While reading this article, I was shocked by one of the final paragraphs: Of more than 100 uncontacted tribes worldwide, more than half live in either Brazil or Peru, Survival International says.
When I saw the picture online of one of the tribes which has not been contacted, I could hardly believe it. Our society has advanced tremendously over the course of several millenia. This entry that I'm writing will be visible for anyone in the world with internet access to see. I'm connected to millions if not billions of other people this way. Yes, I am quite sheltered, and I'm more privileged than most of the world, simply because I live in this country.
I suppose that's why I have such a hard time believing that there are people out there- over 100 different tribes of people- who have never been exposed to anything I've known in my life. To me, it almost sounds like the stuff featured in movies. Hmm.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Slightly less productivity today
So I mailed out two other applications this morning and sent an email to the arts supervisor for one of the corresponding applications. Unfortunately, I did not fill out the two other applications I'd planned to do today.
Instead, I met my dad at his workplace for a lunch date (yummy Mexican food, complete with margaritas!) before I stopped by the bank. Good conversation and free lunch = pleasant afternoon.
In the last few hours, I've practiced music for an upcoming choir tour and I've made a HUGE mess in our house as I tried to sort through stuff I brought home from GradSchool. It's in different places around the house, and I've got to get a handle on it (and hide as much of it as possible) before BestFriend comes tomorrow!
That's right, folks! BestFriend, who has never actually visited me at home, will be arriving for a superfun Girls' Weekend here at the home of my parents. Already, I've been investigating fun outdoorsy activities since she loves the water ... and there will be some fun trips to the big nearby city, especially now that I've found my pass for the city's popular transportation system. (Unlike CoolCity, where I lived during my years at AlmaMater, I do NOT feel comfortable driving around in my "home city.")
So ... a modified to-do list after yesterday:
1) Shove stuff into boxes, and label them so it's easier to sort the stuff when I have more time. Oh, and hide those boxes in the basement.
2) Remove computer and printer from kitchen table (because the family's printer isn't working and I needed mine yesterday) and place them somewhere out of sight.
3) Change the sheets for BF.
4) Change my pet's cage.
5) Solidify plans a bit more for at least tomorrow's outing, after I retrieve BF from the airport.
All this, and Westley and I have a phone date - at any moment- which will likely last at least an hour. Hmm.
Instead, I met my dad at his workplace for a lunch date (yummy Mexican food, complete with margaritas!) before I stopped by the bank. Good conversation and free lunch = pleasant afternoon.
In the last few hours, I've practiced music for an upcoming choir tour and I've made a HUGE mess in our house as I tried to sort through stuff I brought home from GradSchool. It's in different places around the house, and I've got to get a handle on it (and hide as much of it as possible) before BestFriend comes tomorrow!
That's right, folks! BestFriend, who has never actually visited me at home, will be arriving for a superfun Girls' Weekend here at the home of my parents. Already, I've been investigating fun outdoorsy activities since she loves the water ... and there will be some fun trips to the big nearby city, especially now that I've found my pass for the city's popular transportation system. (Unlike CoolCity, where I lived during my years at AlmaMater, I do NOT feel comfortable driving around in my "home city.")
So ... a modified to-do list after yesterday:
1) Shove stuff into boxes, and label them so it's easier to sort the stuff when I have more time. Oh, and hide those boxes in the basement.
2) Remove computer and printer from kitchen table (because the family's printer isn't working and I needed mine yesterday) and place them somewhere out of sight.
3) Change the sheets for BF.
4) Change my pet's cage.
5) Solidify plans a bit more for at least tomorrow's outing, after I retrieve BF from the airport.
All this, and Westley and I have a phone date - at any moment- which will likely last at least an hour. Hmm.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Update from a few hours later
Not only did I complete the application for my home district, but I wrote a new cover letter to the supervisor for the arts for another position about 4 hours away (for which I'd already applied online) ... AND I mailed out a complete application package to yet another district about 3 hours away, a position which I only discovered online this morning (and their deadline is Friday)! I feel quite productive! Yay!
