Oh wow. I love being back at school, but I just have so many committments that it's impossible to try to find "free time." As last week was recruitment week for the sororities, I am already behind on my readings for classes as well as sleep. Gah. Luckily my plans for this weekend involve catching up on both of those wonderful things.
I was informed by UW-Madison that I was selected as an "alternate candidate" for their program. So...I'm on the waitlist. But that's ok. I liked Madison, but not nearly as much as I liked ISU. And ISU informed me last week that I got accepted into their doctoral program...FULLY FUNDED! That is, I have a full tuition waiver and I'll be working in an assistantship and making about $550 a month. It's not the BEST and I'm pretty sure I'll still have to take out a loan to live off of. Ok but seriously...FULL FUNDING? AHHH!
Then, just a few days ago, Penn State e-mailed me to ask me if I could interview on February 4th. Wow. I certainly did not expect that. But they didn't give me any details, and although I'd love to go, I'm not sure that it's feasible.I mean, really. It's 13-14 hours away. That's a hike. And although I would LOVE to go check it out, maybe a phone interview would be a better option? That's no fun, but I'm trying to be logical. I'd miss probably two days of classes and work, and it would be expensive to drive down there. I wish it was easier.
Also, I was invited to attend a reception on campus on that same date. It's a pretty exciting reception, where I'd be learning about some major national scholarships like Rhodes, Fulbright, etc. I'd love to attend that as well.
Finally, next week Wednesday I am going to a concert at home. Ahhh! I'll have to miss probably one class and work to drive home. Then I'll drive back in the morning, pack, and leave for Pennsylvania? I guess it's possible, though I am going to be freaking exhausted.
There's just so much to think about, and this lack of sleep gives me no motivation. I have a meeting at 10, so I can't sleep yet :( Perhaps I should try to catch up on my readings for classes...I have 14 or 15 books for this semester....yikes.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Ahhhh!
Well, I've jumped right back into things back at Ripon. First day of classes today, and I have been STRESSED out all day.
But the stress is mostly due to sorority recruitment. We've squeezed everything into a week instead of the month it used to be, and so none of us really get to sleep this week. I'm averaging about 7 hours, and I'm hoping to get more tomorrow night. But we'll see.
I completely forgot to buy notebooks and folders. Really? It's my fourth year here, and I forgot that? Oh well. I'll pick some up tomorrow, and just take scattered notes until then. It's not really a big deal. Speaking of things I've forgotten to do, I didn't look up where my one class was today, so I almost didn't get there. I got to the building, and panicked. Luckily one of the psych professors was in his office, and he had the sheet of times/rooms so I was able to figure it out. I wouldn't have missed anything much, but it would have been embarrassing to explain.
I worked at all three jobs today. Tuesdays and Wednesdays will be long days this semester. But not really in a bad way, and I should be done before 8 or 9 pm. So that's not really so bad. I am looking to go to sleep earlier this semester, so that I can get up and work out. I ran on Monday. I should run tomorrow, according to the 1/2 marathon schedule. Actually it says I should walk 2 miles, which would be super easy. I think I might try to convince Kim to run with me tomorrow night. I don't know if I'll have time though :( BUT, good news, the fitness center is open until 10 pm most nights now. That means I could go alone, because I'll be safe and sound inside a building! This could work out.
I also spent over an hour fighting with my scanner. My sister needed me to scan some evaluations so she can apply for teaching positions. Some papers scanned just fine, but for other ones, my scanner only scanned a quarter of the page. Wait, what? It's an 8 1/2 by 11 sheet of paper, so please scan all of it. I still don't know what's going on. I put a piece of dark paper over the sheet I was scanning, which seemed to help. But it was just odd and finicky. Annoying, and stressful. Not at all cool.
Now, I should really head to bed. Tomorrow looks to be another super busy day. I'm excited though...I like classes :) I'm also going to the elementary school for Big Brothers Big Sisters. That's exciting as well, since I haven't been there in a month now!
But the stress is mostly due to sorority recruitment. We've squeezed everything into a week instead of the month it used to be, and so none of us really get to sleep this week. I'm averaging about 7 hours, and I'm hoping to get more tomorrow night. But we'll see.
