My parents came to visit for the weekend and we all had a lot of fun. Friday my dad made a big yummy dinner (almost too big for my little apartment!) of pork loin, mashed potatoes, and corn. We watched some of the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics, and I was truly fascinated by it. Saturday my parents mostly just hung out and did some shopping, and then Jake came over and we all went to have our day-early Valentine's dinner at St. Clair Winery & Bistro. I've known about it since I started school here but neither Jake nor I had tried it yet. It was a really nice place, with reasonable prices and delicious wine and food! Sunday we did a little more shopping and putzing around town. My mom and I went to see the movie Valentine's Day in the evening, which was so good! It was really funny, and I honestly don't think it was that much of a chick flick. Anyone could probably enjoy it. Valentine's Day is definitely not my favorite holiday. I'm not really anti-V-day but if the holiday was banned I wouldn't be too upset. I even have a boyfriend and I don't like it too much. However, I still wanted to give Jake something so I found some amazing-smelling men's body wash from Bath and Body Works, and added a card and Bottle Caps (his favorite candy). He gave me a card, a balloon, and a photo album. It's kind of between a regular photo album and a scrap book...hard to explain. It's really pretty and I guess I'll have to print some more pictures sometime :)
I can't believe it's already the middle of February. February is the best month for Las Cruces, in my opinion. It's not too hot and not too cold...just starting to hint at spring. October is pretty nice too, but the summers are pretty brutal and the winters can be really cold, but normally dry (although this year there were a few snowfalls...quite an excitement for this desert city!).I'm dreading March because that's when the nasty winds pick up, then April brings allergies and the temperatures rise.
Whoa, just saw the time and realized I have to leave for class soon, so I'm cutting out!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
Baby steps
I have completed my online graduate school application for NMSU. I paid the $30 application fee. I am in the process of applying for graduate assistantship. I sent one recommendation form over email to a family friend. Another, intended for my supervisor at the YMCA, will hopefully be sent via fax tomorrow. The third will be given to my independent study professor within the next three days. I have decided which research paper to use as my sample of scholarly writing. I intend to begin my letter of intent within the next three days. I have filled out my application for financial assistance for the assistantship. Tomorrow I will have my transcript sent to the correct department.
But the question still remains......
What do I want to do after I graduate in May?
Baby steps. I'm not going to get anywhere or open doors of opportunity for myself if I sit around waiting for the answer to come to me. Hence the application for the graduate program at NMSU. It's the easiest academic option so far and figure if I just apply, no harm can be done. Just because I apply and, granted, get accepted, there's no need to commit just yet.
We'll see when we get there.
But the question still remains......
What do I want to do after I graduate in May?
Baby steps. I'm not going to get anywhere or open doors of opportunity for myself if I sit around waiting for the answer to come to me. Hence the application for the graduate program at NMSU. It's the easiest academic option so far and figure if I just apply, no harm can be done. Just because I apply and, granted, get accepted, there's no need to commit just yet.
We'll see when we get there.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
I think I need a life
Or at least a new hobby. I have three sets of measuring spoons, and last week I noticed the tablespoon of one of the sets was missing, and just could not find it in any of the drawers or cabinets. This morning I started wondering again where it might be and suddenly remembered that last semester I had a bag of off-brand coffee that wasn't very good and over Christmas I acquired some much better coffee, so when I returned to my apartment after break I stuck the not-as-good coffee in the cabinet. I realized that I may have left the tablespoon in the bag, so when I pulled out the bag and opened it up and saw the beautiful glimmer of clear plastic resting inside, I actually said out loud, "Yaaaaaaaay!" For the next few minutes I was giddy because I found a tablespoon.
I need something that I'm excited about, something normal?
I need something that I'm excited about, something normal?
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Is it Friday yet?
Because Monday isn't even here yet and I am thinking about all I have to do for this week and a bit stressed already. Even though I'm only taking 12 credits this semester, they're still keeping me pretty dang busy. My drawing class takes up a surprising amount of time away from class, with all the sketchbook assignments. My independent study is great to do, and so far I'm having fun with it, but it's a lot of work that I have to really motivate myself to do. I've been helping my professor rewrite the public speaking chapter for the second edition of Principles of Communication (did I tell you this already? I think I did...). So I've been going through other communication books and picking out what I think is important information and turning all that information into an outline for him.
