where have i been?

Yes, I'm sure most of you....well, if anyone actually still does read this blog.....are wondering just what I have been up to since my return to the United States. Before heading back to my "wonderful" home state of MN, I took a short detour through Amsterdam and, much to my disappointment, Athens. I will most definitely create time in the future to return to Amsterdam! However, I cannot express enough how profusely disappointed I was in Athens. If there is a hell on earth, truly, Athens is just that place.

Now, I'm sure I'm probably being somewhat harsh, and there are probably much nicer places in Greece to frequent, but all I can say is....WHAT WERE THEY THINKING??? Never in my life have I seen a more trashed up tourist attraction. Everything was so filthy and unpleasant. Although I would not recommend anyone visit Athens, I can say, with confidence, that I took away one good experience: Greek salad! Very delicious and nutritious!

Anyway, since I returned to the states in late April, I managed to graduate (FINALLY) from the University of Minnesota with my Bachelor of Science! I just received my diploma in the mail two days ago!!! After experiencing the temporary high of a job well done I snapped back into the reality of my newfound status as an "unemployed college graduate." Yes, job searching is just as tedious and depressing as everyone says it is....if not more. Just as I was rejoicing over the fact of no longer being a student, I felt myself desperately longing for the days of academic anguish. Well, it has now been almost two months since I've graduated and I am very pleased to say that I HAVE A JOB!!!!!!

Oh yes, I will be working for the man....well, the goverment at least. I will soon be starting a position as a Research Analyst with the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission in St. Paul!!! This is very exciting for me as the position sort of fell into my lap. It just so happens that this position is exactly what I was looking for and exactly what I was hoping to be able to do with myself until I go back to school! I am looking forward to actually having money and having excellent health benefits! I actually can't recall the last time I felt so much happiness and excitement! More info. to come on this exciting development!

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!!!!