The Quals were definitely an experience, a very stressing one, but above all, a really revealing one. This examination obviously tests your knowledge but also your nerves, your motivation, your discipline, and your ability to organize yourself and think on your feet when under stress. I learned tons, more than I could imagine, and read more books in the last 2 months than I did in the last 2 years, but I think that what I will remember the best from these last months are the connections I made with some of the people I studied with. We shared our anxiety, laughs, stress, made fun of ourselves and supported each other for months. Even though we were taking the Quals individually there was a strong desire to see the whole group pass and we helped each other as much as we could to see that happen. So the happiness was even greater Friday evening when we realized that each of us had passed!

And it was weird this morning to hit the snooze button without feeling any guilt. I'm slowly realizing... :) I spent the day between the movie theater and Borders, trying to catch up on life, and planning future trips.

Finally, I'd like to thank all of you who supported me during these last months. You have no idea how much your cards, emails, Facebook messages and phone calls helped me. Thank you so much!!!

Quals cleared!!!

2.5 months of study, hard work, head scratching and eventually 7 days of intense stress and doubt. I passed, as well as everybody else from our lab, which makes it even better. And I'm now about to pass out. If you're looking for me this week-end I highly recommend looking under the quilt :)
A lot more later :)

Reaching Brain Saturation Point

The big days are going to be Tuesday and Friday. So please keep your fingers, toes, etc... crossed! As much as I enjoyed diving into books for more than 2 months now, I'm glad the stress and uncertainty are over soon.

Our Fixed Wing Review session of Friday (part of it)

Georgia: we have it all...

Photos from Saturday

Quals are 2 weeks away. I'm trying not to burn out. Can't wait for this to be over.
Photos from Saturday are here

There are evenings when I just wish I could hit the road and drive for hours, alone, on some desert highway, with some good music in the air, the Moon and stars low in the sky, and for only light the one coming from the dashboard. Tonight is one of these nights. I just want to escape for a few hours, stop the storm in my head, close my eyes, and just feel this light Spring breeze blow in my face. I had such a shitty day...