Recently

A few quick updates, since I'm determined to keep my blog current and not just wander back every few months or so...(we'll see how that goes...)

-I got a new laptop!  My old laptop, dear Charles, lasted a solid 6 years (with a hard drive replacement along the way), but he started having big electrical issues last fall.  His battery had given up awhile ago, but it got to the point when pressing the power button just didn't work at all.  Geek Squad referred me to Batteries Plus, Batteries Plus referred me to a computer repair specialist in Temple, that specialist told me I'd have to take it to an electrical specialist, the nearest one being in Dallas.  It was at that point that I decided it may just be easier for Charles to come to rest.  So, I got on Amazon and ordered another Toshiba, and it arrived last week!  So far, it's nameless...the inspiration hasn't hit me yet.

-More developments with the new job, now that I have a start date the relocation people have been contacting me.  The relocation package is really great...gas, hotels, moving van for our stuff, everything is covered.  We'll fly up for a 'house hunting' trip probably in April (really we're just seeking a one-bedroom apartment!) and when we make the big move in the summer we'll probably opt to drive the whole way and take in some of the eastern US :)  It's all very exciting, and scary, and wow-I-really-need-to-get-this-dissertation-done.

-A higher-up at Scott & White (assistant VP or something like that) recognized Brad's performance and has talked to him several times about moving him up because he sees a lot of potential!  Of course, we know Brad is bound for much greater things than this current position, but it was really neat for him to be formally recognized like that.  It's just sad timing, since we're moving and once they know that they might not want to work on moving him up just to have to replace him.  Boo.  I'm still really proud of him though.

-Milestone in our marriage today...we've been married for 73 days, which means that we have outlasted Kim Kardashian's marriage ;)  High-five, husband.

-I'm a little bit addicted to Pinterest.  It's funny, I seem to have ramped up the addictions to apps/websites since I've transitioned to the dissertation fourth year stage.  Definitely not the thing to be doing, but I guess I welcome any distractions.  Including:
-Blog!
-Pinterest
-Instagram
-Tiny Tower (oh my gosh, don't start this game!)
-Myfitnesspal

I've created 3 recipes from Pinterest so far and they've all been a hit.  My favorite (and the crowd favorite) so far are these Butterfinger Blondies:

http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2011/08/butterfinger-blondies.html

Of course, this should be a time for scaling back from internet/phone distractions (and from, well, a social life) but I seem to think I can still manage getting this little paper done by May :)

On that note...time to figure out that variance plot...