Looking UP

Yes, I know the last few posts have been a bit depressing, so it might make you a little happier to know that I have been feeling better. First of all, the sun has been shining here (even if it was, yes, 27 degrees this morning), so that helps immensely! Even on the days that have been rainy, I think I have just come to accept that fall and winter are here and that's just the way it is! I've gotten through 23 winters in Wisconsin...so one winter in Montana should be just fine!

The big celebration of Halloween is this weekend, and for the first time in about 22 years, I will not be dressing up. Yikes! I know, how shocking. But, the thing is, I just don't feel like it. I have not felt too creative, and whatever money I spend on a costume takes money away from much more important things (such as laundry, a pack of M&M's, or a Kettlehouse brew on Thursday nights). So, tonight I will be missing Becca's Halloween party (sorry, Becca) and chilling out while watching American Beauty (for our counseling class) and eating homemade stew. Sounds like fun.

I am also very excited to get to register for my courses next semester on Monday - YAY! I absolutely love school and knowledge, so the idea of new classes to take intices me greatly. Here is my proposed course of study next semester: Intercultural Aspects of Human Development II, Critical Issues in Helping, Addressing White Racism (Wintersession course), Counseling Children and Adolescents, International Health, Social Work in a Global Context, and Photojournalism. So great! It will be a LOT of work...18 graduate credits, but hey, it can be done.

Last Monday, we also had a cohort meeting to discuss the possibilities for our final projects, whether we would like to write a thesis, do a professional project, or compile a portfolio. Well, I am not really into the portfolio option, as I already have one created, and I do not feel as if it would be too challenging. I would really, really prefer to write a thesis (design my own research project, carry it out, and write about it), but the complications with the IRB (Internal Review Board....a committee that all research regarding human subjects has to go through) and international projects is apparently overwhelming. Uhhhh, discouraging! But, I have done some research on other thesis or research projects that have been done in the Peace Corps, and have found one to kind of model after. But, I wonder if it will pass IRB... When discussing this with my advisor, she said that if I really wanted to do a thesis (which I do!), then that is what I should pursue. I guess there is nothing wrong with a project starting as a thesis and then becoming a professional project if need be (darn IRB!). So, (yay!) at least that is a bit encouraging, as I have wanted to do a thesis all along.

And on another happy note, I have plans to have a birthday party! While I was stressing out about where to have it (my apartment is not conducive to social gatherings) and what to do for it, I discovered that my friend Rick's birthday is only five days after mine. Alas, we will have a joint party (in collaboration with Rick's dog, Doka, whose birthday is on Nov. 24)! Since they have a great house that is situated on a mountain, perfect for sunset viewing, that will be our venue. We may possibly even have live music too! Wow, so much fun. We have already found a Cake-baking coordinator and a Decorations coordinator as well...so all goes well! And, it will be held actually on my birthday too. How fun! I wish you all could be there...and yes, you are invited if you would like to make the trip. No pressure though.

Anyways, I have got to run...and hopefully I will be eating stew within the next couple hours!

Peace, Love.