I don't really want this blog to die, but neither do I feel like updating regularly. I really only feel like writing when I'm in transition, and for the last six months, I have been strangely stable. Honestly, it's been weird. Particularly the last few weeks between when school ended and now, I just was overwhelmed by my lack of... lack.
So, to update, I finished Year One mostly intact, but more exhausted than I can ever remember being. I think it's been a crazy couple of years. I feel more settled in Raleigh than I ever expected to be. I like my program, and I've made some really good friends. And although I think a lot about choosing dissertation committee members, I am not really all that worried. I just want to make sure I think things through very clearly, as the goal is to go back to Thailand to do research there.
To that end, in January, I applied and was accepted to the SEASSI Thai Language program at the University of Wisconsin Madison. I was also awarded a full fellowship, so for the first time in memory I feel taken care of and stable. I have money to eat, a place to stay, and my own little apartment to come back to. It's a strange feeling. I haven't studied Thai for over 10 years. What if I'm terrible at it? But I am mostly just so glad to be able to do such a cool thing.
I didn't really want to go at first; I wanted to stick out 12 months at one address, but I know it's the right decision to go. And I need a break from Raleigh too. This year was intense, and some things and people I want to get away from for a little while. Honestly, the excitement I feel about coming BACK in August is the best part of this whole thing.
I figure I might update as I wander through Wisconsin. I've never ever been to that state, so I think chronicling my new adventure is called for.
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