Going to Madison is like going home. I drive down my favorite streets, eat at my favorite places, and hope that I'll randomly meet up with a Bucky. I'm always in style in my favorite jeans and a clean t-shirt, although some fashion sense is also welcome. Carrie Bradshaw would never fit in though. I get this warm, fuzzy feeling inside whenever I see the capital. Most places hold special memories. I worry - will it be this awesome should I finally be able to return?
I spent much of the day at the state historical society www.wiscosninhistory.org I didn't find much for my project that was helpful. I did get to meet the guy I had been playing e-mail tag with. He was very kind (I did drop-in unannounced, of course) and got me an application. I am going to send it in on Monday. If everything goes well, I could potentially have a part-time job in my field before I even get started. It could last up to a year. Sure, I'll be commuting to Madison every week, but for the experience and networking possibilities, I don't think I could beat it! PLEASE USPS, DON'T LOSE MY APPLICATION PARCEL (like you did my college transcripts to UWM)!
For lunch I went to Charleys, my favorite sub place on State Street and had a sub and their delicious fries. Crispy on the outside, flaky on the inside, a little bit of skin left on the ends. That's a real potato there. It's like eating a little piece of heaven. I couldn't get anyone to come to lunch with me (Zondra had to work, Michelle got a last-minute call to work too), but I ended up talking with Mom on the phone the whole time. She was driving away from Madison after finishing up her meetings.
I met Becky on the Terrace at two. We actually sat inside in the Lakefront. Great table, great view of the lake. Great conversation. Man, I miss that lady. I had to go at 4:30 to pick up the car from Don's, and she had to meet another friend. Charlie needed an oil change. Is it a bad sign that when you walk into the carman's place, he asks you right away if the check engine light is on again? LOL - last month Charlie had 3 O2 sensors put in after the original died. Apparently they aren't all alike because the first two I killed off because the voltage was wrong. Thankfully I didn't need a ride again (I had to take their truck to Milwaukee last month for my interview and I couldn't park the thing!) because I could catch the free 80 bus to campus with just a little short walk. Good thing there was a free bus, because I hadn't any cash on me anyway!
Megan kindly picked me up from the Union and drove me out to Don's. I've rarely seen a line so long at their place for car pick-ups! By then I'd hit some serious rush-hour traffic, so it took a bit to get back to their place to unload the boxes. Since we were running a little later than anticipated, Matt was able to join us for dinner. We went to Bluefies out on Monroe Street. The most interesting menu I've ever seen! We had a little wait before we could get a table, so we decided to walk to the lake a couple of blocks away to kill time. I didn't realize the Arboretum was so large because that happened to be one of the trails that we found that walks all the way around the lake! We didn't pursue it though. We were too hungry. We got back just as our table was ready and ordered. It was ALL delicious. However, because we ordered an appetizer and planned on dessert, much of the main meal went home in boxes. Dessert was delicious. I had a raspberry torte-cake, Matt a cheesecake burrito, and Megan cookie dough eggrolls. Matt's strange "Wisconsin Sushi" (bacon, sausage, and all sorts of other meats rolled to look like sushi, with mashed potatoes and beer-spinach) came up "Pork sludge" on the check. Hilarious!
My favorite gas station on E. Wash closed down. They always had the cheapest gas. That's probably why they went out of business though. Now where do I go?
I am sorry to say that I didn't get to see Sarah. We had hoped to go to the Ryan Braun (baseball player) bar. She was tired and so was I so we have a raincheck. I pretty much got home, checked my e-mail, and went to bed. But what a great day!
Lots to do, including more laundry and some paper-writing.
Hugs, Christi and Lily (who ate breakfast and went back to bed!)
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
To Madison!
Good freakishly early morning!
I'm trying to get as much time in in Madison today as possible. And Lily was sick. So that's why I'm up so early. Heading to Madtown today - lots to do! I've got to hit the State Historical Society. Not only do I need to get some study time in, but I also hope to meet the guy who is SUPPOSED to hire me. Why? Because I'm awesome, of course! Then I get to see my old friend Becky, who I have known since College for Kids days back when I was living in Darlington. Wow. I hope that Zondra is working today so I can bug her too. I'm dropping off boxes and eating dinner with Megan. Then I'll be back to Milwaukee to hang out with Sarah. We are hoping to go to the Ryan Braun bar tonight. A busy day in store. I hope Lily doesn't have any more illness while I'm gone. I'll be doing laundry tomorrow anyway.
Well, better get going. Hugs!
Christi and Lily (asleep on my bed, which is why she wakes me up in the first place!)
I'm trying to get as much time in in Madison today as possible. And Lily was sick. So that's why I'm up so early. Heading to Madtown today - lots to do! I've got to hit the State Historical Society. Not only do I need to get some study time in, but I also hope to meet the guy who is SUPPOSED to hire me. Why? Because I'm awesome, of course! Then I get to see my old friend Becky, who I have known since College for Kids days back when I was living in Darlington. Wow. I hope that Zondra is working today so I can bug her too. I'm dropping off boxes and eating dinner with Megan. Then I'll be back to Milwaukee to hang out with Sarah. We are hoping to go to the Ryan Braun bar tonight. A busy day in store. I hope Lily doesn't have any more illness while I'm gone. I'll be doing laundry tomorrow anyway.
