Monday, April 22, 2013

Washington, DC, take 2

In years past, I've taken various weekend trips to see cousins in Virginia and an uncle in Ohio.  They all started and ended the same:  leave Friday morning (mom always says 9, but we never make it out of the house before 11) and come back Sunday pre-evening (to use a Sheldon Cooper term).  We did this for Thanksgiving and it worked pretty well (apart from my mother getting a speeding ticket of course).  However, this time the trip will be with Vic.

We're going to DC!  (Again, you might ask?  Yes.  He and I love the city and can see ourselves living there one day.)  Vic loves the Capitals (hockey team, for those unfamiliar), and on a whim (after some planning and thought) bought tickets.  So, on Friday pre-evening, we'll be heading downtown via bus and hanging out in the city.  Our bus to DC leaves super early on Saturday, but that also gives us time to walk around,  site see, and do touristy stuff, in the words of Vic, once we arrive.  That's fine by me.

The game is at 7:00 PM, and our return bus leaves in the early hours on Sunday.  So it'll be a whirlwind trip, but I'm looking forward to spending a weekend away from school, obligations, residents, and all the other fun stuff that grad school throws at me.  So, with travel toothbrushes, toothpaste, and small Listerine, my camera, and probably 2 clean shirts in tow, we'll be off to DC.  I can't wait.

Monday, April 15, 2013

Comforts and Connections

As I write this, I realize that I haven't updated in way too long.  Life has been at its constant state:  spending time with Vic, going to class and doing assignments, working for what often seems like next to nothing, and getting ready for the end of the school year.

Having these connections in my life is a comfort.  Spending time with Vic is the best and my favorite part of any day.  I'm pretty sure I'd go crazy if it wasn't for him, and I'm crazy about him.  Getting to date your best friend is amazing.  We've been together just short of fourteen months, and I've loved every one of those days  more than words can express.  I have no qualms in saying he's the best thing in my life.


Moving back home and living with my parents will be a stark difference from living on campus and seeing Vic every day.  However, we both have summer classes (including one together) and jobs on campus, so we will get to see each other then, which I know I'll look forward to.

This Wednesday marks my final program as a Community Assistant.  Last year, my penultimate program was creating blankets for an organization that donates them to children in need.  Although not volunteer-based, my last program will be instructing students in becoming peer mentors at the university I attend.  Ironic, considering that my new GA job will be with this very office.  Even though I changed my major after my freshman year, knowing that I had a mentor to answer questions I might have, give me advice in classes and professors, and learning about campus was something I really appreciated.

As I think about my work history, from baby-sitting as an adolescent, to working food service and retail, residence life, and now, soon to be in the mentoring office, I realize how much they all involve people.  Although I'm an introvert by my very nature, I feel comfortable around those I'm closest with.  My friends, coworkers, family, and fellow classmates have made me who I am.  Learning about them as people fascinates me.  My classes have made me realize who I am, what I want to do in this world (and what I don't), and the support of my professors aids in that as well.

I saw a professor tonight before class who had been out for quite a few weeks concerning a health issue, and he was back and happy and jolly as he had been before leaving.  He noticed the Kindle I was holding (my new toy, as he called it) and we compared notes on tech toys.  He showed me a few apps that he had on his iPad (which unfortunately aren't available on the Kindle store just yet), and listening to him speak so passionately about what he does inspires me.

I only hope that some day, as a counselor, mentor, what have you, that I'm able to make that sort of difference in a person's life and absolutely love what I do.