Last Week.... how did that happen??

---

Somehow, four months have flown by, and I find myself in my final week out in Nevada. This stirs up many mixed emotions inside of me, as per usual I suppose. On the one hand, I have had an amazing time out here. I have learned quite a bit, both about research and about myself. I feel that I've learned and experienced about all I can. So, although I will sort of miss the desert landscape, I could be ready to be done. Then there's the fact that I miss people from home quite a lot and am thrilled at the prospect of being able to see so many of my closest friends some time in the near future. This however, is complicated by the fact that I have made, as it were, quite a few good friends during my time out here. And I HATE goodbyes. Especially when I am uncertain as to whether or not I will see these people again. I am trying to remember the words of Dana, one such similar friend from my time in Australia, when she said something to the effect of "Jackie, we get along so well. We are going to find ways to see each other again. Even if it takes a really long time. A friendship like ours isn't going to end". And she was right. I have seen her once in the year and a half since we left australia, and am probably going to be seeing her again soon. So I guess I will have to hope and trust that if its meant to be, I will see some of these lovely people at some point in my future. Plus, I can also pester them incessently via texts and phone calls and facebook posts. 😊 So, moving on from my mixed emotions as to this, my final week....

Monday was such a truly marvelous day. For starters, I didn't have to be at work until 6am, which isn't too bad. Then, I got to go see the babies out at CSI one last time, which was a nice treat. They really are so so cute. Also, it was quite nice outside... breezy and cooler (like, 70s and 80s!). After seeing to the babies I got to go put some burrow sticks back in burrows and track one tortoise and then I got to sit and read my book which was lovely because I am making a fairly futile attempt to read a 750pg book before I leave. (thinkin it isn't going to happen. but I gave it a fairly decent shot). When I got back to the office, we just had to do some work around the office for a bit, and then I got to go home a little after 2pm. During the day I learned that Claire and Martin have the same birthday (what are the odds?) and Martin was thinkin of going out to dinner and invited us all. A few hours after getting home I heard from Claire the exact plans (to meet at a pizza place at 8pm.... I had to restrain myself from laughing... of course it was a pizza place!). I wanted to go (despite the pizza) because I like both of them and wanted to be able to celebrate their birthdays, and to get out of the apartment. In the afternoon, I mostly relaxed, packed for Barstow, went to the gym and went swimming. Made a tiny bit of food so I wouldnt have to eat a lot out. So, Martin picked us (the girls... guys decided not to go. their loss) up and drove us to Carmine's. A bunch of people from work were there. It was so much fun. The place was awesome, and had quite possibily the best food. Ever. Okay, maybe that is an exaggeration, but I do love Italian, and they had so much stuff that sounded amazing. I ended up sharing a fancy version of Mozzarella Sticks with Julia, along with Penne Vodka (that was actually fettachinni vodka as they ran out of penne). The vodka pasta was delicious, and the mozzarella appetizers were without a doubt the best I have ever tasted in my entire life. It was like heaven. *sigh*. Also tasted some of their brushetta, which was also delicious. Then this incredible dessert was ordered, and even though I was painfully full, I ate some of that. It was hilarious... Felicia had ordered it. When Martin saw it, he ordered 2 more for himself. And this was a GIANT dessert (delicious fried dough, with ice cream and strawberry sauce). So we had tons and it was absurd, but so yummy. There were many laughs and it was just a really fun night. Were there for nearly 2 hours. So glad that I went. It was great. 😊 Put me in a high, so it took a while once we got back for me to wind down and be able to go to sleep. Totally worth it though.

The rest of this week has been spent in Barstow, per my request. Never would've thought I would ASK to come to Barstow. lol. But I do love tracking the tortoises down here (even if the town leaves much to be desired). Plus I wanted to take pictures of the house, and I really wanted to work with Claire again. It has been really great. Super chill, cause there are 4 of us, and only like 62 tortoises, so there isn't too much to do. I have had some great conversations with Claire. I really am going to miss her a lot. Least she is from Jersey... so maybe our paths will cross again. 😊 I have still been attempting this reading feat... but without much success. Although I have been reading in the car whenever possible and some while at the house, I still have so much left to read. Still, it was a nice thought. Mom, expect a library request from me soon. In fact, I may leave you a message now while I am thinking of it 😊

Overall, it has been a marvelous final week. I cannot believe that tomorrow is my last day. So odd. I will have my exit interview, and then will need to pack. Yikes. Then the plan is one last night out in vegas (freakin frog perhaps? and definitely revolution lounge) and then climbing part of Mt. Charleston on Saturday (possibly camping there?) and leaving with Julia for our road trip, most likely on sunday. Followed by a visit to the Colorado cousins! I am super excited for all of these things. Should be marvelous!

So there you have it. My newest adventure is coming to an end. It has been lovely. So glad I had this opportunity. Although I dont yet know what is happening next, I trust that something will turn up in the end. 😊 Perhaps I will write one more entry about my last weekend here and then my travels afterwards. But I imagine that wont happen until I am back in Jersey. Til then, this will just have to do 😊

---

Comments

[Virginia]

:-D
Yay, Jackie!! :::THUNDEROUS applause:::

[Stephanie]

Blogs
Jackie, I have enjoyed your blogs so much and will miss them. Thanks so much for sharing them. It will be nice to have you back in NJ. Enjoy your trip back to NJ