with enough boxes piled up in my bedroom that there was hardly any room to move, i started the work week. there was just enough clearance that i could still see the television, tuned in to the afternoon red sox game against the phillies. the game went into extra innings but was worth the wait: ortiz once again knocked in the game ending run. the rest of the day i did a little code work and made social plans for the week via instant messaging and e-mails. i went out to move the motorcycle after seeing the signs for a "modular house clearance." just when you think life is getting boring, somebody decides to bring a modular house into the neighborhood. i also went across the street to get some groceries (nectarine sale, feel the excitement). in the evening my chinese astrophysics researcher (formerly known as my chinese graduate student) came back home after his first day on the job.