Who Gwendolyn, can we hear more about you?

[ladypirate]

Gwen, I just caught up on your thread and I wanted to say that your grandmother sounds like an absolutely WONDERFUL woman. I''m sure she is watching you from heaven with your grandfather and is so so proud of everything you''re accomplishing. *hugs*

Also, I had a siamese growing up as well! Actually, I inherited her from my grandmother when she passed away when I was 16 (she was a really neat lady...maybe someday I''ll post about her) and the cat was already 18. She (the cat, that is) lived to be 23 and was happy and healthy right up until the end. She liked to crawl under the covers to sleep with me at night.

YAY FOR FINISHING YOUR THESIS TOMORROW!!!!

I can''t wait to read that you''re all finished. I will drink champagne in your honor!

 

[sunnyd]

Alright Gwen, what about you? Do you and J have any songs?

Yay for finishing your thesis indeed! Happy dance, happy dance!

 

[ladypirate]

How''s it going, Gwen? Is the monster turned in yet???

*sends good vibes your way*

 

[gwendolyn]

Hahah, thanks, ladies! LadyP, I suffered some setbacks yesterday, but as of about 5 minutes ago, it is DONE!!! The writing, that is. I can''t print it out at the moment because I have some colour pages that I need the IT guys to print for me (don''t ask, the colour printer is only accessible to staff and costs a buttload for students to use with staff supervision--for such a rich school, this place is so cheap!). BUT THAT MEANS THAT ALL I HAVE LEFT TO DO IS PRINT AND BIND IT, BABY!!!!! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

When it''s all bound up and ready to be turned in, I''ll take some pictures (I''ll also have my own copy, but I have to submit two, so I''ll have a little stack o'' three before I turn the other two in). I am such a dork, but seriously, I''ve been working on this for ages!!! 19,046 words, excluding table of contents, footnotes, appendices, references, tables, abstract, acknowledgments, etc. Including all that stuff (I figured it out), it''s 25,554 words (plus another few hundred in footnotes--those don''t come up when I use the word count tool unless I do them one by one and I can''t be arsed

). US standard sized paper it''s 98 pages; UK A4 sized paper it''s 93 pages. My own little book.

So, I am going to take it easy tonight, get up early tomorrow to print everything out, and then head into town to get my copies bound. YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY!!!! Oh, man, it feels so good to be done.

 

[gwendolyn]

Date: 7/8/2008 6:35:55 PM
Author: sunnyd
Alright Gwen, what about you? Do you and J have any songs?

Yay for finishing your thesis indeed! Happy dance, happy dance!

Oooh, do J and I have any songs...well, yes, as a matter of fact, we do!

They aren''t exactly well-known songs, though, so let me dredge up some YouTube videos...

Ok, I''m going to try to directly link to them, but since I''m on a Mac/Firefox, it''s all kind of wonky so I apologize in advance if I mess up the tags.

"It Must Be Love" by Madness. James introduced me to this song right around that time I was starting to get the feeling that I was falling in love with him, and when I listened to the words, I was like, "Yeah, oh yeah, I''m in trouble."

So, this is what I consider to be our main song.

Whenever we talk about ''songs'' or ''our song'' or anything, he always mentions this song called "Hands" by The Raconteurs because he says the lyrics make him think of me. (This is a guy who never pays attention to lyrics in music, so that in itself was pretty remarkable, but the lyrics are really, really sweet.)

Neither of those sound anything like typical ''love songs.'' I know.

I don''t think we''ll end up having a very traditional wedding for billions of reasons, but if we *do* have a first dance, I imagine it will probably be to one of those two songs. James HATES to dance, so we probably wouldn''t anyway, but who knows.

If we ever did do a more normal, dancey first song, I''d want it to be "At Last" by Etta James. Love that song. *wistful sigh*

(The movie shown in that video is pretty cute too, ''Funny Face'', very sweet

).

Ok, I think those are the top three that come to mind. There are probably another hundred that make me think of him, but I think those three are enough.

