Better By Nightfall

A lot has happened since I last updated this blog. I have been meaning to update the blog for quite sometime, but I've either been busy writing, packing, moving, or traveling. The last couple of months have been liminal at best, which has made it somewhat difficult to adjust.

In short the following things happened:

1. I finished my thesis, defended it, and got it edited.
   
2. I packed up my apartment with the help of my friends.
   
3. I visited the Oregon Coast (see pictures below).
   
4. I visited with family and friends as I traveled across the country to get to North Carolina.
   
5. I found a sweet apartment, but I have no money to furnish it.
   
6. I finished the final edits for my thesis and will be sending everything back to the graduate college so as to finalize all things thesis related.
   

The good news is that I'm starting to feel more and more comfortable in my new atmosphere. Although the climate and the social atmosphere are a bit different, the adjustment has not been so harsh. In fact, most of the acclimatization has been relatively simple and enjoyable; but almost all of it has been done alone. Hopefully that will change soon with the start of the school year, though.

In the meantime, I'm continuing to learn my way around North Carolina and the campus. I have no doubt that many fun adventures are in store here and I can't wait to see what the future brings.

Here are some pictures from my most recent travels:










I promise to update the more in the following days, weeks, and months; especially as I achieve equipoise in all areas of my life.

I've been trucking along on my thesis lately, trying my best not to let the stress of the entire project bear on me to the point that I can no longer work on it. Some days are easier than others; I get a lot of work done when I can get "in the zone" and find myself enjoying the process of coding and writing. Other days are harder; I fall behind in my schedule of work, attempting to balance my research with my insane teaching load.

Still, I'm pushing myself to get through all of it because I know I am capable of finishing this milestone in my life.

Everything I have done has led me to this point in my life. Every action, every decision, and every mistake have propelled me to this juncture, resolutely affirming my presence in the here and now. I know I belong here and I know that, for all of my time at this point, I am going to continue to move on past it and be stronger for it.

In this process of making the comfortable uncomfortable—of who I am and who I will be—I am unwavering in my determination. Although the thesis may get me down from time to time, I will not let it consume me and reduce me to doubt and uncertainty. I will rise to this challenge, vivified, unwavering, and secure in myself.

I am a fighter and you are witness to the champion in me.

Every year, starting last year (not a longstanding tradition!), my university recreation center sponsors a 5K fun run to beat the current football coach. Proceeds from the run go to funding student scholarships and, for every student that beats the football coach, $10 are donated to helping fund scholarships. While I did no participate last year, I was chomping at the bits to trailblaze past Coach Pete this year.

I am excited to report that not only did I beat Coach Pete (as you can see in the photo), but I also smashed his time. I ran the 5K in 24:34, beating his 30 minute 5K, and I have the t-shirt to prove it!

Now I need to continue training up for the Susan G. Komen Race for the cure! Care to donate?

I found this website through a recent search of the comments posted on Facebook about the upcoming This American Life Live broadcast and instantly fell in love with it.

Printed and pressed posters of many of the bands that you probably listen to are on here and it is easy to search for them. The posters are relatively well priced and the designs are atypical and intriguing! If you're a music-geek, you'll probably love this site too.

Don't you agree?