Settling In.

If you're like me, you often forget that Sunday is actually the first day of the week. When you're living in a system that runs 9-5 Monday thru Friday, it's easy to think that Sunday's are in fact part of the "week-end". They should make it so that Friday and Saturday are the designated weekend days, and leave Sunday alone, and give people the day off. I think a three day weekend would improve our lives substantially - people work too much!

Nevertheless, Sunday's are part of our seven-day routines, no matter if they are at the beginning or end of our week, and they are always a special day for me. This was my first Sunday here in California, and the day could not have been more beautiful! Sunny skies,

light breeze, and temperatures a comfortable 68 degrees.
I had to pinch myself a few times to remember that it is the last day in January, and not the first day of May... I have absolutely no regrets in my decision to abandon the frigid winter in New England!

Sunday's are special to me because they mark a fresh start to my week, where I can set new goals and inspirations to heart. One motivating ritual I've practiced throughout life is to attend a church service Sunday mornings. The readings and hymns really bring out a sense of love and unity throughout the congregation, and I often find comfort and gain new insight from them. The church-goers today welcomed me with smiles and hugs, and I felt a warm sense of encouragement and excitement for the work that lays ahead at the JPL. I've really started to connect with some of these dear, sweet people and couldn't be happier!

I hope your Sunday was just as enjoyable as mine... Happy Week!

ps- attached are photos of the church... it's a "store-front" church, located in the heart of a beautiful shopping village in Montrose. The Reading Room is next door!

I'm here! Where are you?

Whew! Today rolled by fast! I woke up bright and early this morning (5:15am to be exact) and began my day with a sleepy drive into Boston, to catch my flight out to Los Angeles. My 73-pound duffel bag containing 90% of my wardrobe and science textbooks was highly scrutinized at the check-in kiosk... the airline ended up charging me $125 for the extra weight. I have a sneaking suspicion that I'll be able to get a refund on that lumpy chunk of change...

I'm headed west today to

embark on a new

chapter in my life. I've been selected to participate as an intern at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory to study the surface of Mars. Neat right? You'd think I was

an astro-physicist! It's a good thing that geology (my major) is just as exciting... I'll primarily interpret satellite images taken of several potential landing sites for the 2011 Mars Rover Mission (don't know the fancy name yet). My team of researchers will determine the safest and most valuable landing site by analyzing geologic and thermophysical properties. My first day is this Monday, 2/1/10...

I am living in a gorgeous, sun-filled home in the beautiful neighborhood of La Canada Flintridge. I just took a walk earlier this afternoon down the street, and up a wooded equestrian path which leads straight to the JPL. I live within walking distance to work! Above are some photos of the gorgeous views from the path.

I'm writing this blog as a way to keep you posted on how things are unfolding now- out here in sunny California- and beyond. I hope my travels and discoveries inspire you to have an adventure of your own, and that you can share your love and wisdom with others.