Long time, no see

It's been almost a year since I last posted, and what a year it's been. I'm finished with my first year of grad school, surviving a literary theory course, lots of drama, and several ill-advised decisions regarding trust. I'm applying to PhD programs, (hopefully) figuring out Master's Thesis info, taking an advanced German lit course (!), and celebrating a friend's entrance into the school's English Lit program in the fall. I'm very involved in swing dancing, which has caused my social circle to expand exponentially, and will alternate between swing dancing and bookbinding classes during the summer. My 23rd birthday arrived, bringing its own variety of drama. Plus, it's official: California is not the place for me, and I doubt that it ever will be again.

Here are a few things I've learned since last summer:

1) I wrote off teaching too soon--teaching college students now seems like something I can--and want to--do. Surprisingly, I can teach people, as co-leading last week's swing dancing lesson proved.

2) Procrastination is an even bigger problem than I'd ever thought, and clearly its effects are more severe in graduate school than in the easy-breezy world of undergrad.

3) Stressful as it is, having a challenging schedule and plan feels so good. In retrospect.

4) Anal-retentiveness regarding cleaning and apartment maintenance will save you a lot of problems and stress.

In a week, I'll be in Colorado Springs for Jen and Jacob's wedding. I'm excited for it, nervous and elated all at the same time. Thank heavens that I delayed my flight to California in December (and was awarded a free round-trip voucher as an airline's thank you present)--I don't have to pay for any part of the flight to Colorado Springs. Yay! And reserving a room directly through the hotel, as opposed to a specialized reservation site or hotline, will get you a cheaper, more negotiable price.

Trips to Washington and Michigan are coming along later in the summer. I'm also hoping to visit Chicago and the surrounding area and host some visitors in my apartment. Hefty schedule, right? Here's to a fun, full summer!