joining the Illini tribe

I am just about a month short of moving to Champaign. Kevin is going to start a physics PhD at University of Illinois, and I plan to go with him. At work I put in my two weeks on Friday. Everyone has been really nice about it, for which I’m grateful.

In between moving, we’ll be embarking on a road trip starting at Yosemite/San Francisco and then up the PCH to Vancouver. Then we’ll be crossing east, hitting a few Canadian National Parks, and eventually meandering down to Illinois. I will definitely post pictures when it’s all over…although I will be out of commission for all of June because of this grand adventure!

My roommates and Kevin are just a few weeks short of graduating. I can’t believe all of that was a year ago. They’ve been scrambling around to wrap things up — I think a little weirded out by how close to done they are in spite of busyness. Oh, memories. I’m excited for them though.

So, now that I have my life figured out, the only real task awaiting me is finding a job. If anyone knows anyone in the central Illinois region, please let them know I’m looking ;) Thanks to Sunah for already going above and beyond the call of duty!

I love my friends

Talya in Tucson

Last Wednesday, my mother wrote to me in an email:

Dear Talya: It’s just like the plot of an old 1940s musical. The lead in the play gets hepatitis — they are about to cancel the entire production until they think of the stage manager — JIMMY ST CLAIR — taking over. Amphi Schools phoned Daddy this AM because Jimmy was on a field trip to Superior Courts. Daddy walked over and told him so tonight he has to take over the lead in Come Blow Your Horn.

Seeking to be part of the action (and meaning to fit in one last trip to Tucson before the summer hits anyway), I decided to add to the fun by flying in to see Jimmy in his play. And the kid actually did a great job! He performed with the script in his hand, totally carrying the play and pretty much knowing the lines anyway. I was proud of him as his big sister :)

On Saturday my parents and I hiked out to Signal Hill at Saguaro National Park West. About 10-12,000 years ago, the Hohokam Indian tribe left petroglyphs on top of the hill, and the amazing thing is that they are still there. I would highly recommend this short hike to an out-of-towner; it really is neat and worth the drive. And you get to see cool, mysterious glyphs such as these:

Easter Sunday involved a very delicious brunch at the Soleil. We had a three-course meal with a very tasty chocolaty dessert.

So, there’s your weekend update with Natalya St. Clair. Happy Easter, everyone!