Well, tomorrow I'm off to Austin to attend the South by Southwest Interactive Festival, quickly becoming the Sundance of the Interactive world (and quite a film and music festival in its own right).

It seems like people from all areas of my interactive life will be coming to SXSW, and it should be very cool spending time with some people I haven't had a chance to hang out with much, and seeing some of my online compatriots for the first time. AOLiza is a finalist in the 'Humor/Satire' category, so I might be bringing back some good news as well.

I'll be wired to the gills so, if anything, expect more activity on Fury.com while I'm in Austin. I'll be taking pictures and posting journal entries daily (while grading midterms and assignments, and writing up a lesson plan for when I get back).

On a wider scope, I'll be visiting CMU in April (I was going to go during my spring break, but it turns out that it's theirs as well, and the week after is CHI2001 in Seattle, so there wouldn't be anyone at CMU then either), and I may hear from Yahoo in a similar timeframe, though recent events there are a little worrying.

Speaking to Marce at CMU, I found that one-year deferrals are common, but two-years are rarely granted. This is an option to consider, as it would let me rest, work, and make a little money before going back to school for one last year. On the other hand, it would have the feeling of 'putting life on hold' and would mena I'd have to find an employer who wouldn't mind a one-year commitment. As usual, I've got some thinking to do.

Well, I've got to return to my mad rush of getting everything ready for my trip. I feel like the Mad Hatter! Next stop, Wonderland.