So I talked to my girl L about my “revelation” today. She and I taught together for three summers, and kind of share the same view of the world, but we have VERY different backgrounds. She grew up here and her parents are Italian immigrants, and she has a huge network of people surrounding her, with all its benefits and drawbacks. Her suburb is considered pretty ghetto, but she likes it. She was funny. She got really agitated. Our conversation went something like this:
L: (very sarcastically) So, what are you going to do with this revelation?
PMP: Well, I am just going to try to be more open-minded and less judgy when I meet people.
L: That’s impossible.
PMP: Really?
L: Yes, because you are right about everything. You think like me, and we are right.
PMP: Um, OK. But I don’t think there’s anything wrong with trying to be more open-minded.
L: No, right, no, but we are right. X suburb is a snotty suburb. And Y people are obnoxious.
Point taken. I tried to explain to her that we didn’t have that much information with which to judge our notions, and she wasn’t having it at all. I understand. She grew up here, and is marked by being from a ghetto suburb, no less. In that sense she does have more information than me (and her expertise on this area does help inform my black/white/gray ideas about the suburbs; there are plenty of areas around here where TMH and I could be quite happy). But it’s a good point. We have instincts and we have to trust them. I am all for it. But I still argue there’s no harm in trying to be open-minded, or at least making sure your biases are well-informed. Sheesh.
She admitted that she didn’t know much about business (she has the same degrees that I do) but at least she knew it existed (she gets mad that most people don’t even consider our field). She went off on a tangent about people not knowing enough about the world, which is the same tangent I went off on earlier, but it was on the other side. We were pussyfooting around the really complicated issue of class. Not that these other issues aren’t tough, but class makes people really uncomfortable. She was complaining about the “working class” people she works with who never read and who don’t care about anything outside of their little worlds. Then she was complaining about the same people I was complaining about-- the ones we perceive as rich with no values. However, she kind of has ADD, so in the next breath she was talking about the Coach bag she wanted. (I previously had a bit of a fit when she wanted me to shop at Coach with her. I have no problem digging for Coach second hand, or at Marshalls, but somehow the store itself offends me. I just couldn’t handle it. What can I say? It was mainly because she doesn’t have money for that, and I try to help her and her shopaholic tendencies, but I really don’t think anyone needs a $200 bag, ever. She just wanted to go and look at them and then try to get a deal elsewhere. Whatever, I still didn’t approve.) I was pushing her on WHY she wanted the bag- isn’t it, in the end, all about status, and wouldn’t she perhaps be happy to have enough money to purchase said Coach bag full price, and wasn’t all of this a big contradiction? (I mean, how can she judge rich people with no values and want to spend $200 on a bag at the same time? She laughed then; I really enjoy that we can have heated discussions and laugh about them, as that doesn’t happen with many people.) So, yes, she agreed- indeed it is a contradiction, though she maintains it’s more about quality than status. Perhaps. Money makes the world go round, they say. We ended by agreeing that no matter how much money we had, we’d never pay full price. And people from X suburb ARE annoying. Sigh.
Showing posts with label friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label friends. Show all posts
Friday, August 20, 2010
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Vamos a Costa Rica
Yes, yes, that's right! TMH and I have figured out our honeymoon. I am so excited. I initially thought that Costa Rica was going to cost too much because of the plane tickets... and then I was able to come through with an award ticket! I shouldn't say it's a free ticket, actually, but it's nice to see a side result of all those nights out and trips to Target. I am glad I've been saving my miles... I couldn't think of a better way to spend them! I am so excited about vacation. We really need one. A real honeymoon, complete with beach, rainforests and a volcano. We are going from Dec. 30- Jan. 8. Can't wait!
Getting our trip planned honestly helped me turn things around .... I was in a bit of a slump there for a couple of weeks. I think it's only natural, really.... a delayed response to all the life changes I have experienced in the past few months, mainly my move here. Summer school was fine and familiar, the fall semester started with much fuss about wedding prep, and then it all came and went and I was left thinking... oh crap, I live here now. Now what? Don't get me wrong. I love it here. I get to live with TMH and we have a great place and this is a fantastic city, we are quite happy together, etc. But regardless of all those great things, it's hard. I don't have a support network here (besides TMH, of course). I don't have a "real job" or an office. I miss my grad school girls. We are still helping each other get through this but it's not so easy from afar. On a day to day basis my life is pretty solitary. My advisor, much like when I lived right next to him, does not respond to my questions. My department seems to be falling apart at the seams, and there are threats of closure. While all of this does not impact me directly, it is certainly unsettling. The prospect of finishing my dissertation is daunting, to say the least, and my foray into the employment opportunities here has been disappointing. Was I crazy to leave my old job? I spent 5 years learning the crazy of my former job... now I am just at the tip of the crazy iceberg here. It's unsettling, I should say. I have learned some pretty disturbing things about the universities around here, too, and had some frustrating meetings with bitter 50 pushing 60 something women who seem to be in charge of everything. My favorite people to work for, you know. The bright side of that is that I am actually interested in the crazy that goes on in universities... and specifically how it affects grad students. So maybe I have been asking for this? Talk about real life experience informing my work.
