Spring 2010 Overview

So things are finally settling down.  My semester ended on May 12, and everything went really well! I pulled mostly A's with a few B's sprinkled in.  Not bad for 6 classes and a research job!  I really loved all of my classes this past semester.  Mechanical Properties of Materials surprised me, and I came out to really be fascinated by it!

Despite my successes, there was no break for me.  The day after my last final was my summer planning meeting for work.  I work in a research lab, and I am extremely privelaged to be doing undergraduate research.  It took a few weeks to get into the swing of things, but I am finally feeling like I've got the hang of it.  It is quite an adjustment to go from full time student to full time employee.  This is also the first summer that I haven't taken summer school.  It's weird; in a way, I'm relieved, but I also really miss being enrolled in classes.  I guess that's what keeps me coming back every fall, even after a long, hard fought school year.

Doug also ended his semester on a high note, pulling incredibly good grades.  I'm so proud of him! He finally seems interested in what he is learning, which is so important!  He has also snagged a job working in a research laboratory at Boise State.  That is occupying his time, as will his summer school class that started today.  I am so proud of him and all of his accomplishments!  In addition to school and work, Doug has moved into a new apartment. He is done with roommates (yay!).  It was a long weekend of helping him move, but he is all settled in now. It is such a perfect place for him!

I'm writing this post while using a sputtering system.  Don't know what that is?  Do you want to know? :)  It is a big sophisticated machine that uses high power (50 W) to create plasma (you know, that 4th state of matter??) which then strikes a metal target, ejecting metal particles.  These metal particles attach to my substrate.  Are you lost yet?  I really enjoy sputtering.  I find the whole concept just absolutely fascinating.

Anyway, it is time to finish my deposition on this tool.  I hope I didn't confuse you too bad! Until next time...