In Memoriam

Once again, I need to apologize for neglecting the blog.

There's a lot to update, and thoughts that I want to share about my first semester in grad school, but for now a list of the significant events will help bring everybody up to speed.

1. Classes finally wrapped up, all assignments were turned in and exams done.  I ran into a problem with attendance in one class and after about 50 ba-zillion emails and negotiations it was cleared up.  I'm happy to say I accomplished the goal of completing all of my classes in excellent standing.
2. The committee meeting happened, it was successful and I got a proverbial thumbs up from everyone.  I think my advisor is very happy with me, so all in all a great end to the semester.
3. I finished the grant I was hoping to submit to an F32, but never submitted it because I didn't qualify as an applicant.  However I have gotten input back from some profs that it is a solid grant, and I plan to try to submit it to something else next year (as long as I don't get scooped!).
4. Holidays were spent making the rounds to Virginia family with dogs in tow.  The cats were left to their own devices with plenty of food and water in the apt.  Everybody survived and made it back home *whew!*  Hubby promptly caught a cold as soon as we got home, poor guy :-(
5. Dax was moved to a new barn on the 31st.  More on that later!

The week before Christmas, my uncle who had been in cancer remission fell suddenly ill and was admitted to the hospital.  He passed away a few days later, surrounded by his family.  I wanted to be there, but they are all in Michigan and I'm in Virginia, so it's not exactly easy to just pop up on short notice (not including the question of what hubby does or what we do with the dogs, and what about our previous holiday commitments, etc.)  My uncle was a kind, if reserved, man and I fondly remember dancing with him on my wedding day, in addition to so many other gatherings and visits.  My whole family is heart-broken, and the holidays were difficult in the face of such a loss.  I'm glad his three daughters, wife of 50 years and siblings were able to say their good-byes, and he passed away peacefully and comfortably.  Philosophically he had a good, fairly long life and yes, death is a part of life, but that doesn't make anyone miss him less.  Time will hopefully replace the sadness with happier memories.

2011 wasn't the best year, and it really ended on a low note with my uncle's passing.  However, it's a new year and I have hopes for a better one!  We're already planning on visiting all the Michigan family this summer, when we can hopefully have a big get together and tell funny Uncle Gil stories.

Here's hoping to a fresh start and a wonderful 2012 for all of you!