I completely forgot to buy notebooks and folders. Really? It's my fourth year here, and I forgot that? Oh well. I'll pick some up tomorrow, and just take scattered notes until then. It's not really a big deal. Speaking of things I've forgotten to do, I didn't look up where my one class was today, so I almost didn't get there. I got to the building, and panicked. Luckily one of the psych professors was in his office, and he had the sheet of times/rooms so I was able to figure it out. I wouldn't have missed anything much, but it would have been embarrassing to explain.
I worked at all three jobs today. Tuesdays and Wednesdays will be long days this semester. But not really in a bad way, and I should be done before 8 or 9 pm. So that's not really so bad. I am looking to go to sleep earlier this semester, so that I can get up and work out. I ran on Monday. I should run tomorrow, according to the 1/2 marathon schedule. Actually it says I should walk 2 miles, which would be super easy. I think I might try to convince Kim to run with me tomorrow night. I don't know if I'll have time though :( BUT, good news, the fitness center is open until 10 pm most nights now. That means I could go alone, because I'll be safe and sound inside a building! This could work out.
I also spent over an hour fighting with my scanner. My sister needed me to scan some evaluations so she can apply for teaching positions. Some papers scanned just fine, but for other ones, my scanner only scanned a quarter of the page. Wait, what? It's an 8 1/2 by 11 sheet of paper, so please scan all of it. I still don't know what's going on. I put a piece of dark paper over the sheet I was scanning, which seemed to help. But it was just odd and finicky. Annoying, and stressful. Not at all cool.
Now, I should really head to bed. Tomorrow looks to be another super busy day. I'm excited though...I like classes :) I'm also going to the elementary school for Big Brothers Big Sisters. That's exciting as well, since I haven't been there in a month now!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Graduate School Interviews
So, I think my first round of interviews went well. But perhaps I should start at the beginning...Mom and I drove separately to Madison, where we parked my car at the airport so it would be safe while we were in Illinois. There were a few...trials during this trip. My windshield washer fluid was frozen (again) and then one of my windshield wipers broke. Mom and I stopped to get new windshield wipers, but couldn't figure out how to get the old ones off, much less how to get the new ones on (not exactly a sign of good things to come).
It wasn't a bad drive to Illinois, especially with such good company. Mom and I rocked out to some good music, had a little dance party, etc. It was easy to find our hotel and all that. Then I drove to the student center and had dinner at a deli with other prospective and current students. It was a little awkward, really, but not too bad. After that, we all carpooled to the house of a faculty member for a reception. I had a really good time at the reception. Mostly we all just talked to people about our interests and their interests, as well as where we were all from. The current students made sure that I met faculty who shared my interests, which was really nice and incredibly helpful.
Interviews started the next day, and it all went pretty well. I had a lot of fun overall, so hopefully that is a good sign. I had 5 different interviews at ISU, and when I had free time, I hung out with current and potential students. I made a lot of friends, which is good because I want to like people that I might be taking classes with. It was wonderful to meet with faculty--they were all so encouraging and flattering. I guess I hadn't really believed that my resume, experiences, education, etc. would honestly be comparable to the other students applying. But it was made clear to me that I do, in fact, have very good qualifications (and chances of getting in). It was very reassuring. Although, I did learn that ISU can probably only accept 6 or 7 of the 13 that interviewed. That's about half...and there were some great people there. I guess I'll know in about a month.
After all of my interviews at ISU, Mom and I drove to Madison. I met Missy at Caribou, had dinner at BWW, went grocery shopping, and then just hung out with Missy. I probably could have used some more sleep, but I had fun. I woke up before my alarm on Friday, probably because I was back to worrying about the interviews. But really, the interviews were just a chance for faculty to get to know us, and try to determine if we would be a "good fit" for their program. At Madison, I had 3 group interviews and 1 one-on-one interview. I had fun, though probably not as much fun as I had in Illinois. I had many more chances to interact with faculty at ISU, so I feel confident that I was able to make a good impression. I think that they will definitely remember me. I think I also made a good impression on the faculty at Madison (at least I hope ) but I didn't have enough one-on-one time. I tried to get in some good conversations when I had the opportunity, but I don't know that they will really remember me as well at Madison. On the bright side (or maybe not) I should hear from Madison in about a week. Madison can accept 10-12 students out of the 30-some that applied...so, we'll see.
