Pretty please

There are several stuff that I really, really, really want to happen by the end of the year:

1. Badger the advisor for possibility to take the p*r*e*l*i*m exam.
2. (If possible) Arrange for it for sometime in either early October or late November.
3. Attend and present stuff at that (beach) conference on late October/early November.
4. Go home for Christmas & New Year (if possible, a three week break)
5. Get the visa approved and come back here to finish.

And that would make it my year.