And the Sands of Time Slip Slowly Through Our Fingers...

Based somewhat upon requests (or just one) and mostly based on recent events, I have decided to break my month-and-a-half-long blog silence. So here's your update.

So much has happened in the past weeks it's hard to figure out where to start. Lately, life has been a whirlwind of fraternity responsibilities and final exams. A few weeks ago, I was elected President (or Master Alchemist, if you're so inclined) of the Fraternity. It was a huge honor and I was really excited to accept the position and set to work. My executive committee is awesome and I know I'm going to enjoy working with them. We have lots of ideas to make the fraternity better, and I know we'll be able to accomplish a lot.

Other than that, I guess there are a few other big things on my mind, especially the speed at which I am approaching the end of my undergraduate years here at Tech. I am now officially a senior. Wait. What? Didn't I just move into 246 Lee, meet the BLSC kids, and attend my first General Chemistry lecture? No? Seems like it...

I went to the College of Ag and Life graduation ceremony to see many of my friends graduate, namely Raz. He's basically the reason I stayed in town as long as I did after I was done with my exams. Seeing him walk across that stage brings to mind the reality that in one year's time I will be doing the same. I will be saying some tough goodbyes too. But at the same time, I must be mindful of the amazing years I have spent in this place, the amazing friendships with which I will leave this place, and the prospects of the future.

Congratulations Raz, you've been a true friend in every sense and you'll be truly missed in 1001 D.

Now that I've sounded like a Hallmark card, I'll reflect upon the past year. And what a year it's been. Both semesters were a blur, mostly thanks to 4000-level Biochem classes (lecture and lab). I remember finishing the fall semester in an all-out sprint to the last exam, running on fumes but still with the same tenacity as always. This semester began with me not being entirely recovered from said finish, since I had worked all Winter Break (mostly). Adjusting to new classes was somewhat difficult, exacerbated by adjusting to a new Biochem professor whose style just didn't click with me. Dr. Gregory is a tough act to follow, to be sure, and the adjustment took some time.

Biochem lab continually busted all of our asses this semester, but it was all worth it when I went to see Dr. Gregory yesterday to get my final exam back. That thing was a beast, but I handled it. He told me, with a warm smile, that I had earned an A in the class and commended me for my efforts. We talked for a while, and as I got up to leave and return home, he extended his hand to me, gave me a firm shake, and again congratulated me on my hard work. That alone made everything endured this semester, personal and academic, worth it.

I am happy again as I enter what will undoubtedly be an exciting summer. I've got a great internship that I'll be starting in a little over a week. Many of my friends will be here over the summer, so there will definitely be some serious hanging out. And of course, Kelly will be here :)

I'll be spending the next week at home, playing a guest spot with my high school orchestra, and decompressing from the year. After that, it's back into full gear when I start the SURP job. The roommates will all be here over the summer, with considerably less stress than during the year, so I'm looking forward to hanging out with these guys.

The hourglass may yet continue to empty, but it will not do so without plenty of memories.

Congratulations to the Class of 2006. You will be missed.