Last night I participated in my first 5k. But this wasn't just any run/walk. My classmates and I got decked out in glow-sticks and all things neon to join hundreds if not thousands of others in a fun, late night run around the National Harbor.
Usually, I'm pretty much a prude. I don't like to dress up in costume or be really silly, but last night, I let me hair down a little. These girls had me in a blue and gold tutu and marching around run-dance-walking with a crowd of equally festive men, women and children from around the DMV.
The Glo-run is essentially a big party, where hopefully the dj and everyone's neon and glow-in-the-dark attire will distract your not-in-such-good-shape-body from the 3.2 miles that you signed up for. I must say, I surprised myself a little; I guess my recent neighborhood walks were helpful in making it so that I didn't get left behind in the crowd and I managed to endure jogging for some lengths of time (of course interrupted by walk breaks to catch my breath).
It was really cool to experience something entirely new and be among so many people and families who really just came to have a good time. After making it through the Glo-Run arches, signaling our completion, everyone convened at the stage where the dj blasted all the catchy tunes. People wobbled, dougied, jerked (which one girl kindly took her time to teach us) and just had a grand old time. I'm really glad I went and extremely glad I took an epsom salt bath after the festivities!!
This morning, instead of resting my bones, I got up early and met another group of men, women, and families...at the Giant supermarket. No one danced, jogged, or greeted each other; we were on a mission of an entirely different kind. You could call it: Operation Prep for Sandy!
I'm not interested in panic, but for the past few days there have been severe weather warnings for a hurricane. New York has been shut down as of 7pm and the DMV area is taking similar precautions. I remember the last time the power went out here and the winds turned the streets into debris madness. Let's just say, I'm sufficiently stocked for a few days and definitely prayed up.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Monday, October 22, 2012
Finally, a Concept Paper!
Today, I got really excited. After a few months of reading and thinking through ideas for my dissertation, I finally submitted and received feedback on my concept paper. Essentially, what this means is I FINALLY HAVE THE MAKINGS OF A TOPIC AND SOME DIRECTION for my proposal.
This is HUGE. Might not seem like much to most, but to actually have a topic means that you can really focus your time and energy on one specific thing instead of rummaging through every possible article on your target population to come up with something to add to the discourse. Now, don't get it twisted, this definitely starts a whole new process of rummaging and sifting and filtering and writing, but it is a maaaaaaajor step forward in the process.
To prepare myself for what's ahead, I've actually started reading a dissertation writing manual and, based on the first chapter, I will need to get serious about structuring my time to write something EVERY DAY. Discipline has definitely been an area I've struggled with (hence my failed attempts at a workout regimen). But, I'm really on a mission.
Over the next few weeks, hopefully, prayerfully, you'll see some much needed changes. I could stand to go to bed earlier and get up in time to get some form of exercise in. I've been doing okay with juicing, but still need to work on getting my eating on point...long story short, there's a lot of whipping into shape that needs to happen so I can keep it moving.
My next academic milestone is to get a complete Introduction chapter to my advisor in the next two weeks.
The semester is really creeping away on me; just realized that November is in a matter of days. Now is definitely the time to show what I'm made of.
Here it goes....!
P.S.
The yard sale is a go! Should be hearing about an official date soon!! Will keep ya posted.
This is HUGE. Might not seem like much to most, but to actually have a topic means that you can really focus your time and energy on one specific thing instead of rummaging through every possible article on your target population to come up with something to add to the discourse. Now, don't get it twisted, this definitely starts a whole new process of rummaging and sifting and filtering and writing, but it is a maaaaaaajor step forward in the process.
To prepare myself for what's ahead, I've actually started reading a dissertation writing manual and, based on the first chapter, I will need to get serious about structuring my time to write something EVERY DAY. Discipline has definitely been an area I've struggled with (hence my failed attempts at a workout regimen). But, I'm really on a mission.
Over the next few weeks, hopefully, prayerfully, you'll see some much needed changes. I could stand to go to bed earlier and get up in time to get some form of exercise in. I've been doing okay with juicing, but still need to work on getting my eating on point...long story short, there's a lot of whipping into shape that needs to happen so I can keep it moving.
My next academic milestone is to get a complete Introduction chapter to my advisor in the next two weeks.
The semester is really creeping away on me; just realized that November is in a matter of days. Now is definitely the time to show what I'm made of.
Here it goes....!
P.S.
