Transitions

It has been a while since I've posted. After a gruesome last quarter, I'm still fighting for my degree, applying for jobs, and in an odd state of unemployment (odd as in, all time and no money--though even time is tighter than I'd like). I need to update this blog soon, I have another four hikes to add to my list for the year, as well as general thoughts and musings.

Finding a job I want to do has been difficult. I really wish I'd taken a year or two and worked after college, so I could be certain the school I applied to was what I really wanted. I find myself with little prospects (none actually using my Master's degree), and specialization in a field I'm not at all interested in. At least it was a broad degree, and hopefully I'll find something where I can twist or sell the degree as a good fit. The whole thing has been kind of depressing. I feel like I've always been taught that you basically can not have a job that you enjoy while still having the bills paid. This outlook makes the whole process way more miserable than exciting. Still cautiously hopeful though. When I have kids, I'm going to teach them how to budget and work, but push them to follow their dreams and interests, however impractical--because my friends that did that, rather that what I did, are both employed and happy. I can't say I'm either.

I think I'm going to start looking at retail jobs in the next week. Even though the pay won't be great, I can stretch a dollar pretty well, and it will give me more time to find something long term.

Escape Artist

I ran away this weekend to the Olympic National Rainforest. It was necessary to get away for a while, as life has been brutal the past month. I hiked in the Quinault and Queets rainforest, bringing me up to six full hikes this year, getting me closer to my goal of 24 hikes by January 1st. Not too bad considering I lost a month while my leg healed up. I hiked a little over seven miles total on Saturday, then frolicked at Kalalock beach this morning. I'm sore but happy, and a little more able to sit down with thesis. Since I'm on a deadline, I'll let the pictures do the talking. 

Biking to Matthews Beach Park

I did an 8 mile bike ride today, to enjoy a little sun, and a break from my constant computer time. I think I'm developing carpal tunnel, and that isn't even a joke. I thought I did pretty good for my first bike ride since surgery. I was fine when I was moving, but starting up the bike I could tell my strength and balance aren't all back yet. Maybe I'll start biking to school again on nice days for the last month of school.

Yikes. There is still so much to do in the next month if I want to graduate. Hope I can get it accomplished. Maybe I should hope for more rainy days, they make it easier to study.

The first few pics are from Meadowbrook Pond, then the last ones are Matthews Beach.

Spring flowers

Slow going

I have been extraordinarily busy. Which I like for the most part, but it does limit blogging significantly. My surgery was a huge success, far better than what anyone predicted. I kind of figure it is about time that I get some good health karma :)

Pounding out my thesis...I defend in about six weeks. Yikes. Need to have the paper completed by 7 weeks from now, but preferably before the defense. Yikes again. I'm having a lot of days where I work hard from morning to midnight, and still feel like it's an uphill battle. At the same time, in less than two months I'm done. Completely if I want to be, which is how I feel at the moment, but I one day figure out what I want to do with myself, I'd be willing to go back to school.

I'll probably try to photo journal soon. I've done 4 of my 24 hikes for the year, and should be getting more done soon. Surgery put a halt on my plans for a while. Garden is planted, horse is getting fat and shiney with spring. Life is good, but I am tired.

I've gone crazy, couldn't you tell?

...Threw stones at the stars, and the whole sky fell.

This has not been my week. I'm facing an uncertain surgery, with an unknown healing time, at an unknown location, on an unknown date. It's shitty. I'm really tired and overwhelmed. Trying to do as much as I can beforehand to prepare, but it really isn't something that I can make into a great experience.

Appreciation

In honor of Valentine's Day, I was thinking of all that I'm so privileged to enjoy. Obviously, I have a great family and friends, but I also have the opportunity to try so many things that bring joy to my life. Some are simple and free, and some are more rare and expensive, but I'd recommend them to anyone as worth it.

Stuff I Like:

-Tea
-Tea with whiskey
-Whiskey
-Lace
-Yoga
-Candles
-Chocolate
-Horseback riding
-Carbs
-Sunshine
-Swimming
-Hiking
-Jewelry
-Art
-Crafts
-Thriftstores
- Music
- Naps
- Well-written romance novels
- Puppies
- Laying in the grass
- Happy hour pricing
-New experiences
-Driving on the highway at night
-Fresh sheets


An inane little post, but it is always good to remember the little pleasures, as well as the big.