I've been thinking about that build-your-own triathlon idea for the last year or so, and I realized today that I actually did three fun, memorable, semi-athletic things (without really planning on doing them all like this) in the last 24-hours, so here's my brag :)
Yesterday afternoon I went hiking at Indian Lake County Park, which contains a small section of the Ice Age Trail. The trails are more rugged and hilly than I'm used to traversing in the Arboretum (and I love that they are rugged and hilly! I need to go for a faster hike (that is, a run) there, asap!) The weather was warmer yesterday than it has been recently, the sun was out (for a bit), and the trails were dusted with snow. Birch trees were stark white against the browns of early winter, the lake was frozen...it was just lovely. The hike lasted an hour or so, until the temperature started to drop and the breeze picked up.
After refueling with fish tacos at Lucille's (for a pizza place, they make surprisingly delicious fish tacos!), the second "leg" of my triathlon was a contra dance downtown. I LOVE contra dance. Seriously, it is just pure joy (and shenanigans!) I don't really know the other dancers (because we dance much more than we talk), but I recognize the regulars. I love the diversity of the community, the welcoming attitudes, and did I mention the joy and shenanigans? At one point last night the band was playing a version of jingle bells and at least half the dancers were singing along. The dancing can be surprisingly athletic, but also, it's a good mental challenge--trying to remember the sequence of steps and invariably, trying to make up for my failures to remember the sequence of steps! The dance lasted about three hours and I loved every minute of it :D
After tending to blisters from dancing (yeouch!) and a short night's sleep, the last leg of my triathlon was a 10k this morning at Pheasant Ridge, part of the Snowshoe Scurry series. It was a pretty small crowd--27 people completed the 10k and just 17 did the 5k. They also have a fat tire bike race afterwards, which, surprisingly (to me) had 36 participants. The trail was decent--mostly gravel, some grass, and quite a bit of nice, springy boardwalk. Two loops for the 10k, which reminded me of second-sock-syndrome in knitting: wait, you mean I have to do this all AGAIN?! My time was 1:04:00ish (not chip timed), and I think I finished second (to last, haha, no shame!) Afterwards they plied us with chili and fixings. YUM. That'll bring me back for the next run! But, also, BRR! The temperature wasn't bad while running, but quickly afterwards I was ready to get home to a warm shower (my victory lap!)
I had an absolute blast the past 24-hours! Loved every minute of these activities, and the feeling of satisfied tiredness at the end of it all. So happy!
Sunday, December 17, 2017
December 17, 2017
Triathlons sound awesome, right? You get some big bragging rights and the awe & envy of your family and 2,000 Facebook friends. But let's get real, training to do three events remotely decently is kind of an ambitious task, not to mention accumulating the necessary gear (decent bike, a wet suit for the swim(?)). I guess that's why you get those bragging rights.
But what about us mortals who have limited time, money, or athletic prowess? I propose a create-your-own-triathlon.
But what about us mortals who have limited time, money, or athletic prowess? I propose a create-your-own-triathlon.
- Choose three (ish) fun, doable activities (bonus points if they're semi-athletic, but also, not necessary).
- Go do them.
- Brag shamelessly on Facebook.
Let's make this doable: no rules about how long you have to spend doing each activity (may I suggest the time limit: keep going as long as you're having fun). And realistic: no need to do them back to back to back. Try to do them all in one day, or in one 24-hour period.
A traditional tri is swim-bike-run. Here's some other ideas...
- Take your dog (or your neighbor's dog, or your cat(?!)) for a walk somewhere new
- Go kayaking
- Go dancing
- Go for a hike
- Play some tennis
- Pop in a yoga dvd
- Check out the local trampoline park (Seriously, I went to one this past week and it was stupid fun!)
- Shoot some hoops
- Find a friend and play Frisbee
- A round of golf--mini or regular
- Bowling
Some winter-specific ideas...
- Skiing--cross-country or downhill
- Snowshoeing (you can often rent snowshoes and skis at sporting goods stores)
- Ice skating
- Sledding (no need to be a total adult about this!)
- Get some friends together and have a snowball fight :)
As I said, your three activities don't all have to be super active. Make them fun, memorable, intentional...
