I had forgotten that people give you presents when you graduate. Since this is my last graduation (unless psychologists get prescription privileges and I’m forced to get a post-doctoral masters), I’ve gotten some amazing presents. Two really stand out, so I’ll tell you about them:
MacBook Pro
That’s right, I’m writing this post in my parent’s guest bedroom, using wi-fi on my brand new MacBook Pro. I’m really excited about this, as I’ve been lusting after these suckers since they came out. I’ve never had a mac before, but I think I’m in the process of changing. So far, to use the cliche, everything has just worked. I started the sucker up, entered in some preferences and was using it in a few minutes. The only frustration I have is using Safari, because little things don’t show up in it (like TinyMCE in this Wordpress field) so I’m downloading Firefox. I love the integrated webcam and can’t wait to use it with iChat AV. Now I’m just frustrated that I have Photoshop, Illustrator, Word, and other programs on my home comp (a PC) and will have to buy them fresh for this comp.
New Shoes
I’ve been talking about getting some white K-Swiss shoes, so I can look oh so stylish. That’s right, I care what I look like, and I even read GQ every month. Anyway, I really like all white K-Swiss shoes, so my wife got me a pair for graduation. But, these aren’t just any pair: they’re customized. She got a little “DR STUNSLINGER” (except it’s my real initials instead of stunslinger) sewn onto the side of the shoes in light gray! How pimp is that? I’ve got customized shoes, the next stop is a blinged out watch and chain, and I can walk down the red carpet with no talent. Ok, maybe I exaggerate a bit, but I thought that was super cool.
Well, today we have a big shindig with lots of people coming over, so I should probably think about getting ready for that. Well, I should definitely at least put clothes on!
Tags: graduation, presents
That’s right, one score ago I entered academia, and I haven’t stopped until now. This week I turned in my last paper and walked out of my last formal class after 20 straight years of school. Now, I know that I will have to take continuing education classes, and if psychologists get prescription privileges I will be forced to get another masters… but no matter what, this week was the ending of school for the forseeable future.
It’s weird, I actually will miss it. When people find out that I’m getting my doctorate they routinely make comments like, “man, don’t you hate still going to class?” or “there’s no way I could go to school after undergrad!” But for some strange reason I really enjoy it. Sure the busy work is annoying and it’ll be nice to have true relaxation time without ten homework projects waiting on the horizon. Yes, when I was up at 2am trying to finish a paper I wasn’t exactly loving life… but if I had the chance to do it over again with all the good and the bad, I’d definitely do it.
I think there’s some element of predictability and safety that I’m clinging to as well. Now I have to go out and actually put what I’ve learned to the test in a career. Granted it’s a field that I love and have enjoyed doing part-time for free, so I think I’ll switch my love to actually working, but it’s different.
Here’s to a new period of life. Oh, and I’m turning 26 next week, so yay me.
Tags: grad school, finished, career, work
I have so much respect for AA and the people who work the steps.
As part of my Substance Abuse class we have to attend three AA meetings, and I went to my first one tonight. Sitting in the room I just felt a sense of awe for the strength it takes to become sober. How many non-addicts out there have taken a personal inventory of all the people you’ve wronged in your life and then sought to make amends wherever possible? That’s a tall bill for me, and I’m only 25! I was happy in my heart for those willing to begin the process, those who’re making the effort through the process, and those who sponsor others through. I really would like to attend a Rule #62 meeting for the different atmosphere, but the only one here meets at a time I cannot attend.
How much better would this world be if we all adopted some of the axioms from AA? One of the profound things I heard tonight was based on the “one day at a time” idea. A woman shared her nightly prayer, that if God (if you’re not familiar with AA, that’s some sort of higher power however you understand him/her to be) has something important for her to do tomorrow that she’d wake up. At the end of the day she looked back on her actions to see if she made use of any opportunities that were given her, and understood that often she wouldn’t know what the important thing she had done was. I need to incorporate this into my own life, it certainly helps me get out of the selfish mindspace I fight so often.
Even backing down from that scale, how much more witness would the Christian community be if we adopted the accepting, nurturing, challenging stance that AA groups have? Instead of telling people how horrible they are and that they need to “repent or go to hell”, what if we openly acknowledged our rampant sinfulness/selfishness (as AA members do whenever they speak to the group…”My name is ____ and I’m an alcoholic”), embraced people with love and acceptance, and then gave them the opportunity to embrace God? Of course, there are a number of Christians with this attitude, it’s just unfortunate that those are not the popular representatives of Christianity. Instead we have hateful, judgemental, heretics using God and Christianity to make money and exert power and influence broadcasting their form of “Christianity” into millions of homes every hour of every day. Is it any wonder people are disillusioned and resentful of Christians? Is it any wonder I’m a Quaker?!?
Started as info and goodness, ended in a rant. To borrow from AA yet again:
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference.
Good night.
