What to do???

Just a rant..needing to rant...sorry y'all.

This morning I am on my computer scoping out my PhD program requirements and trying to figure out when and where I will have to travel. I am excited...one of my residency requirements can be met by going to Honolulu in December. There are two offerings of one week (actually 5 day) residency locations in the year 2011. My program requires I attend one residency session within the first 90 days of entrance to the program. There is one in Virginia in December, but to my knowledge, that one is already filled and I cannot register for it. So, the trip to Honolulu would cost me approximately 2600.00 (this includes registration, hotel room, food, and airfare). That's not too bad considering my tuition reimbursement is designed to cover these kinds of expenses.

Anyway...Eve wakes up, and when I go into the kitchen to tell her how excited I am about this first residency...she loses her ever loving mind. First, she thinks I have to do the residency for the entire 3 months and thinks that we have to move because we cannot afford to live in two separate locations. Then she decides that it is stupid for me to pursue a PhD since I can work in the mental health industry with a Master's. Then she rants and raves that it's too expensive and that I will not be able to afford to attend residencies during my educational pursuit.

I don't do well with NO and I don't do well with that kind of negativity. We both knew this endeavor would be very difficult and costly. It is MY passion and nothing will stand in my way of meeting the program requirements...not even money. Eve is the one who believes she is incapable of working and going to school...she is the one who decided to quit school and work full time....Eve is the one who thinks that it's irrational to strive for the highest degree which allows me to do what I feel is a must in my life. Eve talks about going back to school, but still isn't sure what degree she should pursue. She loves architecture, but those programs are difficult to gain entrance into. She thinks maybe she likes engineering (which is what she does anyway) but doesn't know where to go to school. She is considering taking MORE classes which really don't serve any end...construction management...REALLY? She has spoken to ITT, but they don't offer any programs other than construction management...I am at wits end in regard to her 'weirdness' about school.

I guess I am writing all this down just to get a handle on what I think...I know that any monetary difficulties with travel and residency requirements will be subsidized by Dad who fully supports my decisions and wants to see me reach the pinnacle of success. That is not to say that Dad will pay for everything, only that if I am short, or need some options...he will definitely help me make the mark. Eve refuses to acknowledge that he will make sure I am able to complete the programs.

Oh well...I know Eve and she will move past this. She will balk, whine, moan, and even yell at me, but in the end...she will support me with all of who she is and be proud of the hard work and diligence I have put into this.

Back to work

Well, the summer money I can make grooming is a choice I am making. The travel and conference expenses I will incur during my PhD program will benefit from whatever I can put away in savings from this summer's work at Dogs Day Inn. I like my co-workers and enjoy grooming enough to make this work out. I am only working part-time Thurs-Saturday and every third Sunday...that's a really doable schedule. I appreciate the opportunity to get what I need to do - done.

Sir Joe Kissyface is growing so fast. He doesn't like to be in his kennel and we have had to stop putting him in there at night. We were starting to see some neurosis from his anxiety with being placed in there...we decided it was best to teach him to stay out and use the potty pad at night...he's doing very well and we've had only a couple of little accidents with this new approach.

Summer is going to be SOOOO hot this year. It's already been 100 degree two days in a row and it's only June 3rd. WOW.

My last session starts on Tuesday...it's just comprehensive exams...well, not just...but at least it's almost over.

That's all that's new...love to all!