I know, I know! Ridiculous, right? Just get over it, PMP, life is good, things will work out, etc. Well, it is good. Things will work out and I am turning things around. I have started myself on a new routine, and all the moves I have been making to improve things for myself here are starting to happen:
1. I have finally found a Spanish conversation partner--our first meeting is next week! Very excited as I have been meaning to do this for a while and now I have an added incentive. Vamos a Costa Rica y quiero hablar con la gente! Costa Ricans are some of the best people on earth, and they speak the best Spanish, so I'll be damned if I am going to show up as rusty as I am right now. Also, this will serve to increase the number of people I talk to in the week. Not a friend, exactly, but a start.
2. As a happy side effect of one of my meetings with a crazy director (you would not believe some of the things she said to me), I am now on her referral list for tutors. So when a student writes to her and wants to know about resources in the area to help her improve her communication skills, I might get the email. So now I have my first private student! I am excited about this too. She is motivated, and excited to improve her skills, and as an added bonus, she is studying in business school and not afraid to pay. We'll see how it goes. Maybe I can set up a lucrative side business for myself? Having more to do and more people to talk to apart from the dissertation will be good for me... more brackets on my routine, less crazy hermit potential, and a bit more money. You know, the more you have to do the more you get done, they say.... and it's definitely true for me!
3. My class at the other university continues to go well, though it is a bit frustrating how slow it is to make things happen there. Next semester's prospects are still uncertain though my boss is really optimistic we can continue to build the program. I guess I might as well be optimistic too! Two deans (DEANS!) are coming to observe my class next week to see what they think. Um, ok. TWO DEANS ARE COMING TO OBSERVE THE CLASS NEXT WEEK. I have never taught in such a situation where my whole future depends on how I do at any given moment. I am doing well so far, apparently. Since this is a pilot, they want to decide if it's something they'd like to have all the time. Clearly I hope they decide it's something they'd like to have all the time! No pressure. Just teach a normal class, PMP. But of course I keep thinking and second guessing (what's the best activity for them to see? what if this and that happens?). Ugh. But it is definitely exciting.
4. I have set up more of a routine for myself as a side effect of all of these other things going on (and the realization that I was slowly driving myself insane). Too much working on the dissertation from home was turning in to not enough working and many opportunities for procrastination and wallowing in self-doubt (clearly I need to clean the floor/do laundry/pay bills etc. right now instead). It was even getting hard to go outside, to get out of the apartment, which was kind of scary. I am now going to the library as if I am going to work and so far the results have been amazing. So much more productive! So let's keep it that way. Now if I could just get my committee to be a bit more responsive. One thing at a time, though, right? At the moment I do feel like I can do it. And on that note, I'm off to the library. It doesn't open until 9:00, so now I have an excuse not to start work until 9:00! Whatever works. It is GOING to happen. It is. Just you wait.
Getting our trip planned honestly helped me turn things around .... I was in a bit of a slump there for a couple of weeks. I think it's only natural, really.... a delayed response to all the life changes I have experienced in the past few months, mainly my move here. Summer school was fine and familiar, the fall semester started with much fuss about wedding prep, and then it all came and went and I was left thinking... oh crap, I live here now. Now what? Don't get me wrong. I love it here. I get to live with TMH and we have a great place and this is a fantastic city, we are quite happy together, etc. But regardless of all those great things, it's hard. I don't have a support network here (besides TMH, of course). I don't have a "real job" or an office. I miss my grad school girls. We are still helping each other get through this but it's not so easy from afar. On a day to day basis my life is pretty solitary. My advisor, much like when I lived right next to him, does not respond to my questions. My department seems to be falling apart at the seams, and there are threats of closure. While all of this does not impact me directly, it is certainly unsettling. The prospect of finishing my dissertation is daunting, to say the least, and my foray into the employment opportunities here has been disappointing. Was I crazy to leave my old job? I spent 5 years learning the crazy of my former job... now I am just at the tip of the crazy iceberg here. It's unsettling, I should say. I have learned some pretty disturbing things about the universities around here, too, and had some frustrating meetings with bitter 50 pushing 60 something women who seem to be in charge of everything. My favorite people to work for, you know. The bright side of that is that I am actually interested in the crazy that goes on in universities... and specifically how it affects grad students. So maybe I have been asking for this? Talk about real life experience informing my work.
