It is so hard getting motivated to study for my upcoming oral exam. The breath and expanse of the knowledge I will need to get through it is intimidating. The randomness is also a big factor. I could spend 50 hours studying heme molecules, only to be asked questions on carbon monoxide (a lot simpler structure!). Factor in that my work really doesn't fit in with cancer, immunology, or microbiology (my PhD program), makes it difficult. I need my butt kicked hard to get moving. Hopefully Karen and Matt will help out.

On a better note, we finally got my Dad's autopsy report. It brought us some much needed closure. Now my mom can start the paperwork to move on a little bit more. She has definitely hit the 3+ month mark, as the phone call and visits have become a bit more scarce. I know she is lonely and really hope she is doing ok. I know that she puts on a positive face for us. I am really looking forward to her week long visit in two weeks for the NDSU v. Gopher game. I have my ups and downs. Grief rears its head at unexpected times. Luckily I have very supportive friends and family who are willing to let me have a good cry from time to time. It is comforting knowing that Dad is missed by more than just us. As one of our friends put it "to know him was to love him".

Work has been interesting. The fact that a certain lab member consistently fails to do his part is quickly becoming a MAJOR issue. I do what I can, but I have been reminded time and again that I am only a graduate student and I do not have enough time, and do not get paid enough money, to fix things. Thank goodness Dr. V realizes this as well. My abstract was accepted for ASH, so I will be heading to Atlanta in December. I am excited for that. Hopefully we can get the work done fast so we can get a paper out by March.