a view from the outside

Have you ever caught a glimpse of yourself and not recognized who you saw? Perhaps this has a little to do with Lisa's thoughts on aging...

Well, this happenend to me one morning this week. I was leaving my apartment to go to school, and when I got to the car I realized I had left my usb drive on my desk in my room. Now, this is a very important piece of equipment, so I figured I should go back and retrieve it. So, back up 2 flights of stairs, down a hall, and back into the locked apartment. I didn't turn any of the lights on, because I could see enough to know where I was going. Said usb drive was retrieved, and on my way back through the living room, I saw myself in our really big mirror in the dining room--and I was surprised by what I saw --I looked like a grown up! I know that probably doesn't sound so shocking to anyone else, but I don't always think of myself as a grown up, so it caught me off guard.

Then it got me thinking about what I (and the rest of my graduate student friends) probably look like to the undergrads (especially the freshmen) in the college. I bet they think we're really old :) I remember thinking that about the upper classmen when I got to college the first time. But I remember even more strongly when I got to high school, and there were students walking around with facial hair! I thought they were super-old then! Alas, they were only 18 and so young then (well, most of them).

How did I become such a grown up? When did it happen? Who is that person in the mirror?

a new job and a new home

so the last few days of my life have been really exciting, and a bit of a whirlwind! This past Wednesday (the day after taking the LEED exam and getting my hair chopped off) I went downtown to meet with THE FIRM (the name of my employer for the purposes of this blog) and discussed my new-ish job for when I graduate. They were very glad that I am coming back to work for them, and that I am a new LEED AP. They just last week moved into their new office-a historic building downtown that they have renovated into office space. They already had my desk set up--I get a great big window to look out, and the meeting went really well. Its truly a beautiful space, and I think I will really enjoy working for them and in such a nice environment. Negotiations went well, and they accommodated my request to go on vacation with friends and family in June!! Bigtime hooray!

After that meeting, Mom and I met my real estate agent (who is a longtime friend of Mom's, and also their agent) to home hunt! After seeing many many places in two whirlwind afternoons, we went to a townhome that was just so cute, and hadn't even officially gotten on the market. It was a great price, and I made an offer, and I got it! I couldn't believe how fast it all happened!

I'm closing right after I graduate, so I can just move right in--there are a few things I'd like to do to the inside, but it's in great condition to be able to live in it -as is- as long as I need to. I can't wait!

So, I'm pretty exhausted from all the excitement--I couldn't sleep last night--instead I was laying in the bed imagining where furniture would go, and where different pictures would hang! I finally can hang my bookshelf that I designed and built about 4 years ago--it hasn't hung before becuase it requires wall anchors that landlords don't allow! Finally, I can quit changing my address and quit living with beige walls. Hooray for the bright red walls in the living room and dining area in my townhome. I will try to post pictures once I have any to post!

me minus 11 inches

Yesterday evening I lost eleven inches...of hair, that is. I've been growing it out for a year and a half (the entire time I've been in grad school) and it was finally long enough to cut (10" min.) I'm donating the hair to Locks of Love, a charity that makes hairpieces for children who have permanently lost their hair for medical reasons and cannot afford to buy a wig. I encourage everyone who has hair and is able, to do this at least once in your life. It's really easy to do--your regular stylist can cut it (hooray, Kyle is the greatest ever) and you just mail the ponytail in a padded envelope to them. How cool is that?

A view from behind:


I've rediscovered my back and my neck!

just call me LEED AP

"What is LEED^®?

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality."

AP stands for Accredited Professional:

"LEED Professional Accreditation distinguishes building professionals with the knowledge and skills to successfully steward the integrated design and LEED certification process. LEED Accredited Professionals (LEED APs) have demonstrated a thorough understanding of green building practices and principles and familiarity with LEED requirements, resources, and processes."

(quoted from www.usgbc.org)

And as of 11:00 this morning, yours truly is now a LEED AP! I had to take one of those glorious computer based tests at a testing facility--the other two women testing at the same time were taking their boards for medical school--they were in for 2 back-to-back 8-hour testing days. Please Sir, may I have some more? I did not envy them!

So, hooray for a passed test! glad that's over :)

What's Your Footprint?

Ever wondered how much "nature" your lifestyle requires? You're about to find out.

This Ecological Footprint Quiz estimates how much productive land and water you need to support what you use and what you discard. After answering 15 easy questions you'll be able to compare your Ecological Footprint to what other people use and to what is available on this planet.

I encourage you to check it out. It doesn't take very long, but it's very eye-opening!

a pretty picture and a dance studio

This is a picture I took at the Villa d'Este in Tivoli, Italy. It may be one of my favorite shots, because it has been my wallpaper on both my laptop, as well as the big momma computer I got when I started undergrad.

I should be doing my construction technology 2 homework right now, but I'm stalling by blogging! :)

The Studio Atlanta Dance


This is the dance studio that I take an adult ballet class at on Monday nights. Its a lot of fun, and a great way to get some exercise! I love the other women who are in the class, and the instructor makes it very relaxed and enjoyable. Last week we danced to the Beatles "Come Together!" What fun!

My very first blog post ever!

Hello, blogger world!
I have finally followed in my big brothers' wives' footsteps and joined the blogging phenomenon. Hopefully this will be a way to keep connected with friends and family. Thanks for reading!