August 03, 2005 - 8:43 p.m. Today I gave my final presentation that concludes my summer research. The particulars of the presentation aren't interesting, but I have learned that scientific presentations are different than, say, sermons. No one cross-examines a sermon; no one expects vividness or fluidness in a scientific presentation. But I survived. I was asked lots of questions at the end of my presentation, and I was able to answer each one clearly and correctly. I was a little afraid of the questions, but they were more fun than scary. So today as we left Kep, it felt like the last day of school. That freedom feeling lingers with us. I don't even have to be in to work until noon tomorrow or Friday. We're finished. So was this a worthy occupation for my summer vacation? In a word, yes. I've learned about living one day at a time and filling unoccupied hours. I've learned to appreciate living with a family. I've discovered that while research is fun now, it would not be fulfilling in the long term. I've made new friends from completely different backgrounds. It was nice to be in Tulsa for the summer. I like my life here...and the fact that Spencer is around doesn't hurt. ...before & after...