Why the heck not?

I'm working on a research project on bilateral trade agreements. I've been trying to figure out this one genre of provisions and can't find much information. I did find one report that was spot-on. The authors' contact information was listed in the article ... so, I figured, Why the heck not?, and took it upon myself to e-mail the authors for more information and advice. What's the worst that could have happened, that they never write me back?

Ha! Within less than a day Mr. Senior Associate from the World Bank, in Zambia, and I are having a back-and-forth e-mail trade (no pun intended)! Does he know it's just young, inexperienced, little ol' moi at the other side of these e-mails? I haven't lost his attention yet, so I'll take that as a high compliment.

Put yourself out there, people. It's kind of fun.

Symphony

Last night I heard Mozart's Requiem and the Oboe Concerto. So good! I loved it. I had a seat as far and high as I've ever been, but I kind of liked the bird's eye view and anonymity of it all. Before the piece, there was this long pause and this maintenance type guy came out to fix the microphone. When he came out people started clapping, maybe thinking he was the conductor? Anyway, he leaned down to fix the cord and everyone started clapping again. He stops what he's doing and looks up at the audience. Basically, he's saying, You people are crazy clapping for me. I didn't even do anything!" Clapping dies down. He finishes fixing and starts to walk off stage. Everyone claps. He just calmly, slowly walks off stage and doesn't look back. Brilliant non-verbal communication and humor. I loved it and thought it was hilarious!

Off to go running.

Denver weather: we had 65 degree weather all weekend. Monday and Tuesday are snow with lows of (actual temperature) -15. Yikes! Glad I played outside instead of doing work... tee hee hee!