I think it's a little bit scarier now, when all I can do is wait and hope that they liked me. As they said, it's no longer about the credentials and all that--all applicants who were invited to interview had outstanding resumes and experiences. Now, it's about determine whether the program and applicant are a good match.
Honestly, interviews were nothing like what I expected. I printed out 30 potential questions that I answered; I printed out information about the theoretical orientation of each program; I printed out information about all of the faculty. And yet, between the three days of interviewing, I think I was only asked one relevant question OTHER than "what are your research interests?" and it made me laugh. I was so worried that I wouldn't be prepared, and now I feel like I was slightly over-prepared. But it wasn't bad--they could have asked me questions and I would have been ready. But instead, it was just an opportunity to chat with faculty about things that interested both of us.
For the rest of the weekend, I am relaxing (finally) and then moving back into Ripon. I'll have a roomie this semester, and I'm SO excited. I really cannot wait for the semester to start (although I'm sure I'll be wishing it was still break in just a few weeks). This semester looks like it'll be a lot of work, but work that I am interested in. Let's be real, I like school. I might get stressed about trying to get everything done, but I'll enjoy doing it. I can't honestly complain :)
It wasn't a bad drive to Illinois, especially with such good company. Mom and I rocked out to some good music, had a little dance party, etc. It was easy to find our hotel and all that. Then I drove to the student center and had dinner at a deli with other prospective and current students. It was a little awkward, really, but not too bad. After that, we all carpooled to the house of a faculty member for a reception. I had a really good time at the reception. Mostly we all just talked to people about our interests and their interests, as well as where we were all from. The current students made sure that I met faculty who shared my interests, which was really nice and incredibly helpful.
Interviews started the next day, and it all went pretty well. I had a lot of fun overall, so hopefully that is a good sign. I had 5 different interviews at ISU, and when I had free time, I hung out with current and potential students. I made a lot of friends, which is good because I want to like people that I might be taking classes with. It was wonderful to meet with faculty--they were all so encouraging and flattering. I guess I hadn't really believed that my resume, experiences, education, etc. would honestly be comparable to the other students applying. But it was made clear to me that I do, in fact, have very good qualifications (and chances of getting in). It was very reassuring. Although, I did learn that ISU can probably only accept 6 or 7 of the 13 that interviewed. That's about half...and there were some great people there. I guess I'll know in about a month.
After all of my interviews at ISU, Mom and I drove to Madison. I met Missy at Caribou, had dinner at BWW, went grocery shopping, and then just hung out with Missy. I probably could have used some more sleep, but I had fun. I woke up before my alarm on Friday, probably because I was back to worrying about the interviews. But really, the interviews were just a chance for faculty to get to know us, and try to determine if we would be a "good fit" for their program. At Madison, I had 3 group interviews and 1 one-on-one interview. I had fun, though probably not as much fun as I had in Illinois. I had many more chances to interact with faculty at ISU, so I feel confident that I was able to make a good impression. I think that they will definitely remember me. I think I also made a good impression on the faculty at Madison (at least I hope ) but I didn't have enough one-on-one time. I tried to get in some good conversations when I had the opportunity, but I don't know that they will really remember me as well at Madison. On the bright side (or maybe not) I should hear from Madison in about a week. Madison can accept 10-12 students out of the 30-some that applied...so, we'll see.
I think it's a little bit scarier now, when all I can do is wait and hope that they liked me. As they said, it's no longer about the credentials and all that--all applicants who were invited to interview had outstanding resumes and experiences. Now, it's about determine whether the program and applicant are a good match.
Honestly, interviews were nothing like what I expected. I printed out 30 potential questions that I answered; I printed out information about the theoretical orientation of each program; I printed out information about all of the faculty. And yet, between the three days of interviewing, I think I was only asked one relevant question OTHER than "what are your research interests?" and it made me laugh. I was so worried that I wouldn't be prepared, and now I feel like I was slightly over-prepared. But it wasn't bad--they could have asked me questions and I would have been ready. But instead, it was just an opportunity to chat with faculty about things that interested both of us.