- Build a campfire and roast s'mores
- Bake a loaf of homemade bread or make your favorite soup from scratch
- Meditate, pray, watch the birds, gaze at stars (Meditation is part of Wanderlust 108, which also includes a 5k run/walk and a yoga practice. This is on my bucket list.)
- Go to a museum, a botanical garden, or a zoo
- Build or create something (I've always wanted to build a Little Free Library)
- Volunteer
Let's do this!
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
November 29, 2017
At the beginning of this year, I knew 2017 would be my year of biking. I had a bike-themed calendar on my wall where I have recorded the miles I rode each day. I had expected to hit at least 1,000 miles this year; of course I'd be delighted to total more, but I didn't have a set goal from the start. I wanted it to be fun, not rigidly focused on a number.
Well, I reached 500 miles in May, and 1,000 in September, so I seemed on track to hit 1,500 by the end of the year, and that was the goal that has evolved. Of course, adding those last 500 miles as the temperature dropped could be more challenging, but I've really lucked out with mild weather this month--a few days in the 50s, and the day after Thanksgiving was in the low 60s!
By my records I have about 135 miles to go in the last 32 days of the year. So close!!!
I debate about whether or not to make a goal for next year. I've thought of bumping it up to 1,800, or even 2,000, but then I think: I want to continue to enjoy biking! I don't want this to be a chore, and I really don't want to go for a 50 mile bike ride on New Year's Eve just to get it done, haha. I've also thought about tracking my running miles next year, and whether or not I should make a goal for that. I think for now, I'll keep things flexible and casual. I'll keep score, don't get me wrong! But I'll try not to get too attached to any number before I reach it :)
Well, I reached 500 miles in May, and 1,000 in September, so I seemed on track to hit 1,500 by the end of the year, and that was the goal that has evolved. Of course, adding those last 500 miles as the temperature dropped could be more challenging, but I've really lucked out with mild weather this month--a few days in the 50s, and the day after Thanksgiving was in the low 60s!
By my records I have about 135 miles to go in the last 32 days of the year. So close!!!
I debate about whether or not to make a goal for next year. I've thought of bumping it up to 1,800, or even 2,000, but then I think: I want to continue to enjoy biking! I don't want this to be a chore, and I really don't want to go for a 50 mile bike ride on New Year's Eve just to get it done, haha. I've also thought about tracking my running miles next year, and whether or not I should make a goal for that. I think for now, I'll keep things flexible and casual. I'll keep score, don't get me wrong! But I'll try not to get too attached to any number before I reach it :)
Monday, October 30, 2017
October 30, 2017
In August, I spent a good amount of time with my (now ex-) boyfriend's family. His parents celebrated their 50th anniversary and a week later was his father's birthday. I enjoyed spending time with them, but it was interesting just to observe his parents, especially his father. I could see such strong physical resemblance that it wasn't hard to think: this is what Chris will look like in 30 years.
I could also see similarities in their personalities. Chris seems very much like his father in personality--less talkative, less at the center of things. I felt like I was struggling to get to know his father (as I often struggled to know what Chris was thinking and feeling). It was something of a confirmation of Chris's personality to see how his father acted. His mother, on the other hand, was easier to get to know as she was definitely the conversationalist--I could relate to that myself, though I was shy (and maybe a bit intimidated!) around her.
Looking back to my marriage, I didn't ever know John's father as he'd left when John was four and was never really heard from or seen again (which no one who knew him seemed to consider a great loss). Even John had no real recollection of him. I'd seen a photograph or two of John as a baby with his father, but couldn't get much impression of his father and any possible physical resemblance or, less so, any personality similarities.
John's mother I knew for a while, but over time, John stopped trying to connect with her, and she also didn't make any effort that I knew of to keep in touch. The last few years, they didn't call or email one another at all, even at holidays or birthdays. Her appearance was rather dominated by the stroke(s?) she'd suffered, and her physical disability which left her essentially wheelchair-bound. It was hard to see a family resemblance between her and John. Her personality I remember as ranging from indifference to bitterness.
I guess it was hard to imagine what John would look or be like in 30 years. Perhaps it should have been ironically obvious: like his father, he would only exist in photographs (at least to me). Like his mother, I would notice his bitterness foremost, and there would eventually be no connection between us, including holidays or birthdays.
