Changes: 2013

I find it real ironic how inclined I am to blog when I’m in the thick of my semester. It’s easy to pull myself from something I don’t want to do (reading, homework, research) to something I can do with my eyes closed. But the moment I get some free time and have nothing to do, blogging is but a mere fantasy. Nevertheless, I’m here!

I’ve been on a kinda break, meaning I’m officially done with my second semester of graduate school! Man, that sucka almost beat me. It was the toughest yet. We had a writing intensive class, Sociolinguistics, in which we had to produce two 20 page papers (double-spaced) and I’m pretty sure I’ve done as much writing in one semester than my whole Bachelor’s degree in English language and literature. According to the class that just graduated, it’s the hardest semester of the program. Glad that’s over.

Lots of changes are happening this spring and summer and I’d thought I’d share.

I’m a Second Year Graduate Student Now! Come this Fall, a new batch of newbies will be coming in. Ahhhh! Where did the time go?!

I’m a Bridesmaid on Wednesday! 

Remember when I was so excited about the news that I would be a bridesmaid? Well, to be honest I’ve had very limited participation due to 1) graduate school and 2) distance. My best friend lives in Las Vegas and would literally just send e-mails asking for opinions and ideas. I’m not blaming her, but this e-age kills the beauty in certain things. Maybe planning a wedding is just stressful and not supposed to be fun, but it’s definitely made me think twice about the way I want to do things when it’s my turn. Either way, this next week it’s going to be all about Rosie and I’m going to try my best to do what she asks so that her wedding is as memorable as it should be. Maybe the fact that I’m physically there and am extra set of hands for her will be good, but for now I don’t feel very accomplished as a bridesmaid.

My Roommate is Moving Out. I have one more year of graduate school and was actually looking to move walking distance to campus for next semester. Financially, that’s not possible this summer. Therefore, I’m going to sign another yearly lease where I reside now. My roommate has opted not to. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t doing somersaults inside. This roommate situation has been tolerable and not enjoyable. Namely, we don’t communicate very well. It didn’t start out that way. We started out very ambitious. But somewhere along the road, I found myself very annoyed and living with someone I felt was good at talking, but not good at doing. Also, I felt like the mother in the situation– the one who made decisions, and then made sure there was follow through. That’s not what I signed up for. Most of our communication is electronic  at this point (basically, the internet is the devil of this century) and because of it we have not made any progress. This change does not mean I will be living alone. I will be living with another roommate, but am screening more carefully this second go round! #chances

I’m Knee-Deep in a Relationship. I know you’re like, when do you even have time for a relationship? Well, I strongly believe in academics and keeping focused but the key to staying sane is also being social. And that includes having me-time and boo time. Things work because his schedule is very demanding so we have healthy time apart, and then squeeze in some fun times together. It works. We work. I’m happy.

I’m Working For Money. This summer, I’m finding time to get me a paying job (already secured one) before the fall begins again. Not only is the loan money dwindling, but I’m also taking an online class that I had to pay out of pocket. I will be plenty busy this summer, just like this time last year. Hustla, baby.

That’s about all for now folks,

She

Any new changes happening this season for you? Any advice on how to choose a stranger to live with? What are some potential roommate red flags? 

Mamma Mia: A Mother’s Day Post

Teenaged She and Mami

Now-a-days, it’s hard living in a different state than my mother does. Mostly around the holidays. It’s hard to believe we have not lived in the same state for almost 10 years.

To be honest, distance has done my mother and I well. I had a very strict upbringing, especially around my pre-teen and teenage years. My mother and I could not get along. We could not communicate, and I believed at that age that my mother’s sole purpose was to make my life miserable. Eventually I learned it was pretty typical for mothers and daughters to be at war during puberty. And when she got married and moved to her husband’s state when I was 18, I felt a type of freedom I had wanted to experience but couldn’t while she was still around.

Betty, as I was allowed to call her before the age of 7 and before we moved to the United States where other people thought it inappropriate, was the strict disciplinarian, teacher, enforcer, provider and nurturer most of my life. When it came to school work, she was a perfectionist. No excessive eraser marks, no sloppiness, no bent pages. She was a very involved parent through most of my formal schooling, only stepping back when I got to High School and was supposed to exhibit independence. To her, academics were #1.

At this age, although I may not have understood her parenting techniques, I cannot deny the fact that considering what she had, she did damn good. She herself had a distant relationship with her mother, got pregnant at 16, moved to the United States at age 23 to live with said mother, worked demeaning and off-the-books jobs just to made sure I had what I needed.

To this day, I am still learning my mother. That’s the beauty of building a relationship with her as an adult. We visit each other as often as we can, and we make the best of every moment. I joke around and say I can only take her in doses. This is partly true.

Distance does makes us closer. This year I’m going to be 28 years old. I’m not yet a mother. But I pray, when I do become one, I possess just half my mother’s strength and endurance.

Happy Mother’s day to all the wonderful moms who make the job look so easy!

Best,

She

Spring+School= Torture

There’s nothing quite torturous than beautiful spring weather and having to endure sitting in evening classes for 2 and a half hours 3 days a week. *sigh* #gradschoolpains

The Spring semester is almost done, with about 4 weeks to go! I continue on to a first Summer Session, which ends right around mid or the end of July. I am really looking forward to Spring and Summer in the City! Everything about Spring makes me happy and I look forward to being able to explore this city, find new hang out spots, explore new events and just be in the company of good people!

The pull that is social events/invites while trying to balance school responsibilities is really hard to resist! I am trying to be open to doing things like studying outdoors, and I may begin riding my bike to school.

In the meantime, the weather is calling for comfortable nights and a change in wardrobe. Last night, I stumbled upon the blog of a fashionista and style maven who sews her own clothing! Not only are her designs incredible, but I think I may even have a girl crush! I love the way she puts her outfits together for her body type and I want to cut my hair like hers!!

Her name is Mimi, you can her see her DIY blog here.

What do you think of her looks? 

YES!!

Click picture for Mimi’s website!

 

Any new habits you want to cultivate this Spring?

-She

6 Truths and A Lie: Pt 2

Image from WeHeartIt.com

 

Find Part I and the rules here!

Guess my lie!

1. I have not been to Europe.

2. I worked in a call center earning $4.50 an hour.

3. My middle name is Aaliyah.

4. I didn’t own a ‘smartphone’ until 2012.

5. I’m an only child.

6. I could care less for purses/pocketbooks.

NOW IT’S YOUR TURN!

Give me 2 truths and one lie about you!

-She