I decided to clear my past rants to make room for some new stuff.
It's a new year, filled with new possibilities. I celebrated (well, maybe *celebrate* isn't the right word) the first anniversary of the Boland Hall Fire at Seton Hall University, which claimed the lives of three young men. It's hard to define exactly what it is that I feel a year later. There's a precarious balance between remembering and moving on, it's hard to say. I just know that I haven't stopped thinking about them yet, and I probably never will. It's important to remember, but to keep a hope-filled rememberance.
I started student teaching at Hillside Avenue School in Cranford, NJ. I teach 7th grade English and lemme tell ya- the real world is extremely painful. I have some great days, and some not so great days. The kids though, they are the most redeeming part of the whole deal. But that's the point, isn't it?
August 1st, 2001-- I just read the previous stuff, and I can't believe it's been so long since I posted something here. Sure, things have come along for me to rant about, but I never seem to be much in a mood to write it all down.
I wonder how my personal goddess is doing? NYRF is open, so I should be able to see her when I go there. I have to thank her for playing up the Barenaked Ladies, my new favorite band ever.
I start grad school on Monday. I have a paper due the first day of class--how weird is that? I'm getting really nervous about it- getting a Master's is very different from undergrad. I'm effectively a student/teacher for the next 2 years. But it's a great deal, and I'm extremely honored to be a part of it.
I'm gonna go. It's almost noon here, I have stuff to do....
Sunday, August 19, 2001-- Hey all. Grad's school's tough as all get-out, but I'm still standing, much like Elton John video (except, I'm not surrounded by men wearing thongs and paint...) Anyways, the folks in the grad program with me are the best, and we're all working together, which is more than anyone can ask. Next week I'll be living with them in a former convent house.... I should get a camcorder and make my own version of "The Real World": *This is the true story of 22 people picked to live in a house....*
I've been spending a little too much time in the BNL chat room, but I've met some awesome peeps on there. (if you came to this page 'cuz I pimped it in the room, let me know!) Otherwise, I think things are going well. I'm not working NYRF this year, which is prolly why I have nothing to complain about. The Trauma train may come crashing in, but I don't go to that station anymore. Maybe I'll go back next year, after I have a year of teaching under my belt. Well, que sera sera...
It's late, I'm hungry, and I have another 5 hrs of class in the morning. Just to warn ya, I may not update for a while once I move into my new place....but who's really watching, anyhow?
November 15, 2001-- Did I not say I wouldn't be able to update this? What's new with me? Well, I just gave out my first real set of report cards, I'm now 22 years old (my birfday having been on Oct 23), and BNL put out a new CD, to which I am listening as I type. My sister, being the bomb diggity, bought me tickets to their Roseland show. Needless to say, I'm souped. (Dear God, since when do I talk like this?) School's OK, I guess... I have high standards, and they're doing a pretty good job of working towards them.
I'm gonna get going. I have nothing of value to say anymore... have I ever really?
December 6, 2001-- What a strange week I had! I was going to leave my school and my graduate program, when I finally began to think to myself, "What am I doing????" I forgot how great teaching is, and how great everything I have is. John, thanks for saving my ass once again. You reminded me why I needed to be where I am. Everything else is going alright, except for the fact that PEOPLE CANNOT DRIVE!! I have recently joined the ranks of the regular commuter, and I am eternally convinced that IQs drop 50 points once a person gets behind the wheel. I'm sure other people know what I mean. It's insane... I actually asked myself if I was the only person without a death wish on the Garden State Parkway today.
I have to get a move on. Until next time....
July 29. 2003- aka "next time": I gotta say that for a few months, I forgot I even had a website. I took a look at my guestbook, and I see that other people have noticed--thanks, folks! So- what's new, you might ask? Well, I left that teaching job in Paterson to teach English (and ONLY English) at an all-girls high school in Lodi. I had so much fun this past year, and I can't wait to go back! Imagine, I am finally using all the stuff I learned as an English major and talking about it to other people, and most of them are actually interested!
I'm also getting married this Saturday. That may come as a shock, since I haven't even mentioned him here once. But he is everything I have ever wanted of a significant other, and I really do feel like the luckiest girl in the world, as trite as that may sound. Love really sparks a world of cliches, when you think about it...Matt and I are going to NYRF after our honeymoon to sign him up for the Rogue's Guild. I can't wait to see the look on people's faces when I introduce him as my husband!
Several of my relatives are coming from Ecuador for the wedding. I haven't seen them since I was 12 years old. It's going to be pretty emotional...
Well, I'm off like a wedding gown ;-). See you when I get back!