Surreal

Today is surreal. For several reasons. I have been working on my 480 (minithesis) since March. It is now done. I mean, it still has to be bound, but it's done. My first ever 60 page paper. And it's done. Done. People talk about it being like child birth and it is. I have spent about 9 months preparing this thing and now it's just going out into the harsh world. That's a weird feeling. Done.

Secondly, I volunteered for a scientific experiment at work. So every three hours, I have to drool into a container for a full minute. That makes receptionist work difficult. My boss covers for me as I drool in his office. Weird.

Thirdly, I am at work all day. I don't work full days because of the restrictions of my student visa, but I am working and also working on papers. It's weird to be in the deepest mode of revising and hear, "Excuse me, can you tell me how to order more paper for the photocopier," or "Annika, it's time for your saliva again!"

It's an odd little day. By dinnertime tomorrow night, I'll be done with my first year of grad school. My responsibilities will include five hours of work a week (on the books) and knitting. Sweet relief.