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.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Friday, June 3, 2011
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!
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!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
AHHH
Again, I have completed a semester with a 4.0 I am so excited because it's been a really difficult bit of coursework. Now, I am on to comprehensives and I will have my Master's degree in about 10 weeks.
Having the house to ourselves is wonderful!!! We both enjoy the quiet peace of each other's company.
My car still isn't running...not enough money to fix the problem. Won't be able to do anything with it until mid July. Boohooo.
I am going back to work grooming. I decided that the money I can earn working Thursday, Friday, and Saturday is just what I need to start saving for my trips and conferences which begin in September.
Just a side note about the rapture...didn't think it would happen the way Camping expected, but if anyone thinks there's nothing going on in our world...just watch 5 minutes of the evening news....hell in a hand basket, I say...hell in a handbasket!
Love to all, and will blog a little during my 14 day down time. Later gators!
Having the house to ourselves is wonderful!!! We both enjoy the quiet peace of each other's company.
My car still isn't running...not enough money to fix the problem. Won't be able to do anything with it until mid July. Boohooo.
I am going back to work grooming. I decided that the money I can earn working Thursday, Friday, and Saturday is just what I need to start saving for my trips and conferences which begin in September.
Just a side note about the rapture...didn't think it would happen the way Camping expected, but if anyone thinks there's nothing going on in our world...just watch 5 minutes of the evening news....hell in a hand basket, I say...hell in a handbasket!
Love to all, and will blog a little during my 14 day down time. Later gators!
Monday, May 9, 2011
Trying this once again
Finally - well again, finally...We are in our home by ourselves. After a terrible exchange of words, Melvin has moved out. We feel badly that he claims he has nowhere to go; however, we cannot and will not support someone and provide a home when he has no interest in helping himself out of the muck. I won't go into elaborate detail, but I will say that in the three months he has lived with us, he has made a sum total of 270.00 in contributions...180.00 of that in food stamps. So...if he doesn't want to help himself to a better life, we're not going to present the silver platter at our own expense.
We love our new home. It is perfectly sized for me and Eve. We are enjoying our courtyard and the peace and quiet at our end of the complex. Chris and Amy visit..that's awesome! It's the perfect place for use to get back to the joy of sharing life together...we've been missing that for the last few years.
I am almost done with classes. My Master's will be conferred in August and it's on to my PhD program in September. I am excited and SOOOO ready for it to be over.
Gonna go...got lots of papers. Love to all
We love our new home. It is perfectly sized for me and Eve. We are enjoying our courtyard and the peace and quiet at our end of the complex. Chris and Amy visit..that's awesome! It's the perfect place for use to get back to the joy of sharing life together...we've been missing that for the last few years.
I am almost done with classes. My Master's will be conferred in August and it's on to my PhD program in September. I am excited and SOOOO ready for it to be over.
Gonna go...got lots of papers. Love to all
Monday, April 4, 2011
Back to the beginning
Finally, the countdown to the move has come near a close. The big day is Wednesday. Eve and I take possession of the townhouse on Tuesday at 5pm. It has been a roller coaster ride - that's for sure. From cleaning everything to culling away the unnecessary things we have accumulated over the years has been a real chore. Eve mentioned last nigh, though, that it's interesting that everything we own (besides the furniture) fits into a 10X10 room...I reminded her that everything you NEED in life fits into a 2X3 drawer.
Our lives have once again been in complete disarray. First, there is Melvin...the mooch. He works 15-17 hours a week at Kentucky Fried Chicken and his last paycheck was a whopping $70.00 take home after taxes and child support. Eve discussed with him a second job...he's only looking to appease her and choosing to apply for things he is not qualified to do. (he wants to apply for a secretarial position, but doesn't know how to use Word to create a resume. Melvin has moved boxes from place to place for me, but other than that...he sits on the couch and watches five hours of Ghost Whisperer and Charmed. He sleeps till noon everyday, and this past week..complained about not having gas, but can make it to the bar 3 nights in a row - not returning to the house until 4:30am. Eve and I are done...we refuse to help someone who isn't making the effort to help themselves.
Then...there's Chucky who came to Texas to move in with his friend, but ended up staying with us. Chucky already paid rent...puts gas in Eve's truck (because his truck is at the mechanic's shop getting new head gaskets, spark plugs and wires, heater core hose, and his timing re-set. Within 24 hours of being at our house, Chucky had a job and is looking for more work.
