That's all I have, one more semester left of school. Words cannot describe what I am feeling about this fact because there are too many words. Sure there is the sigh of relief with finally being done, but then there comes the panic of what to do next. Find a real job is one of them, yes, but what about school? Sure I complain about it and stress out, but it is something I highly love. I love it so much I have burned myself out. I am in dire need of a break to sit and do nothing... nothing but what I want to do. I would like a vacation to some place unfamiliar, new, exotic, and relaxing. Alas, this wont be happening anytime soon because it is crazy expensive to travel these days. But one day soon, I hope to be able to do this.
I have a 4.0. I have had a 4.0 since the beginning of Grad school. I have never had a 4.0 in my entire life... EVER. I am sure this doesn't seem like that big of a deal to most people, but to me it is a HUGE deal. For the first time in my life, I feel smart, I feel intelligent, I feel like I can accomplish great things.
Of course there have and continue to be hurtles that come and rattle my world. Whether it is a heart wrenching break-up, realizing that people don't follow through, friends moving far away and missing them every second of every day, there is healing, working on yourself, trying to be happy, trying to make the right decision while everyone is telling to do you something else, following your gut, following YOUR HEART. I have experienced a lot of heartache in the past 3 years. A lot. I have given too much away to people who I thought loved me with their whole being, only to be rejected and dumped for someone else. I have become petrified of being only attracted to assholes, so I have locked my heart in a little box where it doesn't get damaged. It needs to rejuvenate, it needs to be beat strong and not go into my stomach when I see a long lost love across the street or driving the opposite way.
But, I have learned a lot. I have learned that you should NEVER wait till three days before your deadline to write your thesis. I learned that I can't trust everyone, and not everyone deserves my love. I learned that I am incredibly smart and beautiful. I have learned that I can change a persons day simply by smiling (some people call me sunshine at work). I learned that I can do anything I want to if I put my mind to it.
There are still days that I doubt everything I've learned; am I really that pretty? Am I really that smart? And luckily, I have amazing friends that remind me yes, that I am pretty, inside and out, and that I am smart (helllloooo 4.0, it is nice to meet you). It is hard to accept this fact when time and time again people make you feel otherwise, treat you otherwise, and act otherwise.
The truth is, I need to leave Flagstaff. I need to leave the little town that has been my home for over 16 years. I need to leave the town that holds memories, both good and bad. I need to see the world if I want to change it. I need to find something new. Find new someones. And find myself. I need to find myself with unfamiliarity. I need to find myself without the comforts of home.
Change is what I need. And I am hoping 2011 is the year it is going to happen. With a job, with moving, with being ok with me, and with meeting new people to try and open my heart to.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Hell...
was what I was in, but now I am done with my thesis... at least the first draft of it... and in my opinion the hardest part of it. I waited until three days prior to my headline to actually start writing it. Yes, I am fully aware of my idiocy. It was hard, and I will never, ever wait three days prior to a deadline for writing a 40 page research paper. That was complete and utter hell. Lot's of sleepless nights, and lots of stress. But, it is done with, and as soon as I finish the 15 some-odd assignments for my other class that is due Monday. And as soon as THAT is done... I CAN ENJOY NO HOMEWORK FOR THANKSGIVING WEEKEND! I will not even take my computer with me to Carson City.
It is windy (I think they confused the real windy city and flagstaff) and cold and blowing in a storm. Which, is odd because this will be our first storm of the year (if it happens, which I am hoping it does not).
I am procrastinating doing my other homework. So I should end here. It was a quicky but a goodie, right?!
It is windy (I think they confused the real windy city and flagstaff) and cold and blowing in a storm. Which, is odd because this will be our first storm of the year (if it happens, which I am hoping it does not).
I am procrastinating doing my other homework. So I should end here. It was a quicky but a goodie, right?!
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Cupcakes
Back in May, my freshman year Resident Assistant (www.amountainbride.blogspot.com) got married to a boy I had heard about six years ago when I would mosey over to her room and gossip with her. She was by far my favourite RA in the two years I lived on campus. She was kind, considerate, funnier than heck, and just a beautiful, beautiful soul. I was extremely sad when I had to say goodbye to her my freshman year. She got married to the boy she would talk about this past May and I was so happy for her. I was even happier when she asked me to make cupcakes for her special day... I was ecstatic, actually. I had never done something so large before, I had never done something for such a special occasion before, and I was a bit nervous (hellooooo, can't fuck up for someones WEDDING). She asked me to make two different types of cupcakes: lemon and chocolate souffle with mint cream topping, 3 dozen of each. It was totally do-able, and as the time approached, I got more and more excited. These cupcakes were going to be AWESOME, and I wanted people to feel like they bit into a little sliver of heaven. All my friends said I made the best baked goods they've ever had, but they are my friends... they are supposed to say nice shit like that. So this was the real test: complete strangers tasting my baked goods...
They were a hit! The bride said that they were all gone by the time they got done taking pictures. NO CUPCAKES WERE LEFT! She informed me that the lemon ones were the crowd favourite and that everyone boasted about them. Needless to say, it felt good hearing that... really good. I was happy that they were a hit, that it made her day a little bit brighter, and that I really am a badass in the kitchen. :)
Now she is expecting a little girl! And I wish I was on the East coast to make her cupcakes, cookies, a cake, ANYTHING for a baby shower. I think of cute little cupcakes with pink frosting with cute little baby decorations sticking out of them.