And then I think of my parents, and my mom especially. I remember looking at a picture of my mom and me recently and thinking, that's what I'm going to look like in 30 years. There was of course the immediate "oh, God, no!" reaction of denial that I could ever have hair that gray (uh, though it's definitely happening already) or skin that wrinkled (sigh, that's happening too). But then it struck me--my mom's smile...here's the picture, see for yourself.
She's beautiful. Her face glows with joy and her heart with peace. And I immediately thought: oh, God, I hope I look just like that in 30 years!
My mom hasn't had the easiest, happiest life. Truly, her childhood and young adulthood had some ugly moments (or months or years). Even at the time this photo was taken, she was carrying some serious weight in her heart for my sister and me. A few months earlier, my sister had broken off a ten-year relationship and then started up with a guy nearly 15 years her junior (they're now married!); and I was struggling to get pregnant...or...decide if I even wanted to stay in my marriage (a strange and awful combination that eventually tipped to the latter). Still, she finds (chooses?) joy and peace.
Perhaps I should stop plucking my gray hairs and focus on embracing my own joy and peace ;)
I could also see similarities in their personalities. Chris seems very much like his father in personality--less talkative, less at the center of things. I felt like I was struggling to get to know his father (as I often struggled to know what Chris was thinking and feeling). It was something of a confirmation of Chris's personality to see how his father acted. His mother, on the other hand, was easier to get to know as she was definitely the conversationalist--I could relate to that myself, though I was shy (and maybe a bit intimidated!) around her.
Looking back to my marriage, I didn't ever know John's father as he'd left when John was four and was never really heard from or seen again (which no one who knew him seemed to consider a great loss). Even John had no real recollection of him. I'd seen a photograph or two of John as a baby with his father, but couldn't get much impression of his father and any possible physical resemblance or, less so, any personality similarities.
John's mother I knew for a while, but over time, John stopped trying to connect with her, and she also didn't make any effort that I knew of to keep in touch. The last few years, they didn't call or email one another at all, even at holidays or birthdays. Her appearance was rather dominated by the stroke(s?) she'd suffered, and her physical disability which left her essentially wheelchair-bound. It was hard to see a family resemblance between her and John. Her personality I remember as ranging from indifference to bitterness.
I guess it was hard to imagine what John would look or be like in 30 years. Perhaps it should have been ironically obvious: like his father, he would only exist in photographs (at least to me). Like his mother, I would notice his bitterness foremost, and there would eventually be no connection between us, including holidays or birthdays.
And then I think of my parents, and my mom especially. I remember looking at a picture of my mom and me recently and thinking, that's what I'm going to look like in 30 years. There was of course the immediate "oh, God, no!" reaction of denial that I could ever have hair that gray (uh, though it's definitely happening already) or skin that wrinkled (sigh, that's happening too). But then it struck me--my mom's smile...here's the picture, see for yourself.
She's beautiful. Her face glows with joy and her heart with peace. And I immediately thought: oh, God, I hope I look just like that in 30 years!
My mom hasn't had the easiest, happiest life. Truly, her childhood and young adulthood had some ugly moments (or months or years). Even at the time this photo was taken, she was carrying some serious weight in her heart for my sister and me. A few months earlier, my sister had broken off a ten-year relationship and then started up with a guy nearly 15 years her junior (they're now married!); and I was struggling to get pregnant...or...decide if I even wanted to stay in my marriage (a strange and awful combination that eventually tipped to the latter). Still, she finds (chooses?) joy and peace.
Perhaps I should stop plucking my gray hairs and focus on embracing my own joy and peace ;)
Thursday, August 31, 2017
August 31, 2017
Oh, gosh, I love books!!!! I just got a couple of impulse purchases from Amazon, and I must be the biggest geek ever (no shame!) because here I am, staying up late to read...Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community by Robert D. Putnam. Isn't that the book everyone (except me--I read Savage Inequalities) had to read in college and absolutely loathed because it was long and boring? Oh, but it's sociology! (I'm so excited! And I far from loathed Savage Inequalities, btw.)
