Last summer when I was looking around at grad schools it became readily apparent that I should be identifying three parties to provide letters of recommendation for my applications.
It was suggested that I find one from my former school (IU), one current and one colleague.
I contacted a former IU prof, he seemed to remember me and be amenable. He said he'd do it.
Now he says he is bogged down and can't quite place me as a student, although I took three classes with him. I know it was eleven+ years ago. I know.
So I'm searching for my third reference. And have to change my grad school apps.
Because he didn't back out until Today.
Now THAT is what upsets me.
Booo. Hissss.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Adventures in grad school
Tonight I "attended" a webinar for the University of Illinois-Chicago for my Ph.D. program in public administration. It was pretty much as expected, with no surprises, but I wasn't sure if I knew everything I needed to know and it seemed like the perfect opportunity to find out more.
Plus, talking to the program director never hurt anyone :) Add in the woman in charge of application submission and wa-la, I have two people I need to know, and as it was, I was the lone ranger in the webinar. So how better than to spend a Thursday night than to make friends at UIC.
I was told that I will hear about the status of my application tomorrow and that I should hear something in the next few weeks :)
Wow. What a freaking GREAT day.
Plus, talking to the program director never hurt anyone :) Add in the woman in charge of application submission and wa-la, I have two people I need to know, and as it was, I was the lone ranger in the webinar. So how better than to spend a Thursday night than to make friends at UIC.
I was told that I will hear about the status of my application tomorrow and that I should hear something in the next few weeks :)
Wow. What a freaking GREAT day.
Counting my blessings ...
It is the little things, I've always heard said, that matter the most.
Given how Hoosier Guy and I started together, in the middle of his divorce, and given how his ex has used every opportunity to lambaste me to her family, friends and children (and not to mention all of Facebook), I expected that the Hoosier Guy's kiddos might not be so amenable to meeting me. To knowing me. Hell, to knowing I exist, to be honest.
Hoosier Guy picked up his youngest this afternoon from school. Apparently YK (Youngest Kid) asked his dad when I was coming to town next, he wanted to meet me. Then he tells his dad that he wants to talk to me. Hoosier Guy calls me and absolutely floors me with the request that YK wants to speak to me. So we did, and we talked for a few minutes about the fun they'd have together today.
I am speechless. Which is why I'm writing this.
Hoosier Guy has told me all along his kids are awesome, great, friendly, fun and wonderful to be around. Now I'll get to meet them. At their request, no less.
Wow.
Floored.
Given how Hoosier Guy and I started together, in the middle of his divorce, and given how his ex has used every opportunity to lambaste me to her family, friends and children (and not to mention all of Facebook), I expected that the Hoosier Guy's kiddos might not be so amenable to meeting me. To knowing me. Hell, to knowing I exist, to be honest.
Hoosier Guy picked up his youngest this afternoon from school. Apparently YK (Youngest Kid) asked his dad when I was coming to town next, he wanted to meet me. Then he tells his dad that he wants to talk to me. Hoosier Guy calls me and absolutely floors me with the request that YK wants to speak to me. So we did, and we talked for a few minutes about the fun they'd have together today.
I am speechless. Which is why I'm writing this.
Hoosier Guy has told me all along his kids are awesome, great, friendly, fun and wonderful to be around. Now I'll get to meet them. At their request, no less.
Wow.
Floored.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Lookin' for some inspiration ...
http://mylittleapartment.blogspot.com/
Oh dear readers, I am in lovvvvvvvvvvveeeeee with this website. Let me count the ways:
1. Set in Chicago (ahhhh)
2. Cool design goodies (mmmmm)
3. Thrift shop shopper (amen!)
Really, readers, that is all I look for. Someone in love with their space (and location), good design and definitely a bent towards the "deal" as if I got any cheaper, I'd be demanding shit for free all the time. as if I don't, but I digress.
I love a thrift shop find. Here in Florida, there are plenty of thrift shops. All priced at rates well above "new" at times. Frustrating. I like a deal. I like a bargain. I like to feel like I damn near stole the item, I got such a good deal. Cheap? Yep. Thrifty? You bet. Saving money like a fool? Yeppur.
So reading this site and seeing some of the good stuff that the author found for a freaking steal makes me jealous.
Will I end up in Chicago?
Will I end up in DC?
