Should I Go?

Anyone want to fly out to Tucson so we can go see Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness? I'm trying to find someone to go with. The theater is only a mile from my apartment but I'm not sure if I want to walk or ride my bike there. But I guess I'll tackle that when I go--so someone come with me!

Romero Pools Hike

        

One of the things I was and am looking forward to here in Tucson is exploring all the nature that surrounds the area. Anywhere you look there's mountains. It's really breathtaking at times. But not having a car is putting a damper on my exploring. However, luckily, as I mentioned earlier, I joined the the running club on campus and they go hiking sometimes and I was able to go to Romero Pools, in Catalina State Park. Besides the 5:30 am wake-up, it was 100% worth it. The mountains were stunning. My little legs brought up the rear because I walk slow and I was trying to take it all in. I don't think I've ever been somewhere like this before. It was definitely tough and a little precarious at times but now I have the hiking itch!

Waiting Room Fun

It's the little things in life that can cheer you up or distract you for 10 minutes. Look how much facial hair this elf has! Santa probably will tell him to wear a hairnet or shave it off before he starts working again. I don't know if you can imagine this but here I was sitting in a quiet waiting room, nervous that they called my name but another Katherine got up and took my spot, playing with this toy. I was chuckling to myself, to say the least. But I couldn't get his mouth to show--it's very hard to control.

My Room (So Far)

So I've been here 3 and a half weeks so far and I'm still not finished hanging up all my posters. I was busy at first, then a decorating perfectionist, and now I'm just lazy. There's just not enough wall space for all my posters--I guess my closet or bathroom or door will have to suffice for some of them. Hopefully I'll finish soon so I can show off the whole thing. And for those interested, I have my own bathroom, walk-in closet, and balcony, and I'm sleeping in a full bed, no blanket or comforter yet (it can't fit in my backpack when I ride home from the store!). So I guess my room is in the process of completion and hopefully it'll be done soon. Fingers crossed.

Chipwiches

I think I have a problem. Yes, actually probably a lot of problems but I'm specifically talking about my ice cream addiction. The "RA's" in my building planned a lot of first-week-of-school events and tonight was ice cream sandwich night. So after my run, I snuck in, made this delicious sandwich, and hurried back to my room before it melted. It was probably the best chipwich I ever had. And if you want to hear how PC's aunt invented the chipwich, just ask him--he loves to tell his stories. So that was my dinner tonight; Mom, don't be mad.

Froyo Again

It seems like all pictures I post are sunsets and froyo. But I ran and spun (I went spinning?) today so I'm allowed to get it, okay? I also unofficially joined the running club on campus. I'm very excited to actually run with people again, even if I get caught up in running fast and feel very tired afterwards. Everyone assumes I'm a freshman (I completely understand) but it's getting a little old now. But still, it's better than running alone.

My Cubicle

Well, this is my cubicle in the economics department. I really don't know what to do with it. Do I decorate it? But I survived math camp. We had our midterm today (math camp was the first portion of the course) and it was the first day of school! The campus exploded with people between Saturday at math camp and this morning. It's buzzing and a little overwhelming.

Don't Text and Bike

I'm pretty sure I mentioned that I bought a bike. And even though I end up super sweaty (always) after riding it, I love it. I'll be sweating and melting and I'll think, "Wow, this is great." I run all my errands on my bike, so that includes 3 and 4 mile one-way trips to the grocery store or Target. I'm super discombobulated in any store that I'm not used to, with my helmet hanging from my backpack, sweaty and lost, like today in Target. And I can only buy things that fit in said backpack. It can be quite a struggle. But I'll get used to it, or I'll buy a basket. Also, hopefully I can ride without hands so then I can take better pictures of myself (see above).

Hot Dog Craving

"The idea of waiting for something makes it more exciting." -Andy Warhol

I think I only mentioned this to Cody but I've been craving a hot dog for weeks or even months now. I came so close to eating one on the Fourth of July but when I went up to get it, all the food was put away! So I've been looking forward to this day for a while. I knew that the welcome picnic here would have them but I was excited to see that I could get one today (2 days early!!) if I only small talked with some organization on campus that probably thought I was a freshman and I didn't tell them otherwise. One girl asked me my major and what I'd do with a degree in economics. I just shrugged my shoulders. I'm there now and I'm still not sure.

Walk Back From Class

        

So is anyone interested in visiting? After my afternoon review class, the temperature dropped to the mid-80s and it felt wonderful and I wanted to go for a run (because I've been running in sunny 97 degrees). But as soon as I got back to my apartment, it heated up again. So no run for me. But the recreation center recently started letting students in so I've been there everyday. It's super huge and I don't know the difference between a stationary bike and a spinning bike. And they play good music there. I was surprised. Hopefully I get some muscle back (as if I had any, I know) so I can say "bigger muscles win bigger tussles" again.

ID Fiasco

I apologize in advance for no picture. There's been a lot going on lately and I haven't gotten my thoughts figured out or remembered to think of cool things to blog about.