 

[Delster]

Gwen I''ve been having so much fun reading this thread! So nice to hear more about you hon!

Date: 7/9/2008 1:03:53 PM
Author: gwendolyn
When it''s all bound up and ready to be turned in, I''ll take some pictures (I''ll also have my own copy, but I have to submit two, so I''ll have a little stack o'' three before I turn the other two in). I am such a dork, but seriously, I''ve been working on this for ages!!! 19,046 words, excluding table of contents, footnotes, appendices, references, tables, abstract, acknowledgments, etc. Including all that stuff (I figured it out), it''s 25,554 words (plus another few hundred in footnotes--those don''t come up when I use the word count tool unless I do them one by one and I can''t be arsed

). US standard sized paper it''s 98 pages; UK A4 sized paper it''s 93 pages. My own little book.

Just on this, if you really wanna know how many words you have including footnotes, there is a way to do that. If you go to Tools->Word Count there''s a little box at the end that you can check if you want it to count your footnotes and endnotes. Just a wee note in case you want the ego boost!

And CONGRATULATIONS on finishing up! Yay!!!

 

[ladypirate]

WOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!

CONGRATS!

*Does a happy dance for you*

You rule!

 

[Keepingthefaith21]

Awww GWEN! I wish I had seen this sooner!!! I loved reading your story and am even happier to see your oh-so-happy time to print and bind "ending".

Thank you so much for sharing!!

 

[SarahLovesJS]

Gwen I am sooooooo excited!!!!

I can''t wait to see the pics! You reached the finish line, wooohoooo! This is probably one of the best feelings ever. I am proud of you! Sorry for not replying sooner, I''ve been feeling kind of sickly and down. So you want to hear what dumby me did today? I got up, got dressed, and went to class. Waited..and waited..and no one showed up. Then I wondered if I was in the wrong room, so went and asked another Professor for help. Well guess what? It starts tomorrow.

I feel so silly. I wasted money to park and everything! Oh well.

I guess I got it confused because I was supposed to start my job today, but that ended up not working out; therefore, no more summer money for me.

They wanted me to work only weekends, which is the exact opposite of what I wanted/needed and didn''t tell me until less than a week before.

Oh and I just spoke to FI and apparently I dried his clothes on "no heat/air fluff" so he had to wear wet clothes to work this morning. I feel so horrible! My mind is clearly not here right now.

As for schools, I guess it''s really a top 6 school I wanted to get into. I am afraid of leaving FI.

I also will miss my school horribly if I don''t get into law school here. I went and talked to admissions and they told me to retake the LSAT. But I feel like a kid throwing a fit because I just don''t want to pay for it or put the time into again. FI and my parents say if I don''t want to do that, then I don''t want to go to that school as bad as I think I do. I guess a lot of it is fear of the unknown and the idea of moving to a new city (I would be near FI''s parents) and going to a new school. New colors..new mascot..sigh. I''d miss my colors. That sounds dumb, right? Maybe it''s growing pains. My Mom said I need to just start letting go because I''m going to have to leave this school sooner or later anyway and maybe it''s time for me to go somewhere new. And to be honest, my score was decent, but to get in the top schools I''d have to raise a bunch. Admissions told me with my current score it would be difficult, but not impossible. At least they were honest with me. He essentially gave me two options to get in: take it again or transfer in later. He said they have to take over 70% of transfers from in-state and if I go to a good in-state school (he told me which ones to go to) I could transfer back if I wanted. I really didn''t want to go through transferring again (I transferred for undergrad ahhh!!!). Did I mention a different law school means FI finding a new job since we will be married? However, FI doesn''t exactly mind that he''s really bored with his current job and would love to move back to where he''s from. He also hates this city. Hehe, poor FI. Anyway, I guess I am not so good with that pride seven deadly sin.

I always want to be the best, but I guess you can''t always be the best, right? Or I guess you can''t always be the best at everything? Who knows. I''ll figure it out, I have some other good prospects I suppose.