Anyways, I've only read a few pages of the introduction, but I can't wait to read more 😊 I look forward to learning more about how we got to where we are right now--a bit (or a lot) stunted in our social organizations and sense of community--and what can we do about it?
I thought of how my parents were involved in social groups when I was young. I think they did stuff with small groups through church, and I remember them having regular get-togethers with friends. We did a cookie exchange with our neighbors every Christmas. But now, I'm not really sure what kinds of groups they are involved in. I think my mom might still do a group through church--or did she stop that? She used to volunteer, but I'm pretty sure that's over. I can't think of a consistent social group my dad has been a part of in the recent past... They were both friendly with the neighbors across the street, but those neighbors moved out to the west coast a few months ago.
As for me, I've lived in Madison a little over a year now, and have yet to really find "my people". Admittedly, I haven't made a lot of effort to look--or wait, have I? I did a fair amount of volunteering last fall, and have gone to a couple knitting meetups. I've taken some classes--a one-day art class, a weekend dogsledding (eep!) workshop, a couple months of ballroom dance, and three semester-long credit classes at the community college. I tried out the local Buddhist meditation group a few times, and went to the Unitarian Church a handful of times too. Nothing really made me feel like I was part of a community. Maybe I'm trying the wrong groups?
I'm not the most outgoing personality, and certainly that works against me, but I do have the suspicion that it's just harder to make friends nowadays. Are we just socially inept? Okay, that's not quite what Bowling Alone is about, as far as I can tell--it's more community/social networks than friendships. But it seems related. It's hard to stay involved when the connections don't seem to quite jell. I went to a knitting meetup tonight--there were 6 other women there. No one introduced herself (including me). Maybe they all knew each other really well and were wondering who the heck I was, but it was weird.
Who the heck am I, anyways? Haha. I'm a girl who loves books. Geeky books, all the books. So grateful for books!
Anyways, I've only read a few pages of the introduction, but I can't wait to read more 😊 I look forward to learning more about how we got to where we are right now--a bit (or a lot) stunted in our social organizations and sense of community--and what can we do about it?
I thought of how my parents were involved in social groups when I was young. I think they did stuff with small groups through church, and I remember them having regular get-togethers with friends. We did a cookie exchange with our neighbors every Christmas. But now, I'm not really sure what kinds of groups they are involved in. I think my mom might still do a group through church--or did she stop that? She used to volunteer, but I'm pretty sure that's over. I can't think of a consistent social group my dad has been a part of in the recent past... They were both friendly with the neighbors across the street, but those neighbors moved out to the west coast a few months ago.
As for me, I've lived in Madison a little over a year now, and have yet to really find "my people". Admittedly, I haven't made a lot of effort to look--or wait, have I? I did a fair amount of volunteering last fall, and have gone to a couple knitting meetups. I've taken some classes--a one-day art class, a weekend dogsledding (eep!) workshop, a couple months of ballroom dance, and three semester-long credit classes at the community college. I tried out the local Buddhist meditation group a few times, and went to the Unitarian Church a handful of times too. Nothing really made me feel like I was part of a community. Maybe I'm trying the wrong groups?
I'm not the most outgoing personality, and certainly that works against me, but I do have the suspicion that it's just harder to make friends nowadays. Are we just socially inept? Okay, that's not quite what Bowling Alone is about, as far as I can tell--it's more community/social networks than friendships. But it seems related. It's hard to stay involved when the connections don't seem to quite jell. I went to a knitting meetup tonight--there were 6 other women there. No one introduced herself (including me). Maybe they all knew each other really well and were wondering who the heck I was, but it was weird.
Who the heck am I, anyways? Haha. I'm a girl who loves books. Geeky books, all the books. So grateful for books!
Thursday, February 2, 2017
February 2, 2017
2015 was the year of spinning--yarn, that is--a total of 18 pounds, 11.8 ounces. 2017 will be the year of biking! The biking actually began last summer when I returned to Madison, carless (carfree!) My transportation needs were met with a mix of biking, city bus, and occasionally borrowing my parents' 20-year-old car-on-life-support. I biked to work and volunteering, bused to school (across town), and bought my own car at the end of September, once I'd moved to my own apartment. I could have gotten by without the car, and maybe I should have tried to do it longer to save money, but it sure made life easier. Groceries would have been a burden to always get by bike & backpack, and social time would have been pretty much limited to work and school. Also, I felt like I needed a car to ensure I could get Molly and George to the vet if/when needed.
