04 November 2009

I was browsing through my Facebook page, looking at all of my information, etc. etc. etc. and realized that my blog, which holds the name "stacylovestowrite" has not had any Stacy or any writing in a very, very long time. And, since part of moving to this country was to commit myself to writing, reading, and pursuing my creative side, I'm going to try to be more diligent in posting. The point, you see, is not to attract readers or to develop myself as a writer. The point is to express myself, to connect to the written word, to develop myself more fully as a I experience the world.

That being said, here's a little update on my life:

I've been living in the Dominican Republic for about three months now. This island is beautiful and I'm very happy that I was able to step out of my "comfort zone" and experience a new culture in this way. I miss my family and friends dearly, but I know that the connections I have back home will never fade nor disappear. I love everyone that I left and I think about them daily.

I've been working like a mad woman as of late. Being a teacher is a demanding job; it's nearly impossible to work a 40 hour week. The hard work is easily ignored, though, because I have the ability to travel every other weekend or so. The beaches here are stunning and just like in the pictures - I feel very blessed to be so close to all of this beauty. I think, though, that sometimes I fail to really appreciate how lucky I am to be here. I am going to try to focus more as the months and days progress.

I must be going, but I'm going to do my best to post more regularly, either on this blog or atdougandstace.blogspot.com. Besos!

16 March 2009

Thoughts and such.

"I put it down on paper and then the ghost does not ache so much. I write it down and Mango says goodbye sometimes. She does not hold me with both arms. She sets me free.

One day I will pack my bags of books and paper. One day I will say goodbye to Mango. I am too strong for her to keep me here forever. One day I will go away.

Friends and neighbors will say, What happened to that Esperanza? Where did she go with all those books and paper? Why did she march so far away?

They will not know that I have gone away to come back. For the ones I left behind. For the ones who cannot out."

-Sandra Cisneros, The House on Mango Street

26 February 2009

My first acceptance, ever!



Boise State update:

Last week I received an acceptance via e-mail.

Two days ago, I received an acceptance via snail-mail.

Today, I received...dum dum dum...A TEACHING ASSISTANSHIP!

(go me!)

25 February 2009

Update: UW

I just got off the phone with UW.  

I was told "no decision has been made on your file yet".
I'm taking that as good news - I haven't been rejected yet! Whee!

Oh, and I should hear within two weeks - rejections come via e-mail, acceptances come via postal mail.  

(Snail mail, won't you carry me an acceptance and assistantship?  Please?)

20 February 2009

a tiny little update




Okay, so here's the update:

BSU: 
Admitted!

UW: 
You will receive notification of acceptance or denial by email or postal mail. Application Complete: The department has confirmed that it has received all necessary application information including letters, transcripts, test scores, and other required items.

WSU: 
Normal Advanced Degree plan for WSU-P term 2009-Fall
Status: Evaluated by GSA
Evaluated by Graduate School: 02/17/2009 Admitted: 00/00/0000 GPA 3.88
M.A. ENGL Objective pending evaluation

Iowa: 
In Progress

Utah: 
Out to Graduate Department

I've also started the process of applying for a job in South Korea at Chonbuk National University.

That's it, no more news.  I'll update as the rejections/acceptances come!
  


21 January 2009

 I told myself, told myself, that I would not let myself get too wrapped in whether I get accepted into graduate school.  But, I just can't help it!

The more I think about living in Salt Lake, Seattle, Iowa City, or Pullman, the more excited I become! 

Here's the deal, though.  I applied to four very, very, very competitive programs.  Iowa is, by far, the most competitive.  Then, U of Utah.  Then, UW. Then, WSU.  WSU, which is the least competitive out of the schools (besides BSU) still only takes 10 out of 100 applicants!

I need to remind myself to be.  Just be!  Don't stress, don't stress, don't stress.  Enjoy the process.

Uh, right.  :)

14 January 2009

WSU/Washington State/Wazzu




So, I did a "campus visit" today at WSU, or Washington State University, or as Doug likes to correct "Wazzu".  In any case, I visited the campus to get a feel for the program, meet the people that might be my future bosses/teachers, and (hopefully) let them (those future boss/teacher people) see why I'd be a good fit for the program.

(I'd be a good fit for the program.  Seriously.)


The campus is lovely.  Old trees, old buildings, walking paths, hills, steps instead of elevators. The safety of the trees that are like reading.  Steps that cause labor-heavy individuals to pause halfway up.  Walking paths up hills and down hills and over and under things, around other things; paths that walk and walk until you wind up where you were.

Pullman is small, but quaint, and thrives on the university.  One student described the town during the holidays as a twist to the movie I am Legend

(sidenote: what is with all the depressing Will Smith movies lately?)

The CUB (their version of the SUB) is modern.  Much, much more modern than our "updated" SUB.  Much nicer.  They even have a Barnes and Nobles!  But, the food isn't any better than ours. 

The English building is old, as English buildings should be.  It's more interesting that way.  The professors (that I met) seem pretty easy going and happy to be there.  Obviously, they live in Pullman simply because they want to teach as WSU (really, there's no other reason to live here).  

As much as I like this place, there's only one problem.  Out of the 100+ applications that they receive, they take 10.  Ten.  Ten applications out of one hundred.  So, if I were to be chosen, I will feel very important.  And, if I'm not, I will understand. 

In any case, I like this place (did I say that already?).  I think it could work for me (and work well, too).  

Next week: University of Utah!