[scenes from New Years in my family's basement]
Here we are, already into the second week of the new year.
Seriously???!!!
I feel like 2011 is going to be a happy one.
I am definitely happy to be back in my little cozy cave apartment, after a nerve-wracking drive back across the Midwest from IL to PA. We had our own personal blizzard cloud literally tracking us along the entire stretch of I-80, which was not being plowed or salted. Ugh I am SO scared of driving in snow and ice.
Ben has moved into his very own apartment, since my place is way too small for two people. I spent the weekend deep-cleaning and organizing all the stuff that hasn't really been moved since I arrived here in August 2009. It feels amazing to have a clean, semi-organized space.
This week I am starting my last semester of grad school, which is kind of scary but exciting at the same time. I haven't made any official New Year's "resolutions" but I do have some goals that I would like to accomplish, as well as goals that I HAVE to accomplish (or else!!), including
-finish thesis ...a second category goal
-present thesis at the AAG's (geography conference) in Seattle
-maintain a clean and organized space to live and work
(including cleaning the kitchen every night)
-sew a cute gym bag
-start running regularly again
-blog more recipes
-apply for jobs (aaaaa!!)
-land an amazing job in a fun place to live
-MOVE and start life in the "real world"
If anyone has connections to someone who would like to hire a biologist/geographer specialized in fire ecology, resource management, forest dynamics, and many other things please let me know...
I am trying to project self-confidence, optimism, and excitement towards all the unknowns coming up in my life this year, and not stress out too much. I can't wait to find out what my next step will be, and am so grateful to have Ben with me to keep me grounded and happy. Bring it on, 2011. I am ready for you.