Month one...

So, I've made it through the first month of graduate school. This means that I have made it past the point I did the first time around. To be frank, sometimes I thought I wouldn't actually make it. That I would freak out the same way that I did when I tried out Tufts University six years ago. Thankfully, I am older and have faced much more difficult times than handling heavy loads of homework. I look at my schedule and know that although it is tough, I can definitely manage it.

School is school. As of yet, nothing is applied to the real world. We are in our safety net. Relying on each other to run tests and interview like we would a client. This is simple, for we are all well individuals. Last week, however, I had my first taste of real-life intervention when I attended a group meeting for people with mental illness. I will not reveal any of the stories or the diagnoses, but I will say that it is really humbling to be around a group of people who battle to act "normal" every day. I feel that since I quit my old job, my life has been fantastic and I have managed with little struggle. I got through the tough spots with a lot of patience and turned out stronger because of it. Some are not so lucky when going through bad times. Although I know what "bad times" feels like, I wonder if I can actually relate to this population enough to earn their trust.

After all, books can only teach you so much.

I am not saying that a connection is unlikely, I'm just curious what my education will teach me about how to relate to those who few understand.

Barbie's Easy-Bake Oven

Unbelievable.

We finally get a new stove, and this is what our land-lady calls "really nice":

Ain't no way we are fitting a damned turkey in there. What the hell was she thinking???

Can't sleep, so here is what's been going on...

I figured since I can't sleep and was wasting time on the internet, I should write a little something about what has been going on lately. A few major changes...you know, like starting graduate school.

The first few weeks have been busy but good. I have already written two papers and am preparing for my first presentation, which is scaring the shit out of me. Ever since I stopped acting several years ago, I realized that I quite enjoy not being the center of attention. Honestly, I never really liked being the center in the first place. Too much pressure. Blending is good. Blending is always good. That being said, I'm willing to put myself out there to get through school.

I might want to mention that I had to buy 14 books for class. When I thought that was all, I found out we needed an additional 4 readers and three inches thick worth of journal articles that I had to copy off on my own due to copywright laws. Pretty much this semester cost me $1,000 in books. Once graduate school is over, I'm sure I will have read the tree equivalent of Henry Cowell Redwood Forest.

It's not all bad news. I really enjoy my classes so far, the students are nice and the professors are very supportive. We were also able to sneak away for a quick trip to Seattle during Labor Day weekend. During this vacation, we decided not to make it ALL about sight-seeing. Since we have such hectic schedules, we tried something new: RESTING DURING VACATION. It's a fantastic concept that requires little to no planning. I highly recommend it.

Now for a little sleep?