First Day of School
Today was my first day at school. I haven't actually started classes or teaching yet, but I was on campus at a conference on teaching and learning for all TA's. So I was in classrooms, learning, being asked to think!, hearing about what my life as a graduate student is really going to be like.
You know how you can try to conceive of how something major and unknown will affect your life, but the reality is often vastly different?
I'm realizing that my life is about to shift drastically. Logically, I've known this. Today it just settled into my bones, gained shape, and came out in some clear ways:
You know how you can try to conceive of how something major and unknown will affect your life, but the reality is often vastly different?
I'm realizing that my life is about to shift drastically. Logically, I've known this. Today it just settled into my bones, gained shape, and came out in some clear ways:
- Doing this is going to require prioritizing and focus, which is a scary prospect for me, but something I'm looking forward to very much. I have a tendency to be more comfortable handling 22 small things at once than tackling one big thing at a time. If I can successfully transition to life being about the most important things, I think I will have overcome one of my greatest life challenges.
- I am going to have to move. I will be away from home a lot, not only on a daily basis but also for travel to conferences. Currently, because I live in an apartment building, I have to lock the cats inside if I'm going to be gone for more than a brief spell. That's not going to be sustainable. Unfortunately Zena, my (ex?) feral cat, doesn't do well with being cooped up and gets destructive in some, um, unpleasant ways. So, the search begins for a little cottage on a quiet street with some yard space and room for a cat door. If anyone has a lead on such a place, let me know.
- I really forgot how to be a student. I forgot about little things, like how it's good to type up written notes so you can distill and review them. Like the fact that carrying a backpack instead of a purse (even if it's a man-purse) makes way more sense. Like the sheer terror of having to navigate all the various offices of this and that, and when to ride the bus, and when to drive, and if you drive how not to pay and arm and a leg for parking. And I forgot you have to have a notebook to write in! And pens! And highlighters! Oh boy, I love school supplies.
posted by Ariel Monday, September 19, 2005
6 Comments:
Hmm ... I'll keep my ears open for a new home for you. What neighborhoods you thinking?
Yay Ariel! Congratulations on your first day!!!
I just found you blog a couple of days ago, and I love the pix of you.
-T
Thanks Tony! And Ariel, I'm not picky about neighborhood, I'll look at anything that has direct bus service to the UW. P.S. I LOVE Busmonster, thanks for the tip!
As if your mojo had actually gone somewhere? Do not underestimate or undervalue your powers, sweetie. Just because you choose to deny them, question them, look past them, or simply haven't felt connected to them for whatever reason, they are never far removed from you. Your presence is fierce at all times, whether you know it or not.
yeah mojo! thanks for documenting these little important moments of your life. you are so brave darling and i'm so excited for you.
Last time I took my favorite drive to Seward park, I saw some cute cottage places for rent off the side of the road. You might check that neighborhood, it's quaint and cute, and while the houses are super-extra-expensive, the cottages that I looked into were reasonable.
Nice to hear about you, and that all is well. Balance is elusive, seek with devotion, and you will find you have everything you need. Good luck,my dear!
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