*deep breath*
When I left Niceville, I was in a bad place. I was convinced it was too early for me to be leaving, that I had unfinished business, relationships that needed more development, money still to be earned. So I went back after moving in. Worked a couple shifts. Hung out with friends. And I realised that it was indeed time to leave. So I went to Gainesville for a few days. Rewarding yet draining.
I've now been in Tampa (actually, Lutz) for 8 days. I started work at my new Starbucks (the fourth store I've been at in my 3 year career). Things are going well there-many of the other employees are recently graduated and trying to "figure things out". I can relate. By starting my Master's, I am forcing direction in my life because I have felt erratic this year. These people know what that's like - working a non-career-oriented job for the benefits and the measly paycheck. Maybe the free pound of coffee a week. It's good. It's relatable. It'll do for now-as it always has.
I spent the last week dog-sitting for my friend Brandon. I figured it wouldn't be a big deal. His dog is Jesse, a 9 month old labrador. He seemed well-behaved when I first met him a few weeks ago. Only problem is, he lives outside in a small fenced-in area because Brandon isn't allowed to have him in his apartment. So I should have anticipated problems. But I'm good with dogs, usually. Napoleon has completely chilled out, and I figured they'd get along. Well. What a week. Jesse had to be kept on my porch at all times because he terrorized Napoleon. He tore up the insulation lining my porch wall. He chewed a wire. He tore up the box I used to block the wire. He woke me up every day at 6am whining and howling. He peed on my carpet. He had diarrhea several times on the porch. And then Brandon's flight was delayed and I had to keep him an extra day. Trials. My mom said "well you've learned a huge lesson". And I said, what's that lesson? That I should never do anyone a favour because it MIGHT end negatively? If I had known these things would happen, I wouldn't have said yes. Then again, I hope someone would do the same for me. And not kill the dog at the end. So, the lesson learned? To maybe be more wise and discerning in deciding what favours to pick up- think a little more about what the consequences could be.
Also, in recent SHOCKING news, I've become something of a clean/neat freak. IMPOSSIBLE! you may say, if you know me or have known me. I tend to let things clutter up, to leave my stuff all over the place and when I "clean" just do the bare minimum to make things acceptable. This has changed. Having my own place meant creating an environment I'm proud of. Every single day I find myself devoting time to tidying up. Every room is practically immaculate. When Brandon left with Jesse and promised to come back later this week to clean my porch, I agreed that was fair. But within an hour of his absence my skin was crawling knowing what a mess that porch was. So during the commercial breaks of ANTM I was out there with my broom and bucket. And except for the missing insulation, it's back to normal. I've been vacuuming every other day. It's crazy. I'm crazy. WHAT'S HAPPENING TO ME? Come visit. You gotta see it to believe it.
Grad school. This summer ought to be a breeze. My first class is child's play, i.e., "Testing and Measurement"- lots of focus on creating tests. Whatever. Been there, done that. Our teacher even said for our first project (writing a test in the subject of our choice) we could use one we had already made (if we had teaching experience). Piiiiiiiiece of cake. (This is me feigning confidence. I'm terrified of this whole going-back-to-school thing)
Really, super excited about Bonnaroo. And also next week's episode of Glee featuring Lady Gaga music.
Thanks for reading.
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