I know, I know! Ridiculous, right? Just get over it, PMP, life is good, things will work out, etc. Well, it is good. Things will work out and I am turning things around. I have started myself on a new routine, and all the moves I have been making to improve things for myself here are starting to happen:
1. I have finally found a Spanish conversation partner--our first meeting is next week! Very excited as I have been meaning to do this for a while and now I have an added incentive. Vamos a Costa Rica y quiero hablar con la gente! Costa Ricans are some of the best people on earth, and they speak the best Spanish, so I'll be damned if I am going to show up as rusty as I am right now. Also, this will serve to increase the number of people I talk to in the week. Not a friend, exactly, but a start.
2. As a happy side effect of one of my meetings with a crazy director (you would not believe some of the things she said to me), I am now on her referral list for tutors. So when a student writes to her and wants to know about resources in the area to help her improve her communication skills, I might get the email. So now I have my first private student! I am excited about this too. She is motivated, and excited to improve her skills, and as an added bonus, she is studying in business school and not afraid to pay. We'll see how it goes. Maybe I can set up a lucrative side business for myself? Having more to do and more people to talk to apart from the dissertation will be good for me... more brackets on my routine, less crazy hermit potential, and a bit more money. You know, the more you have to do the more you get done, they say.... and it's definitely true for me!
3. My class at the other university continues to go well, though it is a bit frustrating how slow it is to make things happen there. Next semester's prospects are still uncertain though my boss is really optimistic we can continue to build the program. I guess I might as well be optimistic too! Two deans (DEANS!) are coming to observe my class next week to see what they think. Um, ok. TWO DEANS ARE COMING TO OBSERVE THE CLASS NEXT WEEK. I have never taught in such a situation where my whole future depends on how I do at any given moment. I am doing well so far, apparently. Since this is a pilot, they want to decide if it's something they'd like to have all the time. Clearly I hope they decide it's something they'd like to have all the time! No pressure. Just teach a normal class, PMP. But of course I keep thinking and second guessing (what's the best activity for them to see? what if this and that happens?). Ugh. But it is definitely exciting.
4. I have set up more of a routine for myself as a side effect of all of these other things going on (and the realization that I was slowly driving myself insane). Too much working on the dissertation from home was turning in to not enough working and many opportunities for procrastination and wallowing in self-doubt (clearly I need to clean the floor/do laundry/pay bills etc. right now instead). It was even getting hard to go outside, to get out of the apartment, which was kind of scary. I am now going to the library as if I am going to work and so far the results have been amazing. So much more productive! So let's keep it that way. Now if I could just get my committee to be a bit more responsive. One thing at a time, though, right? At the moment I do feel like I can do it. And on that note, I'm off to the library. It doesn't open until 9:00, so now I have an excuse not to start work until 9:00! Whatever works. It is GOING to happen. It is. Just you wait.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Just call me Mrs. PMP
One of the problems with not changing your name is that people have a hard time using Mrs. They get confused, but that's OK. Keeping my name doesn't mean I'm any less married, or any less part of TMH's family. I am Mrs. PMP!
So, clearly a lot has happened since 9-9-09, so much that it's hard to catch up on my blog. But I have to start somewhere. Nothing I can write here will do the wedding justice. It was just amazing (in no particular order):
1. To have some of my Aussie relatives here. My cousins and I were like peas in a pod again. They were so good to me, and we had so much fun catching up. I got to show them around where I live, and hang out. I just love them... and it's just amazing how close we are despite the fact that we grew up on opposite sides of the world. My cousin MP brought a stack of letters with her that she somehow still has from my lifetime of writing to her. The first one is from 1984, after I visited when I was 9 (and she was 7!) Pretty amazing... and hilarious... and amazing. My aunt and uncle had never been to the U.S. before and I think they had a great trip. My dad took them on a full tour of the East coast. It was just so wonderful to see them. So emotional!
2. To feel the support of my oldest friends. It was so great to get my group of girls together... women that I have known for what is now between 20-25 years. I really couldn't have gotten married without them, everything from the cake and flowers to the guestbook, to the fact that at the last minute our ceremony had to be moved under the covered patio because of a quick rain shower. My girls kept me from freaking out and knew where I had to go so I didn't even have to worry. Amazing.
