I've Got Sunshine On a Cloudy Day

3 things I want to do this summer while living at home: 1.) Volunteer 2.) Ride my bike 3.) Work out A LOT. ("It's too hot" will not be an excuse...)

I was not a regular, daily watcher of the Oprah Winfrey show. She has been on air since before I was born so she is an icon and a role model to my generation and the generations surrounding me. If I was ever home at 4pm on a week day during high school I would watch, depending on who she had on her show that day. Through college it was the same. I didn't have to watch but sometimes it was a nice background noise to my homework, studying, or chatting with friends. I watched Oprah rarely. I am not one of those people whose life has changed because of Oprah. I have not been touched personally by something she has done, though I do admire her strength and power across our world. With all the free time have had lately I decided to watch her farewell show today. Oprah is a true inspiration. As an aspiring teacher it is amazing to watch the things she has done for those less fortunate around the world by allowing them to have the education that they deserve. I believe she has provided s

So today was finally my last day at work. It was nice, sad, bittersweet. I didn't apply for any jobs today because I was at work until 5:30, then I came home, changed, cleaned my room, made some dinner, and of course called my mom. The commencement speaker at graduation the other day said he makes sure to call his mom for 5 minutes a day and it's the best 5 minutes of his day. My mom won't let me live it down now! But luckily I called her today and it was for even more than 5 minutes. Anyway, the real world and the unemployed is nice but I guess I get bored easily. But if I had homework or a paper to do, I would be procrastinating anyway! It's a funny thing how it all comes together. Some would advise me to travel, relax, read, enjoy, hike, bike, or write. Of all those I am a fan of the majority of them and if I had a bike with me in Queens I would enjoy all of them. But not in this weather. All I want to do is curl up in my sweats, read a good book, watch a sad movie,

So here it is. The end of the first day of life with a Master's degree. I guess I have now entered the real world and the life of the unemployed. (Actually, the amount of work I still have to complete is sickening. I just want to be done. But what's the harm in going to work for a few more days when I would otherwise have nothing else to do?) Yesterday was a fabulous rainy day. I felt so proud and independent. Although I didn't even hear my own name called as I walked across that stage, I still walked across that state, shook my dean's hand, smiled, and walked back to my seat carefully so as not to slip in the rain and mud. It was certainly a day for my proud mom to enjoy, and for the rest of my friends and family to celebrate with. The goodbyes are coming, but for now I'm going to enjoy the beautiful bouquet of orange flowers on our kitchen table. Life post-St. John's will be a sure adjustment, but one that I am anxiously awaiting...