Everyone left on Sunday morning, so it was just us three to enjoy they day hiking in Snow Canyon. We stopped at the little campground to fill our water bottles before heading out and came upon a rattle snake slithering across the campground road. That'll get your attention. So I spent the hike being extra watchful. We had great fun and everyone else missed out.- Philip

One More Week

Jason leaves on Sunday. 6 days and he'll be on the road to our new home in Illinois! He is so excited to start his new job. We visited his office and we both have plans on how it is to be decorated...Jazz paraphenalia on the top of the shelves, Captain American sheild on the wall. He even has a window! We spent last weekend looking for a place to live. We found a nice, new duplex on the outskirts of Carbondale to the east. Here are some pictures of the drive from the highway to the house. They were taken from the car, and Friday happened to be a misty, semi-rainy day.

ON ROUTE

NEAT BARN NEAT BARN AGAIN

ONE MORE HILL
HERE WE ARE! they were painting, couldn't go it

THE BACK YARD--hard to get a feel from the car, but lots of space for playing!

SOME WOODS

The kids and I are going out for a week, we leave on the 2nd. We'll be taking the kids to the St. Louis Zoo, it was awsome! Penguins swimming around, Hippos swimming, beautiful place!

Kindred spirits

Garden gnomes have officially been taken to a whole 'nother level.

The Adventures of Ryan's Growing CV - Episode #21

Good morning, everyone. I thought I might take a little time and update you on my life, specifically in regard to my professional life. Please forgive a few important omitted details (names, project objectives, etc.). They must be omitted for legal and professional reasons.

This morning I received approval for a very big project. Most of the work I do involves conducting analyses for Canadian government agencies and Canadian subsidiaries of major pharmaceutical companies. This project, however, has been commissioned by the head office of a major pharmaceutical company, based outside of Canada.

We were able to secure this contract based on the fact that I have developed a unique and reliable analytical technique that takes longitudinal drug utilization studies into some new territories. The client in this case wanted to take advantage of these techniques to the greatest extent yet - my biggest-ever analysis of this kind. In addition, the client has provided an opportunity for me to write an article intended for a major medical journal. While this is not the first time I will have been published, it will be my most illustrious publication.

For my company, it will mean landing a high-profile contract that will put us among the names of international health care data research and consulting organizations with major scientific credibility. For myself, it will mean all of that - with my own name attached - and it will give me the kind of credibility as an economist that I never thought I'd have.

Personally, for a little guy from Podunk, Utah to have gradually worked my way into the major mainstream of heath economics with only a Bachelor's degree and a lot of ideas about philosophy and work ethics, it is gratifying and validating in a way I can't really explain.

In short, this means a lot to me. I am very excited about it. :)

Ryan

Labor Day Weekend