Ready....... BREAK!

Once upon a time, there was a second semester. This semester steadily crept by day by day, week by week, until suddenly, one day, the students realized it was over.

That day was Thursday. I had my last ever lecture and I didn't even realize it until after. Yup, I missed the momentous occasion of the end of academics as such forever by sheer obliviousness until it was over and I overheard someone else say it. I still have exams, assignments, and a dissertation before I'm completely done with school so I do get more chances to be conscious of a "my last ___" but come onnn. Conscious or not while it happened though, is pretty weird to think about. With the exception of a few toddlery years, I have spent my entire life in school. So the idea that I'm not going to do the go to class, write papers, take tests thing anymore is kind of strange. Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled to be done with those last two. It's more of a lifestyle change that's weird- I don't think most employers would be thrilled with me sleeping late and coming in at maybe 11, taking long lunches, and dressing like a bum. Just a guess.

Like I said though, this whole ride is far from over. Even since that big last lecture I've had stuff to do, eg. participants to run. As of this afternoon with our last testing session before both Dan and I get out of here for break, our participant count for our thesis is up to 77. In just over two weeks? Not too shabby. Our original goal was 120 (40 per each of 3 different groups) and I thought it was a long shot, but it's looking pretty reachable now. I'd be happy to settle for 90, but, as Dan so kindly reminded me (by shattering my nice rosy bubble) we'll have to savagely remove upwards of 15-20% of our data for bad participants etc. So in reality those 120 or 90 participants are our net goals meaning we need to aim higher. But... we can do it!

But enough about work... I'm on break! Heading home tomorrow, in fact. That's right- tomorrow! I'm not entirely sure I believe it. I don't think it has sunk in, since the semester has flown by and the fact that I am going home at all was a semi last-minute decision it has all kind of crept up on me. But believe you me I am excited! Except for the painfully early train part. 5:14am. I'll be getting up before many of you have even gone to bed, time zone difference or not. That sucks. BUT it'll be totally worth it after I sleep all the way from the UK to Amsterdam to Boston and awake magically having arrived at home :) Then I'll happily be roaming the east coast for about 2 weeks until flying back here at the end of the month.

That does mean, however, that the blog will be on vacation for a few weeks as well. Stay tuned for more firsts, lasts, and general shenanigans when I pick back up in May!