#1: It has been a week

8 days ago, I graduated from college.  5 days ago, I started work full time.  I don't mess around.

Things I have learned/realized this week:
1. I am exhausted.  Working 8:30 - 5 is so different from my "24/7" gig in res. life.
2. This just feels like I'm home for the summer.  I'm sure it'll be weird in August when everyone else is going back to school.
3. That second part-time job I wanted may not be an option due to the fact that I just want to sit and do nothing when I get home.
4. I miss the people I knew I would miss.  I hope texting does not get old and is an okay replacement until I see these people in person (hopefully sooner rather than later).
5. I don't feel old enough to be a college graduate.

I started work this week at Twin Cities Orthopedics/Minnesota Prosthetics and Orthotics.  I've worked at MPO since 2004 and have been a TCO employee since 2006.  When I went to orientation at corporate on Monday, people kept saying "welcome back" to me.  I was the youngest "new" employee there and I loved the confusion on the other people's faces.  I have to admit it is quite nice to be back with the people I've worked with off and on for the past 6 years and I'm sure I'll be happy to return to a normal routine, once I'm used to it again.

Mostly, I'm just happy to be home.  I redecorated my room over spring break in preparation for my return home.  I have far too much stuff (half of it is still downstairs waiting for me to sift through it).  My clothes don't fit in my closet or my drawers.  My parking spot is on the street (but at least I have a car).  Liz and I have not gotten into a fight yet (knock on wood it doesn't happen soon either).  I love Jazz, our super cute dog.  And Mom and Dad are just Mom and Dad- I love being back home with the whole family.  I think this will be good.

Everyone keeps asking what my plan is now and in the future (I've always been a planner).  Right now, my plan only extends through the next three years because my five year plans have always fallen apart- I'm trying to think shorter term... anyway, I'll be home for the next year working then (cross your fingers) at Colorado State in Fort Collins for the following two years getting my master's degree in Higher Education Administration.  Trudy frowned and was upset that I plan to leave home again for school but I told her she just has to give me some time to try new things.  I'll be back eventually to fulfill what began as my great plan to live in a cul-de-sac with my three best friends (and maybe Liz if she's lucky).  Maybe I'll work at other schools after I get my degree, or maybe (here's hoping) there will be a spot open in Admissions at WSU.  Who really knows?  All I know is that right now, I'm happy to be here and happy to look toward my future as a college graduate.