It has been a while since we last blogged as it has been busy and a somewhat uninspirational few weeks for Shuwen. She is gradually making baby step progress and feeling better about the whole PhD thing. For a while last week she seriously considered dropping out, and tossed about ideas as to other things she could do with her life(e.g., become a mother; open a restaurant called "no Permanent Head Damage"; be a full-time volunteer at a local non-profit organization...)

But, things are looking up a little as she continues to meet with faculty to try to reach a new topic. She is also now signed up to TA a course taught by her advisor in Fall on Categorical data analysis for the 2nd year PhD students as well as teach the 6-week long math module for the 1st year PhD students to make sure everyone is up to speed with basic statistics, matrix algebra, and differentiation.

Meanwhile, slow progress on the dissertation front, meant slight progress on other fronts. Our taxes have been filed and the greencard papers have been sent (much to the chagrin of our bank account)! Hopefully we didn't omit/ overlook anything important in the greencard application, as those form instructions are poorly organized and the questions are badly framed. Now we will have to wait for the travel documentation approval for Shuwen, which will take anywhere from 2-4 months (if we are lucky). Until then, she is stuck in the good ol' U.S.A.

Earlier this week, Marc interviewed for a 2-year fellowship with the Center for Global Initiatives to conduct research in the Nile Basin and teach an undergraduate course on Water Conflict and Cooperation.This is a competitive fellowship as only 1 graduate student is awarded this each year. We were suppose to find out by today, but still no word, so hopefully there will be news on Monday or Tuesday.

Oh, last Saturday, Marc along with other Fleet Feet runners ran in the Run for the Oaks 5K in downtown Raleigh. He did well, finishing in 15:14 (4:55/mile pace). Here's a link to the results: http://www.active.com/results/viewresults_multiple.cfm?filename=1395574_20070318020854.txt
It is a good training team Fleet Feet has put together as Marc appears to be improving, and is managing to keep up with the faster 5K & 10K runners during their weekly speed workout sessions.

We attended a superb performance by the Cleveland Orchestra at the Memorial Hall this past Sunday. The conductor was very dynamic and lively, and three pieces played each told stories. The first was Tchaikovsky's take on Romeo & Juliet, the second (composed by de Falla) told the comical story of the "Three-Cornered Hat", and the third was based off Arabian Nights (by Rimsky-Korsakov). It was wonderful to have the same orchestra deliver the tastes of Italy, Spain and Persia, as well as the emotions of tragedy, comedy and exoticism all within and hour and a half!

This Sunday, we will catch Wynton Marsalis & the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. They were great last year, so we are expecting a fun performance this year as well. Can you believe we get to catch them for only $10 a pop??

We have also recently signed up with Netflix and got "City of God" as our first movie. The movie violently accomplishes its message, which is a sad reflection on our humanity, but also offers a faint glimmer of hope. Next film: "Children of Heaven".

~ Shuwen & Marc