Still here, still have all of these postings rambling through my head ... especially at 4:30 in the morning.
Portland is my best friend and my worst enemy. I love it here and I miss ... certain things ... not everything ... about the vineyard town. Spending a lot of time on campus, getting those boring details into order ... student ID card, student account, term bus pass, figuring out where, exactly, my graduate student mailbox is.
All the nuts and bolts information that just has not been included in orientation or new student welcoming. Although my advisor did give me the helpful advice during my first meeting with her to, "not drink the water" in the School of Social Work (SSW) building. First thing she said. Second thing she said was, "please, please, if you absolutely can manage it, please do not bring your car to campus. Even I ride the train." Third thing was, "You will absolutely not be able to do all of the reading that will be assigned to you. Figure out how to triage it." This was after long conversation in my advisor group re: the intersections of social work and social justice.
So. I'm just waiting to begin classes - 9/28. I'm looking at at least $300 in textbooks this year, but, I did get a temporary cashier position during "rush" and will get 20% off. Social Work and Social Policy Monday afternoons; Social Work and Social Diversity Wednesday mornings. 4 hour blocks.
Still looking for a job, but something will pop up. I had a plan for this year and that plan included working "in the field". However, I think God has a different idea, and I don't think I'm going to be going at the pace I've been going at for the past, I don't know ... 8 years? I've done more than my fair share of 50/60 hour weeks (and all the medical students in the crowd said, "so what?!"); crisis work, holiday work, weekend work ... And now, I see a period of somewhat limited financial means for the next few years ...
... but I also see a period of grace and rest.
Next posting: images and lovely thoughts about this city.
{Footnote: I have not forgotten that today is 9/18, and it has now been 5 years since the date of marriage to my former husband and over 2 years since the date of separation. Grief is a funny thing, and I do not know if I can even call it "grief" anymore. I remembered it today as in the vague thought I would have as if I remembered that I was almost out of milk.}
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We are so very excited to see you on Sunday. I'm glad your advisor gave you a few helpful hints for the school year that aren't just about classes. Also if you need books, you can always try bookbyte. Just because I left there on not so good terms, they are really good when it comes to cheap books. Also Powells Books in portland sells college texts too, so you can look into them if you need to find a deal.
Lisa,
I am in the same position! I started school 3 weeks ago. I have moved 10 hrs from home, away from family and friends. Books can be expensive. I know from experience that you may not need to buy each and every book. Your university library more likely has most of them (I check them out and recheck them for the semester). I also rent books (chegg.com). It saves tons of money. I know you'll do well! You seem determined and passionate. Good luck.
I should have more books, beyond the Motivational Interviewing - will dig around...it will all work out, it does, and the struggles make you reassess and reaffirm. Anniversaries are the same. You are a strong woman.
I love that you just had a "passing thought" on your day and that it didn't really posses your whole day. There will come a day when it will pass and you will realize that you have forgotten altogether.
You have a good friend there in that counselor...not many would be so candid about the volume of reading.
I am so excited for you!! *hugs and love*
~R
School can be a haven from the outside world. I hope the experience will be a most positive one for you, even with diminished financial resources. Be well,
J.