Apparently, the movie, "The Haunting" is based on a true story. Hmmm - I won't go see it because I don't like scary movies like that. My version of "The Haunting" takes place in the UT library.
As a nontrad on campus, the library has become my home away from home. It is much easier to study at the library instead of at home because there is no one here whining in my face (my dogs), I don't have to yell, "Can you please turn that down?!" and I don't have to answer the phone. So, the library has become my favorite haunt.
Where do you "haunt" to study? The local Starbucks? or Panera? or another relatively quiet place? Wherever you "haunt", remember to take a few minutes out of your haunting to stop and have Coke or get a blueberry muffin or a cup of soup. Take a break from studying every now and then just to get refocused and keep your sanity. Stay tuned . . .
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Take Time for Yourself
I've heard those words many times - "Don't forget to take time for yourself." I don't think I'm very good at doing that. Maybe I think others will think I am selfish if I do take time for me? Or perhaps I feel that going to school is me time? As much as I still enjoy being a student, schoolwork is one of the those things I need set down and walk away from sometimes. Otherwise, I'll get burned out.
We all need that time of renewing and refreshing and refilling. If one is a Christian, one believes a daily quiet time, time spent in prayer or reading the Bible, or going through a good Bible study will be the source of that renewal. Still others, who are not Christian, may believe that time in nature, time alone with a good book, or with friends, etc. may be the source of that renewal. Whatever your beliefs, however you choose to be still and be refilled, take the time to do it!
I enjoy being alone in nature because that's where I see God the most. The beauty of nature is very renewing to my sometimes tattered soul. Listing to contemplative music is also very refreshing for me. When I was at my parents' house for spring break, I ran two of the four mornings I was there. When I got to the top of the mountain, I stopped and listened. I heard nothing but the buzzing of the bees, the call of the mourning doves and the sound of the small morning breeze. It was so quiet. It was very refreshing.
Other ways I take time for myself are: getting my nails done, wandering alone through the mall, walking through campus on a cool spring evening, walking my dogs, sitting out on my back deck with an ice cold glass of sweet tea or a chocolate milkshake from McDonald's. Taking time for yourself doesn't have to be expensive or time consuming, but it does have to be renewing, refreshing or refilling - the three R's of keeping one's sanity. Stay tuned . . . .
We all need that time of renewing and refreshing and refilling. If one is a Christian, one believes a daily quiet time, time spent in prayer or reading the Bible, or going through a good Bible study will be the source of that renewal. Still others, who are not Christian, may believe that time in nature, time alone with a good book, or with friends, etc. may be the source of that renewal. Whatever your beliefs, however you choose to be still and be refilled, take the time to do it!
I enjoy being alone in nature because that's where I see God the most. The beauty of nature is very renewing to my sometimes tattered soul. Listing to contemplative music is also very refreshing for me. When I was at my parents' house for spring break, I ran two of the four mornings I was there. When I got to the top of the mountain, I stopped and listened. I heard nothing but the buzzing of the bees, the call of the mourning doves and the sound of the small morning breeze. It was so quiet. It was very refreshing.
Other ways I take time for myself are: getting my nails done, wandering alone through the mall, walking through campus on a cool spring evening, walking my dogs, sitting out on my back deck with an ice cold glass of sweet tea or a chocolate milkshake from McDonald's. Taking time for yourself doesn't have to be expensive or time consuming, but it does have to be renewing, refreshing or refilling - the three R's of keeping one's sanity. Stay tuned . . . .
Friday, March 27, 2009
Great News!!
I was just informed by the History Department that I received a department scholarship! I am so excited! I applied on Monday for a scholarship through the History Dept. There were two - one based on grades and one based on financial need. I was notified by email that I got the scholarship. Don't know how much it is yet, but I am "expected" to attend the History Dept. Scholarship Banquet in order to officially be awarded the scholarship. I am soo jazzed!!!
Getting the scholarship puts me closer to my goal of being able to be on campus full time. Of course, I've emailed all my family and friends to let them know. The last scholarship I got was in eighth grade. That was a while ago.
You know the wall I blogged about in my last post?? I just got my second wind!! Stay tuned . . . .
Getting the scholarship puts me closer to my goal of being able to be on campus full time. Of course, I've emailed all my family and friends to let them know. The last scholarship I got was in eighth grade. That was a while ago.
You know the wall I blogged about in my last post?? I just got my second wind!! Stay tuned . . . .
The Wall
I've heard that when one is running a marathon, there is a point during the race when one "hits the wall". I believe that is a point of total physical exhaustion due to the intense physical activity, yet one knows one must keep going in order to finish the race. I'm there.
I have hit the wall with just about five weeks left in the semester. I am totally exhausted from staying up late to do homework and getting up early to go to work. My interest level has waned, even though I still love being a student and I know I have a goal to accomplish.