Still to do:
1. Complete online applications for two other local districts.
2. Write a letter to my district's art supervisor, notifying her of my application.
3. Stalk job postings.
4. Apply to a few other districts in my state.
And for the non-job-finding-related list:
1. Clean my room, my parents' house, everything.
2. Get money from the bank.
3. Plan amazing and crazy adventures for BestFriend and me, since she arrives in less than 48 hours! Woo-hoo!
Still to do:
1. Complete online applications for two other local districts.
2. Write a letter to my district's art supervisor, notifying her of my application.
3. Stalk job postings.
4. Apply to a few other districts in my state.
And for the non-job-finding-related list:
1. Clean my room, my parents' house, everything.
2. Get money from the bank.
3. Plan amazing and crazy adventures for BestFriend and me, since she arrives in less than 48 hours! Woo-hoo!
New Day, Fresh Start
Already, I've completed the easy-peasy application for my home district's system. The one secondary opening I'd heard of was already filled internally, which means that there is now an opening at the elementary level. While I love kids at that age, and I enjoy working with choirs of that age, I'd rather not teach mainly general music to all 600+ students at the school, especially when choir is not the main aspect of that type of position. My graduate degree focused on working with choirs, and I really want a job where I get to do that!
Maybe I shouldn't be so picky.
I mean, my criteria now is as follows:
Type of position: Secondary vocal (prefer high school level, but would try to get experience at junior high level if that's all that is available)
Location: Not too far from home -- by that, I mean within a 6-hour radius of home, although preferably not too far from GradSchool (where Westley still is, which is 5 hours from home); also - I'd love to be near a city (within an hour's drive) because of the cultural opportunities available there, but- no urban schools for me- I do not have the personality nor any desire to teach inner-city
The main problem I've encountered thus far (at least, from what I suspect) is that I have no formal teaching experience. It doesn't matter that I likely have more experience in my field than almost any other new college graduate in my field (graduate assistantship, professional internships, substitute teaching experience, performance experience, a couple publications, membership in several venerable professional organizations, etc). In spite of all of those things, I do believe the fact that I haven't actually taught in a public school before makes me significantly less desirable.
I've just gotta keep reminding myself that God has a plan for my life. And, as is usual in my life, everything turns out much better when I let Him lead. :-)
Maybe I shouldn't be so picky.
I mean, my criteria now is as follows:
Type of position: Secondary vocal (prefer high school level, but would try to get experience at junior high level if that's all that is available)
Location: Not too far from home -- by that, I mean within a 6-hour radius of home, although preferably not too far from GradSchool (where Westley still is, which is 5 hours from home); also - I'd love to be near a city (within an hour's drive) because of the cultural opportunities available there, but- no urban schools for me- I do not have the personality nor any desire to teach inner-city
The main problem I've encountered thus far (at least, from what I suspect) is that I have no formal teaching experience. It doesn't matter that I likely have more experience in my field than almost any other new college graduate in my field (graduate assistantship, professional internships, substitute teaching experience, performance experience, a couple publications, membership in several venerable professional organizations, etc). In spite of all of those things, I do believe the fact that I haven't actually taught in a public school before makes me significantly less desirable.
I've just gotta keep reminding myself that God has a plan for my life. And, as is usual in my life, everything turns out much better when I let Him lead. :-)
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Rejection
Today, I received a polite rejection letter from the district for which I interviewed last week. I felt like my interview had gone very well; I represented myself, my education, and my experience clearly and professionally. I laughed with them in my interview. I was excited about the position, I liked the location, and I really thought I would at least get called back for a second round interview, if not a third round interview. So ... I'm disappointed that I'm not the person they are seeking. And stress has come back to claim its place in my life as I am full force back in the job search.
Off to console myself with Twizzlers and TaB. And the season finale of Grey's Anatomy since I haven't seen it yet.
