One Down

I sent in the last pieces of my application to the University of Wisconsin yesterday. Two more to go: University of Texas is due in two weeks; University of Kentucky isn't due until February, but I might as well get it done now. I have two interviews scheduled at UT next week. The whole process has just gone on for too long. I want it over with already. But then begins the LONG wait until March when I find out whether I've been accepted anywhere.

Prayers, lighted candles, and sacrificial offerings will be much appreciated.

By the by, sending things overnight has gotten hella expensive. I sent two envelopes via FedEx yesterday---one to UW, one to someone who is providing an extra reference for UT and UK---and it cost me nearly $60!

I'm excited about the programs, but I'm still questioning whether this is the right thing. Is this just an escape from an unhappy situation? Is this is cop out because I'm afraid to pursue other things (like writing)? Should I be applying to library school instead? Is this really what I want?

I keep telling myself that, worst case scenario, I drop out after a semester or a year. Or just get the master's degree.

And then I start thinking about living on a grad school budget and trying to pay off my credit cards and student loans and the whole thing gets very overwhelming because, let's face it, I'm not doing very well at living on a fulltime salary. And I'm supposed to talk to a group about "living simply." Ha!

But it looks like I might be able to cut out my monthly Napster bill thanks to Crystal, who pointed me to Pandora, which is kind of a like a personal juke box. You put in a song or artist you like and it creates a "station" that plays similar songs. And it's free! At least, it's free if you agree to ads.

And if I start getting too bummed, I'll have a moment of zen watching the baby panda at the National Zoo (thanks to Kim). The second cutest thing in the world (after Rowen, of course).

Oh, and I think that Rowen might be part Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. The markings match (although her coat is definitely from the lab side of the family), as does the personality. And it would explain a lot---like why she wants to play fetch 24/7 and why she gets so depressed when we stay indoors and don't play. Although, Tollers are supposedly easy to train. And, well, Rowen . . . let's just call her special, okay?

Have I rambled enough for today? Probably so.