Going to the top 6 school means like huuuuuge loans compared to not so bad loans and while it means more job opportunities most of them will be 70hr a week jobs that I don''t want. I''d like to work somewhere in the federal or state government with my law degree. As tempting as Biglaw jobs are, I want a family and I''d like to actually see FI. And I don''t want a nanny and I don''t want a maid, I want to wash my own dishes. I don''t think I''d have time to do that with the big firm job. Does that make sense? So maybe going to the smaller school that is top 40 as opposed to top 6 and is cheaper will be better. It is a really good school.

I am sorry about your grandma. I totally know how you feel. My one grandfather doesn''t really talk to us much so I don''t count him. So the only grandparent I have left is my Mom''s mother. I try to appreciate her as much as I can. I miss my grandpa so much, it''s really, really hard. Especially now because he was a minister and was going to officiate over my wedding. I''m doing all these things I wanted him to be here to see. I''m sure you feel the same way. Oh well, right? There''s nothing we can do about it I suppose other than to keep on moving and know the people around us now are proud of us. So, again, congratulations on a huuuge accomplishment!!!!

 

[honey22]

Congrats Gwen on handing in your thesis!!!! WOOOHOOOO! It''s a great feeling isn''t it, though I was a little lost after I handed in my BSc Honours thesis - like what the hell am I going to do now?!

You on the other hand chicky, need to lock yourself and that yummy boy of your''s away in a warm dark room for several days and just celebrate being together and in love and happy!

I have really enjoyed reading about you and your life Gwe, you seem like a truly awesome, strong, caring person and you are one of my favorite PSers - I love reading your posts and always seem to understand and connect with what you are saying.

I am so sorry to hear that you lost your Grandma, she sounds like a special beautiful woman. I had tears flowing down my face reading about her, the picture is beautiful. Hopefully one day you will again feel happy looking at that view instead of just sadness and emptiness. I am sure she would want you to gaze out at that beautiful scenery and remember the happy loving Grandmother you had and smile at the good times you shared, and let go of your sadness.

 

[gwendolyn]

Delster! Hahaha, thank you so much for your congrats on my thesis (WOOO!) and the tip on how to count footnotes, darlin''! I did that and it added nother 347 words--woohoo! I still can''t believe I was able to write so much about one thing!

LadyPirate thank you so much for the congratulations!!! I went back and forth between being so so excited and happy it was over, to just being dead tired.

Thank you so much for being excited for me!

Keepingthefaith21, thank you so much for reading up on me, sweetie! You are such a kind, thoughtful person. I love your posts and always feel like we have so much in common, so I am really happy you''ve popped in here to say hello!

Sarah!! Thank you so much for your excitement about my thesis completion! Yeah, I hear you on being rather torn about schools and not wanting to go to a new place and all that. I think sometimes change is good, and sometimes it''s stressful, and most of the time it''s both. But eventually you''ll have to move on from your current school, so maybe it will work out for the best in the end? I don''t know, babe. I do hope that you end up happy with wherever you end up, though, of course.

honey22, dahlink! I am so glad to see you in here! Your post made me tear up a bit when you got to the part about my grandma--not in a bad way, just because it means so much to me that you could be so moved by my description of her! She really is (still) such an important part of me. I love that you clearly understand that about me by the fact that you were crying about her too. Maybe that sounds kind of demented, I don''t know, but it really means a lot to me. There are a few ladies here that I think I would get along really, really well with, and you are one of them. Thank you so much for taking the time (oi, heaps of time!) to come and read up about me.

 

[miraclesrule]

Whoooohoooo, the Thesis is Done!! Phew, I bet you are so relieved to get that completed. What a great accomplishment. Congrats!!

[/i]

 

[SarahLovesJS]

Thanks Gwen!

I am going to figure it out I suppose.

I don''t want to leave FI that''s part of it..well he''ll be hubby then. But like I said he said he''d rather go to the other area w/ the other school anyway, he hates it here. I am just terrified he''ll get stuck in a bad job in the new place and it''ll be my fault.

I am crazy, right?

