Back to the grindstone...

Today's the last day of freedom--classes start back up tomorrow. This semester I'm only taking immunology, interdepartmental genetics workshop, and evolutionary genetics. It's actually a really nice schedule too, leaving most of the day open for research--last semester all of my classes were in the middle of the day making experiments difficult. Things in the lab have been going well lately as well; we just submitted an abstract of my research to veterinary conference in Montreal this summer. I probably won't be going to present if it is accepted since my PI doesn't have any money for me to travel, but it would still be good to get my name attached to the research. My boss will also be presenting some more of my research at another MPS conference next month in San Diego. Again, I don't think I get to go, but it's nice to be first author. No other grad student in my lab is getting this exposure, but then again, no other grad student is working as hard as I am.



Snow this weekend, and Allyson and I went to two bridal shows today. I was very overwhelming. So many things to plan...and pay for. This next year is going to be very hectic with Allyson's wedding, planning my wedding and reception and honeymoon, thesis writing and defending, graduating, buying a house, finding a job... Just thinking about it is stressing me out!



Finally, some exciting news--more weddings and babies! My grandma Judy (who many of you know and love) is getting married to her first-ever boyfriend, John. They announced thir engagement shortly after the new year. Turns out there is love in the air for the women in our family (though three engagements does take care of all of the single marriage-aged women in our family--the next oldest cousins are entering their teens...). Not sure what Grandma and John's wedding plans are, but plans are for him to move to Des Moines. Also, congratulations to Kim and Braden and the baby-to-be! Braden is the oldest of 3 boys and Kim the youngest of 6 girls--I'm sure this baby will be the first of many! And check out Allyson and Chad's wedding website--they have added the wedding party info and pictures.

Stay warm--it's supposed to be really cold this week!