Francophile in the West

Another month later, here I am, updating my digital life story. In the briefest of brief updates, in slightly less than seven weeks, I will be a Master. A Master of Arts in International Studies, with concentrations in Europe and Environmental Policy, that is. However, when it comes to my life right now, the operative word is a French word ( quelle surprise ). That word is entre-temps . "In the meantime" , literally, in between times. I am in between times. I am in between the reality of graduate school and the reality of professional life post-graduation. I'm trying to find a job, trying to find a new apartment, trying to find a new direction. I am, succinctly, in between phases of life. This is an interesting spot in which to be, but it's an excellent spot in which to find myself. I have no limits, nothing to hold me back, nothing to make me say "No". While there is stress and uncertainty, there is also joy and relief and renewal. Renouvellement. Repr...

Ahh! After a looooong break from the blog, I'm back at it. Winter Quarter wrapped up last week in a whirlwind of chaos, stress, 65+ pages of essays, several hundred pages of reading, numerous late nights, early mornings, procrastination via dinner cooking and "House of Cards" watching, fun dates with a wonderful gentleman, lots of laughter, and finally a huge sigh of relief when the last final essay was submitted.  I made it through another quarter. Ten weeks of nothing, nothing, then go go go . Now, there remains but one quarter. Eleven more weeks and then I graduate, walk across a stage wearing a silly cap and gown, return to the real world, and make my way as the professional Ms. Tyler, B.A., M.A., in a job that has yet to be determined (but things are looking up - fingers crossed!). Here are a few assorted snaps from various times throughout the second half of the quarter. Spring Break is happening now (and finishing up, unfortunately), so another post of pic...

Well, shoot... It has been a while. I am fully back in USA-mode and am deep in the midst of the Winter Quarter. It is unbelievable that I only have 16 weeks left in graduate school! There is so much to do, and so little time, but all is well and I have been having a blast catching up with friends, meeting new people, and doin' work at school. Here are some photos from the New Year to the present, just to catch you all up with the happenings in Washington and Denver:  Washington: I was happy to spend Christmas and the New Year in Vancouver (WA) with my parents and sister and brother-in-law. I was also reunited with Scout, our wonderful family cat! Voilà quelques photos: Happy 2015 from the Tylers! Scout, my best kitty friend and the bestest pet in allllll the land! Colorado:  Once back in Denver, I made a point to quickly revisit a few of my favorite places in town (downtown, the Highlands, South Pearl Street, etc.), and to check out some new spots. Last ...