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.