Happiness is...
Being remembered.
Today we visited my old High School and Middle School. Just for fun. It wasn't until my seventh grade band director stopped me in the hallway did I realize that I had actually made a mark there. He remembered my name, my instrument, and particulars about my family. A real footprint! It felt good, if only for a 3 minute conversation. I loved the feeling!
I remember many of the people who have impacted my life. Who'd have known that it was reciprocal :)
Showing posts with label grad school. Show all posts
Showing posts with label grad school. Show all posts
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Friday, December 9, 2011
Winter break
Happiness is...
Winter break! It's here at last, the time to sit around, do some yoga, watch some movies, pretty much anything except graduate schoolwork.
This year features two happy holidays, time with family, dancing, and a week in Jamaica! More to come.
Winter break! It's here at last, the time to sit around, do some yoga, watch some movies, pretty much anything except graduate schoolwork.
This year features two happy holidays, time with family, dancing, and a week in Jamaica! More to come.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
First Semester
Happiness is...
Finishing my first semester of graduate school. At last, after all that work, late nights reading chapters, long study guides, group presentations, 20-page papers, discussions, and work on top if it all... I have finished the semester. I finished with straight-As too, so there!
Mommy, wow! I'm a big kid now! 4 semesters to go and I start my career as a Licensed Counselor. Unbelievable, I know. For the time being, I'm happy to just be done with this term.
Finishing my first semester of graduate school. At last, after all that work, late nights reading chapters, long study guides, group presentations, 20-page papers, discussions, and work on top if it all... I have finished the semester. I finished with straight-As too, so there!
Mommy, wow! I'm a big kid now! 4 semesters to go and I start my career as a Licensed Counselor. Unbelievable, I know. For the time being, I'm happy to just be done with this term.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Continuing Ed.
Happiness is...
Continued education. Today in class we were each invited to share a relevant article about counseling. It was fun to investigate extra things in the field, and it revealed a lot of other information through classmates' articles... they were all so interesting, and an excellent reminder of the continual learning within this profession!
When I was in college, I used to say I wanted to grow up to be a student; I guess this is about as close as I could get. :)
Continued education. Today in class we were each invited to share a relevant article about counseling. It was fun to investigate extra things in the field, and it revealed a lot of other information through classmates' articles... they were all so interesting, and an excellent reminder of the continual learning within this profession!
When I was in college, I used to say I wanted to grow up to be a student; I guess this is about as close as I could get. :)
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Finishing early
Happiness is...
Finishing projects early. I don't care if the deadline was extended, I'm happier turning it in tonight and moving on. It makes me feel more competent and it keeps my anxiety in check. I love getting things out of the way, because otherwise you can bet that my perfectionist tendencies will take over before I'm able to do it right. Even when I finish a project, I will continue to proof it until I turn it in at last. Might as well check it off the list! Luckily, I was able to do just that.
Getting projects out of the way also opens my afternoon to work on the next thing. That's the glory of grad school... there's no such thing as being ahead of schedule.
This probably sounds compulsive and overwhelming, but I promise it's a good thing. I'm able to breathe, and I'm prepared to look ahead. In three weeks, I will have relief. For now, this is my nature. Bring it on, finals!
Finishing projects early. I don't care if the deadline was extended, I'm happier turning it in tonight and moving on. It makes me feel more competent and it keeps my anxiety in check. I love getting things out of the way, because otherwise you can bet that my perfectionist tendencies will take over before I'm able to do it right. Even when I finish a project, I will continue to proof it until I turn it in at last. Might as well check it off the list! Luckily, I was able to do just that.
Getting projects out of the way also opens my afternoon to work on the next thing. That's the glory of grad school... there's no such thing as being ahead of schedule.
This probably sounds compulsive and overwhelming, but I promise it's a good thing. I'm able to breathe, and I'm prepared to look ahead. In three weeks, I will have relief. For now, this is my nature. Bring it on, finals!
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Knitting Project
Happiness is...
A new knitting project. It's my first knitting project since I started grad school. I simply have not had time; there have been chapters to read, papers to write! However, I seem to have neglected my hobbies in the meantime. Hobbies aren't just there to alleviate boredom (although they often do). They're a human connection to pure joy. Leisure activities. Don't forget yours.
