in sciatic-nerve hell

This has been a bad week, physically speaking. I've been laid up in bed all weekend with a back pains. Lying down doesn't even really help the pain, although it takes the stress off. I dread going to school on Tuesday, when I will have about 6 total hours of sitting time. Probably should take friends' advice and see a doctor soon. This time it's my sciatic nerve, so occasionally I feel pain in my legs as well.

One exciting thing happening is that the FRB of NY is coming to school. It's a big deal because this is pretty much my #1 choice for place to work next year, and in fact was one of the reasons I applied for grad school in the first place. Unfortunately it's a limited sign-up (only 12 people for some reason) but I'll try and see if I can get our career guys to give me a spot. This reminds me....got to get a haircut soon. Right now I look like a bit-part actor from a Starsky & Hutch or Brady Bunch episode. Maybe I'll be metrosexual and try out Pelusi this time.

Felt crappy earlier this week because of a bad dream I had. I was on a beach, in the darkness, and I could hear the waves slowly rolling in and out. I saw a boat on the sand, slipping slowly into the water. I knew I wanted to pull the boat out of the water, to stop it from drifting off to sea, but I just didn't have the power to get up and do it. After sitting there helplessly for a while, the boat was taken off by the tide, and I felt rage and frustration at my inability to bring it back. So I just lay there, until the boat was pulled into the sea. I started asking it to come back, as if my words would have an effect, but it kept drifting slowly away. Finally it disappeared in the offing and I started crying. I woke up at that point...it was about 4am. Not a great way to start a week...

Alright, it's late. Got to go to bed now...