And now that I am an auntie to a cute little boy, all I want to do is make baby things. I made a little baby hat for his little baby head, and I want to knit him some little booties and mittens and a sweater AND A BLANKET! He is for sure going to be spoiled rotten, and I am pretty sure that is one of the main tasks of an auntie: spoiling. I know both of mine did and continue to do. As soon as little Valen gets old and well enough, his parents are throwing a baby shower (it had to be delayed until after he was born because my dear friend spent two months in the hospital prior to him being born) and I, once again, get to bake for the occasion. And I am thinking cupcakes with blue, green, and yellow frosting!
I wrote this entire post to keep me distracted from the thesis that is due next Friday. I love to procrastinate any way I can.
They were a hit! The bride said that they were all gone by the time they got done taking pictures. NO CUPCAKES WERE LEFT! She informed me that the lemon ones were the crowd favourite and that everyone boasted about them. Needless to say, it felt good hearing that... really good. I was happy that they were a hit, that it made her day a little bit brighter, and that I really am a badass in the kitchen. :)
Now she is expecting a little girl! And I wish I was on the East coast to make her cupcakes, cookies, a cake, ANYTHING for a baby shower. I think of cute little cupcakes with pink frosting with cute little baby decorations sticking out of them.
And now that I am an auntie to a cute little boy, all I want to do is make baby things. I made a little baby hat for his little baby head, and I want to knit him some little booties and mittens and a sweater AND A BLANKET! He is for sure going to be spoiled rotten, and I am pretty sure that is one of the main tasks of an auntie: spoiling. I know both of mine did and continue to do. As soon as little Valen gets old and well enough, his parents are throwing a baby shower (it had to be delayed until after he was born because my dear friend spent two months in the hospital prior to him being born) and I, once again, get to bake for the occasion. And I am thinking cupcakes with blue, green, and yellow frosting!
I wrote this entire post to keep me distracted from the thesis that is due next Friday. I love to procrastinate any way I can.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Baby Valen
One of my best friends gave birth to this BEAUTIFULLY, GORGEOUS, INCREDIBLE, LITTLE boy this morning at 2 in the morning:
I am ECSTATIC. Like thrilled for not only my friends, but for this little boy. He's gonna be surrounded by love from all over the place. Especially from his Auntie Kyrie, who is already stocking up on cute baby things at my house for when he comes and stays with me. He's 4 pounds 4 ounces, and is unfortunately in an incubator. He came out at 32 weeks, but he is strong and a fighter already. They are hoping he will be able to go home in a month, and sadly, I did not get to hold my little nephew, but I will be holding him lots over the years to come.
Needless to say, I will most likely be doing no homework anytime soon because I just want to snuggle this little guy as much as humanly possible.
Happy birthday to my little baby nephew Valen. Congratulations to my beautiful friends. And thank goodness everyone is doing well and being healthy.
I am ECSTATIC. Like thrilled for not only my friends, but for this little boy. He's gonna be surrounded by love from all over the place. Especially from his Auntie Kyrie, who is already stocking up on cute baby things at my house for when he comes and stays with me. He's 4 pounds 4 ounces, and is unfortunately in an incubator. He came out at 32 weeks, but he is strong and a fighter already. They are hoping he will be able to go home in a month, and sadly, I did not get to hold my little nephew, but I will be holding him lots over the years to come.
Needless to say, I will most likely be doing no homework anytime soon because I just want to snuggle this little guy as much as humanly possible.
Happy birthday to my little baby nephew Valen. Congratulations to my beautiful friends. And thank goodness everyone is doing well and being healthy.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
My Arizona Room
I have been all over the place the last two weeks. I have been down to Phoenix a lot, and will be returning the weekend of November 7th. Luckily, I have two of my closets friends there that I stay with and commute to the ranch every day. The meetings have been useful, enlightening, and sometimes very boring. But, I love all the people that I work with and have as much fun as I can. Needless to say, it's been a long two weeks. Whether it was me being in Phoenix the first time and fainting, to the doctors appointments, to the paperwork for Workman's Compensation, to the fact that some people have been throwing me under the bus, the going back down to Phoenix, coming back up, house sitting, slacking on my homework, getting a perfect score on a 12 page paper written in 6 hours... It's been a lot.
I am so ready for school to be over and for a much needed vacation. A vacation where I don't have to think about work, homework, or money. A vacation where I can rest, put my mind at ease, have spa days, drink, swim, run, read FOR FUN, etc. It's already the end of October and I feel like it's gone by quickly, but that it is now dragging.
When I was down in Phoenix this last time, Dani and I went to Dicks Sporting Goods where I got some awesome sports bras and spandex running things. I am starting to run after work because we have Buffalo Park right down the street and the loop is 2 miles. I can run 2 miles in about 24 minutes... Not the best time, but if I keep up at that pace, or even increase it a bit, I will be able to finish my half marathon with about 40 minutes to spare.
School is almost done. I have one more class and I have to write my thesis by November 19th. I already have one chapter done. Starting Monday night, I will be working on polishing that chapter and start writing my next one. I think it will be an excellent thesis indeed, I just need to actually do it.
My boss has given me a wonderful task that I am super excited about. While in Phoenix this last time, he told me that we were going to take a cooperators 10 papers and make them into a 4 page Fact-Sheet. All of his papers are highly technical and scientific, and a Fact-Sheet is something that anyone off the street can read. BUT! The MOST exciting part of it is that I get to help him write it and use what we do, how we do it, and why we do it as part of my thesis (My thesis is writing for the general public for USGS authors/scientists). Very exciting! And by helping him out, MY NAME GETS TO BE PUT ON THE LIST OF AUTHORS. YeSSSSSS. Very exciting. This is when I prove to them that I am worth and that they NEED ME after I graduate. But that talk will come up in January when I sit said boss down and be like, "listen, I love working here, I love working with the people, and I need a job. So are you going to keep me or should I start searching for something else?" We'll see how that goes.
As far as a life, I really don't have one. I haven't watched any of my dirty TV habits, I haven't done any reading, I haven't done anything. NOT EVEN KARAOKE! OR BAKING! Crazy, right?! I did get a pedicure this weekend... And saw a movie. But that's about it. I am ready for December to hurry up and get here so I can have three weeks to myself.
It's been cloudy and cold and winter is on the way. I am not ready for winter. I am not ready for snow. I am not ready for shorter days, longer work hours, and deadlines. I am ready for a break, a breather, a good book and a good blanket, I am ready for family, friends, alcohol, food, and relaxation. I keep telling myself that it will all be worth it in the end; the late nights, the long days at work, the working out in utter pain, the money being paid to the university for my school... it will all be worth it.
I hope.
I am so ready for school to be over and for a much needed vacation. A vacation where I don't have to think about work, homework, or money. A vacation where I can rest, put my mind at ease, have spa days, drink, swim, run, read FOR FUN, etc. It's already the end of October and I feel like it's gone by quickly, but that it is now dragging.
When I was down in Phoenix this last time, Dani and I went to Dicks Sporting Goods where I got some awesome sports bras and spandex running things. I am starting to run after work because we have Buffalo Park right down the street and the loop is 2 miles. I can run 2 miles in about 24 minutes... Not the best time, but if I keep up at that pace, or even increase it a bit, I will be able to finish my half marathon with about 40 minutes to spare.
School is almost done. I have one more class and I have to write my thesis by November 19th. I already have one chapter done. Starting Monday night, I will be working on polishing that chapter and start writing my next one. I think it will be an excellent thesis indeed, I just need to actually do it.
My boss has given me a wonderful task that I am super excited about. While in Phoenix this last time, he told me that we were going to take a cooperators 10 papers and make them into a 4 page Fact-Sheet. All of his papers are highly technical and scientific, and a Fact-Sheet is something that anyone off the street can read. BUT! The MOST exciting part of it is that I get to help him write it and use what we do, how we do it, and why we do it as part of my thesis (My thesis is writing for the general public for USGS authors/scientists). Very exciting! And by helping him out, MY NAME GETS TO BE PUT ON THE LIST OF AUTHORS. YeSSSSSS. Very exciting. This is when I prove to them that I am worth and that they NEED ME after I graduate. But that talk will come up in January when I sit said boss down and be like, "listen, I love working here, I love working with the people, and I need a job. So are you going to keep me or should I start searching for something else?" We'll see how that goes.
As far as a life, I really don't have one. I haven't watched any of my dirty TV habits, I haven't done any reading, I haven't done anything. NOT EVEN KARAOKE! OR BAKING! Crazy, right?! I did get a pedicure this weekend... And saw a movie. But that's about it. I am ready for December to hurry up and get here so I can have three weeks to myself.
It's been cloudy and cold and winter is on the way. I am not ready for winter. I am not ready for snow. I am not ready for shorter days, longer work hours, and deadlines. I am ready for a break, a breather, a good book and a good blanket, I am ready for family, friends, alcohol, food, and relaxation. I keep telling myself that it will all be worth it in the end; the late nights, the long days at work, the working out in utter pain, the money being paid to the university for my school... it will all be worth it.
I hope.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
And then I fainted...
This past week has been a cluster fuck of events. I went down to Phoenix for a workshop on Tuesday evening. By Wednesday evening I had fainted. Straight up fainted, hit my head and shoulder on the floor and blacked out. Only to wake up to about 7 men surrounding me asking me if I was OK. All I remember is taking a drink of water, it going down the wrong pipe, me thinking "shit, this is really hurting," and then waking up on the floor. I had fainted for about a minute, with a low heart beat and a low breath. Luckily, I came to before they called 911. I haven't been feeling well since then, and I just got back to Flagstaff last night. I promptly went to the doctor this morning and they diagnosed me with a concussion, and will be needing to go back Thursday. HOWEVER! I have to go back down to Phoenix tomorrow for another three days, returning late Wednesday night. I will be staying with friends this time, so I will have company and hopefully not more fainting spells. As soon as I get back into town on Wednesday, I house sit for the next 10 days. Luckily, school is easing up, and I only have one class left for the semester. Let's not forget I must write a full draft of my thesis by November 19th, but I don't plan on starting that till after halloween.