Today, I started mittens (my first pair). Though it can be frustrating at times, I am rejuvenated. I am not nose deep in any theory nor am I revising, for the 5th time, my literature review. I am just pulling these stitches around. That's the life.
A new knitting project. It's my first knitting project since I started grad school. I simply have not had time; there have been chapters to read, papers to write! However, I seem to have neglected my hobbies in the meantime. Hobbies aren't just there to alleviate boredom (although they often do). They're a human connection to pure joy. Leisure activities. Don't forget yours.
Today, I started mittens (my first pair). Though it can be frustrating at times, I am rejuvenated. I am not nose deep in any theory nor am I revising, for the 5th time, my literature review. I am just pulling these stitches around. That's the life.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Fall back.
Happiness is...
Daylight savings time. No, I did not gain an hour of sleep. You know me, it's like clockwork. I did, however have an extra morning hour to make some more progress on this Alternate Plan Paper (thesis). It's not colossal, but it's a feat for me, given my circumstances.
That is the extent of this weekend, though. Homework and more homework. I figure if I crunch enough in the following few days maybe I can avoid the stress around Thanksgiving and such, and I can anticipate December rather than dreading it. I figure if I do my stuff up front I can kick back and enjoy the last bit of my first semester of graduate school. Heck, maybe I'll even have the time to reflect on these weeks. I doubt it though. Maybe that's what I should have done with my extra hour this morning... then again, maybe not. Back to work, see you tomorrow!
Daylight savings time. No, I did not gain an hour of sleep. You know me, it's like clockwork. I did, however have an extra morning hour to make some more progress on this Alternate Plan Paper (thesis). It's not colossal, but it's a feat for me, given my circumstances.
That is the extent of this weekend, though. Homework and more homework. I figure if I crunch enough in the following few days maybe I can avoid the stress around Thanksgiving and such, and I can anticipate December rather than dreading it. I figure if I do my stuff up front I can kick back and enjoy the last bit of my first semester of graduate school. Heck, maybe I'll even have the time to reflect on these weeks. I doubt it though. Maybe that's what I should have done with my extra hour this morning... then again, maybe not. Back to work, see you tomorrow!
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Study Buddy
Happiness is...
Study Buddies. Schoolwork is a little easier if I do it sitting next to a friend, perhaps drinking some wine... My productivity is greatly increased by knowing that not EVERYONE is out having fun without me. I have one captive here writing papers by my side :)
Okay, so perhaps a friend and some wine are not the greatest combination for a super productive night. However, I wouldn't trade it for anything---nothing makes my work more tolerable.
Study Buddies. Schoolwork is a little easier if I do it sitting next to a friend, perhaps drinking some wine... My productivity is greatly increased by knowing that not EVERYONE is out having fun without me. I have one captive here writing papers by my side :)
Okay, so perhaps a friend and some wine are not the greatest combination for a super productive night. However, I wouldn't trade it for anything---nothing makes my work more tolerable.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Progress
Happiness is...
Progress! With only four weeks left, it's become time to buckle down for the projects and papers and exams that remain. Luckily, I am sooooo on top of this. I am finishing paper number two tonight, BOOYA. As a grad student, I have a demeanor much like many other grad students: total perfectionism. I have extremely high expectations of myself and have always been an achiever. Thus, I am still trying to stay ahead of my schoolwork. It's not easy, but it is completely worth it.
With the end of the semester approaching, the world is in chaos. I am competent enough for this. I am here for a reason.
Progress! With only four weeks left, it's become time to buckle down for the projects and papers and exams that remain. Luckily, I am sooooo on top of this. I am finishing paper number two tonight, BOOYA. As a grad student, I have a demeanor much like many other grad students: total perfectionism. I have extremely high expectations of myself and have always been an achiever. Thus, I am still trying to stay ahead of my schoolwork. It's not easy, but it is completely worth it.
With the end of the semester approaching, the world is in chaos. I am competent enough for this. I am here for a reason.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Perfect score
Happiness is...
Receiving not one, but two 100%s in a day.
That's right, graduate school---take that.
Receiving not one, but two 100%s in a day.
That's right, graduate school---take that.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Pinot Grigio
Happiness is...
