Greetings from Washington, PA!

Did you think I had quit posting? Well, I have had a busy week in Oxford. I forgot how busy/productive the All-Staff weeks can be. I got a ton of work done for my graduate school applications. All I need to do now is write my essays. Which seems easy, but man, it looks like it might be difficult. I'm going to be putting a lot of hours into those essays in the next few weeks. I need to have my essays for Boston University done by October 15th so that I can interview with them when they come to Cincinatti on October 30th.

I am so excited about graduate school, but at the same time--very nervous. I hate it when other people have control of your life. Its kind of like when you go flying. You buy the ticket, pack your bags, get on the plane--do everything you're supposed to do, but ultimately its the pilot who is in control of your life. Maybe a bad analogy, but it still comes to mind.

I'm doing some celebrating right now because gas has dropped to $1.98 a gallon. Where did that come from? It must be all the peace that we have spread over in the middle east.....no, that doesn't sound right? Oh, wait! It must be the great condition of the Alaska Pipelines that are efficiently pumping oil down to the lower-48.....wait a minute? No thats not it? Hmmm.....maybe we stumbled onto a vast field of oil in the lower levels of the earth's crust....Nope...that didn't happen either. Well, the last thing I can think of is that we've reached the 50-day mark until the midterm elections....all I can say is "Sounds about right." Thanks G.W. The GOP has ignited the smoke and mirrors. I'm not a conspirorist, but it does seem a little odd.

Well, I've got two days left in the good 'ol U.S. of A until I go to visit our great friends to the north. Traditionally, my trips to Canada have been absolutely draining. But I have a great attitude and I am excited to go to Canada. I am determined to come out of Canada feeling good! I'll keep you posted.

Well thats all for now, I'm visiting our colony at Bethany. I'm anxious to hear how the boys did with recruitment. Later peeps!

-T