So, it's been an interesting, scary, sickening week, and while I am still not feeling well, my fans call me back to Phoenix. Let's just hope it doesn't happen again.
So, it's been an interesting, scary, sickening week, and while I am still not feeling well, my fans call me back to Phoenix. Let's just hope it doesn't happen again.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero
The title of this blog post is going to be my next tattoo.
I am feeling panicky lately. And when I say I am feeling panicky, I am meaning that I am so overwhelmed, tired, pressured, and just blah. School is the hardest this semester. This may have to do with the fact that I have one class ending next week, but I will be in Phoenix for work and will most likely not have any internet. Therefore, I have to write all my discussion posts, take a quiz, and write a 12 page paper all by Monday evening. AND! To add on top of the pressure, I am leaving this weekend for the balloon fiesta in Albuquerque:
I am extremely excited because that means I have to get 90% of my homework done, and then I can relax, eat, road trip, drink, sleep, and watch these amazing balloons with two of my favourite people. What more could a girl ask for?! Oh, right... more time.
I am going to Phoenix next week for work, which is adding to my anxiety about work. And I am writing about it instead of writing my homework. Good job, Kyrie. It should be fun, long, and more fun. I love all the men I work with, and I love shuffle board, which is played, while drinking beer in the warm weather of Phoenix.
Oh, by the way, did you hear how we had four tornado's? Yes, let's add that worry to the mix.
As soon as I get back from Phoenix, I house sit for 10 days. Which is ok with me. It means more money (I gotta buy a ticket to Nevada for Thanksgiving), and it means being on a different side of town, where no one will know where I am. And then that Friday, when I am going to be done with house sitting, I will be down in Phoenix. Again. This time, for the weekend and for fun and relaxation. As soon as I get back from Phoenix, however, means that I will have 19 days to have a full, completed draft of my thesis. Have I started said thesis? Of course not. Because I HAVE NO TIME.
This picture has nothing to do with anything, but it makes me smile:
I am getting a bonus at work, for the plus 50 hours of work I put in in one week while my boss was gone. And my boss has been giving me raving reviews, which is always much appreciated considering I have been on her not-so-good side since May. Whew. Glad that I just had to slowly kill myself and be so tired I have giant circles under my eyes, and not do well in school.
I have been so busy with homework, work, and nothing fun in the past two weeks that I have been forgetting to include some of the necessary requirements to my homework. BECAUSE THERE IS SO MUCH! SO FUCKING MUCH THAT I CAN'T REMEMBER WHAT IS REQUIRED BECAUSE I HAVE TO MOVE ON TO THE NEXT ASSIGNMENT THAT IS DUE IN FIVE MINUTES.
Dear Grad School, when did you decide to get all hard and fuck my life up?
In all reality, this is what I do: wake up, go to the gym, come back home and get ready for work, work the whole day, come home, get out of work clothes and immediately put on pajamas, and then sit at my computer for another 4-7 hours doing all of this homework.
THEREFORE! I need this incredible weekend without technology and much homework like a fish needs water.
I am feeling panicky lately. And when I say I am feeling panicky, I am meaning that I am so overwhelmed, tired, pressured, and just blah. School is the hardest this semester. This may have to do with the fact that I have one class ending next week, but I will be in Phoenix for work and will most likely not have any internet. Therefore, I have to write all my discussion posts, take a quiz, and write a 12 page paper all by Monday evening. AND! To add on top of the pressure, I am leaving this weekend for the balloon fiesta in Albuquerque:
I am extremely excited because that means I have to get 90% of my homework done, and then I can relax, eat, road trip, drink, sleep, and watch these amazing balloons with two of my favourite people. What more could a girl ask for?! Oh, right... more time.
I am going to Phoenix next week for work, which is adding to my anxiety about work. And I am writing about it instead of writing my homework. Good job, Kyrie. It should be fun, long, and more fun. I love all the men I work with, and I love shuffle board, which is played, while drinking beer in the warm weather of Phoenix.
Oh, by the way, did you hear how we had four tornado's? Yes, let's add that worry to the mix.
As soon as I get back from Phoenix, I house sit for 10 days. Which is ok with me. It means more money (I gotta buy a ticket to Nevada for Thanksgiving), and it means being on a different side of town, where no one will know where I am. And then that Friday, when I am going to be done with house sitting, I will be down in Phoenix. Again. This time, for the weekend and for fun and relaxation. As soon as I get back from Phoenix, however, means that I will have 19 days to have a full, completed draft of my thesis. Have I started said thesis? Of course not. Because I HAVE NO TIME.
This picture has nothing to do with anything, but it makes me smile:
I am getting a bonus at work, for the plus 50 hours of work I put in in one week while my boss was gone. And my boss has been giving me raving reviews, which is always much appreciated considering I have been on her not-so-good side since May. Whew. Glad that I just had to slowly kill myself and be so tired I have giant circles under my eyes, and not do well in school.
