i'm still alive

i'm just busy wading through the second most important hurdle in my grad school career.

today i made it through my abstract meeting, which was the gateway to 6 weeks in the 7th circle of hell. at the end of which, if i pass, i get to stay here for another ~4 years until i attempt the biggest hurdle, thesis defense. i'll worry about that one later.

start dusting off your vintage casks now, because as soon as this baby kicks, the corks will be flying - pass or fail, it's going to end with a lot of wine, beer steins, and a midget on a tricycle: