Today is the "early bird" deadline for our capstone rough drafts. If you know me, you know it is always my goal to adhere to these kinds of deadlines. Instead of waiting to turn in my draft a week later, I've pounded it out and will turn it in today. That will leave me two weeks to revise, create my defense presentation, and practice. I will defend the paper on April 19th. I just need to get through these next three weeks.
Yesterday was a fantastic day. I had a good interview in the morning (keep your fingers crossed!), I had a great "girls day" with Juanita where we got pedicures and then we watched the UK game at the Kentucky Theater. Let me just say that the atmosphere at the Kentucky was wonderful. I recommend this for anyone! And UK beat IU (revenge!) so I woke up very happy.
#np - That's the Way (I Like It) by KC and the Sunshine Band
I got my first interview request/offer (not sure on the lingo) yesterday via email. I realize it's just one and it will likely take a lot more applications and interviews to actually end up with a bona fide offer of employment from anywhere. The excitement was short-lived since I had an exam last night but boy did it feel good while it lasted! I'm telling you, it may not be realistic but it feels better to just be optimistic and hopeful.
Of course, remind me of this post when I'm down in the dumps 100 applications from now. :)
#np - Time Warp by the cast of Rocky Horror Picture Show
I chose this song for two reasons. First, the words in the first part are actually pretty accurate in describing this culmination of my masters degree. Second, I chose this version for the chorus singers. I was originally going to choose the glee version (hello!) but I re-watched this version and the chorus singers just remind me of the citizens in the Capitol of Panem (in the Hunger Games) and I just had to use it. I'm going at midnight (well, 12:06am) on Friday to see the premier and couldn't be more excited.
I think by now you know that I'm not the kind of person that likes to wish days away. Doing so, in my opinion, creates a cycle of waiting for ONE THING to happen and you miss the journey. That being said, 43 days until my last final is over and 41 days until our little graduation recognition ceremony. I couldn't be happier to speed up these next 41 days. After that, take all the time you need.
There are days when I just want to buy a truck (to haul things, ya know) that's too big for me and just drive around town and down back country roads. I don't know where this impulse comes from but I should probably bring someone with me when I'm ready to buy a new car someday. Someone who will say "Tara, you really don't need a truck. How about a nice Chevy Volt or something?". It's just that in spite of their gas mileage and size, I just want one so bad!
Good game last night, CATS! My bracket pretty much sucks already though. I don't know why I went against VCU again this year. I should've learned last year. But that's why they call it March Maaaaaadness!
Heading to brunch at Doodles today with Cole. This is our effort to correct our sleep schedules now that spring break is wrapping up. Today is another day I'll spend working DILIGENTLY on my capstone (and watching basketball games in the background). I wouldn't go so far as to say that I feel good about what I have so far but I do have something significant. That's something!
"If particular care and attention is not paid to the ladies, we are determined to forment a rebellion and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws in which we have no voice or representation." - Abigail Adams, 1776
#np - Hero by Mariah Carey
We're slowing it down today. I'm sad to say that when I blogged my song yesterday morning I wasn't aware that it was International Women's Day. How could I not have known?! However, I'm rectifying this situation today.
It's no secret that my absolute favorite right, as an American, is the right to vote. I vote in every election possible. I research candidates and become informed. I just love it. And it's so hard for me to comprehend a time in our history where women didn't have the right to vote. Until 1920, women couldn't vote nationwide in federal elections. Voting rights across the states were sporadic at best. Wyoming was the first state to grant full voting rights to their female citizens. Kentucky was the first to grant voting rights to women in school board elections. A small step but one that had to be made.
I spent a part of yesterday doing some research. I've always wanted to know more about the women who worked to give me my favorite right. We've seen sensationalized movies about them but I want more than that. I looked up suffrage history and quotes from suffragists. I found out that several of the major suffrage leaders were from Kentucky! I never knew this. Why was I never taught this in school?
Thinking back, why wasn't I taught a lot more about women's history? Why do I only know Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton? Why not Madeline McDowell Breckinridge and Lucretia Mott? Did you know that Madeline McDowell Breckinridge (of Lexington, KY) fought her entire adult life for women's suffrage and then died just weeks after casting her first and only vote for president in 1920? I didn't.
I've decided that I need to know more. After I graduate, I'd like to spend some of my much-anticipated free time learning more about the suffrage movement and the women to whom I owe a great deal of gratitude. They should be remembered as American heros. Their path wasn't easy. It wasn't popular. But it was American.
Women have come a long way but our fight isn't over. We must continue to fight for equal pay. We must continue to fight for the rights to our own bodies. We must continue to fight for social acceptance. We will continue to break glass ceilings and to rebuff untoward sexual advances. We will require respect and dignity. We are equal. No more, no less. Equal.
So happy belated international women's day. I hope you take time to know a little bit about where our rights come from. Somewhere, a long time ago, a group of women stood their ground and said their disenfranchisement wasn't fair. Sometimes you have to stand up for what you believe in. When it's right and just.
Amendment XIX of the Constitution of the United States of America
"The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex."
You better believe I have a copy of the Constitution on my end table with a Rosie the Riveter postcard marking the spot of the 19th Amendment. That's how I roll.
#np - I've Had The Time Of My Life by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes
Last night I fell asleep to the episode of The Office where Michael's presenting Dundies to everyone and he ends the night by singing to a karaoke version of this song. I just love it so much. Michael Scott is still one of my favorite TV characters.
#np - Have You Ever Seen The Rain by Creedence Clearwater Revival
I got my iPhone yesterday! It's wonderful. I saved a lot of money to buy it and ended up getting a great deal so I upgraded my Macbook's operating system to Lion. The swipes are totally off and scrolling is completely backward. I hope I can get used to it!
