In Arlington

Attended an outstanding technical meeting this week: Carbon Nanotubes in Space, held at NASA headquarters. In my head the title has to be said just like the Muppet show segment "Pigs in Spaaaaaaaaaace.". I left the meeting feeling very grateful for my chosen profession, the opportunity to do this work, and my employment. Also very happy to connect with scientists who are willing to share their results.

Yesterday I had dinner and drinks with curiouseve who is my oldest friend (as in the friend i have had the longest - she is actually a year younger than I am.) and fabulous. I was very silly as I love to hear her laugh. 26 years later and she's just as lovely.

I am staying in a lovely Kimpton hotel and will visit my Aunt and cousin later this evening, where I will be exposed to outrageous amounts of cigarette smoke. Things look very different since I left in 1989. The air, the sky, and the trees feel familiar. Riding the Metro reminded me of going to school in addition to the feeling of OMG! Public! Transportation! I had forgotten how much the inner beltway region is a company town.

Back to California tomorrow.