Farewell 2010

What a year 2010 has been.  My first full calendar year as a graduate student.  This year I took a class during the summer for the first time in my educational career.  I traveled on 20 different trips to 12 different states, several of them more than once.  I attended my first research conference.  I began work on my master's thesis.

I was thankful that I was able to be with my family for Christmas this year.  Though the 600-mile drive home was long, it was worth it to see my parents, my brother, my grandparents, my aunts, & my cousins (including the in-law).  I enjoyed celebrating my birthday with them on Christmas evening.  It's great to be at home because I get to eat such good home-cooked food, this time prepared by my brother.  After a week of holiday relaxation, I made the 600-mile drive back to Lawrence.  When I got back to my apartment, I opened a beautiful letter from a friend from college talking about how much she appreciated and admired me.  I was astounded.  It was the perfect ending to my holiday celebrations. 

And now, bring it on 2011!!

Christmas Tree

Quick study break.

I got a Christmas tree this afternoon.  My first tree not with my family.  It was fun to drive it home on top of my car!  I've still got work to do tonight, so the tree is currently sitting on my balcony chillin' out until I can decorate it during MNF tomorrow night.  I had to get a stand and lights and everything.  Last year I bought some ornaments when they were ridiculously on sale, so my tree won't be decorated in just lights.

Okay. Gotta get back to work.