3. To bring together old friends and new, my family and TMH's family. The people who gathered at the wedding were lovely and happy, from near and far and from so many different parts of our lives. My crazy family dynamics were mostly fine (with some few minor and now entertaining moments) and overall everyone was just HAPPY.
4. To feel the love on all sides of our family. I am so excited to be joining TMH's family, to officially be Aunt P, to have sisters-in- law and a brother-in-law, and even parents-in-law. TMH's family is so good to me. From the cookies his mom made, to the gorgeous flower girl dress, to how welcoming and excited his dad was, to his sister crying through her reading and his other sister dancing the night away, and all his brother's help and calm... what a family! For TMH's part, I know he is happy to be part of my family now, and of course my family is quite pleased to welcome him. It was so nice to have everyone together.
5. Of course, getting married. TMH and I put a lot into our wedding planning and it was exciting to see it all come off without a hitch. More than that, though, we got MARRIED. As one of my friends said, there was not a dry eye in the house. We teared up before we even started. It was an amazing moment, and we look forward to the years ahead.
Goodness, how lucky are we?
And yes, married life has been good so far. We took a couple of days off right after the wedding. I spent much of Sunday crying, and then sleeping. We were exhausted! Saying goodbye to everyone was so emotional. Then we unplugged for a couple of days, came home for a couple of days (and I had to teach again, ugh! I only missed one class, can you believe that?) and then we went out of town again to the wedding of one of TMH's best friends. It was really nice... our first wedding as husband and wife. Needless to say it was tough getting back into the swing of things last week. It was a rough start but I have (mostly) gotten back into my work and I am trying to make the most of the rest of the semester. I finished a paper and I'm going to a conference next week. Slow and steady wins the race, they say. I have to stay focused and keep myself going... I am doing my best.
This past weekend was our first weekend at home together in at least a month; we were happy to just be. In any case, I now really understand the concept of a honeymoon. Who wants to talk to people and work and do real life things after they get married?! We'll get ours in December/January, at least. That's next on the planning agenda. Stay tuned!
So, clearly a lot has happened since 9-9-09, so much that it's hard to catch up on my blog. But I have to start somewhere. Nothing I can write here will do the wedding justice. It was just amazing (in no particular order):
1. To have some of my Aussie relatives here. My cousins and I were like peas in a pod again. They were so good to me, and we had so much fun catching up. I got to show them around where I live, and hang out. I just love them... and it's just amazing how close we are despite the fact that we grew up on opposite sides of the world. My cousin MP brought a stack of letters with her that she somehow still has from my lifetime of writing to her. The first one is from 1984, after I visited when I was 9 (and she was 7!) Pretty amazing... and hilarious... and amazing. My aunt and uncle had never been to the U.S. before and I think they had a great trip. My dad took them on a full tour of the East coast. It was just so wonderful to see them. So emotional!
2. To feel the support of my oldest friends. It was so great to get my group of girls together... women that I have known for what is now between 20-25 years. I really couldn't have gotten married without them, everything from the cake and flowers to the guestbook, to the fact that at the last minute our ceremony had to be moved under the covered patio because of a quick rain shower. My girls kept me from freaking out and knew where I had to go so I didn't even have to worry. Amazing.
3. To bring together old friends and new, my family and TMH's family. The people who gathered at the wedding were lovely and happy, from near and far and from so many different parts of our lives. My crazy family dynamics were mostly fine (with some few minor and now entertaining moments) and overall everyone was just HAPPY.
4. To feel the love on all sides of our family. I am so excited to be joining TMH's family, to officially be Aunt P, to have sisters-in- law and a brother-in-law, and even parents-in-law. TMH's family is so good to me. From the cookies his mom made, to the gorgeous flower girl dress, to how welcoming and excited his dad was, to his sister crying through her reading and his other sister dancing the night away, and all his brother's help and calm... what a family! For TMH's part, I know he is happy to be part of my family now, and of course my family is quite pleased to welcome him. It was so nice to have everyone together.
5. Of course, getting married. TMH and I put a lot into our wedding planning and it was exciting to see it all come off without a hitch. More than that, though, we got MARRIED. As one of my friends said, there was not a dry eye in the house. We teared up before we even started. It was an amazing moment, and we look forward to the years ahead.
Goodness, how lucky are we?
