Hi All,

For a Wednesday, it was a pretty nice day, except for the part when Don got lost on our way over. I chided him because I asked him last evening if he needed a map and he said he didn't. It was a sunny day in Menlo Park and with Don and Adventure Woman at the lecture today and lunch after, not bad at all.

Jordan is an excellent speaker and of course gets high marks from me for wearing a suit, ironed shirt, tie and was well groomed. I know for a fact I was the only woman in the room with legs showing, a skirt, blazer and high heels. I firmly believe in dressing for success. There were about 60 people in attendance of which most of them were probably USGS employees of which I only recognized one, but that's ok. I didn't have time to tell my buds down there I was coming, but on the other hand I didn't want them running from the building just prior to my entrance. That name they given me is really over-rated, but oh well, being known as "The Infamous Petra" I guess has it perks.

Oh yes, back to Jordan and his Collarborary of Earthquake Prediction. I agree, it is long over-due, however, we have to be honest, it is indeed a fishing expedition. Obviously, they are looking for a few good people and though I know most of those people will no doubt be men, there seems to be room for some women.

After the lecture when questions were afforded I had to raise my hand and ask if it would be possible for an independent to participate in the program. He asked me to clarify what an independent would be and I responded that it would be a person or a group who are not scientists. He said that would be fine as long as they presented a written proposal which outlined all of the parameters of their prediction program.

When the question and answer period elapsed I took a moment to attempt to introduce myself and one man apparently didn't know how to stand in line and actually cut in front of me. However, I restrained myself, waited patiently and went for it. I just simply said my name was Petra and I was willing to send him my proposal and he said they are not accepting yet, but he was looking forward to hearing from me.

I guess I have some work to do to prepare for this collaborary experience. I hope there's some fun along the way.

Petra