For the rest of the weekend, I am relaxing (finally) and then moving back into Ripon. I'll have a roomie this semester, and I'm SO excited. I really cannot wait for the semester to start (although I'm sure I'll be wishing it was still break in just a few weeks). This semester looks like it'll be a lot of work, but work that I am interested in. Let's be real, I like school. I might get stressed about trying to get everything done, but I'll enjoy doing it. I can't honestly complain :)
Saturday, January 8, 2011
How does anyone know anything? (In relation to cars)
This working nights thing isn't so bad, really. The only complaint I have is that it's hard to get anything else done. I'm not home and awake long enough to achieve much of anything. Today I'm not feeling well, so I've only been awake for a total of 3 hours. I don't work until 9:45, so I have hopes that maybe I can get something done. But I doubt it. I still need to finish answering potential interview questions, but that requires work. I'm just not feeling up to doing anything.
Yesterday, I had a wonderful run. It was just over two miles (apparently 2.44 miles, according to my Nike+ sensor). It wasn't a struggle; I felt good; and my knee didn't hurt! I think that's a win. I'm trying to run every other day, since that's similar to the training I'll be doing next semester. The Nike+ sensor is the coolest thing ever, and the wristband is awesome. I can plug it into my computer and upload my run. I can keep track of my runs, goals, motivation, etc. online. It's a lot of fun to play around with.
After my run, I went to Walmart to pick up some new headlights for my car. My brother informed me a few days ago that one of my headlights was out. I hadn't even noticed. I've always wished my lights were a bit brighter...and the light that was out was on the passenger side, so I could still see pretty well on my side. My dad told me to pick up a pair of lights so that they would glow the same. He put them in for me today, which is good because they DON'T come with instructions. Gah. How does anyone know how to do anything? I might be able to take it apart, but I'd never be able to put it back together!
Work was not exciting. Two nights ago, I was an auditor (with the rest of my team) but last night, I was a scanner...with a bunch of people I've never met. We aren't really supposed to chat a lot, but there are some pretty funny people working with me. It made the night amusing. Also, they've had snacks for us every night during our breaks. Each night, there has been a veggie tray and water...last night there were cupcakes too! It doesn't take much to make me happy. I worked from 7 pm to 4:30 am...bah. Got home at 5:30 and crawled into my bed...wide awake. I managed to fall asleep, but woke up at 11:30. Really, body? 6 hours of sleep is all you want? I don't think so. I was up until 2, and then I'm pretty sure it was the cold medication that made me feel like I was going to fall asleep on the couch....so I napped until 5. I'm still pretty tired, but I'm thinking maybe I got too much sleep? I just hope that I'm not too tired tonight at work.
Ok...off to go eat dinner, and then maybe be productive? Yeah, right.
Yesterday, I had a wonderful run. It was just over two miles (apparently 2.44 miles, according to my Nike+ sensor). It wasn't a struggle; I felt good; and my knee didn't hurt! I think that's a win. I'm trying to run every other day, since that's similar to the training I'll be doing next semester. The Nike+ sensor is the coolest thing ever, and the wristband is awesome. I can plug it into my computer and upload my run. I can keep track of my runs, goals, motivation, etc. online. It's a lot of fun to play around with.
After my run, I went to Walmart to pick up some new headlights for my car. My brother informed me a few days ago that one of my headlights was out. I hadn't even noticed. I've always wished my lights were a bit brighter...and the light that was out was on the passenger side, so I could still see pretty well on my side. My dad told me to pick up a pair of lights so that they would glow the same. He put them in for me today, which is good because they DON'T come with instructions. Gah. How does anyone know how to do anything? I might be able to take it apart, but I'd never be able to put it back together!
Work was not exciting. Two nights ago, I was an auditor (with the rest of my team) but last night, I was a scanner...with a bunch of people I've never met. We aren't really supposed to chat a lot, but there are some pretty funny people working with me. It made the night amusing. Also, they've had snacks for us every night during our breaks. Each night, there has been a veggie tray and water...last night there were cupcakes too! It doesn't take much to make me happy. I worked from 7 pm to 4:30 am...bah. Got home at 5:30 and crawled into my bed...wide awake. I managed to fall asleep, but woke up at 11:30. Really, body? 6 hours of sleep is all you want? I don't think so. I was up until 2, and then I'm pretty sure it was the cold medication that made me feel like I was going to fall asleep on the couch....so I napped until 5. I'm still pretty tired, but I'm thinking maybe I got too much sleep? I just hope that I'm not too tired tonight at work.
