An Informative Post

Even Richard Nixon has got soul. He said,

"Because only when you've been in the deepest valley, can you know how magnificent it is to be on the highest mountain. Remember, always give your best. Never get discouraged. Never be petty. Always remember, others may hate you, but those who hate you don't win unless you hate them, and then you destroy yourself."

I moved to a new place. I found that last place too dreary, and mouse-ridden to be comfortable. Even my music suffered, with no inspiration to be found within those walls. Moving out was a delicate task, as it was against my live-in landlady's wishes. I up and disappeared with the songs of the starlings outside barely audible.

All my possessions.

Dinner with my new roomies, Flori and Rossa, and two other friends.

The new place is brighter, ideally located, and with friendly roomies (two girls in a dutch sorority called Quintus).

Recently, I went to a three-day conference in Nordwijkhout. I presented a poster on my research, and mostly just enjoyed many talks from all across astronomy. The food was great, a pleasant surprise from the normal Dutch style.

I didn't win the poster prize, but was mentioned in the award ceremony for putting my picture and contact information on my poster (a definite must for a good poster). Thanks to my editor.

Those three days have made me slightly behind, which means I'll be pulling some all night sessions, however it was worth it.

The day of the Leiden marathon, I spent playing guitar in a sunny park. I found the podium afterwards.

I don't drink much, but when I do it's always in good company.

The weather is being nice, which means I have a good view while I write my first thesis. I look forward to the summer. I'm doing what I love, while cutting a balance with life's other joys. I spend some of my intervening coffee-times thinking about this balance. It's a tricky thing for an academic, but something solvable. It's all about finding your sugar mountain, and visiting often.

The weather is being nice, which means I have a good view while I write my first thesis.

A white cat is always a good sign. I had a white cat.