Thursday, May 6, 2010
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Happy Cinco de Mayo
Because I'm a grad student- read: trying like crazy to finish my master's report, I'll be partaking in Cinco de Mayo in my hot pink Mexican dress which I love oh so much.... and drinking a cerveza while I finish my final edits....
I can celebrate cinco another day.... maybe on the ocho...
Honorary past cinco pics to come later.
I can celebrate cinco another day.... maybe on the ocho...
Honorary past cinco pics to come later.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Big Girls Don't Cry....
Really- we don't. We take bubble baths. And get this: They. Are. Magical.
This day defeated me. I could feel it happening the moment I got the email. Under the facade of a smile, I was losing my grip on the situation. And when that happens- I turn to my people- and I did- and they came through.
I sat staring at the screen. *Okay, count to ten- remain calm.* This is a complicated situation- one best not relived. Long story short, I almost had to find a *new* second reader for my master's report, which is due on Friday because my second reader wanted me to change something I was not comfortable changing because I stand firm by my journalistic integrity. I am not a combative person- unless I feel as if I have been wronged. And today, I was ready to wage war. After a series of phone calls, emails and text messages between me, my first reader, my second reader and others willing to step in to fight the fight with me- the situation still wasn't resolved. If you know me, you know I dislike NOT being in control of a situation. And still not knowing whether or not my second reader will sign my form tomorrow is KILLING me. (with a capital "K"). But knowing that I have my people there- to offer kind words, emails, thoughts and prayers my way- makes the difference and makes the "not-knowing" just a tad more tolerable.
Put the smile on- and hope for a better tomorrow.
After I spent some time venting to Ryan about my situation- and him reassuring me that I AM right and that I shouldn't compromise anything- it was time to head to the airport to pick up Reshma.
Take a deep breath and smile.
The ride to the airport was nice. Not much traffic and some John Mayer on the radio. The day was redeeming itself. I had it all worked out in my head. Pick Reshma up, drop her off, revise my master's report and finish homework. Okay- the day was even seeming slightly enjoyable at this point.
Picked Reshma up- drove her home, dropped her off. No problem. See Starbucks on my way back to my apartment. Decide I deserve an iced white mocha. Stop in, grab my coffee and leave. Get in my car- and attempt to drive back home. Nope- not happening- not today. I had barely made it out of the parking lot- when it died. It just died on me. I was defeated. I don't cry- ever- but I wanted to reenact a scene from a movie. I wanted to hit my steering wheel- and cry. In the parking lot. I wanted to so bad. But I didn't.
I called AAA instead. Requested a tow truck. Then, I called Reshma to come save me. And she did. Thank goodness for having people- good people- people who offer to help- and people who tell you that they are sorry that your day is sucking- and who agree, that some tequila shots might indeed improve the day.
When she dropped me off at my apartment, I was drained- emotionally drained. I wanted to forget everything bad about today. So I took a bubble bath. A long, warm, not-getting-out until my skin is wrinkled like a raisin- bubble bath. I pulled out the big guns tonight- I needed to- so I lit some candles. Sitting in a tub filled to the brim with bubbles really helps you put things in perspective.
Like I said before- bubble baths are magical- they have the ability to wash away the grime from your day- and when you are finished- when all the things that dirtied up your day are clean again- it's time to get out and move on.
So now, my soul feels better- it is rested- it is clean. Tomorrow is a new day with new promises. And once again, I am reminded of His grace. Because when we are the most broken- or when we have the worst day- we can wake up again tomorrow- and know that it will be different.
"Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are NEW every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Lamentations 3:21-23
This day defeated me. I could feel it happening the moment I got the email. Under the facade of a smile, I was losing my grip on the situation. And when that happens- I turn to my people- and I did- and they came through.
I sat staring at the screen. *Okay, count to ten- remain calm.* This is a complicated situation- one best not relived. Long story short, I almost had to find a *new* second reader for my master's report, which is due on Friday because my second reader wanted me to change something I was not comfortable changing because I stand firm by my journalistic integrity. I am not a combative person- unless I feel as if I have been wronged. And today, I was ready to wage war. After a series of phone calls, emails and text messages between me, my first reader, my second reader and others willing to step in to fight the fight with me- the situation still wasn't resolved. If you know me, you know I dislike NOT being in control of a situation. And still not knowing whether or not my second reader will sign my form tomorrow is KILLING me. (with a capital "K"). But knowing that I have my people there- to offer kind words, emails, thoughts and prayers my way- makes the difference and makes the "not-knowing" just a tad more tolerable.
Put the smile on- and hope for a better tomorrow.
After I spent some time venting to Ryan about my situation- and him reassuring me that I AM right and that I shouldn't compromise anything- it was time to head to the airport to pick up Reshma.
Take a deep breath and smile.
The ride to the airport was nice. Not much traffic and some John Mayer on the radio. The day was redeeming itself. I had it all worked out in my head. Pick Reshma up, drop her off, revise my master's report and finish homework. Okay- the day was even seeming slightly enjoyable at this point.
