Gone west -- Back in a few

Spring Break finds me in New Orleans, whisked here by my pal Ariane. She had the good sense and generosity to drive me here, point me to the nearest fried shrimp, and nudge me closer to the brass band at the appropriate moment. This vacation has been an exercise in freedom -- when on earth am I ever going to take a vacation once the real world gets hold of me again? If the pressure of work and school is still buzzing in my ears, I can't hear it anymore, and that's OK for now.