(1) The Algebra Qual: I have made some progress studying. Not ENOUGH progress, but progress nonetheless. I am working through past exams’ problems alone and with a study group, and I am also reading 3-4 different abstract & linear algebra books concurrently. The exam date is set for Wednesday, August 17th. So, for better or for worse, this will all be over by 6PM 23 days from now. If I pass, I can start trying to decide what topic I want to take my second exam in; if I fail, I can immediately start studying to retake the algebra exam in January.

(2) Mini-Travels: I spent the latter part of last week in Montana & Wyoming. I got to increase my number of US states visited to 23, and then 24 (I’m almost halfway!!). It is absolutely beautiful up there. The mountains and streams and waterfalls and stuff are breathtaking. I visited Yellowstone National Park for the first time, and I would love to be able to spend more than just a day there at some point. The summer weather is perfect up there too – 75-85 degrees in the daytime and chilly at night. And apparently it barely ever rains – just short showers that are enough to keep it green up there. The best part of the trip was visiting with a friend that I haven’t seen in a while, though. So all the amazing views were BONUS. Here are a couple pictures:

Above: fields and hills and mountains, on our way out of the park.

(3) FOOTBALL: Word on the street is that the NFL Lockout will probably end today/tomorrow. That means the next week or so will be crazy with free agency moves! I am so excited for football to be back. Baseball is okay, and I’m glad the Pirates are doing well and contending for their division, but Pittsburgh Steelers football is my one true love, and definitely my strongest sports-related love. If the schedule remains unchanged, training camp would start this week, the first preseason game should be in about 2 and a half weeks, and the first regular season game is in about 7 weeks.

(4) Regular-size travels (as opposed to mini-travels): I booked flights yesterday to come home to Pittsburgh twice in December – once for a wedding and once for Christmas (and to go to the Christmas Eve Steelers game, which I also got tickets for!). Those will be the next trips I make, I think. Since it was so expensive to travel twice in December, I don’t really have money to go anywhere else for the rest of the year. But that’s fine by me because for the rest of the summer I need to focus on the qual, and during the semester I’ll have classes to worry about. Besides, as long as I get to go to a Steelers game this season, I don’t really care about anything else (sorry, Philly friends, that I am implying that I’d rather see the Steelers than you… I still miss you all, but I can’t be everywhere at once).

Well, I need to get back to studying. Hope you’re all enjoying the summer and staying cool!