Reminders that I am a nerd

In honor of returning back to school today (to start studying for my last test of 1st year, then a 3 day break before 2nd year starts)... I thought I would post a top 10 list of sorts. All the little things that remind me each day how nerdy I am. And I have come to be okay with my inner nerd, so its all good. These are in no particular order.

10. I now wear glasses, legitimately. I used to buy frames from Claire's in high school and wear them because I wanted glasses. I prefer the type of glasses with visible frames, thankyouverymuch.

9. I own more than my weight in text books, course packs, and school supplies.

8. Last year, I went through over 20 multi-colored permanent markers, 12 colored pencils, ~30 markers, a box of crayons, ~40 pens (multiple colors, mostly gel pens), ~20 highlighters, and ~10 pencils. Reading this, makes it sound kind of like I am in some sort of strange art class.

7. I do not get People or US Weekly. I get JAMA and Reader's Digest (second magazine, admittedly pretty normal).

6. I find it mildly anxiety provoking to be without computer access for a while -- i.e. no internet, email, etc. Strange, right? That's supposed to describe my dear husband! :)

5. I would prefer to read a novel or watch a movie with some fantasy or plausible sci fi element, rather than a pure romance novel or anything else. This means I like books like: Tuck Everlasting, the Harry Potter series, Twilight, etc. or anything by the author, John Darnton. I like them to be an escape from reality.
4. I enjoy a good debate. Debate is not the same as argument. I was on the debate team in college, and found the sport intellectually challenging, and fun.

3. For clothing, I am into what's comfortable. I will take the dog for a walk in yoga pants and a T. I go to school in hoodie and jeans. I wear dress pants and a sweater to church, because its too cold to comfortably wear skirts in the wintertime. I have no idea what's fashionable. I have no clue who the top designers are. I just know that my mood is directly correlated to my comfort, and if I am not comfortable... than I am less agreeable. So, I try to find clothes and shoes that I am comfortable wearing.

2. We own more than 4 working computers, 3 printers, and have boxes of spare computer supplies... for 2 people. Why you ask, because you never know when you might need a new fan, or extra mouse, etc. and 2 of the computers were upgraded for various reasons. (Eta... this was thinned down this past week to: 3 working computers, 1 printer, and 2 boxes of spare computer parts). (3 computers below -- also 3 bookshelves, though these are not by any means all of our books!)

1. Biggest reminder... I am in graduate school, and returned to get additional schooling after an extended break. It took me a while to admit, even to myself, that I really missed school and liked to learn in that environment. But, I do. So here I am.

And, so I am a nerd.

A Pug in an Apartment

Pugs are called "Velcro Dogs". Ever since Pete left for China, Hondo (our pug) has been my shadow when ever I am at home; following me from room-to-room (so long as the rooms were on the same level), sitting under my desk when I studied, patiently waiting in the kitchen as I cooked for the inevitably dropped piece of vegetable or crumb. Don't get me wrong, he still likes Pete and is really happy to see him when he gets home. He just prefers me.

I did not think that he could be any more velcro-y (if that is a word). However, now that we are in the apartment, this is most certainly what he has become; putting his head on my textbooks when I sit on the couch and study, sitting by the bathroom door when I take a shower, and waking up and moving to another room if I happen to move. Sometimes, I find this very endearing... other times, it reminds me how much I study (and how little I move around throughout the day).

But, he is a good dog. I am reminded of this whenever we go for walks around the complex/town. Occasionally dogs, will come up and say "hi". Many bark (or yip). Some growl. Others look like they want to attack, and nearly choke themselves trying to get closer. He'll go say "hi" and sniff their nose, and then come sit down by my feet. It certainly makes it much easier to have a dog in an apartment complex, when he is generally well-behaved.

7 minutes

Now that school is in full swing, I am really enjoying the small things in life... like my new 7 minute commute. I now have an extra 10 hours a week to balance school, my life, etc. That's a whole extra day of studying that I get back. Hooray! Perhaps, I can use this time to get more sleep, spend a little more time with Pete, and go for a few more walks with the dog. It will be nice to have the choice regarding what I want to do with that time, instead of budgeting it weekly to commute to school.

Yes, it has been a while...

It has been a while since I last posted. I was not entirely sure what I should write. So, I would write something and then delete it, write something then delete it. Today, my goal is to write something and actually keep it up.

About a month ago, I was in a bad car wreck. Since that day, my life has entered another transition state. This near brush with death has reminded me of two things, 1) we are not 100% in control, and 2) gave some perspective on my priorities. Pete and I have since replaced the car, and I now live in an apartment much closer to school. Our home has been listed, hoping some other couple or person finds this house as charming, unique, and wonderful as we have these last few years. I will start spring semester on Monday, and feel fortunate that I was able to finish fall semester before break and will be able to continue with school.

Its odd moving away from your home as an adult. Down sizing and re-aligning your life. When school started, I really did not want to move away from this place -- comfortable surroundings, brightly colored walls, a cozy wood stove, and a lot of family/friends nearby. However, this accident has reminded me of my priorities -- right now, school is higher on the list than remaining at home. So, I needed to move closer to make more time for school and minimize some of the risk associated with driving long distances to/from school each day.

I do like my apartment. I can see myself being happy there. There is a wall painted a browny shade of orange. I like it. Colors make me happy, and so I am happy that all of the walls are not a bland palate of whites. It is also close to many things, and should be easier to take care of and maintain during school.

Hopefully, 2011 will be a less exciting year. I am looking forward to starting school again, and all the busy-ness that comes with each semester. Wishing you and yours a wonderful 2011!