How did I end up here?

This morning, I woke up and worked on some things for school.  I checked out a new software program that I may start teaching my Digital Tools class.  Then, I finished my fellowship application and two different applications to get funding for two different conferences.  I’m not sure why I tell you, dear readers, about these things because even though it might be good news in the end, I’d rather not discuss the bad news.  Regardless, I’m pretty excited about all three and I really hope they work out.

After a quick run around the neighborhood, I headed to my weekly Ed Tech group.  This week, my professor presented his research on genetic literacy.  It was interesting stuff and also helpful to see the way he presented his work.  I realized that I need to start at the beginning with my own presentations.  I tend to think I will need to defend myself against criticisms rather than that people really just show up to hear about research of interest to them.  I have three conference presentations coming up in February and it was good to see his style.  Afterward, we had some good discussion about the behavioral factors that can effect the way genes are actuated.  As we were discussing though, I took a pause.  I looked around the big oval room where we meet.  I looked at my professor, my fellow students.  I looked out of the window onto the campus of a Research I institution, an institution from which I will in just 18 months (fingers crossed) receive a Doctor of Philosophy degree.  This pause was unexpected.  Lately I’ve been feeling like I’m being thrown through time.  There’s so much to do and I’m always playing catch up.  There are so many ideas I need to read more about, that I can’t possibly reach an end point.  This is exciting and stressful, challenging and tiring; so, it felt nice, that moment when I took it all in.  It’s shocking to me sometimes, that this is my life.  I feel really lucky.

After the meeting I went to B&N to do some more schoolwork.  I got sidetracked by a new idea I have for a paper.  I’m excited about it, but more on that later.  I picked up my honey from the airport tonight, and it’s time to relax!