Dear Bloomington

Dear Bloomington,

I appreciate your kindness as I was temporarily displaced in your city for the past 2 years.  I enjoyed the food, the company, the outdoors, the crew, the proximity to a larger city, my church, the work, the fun nights out, and the seasons.  I didn't so much appreciate the [lack of] shopping (College Mall just didn't do it for me - thank goodness for Edinburgh and Indianapolis close by), some people I encountered, the extreme cold and snow, and the drama of academia.  However, I will always hold fond memories of our time together.  You were great and just what I needed.  Thanks for taking care of me for the past 2 years. 

After a brief 14.5 hour trip down south, I've made it safely back home.  My life is still a hot mess - boxes everywhere, trying to unpack and repack, only to unpack again in another house and storage unit - but it is great to be home.  Texas welcomed me with open arms (and 90 degree weather with insane humidity...no big deal).  It's good to be back.

xoxo,
Annie

Real Lessons from Graduate School

Apparently my life only happens once every couple months, at least based on how often I update this blog. Well, in my defense, life has been a little crazy. I'm trying to finish this silly graduate program, pack up my house, work, finish an internship, move my life, plan a wedding, and soak up all the time I can with my dear friends here in Bloomington.

As I have thought lately about the nearly 2 years I have spent here, I look back on {most of} the memories with fondness. As a tribute to this lovely place, I've decided to share some of the lessons I've learned from my time in Bloomington. These are things that are far more important that the lessons learned in the classroom. These are life lessons I can carry with me, wherever I go. Where applicable, these lessons have been attributed to those who taught me such great wisdom.

1. As a graduate student, it is still appropriate to roll out of bed and come to class in your pajama pants. [Fogle]
2. If no one else cares about my classes (e.g., the professors who teach them), neither should I.
3. You don't always have to do the work to get the grade. [Fernando/Lindsay - who got a 100 on her Environmental Health Map despite the fact that she never actually created one or turned one in]
4. Apparently tights are a perfectly acceptable substitution for real pants, even if your underwear shows through them. Leggings are also a good substitute, even if they weren't made to be and are worn with a short top. [Half of the girls at IU]
5. Showering is optional during comp exam weekend.
6. Little 500 weekend is well spent with rest hour, canoeing on Griffy Lake and sitting in a garage with friends watching the rain and eating food. [Not a poster presentation where your advisor does not even acknowledge you]
7. Dating someone in another state is a great way to increase your frequent flyer status. [Brad/American Airlines]
8. Always clean the snow off the top of your car, not just the windows. [See Story of the Day Post]
9. In with love, out with anger. Love. It's all love. [Fernando]
10. Class is better with a quick stop by Sugar & Spice beforehand.
11. Opinions and input about your graduate program are rarely acceptable.
12. Never keep a wallet you find on the ground, even if it has $200 in it. [It could belong to a 13 year old boy who got it for his birthday, who lost his father as a small child. No big deal.]
13. Studying for an exam and bowling (with a little studying in between) will get you the same grade. [Union Bowling Alley/Statistics Final]
14. Ice skating is always a great beginning to a night out. [Shambles & Shenanigans Evening]
15. Mushroom hunting is a reasonable hobby. [My internship supervisor]
16. Never encourage tequila consumption. [La Cha/Hannah]
17. Spring isn't the only thing popping up and your happiness will show. [Night Moves - where more nice girls are always wanted]
18. Friends together!
19. Not everyone who works in a convoluted system is convoluted.
20. Pizza, soda and/or Dunkin' Donuts should always be served at large group events. [HPER - You'd think in a school of public health we'd promote more healthy options...not so much]
21. Handing out condoms at Wal-Mart to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is not socially acceptable. [True story - I have a picture to prove it.]
22. This is Public Health.