But even once I had the car, I biked to work every weekday. (Weekends, parking is free, and I admit I took advantage of that!) As the weather got colder, coworkers regularly asked me how long I would keep biking. I told them all that I'd like to bike as long as I can, but I'd take things one day at a time. (Secretly, I was hoping I could bike through winter.) Bitterly cold temperatures in mid-December gave me a bit of a reality check, and I took the bus a few days, but I still managed to bike more days than not to work.
As you can imagine, I became a bit focused on (obsessed with) the weather. I'd check the weather app before leaving for work, paying attention, too, to the forecast for my ride home. I learned what clothing I needed to wear for what temperature points, and I celebrated each 10 degrees cooler that I conquered1!
My somewhat fanatical dedication to biking (remarked on by coworkers) was really just me being a cheap-ass and not wanting to pay for parking if I could avoid it. Parking for the evening shift runs around $350 a year, I think. That really isn't that much, but dammit, I'm not going to pay for it if I don't have to! And so far, on February 2nd, I've paid exactly $12 for parking since starting at my job 6 and a half months ago (I missed the bus one day, and it was snowing). Of course...I may have spent a few dollars on needed bike gear...a few dollars, like, more than $350 at this point2! But I'm not paying for parking, haha! I figure parking would be an annual expense, but this gear should last me (much) longer. Additionally, I'm saving on gas & car maintenance, and I'm getting great exercise.
Anyways, 2017: I'm going to keep track of my mileage :) I don't have a specific goal in mind, other than 'a lot'. I think if I bike less than 1,000 miles, there'd be something weird happening (like a broken leg or extended illness). Would I like to hit a (much) bigger number? Of course ;) But we'll see. January, admittedly not the best month for biking, I managed 64.5 miles, over 8 days of biking. June, there's a tentative bike trip in northern Wisconsin (location of many great adventures already!) The bike trip has been on my bucket list for a number of years; 2017 is the year it happens3!
But even once I had the car, I biked to work every weekday. (Weekends, parking is free, and I admit I took advantage of that!) As the weather got colder, coworkers regularly asked me how long I would keep biking. I told them all that I'd like to bike as long as I can, but I'd take things one day at a time. (Secretly, I was hoping I could bike through winter.) Bitterly cold temperatures in mid-December gave me a bit of a reality check, and I took the bus a few days, but I still managed to bike more days than not to work.
As you can imagine, I became a bit focused on (obsessed with) the weather. I'd check the weather app before leaving for work, paying attention, too, to the forecast for my ride home. I learned what clothing I needed to wear for what temperature points, and I celebrated each 10 degrees cooler that I conquered1!
My somewhat fanatical dedication to biking (remarked on by coworkers) was really just me being a cheap-ass and not wanting to pay for parking if I could avoid it. Parking for the evening shift runs around $350 a year, I think. That really isn't that much, but dammit, I'm not going to pay for it if I don't have to! And so far, on February 2nd, I've paid exactly $12 for parking since starting at my job 6 and a half months ago (I missed the bus one day, and it was snowing). Of course...I may have spent a few dollars on needed bike gear...a few dollars, like, more than $350 at this point2! But I'm not paying for parking, haha! I figure parking would be an annual expense, but this gear should last me (much) longer. Additionally, I'm saving on gas & car maintenance, and I'm getting great exercise.
Anyways, 2017: I'm going to keep track of my mileage :) I don't have a specific goal in mind, other than 'a lot'. I think if I bike less than 1,000 miles, there'd be something weird happening (like a broken leg or extended illness). Would I like to hit a (much) bigger number? Of course ;) But we'll see. January, admittedly not the best month for biking, I managed 64.5 miles, over 8 days of biking. June, there's a tentative bike trip in northern Wisconsin (location of many great adventures already!) The bike trip has been on my bucket list for a number of years; 2017 is the year it happens3!
