Things can be funny

So I've decided that this blog is way too depressing and I've had enough. I've been reading my cousin's blog (you should check it out at kandkfam.blogspot) and he and his wife are funny, even when bad things happen they make it into a joke. So I've decided I need to do more of that. So hereafter, things are going to be a lot funnier around here. Ok, I'll be honest, I'm usually not that funny unless I'm in the right mood, but things are going to be a lot more upbeat from now on anyway.

So now for recent good news: I have a thesis committee! For those of you who have never had the joy of participating in graduate studies, you may be thinking "big whup" (is that how you spell "whup"?), but let me tell you, when you've spent over six months trying to get two professors to sign the same piece of paper, and then turn those signatures into the graduate committee before your graduate coordinator tells you it won't work and scares off your thesis committee, while trying to communicate with a group of professors who have all been in different countries for the past three months, you will understand the excitement that I am now experiencing.

Further good news is that it is now so hot outside that I can pour water on myself while working on the grounds at BYU and be dry within 15-20 minutes. Which helps me appreciate the fact that I get to spend at least 2-3 hours a day working inside with air conditioning. I recently convinced a professor that I could help her with a project involving some French and Italian even though I only know Spanish. It's actually been fairly effective and I've been surprised to discover how many cognates there are between the three languages (although Italian and Spanish are definitely more closely related). And since it not only means working inside, but also means making twice as much money, I am quite pleased with myself for having drummed up a more enjoyable means of supporting myself. You may ask why, with such fabulous conditions, I persist in baking myself while pushing a lawn mower in 100 degree weather. The answer is this, I'm a glutton for pain. Actually the truth is the professor can only afford to pay me for about 10-15 hours of work per week so I still work grounds part-time, however, it has saved me from having to work grounds full-time, which is a blessing!

And on that note, I think that's probably enough rambling until next time.