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? 

Music that’s Rockin’ My World

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Admittedly, I usually discover new music through a link online, a blog I follow, or a friend’s car. I am not big on purchasing music online or following release dates, but I still enjoy discovering a  song that takes me to a different time and place.

Here are the top 5 songs on heavy rotation right now.

Justin Timberlake- Let The Groove Get In

This song reminds of a late-night backyard fiesta in Cuba. A beautiful blend of percussion, horns, and catchy phrases- There, there, right there! I truly love how Justin’s songs evolve from one song to the next with changing beats…it’s very refreshing.

Justin Timberlake- Pusher Lover Girl

junk, junk, junk, junk, junkie for your love

Lianne La Havas- Elusive

Robin Thicke- Blurred Lines

A fun song.

Bruno Mars- Show Me.

Reggae tune.

BONUS TRACK: Stained by Tori Kelly.

Any new tunes you’ve discovered recently? How do you come across new music?

-She

Where I’ve Been: 2012

2012 had more re-locations than actual leisure traveling due to the fact that I started the first semester of Big Dawg Graduate School. I am here for the next 2 years with the expected graduation of 2014.

I went from rural to a smaller city, one that seems to have fit me just fine. Here’s a little peek into the rural life.

Where I’ve been in 2012:

March 2012 (Montreal, Quebec, 2nd visit)

Snowy Wonderland

View from the top of the hill of the City…

Entrance to University Bed&Breakfast

My ex’s name was on the Welcome list, creepy…

Bed & Breakfast is highly recommended: University B&B is the name

Stairwell in B&B

Stairs to the largest Basilica in Canada…

Known as St. Joseph’s Oratory

View from the top

People climb the stairs on their knees in prayer, in belief that ailments will be healed.

C.R.E.A.M.

The place that sold the cheapest Poutine around…

What is poutine? It’s only heaven on Earth. A fast food delicacy of french fries topped with gravy and cheese curds.

Montreal’s greatest treat: Poutine

Poutine Bliss…couldn’t get enough

June 2012 (New York City, summer) Read my Summer shenanigans post!

July 2012 (Evanston & Chicago, Illinois) Full post about my adventures, read here.

August-November 2012

(transition to Small City, USA)

I cut my processed hair off in August and am now 100% natural again!

From this…

To this!

No plans to travel for December 2012 since I want to invest some money in certain important matters, more on that later!

Any travel plans for the holidays for you? Do you like travel during the holidays?

You Tracing? (Picture Heavy)

I’ve named this second love child of mines GlobeTracer, so how’s ‘bout we talk about some travel today? Now, I know you may be wondering how I can consider myself a GlobeTracer when I don’t do much but talk about Costa Rica (topics like where my journey started, random things I miss about Costa Rica, and informative fun mini-lessons) and every now and again I talk about my little get-a-ways. Well folks, if you’ve been around long enough you would know:

1. I LOVE MY COUNTRY. And I will never get tired of talking about it. :) Once you visit, you’ll be versed in why.

2. Short get-a-ways are for survival’s sake! Take them as frequently as life allows.

 I’m officially in the season of mini-get aways. Since grad school became the goal, budget priorities changed. I’m sure anyone shelling out $40,000 in tuition for a Master’s program can attest that your life drastically changes when you chose that route. So I’ve come to embrace GlobeTracing as a state of mind. A state of being away, of shutting the busyness out without spending a dime or money to get there. That basically means when I daydream I’m picturing myself getting ready for my next trip. It also means I’m reading lots of summer travel stories, and making my vision board (whenever I settle in and can locate my travel magazines) so I have NO doubt where I want to venture off to when that vacation time and money line up. Mentally GlobeTracing requires lots of imagination. And in reality, when you sacrifice and fight for a trip—you enjoy it that much more. So don’t be discouraged if you can’t go where you’d really like right now, remember grasshopper; Patience has its own rewards.

Speaking of fighting for trips, earlier this month I fought to make it to Chicago, Illinois. My friend was getting married at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. I begged my father for standby tickets, scrounged some little change together and got on a plane the day of the wedding, and came back the next day. Talk about short trips. Let’s venture, shall we.

RULE #1 of SHORT TRIPS.

Take more pictures than you normally would, to make it seem like you did more than you actually did.

Panoramic view

First Perk of the Trip… First Class upgrade. Breakfast of Champions!

If breakfast and seat 1C weren’t exciting enough..behold, a woman pilot! My first time seeing one.

I’ve LANDED SMILE! Now, time to navigate the trains.

Old NYC habits die hard…

Hmm..might be a long ride.

Finally, the hotel! Walking distance to the school’s Chapel!

YES! All the single ladies, with a married one in the bunch…

Communion- sharing of the holy sacrament.

RULE #2 of SHORT TRIPS.

Be flexible. Remember that you won’t be able to see EVERYTHING in one trip. Enjoy where you do go, don’t rush it.

Day 2 Millennium Park and Downtown Chicago. Couldn’t leave Chicago without trying the good ol’ pizza!!

Check out what these Towers at the park do…

Art students

Where the Locals go…

Don’t mind if I do…

For one please…

Pizza-stuffed with cheese? *gulp* BEFORE

AFTER

RULE #3 of SHORT TRIPS.

Avoid pulley-bags or heavy messenger-type bags. They cramp your style if you’ve already checked out of your hotel and have to sight-see with your luggage.

Tourists? Ain’t no tourists here!!

Skyscrapers close to a coastline of water one can actually enjoy- this makes no sense!!

Are you Tracing? Physically or Mentally? Where to?!

Take me with you,

She