New York Trip

Off to NYC for the first time in a couple of days.  The main purpose was a dinner organized by the head of the Visiting Committee for the Social Sciences, but we also did some other donor calls.  Of course, it wouldn't be a trip to NYC without a visit to Menchanko-tei.  Out on Wednesday and back by Friday.

First Week at U of Chicago

So, if you are going to jump in, jump in.   Here's one day during my first week at the University of Chicago.  Went to hear John Mearsheimer, professor in Political Science and expert on foreign policy and international security, in a lunch time session, primarily for undergraduates on What I Believe and Why.  He talked mostly about his upbringing, going to West Point, his personal experience as a student.  That evening, I caught the end of Susan Manning from Northwestern on Making a (Queer) American Dance: Jose Limon, Merce Cunningham, and Alvin Ailey, before heading over the Smart Museum for the opening of Illuminations: Sculpting with Light.  OK, OK, so two of these event are really about the Humanities...I'm still in the environment

A New Life...or at Least a New Job

I accepted a position at the University of Chicago today. I'll be the Director of Development for the Social Sciences Division. Hangin' with the Nobel Prize crowd. A big change for me--separating my interest in the arts from my vocation. But this is good: I can have friends in the arts who aren't always thinking I'm after their wallet.

Lots to be excited about: learning new subject matter, great people, great reputation of the University. And, we get to stay in Chicago, and in our fabulous home. Woo hoo!

Epiphany

The wise men arrive today, you know. (And I start my New Year's resolutions.) And, since "Expose the Core, strengthen the Core" is one of my resolutions (hey, I like them ambiguous...I know what I mean), I need to point out this web site, TRANSFORMATION 2003. I've been going to the gym pretty steadily for over a year now, but I can't hold a candle to this guy. What an inspiration--and his attitude, "if you follow a set of steps exactly, the results are predictable." Love a scientific mind.

Sayonara to Sex and the City

Spurred on by our friends B. and D. (who don't have cable) we're hosting a party at our place for all the remaining episodes of Sex and the City. When we were planning the first night's menu, the weather was gorgeous, warm. Mediterranean seemed good and easy. Kabobs on the grill, eggplant/feta dip, cous cous. We got everything done ahead, and then the weather turned nasty on Sunday. Still, a good time was had by all, with Mr. B staffing the distribution of cosmos. My, we were a talkative bunch.

Champagne and Sushi

A very quiet New Year's Eve. Went to Matsuya for appetizers and got sushi to go. A little sparkling, sushi, and Top Hat and lights out well before midnight. Got to the gym for New Year's Day.