Video clips from Spring 2009 Arkansas Trip

Snow Over Downtown Minneapolis

I'm completely finished with classes! The pressure is off for a few weeks, although I am committed to do writing for our language program's accreditation committee over break.

Thesis Proposal Approved

Very good news. I passed my first thesis defense. I had to present my thesis project to a panel of three professors and then respond to their questions. This means that I will be able to conduct a study this spring and graduate in May. I will probably stay in Saint Cloud through the summer working at the Intensive English Center where I now work. After that, there are some interesting job possibilities for me in connection with Saint Cloud State and connected universities, but those are not definite so I'm not going to write about them on here.

Wish me luck on my two finals this week. They may be the last finals that I ever need to take! :)

Ugly Christmas Sweater Party

Thanks for the great party, Christine and Andrea!

My Roommate

This is me and one of my roommates, Alex. We are on a street in Saint Cloud pushing our friend Jenna's car which broke down.

IEC Graduation

I'm going to post occassionally to my blog again.

Here is a picture of my coworkers and me. We are at the graduation ceremony for the students we teach. Congrats class of Fall 2009!

San Francisco Trip Reflections

I can't believe this is my last day in San Francisco! I had a very nice stay. The weather was pleasant and mainly sunny, the hostel was one of the best i've ever stayed in, and I met some really nice people.

I had good food the entire time. The highlights were the authentic little sushi restaurant I went to that had just four little tables and an Indonesian cafe. I had an amazing coconut stew at the Indonesian place. My favorite dining experience though was at a Mediterranean fusion place in the Castro. I met some real characters.

I did a lot of walking (which unfortunately meant a lot of hills). There was an outdoor festival in North Beach, the Italian neighborhood, that I came across while heading to Coit Tower for a spectacular view of the city, the Bay, and bridges. I also spent a morning shopping around Union Square. Overall, I think I burned more calories than I consumed.

I also met someone who was a Giants season ticket holder, and I got to go see an As/Giants games for free. The Giants won. The stadium has a spectacular view out over the bay and looks appropriately toward Oakland. I can't believe how close up to the water the stadium is built.

On Friday, I went to MOMA and saw an Ansel Adams/Georgia O'Keefe exhibit.. It was pricey but worth it.

I'd totally make another trip out here again.