Off to console myself with Twizzlers and TaB. And the season finale of Grey's Anatomy since I haven't seen it yet.
Friday, May 23, 2008
I'm old enough to have a reunion?
Word is out on my high school class's reunion "group" site. Apparently we have a reunion in a few months.
I love how the class president said that the council had met to decide the date. Funny that I'm hearing it after the fact, and I was class secretary for three years. Hmmm.
Another strange thought: My mom took my dad to her 5-year high school reunion shortly after they began dating. I remember hearing that story while growing up ... and it seems really odd that somehow I'm now old enough to be going to my 5-year reunion. Weird. :-)
I love how the class president said that the council had met to decide the date. Funny that I'm hearing it after the fact, and I was class secretary for three years. Hmmm.
Another strange thought: My mom took my dad to her 5-year high school reunion shortly after they began dating. I remember hearing that story while growing up ... and it seems really odd that somehow I'm now old enough to be going to my 5-year reunion. Weird. :-)
Thursday, May 22, 2008
And I did just fine!
First real job interview EVER went well! There were maybe 2 moments where I couldn't quite think fast enough ~ for those, I forgot to follow BestFriend's advice to take a few seconds after a question was asked to formulate my answer before letting word vomit take over. Eh.
Still, I got a positive vibe from the committee. They complimented me on my stellar academic record, and they seemed impressed by what the answers I gave to their questions. I'm thinking I'll at least make it to the second round of interviews. I feel really good about this potential job. It's in a good district, and the administration strongly supports the arts. I really liked my potential colleagues (two were in on the interview process, and another taught a class I took in undergrad). I've still got to submit other applications elsewhere (so that not all my eggs are in one basket), but I think I'd want this job if it were offered to me. So ... yay! :-)
Still, I got a positive vibe from the committee. They complimented me on my stellar academic record, and they seemed impressed by what the answers I gave to their questions. I'm thinking I'll at least make it to the second round of interviews. I feel really good about this potential job. It's in a good district, and the administration strongly supports the arts. I really liked my potential colleagues (two were in on the interview process, and another taught a class I took in undergrad). I've still got to submit other applications elsewhere (so that not all my eggs are in one basket), but I think I'd want this job if it were offered to me. So ... yay! :-)
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Feeling a little more confident
Last night, I talked on the phone with one of my co-ops from student teaching. He didn't know much about the position for which I'm interviewing tomorrow, but he gave me some great advice to consider as I prepare for my FIRST EVER INTERVIEW! It helped that he had insight to share as he'd served on the interviewing committee for several candidates in his district. We reminisced about my time at his school, and he updated me on how his students are doing.
At one point, he remarked, "When you left here, I know you left a piece of yourself behind," referencing how closely I'd connected with his students. I acknowledged it to be true; my experience there left me hungry for more. It had been a tough decision to go to GradSchool directly after finishing at AlmaMater because I so wanted to have my own kids, my own program. I'm very excited as this dream, this hope, is hurtling towards becoming a reality. (I want a job!)
~*~*~*~
Later in the evening, I talked with my contact in the district where I'm interviewing tomorrow. I am soooo grateful for his willingness to answer my questions about the district, the community, the existing program, and the interviewing committee's visions for the program (and what they're hoping to find in a candidate).
I'd been warned by some that I might not be as attractive a candidate with my Master's because I'm more expensive; however, this contact reassured me that this was not the case in his district. If anything, he said, NCLB has really pushed for districts to find the most highly qualified teachers. With the experience I gained through my grad program, I may be more attractive because the difference in pay (B.S. vs. B.S. with additional credits/degree) isn't that extreme. (Alas, I'd hoped that my degree would pay for itself in a year or two; that doesn't appear to be the case in this district.)