Last time I met with him he confused me even more about what I want to do after graduation. After we had discussed my assignment for this week, we started talking about grad school, and he told me he thinks I should apply for graduate assistantship here. I'd get health insurance, take home about ~$500 a month (which isn't a whole lot, but it's reasonable when you're going to school, plus the part that I'm not taking home would be going toward tuition). I would teach about 3 classes a week, the Principles of Communication classes that nearly everyone at this university has to take. It sounds like a great opportunity for me too, which stresses me out even more because now I have to think about applying to grad school and for the assistantship here soon! Then he went on to highly discourage me from taking a break from school. Trust me, I know how risky it is. Too many people "take a break" from school and never return because they get comfortable working and not having to worry about studying. I understand the risks completely, but I am still drawn to the idea. I'm thinking maybe just one or two semesters, tops. I'm also still thinking of the place in Illinois too. Did I already write about that? I don't think so. Anyway about a week and a half ago I came across this small university in Deerfield, Illinois (near Chicago) which offers a master's program in Communication & Culture, which is the field of communication I am most fascinated by. It's a smaller Christian university called Trinity International. So I'm going to list pros and cons of getting my master's program at NMSU and TIU.
NMSU Pros:
I already know Las Cruces and the university.
I'd get in-state tuition.
I'd be able to teach communication classes.
I really like the communication faculty here.
I'd get paid, plus benefits.
It's not too far from my family.
NMSU Cons:
Nothing against Las Cruces or New Mexico or NMSU, but I have this restless urge deep within to experience somewhere completely new, a longing to try living elsewhere in the country.
Doesn't offer an emphasis in culture.
TIU Pros:
(See above about experiencing someplace new in the country).
Smaller, Christian university might be an interesting change.
Illinois is lovely.
Near Chicago; I'd have the ability to experience this city at my disposal!
Near Lake Michigan.
Offers the Culture emphasis.
TIU Cons:
Doesn't offer the grad assistant opportunity.
More expensive; no in-state tuition.
Far from my family :(
Likely colder, longer winters!
I like winter, but I'm usually ready for warm weather by the time January rolls around.
¡¡¡¿Qué voy a hacer?!!!
Last time I met with him he confused me even more about what I want to do after graduation. After we had discussed my assignment for this week, we started talking about grad school, and he told me he thinks I should apply for graduate assistantship here. I'd get health insurance, take home about ~$500 a month (which isn't a whole lot, but it's reasonable when you're going to school, plus the part that I'm not taking home would be going toward tuition). I would teach about 3 classes a week, the Principles of Communication classes that nearly everyone at this university has to take. It sounds like a great opportunity for me too, which stresses me out even more because now I have to think about applying to grad school and for the assistantship here soon! Then he went on to highly discourage me from taking a break from school. Trust me, I know how risky it is. Too many people "take a break" from school and never return because they get comfortable working and not having to worry about studying. I understand the risks completely, but I am still drawn to the idea. I'm thinking maybe just one or two semesters, tops. I'm also still thinking of the place in Illinois too. Did I already write about that? I don't think so. Anyway about a week and a half ago I came across this small university in Deerfield, Illinois (near Chicago) which offers a master's program in Communication & Culture, which is the field of communication I am most fascinated by. It's a smaller Christian university called Trinity International. So I'm going to list pros and cons of getting my master's program at NMSU and TIU.
NMSU Pros:
I already know Las Cruces and the university.
I'd get in-state tuition.
I'd be able to teach communication classes.
I really like the communication faculty here.
I'd get paid, plus benefits.
It's not too far from my family.
NMSU Cons:
Nothing against Las Cruces or New Mexico or NMSU, but I have this restless urge deep within to experience somewhere completely new, a longing to try living elsewhere in the country.
Doesn't offer an emphasis in culture.
TIU Pros:
(See above about experiencing someplace new in the country).
Smaller, Christian university might be an interesting change.
Illinois is lovely.
Near Chicago; I'd have the ability to experience this city at my disposal!
Near Lake Michigan.
Offers the Culture emphasis.
TIU Cons:
Doesn't offer the grad assistant opportunity.
More expensive; no in-state tuition.
Far from my family :(
Likely colder, longer winters!
I like winter, but I'm usually ready for warm weather by the time January rolls around.
¡¡¡¿Qué voy a hacer?!!!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
grilled cheese
Some interesting takes on grilled cheese that I'd like to try!
http://www.delish.com/recipes/cooking-recipes/best-grilled-cheese-sandwich-recipes?gt1=47001
http://www.delish.com/recipes/cooking-recipes/best-grilled-cheese-sandwich-recipes?gt1=47001
Lists
Two lists today. One is of things I'd like to invest in; when I start saving up more money I can eventually by these one at a time. The other is books I would like to read in the next several months.
