This is me being positive.

With the four applications off being packaged, I feel much better. I really should finish another tomorrow, but it's lower pressure (and I haven't really figured out if I should apply for it).

Am having a small glass of red wine. Note: Yellow Tail makes a very good Shiraz and an also-decent Shiraz-Grenache. They are about $6 a bottle. Here on the right coast, it can be tricky to find a drinkable red under $12... these are probably the worst-kept red wine secrets, I know. Sometime I'll share my real wine secrets, and you'll all love me.

Had a conversation with the department secretary today that has perked me up, dissertation-wise. I thought I would have to defend by late March in order to walk in ceremonies, but according to our (very in-the-know) secretary I can push it to early May with some well-placed letter writing.

That, my friends, is a relief.

Off to finish cooking dinner -- tonight it's late, because Sasha teaches until 7:30. Steamed cauliflower, fresh green beans, and salmon with honey mustard sauce. Mmmmmm.....