But yesterday, a strange things happened. I went to the bar near my apartment with some new friends in my building. When I went to order my cider, the bartender said my ID was not a valid form of identification for Arizona. So I had to walk back and get my passport. The ridiculous thing is that my license is not expired--it's just still vertical because I renewed it before I turned 21 and I hadn't needed to change it. Except in Arizona. What the heck! If the TSA lets me board a plane with my vertical license, then I don't see why I can't buy a drink. That's all. Not really complaining but I wish I had known before I flew out here. Here's hoping the DMV/Penndot helps a sister out.

Viking Runner Family

"I have fought the good fight;

I have finished the race;

I have kept the faith."

Once a member of the Viking runner family, always a member,

during all the highs and even more especially the lows.

There's not much else I can put into words right now.

What I'm Listening To: "Rivers and Roads"

Relatable in so many ways right now. And I don't care that this will be the third time I posted about this song.

Hottest August 15th on Record

So on a record-tying hottest August 15th in Tucson, I road my bike four miles each way in the midday sun to the grocery store. But it was definitely worth it to buy three avocados for $1 and many other produce deals. Were the buckets of sweat worth it? Most definitely. And nothing beats the sunset after a long and hot day, when you can finally enjoy yourself outside without feeling like you jumped into a hot tub in all your clothes. 

Just Read: The 100-Year-Old Man...

Today I finished The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared. It was very funny, but a dry hilariousness. I'd liken it to a mix between Candide and Forrest Gump but with a Swedish guy going on all sorts of adventures. At this point, you are probably asking how do I have all this free time to pursue cool activities like reading and biking riding and yoga? Well first, I'd go crazy if I was cooped up all day doing crazy math homework. And second, it's still math camp and I had three days off (god bless those international students, taking one for the team). But soon you'll be complaining about how boring my life is and how nothing is "new" anymore and then you'll be sorry. And I will too, as I'm stuck doing economics 24/7/52/5 (that's 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year, for 5 years). Now who's the real loser?

Locally Grown Food Store

Instead of doing my homework, I headed to 4th Avenue (by the yoga place). It's a couple blocks along the streetcar line that have a ton of locally owned shops and restaurants. I went specifically for the Food Conspiracy Co-op, a grocery store selling mainly local and organic foods. And I had a coupon for a free gift. While it was pricey (and I understand why), I'll definitely be back. A ton of yummy things lined the shelves and I bought salsa to try. If I keep my eye on the deals, then I won't break the bank by going back. For lunch, I treated myself to a blizzard at Dairy Queen (they were doing a fundraiser) and I think it was the best one I ever had--no skimping on the Reese's cups at all!

1st Yoga Class

Some cool art on my walk.

Sorry for all the trashcans.

Many people have suggested that I try yoga and I always brushed them off. But being in this new place, I decided to try something new. I found this tiny little yoga studio nearby called 4th Avenue Yoga that had $4 classes so I thought why not? They had a class called "Core and Stretch"  and I thought that was good to try as my first ever class. I felt so awkward at the beginning. I didn't know what to bring into the room or if my outfit was appropriate (shout out to Kristen, Cody, Elise, and Google for helping me out). I was very uncomfortable. But Phoebe (the instructor) was very nice and friendly and the session went well. I didn't know how to do a lot but I'm a quick learner. By the end, I was soaked by sweat--and so was everyone else in the class. The guy next to me had pools around him. I'll be sure to head back, especially now that my second class is free!

Bike Buying

Even before getting accepted, I knew that I wanted a bike if I lived in Tucson (thank you Pinterest). And when I visited in March, I just saw bikes everywhere. So naturally, my first item on the to-do list was buy a bike. But where??? I found this used bike shop called BICAS about a 20 minute walk away and headed there. They sell refurbished bikes, recently used bikes, bike parts, and accessories. They also have space for you to learn how to fix your bike under the supervision of a mechanic. A pretty cool place. To be honest, I was a little nervous--I didn't what would be good for me and I didn't want to mess up! But the people there were super helpful. There was really only one bike that fit me (that purple one above) so I rode around the neighborhood for a test run. Super smooth and nothing too intense for me to ride to the grocery store or the movies. Hopefully it lasts and doesn't get stolen and I don't mind riding in the heat. But I am very excited to take it out on the town and see what Tucson has to offer.

A Ted Talk for 20-Somethings

Stumbled upon via this article. Just something to think about as some of us navigate the waters post-college. Give it a listen. I'm late for class now!

Desk Building

Just finished

With all my stuff

My big accomplishment of the day was building my desk all by my big girl self! It narrowly beat out my 11 hours of sleep and (sort of) figuring out my math homework. I was dreading building this desk since we bought it. One, I needed a screwdriver and hammer that I didn't have so that meant finding them. And two, I doubted that it could be done by one person. Nonetheless, it needed to get done so after going to Ace Hardware (very nice staff there), I started and I conquered! I didn't put the door on but whatever, it's my desk. My roommates definitely thought something suspicious was going on. But now I have a desk and I still have no idea why the graduate housing, of all places, doesn't have desks.

