Sunday, May 25, 2008

Unemployed In Greenland

Well, I did it. I've never been so nervous in my life, but I walked into that examination room on Friday afternoon, stumbled my way through two hours of questions and challenges, and now it's done. I passed my comprehensive qualifying examination, and I, the glamorous, sexy, and sophisticated Amazing Cheastypants, am a PhD candidate. Thank you, thank you, oh, you're too kind.

Actually, it all seems kind of ridiculous when I think of it like that. I just went through academic hell in order to be permitted to write a dissertation. As one of my older classmates told me on Friday night, I just got to Nepal; now I've got to climb Mt. Everest. But whatever. I refuse to get bogged down in the future. Today, I am DONE. Done, done, done donedonedonedone DONE! Hoooraaaaaayyyyy!! For now I'm just focusing on the simple joy of having no looming deadlines, no real work to do for the next week or two, and nothing on my immediate schedule but having fun. I am unemployed in Greenland, and it's just as wonderful as I always thought it might be.

The past few days have been wonderful. On Friday night my friends threw a potluck party for me. I wore my favorite beautiful dress, popped open the bottle of Veuve Clicquot I've had in my fridge since January (I'm big on incentive programs), and gulped champagne, ate fruit tarts, laughed and flitted about feeling free as a bird all night. I don't have photographic evidence of this, but I believe my fingers and toes were actually sparkling. Saturday I went to McKinney Falls State Park with my friend the Samurai Warrior and we roasted in the sun and floated about the swimming hole under the watchful gaze of enormous cyprus trees. Little fishies nibbling our toes, we listened to kids laughing and parents talking, and all the while a guy on the banks played the ukelele. On the way home we stopped at a friend's house and had a spontaneous lunch party; then I went home and napped in the afternoon sun like it was my job. Today I went out for breakfast with Umulu. God I love French Toast and bacon. This afternoon we went shopping, swam at Barton Springs, made a lovely dinner, and watched a movie. Tomorrow I'm going on a long bike ride with my riding buddy, and then to Barton Springs with Mutt and Nan. Later that night we're going to make pesto and watch The Princess Bride. Life could be better, I'm sure, but I can't imagine how.

In other news, I must scold you roundly for a poor showing with the popularity contest. Right now it's a dead heat between Sauerkraut and Peach (3 votes) and Texas Potpourri (3 votes), and while I suppose I COULD declare a tie, the very idea offends my competitive spirit. We need some tie breakers, folks, so if you didn't cast a vote earlier, now's your chance. I have it on good authority from my site meter that around 200 people a day log in to read this blog, so pony up, my friends! We need a clear victory!

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well, first of all, kudos on the stellar title. Second, I am green with envy over your heavenly few days. I want to do that! Third, I voted already. But come on, SWEAT? It's a clear winner.

Sarah McBride said...

friendless, brainless, helpless, hopeless...

I have to vote for texas potpourri, as I love sauerkraut...

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful way to spend a weekend. Congratulations on surving Friday. Having read this blog for a few months, I know how much you needed this weekend. Best wishes for the future (which is so far off I don't even want you to think about it yet).

Anonymous said...

Way to go Cheasty! You're awesome and I'm glad to hear (and observe) you're using your well-earned time off wisely :-)

As for yogurt, guess I gotta go with Texas Potpourri.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!!!!

My vote is Texas Potpourri- it sounds sick AND has a fabulous name!

Matter Of Fact Mommy said...

LOL! "You can bring them TO the Cheasty, but you can't make them VOTE."

i'm guilty of not voting. honestly, the thought of all of those combos brought about the gag reflex in my mouth. i'll vote now... damnit.

and congrats on all of your hard work finally paying off! that is, until the next round of hell starts. *cough*

Anonymous said...

Dearest Bunny!!!! There is nothing better than swimming at the springs and drinking Veuve and looking ridiculously fabulous. Live it up!!!! You deserve it!!

Love,
Cookie

p.s. I think you know where my vote lies. I ordered my secretary to cast the ballot days ago...