My research is going well. I can at least be proud of that. I have to start a new project shortly. This project entails trying a new synthesis approach to make a compound that is already difficult to make. I spent three months this past summer trying to make this compound. I don't want to waste another three months this coming summer, so I am starting now. One other group has made this compound, a French group. All of their work is published in French. Since I am not a French speaker or reader, it has been difficult to decipher what they have done and try to do it myself. From what I can gather, they never made a pure sample of the compound I am trying to make. It will be a notable accomplishment if I do make a pure sample. Our grant suppliers will be very pleased if I can make a pure sample. My masters research will be complete if I can make a pure sample...

Amy is planning on being in town this weekend. I am hoping that we get to spend some time together. It already looks like I will be putting in a long day at work on Saturday. I am a little sad about this, I have been promising myself that I wouldn't work this weekend because she would be in town. Oh well, if I work this weekend, I can time things properly to be able to take time off when my birthday rolls around. Then I can go up and spend my birthday weekend with her.