 

[honey22]

Date: 7/14/2008 7:09:28 AM
Author: gwendolyn
Delster! Hahaha, thank you so much for your congrats on my thesis (WOOO!) and the tip on how to count footnotes, darlin''! I did that and it added nother 347 words--woohoo! I still can''t believe I was able to write so much about one thing!

LadyPirate thank you so much for the congratulations!!! I went back and forth between being so so excited and happy it was over, to just being dead tired.

Thank you so much for being excited for me!

Keepingthefaith21, thank you so much for reading up on me, sweetie! You are such a kind, thoughtful person. I love your posts and always feel like we have so much in common, so I am really happy you''ve popped in here to say hello!

Sarah!! Thank you so much for your excitement about my thesis completion! Yeah, I hear you on being rather torn about schools and not wanting to go to a new place and all that. I think sometimes change is good, and sometimes it''s stressful, and most of the time it''s both. But eventually you''ll have to move on from your current school, so maybe it will work out for the best in the end? I don''t know, babe. I do hope that you end up happy with wherever you end up, though, of course.

honey22, dahlink! I am so glad to see you in here! Your post made me tear up a bit when you got to the part about my grandma--not in a bad way, just because it means so much to me that you could be so moved by my description of her! She really is (still) such an important part of me. I love that you clearly understand that about me by the fact that you were crying about her too. Maybe that sounds kind of demented, I don''t know, but it really means a lot to me. There are a few ladies here that I think I would get along really, really well with, and you are one of them. Thank you so much for taking the time (oi, heaps of time!) to come and read up about me.

Gwen, it doesn''t sound demented! I feel the same way about you! I so often read your posts and feel like we are on the same page, and that you totally get me too - I know we would be buddies out in the ''real world''

. I really enjoyed getting to know you some more! I have never hang out here, but I think it''s going to be another of my must reads around here, this Pricescoping is becoming a fulltime hobby

 

[snowflakeluvr]

i loved reading your story-and love your love story with james. i have become cynical in my not-so-old age and long, typical marriage. your tender perspective is endearing. you make an adorable couple!
ps i''d probably truly die before i could give up chocolates....hope you able to sample again SOON!

 

[miraclesrule]

Has anyone noticed how quiet Gwen gets when J and her are in the same physical space?

 

[SarahLovesJS]

Yes!! Hahahaha.

Well, at least they''re having a good time, right?

 

[gwendolyn]

miraclesrule, ohmigosh, YES, I am *sooooo* relieved it is all over!! I have basically been doing nothing but lounging around and napping since I left school. It''s taking a while, but I am recouperating! And yes, J is helping with that.

]

Sarah, sweetie, don''t worry too much about changing locations for school and what that might mean for your FI. I''m sure he is perfectly aware of what a move might mean for his career, but if he says he''s ok with it, trust him! Nothing in life is a sure thing, and everyone has to move on to something new at some point, so just go with the flow and follow what your gut tells you to do. Or, if all else fails, make a pros & cons list for each school. That''s what I''ve done every time for university selection! It''s a good way to figure out what you really want to do, because I found myself trying to come up with extra reasons to go to a certain school, which showed me very clearly what I really wanted for myself. Maybe that would help you sort out your feelings?

honey22, first of all, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!! I hope you are having an amazing 30th!!!

If I was closer, I''d totally come to your party on Saturday. I really do think we''d be great friends in real life!

snowflakeluvr, aww, thank you, darlin'', that is so sweet of you to say! I like us as a couple too, but obviously I am highly biased.

As for the chocolates, I can eat them again!

My stomach problems were all stress related, and once the thesis was turned in on the 11th of July and I moved out of school, things have been MUCH, much better healthwise. I am back to eating spicy foods (yum!), drinking tea and coffee, having dairy foods, and eating chocolate!

 

[SarahLovesJS]

Gwen it''s so nice to hear from you!!

I am glad you''re having a good time and relaxing. Thanks for the advice, I''ve been doing mental pro and con lists, those are great. I guess I should just trust FI and stop worrying about it.

I just feel guilty asking him to sacrifice for me, but I guess it really isn''t sacrificing if he wants to move anyway?

