Enutulien, I Have Returned
I knew it would happen this way. Work would pile up and pile up until I could do no more than finish each thing before its deadline. Then, suddenly, it would all be gone and I'd be paralyzed by having nothing to do. I spent so much time and energy preparing for the practical part of graduating -- finishing assignments, taking exams, moving out, finding a job, getting my family up here for the big day -- that I had no time to prepare emotionally. The closest thing to emotional preparation was my taking down my shrine to The Princess Bride that has decked my dormroom walls for four years. I considered it a rite of passage as I knew I would never again put it up.

But I am so blessed to have this living situation. I am house sitting for Dr. Webb and John Rose, living in their guest house (with its own kitchen, bathroom, shower, fridge, stove, oven, microwave etc.), and driving their cars. The guest house, called "The Butterfly Cottage," is so perfect. As my best friend says, "It sings 'Holly'!" It's little and cute. It's surrounded by beautiful roses (which I've been ordered to enjoy by cutting them, putting them in vases, and distributing them). It's cool. It's secluded (down the driveway away from the street). And, best of all, it accords with my vampiric taste in light. I dislike bright overhead lights and, even more so, direct, piercing sunlight. The Butterfly Cottage has two walls of windows, so I get natural light during the day and don't have to turn on the inside lights. But the sunlight is filtered through the plants and by the back of the main house, so the sunlight doesn't glare in. I'm so excited.

Also, biggest cause for celebration, I HAVE A JOB! Well, I will tomorrow. My court reporter position came through. I'm going in tomorrow morning to sign the contract. And, if for some reason at the last minute that doesn't work, IBM Vital Source Technologies will hire me for a summer internship. So I will have income!!!

Obviously, all the terrible schoolwork got done, including the monster thesis. I found out at the last minute that I needed twenty sources, not forty as I had thought. I ended up with fifty-two. Yes, I'm an overachiever.

Well, I have to get my sleep so I can get up tomorrow and sign an employment contract. :) Goodnight all. Please come and visit. My house is adorable but lonely.