1 I've 'conquered' down to a windchill of about 15. I'd have to get warmer gear (gloves, especially) to go much further.↩
2 There was the derailleur adjustment (about $15), good head & tail lights ($90, I think? SO worth it!), warm gloves ($75, meh, could be warmer), warm pants ($145--damn, those were pricey, but they are amazing and worth every penny!), a balaclava ($45--it's so awesome!), safety goggles to cut the wind ($10, and I got what I paid for), and just last week, fenders ($75, installed, they're beautiful, and keep my clothes from being a slushy mess). Brakes will be replaced this weekend, estimated $140.↩
3 Woot! Footnotes!↩
Sunday, January 29, 2017
January 28, 2017
I think this will be more of an update-style for my family (and friends? Does anyone read this? Buehler?)
Classes started up again two weeks ago, and I'm committed financially, so I guess I'd better start studying, huh? Haha, I'm taking a class on Race & Ethnicity in the U.S. and the other is an introductory sociology course. First impressions: Race & Ethnicity--it's a lot of reading of articles, which I think will be much more interesting than reading a textbook, so hooray for that. Work outside of reading appears to be minimal--no real papers, no real tests (which makes me question if this is a real class...) Eh, well, it may not be the most academically rigorous, but I intend to get as much as I can out of the content--the reading & class discussion--and ignore the fact that there isn't more other 'work'. A bonus with the class is I volunteered to be a notetaker for a classmate with a disability. Assuming the classmate doesn't drop the class before it's halfway done, the college will give me a $75 gift card to the bookstore at the end of the semester. Not bad for doing the same stuff (showing up & taking notes) I would have done anyways!
The sociology intro class, well, that's going to be academically rigorous, all right. There will be 4-5 writing assignments, plus a research project which hasn't been detailed too much. Lots of reading, four exams, etc. It's a bit intimidating, but I'm trying to trust it will all be okay. My TA is awesome, anyways. She's smart, sassy, and a self-confessed cat lady. What's not to like?
But yeah, the readings for both classes so far have been amazing. SO interesting. I love this stuff! I'm heading to Half-Price Books today to buy an overambitious stack of books that I likely won't have time to read anytime soon. Ah, but hope! I'm finding myself most intrigued with issues of inequality in the field of sociology--gender, race, class, age. I've been debating about whether grad school is in my future. Well, I think it is, but I guess which track. Almost a year ago I started thinking about a Master's in Social Work. After taking these awesome classes in sociology (last semester and this), I'm wondering if I should shift to a Master's/PhD in Sociology instead. I worry about putting a tremendous amount of time & effort (and money?!) into something and then halfway through, or at the end, thinking: er, maybe this wasn't the thing after all. I'm not even sure a lot of soul-searching will bring me to a definitive answer. Either route would be a long journey that would require continual re-commitment to the goal. There'd surely be moments of doubt when I'd have to just trust that it'll work out, but well, isn't that the point of doubt--you're lacking faith? Eh, I struggle with this kind of stuff...
Anyways. I ordered a new-new sofa today. The old-new sofa I ordered back in December was not-delivered a week or so ago (after being on backorder for a month, argh!). The arrangement of walls and corners leading to my apartment would have required the sofa to be tipped vertically, and wouldn't you know, I ordered a sofa that was 95" long, and that's exactly how tall the ceilings are in the hallway. The delivery guys took a quick look & a measurement and didn't even attempt it. Dammit. So I dragged Chris along on the sofa hunt, part two, but he was just a delight to have along--easy going as a puppy! (It was almost annoying, because I just wanted to get it done, dammit, and he was just so cheery!) I knew from the first trip that there wasn't much I liked in my price range. The 95" behemoth was the only real option given my constraints. So I dreaded having to choose a new-new sofa that was either not what I wanted in terms of style/comfort, or not what I wanted in terms of price. In the end, I expanded my desires in both areas: I'm getting a faux leather sofa(?!) I never would have expected that! It's really quite lovely to look at (hopefully George will agree...), and Goldilocks in terms of firm-plush. It's a mere 78" long ;) and priced about $100 more than I wanted to spend, but whatever. Done. Also: it was in stock, and will be here Wednesday. About time!
