Annnnd, we're back! I'm so sorry I've been on hiatus. This summer got so busy and then all of a sudden I'm three weeks into my quarter! Let me top 5 the things I've enjoyed since I've been gone.
(My friend brought to my attention that I haven't been using my Top 5s as a countdown really, so I figure I'll try. I just dislike placing things in certain orders, but maybe that won't be such a bad thing? :P)
5. I moved!
Yes, I used to hate moving but I'm actually quite settled and it's working out very well. I'm a 2 mile bike ride from campus and about the same from work, so it's working out well. Much better than my 100 mile commute before! I've never really felt like a college student since I've always worked full-time while going to class and don't have much time to hang around campus and just do nothing, so it's kind of nice to feel like I have some free time. :) I spend most of it reading or writing in the library. Does anyone still go to public libraries? I love them! I've been checking out books and DVDs lately. It's been years since I'd previously done so! I rented Atonement. SO GOOD! I'm trying to save money by not buying as many books because they just add up, I feel bad for all those trees and boy are they heavy to move!
4. Anticipating the Holiday Season!
I love the holiday season! It's been ridiculously hot in my area (90 degrees!) and I can't wait for it to cool down so I can wear my turtlenecks and scarves. As much as I love the beach, I also love bundling up with a book and some warm food to keep me warm. I can't believe this year is already winding down, but I'm excited for 2009. I might graduate (I love my school way too much, and want to pick up a few minors...maybe), I'd like to travel, and hopefully I'll have a novel or collection of short stories polished. :) 2009 is full of many possibilities as far as I'm concerned.
3. Events!
Last Sunday (10/12) I helped coordinate Life Rolls On's 5th Annual Night By the Ocean Gala. It was a wonderful evening and seeing so many people that I admire and respect come together for a cause that I feel so strongly about is really something else. Something quite ineffable, and it fills me with something wonderful. =] This whole summer I was running around, helping out with their Golf Tournament, the US Open of Surfing, various They Will Surf Again events, and helped them raise $10,000! It was very productive and I'm excited to be working with the Reeve-Irvine Research Center to get some things going on my campus too. =]
2. Quality Time with Family/Friends
BBQs, beach days, and random fun filled my summer. I got to hang out with Roman and meet his lovely friend Nichola, as well as grab some yummy ramen and explore Little Tokyo with Christine Lu. My friend Emily Ibarra is a very talented photographer and I got to catch her as the Portugal. The Man and RX Bandits tour came to a close. They are all such amazing people. It's really nice instantly connecting with people, and I experienced a lot of that this summer with new and old friends. Lovely! My aunt gave birth to a little baby boy this past month too so lots of wonderful things have been going on. :)
1. Writing!
I have been working like a madwoman to learn as much as I can about writing various forms of literature and prose. My workshops with Ron Carlson and James McMichael have been fun and challenging! Poetry has always slightly intimidated me so it's nice to have it knock me down every now and again, challenging me to look deeper. Both of my professors are highly respected and much lauded writers, so it's wonderful having them as mentors. It's a very fortunate quarter. I'm also taking a class on "Devils and other Boundary Crossers," involving a lot of folklore. My professor, Carol Burke, is very knowledgeable and fun!
I've also recently taken on a challenge to write 50,000 words (a novel!) in 30 days, as November is National Novel Writing Month. I'm really excited and don't think I've really thought about what I've gotten myself into, which might be a good thing so I'll just dive in and come out 50,000 pages richer. :)
I'm also attempting to raise money for the Office of Letters and Light to support reading and writing programs that inspire kids, teens and adults to write. I'm hoping to attend a Write-a-thon in San Fransisco November 15th to join over 100 authors for a night of food, drinks and fun as we write into the night. Please sponsor me if at all possible! I'm already 78% of the way there thanks to some very wonderful people. :) You can find my fundraising page HERE! =] I've also started a new blog to track my progress in completing the 50,000 word challenge.
Well, that's my Top 5 and I'm sticking to it. I hope you've all been well and I'm sure you'll be seeing me more often!
With Love,
Tiana =]
