so long... at this time - in Feb. 2009

It has been a while... and what can I say?

I can say.. soon the house remodel will be done. Hurray. I can get organized, reorganized, settled, resettled...... etc.. It has been a lot of little yet hard decisions. It has been a bit of a mess. While we truly had a lot of space (compared with many others in the world) it has been distressing for me to have had less space then usual. But SOON!!! I will have more space than before, better space, nicer space, etc... etc... So... soon all will be better. Ouch!

At work -- things are ok. I am just about finished with what will probably be my last response to my merit review. I may yet edit it some more... But -- I am about done with it. It has been quite a chore. Quite a project really. Quite time consuming... Hopefully it will prove worthwhile. I can hope but it is unlikely, really. Darn.

Also at work... there is ever again the question of how to make the HSL a destination for people. Well -- that has been a question since the building opened in the late 1970's. Maybe something radical should be considered but what would that be? Making our space attractive and welcoming and where food and drinks are allowed is NOT going to do it because nearbye are new spaces which provide all that. Having people here who will help the folks we might attract with their needs... well that would be IT - but what would that be? I guess that is the question.

At home -- things are good. Besides the stress of the remodel. Karen and my fourth wedding anniversary is coming up ... We will probably go to SF for a long weekend and take in a show, museum(s), shopping, etc.... Or ?????

There is a lot of uncertainty. How much longer will I continue to work at UC Davis? Retirement is a possibility. What would I do after retiring? That is uncertain. Finances are a bit uncertain with the economy is something of a free-fall. Recession - yes.... but don't say depression. In fact a Depression is part the economy and MOSTLY PART -- how people are feeling. IF/when a tipping point number of people become depressed --- then there we will be! What might that tipping point be? When? Can it be prevented from happening?

As always .... I say --- aaaaahhhhhh........