Well, grad school is done. I now hold a Master's in History - which basically means not much. Sure, I can teach the AP European history class (and God, I hope to do that), or I stand a better chance at working in a museum. But for now, I'll just accept the fact that I have a new diploma, a beautifully bound/published thesis, and lots of time.
And just what will I do with my time? Oh, the possibilities are endless. But I do know one thing: I need a new goal. I stopped running before I started grad school (God, I miss running). Marathons were done for me, according to the doctor, and half-marathons were strongly discouraged. Well, ok, I'll get more educated.
5 years later (and, to be honest, a slight case of PTSD from my thesis advisor and the university - which I do NOT recommend to anyone), I'm done.
So what shall I do? Let's figure this out.
1) Travel? Sure. I'm always up for a good trip. In the past 10 years I've travelled all over the country and the world. In 2 weeks, I'll be in Boston. In May, I'll be in NY and NJ. In June, back to Paris (3rd time) and London (5th time). I may spend the entire month of Rome in July for a program (husband said it's ok).
2) Weight loss? Sure. This is undoubtedly the best goal to go for. I have to admit, the injuries I sustained from running has made working out incredibly difficult. And the fact that I despite my neighborhood makes talking walks harder. But luckily I have a very hyper pit bull, and he enjoys walks. So I'll have to focus on my food and getting good test results first - and then moderately exercise.
3) New hobby? Sure. I'm still into photography, and I've picked up a new hobby - collecting fountain pens. I'm probably obsessed with fountain pens, ink, and paper. In fact, my journaling is increasing as my blogging has decreased. Writing with my Parker Sonnet custom-made-for-me italic nib with Texas Bluebonnet ink in a leather journal from Venice (why, oh, why did I only pick up one?) is so much more appealing. Not as fast as typing, but just as appealing.
4) Starting a family? This is uncertain. With 2 miscarriages under my belt and my weight not where I'd like it to be, this is iffy. Plus I'm getting older (almost 40!)
5) Reading? Of course. I can now read the books I've been wanting to for years - a biography on Louis XIV, a biography on the last Dauhpine Maria Theresa, a journal of accounts from the wife of a soldier during the English Civil War, a book of the art collection of England's King Charles II.
6) Writing? Most definitely. Now that I'm done with my thesis, I want to revisit two of my screenplays and start up again on one I started over 10 years ago. The only problem is that I need the upgraded software for my laptop.
So yes - there are things I can do. The difference is that with marathon training and grad school, there is an end to shoot for. With these options, the ends are more fuzzy. That's what not appealing.
Oh, well. Time to grade more essays and work on my calligraphy.
Ciao!
