the end of 2006.

here it is, my reflection on 2006, much like those many other posts out there that people construct in thinking about the year coming to the end with another just hours away. why is it that we celebrate such an occasion with such reverence each year? the posing of this question doesn't mean that I am proposing an end to such a thing. I heart nye, as most people know quite well. memories of nye are often fond ones and are most often filled with friends. additionally, I think it's important for everyone to pause at some point (be in on december 31 or on another day) and think about how they have changed over the year (or reflected period of time).

2006 has been something of big changes. obviously, moving from chicago, trying to find my place in madison, trying to find my place in the world of academia (or begin to figure out how to do so), those have been some big changes, changes that I am still adjusting to and sorting out continuously. madison will likely sort itself out sooner than later; I'll find a new abode for the next academic year, I'll become a part of a new neighborhood, I'll be more settled with a friend circle. the academic bit, well, that will likely not be 'sorted' for some time. there is so much between now and the end of the program, and that end really is only a beginning. so there's that bit. the other category of big change has come with my being with mct. it's no secret to anyone that it took me some time to recover from the blow of pete, appropriately so, I suppose. it takes time to heal yourself and be prepared and willing to trust an investment of your heart to someone new. it's taken me some time and in no way has everything been made hunky dory (those darn doubts that enter my mind everyone once and a while, as foolish as they are), but I think that I've made some great progress in being with mct this year.

I know I've changed in other ways, but those are the two big categories into which my life is currently sorted. others will cross my mind as the evening proceeds and as the new year begins. high and low, I'm thankful for it all.

j'ai fini!

at 4.45p, I turned in my french exam, left van hise, and took a big breathe...finished! there were several times during the semester that I was not sure if I should be here or if I would make it. but here I am, done, and sitting about with my roommate tim after a lovely dinner. really must get on with the laundry and packing, as I'm leaving for chicago tomorrow morning. while I have much to do over break (research for a prof, a couple of fellowship applications, reading for a possible dissertation topic), I'm exicted to actually spend time with mct for a good three weeks, knit, run, yoga, see friends, and breathe. will be home for almost five days, which is bound to be stressful in its own special way. nevertheless, lots of fun with my sisters and the babies...:) I wouldn't trade that for anything.

on with the prepping for my month away from mad and spending time with tim on our last night of living together. :(

a more fun time...

my sister jessica just forwarded this photo taken of us in des moines, where we had traveled (in our rockin' rental, a rav 4, which we were given by our super nice car rental agent) for a high school friend's wedding. this photo was four months ago, ie before grad school, ie before I spent these next 10 days working my arse off to finish (hopefully well) and spend the holiday with family and friends (and considerable time with mct).

can procrastinate no longer. really need to get this IR paper d-o-n-e.