Wednesday, August 19, 2009

and it begins

I've successfully completed three weeks of work in the FXS lab.  Tomorrow, I'll add classes to that.  I'm nervous but excited about it, specifically about the 20,000 students and the getting all around campus in 15 minutes or less.

It's storming now, so I need to get off the computer.  The storms out here are BEAUTIFUL!!

Monday, July 13, 2009

Still in limbo

Dad and I did manage to find me an apartment.  I love it, but I won't be able to move in until Aug. 5th, which is frustrating since I start work July 27th.  Oh well.  Extended StayAmerica it is!  I'll be taking my rabbit, but he won't come with me until Aug. 5th I think.

The family successfully moved to Tennessee, and now we're spending time unpacking boxes.  Unfortunately, since I'll be leaving again in 2 weeks, my stuff doesn't get unpacked.  So my room is warehouse-esque and will stay that way until I'm in Kansas.

hanging out in the backyard on move-in day

Max loves the new house and yard - both are flat and there are only a few stairs.  He was pretty nervous during all the packing and moving, but now he has calmed down and even found some favorite sleeping spots.  He also likes his new neighbors!  We took him over one evening to romp with the Jack Russell terrier and Golden Retriever next door, and they seemed to enjoy it.  The terrier still likes to bark at Max from the other side of the fence, though.

The house is pretty cool.  It's about 60 years old, and it still has old-fashioned 4-prong phone jacks (they don't even make adapters for them now!).  There are several closets that are only about 18 inches deep, and we've nicknamed them fake closets since they look big until you open the door.  I love the big windows in every room, especially the bay window in the living room.  Mom's already decided it's perfect for a Christmas tree!  In some ways I'm sad I won't be living here much longer.

I'm really excited about grad school, but I'm also a little nervous.  I like the people I'm working with, and I know I'll relax once I know what to expect.  I've always disliked first days of work or school, and this is no exception.  I'm thrilled about the opportunity, even if I'm a little nervous about the specifics.

Friday, June 12, 2009

Apartment Hunting

Day 2

Whew.  Yesterday Dad and I drove all over Lawrence, KS, looking for a place for me to live next year.  We were a little worried when it seemed like all the places near campus were full for the fall.  But then we stopped by a complex we had only passed by on Wednesday.  Success!  I even put a hold on the apartment to give us 3 days to decide.  We've got another appointment today, and I'm sure we'll drive around a ton too, but at this point I do have a place to live.  It's a bit pricy, but totally worth it since it's head and shoulders above all the other places.  The only problem is that it's not available until Aug. 5.  And I have to start work at the lab July 27.  So we've got to figure out somewhere for me to stay for about 10 days.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Meeting Baby Becca

Mom baptized baby Becca this morning.  I was thrilled to finally meet the little miracle - despite a VERY rocky start she's thriving!  I knew I'd have to battle with her extended family to get a chance to hold her, but Nancy made sure I got my turn!  She looked up at me with such inquisitive, admiring eyes.  She did the same with Mom while she was being baptized.  You can almost see the wheels turning in her head as she watches!  It was fun, too, to hear her vocalizations and compare them to the ones I recorded for my senior thesis.  Lol.  Sometimes I'm too much of a student.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Graduation!

Finally, two and a half weeks after the event took place, I have photos to post from my graduation.  On May 17, 2009, I graduated cum laude from DePauw University with a BA in psychology.  =)  I'm beyond thrilled!!





We had a perfect day -- sunny with a breeze to take the edge off the heat -- for the outdoor ceremony.  It took fully 2 and a half hours to get through everything, but I was pretty excited so I didn't mind.  I can't believe I've got a degree now!