Well, better get going. Hugs!
Christi and Lily (asleep on my bed, which is why she wakes me up in the first place!)
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Grandpa dream
Hello,
I had this weird dream a few nights ago. We were at our next family gathering in Madison. As I walk in, I see Grandpa sitting next to Gloria. He looked pre-2007 good. Gloria was talking about how we had to do something with his eye because he could see perfectly well out of it now. Yet I knew he was already dead. And he looked at me. One of those knowing looks. Although it bothered me because I knew he was dead, it was nice to know that he was still there for us.
Ok, so I think I figured out the meaning. He IS still here for us. He's watching over us with his perfect eyes now. So we'd better behave and make him proud. Somehow, its comforting.
Lots to do in order for me to do that. Hugs!
Christi and lily (playing with all the rugs in the apartment)
I had this weird dream a few nights ago. We were at our next family gathering in Madison. As I walk in, I see Grandpa sitting next to Gloria. He looked pre-2007 good. Gloria was talking about how we had to do something with his eye because he could see perfectly well out of it now. Yet I knew he was already dead. And he looked at me. One of those knowing looks. Although it bothered me because I knew he was dead, it was nice to know that he was still there for us.
Ok, so I think I figured out the meaning. He IS still here for us. He's watching over us with his perfect eyes now. So we'd better behave and make him proud. Somehow, its comforting.
Lots to do in order for me to do that. Hugs!
Christi and lily (playing with all the rugs in the apartment)
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Decisions decisions
Job: to give up on the librarian internship and take another job or not...
If I gave it up, I'd need to find another job. Get health insurance. Massive task.
Apartment: to give up the search and stay or move?
If I move, do I go to the East Side (roommate required, apartment search required) or Tosa (MCHS has a historic site in need of a caretaker, cheap rent v. long commute and lose weekends) I've pretty much given up on purchasing anything because I don't have the funds. With the added debt of UWM graduate school (which would be considerably less if I had the librarian internship) I will be unable to buy a home for probably about 5-10 years. And I'd love to put down some roots somewhere soon too. Unlike many others of my age, I hate my nomadic lifestyle, bouncing from apartment to apartment every couple of years. I feel like an old lady - only one cat though!
Sigh. Too much to think about right now. I'm going to campus instead. I've got RA work to do by the boatload, Monica's dissertation defense, and a 30 page paper due next week. Ack!
Hugs,
Christi and Lily
If I gave it up, I'd need to find another job. Get health insurance. Massive task.
Apartment: to give up the search and stay or move?
If I move, do I go to the East Side (roommate required, apartment search required) or Tosa (MCHS has a historic site in need of a caretaker, cheap rent v. long commute and lose weekends) I've pretty much given up on purchasing anything because I don't have the funds. With the added debt of UWM graduate school (which would be considerably less if I had the librarian internship) I will be unable to buy a home for probably about 5-10 years. And I'd love to put down some roots somewhere soon too. Unlike many others of my age, I hate my nomadic lifestyle, bouncing from apartment to apartment every couple of years. I feel like an old lady - only one cat though!
Sigh. Too much to think about right now. I'm going to campus instead. I've got RA work to do by the boatload, Monica's dissertation defense, and a 30 page paper due next week. Ack!
Hugs,
Christi and Lily
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
UPDATE
Oh, and I was accepted to UWM with lots of financial aid in loans. I'm never going to be able to buy a house... :(
A long reply
Hello,
I'm sorry that I have not written lately. A few things have happened since my last posting.
First, I stropped seeing Stephen from eHarmony. We only went out on three dates. He's a great guy, but not the one for me. Grandma took it hard. She wants me to be happy. Although for the present I've stopped actively looking (via eHarmony), I still hope to meet a compatible guy in the near-future.
Second, I took and passed my Masters exams February 15 and 16. It was hell getting to them. It was hell getting through them. I thought I'd have an option to pick from a list of questions for my major, but I ended up having to do all of them! That worked out to my advantage in the end. My minors were awesome because I had a huge list. I didn't know which to do first! I thought that life would slow down afterward. HAHAHA.
Third, my maternal grandfather passed away March 5. He had a stroke in January and was in the nursing home, which he hated. I wanted to see him multiple times, but exams were in my way. I did get a chance to see him after those were done, but he wasn't up for so many visitors. He seemed like half of himself. I had hoped to see him alone on March 8th, but he passed away the Friday before. I took two weeks off of school in order to spend as much time with the family as possible. I miss him.
Fourth, my NZ family came back! We went to the Kalahari, Milwaukee, Madison, and otherwise spent loads of time together. It was good to have all three of them here to be with us.
Fifth, life did not slow down. I changed my official graduation date to August in order to push off my Masters essay due date. Now I can concentrate on school. However, I'm also trying to massively increase the amount of time I'm spending on RA work, family time, friend time, and CPM time. If I can, I also want to continue going to MCHS. I'm freaking out about summer jobs, fall jobs, and fall housing. Sigh. Life just got busier while I keep falling behind.