Pinot. Wash that spaghetti down with a glass of white wine, and your dinner will suddenly feel classy and wonderful. Sometimes, the cheaper the better. Studies have shown that even wine connoisseurs cannot taste the difference between a $7 bottle of wine and a $40 one anyway.
What's in a label anyway?
Objective: enjoy some adult pleasures. Indulge in fancy cheeses. Listen to Tchaikovsky. Drink some pinot grigio with dinner. And relax into your role as somebody special, important, and refined.
Pinot. Wash that spaghetti down with a glass of white wine, and your dinner will suddenly feel classy and wonderful. Sometimes, the cheaper the better. Studies have shown that even wine connoisseurs cannot taste the difference between a $7 bottle of wine and a $40 one anyway.
What's in a label anyway?
Objective: enjoy some adult pleasures. Indulge in fancy cheeses. Listen to Tchaikovsky. Drink some pinot grigio with dinner. And relax into your role as somebody special, important, and refined.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Ahead of schedule
Happiness is...
Getting ahead on reading. You likely do not understand what a colossal feat this is. Let me explain.
Graduate school is demanding and, at times, overwhelming. When I was at my interview the second year students told me that the work load was heavy and that they were always trying to keep up with reading. Because I was a 4.0 student in college and an ambitious young professional, however, this did not apply to me. I have always just been gifted. Man, did I underestimate this program. I have learned my lesson, pulled myself up by my bootstraps, and started working just as hard as the rest of them.
When my professor emailed us the assigned reading (approx. 200 pages) to be done by the first day of class---with only two days' warning mind you---reality slammed into me like a freight train. I have been struggling along the tracks ever since. But this afternoon, I finished a chapter that doesn't just get me to where I need to be next week, it gets me ahead. It's such a good feeling to be on top of my game! I feel like for once I can indulge in a little bit of a social life. Maybe I can even stop to cook a nice dinner. Regardless, I have time to breathe. Now, if only I can keep it that way. Here's to continued success with graduate schoolwork! Wish me luck.
Getting ahead on reading. You likely do not understand what a colossal feat this is. Let me explain.
Graduate school is demanding and, at times, overwhelming. When I was at my interview the second year students told me that the work load was heavy and that they were always trying to keep up with reading. Because I was a 4.0 student in college and an ambitious young professional, however, this did not apply to me. I have always just been gifted. Man, did I underestimate this program. I have learned my lesson, pulled myself up by my bootstraps, and started working just as hard as the rest of them.
When my professor emailed us the assigned reading (approx. 200 pages) to be done by the first day of class---with only two days' warning mind you---reality slammed into me like a freight train. I have been struggling along the tracks ever since. But this afternoon, I finished a chapter that doesn't just get me to where I need to be next week, it gets me ahead. It's such a good feeling to be on top of my game! I feel like for once I can indulge in a little bit of a social life. Maybe I can even stop to cook a nice dinner. Regardless, I have time to breathe. Now, if only I can keep it that way. Here's to continued success with graduate schoolwork! Wish me luck.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Advocacy
Happiness is...
A little bit of advocacy. This week class asked me to start an advocacy project. In the interest of time, viability, and fun, I started a blog for youth with brain injuries. Check it out: My blog
I suffered a brain injury in 2008. But I barely even feel like I suffered. That's why it's so cool to learn more about it and define the parameters of my true feelings. For now, please consider following along (and participating if you have a chance). We'll see if I make an impact. Then again, it goes back to this blog... you never know.
A little bit of advocacy. This week class asked me to start an advocacy project. In the interest of time, viability, and fun, I started a blog for youth with brain injuries. Check it out: My blog
I suffered a brain injury in 2008. But I barely even feel like I suffered. That's why it's so cool to learn more about it and define the parameters of my true feelings. For now, please consider following along (and participating if you have a chance). We'll see if I make an impact. Then again, it goes back to this blog... you never know.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Radio
Happiness is...
Streaming radio. It no longer matters that I am in graduate school 85 miles away from home... with modern technology and a good attitude, I can still listen to my favorite morning show, tune in for the best music, and rock out to what I am loyal to. That's the way I like it!
Besides, there's no good music in this town anyway. Thank you internet!
