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!

A small Surprise

Yesterday was Monica's and Michael's birthdays. Unfortunately Michael was away in Houston on business, however Monica was here and available for our pesterings. Big thanks to Sundaram for coordinating a get together. I had an awesome time, but now we all know who the liars of the group are.

Well, not too much to say right now, I have a presentation to give in about 10 minutes...I guess I'll go get ready.

Happy Merry!

Halloween Party

Officially one of the best parties of all time! Erica and I threw a great bash last Saturday night complete with costumes, jack-o-lanterns, and food! I want to say thanks to everyone who attended and especially all of you who came in costume (which was almost everyone!)

You know its a good party when....
Nobody Leaves before 12:00
Your neighbors cuss at you to shut the f*@! up!
The police come
The floor looks kind of spotted the next day
The trash can is too heavy to carry out

Again, thanks everyone for coming! This was the last official bash for our place before we both return to parental living. Thanks for making it great. By the way, we fully expect that someone else will pick up were we left off in the party schedule!

Happy Merry!