How the Cheetah (or was it the Leopard) Got its Spots

I honestly had no idea that my last post was in February (!?!) So as I was on my way to work this morning I began letting the chatter that used to be my typical inner dialogue return. The last few months have been super intense - working on my dissertation proposal, taking my part time job less than seriously but never the less still putting in at least 10 hours a week, project after test after paper, and therapizing people two days a week. Now that all that is over (SIGH of relief) Operation Comps studying began yesterday. I have 3 weeks to prepare myself for what too many people have stated was the worst experience of their lives. I personally think there is probably far much worse things in the world, not a lot, but there are worse things (like death).

Ok so why a Cheetah you ask? *see title line above*
Well I have now entered what will be my routine the rest of the month. Getting up everyday by 7:20 to get ready and come to my part time job on campus and then study for Comps in the afternoon. This morning as per usual I had a bit of a wardrobe crisis. It's supposed to be warm but when that happens the office is usually freezing! Especially where I sit, which just happens to be under a vent. Yes I like to be cold, but I have to come prepared. So I had on my khaki colored skirt, brown shirt, and some tan flats on. Then it occurred to me I might need a sweater/cardigan of some sort. Put on my turquoise one to match my earrings. (LOVE turquoise & brown together) Didn't like the way the sweater hung off my body. So I pulled out of the spare room closet my cheetah (pretty sure it's cheetah, not leopard) print cardigan. Jake hates it. Thinks it looks too matronly or something. Ok I just checked and I'm still unsure if it's cheetah or leopard. Either way I'm a little worried I look like a 40 year old mom. At least I'm not wearing the khaki capris that don't have pockets on the butt. yeesh.

Facebook Applications...

"or whatever the hell you want to call them" - Jake

So at one point in my facebook life I thought these "applications" were fun!
Oooh stickers and flair!! (ok I still secretly like them a little bit)
But I have reached my application quota.
I don't need to find more ways to waste my time on facebook. I don't want to be distracted with geography trivia or sending people fake plants.

Just let me enjoy my facebook time doing more productive things like creep aka stalk people most of whom I really don't talk to.

Life is a Bowl of Cherries

2009 has not been a great year thus far.
Why you ask?
To be honest it hasn't been horrible but it has definitely not been great.
I feel like I'm drowning right now in a million anxieties, mostly related to school.
Almost all are connected to the question of "When will I get all of this done?"
My job is a headache.
The economy is bad.
Jake is stressed out at his job.
My schedule is beyond crazy...I go to work in the morning, drive half an hour to do therapy with one or two clients, drive home and try to work on my dissertation.
I knew grad school would be a lesser form of insanity but I'm thinking my breaking point is around the corner.
All my classes feel pointless - definitely not essential to me being a competent psychologist.
Then there is the dark monster looming at the end of the hallway - Master's comps.
4 days of sheer hell and at least a month of studying prior to these 4 days. You can fail but you have to retake the sections you failed. I keep telling myself I will pass, it will be fine, it will suck beyond measure but it will be fine.
Just call me Debbie Downer.
So I'm trying to boost up a positive attitude and be more efficient.
Take it one day at a time.
Yes, all of this is overwhelming but in order to keep myself sane I have to
stop.
breathe.
and do the most I can every day and that will probably be good enough.
It will be tough but in the end I'll be a stronger and more accomplished person (with a Master's and then a Doctorate)
I'm not sure what the phrase "Life is just a bowl of cherries" means but I've always liked it and I've always liked cherries so it might be my new mantra.
Sure things could be easier right now, but they could be a lot worse.