Lastly, Chris and I went to the Galleries at the Overture Center. There was a handmade book exhibit I wanted to see--ohh, it was so amazing!!! Equal parts inspiring (I want to do that!) and intimidating (I could never do that!) Sigh. Taking a class in bookbinding is something I've wanted to do for years. It's happening, this spring. There's an 8-week class through the UW extension, but also a one-day class that I think I might take instead. Eight weeks is a lot of commitment to squeeze into everything else!
And now, Half-Price Books is calling...
Classes started up again two weeks ago, and I'm committed financially, so I guess I'd better start studying, huh? Haha, I'm taking a class on Race & Ethnicity in the U.S. and the other is an introductory sociology course. First impressions: Race & Ethnicity--it's a lot of reading of articles, which I think will be much more interesting than reading a textbook, so hooray for that. Work outside of reading appears to be minimal--no real papers, no real tests (which makes me question if this is a real class...) Eh, well, it may not be the most academically rigorous, but I intend to get as much as I can out of the content--the reading & class discussion--and ignore the fact that there isn't more other 'work'. A bonus with the class is I volunteered to be a notetaker for a classmate with a disability. Assuming the classmate doesn't drop the class before it's halfway done, the college will give me a $75 gift card to the bookstore at the end of the semester. Not bad for doing the same stuff (showing up & taking notes) I would have done anyways!
The sociology intro class, well, that's going to be academically rigorous, all right. There will be 4-5 writing assignments, plus a research project which hasn't been detailed too much. Lots of reading, four exams, etc. It's a bit intimidating, but I'm trying to trust it will all be okay. My TA is awesome, anyways. She's smart, sassy, and a self-confessed cat lady. What's not to like?
But yeah, the readings for both classes so far have been amazing. SO interesting. I love this stuff! I'm heading to Half-Price Books today to buy an overambitious stack of books that I likely won't have time to read anytime soon. Ah, but hope! I'm finding myself most intrigued with issues of inequality in the field of sociology--gender, race, class, age. I've been debating about whether grad school is in my future. Well, I think it is, but I guess which track. Almost a year ago I started thinking about a Master's in Social Work. After taking these awesome classes in sociology (last semester and this), I'm wondering if I should shift to a Master's/PhD in Sociology instead. I worry about putting a tremendous amount of time & effort (and money?!) into something and then halfway through, or at the end, thinking: er, maybe this wasn't the thing after all. I'm not even sure a lot of soul-searching will bring me to a definitive answer. Either route would be a long journey that would require continual re-commitment to the goal. There'd surely be moments of doubt when I'd have to just trust that it'll work out, but well, isn't that the point of doubt--you're lacking faith? Eh, I struggle with this kind of stuff...
Anyways. I ordered a new-new sofa today. The old-new sofa I ordered back in December was not-delivered a week or so ago (after being on backorder for a month, argh!). The arrangement of walls and corners leading to my apartment would have required the sofa to be tipped vertically, and wouldn't you know, I ordered a sofa that was 95" long, and that's exactly how tall the ceilings are in the hallway. The delivery guys took a quick look & a measurement and didn't even attempt it. Dammit. So I dragged Chris along on the sofa hunt, part two, but he was just a delight to have along--easy going as a puppy! (It was almost annoying, because I just wanted to get it done, dammit, and he was just so cheery!) I knew from the first trip that there wasn't much I liked in my price range. The 95" behemoth was the only real option given my constraints. So I dreaded having to choose a new-new sofa that was either not what I wanted in terms of style/comfort, or not what I wanted in terms of price. In the end, I expanded my desires in both areas: I'm getting a faux leather sofa(?!) I never would have expected that! It's really quite lovely to look at (hopefully George will agree...), and Goldilocks in terms of firm-plush. It's a mere 78" long ;) and priced about $100 more than I wanted to spend, but whatever. Done. Also: it was in stock, and will be here Wednesday. About time!
Lastly, Chris and I went to the Galleries at the Overture Center. There was a handmade book exhibit I wanted to see--ohh, it was so amazing!!! Equal parts inspiring (I want to do that!) and intimidating (I could never do that!) Sigh. Taking a class in bookbinding is something I've wanted to do for years. It's happening, this spring. There's an 8-week class through the UW extension, but also a one-day class that I think I might take instead. Eight weeks is a lot of commitment to squeeze into everything else!
And now, Half-Price Books is calling...
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