Family Picnic

From our annual family picnic held on 08/03/08

For the Fall

Recent posts (As well as the actions which inspired them) by fellow bloggers inspired a recent decision of mine to make a list of five small goals for the fall. These goals are all related to self improvement, think "New Seasons Resolution" (Corny, but the best I can come up with right now). I realize that I have trouble committing to smaller tasks. Major things, which are more regimented going to work, going to school, etc. are easy for me to follow, but there have many times where I decide I want to change something and do not. So these are five things which I hope to accomplish by the winter solstice...(Yes, I said winter solstice)

1. Read the newspaper everyday (one article or cover to cover, I'd like to be more aware of what's going on in the world).
2. Exercise at least 4 times per week (I slacked this summer)
3. Dedicate at least a half hour per day for myself (The first two activities can be included)
4. Save money (I am going to draw up a budget once I have a better idea of what my pay checks will be like).
5. Continue to work on improving my French (This and goal number 4 will work together towards my ultimate goal to go back to France and meet (and converse with) my long lost relatives).

So hopefully these will be accomplished with the cooler air, changing of the leaves, and best of all...Pumpkin Spice Frappuccinossssssssssss!

P.S. Check out Sigur Ros, if you haven't already...not new music but new to me and I'm digging it!

All Play and No work?

Well, I have been in Providence for about a week now. Although the city is small, there is still a lot for me to learn about it, and I am having fun exploring the new terrain. Tomorrow I begin my graduate assistantship with Providence College; a position within the Office of Academic Affairs, something which I am very excited about. While part of me is sad that this is one of the first signs that summer is coming to a close, there is a part of me that is eager to get back out there. While many might take advantage of the idleness which comes with the summer, I have missed the structure of a day to day schedule. You see, this summer has been very different for me than summers past, as I have not worked nearly as much as I have in recent years. Since, I was 16 years-old, I have held some type of part time position. While I worked the less hours during the school year to focus on academics, I have typically worked quite a bit during the summer, usually about 30 hrs. or more in order to save money. As I said this summer was quite different. When I began student teaching in January, I left my position as a bank teller in order to concentrate on my final semester, a decision that in retrospect, I am quite thankful for considering the amount of work that was required (Anyone who has ever student taught can attest = ) ). Once the semester was finished in May, I took a position as a tutor for a local center for students with academic difficulties. I was eager to get back to work, and since I knew in advance that my summer was going to be very packed, I appreciated the flexibility that this new job seemed to offer. What appeared to be an excellent opportunity, quickly turned into a regular annoyance, as I was not given the amount of hours that I had been promised and when I was scheduled to work, I was often sent home without being paid. The climax of my already growing frustration came when I returned from a vacation to find out that I was not on the schedule, after telling two supervisors personally, and writing on the employee calendar when I would be returning. Although I was annoyed, I took my losses and turned it into something positive. Even though I did not work as much this summer, I was able to support myself through savings. More importantly, I have used my excess freedom to spend time with friends and family before moving. Notable outings included, a trip to Montauk, New York City, high tea, and many beach days and lunch outings. I was able to attend the wedding of a good friend, as well as a wonderful trip to Europe, where I had the good fortune of experiencing several other parts of the world. Most importantly, I used the extra time for myself to experience the simple pleasures in life, such as an early morning run, an afternoon lost in the words of a favorite author, or an evening walk for a small vanilla ice from Ralph's with a good friend. To sum it up, while the workaholic nerd in me is eager to get back in there, I also understand that this summer taught me to appreciate what I have, focusing less on a schedule, and more on simple pleasures. I hope you all can do the same.

Providenceeeeee

Well, I am officially living in Providence! The move has come after months after months of anticipation, excitement, and . The drive here went well. My dad drove his Diamante and I took my Liberty, both vehicles packed with my belongings. After a short detour upon arriving in Providence, we made it to the new apartment. My landlords are both lovely people, and they immediately made me feel welcome, offering help with the move, as well as tidbits on the city (Frommers should be soooo jealous). My dad and I spent the day moving and setting up, before heading to Pot Au Feu, a wonderful French restauraunt in town which we have both fallen in love with. After heading back to the apartment, we spent the night reading and relaxing before turning it in. I slept surprisingly well in my new bed, although it felt weird to wake up somewhere else. This morning we found an awesome little Mom and Pop breakfast place, where I enjoyed some cinnamon pancakes (Mmmmm!). After breakfast we took care of a few last minute errands before my dad and I said our goodbyes. The day so far has been pretty good. I haven't had my t.v. come yet, but I did some cleaning and more setting up and the place is starting to look very "Kate-like" as Jamie or Stevi may say. I just got back from a walk along one of the main roads where I scoped out some places to shop, eat, and relax. Now I shall feast on my long awaited macaroni and cheese and wine dinner! Hopefully I'll have some pictures soon!