A thin, anaemic, rather pathetic rain drifted across the plaza in front of the hotel on Wednesday morning. Not even enough rain to get excited about. At least it meant I didn't have to think "gee another beautiful morning" for once.

Another day, another seven hours of class. Today I bore the distinction of being found fully asleep in class in front of my boss (and his boss too). I awoke from my dreams to find all eyes on me as the facilitator pointed out my unconscious state. Well ... it's happened before.

I was particularly tired after class, which made me a little nervous about the long drive I'd set myself. But right after class, I joined the Northward ten-mile-per-hour tail-light tango on Interstate 405, and drove ... very slowly... all the way to Culver City, adjacent to Los Angeles City proper. It took over an hour and a half. I don't know how people get used to this kind of congestion!

I had dinner with Wil in a restaurant for homosexuals (as Wil called it). A place called the Tango Grill in West Hollywood. Had some terrific conversation with Wil about life, love and the destiny of the universe :) Wil is such a masculine mensch - very easy to be with.

Dinner with Wil in West Hollywood

After dinner, we sauntered along the strip to meet my buddy David (otherwise known as Webb in the chatroom) for coffee, and had another good old chat before my energy level started to slump. I kind of hoped David and Wil would like each other as friends but if they did, neither of them said anything :)

Coffee with David and Wil

The drive home was so much better. It only took me forty minutes door-to-door! So I got to bed at a reasonable time. This morning dawned sunny and breezy - another delightful day. And another LONG day in the classroom. I fell asleep again, but nobody noticed this time.

After class, I did a quick work out at the hotel gym, and then went for my first nighttime run outside. After ascertaining that the path along the creek is safe at night (I was assured that "we don't have gangs in Irvine" - hey how was I to know! If you judged by the movies...), I took a long run towards the ocean. It was my best run in a long time. For once, it felt so easy - I felt like I could have run much longer than the 35 minutes I gave myself.

I had dinner and drinks with a truly delightful guy named Salvador, from El Salvador. He lives in Orange County with his family while he's working part-time and going to school. For a twenty two year old, he had a great head on his shoulders. I found him totally charming, funny, bright - great company.

Hanging out in the hotel with Salvador

And now to bed. I'm heading home tomorrow evening!