I have been so busy with homework, work, and nothing fun in the past two weeks that I have been forgetting to include some of the necessary requirements to my homework. BECAUSE THERE IS SO MUCH! SO FUCKING MUCH THAT I CAN'T REMEMBER WHAT IS REQUIRED BECAUSE I HAVE TO MOVE ON TO THE NEXT ASSIGNMENT THAT IS DUE IN FIVE MINUTES.
Dear Grad School, when did you decide to get all hard and fuck my life up?
In all reality, this is what I do: wake up, go to the gym, come back home and get ready for work, work the whole day, come home, get out of work clothes and immediately put on pajamas, and then sit at my computer for another 4-7 hours doing all of this homework.
THEREFORE! I need this incredible weekend without technology and much homework like a fish needs water.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Oh baby, where does the time go?
Needless to say, I have be missing in action. School is killing me. Work is killing me. Training for a marathon is killing me. There really is no time in the days anymore.
My boss left the country for three weeks, so I have been her replacement. Which is fine! I love my job, I love the people I work with, and I love what I do. But working 40+ hours and trying to go to Graduate school full-time is exhausting. People in general are exhausting. I have done everything my boss requested me to do while she was gone. I got chapters out for peer review, I did Science in the Park (pictures to come), I set up her furniture, I did everything and more.
Science in the Park was today. It was a huge success and I LOVED every minute of it. I loved talking to kids and families about fish, water, taking pictures, giving away awesome things. I loved it all. I even loved standing in the sun for 7 straight hours. And the heavy lifting and organizing were things that were needed and I loved doing it. We had an incredible team, and of course, one diva who was a pain in the ass and thought his shit was better than everyone's.
School is going fine. Except today when I decided to take a quiz even though I can hardly keep a single thought in my head. Outcome of that quiz? 2/10. WHOOPS! Oh well. Maybe she'll let me take it again. Maybe she wont. Oh, and I have to write a 12 page paper by tomorrow. And I don't even know what the topic has to be. Tomorrow should be fun. I am not going to freak out about it. I am fully capable of writing a page of that length in one night and get a great grade on it (by great, I mean an "A"). I did it last week. I'll do it again this week.
I bought a new bed about three weeks ago. Best decision ever. Most delicious bed ever. And even though I am utterly exhausted, I don't even get to enjoy it. Because, I pull myself too thin sometimes. I am house sitting as well! So let's add all that together and realize that Kyrie may not be sane for awhile. In all reality, I think a couple of nights of having 12+ hours of sleep will help. I was in bed by 7.30 last night and I woke up at 7 this morning. I think I need to pull a couple more nights like that and I'll be fine.
I did allow myself to get a manicure and pedicure today after Science in the Park was over. A treat for myself for being awesome and being able to handle the stress of this entire month better than I usually handle stress. And even though I am dead tired, I am hanging out with one of the people I adore the most tonight. A great wine and dine date night out with a boy who has been my friend for the past... 10 years! That doesn't seem like a long time, but for me it is. For me and this boy, excuse me, man, it is. Even after a failed 10 day relationship, we still love and adore each other. He will be going into the Peace Corps soon and I want to spend as much time as humanly possible with him.
So, I am off. Who knows when I will surface again. Maybe soon. Hopefully soon. After October 18th, I will be able to breathe a little more.
My boss left the country for three weeks, so I have been her replacement. Which is fine! I love my job, I love the people I work with, and I love what I do. But working 40+ hours and trying to go to Graduate school full-time is exhausting. People in general are exhausting. I have done everything my boss requested me to do while she was gone. I got chapters out for peer review, I did Science in the Park (pictures to come), I set up her furniture, I did everything and more.
Science in the Park was today. It was a huge success and I LOVED every minute of it. I loved talking to kids and families about fish, water, taking pictures, giving away awesome things. I loved it all. I even loved standing in the sun for 7 straight hours. And the heavy lifting and organizing were things that were needed and I loved doing it. We had an incredible team, and of course, one diva who was a pain in the ass and thought his shit was better than everyone's.
School is going fine. Except today when I decided to take a quiz even though I can hardly keep a single thought in my head. Outcome of that quiz? 2/10. WHOOPS! Oh well. Maybe she'll let me take it again. Maybe she wont. Oh, and I have to write a 12 page paper by tomorrow. And I don't even know what the topic has to be. Tomorrow should be fun. I am not going to freak out about it. I am fully capable of writing a page of that length in one night and get a great grade on it (by great, I mean an "A"). I did it last week. I'll do it again this week.
I bought a new bed about three weeks ago. Best decision ever. Most delicious bed ever. And even though I am utterly exhausted, I don't even get to enjoy it. Because, I pull myself too thin sometimes. I am house sitting as well! So let's add all that together and realize that Kyrie may not be sane for awhile. In all reality, I think a couple of nights of having 12+ hours of sleep will help. I was in bed by 7.30 last night and I woke up at 7 this morning. I think I need to pull a couple more nights like that and I'll be fine.
