The last few days were great... finally a little bit of room to breathe, and I'm really looking forward to what's coming up in the next several months. New friends, great times, and all the right places. One broken toe, but hey, if that's the price that's paid, it's pretty inexpensive in my book.

In random news, I've got to admit that, for the first time in years, I'm changing up my favorite restaurant. The one I loved for years, in Ormond Beach, just isn't what it used to be. I'm promoting Captain Woody's, my favorite little hole-in-the-wall bar and restaurant in Hilton Head, to best overall. Musashi in Las Vegas and Cafe Martorano in Fort Lauderdale round out the top three.

From this trip I've got plenty of pics, and here are a few:

Me and Ana at the Shooters Party:

 This is Ana, Scott and myself at the party at Shooters for Halloween. Crazy times, and repeatedly changing costumes...

Finally, I had to add this one just for the fun of it. This is me and Ana (my date for the party in case that wasn't clear...), and one of her friends. In the background, though, my friend Scott managed to put on his typical party face and become 'that guy' for the picture, and even use the ninja swords to give me ears of some sort... I didn't even notice until I got back to the Carolinas. Props to you, Scott... as you would say: Arrr!!

Random note: Between the Mardi Gras party earlier in the night and Shooters later in the evening/morning, I've noticed it's actually really easy to categorize girls' costumes. Hot chick with ears? Sure. Hot chick with wig and swimsuit? Check. Hot chick who forgot costume so just stripped to lingerie? Of course. Always seductive, never scary. Gotta love Florida.

On the flip side, coming back from my first time off in a long while, it feels stressful to come back to daily life. Meetings and messages, panicked people, students who need help, and on and on. And on some more. I'm back with my mind stuck in work mode. I'm mentally preparing for meetings three hours before they begin. Some call it dedication... I call it depressing. But it will get back to normal before long.