Web Chat Tonight!

If you're interested in talking to GSE students (of different programs) about our experience at Penn GSE, join us for a web chat tonight from 8pm-9pm (EST)! Click on this link: http://www.gse.upenn.edu/admissions_financial then RSVP to the web chat event and you will receive an email link to check into tonight... See you there!

The Last Three Weeks

Since Thanksgiving break is over... It's the home stretch until Winter break. The next three weeks are going to be B-U-S-Y. The office is in a buzz over receiving new applications (the deadline is on December 1st) and students are also trying to get there schedules organized and papers done as well. On the other hand, it was so nice to go home to Massachusetts and relax for a few days... It was a much need break.

Also, it's the month of December which means, "Let the holiday parties begin!" A lot of work and a lot of fun are in store for the next few weeks... Winter themed decorations went up in the office today and everying looks festive for the holidays... I'm looking forward to some egg nog.

TV

I just realized that I never watch TV... and not because I don't want to. Although it was the best deal to get cable AND internet from Comcast (no, just getting the internet is not cheaper for some reason), I never ended up buying a TV to actually use the cable box that is nicely wired and sitting in my apartment. It's probably a good thing because homework may never get done otherwise. With that said, I am so excited to go home next week! Yes, to see my family and celebrate Thanksgiving... but also to watch some much need television. I especially miss the movie channels. I rent movies on iTunes and watch on my computer, but it's just not the same... :-/ One week from today, you can count on me vegging out on my parents' couch in a snuggie (j/k), with some hot apple cider, watching a movie...

Midterm papers + Completion = Happiness

These past couple weeks have been a little rough trying to get papers finished. But they're finally done! I'm in the clear for a couple weeks and it'll be nice to spend some time with my family this weekend (probably in the rain, since Philadelphia refuses to be sunny lately). It's hard to believe how fast the school year is going by. It's almost Thanksgiving, then really just a few more weeks until the semester is over... wow! It still seems to me like I'm settling into GSE and Philadelphia. I probably won't be ready to leave come May...

Month of the Turkey

It's finally November... and my favorite month! It's a good thing I don't have triskaidekaphobia (a phobia concerning the number 13) because my birthday this year falls on Friday the 13th and my age is double the 13s (26). My family is going to be in town from Massachusetts and it's always nice to have a couple of familiar faces in town. We're going to grab some good food and hang out in Philly... Hopefully the weather holds up for the weekend.

Also in November... Thanksgiving! Probably my favorite holiday of the year... maybe a tie with Christmas. Obvioulsy the food is the best part- and the leftovers last until I almost can't stand it anymore.

Gobble, gobble...

Halloween!

This past weekend I went back to Louisiana for a visit. The weather was great and it was nice to go to a football game... This week is already almost over at GSE and unfortunately, the weather has taken a turn for the worse. Since midterms and papers are looming right around the corner, it's proabaly for the best. Although, I have to say that I'm pretty excited about Halloween this year! It'll be my first in Philadelphia and I'm planning to set some time aside for pumkin carving tomorrow and dressing up on Saturday. I haven't decided what to be at this point, but this afternoon would be the best time to get to costume shops and pick one out...

The best part about Halloween for me is the pumkin flavored drinks and food. I simply can't have too much of pumkin spiced lattes, pumpkin bread, pumkin pie... and I can't forget mulled apple cider. Happy Halloween!

Time is Flying By...

This weekend was a cold and rainy one! It gave me plenty of time to catch up on school work, though... About half way through this first semester, I'm finally feeling completely settled in to the city and to GSE. Classes are moving quickly and it's hard to believe that November is approaching. I'm just realizing now that one year in a Master's program is not all that much time to get to know the area or the people around you. Getting together with friends can be a challenge most days because of homework or class schedules (which sometimes go late)... It's going by way too fast! Before I know it, it will be winter break, then graduation and having to say goodbye to all of the new friends I've made here. Who knows, though, Philadelphia is such a wonderful place to be, I could be in this city for a long time to come...