And yes, married life has been good so far. We took a couple of days off right after the wedding. I spent much of Sunday crying, and then sleeping. We were exhausted! Saying goodbye to everyone was so emotional. Then we unplugged for a couple of days, came home for a couple of days (and I had to teach again, ugh! I only missed one class, can you believe that?) and then we went out of town again to the wedding of one of TMH's best friends. It was really nice... our first wedding as husband and wife. Needless to say it was tough getting back into the swing of things last week. It was a rough start but I have (mostly) gotten back into my work and I am trying to make the most of the rest of the semester. I finished a paper and I'm going to a conference next week. Slow and steady wins the race, they say. I have to stay focused and keep myself going... I am doing my best.
This past weekend was our first weekend at home together in at least a month; we were happy to just be. In any case, I now really understand the concept of a honeymoon. Who wants to talk to people and work and do real life things after they get married?! We'll get ours in December/January, at least. That's next on the planning agenda. Stay tuned!
Friday, May 22, 2009
Light the red lantern
My fake lesbian Target-loving friend and I had dinner last night. We always joke about how people at Target must think we are a lesbian couple because we shop there together and have kind of couple-like behavior (like we are always on the same page at Target and we buy everything from cute outfits and clearance jeans to cat food and toilet paper. See... lesbians, right?) That coupled with the town we live in makes it funny. (Her husband said that when I move the people at Target will think we've broken up). Anyway, she has a lantern we got on one of our shopping excursions last summer that we had never lit. So last night, post Target, we lit it, had some wine and dinner and sat out on her patio. We are determined to make the most of this time of year, and my last week in this town. My evenings with her (at Target or not) are definitely at the top of the list of things I am going to miss about living here!
It's that time that I have been writing about and thinking about for all these months. One more week here! TMH and I had a fantastic time at the all-important wedding #3, which was beautiful and amazing and such fun. My reading went off without a hitch and I was honored to be part of the day; a friend I have had for 23 years! It was great to see people who have known me for so long in this time of transition. And it was good to see my mother and have a bit of a break with TMH, though of course it went by all too quickly. TMH moves tomorrow (our new place is not even a mile from his current place), and I move next Saturday. I am still trying to tie up all the loose ends at work (they won't let me go!) do dissertation interviews, and get ready to move out. I am selling some of my belongings, which is weird. A very nice couple came by earlier to put down a deposit on my futon (who knew!), which they will pick up tomorrow. So my furniture will start to disappear. I am selling my car, too. Weird. It's all good, though. I am getting excited about the next chapter. It's going to be great for us. So I can look back fondly on my time here and look forward eagerly to the adventures to come. It's all good. But moving sucks no matter what, remember.
Today I went with two other friends (going to miss them so much, too!) to pick up my wedding dress, which now comes equipped with a lovely bustle that is going to be impossible for my girls to figure out. At least the two who were with me now sort of know how it works. I am happy to report that the dress itself fits perfectly. PERFECTLY. So much so that I was worried at my first fitting that I might need to lose a couple of pounds for the dress, and now I realize that because of the way it fits, I really shouldn't lose any. So there. My permission to stay exactly as I am!
In this time of transition and change, of nostalgia and looking forward, it's so nice to think about coming back here to get married.... for so many reasons. In addition to all the joy of the marriage, we'll get the chance to see everyone again and celebrate the specialness of this place.
It's that time that I have been writing about and thinking about for all these months. One more week here! TMH and I had a fantastic time at the all-important wedding #3, which was beautiful and amazing and such fun. My reading went off without a hitch and I was honored to be part of the day; a friend I have had for 23 years! It was great to see people who have known me for so long in this time of transition. And it was good to see my mother and have a bit of a break with TMH, though of course it went by all too quickly. TMH moves tomorrow (our new place is not even a mile from his current place), and I move next Saturday. I am still trying to tie up all the loose ends at work (they won't let me go!) do dissertation interviews, and get ready to move out. I am selling some of my belongings, which is weird. A very nice couple came by earlier to put down a deposit on my futon (who knew!), which they will pick up tomorrow. So my furniture will start to disappear. I am selling my car, too. Weird. It's all good, though. I am getting excited about the next chapter. It's going to be great for us. So I can look back fondly on my time here and look forward eagerly to the adventures to come. It's all good. But moving sucks no matter what, remember.
Today I went with two other friends (going to miss them so much, too!) to pick up my wedding dress, which now comes equipped with a lovely bustle that is going to be impossible for my girls to figure out. At least the two who were with me now sort of know how it works. I am happy to report that the dress itself fits perfectly. PERFECTLY. So much so that I was worried at my first fitting that I might need to lose a couple of pounds for the dress, and now I realize that because of the way it fits, I really shouldn't lose any. So there. My permission to stay exactly as I am!
