Well, when I rolled into Philadelphia, for the reading at UPenn I was sick. Just as well, because the entire Northeast was covered in a sleet storm. We were literally falling over each other on the ice as we fumbled our way to the Kelly Writers House. Even though we were about half an hour late, a roomful of people were patiently waiting. While I was reading I broke into a sweat and my glasses kept slipping off my nose, but, hell, nothing would stop me from reading for and poisoning the minds of young people! Thank you Mayumi, Warren, Jo and Jessica for having me and Lisa Chen over! Haverford and Bryn Mawr — you guys rock!

Then 24 hours later, it was off to the Asian American Writers’ Workshop for another reading with Tao Lin and Lisa. I’ve been a member of the Workshop since 1992. The place has had its ups and downs, IMHO, but it’s off to a great start in 2008. Lisa’s so shy, I just had to put a picture of her here. Thank you Nina, Jeannie and Ken for having us!

I’m still a little sick, so this is enough typing for me today. The tour continues next week in LA, SF, Berkeley and Seattle. Watch your ass, West Coast!