Will I end up in Bloomington?
Will I end up in Portland?
Only time will tell -- and I got a whole LOT of stuff that will go on Craigslist before that day -- this move is gonna be streamlined like nobody's business.
I've held a yardsale.
I have dropped countless items off at Goodwill, with countless more to go.
I will post furniture on Craigslist.
The move, to God Only Knows Where, is coming together. The herd will be thinned. Amen.
Oh dear readers, I am in lovvvvvvvvvvveeeeee with this website. Let me count the ways:
1. Set in Chicago (ahhhh)
2. Cool design goodies (mmmmm)
3. Thrift shop shopper (amen!)
Really, readers, that is all I look for. Someone in love with their space (and location), good design and definitely a bent towards the "deal" as if I got any cheaper, I'd be demanding shit for free all the time. as if I don't, but I digress.
I love a thrift shop find. Here in Florida, there are plenty of thrift shops. All priced at rates well above "new" at times. Frustrating. I like a deal. I like a bargain. I like to feel like I damn near stole the item, I got such a good deal. Cheap? Yep. Thrifty? You bet. Saving money like a fool? Yeppur.
So reading this site and seeing some of the good stuff that the author found for a freaking steal makes me jealous.
Will I end up in Chicago?
Will I end up in DC?
Will I end up in Bloomington?
Will I end up in Portland?
Only time will tell -- and I got a whole LOT of stuff that will go on Craigslist before that day -- this move is gonna be streamlined like nobody's business.
I've held a yardsale.
I have dropped countless items off at Goodwill, with countless more to go.
I will post furniture on Craigslist.
The move, to God Only Knows Where, is coming together. The herd will be thinned. Amen.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Still alive, thanks to the miracle of antibiotics.
Yes, dear readers, I've been laid low by a particularly nasty upper respiratory infection. According to the Doc, she isn't sure that my October bout of this loveliness was effectively killed off by the Zpack, so now I'm on some heavy-duty antibiotics, 2 times per day for fourteen days. Yes, dear readers, 28 pills, plus saline sinus spray, and mucinex to clear out the nasal cavity. I was reading up on this particular antibiotic and it is apparently used to prevent malaria! Good GRIEF.
Anyhoo, since last Wednesday I've spent a considerable amount of time on my couch and in my bed. I've watched the entire first season of True Blood, read 7 books (yes, seven) and have started an eighth. I have blown my nose approximately 1000 times, hacked up some particularly colorful mucus and just generally felt like the bottom of my shoe until yesterday.
I met up with Dad and Stepmom yesterday for a trip to the flea market. This is no ordinary flea market, oh no, it is 400,000 square feet with 900 vendors. It is seemingly endless. We just did what I call the "big lap" -- meaning the perimeter -- of the place. I bought some goodies, bought some fruit and veggies and then took them out for lunch at the Farmers Market. Needless to say, I have my piece of pie still in the fridge and I have not eaten anything since yesterday afternoon.
It was nice to be up and about.
In other news, I checked the status of my grad school applications online and found that some letters of recommendation were missing, so I sent reminders. It is 8 weeks, one day until I know where I'm going. I am a ball of nerves. I am working on thinning the herd of stuff here, so as I have less and less to pack when I go, but even that is wearing me out, to be honest. I just want to KNOW. Patience has always been something I struggle with (daily, oh hell, HOURLY), but there is truly nothing I can do other than relax, be patient and let things come as they may.
So I am collecting Goodwill receipts like other people collect trading cards :)
Other random nonsense: I signed up for a yoga class, am starting weight watchers this week and have found a place to take zumba again.
Yeah, maybe I'll just wear myself out and sleep through the next eight weeks, one day.
Maybe.
Anyhoo, since last Wednesday I've spent a considerable amount of time on my couch and in my bed. I've watched the entire first season of True Blood, read 7 books (yes, seven) and have started an eighth. I have blown my nose approximately 1000 times, hacked up some particularly colorful mucus and just generally felt like the bottom of my shoe until yesterday.
I met up with Dad and Stepmom yesterday for a trip to the flea market. This is no ordinary flea market, oh no, it is 400,000 square feet with 900 vendors. It is seemingly endless. We just did what I call the "big lap" -- meaning the perimeter -- of the place. I bought some goodies, bought some fruit and veggies and then took them out for lunch at the Farmers Market. Needless to say, I have my piece of pie still in the fridge and I have not eaten anything since yesterday afternoon.