I still have some research to do (unexpected tip: brush up on reading and math standards for the state, even though those are NOT my subject area), and I've got to finish organizing my portfolio (most things are in one place; I can polish it more before Round Two if I'm called back). I've also got to choose which dress shirt I want to wear (more conservative stripes or a bright, warm color) and iron it. Then I'll get to practice answering interview questions as I drive for a LONG time today. I'm due to leave in 3 hours, so I ought to take the towel off my head, comb out my hair, get the above list done, pack, book a hotel room, and take off!
At one point, he remarked, "When you left here, I know you left a piece of yourself behind," referencing how closely I'd connected with his students. I acknowledged it to be true; my experience there left me hungry for more. It had been a tough decision to go to GradSchool directly after finishing at AlmaMater because I so wanted to have my own kids, my own program. I'm very excited as this dream, this hope, is hurtling towards becoming a reality. (I want a job!)
~*~*~*~
Later in the evening, I talked with my contact in the district where I'm interviewing tomorrow. I am soooo grateful for his willingness to answer my questions about the district, the community, the existing program, and the interviewing committee's visions for the program (and what they're hoping to find in a candidate).
I'd been warned by some that I might not be as attractive a candidate with my Master's because I'm more expensive; however, this contact reassured me that this was not the case in his district. If anything, he said, NCLB has really pushed for districts to find the most highly qualified teachers. With the experience I gained through my grad program, I may be more attractive because the difference in pay (B.S. vs. B.S. with additional credits/degree) isn't that extreme. (Alas, I'd hoped that my degree would pay for itself in a year or two; that doesn't appear to be the case in this district.)
I still have some research to do (unexpected tip: brush up on reading and math standards for the state, even though those are NOT my subject area), and I've got to finish organizing my portfolio (most things are in one place; I can polish it more before Round Two if I'm called back). I've also got to choose which dress shirt I want to wear (more conservative stripes or a bright, warm color) and iron it. Then I'll get to practice answering interview questions as I drive for a LONG time today. I'm due to leave in 3 hours, so I ought to take the towel off my head, comb out my hair, get the above list done, pack, book a hotel room, and take off!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Preparation for first real world possibility
I'm compiling my portfolio for my upcoming job interview. I really should have steadily updated it over the years instead of throwing everything in various envelopes, bags, and boxes which are full of other unnecessary things. Not to mention, once everything is in its own lovely page protector sheet, I have to create a table of contents and dividers. Eh.
I'm gonna be spending over $200 for this opportunity: at least $80 in gas and tolls (probably more) + ~$120 for a hotel room. Bonus: dinner with a friend in the area (more $ however). All for a 30 minute interview. And I'll probably have to do this a few times this summer. *sigh* My goal is to have a job before I leave the area for 3 weeks at the end of next month. Lord, please help me. :-)
I'm gonna be spending over $200 for this opportunity: at least $80 in gas and tolls (probably more) + ~$120 for a hotel room. Bonus: dinner with a friend in the area (more $ however). All for a 30 minute interview. And I'll probably have to do this a few times this summer. *sigh* My goal is to have a job before I leave the area for 3 weeks at the end of next month. Lord, please help me. :-)
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Refreshing is...
walking outside in the rain without an umbrella. The light rain was cool and gentle, and while the weather wasn't especially warm, there was something very simple and rejuvenating about the not-too-far walk to my car after church this morning.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Childhood dreams
While walking down the driveway to collect today's mail, I gazed into the woods on one side. Beautiful leafy greens. Shadows and the occasional ray of sunlight. Adventures waiting to happen.
When we were younger, my siblings, neighbors and I used to explore in the woods. We'd go adventuring for hours ... seeking new places, hidden treasures, nature's secrets. Our greatest goal was to find a way to cross the creek in the woods. What was on the other side?
I used to drift off into fantasy. Surely unicorns and other mythological creatures were sequestered in these woods. Somewhere.
We once found a treehouse (such excitement was unparalleled) and there were numerous attempts to cross the creek over old trees which had fallen over both banks. Once, my best friend fell in, and we sheepishly found our way to the road and walked home, soaking wet.
