My First Grad Show

I just wrapped up my first semester as a masters candidate in the Art Education program at the College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY. One of the big reasons I chose this program was for its heavy emphasis on its student's studio practices. As such, we're given ample opportunities to show our work throughout the course of the program. I have had two such opportunities recently, having been given the chance to display a sculpture in one of the academic buildings on campus, as well as in the Advanced Sculpture Exhibit held in our studios in conjunction with First Friday in Albany.

To Be a Teacher

Way back when, when I was a young sprite in my early college years, I thought I wanted to be an art teacher. Somewhere along the way however, I dropped the teacher part and chose instead to focus solely on art. The right decision at the time, it allowed me to develop confidence in my craft which isn't always easy to come by for me. Fast-forward 10 years later however, and as fate would have it, I am back in school, getting my masters in art education from the College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY.

28

I turned 28 a few days ago. For some reason, this birthday has always seemed like a big one in my mind. As a tweeny, 28 seemed so mature and cool. Women who were 28 totally had it together, they were in great jobs, with great guys, pretty, confident, and totally in control of their lives (clearly Cosmopolitan should be banned as a publication, so wretchedly does it distort the young, impressionable minds of 13 year olds!).

For obvious reasons, I've been kind of nervous about reaching this self-imposed culmination of my youth. I'm still not in the job I want to be in (though am actively working toward it), I do have a great guy, but the other stuff, the totally together and in control of my life, the size 6 pants and cut abs, the witty conversation and charming yet never over the top humor? Yeah, that doesn't feel quite so real.

Success

To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends. To appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded. Ralph Waldo Emerson.

The Tri Life

Ok, so not exactly the "tri" life. More like the "team tri" life. Yep, that's the life I live kids. GC and I completed another team triathlon this past weekend, I swam and GC conquered the bike and the run. Really, I think I got the easy part, for sure.

This was our longest tri yet, an olympic length (1.5km swim/40km bike/10km run). It's humbling to see so many outrageous athletes there to complete the WHOLE thing by themselves, but for my part, I have no interest in running 10km. The bike I could get behind, but the run, yeah, not interested. That said, I still love to compete, and to surround myself with some awesome, super motivated people. It's all about getting out there and staying healthy.

GC did a great job on the bike and the run. He really killed the bike, though it left his legs a little depleted for the run. Despite fatigue, he pushed through and completed the race, even saved me a smile as I hooted and hollered when he crossed the finish line.

The swim was a great experience. I learned I need to practice swimming straight. I tend to veer left (my right arm must be a beast). Open water swimming is completely different from laps in a pool, particularly when there are about 50 other people jumping in and swimming with you, like salmon in a run, frantic, and desperately trying to pull ahead.

Getting involved in these event has been a great motivator for staying fit and keeping healthy in the summer months. It's also something GC and I can do together, memories we can share.

I'm looking forward to all the events to come!

Happy Thought #11

I won an antique rug! It was incredible. GC was forced (under my watchful eye) to bid! bid! bid! when they started the 30 second silent auction countdown. And, we won, for a song! I'll post pictures soon. I know this isn't everyone's dream, but if you only knew how it made my week!

In other news, it's been a flurry of friends, events, parties, sports and trips this summer leaving me little time to post. I'd apologize but I am having too much fun! All I can say, is I cannot wait until I find an email in my inbox stating that my lovely french teacher friend and her equally lovely husband have welcomed their first to the world. I am here, with bated breath, thinking of you everyday!

Happy Thought #10

Been planning it for a while now; going here this weekend; camping with a great friend; practicing yoga with some of the best instructors in the country/world; meeting up with lots of friends and GC; hanging out around a fire; getting my Zen on; listening to this guy speak; listening to this guy sing; Yeah, it's going to be a good weekend!

And because it's happy, and has lots of cute, smiling boys, a video. Thanks seester.



HAIRCUT from MAMMOTH on Vimeo.