This article about an author with chronic fatigue syndrome is both comforting and challenging to me at the same time.

Today, I went back to the number theory conference, despite feeling rather terrible. I'm glad I went back, as the first talk I went to was rather good. In fact, it got me excited about math for the first time in a while. Plus, I talked to the two grad student speakers from yesterday who gave the talks I particularly connected with. I was exhausted after going though.

I was thinking about my post from yesterday. I realized it might have sounded bad to call my life in Ithaca a survival method. But in fact, it was meant in the best possible way. When you're trying to survive, the things you keep are only the things you need and the things that will help. My network of friends helped me through something I wouldn't have been able to do alone. You gave me support, an opportunity to laugh and cry (sometimes at the same time), and companionship even when I didn't feel like doing much. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

I finally got my desk set up. I was too exhausted and in too much pain either Friday or Saturday, but Dad helped me today. I'm glad to have it, it's a great workspace.