+i'll put one foot in front of the other one, i don't need a new love or a new life

I love perspective. So here are some academic milestones for ya: 

In High School I was stressing about all the AP and IB exams I was about to take:
espereencristo.livejournal.com/2006/05/11/
Best quote from this, "I never knew what i was getting myself into. And now that it's done? I really don't think i could feel more accomplished." -18 year old Heather

In College, I was stressing about the 35 page Political Science senior thesis I was writing/presenting:
http://hlpie.blogspot.com/2009/03/wholly-unproductive.html

And now in Graduate School, looks like I'm stressing again. This time, it's comprehensive exams. The way our capstone course works is that we have 2 practice case studies before the actual case study is given on Friday, April 13. The actual comp? 25 pages summarized 6 core courses and all the brain power and problem solving we can muster. The practice versions? Just as rough. Without boring you with the details, here is the first and second spread I have had for days of writing:

If you need to know anything about how college are structured, how colleges come to be a part of the American landscape, how to assess or evaluate any program you have on your campus, the research on college students and what programs increase their involvement or engagement, or if you'd like to know how to get something done based on your college's organizational structure, I am your gal. That's right.... throw a case at me, I'm ready to tell you (in 25 pages or less) how to solve anything! Err... that is what the goal is :)

+i rise as the sun goes down and i play my tune, love and i find a way to each other soon

So I have a very good lookin' boyfriend who happens to live 600 miles to the Southeast of me. I would say this is the moment to insert pity music, except for the fact that when we do see one another, it's like Disney World as far as things we do and food we eat. And for the fact that in two glorious months, our lives will converge in Nashville once again!

That's right! For those of you who I haven't told yet, I accepted a position at Belmont University for the Summer time! I will be filling in for the Director of New Student and Parent Programs while he is on paternity leave with the birth of his 2nd child. I will get to help coordinate and manage the day-to-day operations of Summer Orientation! I know this means a significant lack of free time, but man, am I ready for the challenge!

But until then, Devon and I are adventuring to see one another as much as we can. Devon came this past week and we explored Lawrence and Kansas City and ate our way through the Burger Stand, Tryyaki, local KC BBQ, and more. Here are some of our Zoo pics and the last is from seeing the Punch Brothers at Liberty Hall. What a fantastic weekend. Ahhh, mini-vacations! :)