In Constant Flux

But in a metaphorical sense, they are as well.  Already, this year is one that will go in the record books (also metaphorical) for Aimee and I.  I can't really get into all of the things that have been happening quite yet, but I do believe things are looking up.  

One thing I will tell you about is a piece of paper I received in a cardboard envelope: my diploma from the University of Utah.  It is a strange thing that a piece of paper with a stamped-on signature is what holds my place in society.  It is also quite depressing to know that the stamped piece of paper cost me thousands of dollars and four years of "work."  My diploma says nothing about how much I actually know, but people are willing to give me a job based only on the fact that I have one.  It truly is a strange world.

However, I'm not all cynical.  That diploma earned me a much anticipated trip to Havasupai with some of the most pleasant people I know (thanks Aim).  So, in fact, it is good for something.

Keep watching the tides.  I'm sure there are more changes coming.

That's it for now. I'll let you all know how the conference goes. I'm a bit nervous/intimidated to speak in front of experts and pretend I know what I'm talking about, but here goes.

P.S. I have no idea why the first two paragraphs are a link to that picture, and I can't figure out how to make it go away.

So, some of the things that I have done since April 24:

Aimee graduated from college with a degree in elementary education, which I think is freaking awesome.

The day after her graduation, I left on a two week ornithology trip for school. It was a lot of fun, and I learned a ton, but it was a long time to be gone. This trip did help to solidify my desire to have a job where I can do work in the field.

I surprised Aimee with a trip to Arizona to spend a week with Allison while I was gone. I think she had a good time (you'd have to ask her though).

I was anxious to get home because for my birthday Aimee had bought me a puppy (see previous posts). Aimee surprised me by going and picking her up before I got there. Our dog is a Siberian Husky and we went with the name Nova. She is a lot of fun and is certainly a handful. Aimee is a saint for taking care of her all day while I'm at work and at school and then at work again.

Then Summer started. I am taking an applied statistics class on top of working two jobs, so needless to say, I am busy. My mornings usually start early with class, then to work at the lab, then to work at security. I don't get to be home much, which sucks, but hopefully things will slow down a bit in the fall.

I also will be graduating in December of this year. I didn't think it would happen this fast, but here we go. I'm getting a little bit stressed out about finding a graduate school and not knowing where we will be for the next few years, but I guess that's part of the adventure of life, right? I have been looking around and have a few places that I wouldn't mind being, but it is still pretty up in the air.

Well, I guess that's it for now. I'm sure there are other things going on, but I can't think of them at the moment. Sorry for the lack of photos, I just got a new computer and don't have any on here yet. Hopefully I'll have some for future posts--stay tuned.