So This Is Christmas ...

I'm officiallly done with school, one A and one B+.  No classes next semester -- I'll be packing and getting my life in order.

I applied for entrance into three Ph.D. programs so far: Indiana U, U of Illinois -- Chicago and American U in DC.  Two more to go: U of WA Seattle and Portland State University. I plan to get those done over Christmas break.  I'll find out in March where or if I'll go.  Obviously I WANT to go, but things are now out of my hands -- I've submitted the applications, paid the fees, ordered the transcripts and asked for recommendations -- now to wait.  wait.  wait. 

Plan B?  Move to where I want to go to school, get a job, establish residency, reapply.  Plan B does not involve Florida -- I'm done here, likely at the end of May.  I want to stay in Florida to see my friends' baby arrive, then pack up and head out -- my lease expires at the end of April, likely will extend that until the end of May, maybe 1st week of June.  No further.

Sister, Boy Wonder and I bought a perfect gift for Dad this year -- a new laptop.  Yes, dear readers, of course I installed antivirus software -- I have grown tired of "fixing" the problems he seems to download regularly.

The Hoosier Guy and I are still together -- stronger with each passing day.  He is very supportive of my quest for the Ph.D. - and although he certainly has a favorite school he'd like to see me in -- he also steadfastlly says that "you need to go where it is best for you to go."  That is both a comfort and a delight - I am blessed beyond words by him and lucky to have him.  Thank you, Hoosier Guy, for being you. 

I head back to Indiana on Wednesday -- for a week -- to see family and friends.  This trip revolves in and out of Chicago due to a freebie ticket from AirTran.  I'll be in Indy as well -- heading down to Sister and Boy Wonder's house for a lovely, quiet Christmas holiday. 

I'm thankful this year for the following:

Friends that make me laugh and who have been there in my times of need
Family who I love so very much
A safe, warm house, with plenty of food
A new love interest who makes me happy and who loves me for who I am
For two great professors this fall who pushed me to do better and be better in my field
For fabulous coworkers, who make "work" mean more than "work" 
For the ability to share my gifts, my money and my blessings with others
The opportunity to get up in the morning and appreciate each day.

Thank you, dear readers, for offering comment, sharing stories and making this blog more than just my blathering.  May you be blessed richly again this coming year.