Of present things and future plans

It's been a while, so I thought I'd give you all a bit of an update on my doings.

I'm working a lot more than I ever have before. One of my bosses is leaving, and so, I'm taking over a lot her responsibilities. Something about actually being busy makes this feel all too permanent, and it has spurred me to think about what to do next.

So, I've decided that I'm going to take the GRE this summer/fall in preparation for applying to grad schools to study History. After forever of not knowing exactly what to do, I've decided simply to follow the path that is most interesting to me. I have no idea what I'll do with a Masters or Ph.D. in History, but that didn't stop me from jumping into a History major as an undergrad. Why should that stop me now? Madison is the #11 school for History graduate study in the country, but I don't want to go here. The weather here drains my soul. Southward I will go.

Until then, I am biding my time in Madison. I will be here for one more year, and I signed a lease on Monday to live with my friend Alex. I'm really excited for the place, location, and opportunity to have a roommate again.

I have found, in the past few months, that one of the very best things I have ever done with my time is volunteer. I spend time at the Dane County Humane Society as an adoption counselor. I help people find a pet that suits their family, and when it's not busy I get to play with animals. Not many other things could make me as happy as that.

I've also started playing the guitar, and I've surprised myself as to how well I can play sometimes. I'm definitely no phenom, and maybe some day I won't have to play softly so the neighbors can't hear me.

Other than that, I've been spending a lot of time at the gym, playing with my super-awesome kitty Steve, and watching as much Law & Order as I can handle. There's something about getting so much drama and resolution in only one hour that is completely satisfying.

I miss you all a ton, and I look forward to the next time we can all chill (in the desert?).