I arrived in Philadelphia, PA Friday evening. My friend, Hillary, is letting Courtney and I crash at her fabulous apartment. Hillary and I met during college when we both wrote the training guide for a new exhibit at the New England Aquarium. In the wee hours of Saturday morn, C and I hopped a train to NYC. Unfortunately, we didn't accomplish much in the city because I am not that familar with the Big Apple. I was happy to meet Sara Mayer for a yummy dinner at Sushi Samba and hit a funky jazz club called Fat Cat. We played some Scrabble while I sipped a Mike's Hard Lemonade (which brought me back to my freshman year days). C and I returned to Philly in a state of delerium at 1:30am.

Sunday, I introduced C to Trader Joes, where we purchased provisions for the week. The reason we are in Philly is for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums annual conference. We crashed the animal welfare committee meeting on Sunday, but I think they were receptive to our program at MSU.

So this week we are attending sessions, networking, and presenting posters about animal welfare scenarios at the poster session of the conference. I already ran into some friends from Rochester who are also attending the conference. Tuesday night I am meeting up with my friend, Christian, from high school, for drinks. His gf lives here and I haven't seen him in a while.

This week is going to be busy but fun! The weather is a little chilly (high 60's) but sunny, so I can't complain.

Hillary has cable, so I am trying to catch some Womens World Cup Games. Abby Wambach, on the US team is from Rochester. GO USA!!