Things to invest in:
Reebok Easy Tone shoes
Video camera
CamelBak
Snowpants (I have no need for these in Las Cruces, and I probably have no need for them at all til next winter, but now is probably a good time to buy them because they'll be on sale!)
Snowboots (see above)
Hair straightener (I never used to straighten my hair, but on New Year's my sister straightened my hair with her straightener, and I loved it!)
Snowboarding lessons-ok, this is a random thing to put on the list, but recently I decided I want to learn to snowboard. I tried skiing once, three years ago. It was fun but SO hard. I can just see myself more as a snowboarder than a skier, not that it will be much easier to learn. This probably won't happen for a year or two though.
Books to read:
Into the Wild-I just started reading it...one of my favorite movies.
The Lovely Bones
The Kite Runner (I saw the movie on TV not long ago, and now I want to read it)
Blue Like Jazz (I have this, I just haven't gotten around to reading it)
Harry Potter-I've read all of them, but I want to reread them.
Things to invest in:
Reebok Easy Tone shoes
Video camera
CamelBak
Snowpants (I have no need for these in Las Cruces, and I probably have no need for them at all til next winter, but now is probably a good time to buy them because they'll be on sale!)
Snowboots (see above)
Hair straightener (I never used to straighten my hair, but on New Year's my sister straightened my hair with her straightener, and I loved it!)
Snowboarding lessons-ok, this is a random thing to put on the list, but recently I decided I want to learn to snowboard. I tried skiing once, three years ago. It was fun but SO hard. I can just see myself more as a snowboarder than a skier, not that it will be much easier to learn. This probably won't happen for a year or two though.
Books to read:
Into the Wild-I just started reading it...one of my favorite movies.
The Lovely Bones
The Kite Runner (I saw the movie on TV not long ago, and now I want to read it)
Blue Like Jazz (I have this, I just haven't gotten around to reading it)
Harry Potter-I've read all of them, but I want to reread them.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Happy MLK, Jr. Day!
Yesterday I was depressed because the Cowboys lost, therefore no more Cowboys til next season, so I went and bought shoes. About a week ago I was at Payless in Santa Fe and found these really cute black dress shoes, but decided that I didn't need to spend money on them. But then yesterday happened, so I went to see if the Payless in Las Cruces had them. Sure did! So now I have a shiny new pair of black slingbacks to wear with my graduation dress. I'm obsessed with my new dress, and here's why. About three weeks ago I was in Albuquerque with my parents, and my mom and I decided just to check out the expensive dresses in Caché. I wandered to the back where the sale dresses were and came across this particular dress. It was very different and oh-so silky soft! I thought, "I'll just try it on for the heck of it." I slipped it on in the dressing room, and immediately thought, "Ok, I can't not buy this dress." It was like it was made for me! Perfect fit, amazing colors, I had to buy it. I showed my mom and she agreed. I looked at the price tag...originally $179, then marked down to $90, plus it was on a 50% off clearance rack. I paid $45 for it! So I will wear it for my graduation in May, but I wish I could wear it to something sooner! See the pic at the end of this blog :) I am so excited to wear it. It's very unique, as it has both halter straps and regular straps and the pattern is just so different.
Changing subject...I met with my independent study professor on Friday, and for now I am going to be helping him rewrite a chapter for the third edition of the Communication 265 book (the class that pretty much everyone at the university has to take). It's the chapter on public speaking, and I'm starting off with the section on informative speeches. I hope I do well with this, I don't want to disappoint. However, I think I'll succeed because I have usually been good at picking out information that seems to be most important and writing outlines, plus editing is one of my strengths :) So we'll see how it goes the next time I meet with him.
Hope everyone's had a dandy three-day (if applicable) weekend!
My new dress and shoes!
Jake & his Bears jersey that I got him for Christmas
Both of us...we were bored yesterday evening :)
Changing subject...I met with my independent study professor on Friday, and for now I am going to be helping him rewrite a chapter for the third edition of the Communication 265 book (the class that pretty much everyone at the university has to take). It's the chapter on public speaking, and I'm starting off with the section on informative speeches. I hope I do well with this, I don't want to disappoint. However, I think I'll succeed because I have usually been good at picking out information that seems to be most important and writing outlines, plus editing is one of my strengths :) So we'll see how it goes the next time I meet with him.
Hope everyone's had a dandy three-day (if applicable) weekend!
My new dress and shoes!
Jake & his Bears jersey that I got him for Christmas
Both of us...we were bored yesterday evening :)
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