Well, winter break is finally over and it's time once again for another semester of intellectual stimulation. Time to take the brain out of neutral gear.

For the past few days, posting has given way to jotting on random squibbages of paper. More napkins, receipts, and envelope backs for the desk drawer.

The trip to Madison was fantastic, but far too short. Had a leisurely dinner with friends at one of my favorites - Pasta Per Tutti. (The Atwood Ave neighborhood has an atmosphere uniquely its own.) I highly recommend the herb crusted salmon and sauteed scallops. Delicious. Even more emphatically, I recommend their chocolate martini. It is by far the best I've ever had (sorry, Blue Velvet Lounge). We also caught the movie Chicago. I can't wait to see the Broadway version of it now.

After what seems like an eternity, it is good to be back in NYC. Two of the best things about being back: 1. No television. (It rots your brain and there's nothing good on anyway.) 2. No one pounding on the bathroom door yelling, "Don't use all the hot water!"