As many of you may be aware, I was on ordered bed rest without access to my computer since my recent trip to the far east. After exhaustive pleas on my own behalf, I've been released and will be back to work in the morning.

I'd like to thank you all for the birthday wishes this past week and those of you who left gifts for me. I love them all.

Oh, and one more thing, I'll be using a cane for the time being- so I'm calling a ceasefire on any prank activity until I'm better. For those of you lamenting this, please rest assured you will be the first to know when this brief reprieve has ended.

Would anyone care to explain why the safety shower in my laboratory on floor B2 exploded today? While explosions in the lab are nothing new to someone in my position, I ask since the pipes began to rattle when I opened the door. Upon further investigation, it seems the pipes were weakened, which- while I was trying to discern what the cause of the ruckus was- caused them to burst, drenching me, my favorite suit and my touchpad.

While nothing was actually hurt in the accident, it was rather annoying. I further find that the security cameras which were installed in the hallway were malfunctioning since some time last night- which leads me to suspect foul play instead of substandard plumbing.

As you, my mysterious prankster, may well be aware, you have now initiated war with the king of practical- and impractical- jokes. Sleep with one eye open, for I am coming for you.

Sorry as I am to say, I've been called away to consult on a medical mystery today by our lovely friends at S.H.I.E.L.D. For those of you whom had appointments with me today and early tomorrow, you'll find that Doctor Voght will be more than happy to accommodate your needs- otherwise I should be back tomorrow afternoon. I have my phone on in case of emergency, but I feel that since my hosts went through the trouble of farmi un'offerta che non può rifiutare, it may not be wise to contact me unless it's a matter of life or death.

Granted, given that the mystery involves someone's mutation, they didn't have to torcere il braccio troppo duro.

Ciao,
-Hank

To those of you who have an interest, Fred Dukes has arrived at Muir Island for specialized treatment. I'm told he's resting comfortably and news of any changes will be forthcoming.

Sincere thank you's to everyone whom assisted me this weekend by trying to break the Danger Room.  I'm quite ecstatic to report that all systems are now functioning as near to perfect as they'll ever get and there are a couple upgrades in the works for this next month. 

For one of them, I will require the assistance of one of our number who happens to possess an enhanced nasal ability.  Please contact me, as you are able. 

Final thought, I'm always happy to run one of my special programs for anyone who thinks they can beat it- just ask. 

A sign that I am truly besotted...

Woken up by wails at three in the morning, confronted with the truly vile substances evacuated by a newborn baby, and then required to sing lullabies while too sleepy to remember all the words...

And he's still the most wonderful thing I've ever seen. :)

To quote another handsome blue fellow from 'Aladdin'... Well, *I* feel sheepish.

I have, at times, been cranky of late. Even downright bad-tempered and judgemental... and worse, on one occasion, purposely rude. I wanted to apologize to everyone, since quite a few of you have been affected, and explain why.

I was, not to put too fine a point on it, getting all stressed because I wasn't stressed enough. (This is the kind of wacky logic Our Mysterious Friend The Brain can subject us to) I went from working my fur off on a dozen different projects, the school included, to dropping everything else - including my own research - and trying to focus all my attention on the school and the team. Suddenly I had free time, could sleep more than five hours a night... and it sent me straight up the wall. The pattern of constant activity was so ingrained into my mind, at that point, that I couldn't shake the feeling that I should be doing something important, right now, every minute... and there was far too much time in which there wasn't anything for me to do. I didn't realize it consciously, but I was stressed because I subconsciously thought I was *supposed* to be, so my Helpful Friend the Brain started giving me things to worry about. Anything it could come up with.

I've talked to Charles, and the problem is mostly dealt with - it's going to take me time to get out of the habit of needing something, anything to do, but I can do so consciously now. Once the Box is fully repaired, I'll be doing some of my own work again - not working myself into the ground, but keeping myself occupied. And once the baby is born, I imagine my time will fill up quickly enough.

I'm making this a public announcement for two reasons - first, as previously stated, because I owe quite a few people assorted levels of apology, and this will hopefully explain matters to everyone at once, and second, because there are those among you who are almost as bad as I used to be, especially with finals coming up. When finals are over, anyone who finds themselves having trouble winding down, who keeps waking up with a start worried that they should be doing something or gets antsy when there's nothing to do... believe me, it's entirely normal. And Charles, or myself, or several of the other teachers will more than understand, and be happy to help.

It seems I've been outed as a prospective father. *g* Yes, I am planning to adopt Danielle's baby, once he or she is safely born. Tremble! Tremble, all! For I, unlike Danielle, am capable of filling every inbox with reams of delightful baby pictures, talking loudly about my child's adorable potty habits at the table, and in general being the very worst sort of Obsessed Parent. You've all been warned. (Especially those of you in my classes, who can't run away and are at my MERCY. Mwahahahaha!)

Hee. I need to call my mother. She has bootees to make.

In case there's anyone I forgot to notify... Danielle, Forge and I are off to Oklahoma, we gentlement to support the lady during her divorce proceedings. My classes will be covered, I've left homework, and please someone feed the cat. *g* Not that she doesn't get fed often anyway.

Kyle, there's more soup in the freezer if you want it. I'll be back very soon.

Everyone please pray to whatever deities that you believe in that the baby doesn't decide to make an unscheduled early appearance on the side of the road somewhere. Call me paranoid, but after a sojourn at the mansion as long as mine has been, one comes to expect things to go wrong.

(OOC note: Sorry this is late!)