The Bliss of Ms. Blossom

So, I've decided on Penn State for a variety of reasons. Most importantly, their program seems to be more student friendly. The specifics aren't interesting to anyone who isn't personally involved, but - let me tell you - they seemed to take more of an interest on my campus visit than Iowa did. Not that I expect people to bring the routines of their lives to a halt to entertain me for two days, but showing up to appointments would be a nice gesture. Financially, personally, professionally, spiritually -- it just seems to be the better decision.

My life is now cyclical. I was born in State College, and I'm returning there to get my PhD. Mom was going through pictures the other day, and she found one from years ago where Dad was wearing a dark blue tshirt that said State and I was wearing a dark blue tshirt that said College. We stood next to each other to spell out State College. In hindsight, I love this picture: Dad got his PhD there, and I'm now going to do the same. I don't think I'm particularly photogenic, and Dad doesn't always smile in pictures, but this one actually turned out decent. I like it.

State College seems to be about 4 hours away from lots of places: Philadelphia, New York, Washington DC. Someone from there insinuated how 4 hours was a long time to drive somewhere, but they apparently haven't ever travelled anywhere in Texas. I drove (read: Melanie drove, I passengered) 6 hours to see Barack Obama, so I can handle 4 hours easy.

I love Margaret Atwood. I'm semi-obsessed with her right now and am reading nothing else.

Yes, black swans must mean something, Stephanie.