Oh No!

I GRADUATED!

As Always...

...there are pictures of Tyson in the Gallery.

Can I take a nap?

I survived the trip to Indy/Purdue...and I'm exhausted. Who knew sitting on your ass for hours and hours could take so much out of you.

On a positive note, I talked to a few schools and am thoroughly impressed by the University of Arizona in Tucson. They have a top astrophysics program that allows interdisciplinary research between the Physics, Astronomy, and Planetary Science Departments. So here is my new-and-improved school preference list:

1. University of Arizona
2. Purdue
3. University of Minnesota

I was not impressed by the UofM's presence at the conference. Maybe they were trying to recover from their loss to Purdue Saturday night. The guy at the info told me, in fewer words, to go online and look at the department webpage. Thanks, I could have done that at home. I pressed for more information, getting nowhere each time.

I didn't realize how many more steps I have to take before I apply to schools. Sure I have to take the GRE in November, but I should start applying for fellowships. I learned that simply applying for fellowships greatly increases your chance of acceptance.

Hooray, more applications.

Then you have to contact professors in your potential area of interest so they will champion for you when your application comes across the graduate admission committee.

I wish I could pay someone to do this stuff for me....hmmm.

Leaving on a Jetplane

Headed to Purdue this weekend for the Big 10+ Graduate School Expo in West Lafayette, IN.

Things I'll be doing for the first time:

• Flying out of MSP (as a terminus)
• Flying to Indinapolis
• Staying in a Hilton suite (king-sized bed with a sitting room! Thank you discounts.)
• Renting a car

Tyson is staying with his kitty cousins Maria & Mittens in Woodbury while I'm away. This should prove interesting.

That Magical Season Has Returned

CURLING!

That's right kiddies, curling season has returned to the great state of Minnesota. Xmas and I are entering the 2+2 Fall Bonspiel with my aunt and uncle on October 7 at the St. Paul Curling Club. It should prove to be a great time and hopefully we'll improve upon last year's record of 1-1 (granted we only had three team members last year). Maybe some people from B-town would like to come, too?

In other curling-related news I think I'll join the Dakota Curling Club for their "Singles Fun League" starting in December. There's also an Instructional League starting in April which would be fun, too *cough* Theresa *cough*.

Oops, I guess I caught her cold.