Ok...off to go eat dinner, and then maybe be productive? Yeah, right.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Work, work, work, all night long.
I slept until 1 pm today! Great success. But considering that I got home around 4:30, I guess it's legit.
I suspect I am going to have a shortage of stories to blog about. After blogging yesterday, I didn't do much of anything. I read for a while. The most exciting thing I did was to go to my brother's basketball game. I love watching basketball, although it's kind of frustrating. Eric tells me I should yell less. But come on! I have so much fun, but there are things they should be doing, such as rebounding. I can't just sit and watch!
After Eric's game, I went to work. So exciting, I know. We're doing inventory of the store, and the pricing team (which includes me) are the auditors. It's kind of boring, because we audit 10% of what everyone else is scanning. It means a lot of waiting. I guess my boss might put some of us to regular scanners, so that things will move faster. No one really wants to be at Macy's until 3:30 am. But it looks like I will be, until Wednesday morning. Gross.
I'm not going to get much sleep at ALL before my graduate school interviews. Good thing Mom is driving. She doesn't want me to drive out there alone, so she'll be hanging out in the hotel room and around town until I'm done.
Oh, oh! Actual excitement! My new SHOES came today! Now I can use my Nike+ wristband, and record my runs!! I needed some extra motivation to run...it's been snowing, and I learned a few days ago that running in the snow isn't actually that much fun. It blows in your face and it's really bright and reflective. Buuuut fortunately, it looks like the snow has stopped, for now at least. So, I should probably go run. I have to be at work by 7 tonight. Ugh.
I suspect I am going to have a shortage of stories to blog about. After blogging yesterday, I didn't do much of anything. I read for a while. The most exciting thing I did was to go to my brother's basketball game. I love watching basketball, although it's kind of frustrating. Eric tells me I should yell less. But come on! I have so much fun, but there are things they should be doing, such as rebounding. I can't just sit and watch!
After Eric's game, I went to work. So exciting, I know. We're doing inventory of the store, and the pricing team (which includes me) are the auditors. It's kind of boring, because we audit 10% of what everyone else is scanning. It means a lot of waiting. I guess my boss might put some of us to regular scanners, so that things will move faster. No one really wants to be at Macy's until 3:30 am. But it looks like I will be, until Wednesday morning. Gross.
I'm not going to get much sleep at ALL before my graduate school interviews. Good thing Mom is driving. She doesn't want me to drive out there alone, so she'll be hanging out in the hotel room and around town until I'm done.
Oh, oh! Actual excitement! My new SHOES came today! Now I can use my Nike+ wristband, and record my runs!! I needed some extra motivation to run...it's been snowing, and I learned a few days ago that running in the snow isn't actually that much fun. It blows in your face and it's really bright and reflective. Buuuut fortunately, it looks like the snow has stopped, for now at least. So, I should probably go run. I have to be at work by 7 tonight. Ugh.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
New experiences and a tiny bit of trauma
I meant to blog yesterday, really I did. But I was up at 3:45 for work, and I stayed up as late as I could in hopes that I would sleep late too. Much too tired to blog.
At any rate, yesterday was full of adventures. After work, I met with my friend Becca (I'm the maid of honor in her upcoming August wedding) to help her decide on jewelry for her wedding dress. This is probably the third or fourth time she has tried on the dress. She picked out a veil, a tiara, earrings, and a necklace. It was pretty exciting :) I could tell she felt self-conscious...she wants to look amazing, but I don't think she realizes that she already does. She's even doing weight-watchers, although she there is no way she weighs more then 115 lbs.
After that, I stopped for gas (gas prices are RIDICULOUS right now--3.149 a gallon?!) and went home. I had lunch, and read for a while. I decided I really wanted to go for a run, since I haven't been running regularly since October :/ Of course, it was snowing but I decided I would run regardless. It really wasn't too bad, since I only ran two miles. I am a little worried though, because my knee started to hurt again. A bum knee would make it awfully hard to run a 1/2 marathon. I was hoping that it would be better be now, but apparently not. It doesn't hurt as much as it did this summer, but I'm afraid to push it.
