Last week, I was scolded by an older grad student, who advised me to stop researching now and completely focus on studying for the comprehensive exam, which I will take in early January. I've been trying to take her advice. She's right: research is more fun, but passing this exam is a prerequisite to continuing research, so I need to ensure my preparation for this exam. If I fail the exam this January, I'll have to waste more research time by preparing to take it again next January. Exploring the full power of my new computer and reading the latest literature will have to wait until after I take the exam.