quarantine
In a rather disappointing turn of events, the first present for my birthday this year was an infestation of scabies. It took a couple of days to schedule a visit to the university's health center, but at least the doctor on duty was able to offer a prescription for 5% permethrin, which came packaged with an information sheet describing its chemical formula and stereochemistry. Interesting.
Up until that point I had been joking about coming down with leprosy and, given that a couch in the anthropology lounge is the most likely candidate for my current state, it wouldn't be a surprise if there were also a whole host of bacteria waiting to be discovered under the cushions. Rumour has it that place hasn't been cleaned for a couple of years.
More later, when my time and efforts aren't devoted to research papers, final exams, and killing microscopic pests digging holes and laying their eggs inside my body. Now I need to go to sleep in a bed with no pillows and only one sheet.