In this time of transition and change, of nostalgia and looking forward, it's so nice to think about coming back here to get married.... for so many reasons. In addition to all the joy of the marriage, we'll get the chance to see everyone again and celebrate the specialness of this place.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Recharged
Today was a great! Just wanted to update, in case anyone got too concerned about my previous post. I took a break and recharged. I am so grateful for my friends. I spent much of the afternoon with one of my best friends here. We have lot in common and have shared many of the same trials and tribulations of grad school (including the same advisor). We talked through some of my work issues, and her work issues, and all of our worries for the future, and suddenly we both felt better. Funny how that happens, right?
It's so much easier for her to be calm about my work and my position, and express confidence that I will finish ("you're so much more motivated than me!" "What, are you kidding? YOU are so much more motivated than me") just as it is easy for me to assure her of how well she's doing. It was nice to hear each other's insights and realize how things look from the outside (grad students have a big tendency to get too much into their own heads; as you may be able to tell from my writing, I have no problem thinking and thinking and thinking .... overthinking... losing perspective). It's crazy. I should get it, though. Grad students need a good support network. We definitely keep each other going.
I got home from my time with her and sat down to write. And I wrote and wrote and wrote. (Yes, I still have a problem with chemistry, but all is not lost. I can figure this out. You have a problem: solve it.) And then I went for a run. Whew. What a fantastic day!
It's so much easier for her to be calm about my work and my position, and express confidence that I will finish ("you're so much more motivated than me!" "What, are you kidding? YOU are so much more motivated than me") just as it is easy for me to assure her of how well she's doing. It was nice to hear each other's insights and realize how things look from the outside (grad students have a big tendency to get too much into their own heads; as you may be able to tell from my writing, I have no problem thinking and thinking and thinking .... overthinking... losing perspective). It's crazy. I should get it, though. Grad students need a good support network. We definitely keep each other going.
I got home from my time with her and sat down to write. And I wrote and wrote and wrote. (Yes, I still have a problem with chemistry, but all is not lost. I can figure this out. You have a problem: solve it.) And then I went for a run. Whew. What a fantastic day!
Sunday, April 6, 2008
100
Today is a milestone for PMP's Ponderings... my 100th post! How should I mark the occasion? I am so glad I started a blog... it is proving to be a rewarding experience and a valuable way for me to keep track of my life.
I am back from my trip to the Big City, and despite being exhausted I am pretty happy. Here are some highlights:
1. I got to see my advisor from my Master's program. He is the most enthusiastic and supportive (and helpful) professor I have ever had. I found out that he was giving a talk-I attended and said hello. He was so excited to see me and we went for a drink to catch up. He gave me some valuable advice on my current work, encouraged me and talked me through some of my doubts. He even offered to give me feedback as my work progresses. Yay for mentors- I forgot I had one there for a while. I also got to hear about the trials and tribulations of his current job in the Deep South. Let's just say he's not someone who really fits in down there (he did not get tenure in my master's program, which was pretty tragic for him and the department, in my opinion. I guess it doesn't pay to be a supportive and enthusiastic mentor. I am confident he will find something better, though). It was so great to see him!
2. All in all, the conference was a positive experience. I made some new contacts and cultivated some existing ones. I am getting better at playing the game. Despite the 12 hour days, a little coworker annoyance, and some other unfortunate low points (you know they are inevitable), it was a productive, professional experience.
3. I got to spend time with one of my best friends. It's always great to see her. She reminds me of who I am--- sometimes I need that.
4. We went out for lunch to enjoy our sunny Saturday afternoon, and despite the chill we sat outside to eat. As we sat, one of my old friends from college walked by and recognized me! We hadn't seen each other since a mutual friend's wedding in 2002. It was so great to see her. Turns out she lives right there in my friend's neighborhood. She sat with us for a bit and we got to catch up. Everyone says that things like this happen, but they don't usually happen to me. Excitamante!
5. Spring sprang while I was out of town. When I left on Wednesday everything was still brown and dead, and dreary. Today you can start to see a hint of green. And, as icing on the cake, it is nearly 60 degrees and sunny! Soooo nice... we are entering the best time of year here. I know better than to think that it won't get cold again, but today is real evidence that spring is coming. If you listen closely you can hear the whole town breathing a sigh of relief.
Now it's time to get organized for the week ahead. The sunshine is helping me face it with a positive attitude. Life is good, they say.
Happy 100th post!
