The presentation on Friday went great! I felt confident, prepared, and was able to answer most of the questions fairly intelligently. A few questions were raised about our research question that we still need to hash out, but I am certainly glad these questions came from my fellow colleagues and Faculty here at UTD. Hopefully, we can get everything sorted out before I present the paper in Seattle.

We were supposed to have a department picnic on Friday, unfortunately we got rained out. However, we compensated with alot of chicken wings, pizza, and desserts in the executive dining room here at UTD. It wasn't as much fun as playing at the park, but still good times were had by all.

I have really enjoyed getting to know more of the students here. It is really amazing all the different back grounds. I have made several friends from all over the world including India, Germany, Turkey, and Lebanon. I am hoping to make a trip to India next December (2004) with my friend Monica and attend her marriage. I think this would be an amazing cultural experience, and generally enlightening. I've been chatting with some of my other international friends, and they said that if they are home they would also be happy to have me visit. I really hope that I can manage to put this trip together!!

Now I am trying to prepare a project to be ready by Thursday for which I don't have the software capabilities to manage on my own. Monica to the rescue! I hope to get alot finished tomorrow! Wish me luck!

Happy Merry!