Hello! I am alive! I’m just buried under piles of attendance sheets and chapters to read.
I started my grad assistantship two weeks ago, and my first week of classes last week. I’ve had 2 of my 4 classes so far; about to make it 3/4 today and 4/4 tomorrow!
I thought I’d do another Love List: a) because I’ve taken zero pictures in the last month and b) because it’s short, sweet and to the point.
These are the things I’ve been loving since starting grad school…
1) Pentel EnerGel Pens
I am VERY picky about my writing tools. Being left handed, you can’t use anything that smudges too much or takes too long to dry. Pencils don’t cut it for me – too light. And anything heavier than these pens runs into the next page. These are perfect. I have 50.
2) Gmail.
This one is obvious. I use it personally, but the fact that my college uses it as their email system = AMAZING. I’m trying to convert my freshman students to the genius ways of GCal. They will be mine.
3. Veggie Bags.
The Dude and I are making a concerted effort to eat more vegetables during the day, so we came up with a super simple snack. Veggie bags. Every Sunday, I take tupperware and fill them with veggies: carrots, celery, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, etc. I also put hummus or other dips into tiny containers and leave them in the fridge. It is really simple and I’m sure pretty much everyone does this/thinks to do it, but actually having a bag of veggies to eat for a snack (or two) makes me feel good. Plus I like knowing Duder is getting in his veggies too!
4. Moleskine Wellness Journal
I purchased this in my effort to get back to a regular exercise routine. It’s been quite a crazy summer and my routine went off the rails during July. I love planners, especially anything Moleskine, so I LOVE this. It has sections for exercise, diet, general health, inspirations and cute stickers. Who doesn’t love stickers?!? They also have a whole line: Recipe, Wine, Films, etc. These would probably make great gifts for another organizational nerd out there.
5. My classes.
This term, I’m taking two education classes: Middle School Instruction and Current Issues in Education – and two history classes: The Roman Revolution and History of American Labor. Hello!?! So fun. Grad classes are awesome (and lot of work) because you’re reading about interesting and relevant topics and then you get to discuss them. I leave the classes (at least the ones I’ve had so far) excited and ready to keep talking.*** I’m not sure about the 400 pages of reading per class, but I’m sure (as you all have advised) I’ll figure out how to manage that.
*** In an effort not to drive Dude and/or my dog crazy with my rambling, there may be more academic topics to come on the blog 
What are you loving right now??
I love all these things! I get way too excited about nice pens. And being organized on my gmail calendar. Way to excited
You are so my hero right now. I also love pretty much anything Moleskine and was looking at the wellness journal yesterday but decided to sleep on it. Well, now I just *have* to get it… and when anyone questions me about *another* Moleskine, I’ll just point them at this post
Oooh, me loves the moleskin wellness journal!!
I am so glad that you are loving grad school. Going back for grad classes, while overwhelming, has been so refreshing for me, too. I’m a natural student, and my idea of heaven is sitting in a circle and discussing relevant issues or a good book (oh, heavens, that is nerdy even for ME).
And if you’re at the school that I’m pretty sure you’re at, I have to ask, when the CRAP did they switch to Gmail?!
Thanks for writing about the journal! I just bought it for my friend’s birthday. When it’s delivered I’ll take a look and see if I want one too!
I am loving:
-Organizher (by Mead)
-Spin Classes
-MyPlate.com
-COFFEE!
I’m such a moleskin addict. Mostly because I’m a list person and it holds all of my random lists and ideas.
For snacks I was beside myself in BJ’s the other day when I found snack sized Wholly Guacamole packets!!
As for the 400 pages, my advice to my students (after I have assigned similar readings) is that you take your book everywhere with you, including the bathroom, (get some strange looks with that one), practice your “speed reading” skills (skimming the abstract and paragraphs, etc.) and you get really good at picking out the highlights, which areas you need to get into for further info.
I will have to try your pen sometime and look into the journals! The wine and recipe editions might be a good gift!!
AMEN to the difficulties of writing utensils when you’re a lefty. With ya there, sister!
And Google Calender? We have a relationship.
So glad to see a post from you, Erin! So, so, so, so psyched things are working out well for you!
I am obsessed with the Moleskin Wellness Journal it is great. I give it to all three and six month clients- they seem to love it too!
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