Radio Free Akron: Akron Schmakron

I'm back in Akron after a week in Chicago for the AAG.

By the end of the week, my ass was tired from sitting in uncomfortable chairs, my legs were exhausted from walking around the city and up/down stairs in the Hilton, and my mind was shot. Other than that, I was in good shape! Like I said, it was incredibly stimulating and I've got a number of ideas to work into my future research. I've also made some connections with people that I intend to use for my future research. That's what academics is all about.

I did end up giving my presentation during the session of other Kent State folks. I tried to tailor my presentation more to the audience and seemed to succeed. My presentation got more discussion than any of the others put together. Go figure! On top of that, a girl tried to get with me after my presentation. She asked a couple of questions during question-time, then approached me and introduced herself. Upon seeing my left hand, she said "Oh, I was going to ask for your card, but I notice you have a ring on your finger." To which I replied: "yep, I certainly do." She said: "oh, that's too bad. Nice meeting you" and left. Friday was an odd day of interaction between the opposite sex and I. Later at a bar, a cute chubby girl grabbed my crotch as I brushed past her while trying to get through a crowd. I felt mostly shocked and a little violated and I jumped backwards, running into some other dude and nearly knocking him over. Odd day.

I'll have some pictures of the trip up in a couple of days. I only took about five through the whole trip. I intend to do some trading with the others I was around with.

After checking out, we hit Ed Debevic's for lunch, then drove through Gary for pictures and hit the Dunes Lakeshore. I was the unofficial tour guide, being the only Hoosier. I suppose my expertise in Indiana geography is fairly unmatched in the department at Kent.

Friday was the third anniversary of one of the biggest mistakes I've ever made. I didn't realize that until we were almost home on Saturday. Progress comes in slow steps.

Getting home was wonderful. I missed Amy terribly, and was very happy to see her. With a hurting ass and a pair of hurting feet, I certainly looked forward sleeping to my bed. The floor at the Travelodge was fairly unforgiving. And there's just something about dropping a bomb in your home throne that can't be matched.

Even with all of this, I was grumpy and treated Amy like shit. We had a tiff, which is pretty rare honestly. She had a pretty awful day from other factors anyway, and I made it worse. I'm a dick, what can I say? I eventually admitted my faults and made up with her. Later, we went to dinner and she had a margarita. She drinks about once every year. Well, maybe less than that, since she's drank twice since I've known her. She was goofy after that, and now she's asleep. Not surprisingly, I'm not.

We had a rough storm last night. I honestly was a bit frightened by the noises when I woke up because I was having dreams about us being bombed, and the thunder/lightning combo was providing the special effects. Once I was cognizant enough to have any clue what was happening, I was fine. Lucy, our foster/snuck-in-adoptee-new dog was not. She was shaking and crying. Amy had to console her. The storm rocked and rolled from what I remember. Too bad I don't remember more... it's a cool free show.

Tomorrow is back to work. I don't want to go, because I just spent like 94 consecutive hours at a work type thing. The lack of alone time, combined with the physically and mentally demanding nature of the conference really took a toll on me. I'll probably not go in for too long on Monday. It's Amy's day off anyway.

I hope winter's not done. It was 64 degrees here today. I want at least one severe snowstorm. I deserve that much.

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