I did allow myself to get a manicure and pedicure today after Science in the Park was over. A treat for myself for being awesome and being able to handle the stress of this entire month better than I usually handle stress. And even though I am dead tired, I am hanging out with one of the people I adore the most tonight. A great wine and dine date night out with a boy who has been my friend for the past... 10 years! That doesn't seem like a long time, but for me it is. For me and this boy, excuse me, man, it is. Even after a failed 10 day relationship, we still love and adore each other. He will be going into the Peace Corps soon and I want to spend as much time as humanly possible with him.
So, I am off. Who knows when I will surface again. Maybe soon. Hopefully soon. After October 18th, I will be able to breathe a little more.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Sanity? who needs it!?
Today is the start of my last Fall semester at NAU. And I cannot even begin to describe what I am feeling. I am feeling a bit overwhelmed by the amount of work that is due within the next 7 weeks, I am feeling excited that this is my last fall at NAU, I am feeling a little helpless about the school work that is already sitting heavy on my chest, I am feeling excited that I've already done 4 assignments and it's only the first day... and... I am very anxious for the first 7 weeks to be done. Apparently I have decided to take two classes from two of the most difficult professors in the LTPW program. Good job Kyrie!
Just to give you an example of my work load for ONE class:
Quiz every 3-4 days
Paper (of 5-10 pages) every 5 days
10 discussion posts a week (of at least 300 words a piece)
This is for one class. One class that lasts 7 weeks. I guess I should have expected it to be crazy, but goodness, I forget how much needs to be done in the short semester classes. It's ok, I can do it... I may not be sane afterward, and I will have plenty of breakdowns, but everything will get done. And I will get an A. damn it.
Going back to work today was a little uneasy at first, but everyone was in a fabulous mood and I still had my job (it's been a question of how long I'll be there since May), and I have given much more outreach responsibility which I am very excited about.
I can already feel the itch of wanting to bake to distract myself from school work. Oh yeah, it's going to be a long semester.
I am going to a store tomorrow to get proper running shoes for my feet for my half marathon in January. A friend/coworker is a runner, so we're going to run together Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to get me up to speed and to my full potential. Baby steps in all aspects; training, dieting, and not being the obsessive person I am.
My lovely friend Shannon is having a baby in December, and I have told her I would provide the cupcakes/brownies for her baby shower. 4 dozen cupcakes and 4 batches of brownies! I love baking, and I love baking in giant batches like this. Yes, I tend to panic and freak out a bit, but who wouldn't?! Regardless, I know she'll love it and I know they will be the most amazing cupcakes people ever taste. I am that good.
Here's to the first manic Monday of school! And I seemed to have freaked out once today! Woo!
This is Quack Quack... and I miss him.
Just to give you an example of my work load for ONE class:
Quiz every 3-4 days
Paper (of 5-10 pages) every 5 days
10 discussion posts a week (of at least 300 words a piece)
This is for one class. One class that lasts 7 weeks. I guess I should have expected it to be crazy, but goodness, I forget how much needs to be done in the short semester classes. It's ok, I can do it... I may not be sane afterward, and I will have plenty of breakdowns, but everything will get done. And I will get an A. damn it.
Going back to work today was a little uneasy at first, but everyone was in a fabulous mood and I still had my job (it's been a question of how long I'll be there since May), and I have given much more outreach responsibility which I am very excited about.
I can already feel the itch of wanting to bake to distract myself from school work. Oh yeah, it's going to be a long semester.
I am going to a store tomorrow to get proper running shoes for my feet for my half marathon in January. A friend/coworker is a runner, so we're going to run together Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to get me up to speed and to my full potential. Baby steps in all aspects; training, dieting, and not being the obsessive person I am.
My lovely friend Shannon is having a baby in December, and I have told her I would provide the cupcakes/brownies for her baby shower. 4 dozen cupcakes and 4 batches of brownies! I love baking, and I love baking in giant batches like this. Yes, I tend to panic and freak out a bit, but who wouldn't?! Regardless, I know she'll love it and I know they will be the most amazing cupcakes people ever taste. I am that good.
Here's to the first manic Monday of school! And I seemed to have freaked out once today! Woo!
This is Quack Quack... and I miss him.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
writing is just work-there's no secret. if you dictate or use a pen or type or write with your toes-it is still just work.
I have been gone for the past week doing awesome things like rafting the Truckee River, Kayaking and parasailing around Lake Tahoe, watching movies, shopping, resting (oh my god sleep, I missed you), and spending some much needed quality time with my family before the craziness of the semester starts… because they know that as soon as school starts, and I start freaking out, I become a hermit until the load lightens up (totally never happens, but I’m a dreamer) and I can actually breathe for a bit without the anxiety of school and all the stuff I have to do no longer exists.
This last week was a great vacation and a lot was done. We were on a whirlwind of activities, which made it even more fun. There came a point where it all caught up with me on Wednesday when I walked into my grandma’s house at 10 p.m. and just said “I am tired” and promptly put my head to rest on my pillow. But it was well worth it and well deserved. And now, when I start freaking out about school, I can simply remember this:
In other news, school starts tomorrow! My boss will be leaving after this week for a month in France learning how to cook (lucky duck she is), and I will be in charge of running Science in the Park this year for USGS. I am extremely excited about this because I am a social butterfly when I want to be. And it will be nice to be outside for three days helping our scientists out and hanging out with kids and their families. It’s always incredible to see little kids faces light up when they learn something new or something extremely fascinating to them. They are so young and absorb information like sponges. I look forward to it and will be taking pictures of the event.