I am back from my trip to the Big City, and despite being exhausted I am pretty happy. Here are some highlights:
1. I got to see my advisor from my Master's program. He is the most enthusiastic and supportive (and helpful) professor I have ever had. I found out that he was giving a talk-I attended and said hello. He was so excited to see me and we went for a drink to catch up. He gave me some valuable advice on my current work, encouraged me and talked me through some of my doubts. He even offered to give me feedback as my work progresses. Yay for mentors- I forgot I had one there for a while. I also got to hear about the trials and tribulations of his current job in the Deep South. Let's just say he's not someone who really fits in down there (he did not get tenure in my master's program, which was pretty tragic for him and the department, in my opinion. I guess it doesn't pay to be a supportive and enthusiastic mentor. I am confident he will find something better, though). It was so great to see him!
2. All in all, the conference was a positive experience. I made some new contacts and cultivated some existing ones. I am getting better at playing the game. Despite the 12 hour days, a little coworker annoyance, and some other unfortunate low points (you know they are inevitable), it was a productive, professional experience.
3. I got to spend time with one of my best friends. It's always great to see her. She reminds me of who I am--- sometimes I need that.
4. We went out for lunch to enjoy our sunny Saturday afternoon, and despite the chill we sat outside to eat. As we sat, one of my old friends from college walked by and recognized me! We hadn't seen each other since a mutual friend's wedding in 2002. It was so great to see her. Turns out she lives right there in my friend's neighborhood. She sat with us for a bit and we got to catch up. Everyone says that things like this happen, but they don't usually happen to me. Excitamante!
5. Spring sprang while I was out of town. When I left on Wednesday everything was still brown and dead, and dreary. Today you can start to see a hint of green. And, as icing on the cake, it is nearly 60 degrees and sunny! Soooo nice... we are entering the best time of year here. I know better than to think that it won't get cold again, but today is real evidence that spring is coming. If you listen closely you can hear the whole town breathing a sigh of relief.
Now it's time to get organized for the week ahead. The sunshine is helping me face it with a positive attitude. Life is good, they say.
Happy 100th post!
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
I am thankful for....
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, and every year we used to go around the table to talk about the things we were thankful for (for which we were thankful? No one says that). As I mentioned before, those Thanksgivings are over, which is a bit sad, but it is time to create and embrace new Thanksgiving traditons.
Even though it seems cheesy, and I am not a little girl anymore, I still like to say my reasons. So here they are, in no particular order:
1. TMH. Two years ago today we went on our first date. It was an interesting evening for several reasons. He almost ran us off the road, because it was icy, and let's just say we went to a bar with some colorful clientele. Clearly, though, it was successful in the grand scheme of things- 2 years! I really feel lucky to have found him (though I also think he should feel lucky to have found me.)
2. That we are going to TMH's parents' for Thanksgiving. As much as I have a hard time with change, it is exciting to start new traditions. How sad would I be if I were sitting here alone? I am lucky.
3. That I get to see my mom next month, and spend Christmas with her. I am thankful for a whole slew of things about my mom. I don't know what I would do without her.
4. My family in general. I am very lucky to have supportive parents, a family across the world that loves me, and other assorted loved ones. I definitely have a modern family.
5. My health, and the health of my friends and family. Let's face it, good health is a blessing. I try not to take it for granted that I can go running and be as active as schedule and weather permit.
6. The opportunity that I have now to be in school. This is a tough one, because if you read this blog you know that I complain about school a lot. It causes me a lot of stress, keeps me poor, and keeps me living in another state from TMH, but I do realize that I am lucky to have the opportunity to do this. It is pretty amazing when you think about it. It should be pretty clear that I am committed to my work. That's probably why I complain so much. Clearly if I didn't care about this stuff I would just quit, and I am not about to do that!
7. My cat. Even though she can be a pain sometimes, I love her. She is good company and keeps life in my apartment entertaining.
8. That I have a few days off. I need it!
9. That I have such good friends. You know who you are. Thank you all for being so great and supportive!
I could go on and on, but you get the idea. Happy Thanksgiving, friends!
Even though it seems cheesy, and I am not a little girl anymore, I still like to say my reasons. So here they are, in no particular order:
1. TMH. Two years ago today we went on our first date. It was an interesting evening for several reasons. He almost ran us off the road, because it was icy, and let's just say we went to a bar with some colorful clientele. Clearly, though, it was successful in the grand scheme of things- 2 years! I really feel lucky to have found him (though I also think he should feel lucky to have found me.)
2. That we are going to TMH's parents' for Thanksgiving. As much as I have a hard time with change, it is exciting to start new traditions. How sad would I be if I were sitting here alone? I am lucky.
3. That I get to see my mom next month, and spend Christmas with her. I am thankful for a whole slew of things about my mom. I don't know what I would do without her.
4. My family in general. I am very lucky to have supportive parents, a family across the world that loves me, and other assorted loved ones. I definitely have a modern family.
