I have no idea why Naphtali and Steven were so afraid or uneasy about "this" pre-meeting with Shipka. We were walking in with a plan. We had an appointment. We also knew what we were talking about. We weren't wasting Shipka's time. We just needed a little nudge or a push because our Cadillac had one wheel caught in the mud. At the end of the meeting the guys were more "at ease." They had "never been" to Shipka's office before, but I had made several visits early in the semester when kicking around ideas for the 324 and 407 histories. I like to get an early start on things because I "know" how hectic things get as the semester wears on. Both were take by surprise by how inviting her space was. Shipka's office is not anything like the typical Ph.D.'s office ( i know there's a professor in there among all the piles of books and papers....) It's an inviting space like an "upscale" dormitory room with all kinds of snacks lying around, comfy chairs, and soft lighting. It's a relaxing space and removes tension making it easier to think and brainstorm for long periods of time.