Streaming radio. It no longer matters that I am in graduate school 85 miles away from home... with modern technology and a good attitude, I can still listen to my favorite morning show, tune in for the best music, and rock out to what I am loyal to. That's the way I like it!
Besides, there's no good music in this town anyway. Thank you internet!
Friday, September 2, 2011
The Help
Happiness is...
The Help. It was an awesome movie!
Possibly more awesome was the applause that arose from the theater during the credits... Vati hypothesized that it was due to white guilt. Funny thing is, I turned around and scanned the room---100% caucasian. Maybe he's not so far off.
What kinds of thoughts do you have about civil rights? Do you honestly think you'd have the courage to take a stand if you were raised in those times?
This semester in grad school is a lot of self-awareness and reflection. It's spilling into other areas of my life now. Still, I find it interesting to think about...
The Help. It was an awesome movie!
Possibly more awesome was the applause that arose from the theater during the credits... Vati hypothesized that it was due to white guilt. Funny thing is, I turned around and scanned the room---100% caucasian. Maybe he's not so far off.
What kinds of thoughts do you have about civil rights? Do you honestly think you'd have the courage to take a stand if you were raised in those times?
This semester in grad school is a lot of self-awareness and reflection. It's spilling into other areas of my life now. Still, I find it interesting to think about...
Friday, August 26, 2011
Other side of things
Happiness is...
Being on the other side of things. When I was young, I saw things from a young lens. I lived through it, thrived, and moved on. And now I am older and seeing things from the other side. It's a little weird, but mostly refreshing.
They say the grass is always greener on the other side. That may be true, but it doesn't mean you can't learn to appreciate the view. Now that I'm graduated and returning in a different capacity, of course things are different. But I love life all the same. I can still see people I enjoy, do the things that I liked, and live it up. This weekend is one of those times. I love my ladies!
Being on the other side of things. When I was young, I saw things from a young lens. I lived through it, thrived, and moved on. And now I am older and seeing things from the other side. It's a little weird, but mostly refreshing.
They say the grass is always greener on the other side. That may be true, but it doesn't mean you can't learn to appreciate the view. Now that I'm graduated and returning in a different capacity, of course things are different. But I love life all the same. I can still see people I enjoy, do the things that I liked, and live it up. This weekend is one of those times. I love my ladies!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Quick reflection
"But what is happiness except the simple harmony between a person and life they lead."
Albert Camus
Last night I started unpacking at last. Today I finished my first readings. Tonight I get to talk to my man again. If I'm lucky, tomorrow will be the start of my life settling down at last. This IS what it'll be the next two years. It's not everything I pictured, but it could be a heck of a lot worse. Bring on the rain.
Albert Camus
Last night I started unpacking at last. Today I finished my first readings. Tonight I get to talk to my man again. If I'm lucky, tomorrow will be the start of my life settling down at last. This IS what it'll be the next two years. It's not everything I pictured, but it could be a heck of a lot worse. Bring on the rain.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Febreeze it.
Happiness is...
Febreeze. Have a funky smell in your room and maintenance STILL hasn't come? Not a problem. open the nozzle and let it rip. It'll buy you easily a week.
This apartment sucks. But it doesn't mean I can't make it mine.
Febreeze. Have a funky smell in your room and maintenance STILL hasn't come? Not a problem. open the nozzle and let it rip. It'll buy you easily a week.
This apartment sucks. But it doesn't mean I can't make it mine.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Yikes, my body.
Happiness is...
When you get complimented on your weight loss... even though it's been two weeks since you worked out. Story of my life. I WILL get back into my groove soon (just like I WILL go grocery shopping soon), but until then I'll continue to soak it up that my body hasn't taken a turn for the worse just because I've neglected it a little. Some days I worry.
Who am I kidding? I worry almost every day I'm alive and breathing. But, bottom line, I'm motivated to keep this up.
When you get complimented on your weight loss... even though it's been two weeks since you worked out. Story of my life. I WILL get back into my groove soon (just like I WILL go grocery shopping soon), but until then I'll continue to soak it up that my body hasn't taken a turn for the worse just because I've neglected it a little. Some days I worry.
Who am I kidding? I worry almost every day I'm alive and breathing. But, bottom line, I'm motivated to keep this up.
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