I realized that I hadn't updated in a while, and that the goings on in my life are complicated. So, here is a summary, in list form:

1. After flying to Detroit and road tripping to Ithaca with Alex, we settled for grad student housing anyway (the cheapness and easiness sold us). At least we are going in with our eyes open. The apartment is somewhat institutional feeling, but I think that it will get better with out stuff in it, and some covering up of the beige walls. I'm a little concerned about living in Ithaca, in that it is cold and a small town and it snows a lot and it's in the middle of nowhere--seriously, not even on an interstate, I've never lived more than 6 miles from an interstate. That said, it's going to be an adventure. I'll get over the worries. Everyone I know who has lived in Ithaca really thinks it's awesome.

2. Mathematically, I'm thrilled with the opportunity. I get to work with someone I really like for an advisor. I get to do it at a place with a lot of people in my field. I've gotten a lot of good reviews of the department, both from students here who were undergrads there and from a grad student there.

3. The plan: Today the giant box to put stuff in is showing up. Hopefully soon. Then, we are finishing packing and loading it. Tonight, there will be beer, since it is my last Friday in town and also my birthday. The box, Alex and I are all leaving Monday. The box is going wherever the box people want to take it, to be delivered to the box terminal near Ithaca on August 8. We will UHaul it from there. Alex and I are going to Pasadena on Monday, so that stuff can be sorted through, and I can go to the dentist. In mid-July we head for Michigan. Alex will be doing similar sorting and packing and then we will drive to Ithaca. Probably two trips.

4. I'm leaving. I'm pretty sad to be leaving UCSD. I've really enjoyed a lot of my time here, and I have met such great friends. I'm really going to miss Friday nights and the swim team and my neighborhood and neighbors and a million other little things.

5. In greatest of ironies, I have pretty much finally made it to the top of the UCSD housing wait list.

6. In good news, I will be driving distance from Baltimore and Vanessa (also Philadelphia and family). I'm very excited to see her more often, at least for the next year, until she moves again, probably.