Math Camp on a Saturday?

The mailbox I eventually found.

The chapel

Yes, indeed, I had class today. I definitely thought I was over my can't-wake-up phase that caused me to sleep 9+ hours every day during the summer but alas, I guess my last three days of getting 7/8 hours hit me finally. I didn't wake up to run this morning and left late for class. And it's a 18 minute walk to my classroom. I was a mess. I spent part of my afternoon trying to buy stamps and find a mailbox, Also, deciding to walk a mile to the post office at noon in Tucson is not one of my smartest ideas but it worked out--I found a place closer but I think they ripped me off. And the mail in the mailbox doesn't get picked up on Saturday so that's cool.

After my review session, I went to church. Little Asher Daniel was getting baptized so that was different from my normal experiences at campus chapels. And then as I was trekking back to my apartment (If it's more than a ten minute walk, it's a trek.), some guy asked me to take his picture. He complimented me on how well I took it--it literally was a point-and-shoot camera. How would I have messed that up? I also was weirded out by him but I think that friendly people are weird and I'm not sure why they would talk to me so that may be the case here. But it was a good picture--the sun was peaking out behind some dark clouds as it was setting.

Treats After Math Camp

Math camp is everything you ever nightmared about. It's three hours of lecture in a very cold room where you learn things you may or may not have seen before but are confused in either case. It's honestly not that bad at all but I feel sorry for the account Ph.D. students in my class who haven't taken a math class since high school. It is truly a crash course for them. So after my first day of math camp, I really wanted ice cream. Knowing me, I wouldn't usually go but Elise said I should. After an internal debate of where to go, I settled on a FroYo place on the next street over. This isn't going to be good knowing that it's there. Soon I'll be going every night!

Busy Day Two

As most people would expect, we started off our day with a run. I really didn't sleep well, between being woken up by a fire alarm and some crazy nightmares about my roommates eating my blueberries and creepy guys. We headed up to Rillito River Park, just north of the university. Well, surprise, there's no river--just a river bed, all dried up. But what was most surprising (and welcomed) was the rain. It rained, I repeat. It definitely cooled things off.

The goal of the day was to finish up shopping--I got most of my stuff yesterday but today was for the forgotten items. And for some reason, there's no desk in the graduate housing rooms so we went searching. First we went to the Tucson Habistore--so cool. I found a cool wooden chair, currently sitting in it now but no luck with the desk. We'd end up at Sam Levitz Furniture Outlet at an out-of-the-blue recommendation by a stranger in Walmart. But now I have to figure out how to assemble it and right now I don't own a screwdriver. Should be fun.

After an unsuccessful attempt at going up a mountain yesterday, aka we couldn't find it (To our defense, it was dark out.), we drove up 'A' mountain. Aptly named, it has a big white 'A' on it. The road was a little precarious but the views were worth it. But at this point, I was hot and tired and ready for dinner. I'll have to go back up at a later date to fully enjoy the experience and climb to the very top. So today ends my moving in and preparation for school. Tomorrow starts math camp--woohoo.

First Day in Tucson

Old Main, University of Arizona

"There's no way to know what males one thing happen and not another. What leads to what. What destroys what. What causes what to flourish or die or take another course."

-Sheryl Strayed, Wild

See You Never PA

Well I'm off! See you later Pennsylvania and soft pretzels and everyone. If anyone finds themselves in Tucson, call me maybe. 

Ice Cream Goodbyes

It seems like I've been eating sweet treats with everyone lately. Maura and I went to Sweet Briar yesterday, Elise treated me to ice cream at Jack Frost this afternoon, and Joanna got me Rita's tonight. I'm definitely not complaining. I'm a super big fan of ice cream. But it's been a lot of "see you later" lately but it still really hasn't hit me that I'll soon be in Arizona. I'm still not fully packed and I'm not finished my homework for math camp yet. People have been saying goodbye but I feel like I'll see them tomorrow or later this week and not in a few months in actuality. It's going to be tough--especially because everyone wants to be my penpal now and that's a whole lot of stamps and postcards. That last part was a joke by the way. 

Going Away

Just a big thank you to everyone who was able to come say "good luck and good riddance" to me before I leave on Tuesday. And if anyone wants a cupcake or chicken parm, please stop by my house. So much leftover. For those who couldn't make it, I guess you'll just have to make the trek out to Arizona. It's only fair.

Into the Green

Another last time for awhile. Last run at Valley Green until it's cold out. I always was able to run at the Green, even during the year, because it was 20 minutes from school. But now I'm heading to Arizona where there aren't trees. But I actually just googled it up and there are trees? We'll see when I get there. And Saturday was such a gorgeous summer day to run--not too hot at all. After I finished my 10.5 miles, I watched as geese flew into the creek. My dad likened it to the flying monkeys in The  Wizard of Oz. This little kid was throwing whole slices of bread to the geese and then he cracked up as they all attacked the bread. So funny.