Lately

So I've gotten to a point where I am getting burned out and I'm not sure what to do about it. I think the biggest issue is, while I have been in between apartments, I've been living with my brother in Woodbridge.... which is a good hour and 15 min commute to work & school. Which makes for very long, exhausting days. But even without that, the combination of school, work, and the internship is starting to pile up more everyday. I know I'll get through it -- I've done it before -- but I'm just so tired all the time. At least I have weekends off now (finally) and next weekend I'm moving into my new place (which is right down the street from both AU and the hospital) so things will be a lot lighter I hope. This research project I'm working on is also taking much of my time, but it's also been keeping me centered.

The only bummer is I never see my friends anymore. And I'm starting to realize that even when I move back to the city, I probably still won't because things are so hectic now. That's the price you have to pay, I guess... with this tumbling economy, I need this to get some sense of real job security. Also, this is what I love -- NPR has helped me to not only learn more about new broadcasting, but I've actually been out there, on site, doing it. AU has been amazing for me. However, it looks like I have to make sacrifices. I can't get everything.

I'm looking forward to the holidays and seeing my mom again. I miss her a lot more than I thought I would. She doesn't call me as much and I know that's a good thing, but I really miss her a lot.

Also, this past week, a friend has been going through a real tragedy and it's making me understand the importance of family.

Anyway, I need to get back to work. The clock is ticking and it never stops.

What you've all been waiting for!

So it's been so long since I've been on Blogger, that I didn't realize they've changed their "dashboard".... I was so confused. I was like, "What happened to my page???".... because change, generally, scares the shit out of me. Which is something I'm probably going to have to get over if I plan to be a serious journalist.

Anyway! I figured I should probably update this thing every once in a while, so here are the basics:

1. School's back in session. My classes are on Tuesdays and Thursday. I also have an internship at NPR, and it rocks.

2. I finally have an iPod, but only because my dad bought me one for my birthday. Otherwise, I would continue to not have one. And I'm pretty sure I NEVER would have owned one.

3. I am homeless! Well, sort of. I'm actually living with my brother in Woodbridge (ugh) until I find a place in DC. I found one place off of Park Road, but I'm not commited to that apartment, and feel as though it might fall through because the management is.... iffy. So the hunt continues. Finding somewhat affordable places that will take dogs in a safe neighborhood? Not easy. Ugh. So this is the "not so awesome" portion of this update, but wait...

4. I'm visiting my mama in Italy over Christmas, it's official!!!!!!! I'm insanely excited. I got the time off work and everything, it's all settled. Life is good. I might be gone for New Year's, too, if I can afford it. :D

5. I'm currently reading two amazing books: Blindness by Jose Saramago and Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs by Chuck Klosterman. They're both fantastic in very different ways. Also, I'm sort of falling in love with Chuck Klosterman even though he practically compared Billy Joel to the Beatles. Hmm. (Also, I'm rereading the Watchmen graphic novel and loving it all over again. How am I making time for all this pleasure reading? I'm getting it out of my system now before things get too crazy this semester.)

6. I have been opening myself to as much new music as possible. I even went as far as attending an Amnesty International/Darfur-related Afropop concert last week... and it was awesome. Anyone have any suggestions? Right now, I'm listening to a lot of Radiohead (who I have only recently become a fan of), The Decemberists (who I already love, but am now listening to more of their newer stuff), and Portishead (who, despite my "indie cred," I had barely heard of before but adore now). Now that I have this damn iPod, I'm addicted to iTunes... recommendations are needed, people!

7. I found the best sangria in all of D.C. BEST. Contact me if you want details.

8. Lee is doing well. He is crazy as ever, but freakin adorable and I basically love him to death. <3

9. I fiiiiiinally went to a Red Sox/Orioles game. And the Sox won, naturally. :)

10. I still make too many lists.

I think that's all I've got for now. Or that's all I can think of... oh wait! I am in love with The Tudors. Doesn't compare with Lost or the Office, but it's a fucking awesome show. I kind of want to get Showtime in my new apartment.... though, the Anne Boleyn chapter is closed, so I don't know how interesting the show is going to be now. And I saw Pineapple Express and only liked it when I thought I would love it.... And I saw Tropic Thunder when I thought it would be truly unfunny and LOVED it. I have such a crush on Robert Downey Jr, it's ridiculous. He "Tony Starked" his way into my heart.

Oh, and the Presidential election. I won't say much about it at this point, just because there's too much to say and I'm crunched for time (as usual) but I will say this: I am losing whatever little bits of respect I've held on to for John McCain more and more every day. Also, I love the Obama/Biden combination very much. The idealism brings me a certain level of joy, and I feel as though Biden also brings that experience to the ticket that (according to some people) Obama lacks. It's idealism for the modern world. I am too much of a realist, honestly, to believe in ALL of Obama's plans/goals, but I feel confident that he truly wants -- yes, I'm going to say it -- CHANGE. And we really need that right now. So, clearly, he has my vote.




"Do we participate in a politics of cynicism or a politics of hope?"
-Barack Obama