Summer Update

I haven’t blogged since January. For three years I blogged almost weekly about grad school but this past semester was my first-semester teaching and I just didn’t have the time. I’ll probably go back and backfill my blog later on just for my own records but I have no idea when. I’m expecting the next 12 months to be crazy. This coming year is my fourth and final year as a graduate student. I’ll be teaching again in the fall and beginning my thesis project. I’m a bit anxious about my thesis project, and I am super ready to be done with grad school, but I’m going to try to the most of my last year as a student. 

Speaking of making the most of it, I’m excited to share that this time next month I will be studying abroad in South Korea. JSU has a partnership with Kookmin University is Seoul that I and a fellow grad student will be taking advantage of. I’ve always wanted to study abroad so I’m super excited for this opportunity. I’ll be participating in a three week language and culture program and will have plenty of time to sightsee. It’s going to be great!

Summer break is flying by. I picked up a summer job doing page layout work for House to House/Heart to Heart that began the Monday after finals were over, and have been busy with work, school, unpacking, and settling in the new home, on to of being ill most of May.

May

• I began working for House to House/Heart to Heart doing page layout work.
• 3rd – Karl’s brother Andrew graduated from JSU with a degree in Finance, and my grad school bestie Stefanie graduated with her MFA.
• 23rd – Karl’s youngest brother Ammon graduated from Jacksonville High School and went on a two week adventure to Japan. Way to go Ammon! Karl’s brother Kelson came into town for Ammon’s graduation and we all went on a family day trip to Chatanooga together. It was great to have a bit of family time.
• 13th – My mentor Dr. Karen Henricks passed away suddenly. She taught art history at JSU for over 30 years before retiring two years ago. It was quite a shock to me and so many others that loved and admired her.
• 20-21st – I attended my first UCDA conference. UCDA is a graphic design educator specific conference that took place in Johnson City, TN this year. I attended it with my friend and fellow graduate student Laura. It was a nice experience.
• 31st – Karl’s 38th Birthday
• I was sick and depressed most of May, but am happy to report I have since had a lumbar puncture and am doing much better. My back is also doing a lot better after attending physical therapy for six weeks.

June

• 1st – The Art Alumni Show closing reception and reunion was a success. We had 37 people attend which was a nice turn out considering it was the middle of summer. My favorite part was catching up with alumni and friends and sharing memories of Dr. Henricks.
• 4th – I began an independent study focused mostly on working with laser engraving and etching. I’m still learning and have been having fun making cool stuff.
• 14th – Lumbar Puncture. I had a lumbar puncture to help alleviate IH symptoms. It’s now been almost two weeks and I am starting to be able to tell a difference in how I’m feeling. Thank goodness!
• 24th – Our 15 year old cat Tawno passed away. It wasn’t completely unexpected but we are still very sad as to be expected.

When not working I have been enjoying playing League of Legends, World of Warcraft, and Apex Legends. I’ve also been enjoying catching up on tv shows and anime series such as: Game of Thrones, Rise of the Shield Hero, Kakeguri, Black Clover, When They See Us, What / If, Lost in Space, Lucifer, and Designated Survivor. I’ve also been doing a bit of reading and am really happy to finally be doing a little reading for pleasure. I’m currently reading If I Pay Thee Not in Gold by Piers Anthony and Mercedes Lackey. It’s been on my bookshelf for a while so I’m looking forward to finishing it so I can give it away. We have almost finished unpacking from our move and I am trying to purge our possessions so we never have to move so much stuff again. Wish me luck!