My blog of late may have given you the impression that the only thing I did the past few months is drive from one place to another. I decided that my omission must end soon, and that now, when I am overwhelmed with the trials of starting a life here in California and it’s 1 AM, that I should remedy this oversight. I also recognize that I have promised you pictures. Being a man of my word, I have come through. Lo, here are two new galleries.
In mid-August I went to a family reunion in San Diego. This was my mother’s side of the family, the Purvins. She has a sister and four brothers, so it was a large group. We did all the usual things you do at a family reunion: went to a baseball game, took a tour of the city, hung out by the pool, dressed up in Lederhosen and sang in Sweisse-Deutsche, and sang songs about “that bastard” (my dad) jumping “our youngest sister here” (my mom). I have pictures of the Purvin reunion to prove it. Thanks to everyone who helped make the whole thing happen. It was wacky and memorable. You just can’t make this stuff up. Except in Tennessee. You can do anything there.
Recently, I also mumbled something about pictures of my cross-country road trip. Those, too, are up in the gallery. Captioned photos hardly do justice to the experience, and I thank Colin for joining me on the adventure. Because I did the bulk of the driving, he took the bulk of the photos. You’ll have to harass him if you want to see them.
Amanda and I celebrated three months this past week. I keep meaning to give proper treatment to the story of how we met, and our subsequent tumble into mutual adoration. The longer I wait, the harder it becomes. For now, though, the task of sorting through the Vermont pictures is more than I can spare. In not so long, however, I shall regale you with a tale of love so inspiring that you might just drown a puppy to make the world seem more on the level of sadness and loathing with which you are familiar. Soon, I promise. Me and promises? Tight.
I will also give you the scoop on my new life as a graduate student at Stanford. Meanwhile, consume the pictures linked above, translate this entry to German and reread for a laugh, and be merry. I’m leaving tomorrow for a few days to go watch the DARPA Grand Challenge race in the Nevada desert. Stanford has a team competing, and we intend to cheer them on, complete with foam fingers. Our robot is named Stanley. Dan has suggested we hold up a sign that says, “Stanley, I’m pregnant.” I applaud this idea, and wish to subscribe to his newsletter.
Otherwise, I’m working on a paper for a conference in Greece :: crosses fingers and toes ::, hunting for an advisor, taking a class in Programming Languages, studying for my Comprehensive exams in November, chatting with my baby using our iSight cameras, and trying to enjoy the beautiful weather. I’ll post again soon. First, off to the desert!
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October 8th, 2005 at 8:11 pm
It’s wonderful to hear that everything is going well with you! You better write a good paper so we can hang out in Greece.
October 11th, 2005 at 7:34 pm
Finally, finally found the picture of Jenny and Dan (and half of Peter) from the NYTimes. Scroll down to “Multimedia”, select “Machine vs. Machine”. Then tab to “Other Vehicles”, and select slide 13. And there is Jenny, with my writing on her boobs.
October 14th, 2005 at 9:42 pm
Good luck with the paper! While you’re at it, submit to a conference in boston and come back and visit
Great pictures of Route 1…ah I miss that area…