A few things to look forward to. First, the finishing of my schoolwork in early May. After my birthday, but that can't be helped :) Second, Sharon will come back to work on getting things ready for the sale. Apparently massive amounts of coins aren't the only thing Grandpa left my family. Third, I'll get to walk in the Marquette ceremony on May 23rd. Hopefully Aunt Sharon and Gloria will be able to come. Perhaps most of the family. It would be nice to celebrate with the whole family. And it'll be nice to make Grandpa proud. I look forward to leaving a graduation announcement with him. Fourth, I'll get my Grandma's hope chest (not sure how though), which maybe will bring me some luck. At the very lease it can hold some of my most precious treasures. Fifth, Matt and Megan will hopefully be moving to their new house. Although I'm not allowed to stay for long periods of time, it's nice to know that someone in the family is putting down some SERIOUS roots. Sixth, Mom's going to have a sale of her own so we can get her packed up and moved to Madison as well. Seventh, Sarah and I are still tentatively heading to Washington, D.C. We haven't heard when the sale will be because no one has contacted an auctioneer. I'm also looking forward to turning in a shorter version (perhaps several) of my Masters essay to MCHS for publication. I think that would just be awesome. I've also been trying to lose weight, for serious this time. I want to be healthier for my own good. Seeing what Grandpa went through the last few years has really frightened me into getting more exercise and watching what I eat. I am realistic enough to know that I'll never reach my "ideal" weight, but cutting off and KEEPING off a few pounds will be helpful.
Speaking of getting more RA work done, I'd best get back to my editing duties. I'll write more often. Even if there's nothing really to say. It is important to remember the past, keep my head in the present, and always look toward the future.
Hugs, Christi and Lily (sleeping on the couch)
I'm sorry that I have not written lately. A few things have happened since my last posting.
First, I stropped seeing Stephen from eHarmony. We only went out on three dates. He's a great guy, but not the one for me. Grandma took it hard. She wants me to be happy. Although for the present I've stopped actively looking (via eHarmony), I still hope to meet a compatible guy in the near-future.
Second, I took and passed my Masters exams February 15 and 16. It was hell getting to them. It was hell getting through them. I thought I'd have an option to pick from a list of questions for my major, but I ended up having to do all of them! That worked out to my advantage in the end. My minors were awesome because I had a huge list. I didn't know which to do first! I thought that life would slow down afterward. HAHAHA.
Third, my maternal grandfather passed away March 5. He had a stroke in January and was in the nursing home, which he hated. I wanted to see him multiple times, but exams were in my way. I did get a chance to see him after those were done, but he wasn't up for so many visitors. He seemed like half of himself. I had hoped to see him alone on March 8th, but he passed away the Friday before. I took two weeks off of school in order to spend as much time with the family as possible. I miss him.
Fourth, my NZ family came back! We went to the Kalahari, Milwaukee, Madison, and otherwise spent loads of time together. It was good to have all three of them here to be with us.
Fifth, life did not slow down. I changed my official graduation date to August in order to push off my Masters essay due date. Now I can concentrate on school. However, I'm also trying to massively increase the amount of time I'm spending on RA work, family time, friend time, and CPM time. If I can, I also want to continue going to MCHS. I'm freaking out about summer jobs, fall jobs, and fall housing. Sigh. Life just got busier while I keep falling behind.
A few things to look forward to. First, the finishing of my schoolwork in early May. After my birthday, but that can't be helped :) Second, Sharon will come back to work on getting things ready for the sale. Apparently massive amounts of coins aren't the only thing Grandpa left my family. Third, I'll get to walk in the Marquette ceremony on May 23rd. Hopefully Aunt Sharon and Gloria will be able to come. Perhaps most of the family. It would be nice to celebrate with the whole family. And it'll be nice to make Grandpa proud. I look forward to leaving a graduation announcement with him. Fourth, I'll get my Grandma's hope chest (not sure how though), which maybe will bring me some luck. At the very lease it can hold some of my most precious treasures. Fifth, Matt and Megan will hopefully be moving to their new house. Although I'm not allowed to stay for long periods of time, it's nice to know that someone in the family is putting down some SERIOUS roots. Sixth, Mom's going to have a sale of her own so we can get her packed up and moved to Madison as well. Seventh, Sarah and I are still tentatively heading to Washington, D.C. We haven't heard when the sale will be because no one has contacted an auctioneer. I'm also looking forward to turning in a shorter version (perhaps several) of my Masters essay to MCHS for publication. I think that would just be awesome. I've also been trying to lose weight, for serious this time. I want to be healthier for my own good. Seeing what Grandpa went through the last few years has really frightened me into getting more exercise and watching what I eat. I am realistic enough to know that I'll never reach my "ideal" weight, but cutting off and KEEPING off a few pounds will be helpful.
Speaking of getting more RA work done, I'd best get back to my editing duties. I'll write more often. Even if there's nothing really to say. It is important to remember the past, keep my head in the present, and always look toward the future.
Hugs, Christi and Lily (sleeping on the couch)
