Haven't posted in a while... I've been in a bit of a funk...
I haven't been able to figure it out - probably a combination of stuff - continuing back pain (but much better - it might even be gone today), anxiety about getting behind in my classwork, anxiety about falling behind in the career search, not being able to sleep well, not having a handle on the money situation (how much I have, what bills I need to pay when, etc - I kinda lost all my financial information when Apple Support wiped out my Hard disk), and the war, terrorist threats... I think it's just a big mood swing.

things are better today, I woke up early-ish, and went to the gym (that might help my fatigue), and then had an interview for my background check for my summer internship.

Wow - it just got really dark outside - it's been really great weather here starting last Saturday. It's supposed to rain later on today - I guess this is it.

After my last entry (Sat), I spent all day Sunday on my back. I ended up watching hours and hours of the Godfather series. By evening I was feeling better, just in time for Blagg to call, telling me he was coming into town, so we had dinner with Ann and Hollman, and watched the Oscars afterwards. Monday was full of classes, when I came to the realization how behind I was in my classwork (which, in retrospect, was a bit of an overraction - probably as a result of lack of sleep). I've been sleeping a lot recently, but remain tired - this happened a year ago around the time of my previous back situation, I think you just get less out of your slumber if your body's trying to deal with a bad back. Wow - lots of wind outside.

I've been in frequent contact with Amy - which is nice. She's having a great time doing the island thing. I actually talked to her on Monday which was great - we're going to try to talk again later this week.

Hmm, anyways, I should go and be productive.

Today was the best of days, and the worst of days :) :(

The Asian Crisis Sim was highly successful. I was playing the role of the press, and got really good feedback on how my team did. It was an great learning experience.

The bad bit is my back started giving out late in the day - after the simulation, i went back and took a 2 hour nap in order to give my back a rest - I thought things were allright afterwards, made dinner, and met up with Ann to go to Steve's b-day party - however, walking out the party and during the party, my back kept on spasming, I think my back gave out sometime during the party, and I immediately came home - I'm laying on my back right now (laptops rock) - I think I'm going to stay this way for the entire day tomorrow. I'm also going to look into getting another MRI and possibly starting up physical therapy again.

I'm just being really careful and risk averse right now, so I don't think I or anyone else should be really worried. Last time (2 1/2 years ago), when I started experiencing symptoms, I had no idea what was up, and let it go for 6 months before I did anything about it. Now that symptoms are starting up, I think I can be preventative about it, and hopefully avoid future surgery.

Anyways, I've been emailing Amy every day - just to report, she's doing really good in Belize. I hope she's having the best time and staying safe.

Today was kinda staightforward, but a bit taxing... Woke up at 5:30 to take Amy to the airport, was sad to see her leave, but hope that she has a blast in Belize. Then I came home, did some work, then took Dardy (Amy's friend who was visiting) to Dulles... in the pouring rain! All good though, then crammed in some more work, went to class, came home slept, went to class...

After class, had the 2nd China Stud(ie)s happy hour this year. Had a very enjoyable time hanging out with fellow students. We were pretty much nerds, talking shop, but it's kinda fun and enjoyable to both be drinking beer, eating fries, and having fun while getting in some heated intense conversations (Amy at this point would call me a dork... well phhhhtt :P - you're one of us now!). Now I'm home, watched Taxicab confessions, and now watching Elimidate... well, not really watching - cleainging the apt while it's playing in the background.

About the war:
Pretty dissapointed that we're going down this path. Very sad about the US and Brit soldiers who died in the heli crash. In case anyone was wondering, lets get things straight - I'm not anti-America, I'm practicing the time-honored democratic tradition of expressing my views (which in my opion, makes me a better American). I am against the current American foreign policy - It is my right and duty (everyone's, in fact) to form an opinion and to voice it. I'm not against our military. I understand that the military is necessary, that it takes balls to do what they do, and that they follow orders. I oppose the policy that they're forced to execute, but I support them. I just wish they wouldn't have to do what they do right now. And hell no, I'm not pro-Iraq or whatever. Yes, Saddam is a psycho-bastard. However, if the international community feels that the best course of action to deal with him is to practice an inspection regime, than so be it.