It's official....

Almost a month ago, I completed my graduate degree!

Such a ground breaking thing that has been anticipated for far too long. Although this was something I had been working effortlessly towards, resulting in neglecting most other facets of my life, it was one of the most anticlimactic events.

However, it was still a great relief... not to have obtained a graduate degree, that is but a piece of paper that if anything, represents that I jumped through the ridiculous hoops set up by ECU. It represents a period of time I hope I can one day look back on and not feel my stomach turn and teeth clinch. One day, I hope the bitterness will subside and I will be able to see the positive aspects of the experience, none of which are currently evident, except for the few connections that were created during my time there.

That being said... I am extremely happy to be finished and am enjoying my thesis free time. What has been taking up all the time previously spent toiling away on thesis work? Well, there is still work to be done to get the information out into the scientific community, but most of my time has been spent on the myriad of things I have not been able to enjoy in the past 4 years... such as cooking, spending time w/ my pouch, and most excitingly, learning how to sew.

Yes, after years and years of wanting to learn, I met a woman in town that does alterations and is teaching me how to sew. By altering clothing that has been patiently awaiting to be utilized, I am learning the basics of seamstressing and loving every minute of it. I recently finished my first project: a satchel [pix to come]. Years ago with a biking satchel in mind, I purchased some fabric and recently learned how to make, cut out, and alter a pattern. Additionally, I learned how to make button holes and am extremely excited about all there is to learn. I am very happy w/ the finished product, which is very unlike me, since I'm such a perfectionist and nothing is ever good enough that I make. Already, I have a few things queued up and can't wait to start on them.

Additionally, I have signed up for a pottery class that starts next week. Having recently learned how much I enjoy sewing, it reminded me of how much I like pottery. Pottery is the only other thing that ignites me and that I enjoy doing a great deal. One may say, they are what I feel passionate about. I'm looking forward to getting my hands in some clay... it's been too long.