Hallo! Did you know that sometimes I still check this blog? Hard to believe, I know. I'm only sorry I missed posting in 2011, even once. In any case, I figured I'd jump on here and give you all an update.

Let's see... I finally finished my degree. I officially have a BS in Engineering Physics with minors in Astronomy and Classical Civilizations from UIUC! Woot! Graduated with High Honors. So, that was in May. I spent the summer doing nothing. However, in June I got motivated to lose some weight, and so far I've lost 20 lbs. It got rocky over the holidays, but I'm ready to hop back in the game. I spent some time this spring visiting grad schools I'd been accepted to, and it came down to choosing between UC Davis and Penn State. I chose Penn State, and I've just finished my first semester of grad school there - all A's! Anyway, I've been spending the break in Florida with my sister and other family. I'm heading home today, actually. I miss my kitty! He's been being visited by the pet sitter every other day, but I want him to know I haven't abandoned him. I look forward to seeing him. Next semester starts in a week. I'm looking forward to getting back into the routine, although I'm worried about these classes being tougher. Oh, and I won the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship! Really big accomplishment, I'm not going to lie. I wrote my research proposal based on the solar physics I did in Montana, which was the last thing I posted about, I think. Anyway, so I'm supported (pretty well) for three years of grad school. I'm looking at doing some astrobiology research for an initial project. Anyway, that's my last 18 months in a nutshell! Whew!

I wish everyone a very happy new year.