It's been years since I ventured out there. Fear of snakes and ticks discouraged me. My neighborhood friend moved away. My brother became more interested in computer games, and my sister decided that her interests lay elsewhere as well.
Part of me wants to go exploring in nature ... to find a quiet place ... away from everything ... where I can read ... or write (Stories? I haven't written any for at least 10 years. Poetry? Not much since high school. Music? Haven't felt the inspiration much lately either...) Somehow, the thought of a secret corner where I could simply experience nature sounds incredibly serene and appealing ... Perhaps it's the thought of re-discovering my imagination which is so appealing?
When we were younger, my siblings, neighbors and I used to explore in the woods. We'd go adventuring for hours ... seeking new places, hidden treasures, nature's secrets. Our greatest goal was to find a way to cross the creek in the woods. What was on the other side?
I used to drift off into fantasy. Surely unicorns and other mythological creatures were sequestered in these woods. Somewhere.
We once found a treehouse (such excitement was unparalleled) and there were numerous attempts to cross the creek over old trees which had fallen over both banks. Once, my best friend fell in, and we sheepishly found our way to the road and walked home, soaking wet.
It's been years since I ventured out there. Fear of snakes and ticks discouraged me. My neighborhood friend moved away. My brother became more interested in computer games, and my sister decided that her interests lay elsewhere as well.
Part of me wants to go exploring in nature ... to find a quiet place ... away from everything ... where I can read ... or write (Stories? I haven't written any for at least 10 years. Poetry? Not much since high school. Music? Haven't felt the inspiration much lately either...) Somehow, the thought of a secret corner where I could simply experience nature sounds incredibly serene and appealing ... Perhaps it's the thought of re-discovering my imagination which is so appealing?
Friday, May 16, 2008
First week after finishing
I have been slacking this week. This is my second pajama day. I like to think that I've earned this break, after the incredibly stressful final 2 weeks of grad school. Maybe I have, maybe not.
My recovery process has included some junk food since I rarely gave into the temptation to buy it for my apartment in GradSchoolTown. It's here and free at casa de mis padres and ... cookies & tortilla chips with salsa & soda can be quite yummy sometimes (though probably not all at once).
Recovery has also included: catching up with guilty favorites (I love the online streaming episodes) such as House, Grey's, Samantha Who?, and The Office (for which I have about 6 episodes left) ... and why did Private Practice not return after the strike? I really liked that the last time I had time to watch ... last fall ....
Oh, and I've read some silly books too. There was this one and that book. Oh, and I can't forget this other one (which I read online, as it's free online, somewhere, but I was too lazy to look for the website address) either.
And ... I've managed to clear/clean/organize about half of the stuff which I brought back from my apartment ... and I spent two hours scrubbing the shower in my siblings & my shared bathroom today. And I went out with my mom yesterday to find her a dress for an upcoming event. Oh, and I went to a music rehearsal and a concert (different groups) ... and my brother and I made my mom dinner this week, as a belated mother's day gift.
So maybe I've been productive ... but ... my efforts at productivity must now focus on GETTING A JOB. I've sent out a few applications, but there are MANY MORE to complete. And I should update my portfolio considering it hasn't been tweaked since my SOPHOMORE year of college. And I've, um, definitely done quite a bit since then. Hmm.
My recovery process has included some junk food since I rarely gave into the temptation to buy it for my apartment in GradSchoolTown. It's here and free at casa de mis padres and ... cookies & tortilla chips with salsa & soda can be quite yummy sometimes (though probably not all at once).
Recovery has also included: catching up with guilty favorites (I love the online streaming episodes) such as House, Grey's, Samantha Who?, and The Office (for which I have about 6 episodes left) ... and why did Private Practice not return after the strike? I really liked that the last time I had time to watch ... last fall ....
Oh, and I've read some silly books too. There was this one and that book. Oh, and I can't forget this other one (which I read online, as it's free online, somewhere, but I was too lazy to look for the website address) either.
