For the past few years we have had two and a half months of hard academic work from right after the holidays in January until Easter break in March.  It seems like we get pretty discouraged every year because of all the very hard work with little time for leisure or rest.  We usually decide we have to do something a little differently next time, forgetting that life gets really crazy starting in late March.  This year is no different.  We have worked hard this year, but over the weekend we have made plans for trips two trips to Texas and one trip to Idaho and Oregon.  It will be great to get out of North Carolina to see some friends and not think to much about school or work.  In addition to that, we found that Lorena’s folks are coming to visit us here for a couple of weeks in April.