Catch Up

Ok, since I feel too blech to focus on work. . .I'll catch up on here.

First, yes, I passed the written exams. Barely. But they want me to work hard and prove to them that I am really ready to write my dissertation, etc. So, that will be my focus for the next week. My orals are on the 14th. Fortunately, I don't have to work at the store much before then. Unfortunately, either my allergies are acting up or I have a cold now from everything. My head feels all muddled today so when I met with one of my profs, I wasn't very focused though I was trying hard to be. Blech.

Anyway. . .right after classes started, I took a small break and went to see Michelle in Charlotte so we could hang and I could meet her hubby and daughter. It was a really great day. very relaxing and soooo needed after the stress of the exams. Her hubby is a real trip and her daughter is adorable. It was nice to be around such a good family vibe. Too bad it was only for one day but that's ok cause there's always next time.

School started off fairly well. I like all of my classes. Should be an interesting semester. The MW English class has some interesting students in it. Well, they all do but that one will be the extreme case for the semester. Things seem to be clicking along fairly well. It's good to have a routine again.

My office is pretty good. My two officemates and I don't have the same hours so that lets me focus on getting stuff done if I need to. So far that plan is working out all right (except for today). The only annoying thing is that there is the occasional student who seems to think that I know the whereabouts of everyone else on this corner of the hall. Uh, no. Have no freaking clue when Professor So-and-so will be back. Geez, do I LOOK like I have a people's dayplanners taped to my forehead? If they aren't in, leave them a note. Or email them. Don't bug someone who is obviously working on something. Have my headphones on listening to Vivaldi so I don't have to deal with anyone who isn't looking for me. But, for the most part, this part of the hall is quiet.

I had a 3 day weekend and almost didn't know what to do with myself. Well, I got some shopping done. Got some research done. And lots of sleep yesterday. I went and saw "Redeye" on Sunday and it is a really good movie. I completely recommend it if you're looking for a good thriller. There were moments when I was on the edge of my seat. Cillian Murphy makes a really creepy bad guy. I think it's how blue his eyes are and how "pretty" he is. When he wants to be seductive, he's yummy, but when he's pulling for ice cold. . .well, run some ice down your back and you'll get the gist. brrrr

There was so much that I wanted to write about before but now it just won't stay in my head. Oh, one thing. . .Angela's book signing at the store this weekend. Been advertising the heck out of it. I really hope it does well. That would be great. i finally got to read one of her novels (I'd only read short stuff before) and I really got into it. I even have an idea for a book myself.

(sigh) Ideas. Have a lot of those floating around. Really need to try and pull it all together and focus on stuff. That is so hard to do when my brain runs a bazillion miles a minute. And I have so much work to do in so many areas. Geez. One thing I may have to do is quit the store. I really like working there and it helps keep me grounded in reality but. . .the hours are starting to wear me out now that school has started. I asked Tony for less hours but that doesn't seem to be happening. I'll wait until after my orals to see what I will do. I really need to focus on my work. Really need to spend quantity time on stuff. It's a nice thought to say that I could save up the money from the store for next semester so I can focus on the diss but. . .don't I need to do that now? And what good will it do me if I burn myself out? Yuck, I hate being practical.

So, we'll see what happens. I have given up hope of having much of a life right now because of needing to get work done but I refuse to compromise what free time I can snag for myself. Anyway, I'll try and write little blurbs here and there of the amusing stuff that happens. Definitely more stuff to report now that the semester is underway. My students are an endless source of information and amusement. Welcome to my life as it normally is. lol