Where did I disappear to?

No, that’s not me in the picture, but it pretty accurately describes the activities of the past few weeks. Kirsten and I were roommates once again, but we probably saw the least of each other this year. I’ve been hopelessly submerged in “operation get me OUT of grad school.” Don’t get me wrong; I’m incredibly thankful for this program. Even more than any accumulation of knowledge, I’m thankful for the transformation it’s brought to my life. However, I must admit, I’m so very much mentally done and over it. Unfortunately, I’m not actually done. I finished up my last class on Friday, and am now cramming for comprehensive exams which will be taken this weekend and the next. It’s so close…now to find the wherewithal to focus and memorize this last bit of information. You can tell I’ve been doing grad work non-stop by the fact I just used the word “wherewithal.”

I did briefly surface from the books and papers this weekend. There was a certain someone in town to celebrate our commissioning (aka “fake” graduation). It was the first time for him to meet the parents, and the first time we’ve actually been in the same zip code since April. Can you find us?

As is becoming a pattern, for some reason I just don’t take many pictures when he’s around. Turns out he’s a mighty good distraction. We did make a trip to the art institute in Chicago where I played a bit with my camera, but that deserves a post of it’s own.

My dad got some shots of the two of us…so eventually there should be better photographic evidence that indeed the weekend was spent together.

And just because he’s wonderful, I came home from studying to these today.

Life is now a matter of countdowns. Three days until exam #1 and then jetting off to visit friends in Rockford. Ten days until exam #2. Thirteen days until I say farewell to Wheaton for the time being. Seventeen days until I make another happy airport pick-up in Indiana. Eighteen days until we begin the long drive down to Tampa for the start of the next chapter and hopefully some lazy days on the beach.