…Wow.

WOW, have things been busy. The past week or so has been the busiest week I have had in years, probably since my first year in the Ph.D. program. Here’s a recap…

I don’t like to announce that Nik is out of town, but he has been in LA for over a week now. Since he’s flying home right now, I think it’s finally safe to annouce that I was alone all week! It was both fortunate and unfortunate that he happened to be gone during this hectic time for me. On one hand, it was super quiet around the house, and that really let me be productive without distractions. On the other hand, it would have been nice to have him here to destress and relax. I did force some relaxation time and enjoy some me time–I cooked scallops and I watched Mamma Mia (things I always do when Nik is gone!), but it was pretty lonely in the evenings, when Nik and I usually run or walk together and then come home and cook and eat dinner together. So I can’t wait for him to be back!! And neither can poor JoJo. She’s been pretty mopey, with her daddy gone and her mommy too busy to pay much attention to her. We did go on lots of long walks, prancing together through the rain puddles. But she will be thrilled when Nik gets back. I hinted to her that somebody was coming, and she was shocked into immobility, so I won’t mention it again…

I don’t feel like listing all of the projects and papers and assessments and reports and presentations and readings that I have had to do in the past week, but it’s been a lot!! I have broken my days into morning work, afternoon work (usually consisting of a drive into Sacramento to the office), and then evening work. Busy and expending a lot of mental energy for many hours per day! I had a 3-hour presentation today, which went well. I feel pretty relieved that it is over and that it felt really successful. On I go to continue on with the rest of my to-do list…but I gave myself this evening off. I was just beat after that presentation. I relaxed by going on a 2-mile run, and am currently indulging in a Say Yes to the Dress marathon.

Tomorrow is First Saturday Dinner and a Movie. I am really excited! Amy convinced me to accept help in cooking, since I usually stress myself out by trying to cook too many courses for too many people, and I had enough on my plate (hehe) already. So I am making a huge pot of chili, Maciel is bringing cornbread, Natalie is bringing some very exciting-sounding salad, and Amy is bringing dessert–caramel apples, I think! A very fally meal with good friends!