Picked Reshma up- drove her home, dropped her off. No problem. See Starbucks on my way back to my apartment. Decide I deserve an iced white mocha. Stop in, grab my coffee and leave. Get in my car- and attempt to drive back home. Nope- not happening- not today. I had barely made it out of the parking lot- when it died. It just died on me. I was defeated. I don't cry- ever- but I wanted to reenact a scene from a movie. I wanted to hit my steering wheel- and cry. In the parking lot. I wanted to so bad. But I didn't.
I called AAA instead. Requested a tow truck. Then, I called Reshma to come save me. And she did. Thank goodness for having people- good people- people who offer to help- and people who tell you that they are sorry that your day is sucking- and who agree, that some tequila shots might indeed improve the day.
When she dropped me off at my apartment, I was drained- emotionally drained. I wanted to forget everything bad about today. So I took a bubble bath. A long, warm, not-getting-out until my skin is wrinkled like a raisin- bubble bath. I pulled out the big guns tonight- I needed to- so I lit some candles. Sitting in a tub filled to the brim with bubbles really helps you put things in perspective.
Like I said before- bubble baths are magical- they have the ability to wash away the grime from your day- and when you are finished- when all the things that dirtied up your day are clean again- it's time to get out and move on.
So now, my soul feels better- it is rested- it is clean. Tomorrow is a new day with new promises. And once again, I am reminded of His grace. Because when we are the most broken- or when we have the worst day- we can wake up again tomorrow- and know that it will be different.
"Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are NEW every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Lamentations 3:21-23
Trying to Remain Calm
Some days are just trying....
They can push your buttons like no other- and make you just want to crawl back into bed and start your day over.
and today has been one of those days.
So for now- I'm looking for the humor (because it does exist) and surrounding myself with my team!
And tomorrow is looking better already....
They can push your buttons like no other- and make you just want to crawl back into bed and start your day over.
and today has been one of those days.
So for now- I'm looking for the humor (because it does exist) and surrounding myself with my team!
And tomorrow is looking better already....
Sunday, May 2, 2010
On books, reading and writing
I have been neglecting my always-growing reading list for the past two years- sad right? I am where I am today because I love to read. I love everything about books- the way they feel, the way they smell, holding them in my hands (no Kindle for me), the way they challenge the way you think and the power they have to transport you to another place.
I am a huge proponent of teaching kids to read at a young age. Ibelieve know that my mind operates the way it does today because of the time my parents spent teaching me the importance of reading. It allows you to dream- and tickles that creative muscle that everyone has in them somewhere.
That being said, I can't wait to get started on my stack of books that have collected a thin layer of dust by my bedside since I've been in grad school. I like them all: memoirs, fiction, non-fiction, mystery, chick-lit, children's books, long, short, sad, happy- I don't discriminate.
When I was younger, my mom would take me to the library every week and we would come back home with stacks and stacks of books that I couldn't wait to discover. Things haven't changed much- except now I'm browsing through the grown-ups section at the book store.
So when I'm free, I can't wait to start up that relationship with my books that has been put on the shelf (so to speak) for too long now. I hope they missed me as much as I have missed them. The first book that I think I will read is:
I can never pass up a good dog book- I'm a sucker for them.....
Any other suggestions? Feel free to pass them along to me....
I am a huge proponent of teaching kids to read at a young age. I
That being said, I can't wait to get started on my stack of books that have collected a thin layer of dust by my bedside since I've been in grad school. I like them all: memoirs, fiction, non-fiction, mystery, chick-lit, children's books, long, short, sad, happy- I don't discriminate.
When I was younger, my mom would take me to the library every week and we would come back home with stacks and stacks of books that I couldn't wait to discover. Things haven't changed much- except now I'm browsing through the grown-ups section at the book store.
So when I'm free, I can't wait to start up that relationship with my books that has been put on the shelf (so to speak) for too long now. I hope they missed me as much as I have missed them. The first book that I think I will read is:
Any other suggestions? Feel free to pass them along to me....
On graduating
I have a special graduation note that I need to share with you all- closer to graduation- remind me... I don't want to forget!!!
Home Stretch
This time next week....
1. My master's report will be turned in
2. I'll be finishing up the final edits on my final assignment to be turned in... ever
3. I won't know what to do with myself
4. I can turn looking for a job- into my full time job
For the time being- I'm kind of freaking out- is this really happening? Did two years really go by this fast? Yes, yes they did. So now I'm sitting here.... on the brink of a new chapter and great things to come, but part of me is still desperately clinging on to my last few days as a student. But, I have to let go soon- after all, there is a life to be lived- and how sweet it will be.
1. My master's report will be turned in
2. I'll be finishing up the final edits on my final assignment to be turned in... ever
3. I won't know what to do with myself
4. I can turn looking for a job- into my full time job
For the time being- I'm kind of freaking out- is this really happening? Did two years really go by this fast? Yes, yes they did. So now I'm sitting here.... on the brink of a new chapter and great things to come, but part of me is still desperately clinging on to my last few days as a student. But, I have to let go soon- after all, there is a life to be lived- and how sweet it will be.
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