Wrap Up 2013

Hey-ho folks. I realized that I have not blogged in quite some time, and though I've been busy, it's now the holidays, so I should at least try to put in some effort, right?

Anyway, here's what I've been up to since the last time I was around:

I'm one step closer to obtaining my MFA. This past semester was tough. There's no way around it. Between having a full-time job (more on that later), and balancing school and life, it was an uphill battle. But as always, I made it through, maybe a bit more worn for the wear, but with a better appreciation for my writing and for how things usually work out for the best when I don't procrastinate. TIME MANAGEMENT, AMIRITE?

But that being said, I muddled through my first mentorship, and unfortunately was not able to spend as much time on my manuscript as I wanted. However, I did get some good editing in, and my novel is definitely shaping up. Hopefully I can start querying soon, and maybe by this time next year, I'll be on my way to having my name in print.

The other big thing that happened was I started my new job. I finally feel like an adult, much like this:

I'M AN ADULT.

Just kidding. But having a job that actual pertains to what I went to school for has been a big relief, and made me very grateful that I was at the right place at the right time. Plus my swanky job title gives me some bragging rights among my friends...but I'm pretty sure they're all tired of me by now.

I did some traveling during these past few months. I visited Chicago, which was a blast. 

See? Chicago. Also I'm aware of the hipster-y nature of the filter on this photo. Thank you, Instagram.

Also, just for good measure:

Woolly mammoth, at the Field Museum. If you have a mammoth skeleton in your city, I will find it. 

And now I am off to do some more traveling. I'll be jet-setting back to California for a hot minute, then off to Berlin. I've very excited.

Other thing worthy of note that I've done in the past few months:

Moved into a new apartment and managed to not burn it down whilst my roommate was away:

View from our terrace. That's right, terrace. We're classy like that.

And now 2014 is almost upon us, and with it, a whole new set of adventures. Huzzah!