The animals are starting to feel the stress of the move now, too...they're more than a little skitzy..smelling every box...chewing then on occasion. The cats don't venture outside very much, now and Frodo will not leave my side.
So..today is really my last day to attend to packing...the rest of the time will be spent cleaning, touch up painting, and getting everything situated for the movers. Busy day for me.
Our lives have once again been in complete disarray. First, there is Melvin...the mooch. He works 15-17 hours a week at Kentucky Fried Chicken and his last paycheck was a whopping $70.00 take home after taxes and child support. Eve discussed with him a second job...he's only looking to appease her and choosing to apply for things he is not qualified to do. (he wants to apply for a secretarial position, but doesn't know how to use Word to create a resume. Melvin has moved boxes from place to place for me, but other than that...he sits on the couch and watches five hours of Ghost Whisperer and Charmed. He sleeps till noon everyday, and this past week..complained about not having gas, but can make it to the bar 3 nights in a row - not returning to the house until 4:30am. Eve and I are done...we refuse to help someone who isn't making the effort to help themselves.
Then...there's Chucky who came to Texas to move in with his friend, but ended up staying with us. Chucky already paid rent...puts gas in Eve's truck (because his truck is at the mechanic's shop getting new head gaskets, spark plugs and wires, heater core hose, and his timing re-set. Within 24 hours of being at our house, Chucky had a job and is looking for more work.
The animals are starting to feel the stress of the move now, too...they're more than a little skitzy..smelling every box...chewing then on occasion. The cats don't venture outside very much, now and Frodo will not leave my side.
So..today is really my last day to attend to packing...the rest of the time will be spent cleaning, touch up painting, and getting everything situated for the movers. Busy day for me.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Packing, packing, and more packing
Well, I have been packing like a mad woman for the last 10 or 11 days...Seems to be a never ending task. Just how much stuff does two people need??? I learned many years ago that everything I need in life fits into a 2X3 drawer and all the rest is just icing on the cake. Well, no wonder I am so heavy...I have ALOT of icing.
Finally, there is light at the end of the tunnel. All of the rooms are packed and ready with incidentals and immediate needs items left out for use. The only room left to pack is mine and Eve's room and that's just the clothing...I will be working on that today. There is the backyard, and the garage left to handle, but a lot of that has been packed or stored, as well.
We're getting close now. Our move is slated for April 7th, but if the unit is available before that date, we're ready. Our garage sale was not a complete bust (155.50), but there really wasn't much traffic that day. I figured it had more to do with being the last weekend of the rodeo than anything. Hopefully, this Saturday will be more lucrative.
School starts again tomorrow..Neuropsyc assessment and neuropsych..hard stuff. I am ready, though.
Gonna go now and get busy packing again...Til Next time
Finally, there is light at the end of the tunnel. All of the rooms are packed and ready with incidentals and immediate needs items left out for use. The only room left to pack is mine and Eve's room and that's just the clothing...I will be working on that today. There is the backyard, and the garage left to handle, but a lot of that has been packed or stored, as well.
We're getting close now. Our move is slated for April 7th, but if the unit is available before that date, we're ready. Our garage sale was not a complete bust (155.50), but there really wasn't much traffic that day. I figured it had more to do with being the last weekend of the rodeo than anything. Hopefully, this Saturday will be more lucrative.
School starts again tomorrow..Neuropsyc assessment and neuropsych..hard stuff. I am ready, though.
Gonna go now and get busy packing again...Til Next time
Monday, March 14, 2011
Downsizing
Well, Eve and I have made some pretty big decisions in the last couple of weeks....We're moving - AGAIN. We decided that my PhD. endeavor will be pretty costly, and we have to consider that at any given time, only one of us will be able to cover the living expenses of our home. So...we made a decision to move to a townhome where the costs per month equal less than the total income of only one of us.
Right now, I am not earning any money. The first 16 weeks of my work at MCC will be an unpaid volunteer position. We're living only on Eve's salary and that's tough. She earns just enough to pay all of the bills and there's no margin for error. By moving, we reduce our expenses enough to give us opportunity to put money away and feel secure that rainy days will not end up causing a flood from which we cannot recover.
Melvin will be moving to the new place with us..Not optimal, but we committed to helping our friend get past his current station and reach for more in his life. It'll be okay...for the short time we have allotted him. His magic move out date is September 10, 2011. That's the day I have to leave for Santa Barbara to start my program, so the date may be moved backwards or forwards a week or so. I don't want Eve to feel the pressure of my absence and the discomfort of Melvin's dilemma.
