so what does a big nerd like me do after accomplishing his biggest long-term goal (getting to MIT)?

he applies to be an astronaut.

ok, i didn't apply to be an astronaut. keep your pants on. but i was randomly browsing the NASA website when i found a section on 'how to become an astronaut.' i figured it was impossible for someone like me, but i read it for amusement value anyway.

turns out, mission specialists just need an advanced degree in *any* physical science. i'd pass the physical, my height is within the allowed range (barely), and i watch more NASA TV than anyone ever. so i think they should let me in.

of course, i'd need that advanced degree first... and i'd need to figure out a good way to relate my research with something space-related. actually, that's not really necessary... there's plenty of radiation in space, and dosimetry plays a big role in space flight.

based on reading about the selection process, i think i could get as far as the personal interviews. that's where the real weeding takes place. getting that far, i give myself an 85% chance. getting past the interview? < 1% chance.

but isn't it worth trying, anyway? i figure i'd drop just about anything to have the chance to go into space, even for a few days. and who knows - with that new space station being completed right around the time i'd get my doctorate... !!!

it's weird that i'm even thinking about this. before today i never thought of it as a possibility. it's what every seven year-old wants to do. "when i grow up, i want to be an astronaut." everyone's said that. i probably said that a lot. space still fascinates me.

that'd be a weird turn of events in my life, eh?

despite it being unlikely and strange, i think i'll try it. all i have to do is get that last requirement - the degree. with a doctorate, i can apply immediately (assuming i don't grow an inch in the next 4 years). with a masters, i need two years of professional experience in the field of my degree... whoops! there's the catch.

there are no professional nuclear engineers with masters degrees. it's a doctorate or nothing job field. so... the possibility of my becoming an astronaut requires that i pass my quals and get a doctor of science.

maybe this will function as additional incentive to study harder and not gimp-up tests like i did yesterday.

random thought: i'd have to cut my hair for the selection interview... this wouldindeed be a big change in my life.