It smells like brains in here...

Dear blog,

I am sorry I have neglected you so long. You mean a lot to me, I've just had to focus on some other priorities, such as finishing my thesis, defending it, and working on graduating on time. Yes, I know that means you got the short end of the stick. But, I'm back now. You know why? Because...

I PASSED MY THESIS DEFENSE!!!!

Sincerely,
Jess

I have been tragically remiss in tending to this blog and attempting to achieve tasks on my annual to-do list. I defended my thesis two days ago. The meeting began with a committee member saying, "It smells like brains in here." There was a supply of sheep's brains (similar to the one's I sold a while back) in the room where we met. The meeting was intimidating and brutal, but I survived (and passed with flying colors!).

Because of the majority of my time being devoted to school, and in particular, my thesis, I can only report two completed tasks. Two is better than one and definitely better than none, right? I attended a religious ceremony that is different from mine (Task 41) and learned how to pick a lock (Task 47). I attended my very first Catholic wedding. It was so beautiful and reverent. I also learned how to open a locked door. It wasn't exactly "picking a lock," per say, but it was very closely related. Without going into details, just know I didn't do anything illegal. I promise.

Even though I haven't fulfilled many tasks since the end of April, I have done some things that are definitely annual-to-do-list-worthy. For example, a few weeks ago I ate monkfish liver. Yes, dear friends, you read that correctly. Monk. Fish. Liver. Also, I've made some life changing decisions. I feel like a grown up for the first time in my life. Over the past few weeks, I've been yelling, "I DON'T WANNA GROW UP!!" sporatically, just like a two year old. And yet, I've come to realize I have no say in the matter, so I can either try to rebel and be at odds with the universe and myself, or just go with the flow and enjoy the ride. It is absolutely amazing how scary yet peaceful the latter can be.

Mama, I'm a big girl now.