The Year In Review

Those of us in academia know that the year really doesn't start in January, it starts in August. And it doesn't end in December, it ends in May as soon as your final grades are turned in (this morning). Sure, I'll spend the summer working like a dog on all that research and writing I didn't do this year and that are required if I want tenure, but for the moment I get to savor the feeling that summer vacation has started. So, how was my first year? It was probably the hardest I've ever worked, but also the most rewarding. I think these photos sum it up:

As part of a fundraiser for a student organization, professors volunteered to allow students (or anyone else) to donate money towards getting a pie in the face. The top four money getters were pied. I thought it sounded funny and never thought I would "win." Boy, was I wrong. I suspect a couple of other professors may have donated money to tip the balance. So, here is the evidence that I was indeed pied. The year was often messy and lots of work (for clean up), but at least it was sweet!