5. My health, and the health of my friends and family. Let's face it, good health is a blessing. I try not to take it for granted that I can go running and be as active as schedule and weather permit.
6. The opportunity that I have now to be in school. This is a tough one, because if you read this blog you know that I complain about school a lot. It causes me a lot of stress, keeps me poor, and keeps me living in another state from TMH, but I do realize that I am lucky to have the opportunity to do this. It is pretty amazing when you think about it. It should be pretty clear that I am committed to my work. That's probably why I complain so much. Clearly if I didn't care about this stuff I would just quit, and I am not about to do that!
7. My cat. Even though she can be a pain sometimes, I love her. She is good company and keeps life in my apartment entertaining.
8. That I have a few days off. I need it!
9. That I have such good friends. You know who you are. Thank you all for being so great and supportive!
I could go on and on, but you get the idea. Happy Thanksgiving, friends!
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Almost...
I leave in the morning. I am excited. Everything is almost done.
I just wanted to take a minute to say how much I appreciate all of the friends that I have here now. There was a time when I never would have expected to be sad about leaving this place. Really. The first year, for sure, I could have left and no one would have even noticed. The second year was a little better, and of course I met TMH then. The power of friends is amazing, and slowly but surely I have found some good ones (and lost some of those that weren't so great for me). I had a great day with E on Saturday, and tonight my school friends had a barbeque for me. Everyone was so happy for me- it was really the perfect evening. I have a really good feeling about the coming year. Everything seems to be coming together. I know that will make it easier to come back here after the summer.
I am up late again. I guess I am a little anxious about leaving, though all I have to do tomorrow is drive. New adventures await... stay tuned.
I just wanted to take a minute to say how much I appreciate all of the friends that I have here now. There was a time when I never would have expected to be sad about leaving this place. Really. The first year, for sure, I could have left and no one would have even noticed. The second year was a little better, and of course I met TMH then. The power of friends is amazing, and slowly but surely I have found some good ones (and lost some of those that weren't so great for me). I had a great day with E on Saturday, and tonight my school friends had a barbeque for me. Everyone was so happy for me- it was really the perfect evening. I have a really good feeling about the coming year. Everything seems to be coming together. I know that will make it easier to come back here after the summer.
I am up late again. I guess I am a little anxious about leaving, though all I have to do tomorrow is drive. New adventures await... stay tuned.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Pack it up, pack it in
It's Sunday night already, and I have one more day to prepare for my adventure. I am leaving on Tuesday, and driving all day to my mom's. I will fly to TMH's on Wednesday, and I start working on Thursday. This way my car will be in the right place when all is said and done, and I can leave it in a safe/free space- at my mom's with my cat. When I finish working in August I will fly home, see my mom again, and be able to drive back to school with the cat. Yay for logistics working out well!
I have had a good time getting ready to go. Everyone has been really supportive and excited for me, even my boss. I was a little concerned about what she might say- but she was really happy for me. My advisor was similar in his support. It was a "no-brainer," as I heard multiple times.
I have been balancing the reading I need to do to get ready for Thursday with the project I am working on for my boss, efforts to clean/pack/organize my apartamento, and hang out with the people I will miss while I'm away. Ms. Bizarro and I had a perfect day yesterday... productive shopping, pedicures, wine and turkey burgers- what more could a girl want? When we do it again in August we will have new stories and adventures to share.
I have been hanging out with some other friends as well... and one of them is having a barbeque tomorrow night, partly to wish me well and partly just as an excuse for everyone to hang out. This really is the best time of year to be here...
I have had a good time getting ready to go. Everyone has been really supportive and excited for me, even my boss. I was a little concerned about what she might say- but she was really happy for me. My advisor was similar in his support. It was a "no-brainer," as I heard multiple times.
I have been balancing the reading I need to do to get ready for Thursday with the project I am working on for my boss, efforts to clean/pack/organize my apartamento, and hang out with the people I will miss while I'm away. Ms. Bizarro and I had a perfect day yesterday... productive shopping, pedicures, wine and turkey burgers- what more could a girl want? When we do it again in August we will have new stories and adventures to share.
I have been hanging out with some other friends as well... and one of them is having a barbeque tomorrow night, partly to wish me well and partly just as an excuse for everyone to hang out. This really is the best time of year to be here...
But, I have exciting places to go. I am really looking forward to being with TMH- and doing fun summer things. Of course I am still nervous about the job, but doing the reading has helped ... I am getting psyched for the actual work part of the job. Everything else is falling into place. One more day.... and I'm on my way!
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