Thoughts

I know it's been a while. Where have all these good "new academic year resolutions" gone of living healthier and having more balance? I'm taking dance classes on a regular basis, but while it's a lot of fun and I wouldn't give it up for the world, it's also adding a lot of stress to my life because it's time that I need to find in my schedule. Not surprising (but still a little disappointing), this semester has started off more stressful than ever.

It's also become harder and harder to write this blog because this whole "anonymous" things just isn't working. More and more people have "found" the blog and have figured out who writes it (granted, it's not that complicated to figure it out if you know me) and while I don't really care whether or not other peple read my blog (it's not like I write anything on here that I wouldn't tell them to their face...maybe in a bit of a nicer way though), it does make me question what to write and "how honest" I should be. I don't want to offend people; I don't want to negatively portray our department - I'm just trying to tell "my story" - but I guess it's not that easy.

I haven't really made up my mind yet and if I decide to stop posting, I'll let you all know.

For now, just a brief personal update: With the new academic year having started, the date when my visa will expire seems a lot closer. I still have a little less than 2 years left, but a green card application would have to be submitted at least one year prior to when my visa expires - so that gives me less than a year. All this immigration stuff is causing so much worrying and stress in my life; it's ridiculous! I try coming up with back-up plans (in case I don't get a green card) and I hate planning ahead for more than a year because I just don't know what will happen afterwards. I also can't help but feel stuck here. It's not about whether or not I like working here; it's just the feeling that if I wanted to pick up and leave, I couldn't.

But on a happier note: I am working with some awesome student leaders this year - from my RA staff to the Learning Community Leaders to the conference staff, RHA and other student organizations. Spending time with them has become one of the best parts of my week - other than dancing ;) - even though it's tough to find the time to do all that. I really need a time turner - like the one Hermione Granger had in the 3rd harry Potter book. Wouldn't that be amazing?