Later in the day, I experienced a bit of trauma. You see, I broke a nail. Crazy, right? Why would that possibly be so traumatic? I'm a nail-biter. For as long as I can remember, I've been a nail-biter. Every so often, I've been able to stop for short periods of time. I haven't bitten my nails since October. They are the longest they have ever been, and they look great. Or they did :( I broke off about a quarter inch of nail, THAT'S how long my nails have gotten. I've never broken a nail before, since I haven't had nails long enough to break. It didn't hurt, but I was devastated. Now I have one really short nail, and the rest look great. I had to trim all the rest to make it look better, and I still don't like it. It bothers me, which is never a good sign. Mom told me to wear gloves--I am not allowed to fall back into my nail-biting ways. Fair enough, I don't want to anyway. But who knew having nails could be so traumatic? I've finally adjusted to having them--for a long time, I kept scratching myself by accident. I still struggle a bit with taking out my contacts...it's different when you have nails! But I'm glad I have them. I feel much more like a real adult.
I chatted with Melisa about real life today. Graduate school still counts as real life, even if some view it as a continuation of college life. We talked about switching banks, and the price of living in different places. Grad school will be a real adventure. It's a little bit scary, the thought of going off to school in a strange city where I have no friends. I've always had at least one friend with me. What will I do when I have none? I don't want to go places alone. I think this is one of those times when grad school interviews will be really useful. I am looking forward to meeting professors and learning more about the programs, but I'm REALLY looking forward to meeting other potential students, as well as current students. I have no idea how I'd balance having even more friends, but I can't really be friend-less in a new city. I'm going to need someone to live with, which is an adventure in and of itself.
Starting tonight, I will be working nights for the next 6 days. 7 pm to 3:30 am. So I definitely won't be blogging at nights--look for posts in the afternoons, I guess. And wish me luck...
At any rate, yesterday was full of adventures. After work, I met with my friend Becca (I'm the maid of honor in her upcoming August wedding) to help her decide on jewelry for her wedding dress. This is probably the third or fourth time she has tried on the dress. She picked out a veil, a tiara, earrings, and a necklace. It was pretty exciting :) I could tell she felt self-conscious...she wants to look amazing, but I don't think she realizes that she already does. She's even doing weight-watchers, although she there is no way she weighs more then 115 lbs.
After that, I stopped for gas (gas prices are RIDICULOUS right now--3.149 a gallon?!) and went home. I had lunch, and read for a while. I decided I really wanted to go for a run, since I haven't been running regularly since October :/ Of course, it was snowing but I decided I would run regardless. It really wasn't too bad, since I only ran two miles. I am a little worried though, because my knee started to hurt again. A bum knee would make it awfully hard to run a 1/2 marathon. I was hoping that it would be better be now, but apparently not. It doesn't hurt as much as it did this summer, but I'm afraid to push it.
Later in the day, I experienced a bit of trauma. You see, I broke a nail. Crazy, right? Why would that possibly be so traumatic? I'm a nail-biter. For as long as I can remember, I've been a nail-biter. Every so often, I've been able to stop for short periods of time. I haven't bitten my nails since October. They are the longest they have ever been, and they look great. Or they did :( I broke off about a quarter inch of nail, THAT'S how long my nails have gotten. I've never broken a nail before, since I haven't had nails long enough to break. It didn't hurt, but I was devastated. Now I have one really short nail, and the rest look great. I had to trim all the rest to make it look better, and I still don't like it. It bothers me, which is never a good sign. Mom told me to wear gloves--I am not allowed to fall back into my nail-biting ways. Fair enough, I don't want to anyway. But who knew having nails could be so traumatic? I've finally adjusted to having them--for a long time, I kept scratching myself by accident. I still struggle a bit with taking out my contacts...it's different when you have nails! But I'm glad I have them. I feel much more like a real adult.
I chatted with Melisa about real life today. Graduate school still counts as real life, even if some view it as a continuation of college life. We talked about switching banks, and the price of living in different places. Grad school will be a real adventure. It's a little bit scary, the thought of going off to school in a strange city where I have no friends. I've always had at least one friend with me. What will I do when I have none? I don't want to go places alone. I think this is one of those times when grad school interviews will be really useful. I am looking forward to meeting professors and learning more about the programs, but I'm REALLY looking forward to meeting other potential students, as well as current students. I have no idea how I'd balance having even more friends, but I can't really be friend-less in a new city. I'm going to need someone to live with, which is an adventure in and of itself.
