I have gotten a lot of work done, had some really frustrating days where absolutely nothing works, and have had a few successes. I'll be meeting Monday morning with Dr. Edwards and Louisa to finalize my experimental design for the Fall. I also might have an opportunity to help out one of the vets here at UTCVM with one of his projects doing similar lab techniques I'll be using for my project. So things are still moving forward, but just very very s l o w l y. That seems to be a common trend in grad school. Things always take longer than you think they will. Lovely.
Jessy defended her thesis on Tuesday. I can't believe it! She did a great job and after a few hours of brutal questioning by her committee, passed! It doesn't really feel real to me, though I'm sure no where near as unreal as it feels to her to be finished. Kim will be defending in a few weeks and then once they turn in their theses, I'll be the only grad student in this lab until January when Megan Goodwin starts. It's hard to believe enough time has gone by for Jessy and Kim to have finished, but thankfully time is still flying. Before I know it, it will be me about to defend and turn in my thesis.
I've been enjoying our Tuesday night book studies at Barley's. Kim has been joining me as our Sunday school class reads One.Life. We usually end up discussing all sorts of interesting things with no limits for the topic. I think most people might feel a bit awkward in our group discussing the things we do, but we all have a blast and enjoy the honesty and openness of the discussions.
Justin and I finished The Five Love Languages and really, really enjoyed it. I HIGHLY recommend that everyone read that book. It not only helps you figure out the ways in which you like to receive love, but it makes you become more aware of others and their needs. Just by the actions that we do, the things we say, and the requests we make, someone who knows what they are looking for can tell what kind of love we need in order to keep our "love tank" full. Words of affirmation, quality time, physical touch, receiving gifts, and acts of service are the 5 languages that we use to express love to each other. This knowledge not only helps in personal relationships, but also with children. Again, it is a must read, especially if you are married or in a serious relationship.
I am almost finished with The Host, written by Stephanie Meyer (who wrote the Twilight series) and it is incredible! I have a few other books that Louisa has lent me (some of her favorites) that I will eventually get to. My next audio book series will definitely be The Hunger Games because I have heard nothing but incredible reviews about them.
Well, that's all for now. Essau is good. Asher is good. I'm busy, but good. Justin is wrapping up work with USDA and will be in Knoxville next weekend for a few days before he starts his 3rd and final year of classes! This next year is going to be the most hectic one yet and I am ready to face it head on.
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