1.) Ph.D. Plans--I applied to three different programs at three different universities, Georgetown and GW in DC and Hopkins in Baltimore. I just got my third acceptance letter, so I have some decisions to make. Looking at curriculum is a bit overwhelming--I chose them all because they interested me. Now I need to decide what I'm most passionate about :)
I have my reservations. Going back to school would obviously put a hold on a lot of the financial plans I've made--mainly buying a house and car. Also, I'm currently really happy with my career path--things are going well for me. I'm trying to decide if a 4-5 year investment in education will be worth it, or if I'd do better focusing that time at work. Basically, I need to figure out what work I love then decide which route will get me there.
Then there's the whole student salary thing. Livable, but a definite step down from what I now know.
2.) My Thing On The Side--not a lover, but another job :) My savings needed a boost, so I've been trying my hand at Information Architecture--its sort of a mix between web design and database management. It works well for me because the work is web-based and project-based. I get paid when I complete a project and I can do the work when ever, from where ever I have an internet connection. The pay is great--seriously good actually, and the work makes me think. I like it a lot. CUA offers an IA track, and I'm considering taking a few courses to supplement my MLIS.
3.) Doing Stuff!--I made a more definite effort to get out and do things. It's been great because it helps me build relationships with friends or meet new people if I go out solo. And, I've learned that going out solo is actually a lot of fun. I think guys find you less intimidating, more approachable, and girls seem to be more open too. At least that's been my experience. That is huge for me--I used to be painfully shy, now I'm maybe just a tiny bit shy.
4.) Men--I've been happily single for the past couple of years. I think DC culture promotes singleness and I've just been really focused on settling down in my career. That, and I'm just really different about dating. I think you should already know a guy before you date him--I don't want to be trying to get to know you and trying to decide if you'd be a good person to marry. I want to already know that you've got potential, dating is just a means of confirmation. Basically, I date friends and since I hardly knew anyone when I got here, my game was limited. That's not the case anymore. I met this guy at church a couple of years ago and he's been a really good friend. He's got potential but we're still in that awkward stage between friends and something more. Things are progressing though. We'll see.
5.) Home Buying and Wrangler Planning--Such complication. I love LeDroit Park in DC, the prices for homes there are sky high but I could afford a condo. Or I could move outside of LP to another Shaw community and buy/renovate an actual house. I don't like the idea of owning a condo--too many fees and fine print involved. A home in Shaw probably would involve an almost complete renovation, but I like that idea. That's the route I'm leaning towards. Unfortunately, the money I've saved for Wrangler Planning will probably be used towards the house's down payment. I don't really need a car in DC, but it would've been nice. Maybe in a couple more years. I'm applying for a couple of new homeowner grants and the amount I get from those will have a huge impact on that decision.
6.) Traveling--I got a lot of domestic travel in this year, but my international travel has been a bust. I'm making up for it in 2013. My Tanzania research trip has been bumped back to Fall 2013 and it could be later than that. If you've experienced research projects you know that the dates on the proposals are just projections. Reality is often quite different. My actual involvement on that project will depend on my status as a student or working professional at the time. A personal emergency made me miss my trip to Barbados, so that's still on the schedule . I'm visiting Dominica in January. One of my Kenyan friends just helped re-open a hotel and has begged me to come visit Kenya, so I'm planning for that--not sure when. And, I have a friend in Rio--so I'm thinking I gotta go for Carnival in February, right? I've fallen in love with Samba music and dancing thanks to Tropicalia on U St...omg. That place is amazing. <3
7.) Religion--Have to give a shout out to my church, Gallery Church Baltimore. Its all kinds of awesome and has taught me how to translate biblical principles more practically. I don't go around throwing scripture in people's faces, but I do rely on it when I'm making decisions and dealing with situations. And, I've met really great people there. Plus, it's helped me develop a routine for spiritual discipline that has been life changing. It's a good place :)
8.) The Y-- I traded in the trail for the gym with the goal of adding more muscle mass to my frame and toning my tummy and arms. I went through this phase--not sure what to call it, but I did a mild detox and a raw diet for two weeks and a bunch of cardio. It sort of got me down to my base, a puny 98 lbs (I'm 5'2"), hardly any fat or muscle. My goal was to add healthy weight to that, so I added more protein and complex carbs to my diet, then switched to a weights-based exercise regimen. That means I cut back on all the running :( I work out three times a week--one Bodypump day, one CSI day (cardio strength intervals, a mix of weights and cardio), and one day of flexibility training/free weights. Sometimes I'll go to belly dancing classes too, mostly for fun.
I'm up to 105 lbs, I've gained 7 lbs in two months. That is major for me because I don't gain or lose weight easily. I guess it matters that it's all muscle. Yes! My goal is 110, but I already feel and look fantastic. Still a tiny bit skinny. I eat a lot of oatmeal and eggs for breakfast, snack on dried fruits and nuts, and drink smoothies between meals. I still splurge some too :) I want to be stronger, want more muscle mass so I'm sticking with the weights.
9.) Hair--My hair has grown a whole lot in the past couple of months. I'm not really sure what to do with it. It loves, loves conditioner. Wash-n-go's have been fine for it so far, but as it gets cooler I'm going to have to figure out something a bit more protective. I really want to try Curlformers, so I think I'll be investing in two sets of those. I'll probably do more two-strand pinned up styles too.
10.) Volunteering--I still coach for Girls on the Run DC, I still love it. That position has taught me so much about managing and disciplining 3-5 grade girls. I guess its mostly just laying down rules, sticking with them, and having a schedule, but it took me a while to figure that out.
I spent the past few months volunteering for the Obama for America re-election campaign--not in DC, but in Baltimore. That was huge for me--I don't spend much time in Bmore, but that work gave me a chance to see how diverse the city is and meet lots of great people. I had soo much fun, even though I spent a lot of time on the phone and asking people to donate money :)
Super long post. lol :)
Hugs and kisses peeps,
Bethany
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