He hates it here, haha.

Hope you''re having a great week with your future FI!! Any engagement news?!?!??!?!

Ahh back to work, smiley overload.

 

[ladypirate]

So do we get to see pictures of your new place?

 

[gwendolyn]

Hahah, Sarah, it''s not much of a sacrifice for your FI if he wants to move!

Sometimes I think moving is one of the best things you can do, because it lends so many new opportunities! I think it will all work out in the end, darlin''.

As for engagement news, NOPE, none here! Don''t you worry, when J and I have enough money saved up to start the ring process, you will be the first to know, m''lovely.

LP, you definitely will get to see pics of the new place once J and I *have* a new place!

We are kind of in limbo at the moment--I am staying with him for the next few weeks so we don''t have to pay an extra month for an apartment in London before I start work and before J has a job there. We will move down there right before I start working at school (Sept 1st), so probably the last week or week and a half of August. I was doing some apartment shopping online earlier today, to get an idea of what''s out there, and I am getting excited!! (Just hoping I stay excited rather than stressed about it!)

How are you and Kris liking your new place?

 

[Haven]

Gwennie! I''m so glad you have a Who''s Who thread!

I''m going to spend the next hour reading through it, you darling, you!

 

[ladypirate]

Gwen, I just have to say, I LOVE your new icon. So cute. (Even if I miss the picture of your lovely face!)

Staying with J up North for a bit extra is a great idea--yay for saving money! Are you enjoying living together so far?

Kris and I are loving our place! We ordered an SD card reader since we lost the cable to our camera in the move, so I''ll be posting pictures once we get that.

 

[ladypirate]

Gwendolyn, how are you? I hope you''re enjoying your time up North. Are you getting excited for the move to London?

 

[gwendolyn]

Haven, you are such a sweetheart! Thank you so much for taking the time to read the strange mish-mash that is this thread.

LP, I''m doing ok! We''ve been having some weird power failures here so I''ve been a bit bored and feeling useless, since I know nothing about electrical wiring and stuff to try to help fix it. Things seem to be working ok today, so I''ve been following up on some of the properties I''ve found online and am arranging times to go see them on Monday! I was kind of disappointed, since the first real estate agent I talked to basically said that the market has been slow, so they''ve left a bunch of apartments up on the websites to make it look like there''s a lot available when in fact most of them are not any more. So, a few that I thought looked amazing have already been snapped up--isn''t that the way of it? Bleh. But! There are a few that look promising, especially these cute 1 bedroom houses (yes, houses, not flats!). For some weird reason, I really like the idea of renting a ''house'' instead of a ''flat,'' even though space-wise they''re probably the same.

So, yeah, James and I will be heading down to London on Sunday, and then we''ll check out some apartments on Monday!! Hopefully I''ll have happy news when I return on Tuesday!!

 

[SarahLovesJS]

Gwen!! So exciting about housing prospects!

I totally understand what you mean about the house.

Can''t wait to hear what you find!

 

[miraclesrule]

Good luck Gwen!! I know that you will make any "house" a "home".

 

[bee*]

That''s so exciting Gwen! Enjoy going to London and I hope that the prefect place comes a calling!

 

[gwendolyn]

Awww, thank you so much, Sarah, miracles and bee-star! You are very sweet.

I am really excited about this apartment shopping--I hope it goes well! I have seven properties lined up to view on Monday, all in this lovely, leafy village that''s pretty close to my school but a lot more affordable than the neighbourhood where my school is. There are a few that look good on paper, so I''m hoping they end up being ok in person! If I can, I will take photos--otherwise I''ll snag the photos from the estate agent to show you the one we choose!

I also got us a great deal on a hotel for tomorrow night (we''re driving down to London tomorrow so we''re there for the morning viewings). And it''ll be so nice to just get away for a day! Like a mini-vacation.

Can''t wait to report on how it goes when I get back! Hopefully I will have some good news to share!

 

[SarahLovesJS]

Sweet that sounds awesome, have fun and stay hydrated that''s a lot of apartment viewing!!!