Third Spaces. Full Bellies. Adult Conversations.

Starting the new year strong... I'm thankful for spaces outside of home where I can do work. Today I sat and wrote the rest of chapter 5. There's something about not being home that helps me to write. Anyhow, I'm caving into all my bad habits of writing so that I just write. That means I've eaten lots of chocolate, chewed my way through a pack of gum, and spent money on drinks so I feel like I can stay at a third space for a few hours. We're hosting some friends these few days and I'm so thankful for full bellies. One, I'm glad that the Sunday Roast worked even though I made it on a Friday. Second, little mei mei ended up eating lots of somethings that her belly protrudes. Always a good sign that a kid is full. And to round out my three things of thankful-- adult conversation. Not as sensational as the title would prove, but my friend has a 4 year old and a 1.5 year old, which means that her conversations are about space shuttles, trains, and grapes. So she's thankful to talk with us... adults. I'm grateful to be with her and to contemplate life together.

Deadlines. Visitors. Celebrations.

I met with my adviser last month and she set me a deadline... for one week from today. And that set me into quite a panic. Yet I'm super grateful for it. It forces me to WORK everyday when I wake up. To type frantically when I sit in front of this computer. My breaks of going to the gym feel like a true break versus before without a deadline, my gym goings was my, hey I got something done today at least. So this deadline has been good, even if a little bit stressful. We have some friends coming to visit us tonight! Yay, I'm excited to spend time with them and hang out with their kiddos. Kind of wished I was done writing but they will provide a good balance for me to hang out/write. Finally, I am thankful for times of celebration. Dates in peoples lives are important to me- whether it's someone's birthday or anniversary. Yesterday we went out to celebrate our friend's stroke-survival day. Makes us remember to pause and be thankful that we have this breath. Happy 2013. We'll see how often this gets updated this year :)

Deals. Recipes. APA book.

I know, I'm not good at this anymore. Anyhow, inspired to write (aka I'm procrastinating). This morning I went through five years worth of pictures because Walgreens is printing 8x10 for free, use the code TRULYFREE, thank you slickdeals. I got to relive lots of good memories from Illinois. Free things is good too. I'm grateful too for recipes that work. I lived with an amazing family for two years while in Illinois and the mom makes the most amazing pumpkin chocolate muffins. So I dug up the recipe yesterday because I can get my hands on canned pumpkins again because we're nearing Thanksgiving and made some. Delicious! And finally, as I am procrastinating on this conference paper, I am still doing a bit of work. I was in a near panic because I couldn't find my APA handbook (I thought perhaps it got lost during the move?), but located it just now-- I'm thankful for you, you silly painful annoying book, because you know the order my authors must go in and where the period versus the comma goes. Okay, maybe I'll post before the new year.

Emails. Food. Friends

The power of three, as my friend T.J. would say. I'm getting back to this blogging thing, so friends can follow along and we can stay friends even though we are physically far away. I'm thankful for emails, from friends, but today I'm especially thankful for an email from one institution to move along my research. I'm thankful for food-- the making of and the consumption process. I've been on a kick of making artisan bread (thanks Cam) and have made these onion herb rolls that I'm a fan of. It's nice that this apartment (as compared to our apartment last summer) stays cool enough to actually turn on the oven. And then friends to share the food with-- that's always a bonus. We are starting to meet some new friends which makes me feel like maybe I can start viewing this place as "home" soon.

summer 2010

As a perpetual student, writing not for classes and for pleasure is something I do very rarely of these days. Yet I read the lovely posts from my friends about their babies and adventures of travels and I think to myself, hey I can do that. I can totally let my friends know what's up with me, yet sitting down and writing a blog? Well, that only happens when I suppose to be writing for something else (like today, suppose to be working on that conference paper and my morning is already gone). The bottom line is this: I love the idea of a blog. And perhaps someday I will be better at writing in one.

a peaceful snowy day

I sit at home today, my reading day, and watch the snow drift quietly outside my window.  It's quite picturesque and lovely (particularly because I don't have to leave the house).  Quite a contrast to my last week of frantic phone calls and checking up on the family.  I think Mom gets to go home today, which is a huge sigh of relief for us all.  It's been hard sitting over here and not being part of the action back home.

But that's what happens right? You grow up and you have your life.  I think it feels off because I don't have my own family yet and so my family remains my only tie.  Which makes me feel more responsible to their well being and what not.  My parents however have been making conscious efforts to move me on to an independent unit. 

So the snow drifts, I think of a nice warm cup of cocoa, and wish my parents the best. I'll be home soon. 

2010 update

Hmm... looking at the title, does that mean that I only need to write one entry for this year? 

I hope not. I've gotten out of routine of updating this blog post things but am trying to get back into the swing of things. Visiting family and friends in the city this week before heading back to school land next week.  It's nice to be around family. It's alarming sometimes how quickly kiddies grow up. I was talking with my niece and telling her about when she was 2. And as she puts it, that was a long time ago. (She's four now, but I guess from her perspective that was half a life time ago).

So, I love giving gifts. Gifts that meet the person's desire precisely or fulfills a need. Usually, I don't expect it to be reciprocate.  And this year I was kind of blown out of the water with an awesome gift. It's delicious to be surprised. So surprised that all you can say is, thank you. thank you. thank you. I hope I will continued to be filled with thanksgiving even after the gift is old and has lost its luster. It's a good habit to practice gratitude. 

Being around my nephew reminds me to rejoice over the simple things. He constantly has a smile on. And we celebrate all things-- from a song being sung, to dinner being served, to having a poo. (And yes, usually in that order... sorry, couldn't resist).  His gleeful laughter fills the house and makes us all laugh too.  Maybe he's onto something. Oh here he comes, better go play and giggle with him. Happy 2010.