Ok, I lied. The university just closed. But considering I was knee-deep in snow during portions of my walk to school after lunch, I think it might make sense. Time to break out the snowshoes!

Oh my God...Karl Rove was rapping last night.

Anyway, remember how we always made fun of Oak Ridge for "shutting down" in response to an inch or two of snow or ice? Well, in Wyoming no stores or schools close, but all of the roads in between towns are literally closed down to any traffic. And I am not amused that I physically couldn't get out of Laramie if I needed to. I don't know why, but it really freaks me out!

Ah well, at least I have sushi night (I'm a big fan of the veggie rolls considering our very inland location), outdoor gear swap, the Cowgirls in the final basketball championship, and chicken-sitting to look forward to this weekend. Yes, chicken-sitting! That's the part of Wyoming I do love more and more these days....

I think I may have finally chased off all potential readers with my never-posting laziness. If so...wow.

Writing is going well. I'm getting ready to submit my NPS report and an article to a freshwater mollusk publication. Now I just need to find a time this summer when all of my committee members will actually be in town at the same time!

I'm currently involved in a program trying to get Laramie's mayor to sign on to the Cool Cities campaign (vs. energy use and global change). I mention this because we have our first public meeting tonight and I'm hoping a few poor souls show up to help us out. We're only asking for a few (and in Laramie, that's big!)....

I'm also beginning to hate myself less for being on Facebook and MySpace. I've gotten back in touch with so many people and I honestly don't know how I would have done it otherwise. And yes, I thrive on staying in touch with people. I think I'm finally okay with that now!

Who knows if this new "blog builder" that angelfire has lovingly provided me will actually help increase my frequency of updates, but I suppose it's worth a try. There's always the weeklong excitement of something new before I get bored, right?

Anyway, things are still dragging along out here in Wyoming. My days are filled with the excitement of reports to the National Park Service and University, my thesis, articles for publication, grading, presentations, et cetera. On the bright side of things: it looks like I'll have a fellowship next year for beginning my Ph.D. studies. This means that I'll have a whole year with no teaching responsibilities but a stipend, tuition-waiver and crappy health insurance! I have to admit I'll miss teaching but I'm already dreaming about how much more I'll get done in the world of no grading or office hours.

I probably won't be able to get out to the Ridge again this summer. My 3+ months "off" are already pretty full with graduation, thesis defense, publishing the thesis, NABS conference in SC, field research in the Tetons, lab work back here in Laramie, ESA conference in CA (hopefully including a visit to Kile in S.F. while I'm out there).... I have to admit I won't miss the 100% humidity and being stuck at my mom's house without a car, but I really did enjoy getting to catch up with everyone at the cookout last summer. Sorry, but it'll make Xmas/NYE that much sweeter. I hope.

Oh, and just to remind you how weird Laramie's weather is: I was wearing my chacos on Friday and then we got several inches of snow yesterday. I don't know if I'll every get used to it...but I guess I can't really complain about the extra week or so of snow time in the mountains!