I played mechanic this past week. Eve and I did our rat killing the week before and my car's expansion tank (part of the radiator system) cracked spewing fluid everywhere. I ordered the part to fix the problem and once it came in, I installed it in about 35 minutes. Then, I decided to take a look at what was going on with my driver's side window. It seemed to be off track. Well, I get the door panel off and realize that the window regulator slider is broken and that's an easy 2.39$ fix. I order the piece (with a BMW...seems everything has to be ordered). I went back out into the garage to close the driver's side door until the part came in...In a weird, and freakish, occurrence, the window shattered. It was crazy....Anyway, I ended up having to buy a window pane (60$) and Eve and I installed it ourselves. It's actually, pretty easy. Got the window in, needed another slider so had to order that...got it installed, and wouldn't ya know...that's not the problem after all...apparently, the window regulator itself is not feeling well. So...100$ later, we realize I will still have to take my car to have the window fixed. Oh pooh...
We're having a huge garage sale...that's a lot of work. We were going to have it this past weekend, but two birthday parties, and a migraine kept me from making it happen. We're going to have it this coming weekend, and the following weekend until we're able to get rid of most of what we don't need in the apartment. I think the hardest thing to get rid of will be my piano. Don't know what I will do if I am unable to get rid of it....it's too big for the new place, and we have nowhere to store it. Hmmm...that may be problematic and I may end up having to donate it...I would hate to do that...It's an 1874 H.G. Wagner made of rosewood. It's worth about 56,000$....it needs strings replaced (maybe even the whole soundboard) and some minor aesthetic, cosmetic repairs, but the ivories are all in perfect shape and all the original components are still in place. I hate that I won't have room for it anymore.
If anyone knows of someone who would love to have this...don't hesitate to let me know.
Right now, I am not earning any money. The first 16 weeks of my work at MCC will be an unpaid volunteer position. We're living only on Eve's salary and that's tough. She earns just enough to pay all of the bills and there's no margin for error. By moving, we reduce our expenses enough to give us opportunity to put money away and feel secure that rainy days will not end up causing a flood from which we cannot recover.
Melvin will be moving to the new place with us..Not optimal, but we committed to helping our friend get past his current station and reach for more in his life. It'll be okay...for the short time we have allotted him. His magic move out date is September 10, 2011. That's the day I have to leave for Santa Barbara to start my program, so the date may be moved backwards or forwards a week or so. I don't want Eve to feel the pressure of my absence and the discomfort of Melvin's dilemma.
I played mechanic this past week. Eve and I did our rat killing the week before and my car's expansion tank (part of the radiator system) cracked spewing fluid everywhere. I ordered the part to fix the problem and once it came in, I installed it in about 35 minutes. Then, I decided to take a look at what was going on with my driver's side window. It seemed to be off track. Well, I get the door panel off and realize that the window regulator slider is broken and that's an easy 2.39$ fix. I order the piece (with a BMW...seems everything has to be ordered). I went back out into the garage to close the driver's side door until the part came in...In a weird, and freakish, occurrence, the window shattered. It was crazy....Anyway, I ended up having to buy a window pane (60$) and Eve and I installed it ourselves. It's actually, pretty easy. Got the window in, needed another slider so had to order that...got it installed, and wouldn't ya know...that's not the problem after all...apparently, the window regulator itself is not feeling well. So...100$ later, we realize I will still have to take my car to have the window fixed. Oh pooh...
We're having a huge garage sale...that's a lot of work. We were going to have it this past weekend, but two birthday parties, and a migraine kept me from making it happen. We're going to have it this coming weekend, and the following weekend until we're able to get rid of most of what we don't need in the apartment. I think the hardest thing to get rid of will be my piano. Don't know what I will do if I am unable to get rid of it....it's too big for the new place, and we have nowhere to store it. Hmmm...that may be problematic and I may end up having to donate it...I would hate to do that...It's an 1874 H.G. Wagner made of rosewood. It's worth about 56,000$....it needs strings replaced (maybe even the whole soundboard) and some minor aesthetic, cosmetic repairs, but the ivories are all in perfect shape and all the original components are still in place. I hate that I won't have room for it anymore.
If anyone knows of someone who would love to have this...don't hesitate to let me know.
