Back to School

After a summer of travel, both internationally and domestically, I am back at work being a full-time student. To say that I did not want to begin a new semester is an understatement. Not because I don't want to finish my degree - I do - but because I wasn't quite ready to get back to the school routine. You know - reading, reading, and more reading. And this semester there will be writing, lots and lots of writing. I also have a new assignment this semester, working in the computer lab, which will be some kind of adventure I am sure. We'll see how that goes.

I road-tripped from Texas to Tampa, Florida with the youngest daughter. She began her new adventure as a full-time grad student at the University of South Florida on August 23rd. Hence, the need for the road-trip. We had to get her car full of stuff to Tampa and unloaded into her new place - a furnished apartment on the third floor mind you - so she would be ready for school. I got back "home" to Lubbock on the 22nd and started meetings for the fall semester the next day. School started on Thursday the 26th - 2 classes on Tuesday/Thursday, one on Monday/Wednesday, TA a MWF class, and one on-line class. It will be a busy, busy semester!

On the plus side, my roomie and I have been catching up on "True Blood." As soon as we get done with that I'm on to "Dexter." The first football game of the season is September 5 and I'm psyched for that. I bought season tickets this year since they offered a deal for students. Basketball season starts in November so football will have to suffice until then. And yes, I know a "serious" doc student should not waste time on such pursuits, but hey, we all need to blow off some steam and take a break once in a while. :)

I'll try to be a better chronicler this year of this journey through the PhD process. I finally feel like I am at the place I need to be and focused on the areas I am truly passionate about. Being in Europe this summer awakened an interest in museum studies, which I am going to pair with arts administration. It's a logical pairing and I don't know why I didn't think of it before. I'll be doing some research on internships, since that is what I want to focus my dissertation process on. I think I am finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel - I should be able to take my core exam this year, hopefully this semester - and complete my course work by next fall if I'm lucky. After that, it will be on to an internship and dissertation writing. I may actually be a doctor some day - woo hoo!