My friend Dani and I will be running a half marathon in January. January 16th is the exact date of this half marathon. I have never done a marathon before, nor am I in the best of shape to be doing it. But starting tomorrow, diet is going to get strict and I am going to start running everyday. Even if it is a little bit of a run/walk I will do it everyday. My awesome hairdresser is also going to help me out; she’s a body builder/athlete and said she can whoop my ass into shape. So come January, I will be able to run this 13-mile marathon with ease… and look super hot too!
First day is tomorrow, although I don't actually have to attend class in the "normal" sense, I do have to spend a ridiculous amount of time on the computer now. Guitar tomorrow as well, so luckily, the computer hours will be split up a bit.
This last week was a great vacation and a lot was done. We were on a whirlwind of activities, which made it even more fun. There came a point where it all caught up with me on Wednesday when I walked into my grandma’s house at 10 p.m. and just said “I am tired” and promptly put my head to rest on my pillow. But it was well worth it and well deserved. And now, when I start freaking out about school, I can simply remember this:
In other news, school starts tomorrow! My boss will be leaving after this week for a month in France learning how to cook (lucky duck she is), and I will be in charge of running Science in the Park this year for USGS. I am extremely excited about this because I am a social butterfly when I want to be. And it will be nice to be outside for three days helping our scientists out and hanging out with kids and their families. It’s always incredible to see little kids faces light up when they learn something new or something extremely fascinating to them. They are so young and absorb information like sponges. I look forward to it and will be taking pictures of the event.
My friend Dani and I will be running a half marathon in January. January 16th is the exact date of this half marathon. I have never done a marathon before, nor am I in the best of shape to be doing it. But starting tomorrow, diet is going to get strict and I am going to start running everyday. Even if it is a little bit of a run/walk I will do it everyday. My awesome hairdresser is also going to help me out; she’s a body builder/athlete and said she can whoop my ass into shape. So come January, I will be able to run this 13-mile marathon with ease… and look super hot too!
First day is tomorrow, although I don't actually have to attend class in the "normal" sense, I do have to spend a ridiculous amount of time on the computer now. Guitar tomorrow as well, so luckily, the computer hours will be split up a bit.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
People always live forever when there is an annuity to be paid
I am a baker. And when I bake… I mean, I REALLY bake. I can’t stop baking once I start. Especially when school starts, I bake to avoid doing important things like homework, reading, thesis, etc. So last night I baked four different kinds of cookies: my famous pumpkin cookies, pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, molasses cookies, and my recent obsession of macaroons. I actually had a purpose for baking all of these delicious cookies, which was a co-worker, who was probably one of my favourite co-workers is leaving. His last day is next Friday, but seeing as I will be in Carson City this next week, today was the last day I was going to see him. So I got him a little card and filled a grocery bag full of all these cookies. And this bag… probably weighed the size of a baby. Go big or go home is my motto! Anyway, I made all of these cookies with much success in about 2 hours. Cause I am seriously that good. I can whip out baked goods quicker than a magician whipping the tablecloth from a table. I am just sayin’.
Tonight is knitting night, and I had all this pumpkin left over, so of course I had to make MORE COOKIES. 26 plain and 26 chocolate chips. Not as bad as I did last night, and I know all the ladies will love them, so it makes me happy. And luckily, I don’t eat any of the stuff I bake because if I did, I would weigh 300 pounds. Anyway, I am working on a blanket, which may be done in time for winter this year… or maybe next. We’ll see what happens.
Tuesday night I did karaoke. I love karaoke. It’s a new love; fresh, easy, makes me nervous, but I do love it now. A pretty little lady I met last October does karaoke, and after two nights watching her do karaoke, she convinced me to do karaoke with her. Now, whenever she’s in town we go to karaoke. We have our token duets: “Kyrie,” “Kiss Me Deadly,” “Don’t Stop Believing,” “Bette Davis Eyes,” and she does a few of her own songs: “Black Betty,” “Maneater,” a whole bunch of other songs. And, you gotta love a girl who loves singing the song I am named after.
Tomorrow I get my hair cut, my eyebrows waxed, maybe a pedicure and then I am leaving on a jet plane to visit my wild, amazing family. There’s going to be hiking, swimming, rafting, kayaking, shopping, move watching, pizza eating, and who knows what else! I am greatly looking forward to it seeing as school starts in a little over a week. I need a break from work and Flagstaff before I plunge right into the new semester. Only two left, and then I’ll be done for a while. PhD is going to have to wait a bit… I am getting worn out. And I don’t think my family can handle me and my worrywart attitude and the stress ball I become.
Tonight is knitting night, and I had all this pumpkin left over, so of course I had to make MORE COOKIES. 26 plain and 26 chocolate chips. Not as bad as I did last night, and I know all the ladies will love them, so it makes me happy. And luckily, I don’t eat any of the stuff I bake because if I did, I would weigh 300 pounds. Anyway, I am working on a blanket, which may be done in time for winter this year… or maybe next. We’ll see what happens.