The yard sale is a go! Should be hearing about an official date soon!! Will keep ya posted.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Idea + Action = Reality
This past weekend, I watched about three hours of HGTV (Home & Garden Television). They showed a series of programs on yard sales and interior design that made me think about shopping around Virginia with my Aunt Kim and about wanting badly to own a home, or at least spruce up my apartment.
I reminisced about all of my thrift store and yard sale finds over the years: the $11 designer riding boots; $2 leather pocket books; my favorite high school sweater ($.50); and the priceless memories of running the streets with my favorite Grand-Aunt.
In my building, people are often posting items for sale or leaving unwanted clothes, shoes, and electronics in the halls for passersby to take (that's how I acquired my desk chair and juicer). Beyond that, without a car, and often being busy with schoolwork, I haven't been to any real yard sales or on any thrift store excursions since I've been in the DMV. As I was wooed by the fabulous finds people were making on the television shows, I came up with an idea to bring the sales to my own backyard.
Recently, our building changed management, and I've missed the sense of community that was often encouraged by building events and outings. So, I came up with an idea to revive a sense of community while creating an opportunity to get a yard sale fix! This morning, I approached the management office about organizing a community yard sale in our courtyard...This afternoon I received an email from the property manager expressing interest in the concept and scheduling a meeting with me on Thursday morning at 9:30!
Here's to creating what you want and working your thoughts into existence. I look forward to updating you on how our community yard sale goes real soon.
P.S.
That creation thing works in more ways than one...just got word that I passed the first part of my Comps. Prayer + Hard Work + God = Vision Manifest!
I reminisced about all of my thrift store and yard sale finds over the years: the $11 designer riding boots; $2 leather pocket books; my favorite high school sweater ($.50); and the priceless memories of running the streets with my favorite Grand-Aunt.
In my building, people are often posting items for sale or leaving unwanted clothes, shoes, and electronics in the halls for passersby to take (that's how I acquired my desk chair and juicer). Beyond that, without a car, and often being busy with schoolwork, I haven't been to any real yard sales or on any thrift store excursions since I've been in the DMV. As I was wooed by the fabulous finds people were making on the television shows, I came up with an idea to bring the sales to my own backyard.
Recently, our building changed management, and I've missed the sense of community that was often encouraged by building events and outings. So, I came up with an idea to revive a sense of community while creating an opportunity to get a yard sale fix! This morning, I approached the management office about organizing a community yard sale in our courtyard...This afternoon I received an email from the property manager expressing interest in the concept and scheduling a meeting with me on Thursday morning at 9:30!
Here's to creating what you want and working your thoughts into existence. I look forward to updating you on how our community yard sale goes real soon.
P.S.
That creation thing works in more ways than one...just got word that I passed the first part of my Comps. Prayer + Hard Work + God = Vision Manifest!
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Release!
Sometimes, when you've been working at something so hard...you just have to release it! Today, that's just what I have to do.
Over the past week, I didn't just take a test, I agonized over three questions. I tried to find the strength to push past fatigue; my bottom line: I didn't want to be testing anymore.
Seven days straight, I worked. Some of those days I went without food. (I know, it just happened. I got lost in articles and typing and just lost track). Most of those days I ran on empty. Somehow...well God-how, I made it.
There's nothing like submitting some work that you're not sure how you feel about; especially when you felt like there was nothing you could do in the moment to change it.
I'm learning a lot about what kind of learner I am. I work better when I can take my time and find some way to connect the work to things that are significant for me. So on timed exams, I tend to panic. A little bit of that is what happened.
I'm not sure what the envelopes will say this time. Well, I wasn't really sure last time. But I will have faith. I will be faith. And I will carry on.
Over the past week, I didn't just take a test, I agonized over three questions. I tried to find the strength to push past fatigue; my bottom line: I didn't want to be testing anymore.
Seven days straight, I worked. Some of those days I went without food. (I know, it just happened. I got lost in articles and typing and just lost track). Most of those days I ran on empty. Somehow...well God-how, I made it.
There's nothing like submitting some work that you're not sure how you feel about; especially when you felt like there was nothing you could do in the moment to change it.
I'm learning a lot about what kind of learner I am. I work better when I can take my time and find some way to connect the work to things that are significant for me. So on timed exams, I tend to panic. A little bit of that is what happened.
I'm not sure what the envelopes will say this time. Well, I wasn't really sure last time. But I will have faith. I will be faith. And I will carry on.
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