Starting tonight, I will be working nights for the next 6 days. 7 pm to 3:30 am. So I definitely won't be blogging at nights--look for posts in the afternoons, I guess. And wish me luck...
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Too much energy--not enough to do.
I still feel terribly unproductive. I just don't feel like doing anything.
I woke up BEFORE my alarm went off this morning, surprisingly cheerful. Drove to work, worked until 9. Working at Macy's makes it so hard to not spend money. I keep seeing stuff that I want, and knowing that it's cheap, but trying to tell myself no. I don't NEED anything.
I came home to an empty house. Now that tax season has begun, Mom will be working all the time. It's kind of depressing. Seriously. I had no idea what to do with my time, and it was boring because I had no one to talk to. I spent some time looking at grad school stuff, edited my sister's paper, watched another episode of Jersey Shore (the last one--look, it only took me two days to catch up). What will I do without trash tv to make me feel better about myself? Gah, I guess I'll have to re-watch them.
I had a skype date with Melisa, which was wonderful. I also chatted with Amanda for a little while. But mostly I was bored, and FULL of energy. I did not want to sit still, at all. Staring at my computer for too long gives me a headache, but anything productive I could do is on my computer. I need a project or something, something that involves moving. I was going to run this morning, but the weather (6 degrees, feels like negative 7) and a dead ipod scared me away from that. No excuses tomorrow--I charged my ipod, did some laundry. I'm prepared to bundle up, but I need to stay motivated. It's too hard to bribe myself. Luckily, I'm taking a half-marathon course next semester. It's a psych class focusing on motivation, and I'm SO EXCITED. I got new running shoes (they are coming in the mail, and I can flat-out guarantee that I'm going for a run when they get here) and I bought some more running clothes. I am ridiculously excited!!
Although I'd love to blog more (we all know I love to talk), I have to go relax and get ready for bed. Tomorrow is the LAST day that I have to get up at 3:45 am! At least, til this summer--they asked me if I would like some hours this summer too, and of course I said yes. I'll (hopefully) be preparing for grad school, but that doesn't start until the fall so I will be around this summer, and I'll be grateful for whatever money I can make!
I woke up BEFORE my alarm went off this morning, surprisingly cheerful. Drove to work, worked until 9. Working at Macy's makes it so hard to not spend money. I keep seeing stuff that I want, and knowing that it's cheap, but trying to tell myself no. I don't NEED anything.
I came home to an empty house. Now that tax season has begun, Mom will be working all the time. It's kind of depressing. Seriously. I had no idea what to do with my time, and it was boring because I had no one to talk to. I spent some time looking at grad school stuff, edited my sister's paper, watched another episode of Jersey Shore (the last one--look, it only took me two days to catch up). What will I do without trash tv to make me feel better about myself? Gah, I guess I'll have to re-watch them.
I had a skype date with Melisa, which was wonderful. I also chatted with Amanda for a little while. But mostly I was bored, and FULL of energy. I did not want to sit still, at all. Staring at my computer for too long gives me a headache, but anything productive I could do is on my computer. I need a project or something, something that involves moving. I was going to run this morning, but the weather (6 degrees, feels like negative 7) and a dead ipod scared me away from that. No excuses tomorrow--I charged my ipod, did some laundry. I'm prepared to bundle up, but I need to stay motivated. It's too hard to bribe myself. Luckily, I'm taking a half-marathon course next semester. It's a psych class focusing on motivation, and I'm SO EXCITED. I got new running shoes (they are coming in the mail, and I can flat-out guarantee that I'm going for a run when they get here) and I bought some more running clothes. I am ridiculously excited!!
Although I'd love to blog more (we all know I love to talk), I have to go relax and get ready for bed. Tomorrow is the LAST day that I have to get up at 3:45 am! At least, til this summer--they asked me if I would like some hours this summer too, and of course I said yes. I'll (hopefully) be preparing for grad school, but that doesn't start until the fall so I will be around this summer, and I'll be grateful for whatever money I can make!
