A week off from school is almost gone now, though I suppose as things move along in our studies those breaks come to mean less and less. We did manage to escape away to Kansas this week, for a family gathering in Nana's neck of the woods...and let's not forget Uncle Al. It was a pleasant week, filled with organizing and cooking together and just spending time with one another. Much of the family was able to make it, which was great, and Jane saw Kansas for the first time. Imagine a New Yorker in the Heartland! It was something to see. :)

We flew back to Chapel Hill on Wednesday, and found 80 degree temperatures and the trees in full bloom. Now that the temperature has plunged, we feel that the tease of warmer temperatures was far too short, and that we could have endured a little more. I will run a 5K race tomorrow morning in Raleigh, and the temperatures at the start line will be near freezing with strong winds. Alas...

Meanwhile, it is hard to imagine that our third year is beginning to come to a close. Midway through another spring semester, I think we both find that we are in some ways treading water, trying hard to stay motivated. I have been fortunate recently to have a couple opportunities open up for my dissertation research; hopefully interviews this week and other funding possibilities will come through. It's too early to tell really. Shu Wen is still thinking about her research questions and objectives...and that is most definitely frustrating.

The other big event currently ongoing is March Madness. Duke is already out, and we are hoping for better things from the teams that really count (hint: one of them wears light blue colors).

We'll check in again soon.