iamericka

In addition to the previously written about accomplishments this summer, here is a list of the fun things I did on my summer vacation.
•    Read 17 books
•    Trained and ran my first 5K
•    Completed golf lessons
•    Visited WI Dells
•    Bought a new car
•    Made a good dent in the cleaning and organizing of the house
•    Moved Kelli to South Dakota
•    Attended several concerts (Jonas Brothers, The Hold Steady, and Warped Tour)
•    Brought Jaycie and Maxwell to their first Twins and Vikings games

When I finished school in May, I was going to write a post about the trials and tribulations of the Ph.D program. Obviously, I didn't do that. It’s mostly because I'm a lazy writer, but also because it's really hard to talk about it. So now summer is over and I'm preparing to head back for another academic year. I used this summer to process last year, prepare for this year, and have as much fun as possible while still working enough to supplement our fun.

I left campus in May with two basic goals. First, I needed to figure out a minor as required for my program. Then, I needed to figure out the subject/topic/issue I want to "specialize" in. I’ve struggled with the direction I want to go for sometime and trying to find some linkage between my main two interests of violence prevention and HIV/AIDS. In June, I had a flash of brilliance and decided to focus on HIV transmission through gendered violence. It's a topic that doesn't get much attention here in the US since most of our HIV cases are through men having sex with men, but internationally it's an issue and with a growing immigrant and refugee population it will likely be something we have to deal with here. So, now that I narrowed my interest down, I also was able to choose my minor. I decided on public health. I may get the full MPH but for now I’m just planning on taking the required 14 credits.

Tomorrow I start what is probably my last year of classroom work. I’m taking a total of 13 credits divided between 6 classes—2 of which are online (something I’ve never done)—this semester. In addition to my classes, I’ll be working 20 hours a week as a graduate research assistant. I’m working on a few interesting projects with two of the best professors at the University. I wasn’t sure I’d be as excited to start back this year as I have in the past. Last year was difficult, but I can honestly say that I’m excited for my classes and research projects. I just hope I can remain positive throughout the entire year.

I haven't posted in so long that I actually needed Ben to help me. Anyway, in my new quest for athleticism, I've been nursing a few injuries. Instead of sympathy, I only hear "rub some dirt on it" or "you gotta play through the pain." hotrod got the same advice. I couldn't remember where it originated until Ben kindly reminded me tonight.

Today is Repeat Day, so we want to know: what song do you have currently have on repeat? Bonus points if you share it with us!

16 Girls Like Status

The Hold Steady

Show us a book you feel like you should read, but just can't bring yourself to actually pick up.

Moby Dick (Oxford World's Classics)

Herman Melville

Share a photograph from the weekend.

IMG_1355

Our internet modem is broken.We have to wait until Monday to swap it since there aren't any places open on the weekends. I'm not sure why Comcast doesn't have emergency places available to swap these things on weekends, but it sucks. Many people, mostly those who are not my family, don't understand the importance of internet access. I would rather give up cable and my phone then be without internet. I get all my news and do all of my communicating via the world wide web. Needless to say, I've been lost for the last 24 hours without connecting. I have no idea what's going on in the world, on Vox, or on Facebook. Apparently, my sister lost her job and my mafia is getting their asses kicked. We are resigned to hitting up free wi-fi or sneaking onto the neighbors when available to get a little fix. Tomorrow will bring a new modem and a reconnection to the world, but for today, I'm stuck in  blackhole, having to rely on other means of communication and the TV news. 

Update: Apparently there is a place to get a modem on the weekend. Yep. It's called Best Buy. We purchased a new modem (avoided the future rental fees) and are now fully connected.

Today is "No Housework Day." Tell us: What's your least favorite chore around the house?

Laundry--I don't mind sort and washing the clothes or even folding them, but I hate putting them away.

What's the best part about living with a roommate? Worst?

Someone else to do the dishes, I still have to do all the laundry.

If you had to teach something, what would you teach?

History of Social Work
Applied Social Research
Social Work for Social Change