Wow! 5 months since my last post. My apologies. It has been a wild ride. Unfortunately I can't spend too much time on this post before getting back to work but I know a lot of you are wondering what I've been up to. So, I will very briefly catch you up with what my life has been like this year so far.
I finished up classes in May and have been putting all my time and effort into research since then. I've actually become more busy without classes, but I'm glad they are over. My first seminar was in April and it went pretty well for my first one. I'd like to improve on answering questions from the audience, but that will come with time. I've been working many, many hours collecting data, reading literature, and helping write manuscripts and grants. Even when I'm not in lab, you can usually find me working on my computer at home. It does get stressful, but I know it will all be worth it in the end. I have my first committee meeting next week, which I am both anxious about and looking forward to. After that, I will be doing a lot of writing and continuing to work on my project. I am hoping to take my qualifying exams early next year.
In April, Chris, Ellie, and I were able to travel back to the Midwest to help our friends celebrate two weddings and see our families. The visit at each destination was short, but was totally worth the 40+ hours we (mostly Chris) drove that week. It was wonderful to be a part of our friends' special days and to visit our loved ones. We have also had quite a few visitors over the past few months, and it was great to host some of our closest friends and family members. I also made a last minute trip up north for the 4th of July, which is always a good time.
In June, I attended my first research conference as a graduate student in Denver. Although I was not able to present my research, I plan on presenting at conferences in the future. I learned so much and got to check out a new city (I'd only driven through it before); it was a very successful trip.
We've had Ellie for 6 months now, and I still can't believe she's mine forever. She has brought so much joy to my life and I'm so glad we adopted her. She is quite a character. She still can be quite stubborn, but I wouldn't have it any other way. She is a beagle, after all.
As you can imagine, it has been difficult for me to keep up with things outside of work, but I'm doing the best I can to maintain some balance. I try to fit in exercise whenever I can and have really been focusing on eating right. I finally hit my goal weight this week and have officially lost 20 lbs since I started my weight loss journey last August. I would like to continue working on my strength and endurance.
I am so thankful for the people in my life. It is very difficult for me to not have time to keep in touch or continue to build relationships like I want to, but I am lucky to have the most caring, supportive, and understanding family and friends to have my back during this journey. I cannot thank you enough. Know that you are appreciated.
That is really all I have time for. I will try my best not to let so much time pass before my next post! As always, thanks for reading. God bless.
No comments:
Post a Comment