We got back Sunday. But I’ve only now had a chance to upload pictures (including some from Easter weekend). Chicago was great—as always. It was a pleasant visit w/ family & friends.
I didn’t do as much “networking” as one often does at conferences (this was the annual MPSA). This year I focused on reconnecting w/ friends. And enjoying a “vacation” of sorts w/ our little nuclear family. It was even worth missing the Battlestar Galactica season premier (don’t worry, I watched it first thing after returning—thanks DVR!).
It was still a whirlwind trip. The highlights included: A quick lunch date downtown w/ my niece (she turns 7 in a few days), who made me a wonderful handmade birthday card (I turned 33 on Monday), and was great w/ her youngest cousin. Brunch at a taqueria near Wrigley Field—which made me realize just what I’ve been missing these last two years in Carlisle. A reunion of (most) of the original Gringo Tambo crew (the 2003-2004 Bolivia Fulbrighters). I also got to reconnect w/ my favorite publishing house (they’re OK w/ a book manuscript delay—whew!), meet up w/ my future department chair, and meet another Bolivianist whose work I respect. Plus meeting up w/ MABB & his wife, again (they flew in for the conference from Germany, on their way to Bolivia).
I was impressed w/ Javi’s first airplane experience. K8 flew out w/ him on Wednesday (I had to teach on Thursday). But he was well behaved (for the most part) on his way back (on Sunday). Not bad for a three-month-old. In nearly a month he’ll be christened in Maryland. Hard to believe time is moving so quickly.
