I really need to do a better job of updating this blog, even when progress is slow. I've been keeping up with the Swift GRBs as they are detected, which isn't as often as last year. I've been doing a lot of reading. Mostly, I've been preparing for the end of the semester. I have loads of last-minute assignments and final exam studying to cram into the next week and a half to keep me busy.

Sandy's last day was Friday. I can't walk by his old office without thinking about how strange it is that he isn't here. Sandy taught me one-on-one (well, one-on-two that first summer with another intern) just about everything I know about data analysis and a great deal about everything else related to my research. Without his and Chryssa's constant support and encouragement, I would not be here. I appreciate it all, and I owe him a great deal. He will be missed.

I attended a strategic meeting on Monday about the current status of the Science Mission Directorate at MSFC and the path its on. This kind of thinking really fascinates me. At the same time I'm learning where science currently stands at Marshall, I'm also learning how directions and emphases may change in the future. The x-ray astronomy group was used as an example of a good model to follow, which made me proud. I am learning from the best.