-coworkers, then went to Baltimore's trendiest and most mosquito-friendly new outdoor bar with Chesapeake Explorer. I can't believe the place is next to the Hanover Street Bridge! I mean, that place was 100% scaryville back in my day. And it's on Insulator Drive, which is where I went to a rave once. Baltimore is in some ways the greatest place to have a rave, because there are just acres and acres of unused, unloved, industry-zoned gorgeous waterfront property waiting to be danced upon. All of them convenient to I-95. I don't think people rave anymore, though, except maybe in Raleighwood.

After all that, we drove north for a kitchen destruction party. I had some misgivings but no one was injured, which is an improvement over the parties that are strictly drinking-centered. Must've been the safety glasses.

But then I got home and came down with this awful fever and cough, and it was Monday so I had to get up early and work and go to school and all that business, bleah. I think four straight weeks of houseguests, work, class and traveling must've opened the drawbridge for those airplane germs.

Luckily this weekend promises to be peaceful. Also luckily (more like conveniently, since it sure isn't lucky for her) my biggest client is even sicker than me and has zero interest in whipping things along until next Tuesday. I still can't lay low but at least I'll make it to the weekend. 

¶ 10:44 PM