Just a quick update. I walked into my advisors office today and said, "Steve, I think I have an idea." He said: "Sit down!" I told him my idea, he moved to the edge of his seat and said, "WONDERFUL! BRILLIANT! Mary, this is perfect! You've got it. You're good to go! Here's what we need to do..."

It was the most uplifting experience of my week, especially b/c he gets this childish sparkle in his eye when he gets excited about a topic, and it was definitely there while we were talking. It made me feel like I was collaborating for real and that he was 100% behind me. So, I left his office, took a sigh of relief, and promptly went to the library to get books for my lit review. Maybe I'll post what my project will be when I have more time. For now, there is packing to do.