However, I think my exhaustion has very little to do with school. It has everything to do with other things going on in my life - a work situation that is not going well, a marriage that is on the brink of collapse, and a beloved family member who is fighting cancer. School is easy compared to everything else. I need to stay focused because I can see the finish line and I know the goal is in sight. I can't do anything about my Dad. I've done my best in my marriage. I've been above reproach at work. These things will eventually work themselves out.
In the meantime, I am hoping to be able to chillax tonight and sleep in tomorrow morning. I need some down time. Stay tuned . . .
I have hit the wall with just about five weeks left in the semester. I am totally exhausted from staying up late to do homework and getting up early to go to work. My interest level has waned, even though I still love being a student and I know I have a goal to accomplish.
However, I think my exhaustion has very little to do with school. It has everything to do with other things going on in my life - a work situation that is not going well, a marriage that is on the brink of collapse, and a beloved family member who is fighting cancer. School is easy compared to everything else. I need to stay focused because I can see the finish line and I know the goal is in sight. I can't do anything about my Dad. I've done my best in my marriage. I've been above reproach at work. These things will eventually work themselves out.
In the meantime, I am hoping to be able to chillax tonight and sleep in tomorrow morning. I need some down time. Stay tuned . . .
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Back in the Saddle
All good things must come to an end. So it was with spring break and the visit with family and friends. I enjoyed my time in hot, dry and sunny. The day after I left, it was cold, wet and rainy. I came home to jump right back into school, spending three hours at the library Sunday night after arriving back in Knoxville at 1:30pm. A student's work is never done!
My daughter (and husband) met me at the airport with a lovely vase of flowers. Megan thought of a great idea. She had gotten some shells on the beach in Florida and put those at the bottom of the vase instead of glass pieces or marbles. I was impressed with her creativity.
My Dad looked older and was moving slower. My sister and I talked with my Mom to try to determine which things my Dad was (or wasn't) doing were a result of recovery from the radiation and which things meant the cancer was advancing. I think we gave her a pretty good list of things to watch for. Dad knew who we all were, so that was good. It was good to be with my brothers and sisters again. We were all together for the first time since my parents' 40th wedding anniversary in 2000.
I had an interview yesterday for a student advising position with the University. It was a group interview - kind of like a moderated group discussion. There will be a total of 24 people interviewed for only 6 positions. As I sat there, I thought the interviewers will either think I am too overqualified, too matronly or not representative enough of the student population or they will think I have lots of good experience, a friendly face, and know the system. The "moderator" told us we'd know within two weeks if we got the position or not. My Computer Science teacher from last spring wrote my letter of recommendation and talked to two people in the department for me, so I hope that will help my chances.
Was talking to a friend tonight and he asked what was going on in my life. I was trying hard not to cry when I told him about the stress of work and marriage (primarily), my Dad and school. He reminded me of the good things - my children, my friends. We weather the storms and we move on, yes?
I was just scrolling through some of E. Sheppard's posts. I see she has been down in my neck of the woods! Cool! E, have you ever been down here in the fall? You really must come hike the Smokies when the leaves are turning. It will leave you breathless! Stop by the Apple Barn in Pigeon Forge for some apple fritters while you're here.
I must get back to my schoolwork. I remember when I first started blogging. The site I went to in order to learn how to blog advised to "blog once at least once a week". So, here's my at least once a week. Stay tuned . . . .
My daughter (and husband) met me at the airport with a lovely vase of flowers. Megan thought of a great idea. She had gotten some shells on the beach in Florida and put those at the bottom of the vase instead of glass pieces or marbles. I was impressed with her creativity.
My Dad looked older and was moving slower. My sister and I talked with my Mom to try to determine which things my Dad was (or wasn't) doing were a result of recovery from the radiation and which things meant the cancer was advancing. I think we gave her a pretty good list of things to watch for. Dad knew who we all were, so that was good. It was good to be with my brothers and sisters again. We were all together for the first time since my parents' 40th wedding anniversary in 2000.
I had an interview yesterday for a student advising position with the University. It was a group interview - kind of like a moderated group discussion. There will be a total of 24 people interviewed for only 6 positions. As I sat there, I thought the interviewers will either think I am too overqualified, too matronly or not representative enough of the student population or they will think I have lots of good experience, a friendly face, and know the system. The "moderator" told us we'd know within two weeks if we got the position or not. My Computer Science teacher from last spring wrote my letter of recommendation and talked to two people in the department for me, so I hope that will help my chances.
Was talking to a friend tonight and he asked what was going on in my life. I was trying hard not to cry when I told him about the stress of work and marriage (primarily), my Dad and school. He reminded me of the good things - my children, my friends. We weather the storms and we move on, yes?
I was just scrolling through some of E. Sheppard's posts. I see she has been down in my neck of the woods! Cool! E, have you ever been down here in the fall? You really must come hike the Smokies when the leaves are turning. It will leave you breathless! Stop by the Apple Barn in Pigeon Forge for some apple fritters while you're here.
I must get back to my schoolwork. I remember when I first started blogging. The site I went to in order to learn how to blog advised to "blog once at least once a week". So, here's my at least once a week. Stay tuned . . . .
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