Hello from the University of California, Irvine! It has once again been quite some time since my last post, but I have come around at last. Life has been a bit crazy since I started graduate school. I have never studied so hard or learned so much all at once before. The only problem with this, well, I guess there would have to be two... would be this: it is very hard to stay sane and it is nearly impossible to find time to do things just for fun. I have now survived my first round of midterms, so I am beginning to get into the routine. ...Funny sidetrack story. My "currently reading" book is quite consuming as of late, but the funny thing is that it has me a tad star-struck. This is my first time being taught by the author of the textbook we are using. It gives a different flavor to the class since the professor obviously knows the subject inside and out. Going to a small school for my undergraduate schooling, I did not come into contact with such "stars" in their fields. Kinda neat, but scary...
So this past weekend, I spent some lovely time relaxing. On Veteran's Day, I felt that I could spend some time relaxing since there were no classes. I thought to myself..."You live only a few miles from the beach. Wouldn't it be lovely to take a little trip and see the sights?" So I did. I packed myself a lunch and some other necessities, and headed out on my bike for an adventure. I discovered this lovely bike trail to the beach that runs through a wildlife reserve. 
So I followed their instructions. 
The path ran along this waterway to the beach. There were lots of ducks and other birds, some of which looked rather interesting. There were several places along the way reminding you to keep away from the protected areas. I thought these signs were funny: 
In case you can't read the sign, it says "Birds only past this point." I couldn't help but think of some poor turtle venturing out past this sign and being arrested for going into forbidden territory. 
And then I arrived at my destination.
 I ate lunch, read bit, and then decided to head down to the pier. 
I then decided that I should go back and study. I had already gone many miles, so I was getting tired, so I decided to take the bus back home. It is very nice since I get to ride for free as a UCI student. 
And to finish off, I thought I would show you a few pictures of my new abode. Here is a view (a bad picture, yes) out my window where I sometimes gaze wishing to be out there. 
Then, my bed, which surprisingly I did not make just to take the picture. I had already made it in the morning! 
Our living room 
And kitchen 
So far, it has been a lovely place to live, my roommate is very nice, I have made many new friends, so life is pretty good. | 
