thank you all for the congrats. it's crazy that i don't actually *know* any of you, but i feel a strong kinship with those of you who have gone through or are going through this hellish ph.d. process, so those congrats mean a lot.

after the defense, a good portion of those in attendance accompanied me over to La Terrasse (just downstairs from my office) where they convinced me that we should order 2 bottles of champagne and their fancy cheese plate (which is objectively very good) to celebrate. mmm, three different kinds of smelly blue cheese! then for dinner karl and i went out with e--- and b---- to the White Dog Cafe (2 doors down from La Terrasse) where b---- and i shared a bottle of merlot called "Screw Kappa Napa." it was yummy.

the next morning, i woke up with my usual sense of dread at facing the day until i realized! i'd defended! no dread! and for the rest of the day (and continuing even now) i felt more energetic and happy and bouncy and smiley than i have in a long time. huzzah!

in flower notes, the tulips, grape hyacinths, and vinca minor are blooming. continuing to bloom: daffodils, magnolias (now in full, glorious bloom), cherry trees, weeping cherries, pear trees, and hyacinths.