Ah school, 5 more weeks, thank goodness. My patience has been worn thin in some areas and out in others. The final push of the semester has come crashing down on me and all my classmates with more homework, biostats, papers, and tests all needing to be done at the same time. I'm not exactly sure when it is that we are expected to look for jobs with all the work they (being SPH) have us doing.

I've also started reflecting on this 2 year journey and the ways that I've grown, changed, and otherwise had my life effected. Maybe it's the crush of the last few weeks but I've found myself wondering more than a few times A) how exactly I got here, B) all the interesting, disturbing, and trivial facts I've learned, and C) how God has worked it all out to this point (amazing when I think about it) and what's next. I think it's very funny that a conservative, home "edumakated"(as I lovingly tease my mom), non-math fan, science lover can end up in a profession in which liberal social activism policies,statistics, and science combine. But you know what, I love what I'm doing.

I kind of realised this all over again today when comparing biostats notes with my classmates I actually came to the realization that I liked SAS! (refer to earlier posts to reference my previous thoughts).

It's kind of funny but my whole view of the situation can be summed up in a terrific song which the very talented Martina McBride just released called "Ride". Actually this song kinda started this whole soliloquy so sorry about that, back to studying.

Thank You

Just a brief note to say thanks to all of you out there in bloggerland for your prayers and kind notes of encouragement. I am very happy to report that the dreaded presentation went very well. I had quite the support group present during my presentation and I even managed to make the audience laugh a few times, which when your talking about bacterial genetics is something of a minor miracle.

My lab bosses all are excited about the next step, writing a paper for publication. So now I have to figure out how to write a scientific paper- at least I can hopefully claim in the future to be a published author (quite the cocktail party conversation) :)

As of today there are only 6.5 weeks left till graduation, whoohoo. I know I've said it before but it is truly amazing how fast 2 years of your life can fly by. Anyway off to bed for the most restful night of sleep since I started this trek. Thanks again everyone.

Lots has happened in the last 2 weeks and lots of craziness. Hopefully after Wednesday at 1 p.m. the biggest generator of stress for the last 2 years will be over in a successfully, well done way. I've almost finished putting the last details into the presentation and now I just need lots of practice.

On the job front I found out that I didn't get any of the fellowships I applied for so now it's on to the next step of job hunting. I've got some good leads and hopefully I'll get some more applications after Wed..

I have to get back to the big pile of work. I just keep telling myself only 7 more weeks!

Thank Goodness School Is Almost Over

Professor handing back viral midterm test that was awful to take. Comes to me and starts looking for my test

Professor: I know it's in here somewhere

Me (being my nice easy going self I give her a big smile): No problem

Professor (still sorting through the stack): I know I graded it, I remember grading yours

Me (with a sinking felling in my stomach but trying to think of a smart Tina Fey style comeback): Uh oh, it's never too good when a professor says they remember grading your test (smile again, only this time it's more forced)

Professor (still looking for test, not smiling at me at all, mustn't watch 30 Rock): Well I can't find it, I might of left it on my desk

Me (wishing I was Tina Fey getting paid the big bucks, hobnobbing with famous people, and being really funny on t.v.): That's o.k. I'll just get it later

Professor walks away handing out other tests, I begin to pray that I will graduate in 8 weeks.

Professor: Ah ha, I knew I remember having it (now she smiles and hands me the test)

Me (upon seeing my grade I- a. really wish I had Tina's smart glasses because maybe they would help in test taking b. really, really start praying c. consider other career options d. bang my head on the table): Ugh, um how big a percentage was this of my grade

Professor: Don't worry you won't fail the class based on one test score

Me (I try to smile however I know it's this test that won't sink me, it's the final. Trying to eliminate this unpleasant thought I once again attempt to smile and sound sincere): Thanks