So I started by changing my background, as if that makes a difference. Strangely it does.

The last month has been very busy. I have finished my 5th term as a PhD student (5 of 6 for mandatory full time status), which is great. I am at work now and I thought I would begin this new term with some thoughts about new things I would like:

1. I would like some new shirts and slacks for work. My stuff is looking a little discolored these days! However I have no money. So I’ll move on to the next thing.

2. I have decided that I am going to do natural hair again. I actually have been pondering the idea for over a year and after my last unexpected hair cut, I am pondering no longer.   I remember when I decided to stop relaxing my hair the first time. I was in undergrad, and my mother was horrified.  She would constantly ask me when I was going to get my hair done again, warning that it would “break off” and do all this stuff.”  It actually never did any of that, although I had to put a lot of attention to it during the process. Not a big deal. I imagine if I hadn’t moved to Atlanta (which I never for a moment regret), or some other hot place, I would probably still have natural hair.  However, I had a horrible fight with my hair when I got down south, and decided that I couldn’t take it.  I’ve missed the versatility and softness though, and have decided to do it again.

3. I need a new exercise regimen. I have been very lazy lately, and it’s starting to show! So I am searching for some motivating ways to exercise. I have been walking to work and school the last couple of months when possible because that usually gives me about 40-60 minutes of walking, depending on the day. However, I think I’m in need of some higher intensity.  I met someone who does this hip-hop spin class that I might try. And since J appears to enjoy spinning, why not try it!  I’m sure I will die if I try that first though, LOL so I might need to work out before I go work out…

4. I need a new attitude. I’ve been kind of down lately and it’s a really simple reason, but more of a topic for a different entry. Suffice it to say that I need to stop worrying about what other people are doing and worry about what I’m doing. Or rather, not worry about what I’m not doing.  That made no sense, yet it’s accurate.

5. I need a (new) thesis topic.   It’s not looking so hot for my current topic and I have a proposal to write.. and stuff.

6. A (new) social life.  I have actually been working on this one, and making sure that I contact friends and do stuff with them, even if it isn’t often. I’m looking for quality over quantity, apparently. I feel like over the last year I alienated many of my friends, and I don’t want to wake up and be friend-less.. like I felt yesterday.  However it was just me being emotional and doesn’t reflect my true feelings about my situation.  I have been spending time with folks at school, and it has been very nice.  I have also been coming up with social activities (including one for next month where I will hopefully see my dear J, yay!), so that I won’t be sitting up in the house looking stupid.

7. A new family.  Ok, while I realize that I can’t pick and choose them, and I do really love them, but sometimes I just wish they had some stinking sense!  It’s a big family so I can’t say that EVERYONE doesn’t have sense, but when I think of some of the key characters, they are plum crazy.  (Interestingly) I wish that communication was better between folks.  I have set a Saturday 3-way talk time between my mom and sister and I which usually starts with me, my sister, and my nephews talking for an hour, then we’ll call my mom. It has been so much fun, and hopefully it will do something.  I am tired of being out of the loop.  They always say “Ooh I thought you already knew or that someone else had told you, that’s why I didn’t tell you.”  WELL THAT’S JUST DUMB!!  My dad, on the other hand, will likely always lack communication skills, and that’s just the way it is.  However, I’ll still call him at least every 2 weeks to talk about gunsmoke since he likes it so much.

Well that’s it for now.  Adios!