Today I breathe a sigh of relief that the fall forum is over. By most accounts it was a roaring success- at least 150 people showed up for an event planned for 40-50. No one expected this-- based on past attendance to these fora, the timing (end of the term madness), and the blustering weather outside. The whole thing was busting at the seams, with a terrific, buzzing energy. For me, however, this meant I had to deal with the mess-- finding a larger room on campus and moving everyone and everything over there. This was no easy task with that many people, a case of wine, catering platters, three flights of stairs on either end, and a crazy storm outside. And after the program, as I was thanking the participants and performing host, I was required to engage with people on a cheerful scholarly (rather than surly manic, which is what I was experiencing) level. My saving grace turned out to be my pal, April, who has this calming quality about her (potential source of frustration in other contexts, but perfect in this one); she plodded along, reassuring me and helping with the details. Amazing and impressive, truly.