Tuesday night I did karaoke. I love karaoke. It’s a new love; fresh, easy, makes me nervous, but I do love it now. A pretty little lady I met last October does karaoke, and after two nights watching her do karaoke, she convinced me to do karaoke with her. Now, whenever she’s in town we go to karaoke. We have our token duets: “Kyrie,” “Kiss Me Deadly,” “Don’t Stop Believing,” “Bette Davis Eyes,” and she does a few of her own songs: “Black Betty,” “Maneater,” a whole bunch of other songs. And, you gotta love a girl who loves singing the song I am named after.
Tomorrow I get my hair cut, my eyebrows waxed, maybe a pedicure and then I am leaving on a jet plane to visit my wild, amazing family. There’s going to be hiking, swimming, rafting, kayaking, shopping, move watching, pizza eating, and who knows what else! I am greatly looking forward to it seeing as school starts in a little over a week. I need a break from work and Flagstaff before I plunge right into the new semester. Only two left, and then I’ll be done for a while. PhD is going to have to wait a bit… I am getting worn out. And I don’t think my family can handle me and my worrywart attitude and the stress ball I become.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
When we remember we are all mad, the mysteries disappear and life stands explained.
I was looking at my old England blog last night when I decided I miss writing a blog. Granted, no one really looks at my blog except my family (hi family! I see most of you in a few days) and some of my friends who I decided to share this with (hi friends! You lucky bastards!). And that’s ok with me. Come to find out, my dear friend WILLIAM has just told me he won’t read my blog just to read it, or follow it just to follow it… my writing must “merit it” and ultimately meet his standards. Psh. Loser. ☺
It will all be apparent in time what I am like, what I do, etc., as I continue to write and become more and more obsessive about writing this here blog, than writing my actual thesis. Which, at the moment, is on complete hold until further notice.
I suppose that is one thing I should share; I am in graduate school and this is my last year. I have 9 months to write a 5 chapter book/thesis. I started this back in January, and three changes later, I have an entirely different subject, goal, and most likely, thesis advisor. All the research, planning, outline, book purchases can be thrown out like a bad piece of fruit. Third time’s the charm, right? I will most likely complain and be cantankerous about graduate school and say how much I hate it one day, and then the next, boast about how it is so stimulating and I love school AND my thesis. And once I am actually done with this year, I will be left with a bittersweet feeling of knowing I am finally taking a break after 20 years, and that I will actually have free time… a concept that does not make sense in my brain at this moment. But I will no longer have a reason to stress about school and homework. Something I say I may loathe, but secretly love.
What is this “third times the charm” thesis topic? I will be writing about technical and professional writing for the scientists and editors of the United States Geological Survey, where I happen to be a publications assistant. I want to look at professional papers, scientific investigations report, and open-file reports for the technical aspect. Then move to writing for the general public using fact sheets and the Internet and why it is important. Last, I will be focusing on what current and future editors can do to help these scientists accomplish their best writing. And I ultimately want to find a way to help everyone involved with the writing at USGS and make it a better, easier, and more fun way to get all the publications done.
How many publications are we talking about? For this fiscal year… our goal is over 200. Something we’ve never done before. Some may call this a challenge… I call this complete craziness. But that drama is for another day.
Now, I am going to enjoy the grey skies of flagstaff and the thunderstorm that is slowly brewing over the mountains. Monsoons are the best time of year in Flagstaff.
It will all be apparent in time what I am like, what I do, etc., as I continue to write and become more and more obsessive about writing this here blog, than writing my actual thesis. Which, at the moment, is on complete hold until further notice.
I suppose that is one thing I should share; I am in graduate school and this is my last year. I have 9 months to write a 5 chapter book/thesis. I started this back in January, and three changes later, I have an entirely different subject, goal, and most likely, thesis advisor. All the research, planning, outline, book purchases can be thrown out like a bad piece of fruit. Third time’s the charm, right? I will most likely complain and be cantankerous about graduate school and say how much I hate it one day, and then the next, boast about how it is so stimulating and I love school AND my thesis. And once I am actually done with this year, I will be left with a bittersweet feeling of knowing I am finally taking a break after 20 years, and that I will actually have free time… a concept that does not make sense in my brain at this moment. But I will no longer have a reason to stress about school and homework. Something I say I may loathe, but secretly love.
What is this “third times the charm” thesis topic? I will be writing about technical and professional writing for the scientists and editors of the United States Geological Survey, where I happen to be a publications assistant. I want to look at professional papers, scientific investigations report, and open-file reports for the technical aspect. Then move to writing for the general public using fact sheets and the Internet and why it is important. Last, I will be focusing on what current and future editors can do to help these scientists accomplish their best writing. And I ultimately want to find a way to help everyone involved with the writing at USGS and make it a better, easier, and more fun way to get all the publications done.
How many publications are we talking about? For this fiscal year… our goal is over 200. Something we’ve never done before. Some may call this a challenge… I call this complete craziness. But that drama is for another day.
Now, I am going to enjoy the grey skies of flagstaff and the thunderstorm that is slowly brewing over the mountains. Monsoons are the best time of year in Flagstaff.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)