It was nice to be up and about.
In other news, I checked the status of my grad school applications online and found that some letters of recommendation were missing, so I sent reminders. It is 8 weeks, one day until I know where I'm going. I am a ball of nerves. I am working on thinning the herd of stuff here, so as I have less and less to pack when I go, but even that is wearing me out, to be honest. I just want to KNOW. Patience has always been something I struggle with (daily, oh hell, HOURLY), but there is truly nothing I can do other than relax, be patient and let things come as they may.
So I am collecting Goodwill receipts like other people collect trading cards :)
Other random nonsense: I signed up for a yoga class, am starting weight watchers this week and have found a place to take zumba again.
Yeah, maybe I'll just wear myself out and sleep through the next eight weeks, one day.
Maybe.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Pushing Rope Up A Hill
There are times, indeed, where I feel like I'm pushing rope up a hill at work. Case in point, lately I've been asked to show a "task list," a "grant list" and a biweekly report all for the sole purpose of proving I do something.
This frustrates me.
I'm not paid hourly. I am often at work in excess of 50 hours a week. It isn't unusual for my day to start at 8 and end at 7 a few times a week. It isn't unusual for me to work weekends.
But now there is a new sheriff in town, and although I like him, I feel like I'm punching a clock. Which is fine, btw, just pay me overtime if you are going to treat me like a slackoff, do-nothing moron on a daily basis.
I have six months left in my contract. 9 weeks from today I should know what schools have accepted me thus allowing me to determine where I'm going. Mary and Lee's kiddo is due in May, and I'm not leaving before seeing the baby.
So yeah.
Waiting. Seems to be the name of my game these days.
This frustrates me.
I'm not paid hourly. I am often at work in excess of 50 hours a week. It isn't unusual for my day to start at 8 and end at 7 a few times a week. It isn't unusual for me to work weekends.
But now there is a new sheriff in town, and although I like him, I feel like I'm punching a clock. Which is fine, btw, just pay me overtime if you are going to treat me like a slackoff, do-nothing moron on a daily basis.
I have six months left in my contract. 9 weeks from today I should know what schools have accepted me thus allowing me to determine where I'm going. Mary and Lee's kiddo is due in May, and I'm not leaving before seeing the baby.
So yeah.
Waiting. Seems to be the name of my game these days.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Well hello there 2011, welcome?
My last news of 2010 was delivered via Sister via FB postings from friends -- an acquaintance from Indy (I knew him, he knew me, but to say we were "friends" is probably pushing it) had died. So Fuck You 2010 -- the body count for last year of friends and family was low and you just had to kick it up one to be hateful. Love and sympathy to my friends and RIP Dannon. You always greeted me with a smile, a hug and a kiss -- the world will miss your bright smile and infectious laughter.
*******************************
Bring on 2011!
Potential Jury Duty tomorrow. I will know later today.
Upcoming trip to Chi for a baby shower for friends Mary & Bob and bay-bay Elizabeth. Good times.
Friends scheduling their spring trips to my humble abode -- the guest room awaits!
Thinning the herd on "stuff" and making more and more trips to Goodwill.
Ten weeks until I know what I'm doing with my existence -- mid March will be the approximate timeframe for admissions to my schools. Here's to hoping!
and the Gonzo Mama herself is expanding her repertoire of all things good with http://www.sexyveganmama.com/ -- so do yourselves a favor, check it out and be enlightened. Love to you Sister and best of luck in your new web-home.
*******************************
Bring on 2011!
Potential Jury Duty tomorrow. I will know later today.
Upcoming trip to Chi for a baby shower for friends Mary & Bob and bay-bay Elizabeth. Good times.
Friends scheduling their spring trips to my humble abode -- the guest room awaits!
Thinning the herd on "stuff" and making more and more trips to Goodwill.
Ten weeks until I know what I'm doing with my existence -- mid March will be the approximate timeframe for admissions to my schools. Here's to hoping!
and the Gonzo Mama herself is expanding her repertoire of all things good with http://www.sexyveganmama.com/ -- so do yourselves a favor, check it out and be enlightened. Love to you Sister and best of luck in your new web-home.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)