For the first time in a couple months I'm feeling really hopeful and optimistic about my research. I think I have finally assembled the dedicated, competent, scientifically-minded group of people I have needed all along, and even if its only the four of us, we can work this out. We have supplies, we're running our test procedures... we may actually have data soon! Everything we're doing this week is roughly the equivalent of the sound check at the last concert you attended. It's a pain, but we need to know if we have to replace a metaphorical speaker or two, and it will be worth it when we get down to really making music. I am such a nerd, aren't I? I can't help it. And I've put so much work into this project that when I actually have data to show for it, it will feel symphonic.

As a side bonus, I'm actually going to have a social life this weekend. Thursday is Institute, Friday the grad students are getting together to play Killer Bunnies and watch Monk, and Saturday I'm headed to Salt Lake for a Serenity party with my little brother, who should hypothetically have moved here (if only for three weeks) by then. Hmmm, I should finalize his housing...

Back to Reality

I just got back from a fabulous vacation in Mexico... I'm not sure I'm ready to be home. There is something about the ocean that just won't let me go, and anytime I can spend a couple full days kicking back with a good book and a pina colada, that's a good time. On the other hand, I'm really excited about my work, and I was impatient to get back to it even while on vacation, so I suppose it could be much worse. I spent time with my family, got some sun and some time in the water, finished a couple good books, marveled at the amazing accomplishments of the ancient Maya, and enjoyed the local wildlife. I got to pet a sea turtle! I didn't know that was one of my life goals until I did it. I have pictures of pretty much everything but the sea turtle (I need a good waterproof digital camera!) and I'll post a couple, as soon as I find my USB cord and can rescue the photos from the camera.