Monday, January 3, 2011
The start of a great year :)
So starts 2011. I'm so excited for this year--I have so much lined up, and so much to look forward to!
For New Year's Eve, I hung out with my parents. It was not too exciting, but still pretty wonderful. We went to dinner at a bar in nearby Ferryville--prime rib special. It was pretty good, and I had fun. Afterward, we came home and watched Criminal Minds for a few hours...until midnight, haha. Mom and I each had a glass of champagne during Criminal Minds, and we went to bed at about 12:05. I had a number of people text me to wish me a happy new year, but luckily I'm smart and silence my phone when I sleep. I used to always be available, but I really hate when my sleep is interrupted--I'm sure people prefer the delay in response to the crabbiness.
On the first day of 2011 (shut up...it's 2011...I graduate this year!!!) we had my mom's family over for Christmas. My grandpa and his wife Nicki came; my uncle and my cousin Jenna came. Aunt Trisha and cousin Megan did not come, as Megan was not feeling well :( It was sad that Megan couldn't come, but we had fun with the rest of the family.
Other than that, I've just been working. I work every day this week, and while I should be grateful for the hours (and money) I'm getting so tired. I don't like getting up at 3:45 am. I only have to get up early for two more days! But then, I'll be working overnights Thurs-Tues, which might actually suck more. I'm not quite sure. I think it'll be preferable--I don't mind working, it's the getting up in the morning that I HAAAATE. We're doing inventory, and I'll be working from about 7 pm to 3:30 am. I'll be tired, definitely, but then I get to come home and sleep at the time when I'm normally getting up! Once the week of inventory is up, I'll probably be tired of the awkward schedule. But, after that, I'm done at Macy's for now!
After I get home from work on Wednesday morning, I'll sleep for a while and then drive to Illinois for my first grad school interview! Scary! Tomorrow I'll blog about how I've been preparing--you know, answering possible interview questions in between watching episodes of Jersey Shore. Classy, without a doubt. But really, some of these questions are difficult, for example: "Why do you think you are better suited for admission than your classmates?" and "What will you do if you are not accepted?"
Ok, for now I have to head off to bed. Before I know it, I'm going to be getting up for work yet again. *Sigh* I miss college life already.
For New Year's Eve, I hung out with my parents. It was not too exciting, but still pretty wonderful. We went to dinner at a bar in nearby Ferryville--prime rib special. It was pretty good, and I had fun. Afterward, we came home and watched Criminal Minds for a few hours...until midnight, haha. Mom and I each had a glass of champagne during Criminal Minds, and we went to bed at about 12:05. I had a number of people text me to wish me a happy new year, but luckily I'm smart and silence my phone when I sleep. I used to always be available, but I really hate when my sleep is interrupted--I'm sure people prefer the delay in response to the crabbiness.
On the first day of 2011 (shut up...it's 2011...I graduate this year!!!) we had my mom's family over for Christmas. My grandpa and his wife Nicki came; my uncle and my cousin Jenna came. Aunt Trisha and cousin Megan did not come, as Megan was not feeling well :( It was sad that Megan couldn't come, but we had fun with the rest of the family.
Other than that, I've just been working. I work every day this week, and while I should be grateful for the hours (and money) I'm getting so tired. I don't like getting up at 3:45 am. I only have to get up early for two more days! But then, I'll be working overnights Thurs-Tues, which might actually suck more. I'm not quite sure. I think it'll be preferable--I don't mind working, it's the getting up in the morning that I HAAAATE. We're doing inventory, and I'll be working from about 7 pm to 3:30 am. I'll be tired, definitely, but then I get to come home and sleep at the time when I'm normally getting up! Once the week of inventory is up, I'll probably be tired of the awkward schedule. But, after that, I'm done at Macy's for now!
After I get home from work on Wednesday morning, I'll sleep for a while and then drive to Illinois for my first grad school interview! Scary! Tomorrow I'll blog about how I've been preparing--you know, answering possible interview questions in between watching episodes of Jersey Shore. Classy, without a doubt. But really, some of these questions are difficult, for example: "Why do you think you are better suited for admission than your classmates?" and "What will you do if you are not accepted?"
Ok, for now I have to head off to bed. Before I know it, I'm going to be getting up for work yet again. *Sigh* I miss college life already.
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