And ... I've managed to clear/clean/organize about half of the stuff which I brought back from my apartment ... and I spent two hours scrubbing the shower in my siblings & my shared bathroom today. And I went out with my mom yesterday to find her a dress for an upcoming event. Oh, and I went to a music rehearsal and a concert (different groups) ... and my brother and I made my mom dinner this week, as a belated mother's day gift.
So maybe I've been productive ... but ... my efforts at productivity must now focus on GETTING A JOB. I've sent out a few applications, but there are MANY MORE to complete. And I should update my portfolio considering it hasn't been tweaked since my SOPHOMORE year of college. And I've, um, definitely done quite a bit since then. Hmm.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Overheard at a conference*
Young woman: I think I want a steel drum band if I ever get married ... I'll just get a date for Friday night and work my way up to a boyfriend.
*A conference of music teachers; I discovered that I'd written down this quote on a session handout when I was filtering through various material earlier this evening :)
*A conference of music teachers; I discovered that I'd written down this quote on a session handout when I was filtering through various material earlier this evening :)
Amusing revelation
My mother was talking the other day about when she used to go out when she was in college. Apparently, when she was in the process of getting dolled up for her evenings out, she'd have music on in the background. Not just any music. Not the popular music of her time ...
She used to listen to the 1812 Overture and Bolero.
She used to listen to the 1812 Overture and Bolero.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Last day of finals
I have score analysis to complete, a powerpoint to create (for a presentation at the last possible final time- this evening), and an essay to write. Oh, and a take-home final that I got an extension for ... and I've passed the extension already ... so I really need to get that done too.
Why is it so difficult for me to just be motivated and kick @$$ and get these little assignments done?! If I had been proactive, I could be out enjoying the last day of sunshine that's predicted for my remaining few days here in GradSchoolTown instead of staring at my computer screen, hoping the work will get done without me.
Must. Stop. Procrastinating. Eh.
Why is it so difficult for me to just be motivated and kick @$$ and get these little assignments done?! If I had been proactive, I could be out enjoying the last day of sunshine that's predicted for my remaining few days here in GradSchoolTown instead of staring at my computer screen, hoping the work will get done without me.
Must. Stop. Procrastinating. Eh.
Something to ponder
My aunt and uncle, the coolest relatives in my parents' generation (besides my parents, of course), have started a blog. I'm not ready to reveal my blog to people IRL (only BestFriend knows about it) ... but I do think it's fun that I'm no longer the only one who's doing this. :-)
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Reason 345987 I'm ready to move out of student housing
One of my roommates is leaving earlier than I am. She's been quite zealous in her packing. I've already had to rescue 1) the dish towels I bought in CoolCity my sophomore year at AlmaMater and 2) the dish drainer I bought last fall in BestFriend's HomeState because said roommmate didn't bring hers like she said she would, and I was tired of letting dishes dry on top of dishcloths on our counter.
Alas, today, I discovered that I had not acted in time to save my meat tongs. Yeah, they probably cost me a dollar (because I split a 2-pack with Green, another of my GA friends) ... but I paid for them. They were mine. Roommate heard me complaining to Westley and said she didn't remember packing them.
Grrrrrrr
Lesson learned: Label my belongings!
Or: Create a list of everything I contribute to the living space and post it somewhere in the shared living space so this kind of thing can be avoided.
Or: Don't let an incompetent landlord "place" me with someone "who would be a good fit" (she promised me I'd be with older students like me- GAs or student teachers ... and I ended up with two sophomores) and then break the lease agreement I already signed to add an additional roommate to the living space.
Alas, today, I discovered that I had not acted in time to save my meat tongs. Yeah, they probably cost me a dollar (because I split a 2-pack with Green, another of my GA friends) ... but I paid for them. They were mine. Roommate heard me complaining to Westley and said she didn't remember packing them.
Grrrrrrr
Lesson learned: Label my belongings!
Or: Create a list of everything I contribute to the living space and post it somewhere in the shared living space so this kind of thing can be avoided.
