A New Semester

There's something really exciting about the beginning of a new semester--new students, new books, all the possibilities.  I do love this time of year (exception to this being the very first day of classes, when Cal goes from being a nice quiet place where it's easy to get lunch/coffee to bursting with 30k+ people overnight...), but the first few weeks require some negotiating.  My main issue is time.  I got into a nice routine in the fall: I had writing times worked into my schedule, as well as times to rest, or do more research, or spend time with Savannah and Jason.  Now it's time to figure all that out again....my work schedule (at the teaching center) has changed, I'm teaching this semester (which is awesome, but this does take up time!), I need to finish this dissertation, I need to apply for jobs, and I'd like to spend meaningful time with friends and family.  I've not figured out the magical equation that will make this semester work just yet, but I'm optimistic it'll get sorted out here shortly.

The past few weeks have not all been about work, though.  We've also had some fun adventures.

We went to the SF Zoo for the first time with some friends from school.  It was awesome...and ridiculously warm for January

We baked the purpliest of cupcakes

I took Sav to get her nails painted.  This was the look I got when I suggested a different nail color....she knows what she wants, thankyouverymuch.

Blowing bubbles on a lovely afternoon.

Savannah has been working on letters at school, so we've been supplementing that at home.  Her energy and enthusiasm about learning is infectious.  I need to remember that learning is fun :)

We've got some exciting things coming up in the next few weeks: job interviews for me, Jason's birthday (on Sunday!), Savannah's birthday (we're going to Disneyland!), and, hopefully, the successful construction of a schedule that works for all of us.  

Lots of love,

Ashley

Christmas Photos and a Dissertation Update

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

I intended to write well before today, but I've gotten sidetracked with various other little projects.  I go back to work next week (and begin teaching for the spring term on January 21), so I"m trying to get ahead on lesson planning/dissertating/other household things before things get real crazy 'round here.

We had a lovely Christmas, full of family, good food (if I do say so myself), and lots of fun.

Savannah loved the doll house Santa brought her!

The boys took part in a Nanoblock build-a-thon..they each got the same Leaning Tower of Pisa set and raced to build it first.

It took a little over an hour, but Jason won :)

After a few days enjoying the new toys, we took Savannah to Gilroy Gardens for their Christmas lights.  We had so much fun, but it was WAY colder than we anticipated.  

Sav gave her carousel horse a hug goodbye at the end of the ride.

Running to the next ride!

Driving the car on her own

The facial expression is priceless :)

Grandma and Grandpa on the train

We all rode the carousel...this is what Grandpa did the whole time!

Gail, Danny, and Nick flew back to Virginia yesterday--we were glad to have them out here for the holidays this year.

And, since it's the first of the month, a quick dissertation update, because there's not too much to update on.  I took the last two weeks off, which was much needed (and, dare I say it, well-deserved).  I'm taking myself off on a writer's retreat next weekend with the goal of firming up edits and revisions on two chapters.  Once I do that, I'll have one chapter left to finalize (plus the edits and revisions that will, without doubt, continue right up til I file the thing).  I'm in a good place with it...there is a light at the end of the tunnel after all.  

I hope our friends on the East coast are keeping warm this weekend with all the chilly weather!

Love you all,

Ashley