Reflection

Having school work due is a sure fire way to make sure that blogging, grocery shopping, and cleaning under the bed get taken care of.

Inspired by a friends blog, I reflected on 2010.  With exactly 46 days remaining, there isn't much time to rally and achieve any goals I've left in the cold.  All in all, I feel fairly confident with my progress.  I could use improvement, but hey isn't that what setting goals is all about?

My major achievement of 2010 was going to Ghana in March.  It was my first experience in Africa, and everything I thought it would be and more: eye opening, inspiring, sobering...  I met some amazing people, saw amazing things, and I will cherish that experience forever.

I also returned to school to pursue a PhD in African Studies.  With my first semester almost complete, my head is swimming with ideas for my dissertation, studying abroad, fulfilling language requirements (Yoruba) and future career objectives.  It's a really exciting time, and I'm happy to be learning in a formal setting again!

Since travel is becoming more and more of a priority for me now, I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to travel to Amsterdam and Rotterdam within the Netherlands, and to Brussels in Belgium this past July.  I was able to see great art museums, attend concerts, experience the return of the World Cup runner ups along the canals, try great beer and absinthe, check out a live sex show in the Red Light District, as well as various other experiences I will never forget.  I also traveled to Vegas (NV) and Kiawah (SC) for the first time.

Other important things include: helping my friends celebrate their weddings and babies, spending time with my family, keeping my sanity in my ever challenging job, learning more about myself, reading, meeting new people, rekindling old friendships.

With the remaining 46 days of the year,  I want to remember to appreciate exactly where I am right now. I find it difficult more days than not.  I want to make new memories with my family and friends; spend time with my ailing, elderly dog; celebrate the life of a man (who as I type this is taking his last breaths) who was important to me; finish my first semester back with purpose; and plan (as much as I can) my goals for 2011 and beyond.

I hope not to gain ANY more weight that I will have to swear to work off in 2011.

Getting it in!

Between school and work, I've been exhausted lately. However, I am still striving to maintain some semblance of a life.

Summing up the last few weeks or so.

Vegas. Super fun. I don't think I'm allowed to say more ;)

I attended the H Street Festival in DC. It's great to see how much the area has grown, and all the new businesses. I can't wait to check out the newer establishments. The Star and Shamrock has amazing ruebens and a cool selection of drinks.

The Virgin Mobile fest in Columbia was cool, and it's opened my interest to fist pumping action such as this .

This weekend, I attended a wedding in Kiawah for one of my bestest friends. It was an absolute perfect setting for a wedding. I don't think it could have been prettier, or better planned! Congrats Jenn and Kris!

In the midst of all of this, I've purchased a camera which has been super fun to use. I have so much to learn, even though it's just a lil cheapie. I've been meaning to take some classes, but I was like... f it. Right now, the best way for me to learn is through practice. I dropped off my first 3 rolls of film today, and am excited to see how B&W's of the wedding turned out.

I've also been inspired to actually create "looks" for the spaces in my apartment. I've always been one to decorate with what I have, or what I acquire. Now, I am taking the time to pick a wall color, and pick specific furniture and decorations to complete my look. First up is my bedroom.

My school program requires that I have experience/credit in an African language, as well as a world language. I've started to become more proactive in studying Yoruba, and spent today researching grant funding sources to study abroad. Hopefully next year, I'll be spending a semester abroad in Africa.

Also happening: research sessions, having car windshield replaced after an ashtray was thrown through it (while in Kiawah), baby showers, job hunting, and birthday dinners.