Or: Don't let an incompetent landlord "place" me with someone "who would be a good fit" (she promised me I'd be with older students like me- GAs or student teachers ... and I ended up with two sophomores) and then break the lease agreement I already signed to add an additional roommate to the living space.
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Monday, May 05, 2008
Delightful
GradSchool sent me an invoice telling me I owed them more money. When I realized that that amount of money could pay for a full tank of gas- my drive home from GradSchool- it seemed like a lot of money to me. I mentioned the situation to Westley, and I said I didn't think I was going to fight it because I didn't want to have to deal with it anymore. I'd been sitting on the invoice for awhile, hoping it would simply go away.
Well, today I printed out email correspondence from earlier in the semester (because there had been payment issues then) ... and I put it in my nice little sheet-protected binder when I stopped by the Accounts office. The employee crunched numbers for several minutes while I was sitting there before telling me that she'd have to put in a call to another office, as the numbers weren't making sense. She promised to call my cell phone once she had more information.
My cell phone died after an unexpected but wonderful hour-long phone conversation with my sister.
I just got the voice mail. The University screwed up. They owe me money! More than twice the amount that I supposedly owed them! Hurray! That totally made my day.
Aack, must complete take-home final now, as it is due in an hour. Oh, and I've got to sing in an hour too. Ha. I lost my voice yesterday and I was sick all weekend ... not to mention my immobility this morning due to cramps. *sigh* Can't have everything. At least I've got some $ coming my way!
Well, today I printed out email correspondence from earlier in the semester (because there had been payment issues then) ... and I put it in my nice little sheet-protected binder when I stopped by the Accounts office. The employee crunched numbers for several minutes while I was sitting there before telling me that she'd have to put in a call to another office, as the numbers weren't making sense. She promised to call my cell phone once she had more information.
My cell phone died after an unexpected but wonderful hour-long phone conversation with my sister.
I just got the voice mail. The University screwed up. They owe me money! More than twice the amount that I supposedly owed them! Hurray! That totally made my day.
Aack, must complete take-home final now, as it is due in an hour. Oh, and I've got to sing in an hour too. Ha. I lost my voice yesterday and I was sick all weekend ... not to mention my immobility this morning due to cramps. *sigh* Can't have everything. At least I've got some $ coming my way!
You Honk, We Drink
This sign was displayed prominently on the front porch of a house I pass on my drive everyday to and from GradSchool. Throughout the year, the college guys who live in the house sit on the porch to people-watch. I expected that grandmas in this rural town might enjoy that hobby, but I still get surprised when I see the young guys just chillaxing out there in their lawn chairs.
Today, there was a group of college kids gathered on the porch ... probably hanging out to celebrate the end of classes. I paused at the stop sign diagonal from their house, which is when I saw the sign.
Even though it was just 4:30 in the afternoon, I honked as I drove past, earning an appreciative grin from one of the guys as he raised his bottle of beer.
Today, there was a group of college kids gathered on the porch ... probably hanging out to celebrate the end of classes. I paused at the stop sign diagonal from their house, which is when I saw the sign.
Even though it was just 4:30 in the afternoon, I honked as I drove past, earning an appreciative grin from one of the guys as he raised his bottle of beer.
One year ago today ...
... I was graduating from college.
Five days from now, I will graduate with my Master's.
Wow.
Five days from now, I will graduate with my Master's.
Wow.
Friday, May 02, 2008
Sigh ... of relief!
I passed my orals! :-) I didn't realize just how much they were weighing down on me until I physically felt the relief flooding through my body when my committee congratulated me.
Off to spend the weekend with Westley's family before the last week of finals!
Off to spend the weekend with Westley's family before the last week of finals!
Thursday, May 01, 2008
May Day
Two major projects due AND my oral exam: TOMORROW.
*When I recover my sanity, I'll write about the lovely events of last week ...
*When I recover my sanity, I'll write about the lovely events of last week ...
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