1 year down and 1 to go

[Jewels305]

I figured that I would write an update to let everyone know what''s going on with me since I am in the Top 10 now! Wow, I kind of feel like I''m on American Idol...

So to start off, my first year of grad school is over AND I got all As both semesters! I am so happy to be half way done with my program, and even more excited about having a summer vacation again.

It was a tough, stressful, emotional year. Late nights, weekends filled with nothing but papers, the passing of my grandfather, commuting and commuting and commuting. But through it all, BF was so supportive even though there were most definitely times that I was physically and emotionally unavailable because of everything going on for me. We talked at length before the start of this school year about how it was likely going to put a strain on our relationship but we believed we would come out of the experience stronger, and that is, without a doubt, what has happened for us.

Just for a quick recap, BF and I have been together for 2.5 years and we currently live 45 mins apart with our respective parents while we save money and I finish up school.

As far as any impending proposal/engagement, I am not entirely sure what to expect. I know that BF wants to propose yesterday (haha), but at the same time, we are both aware that by my inability to work much or save a lot of money for the past year and the next one is going to slow things down some. Part of me feels that an engagement could happen this coming winter, but I think that a spring/summer 2009 engagement (after I finish grad school) is more likely. I feel no need at this point to determine a timeline because I feel like it''s reasonable to hold off an engagement until after I graduate, although this concept doesn''t seem to stop the many many questions about "when?" from family and friends.

BF has expressed his desire to surprise me by asking me to go ring shopping with him in the future. Of course I am very excited for that day when he wants to go look together, but at the same time, I don''t feel extremely impatient about it. We both think that we are in a great place together, and that everything will fall into place when it''s meant to happen.

So that''s the news from the 10 spot. Although I haven''t been around to post much because of the busy school year, I have enjoyed reading others'' posts and exciting engagements. For all of those engagements that I missed responding to, CONGRATULATIONS and best wishes to you!!

 

[claireabelle]

What a refreshing post!

It''s lovely to hear someone happy and content with their LIW situation.

Your relationship sounds rock solid.... I''m sure you won''t be waiting longer than necessary!

Congratulations on completing your first year with all A''s!

 

[Delster]

Jewels I could have written that post a year ago. I''d just come out of my professional law degree and was so worn out. My life had been commuting, classes, commuting, studying, commuting, classes etc etc etc for a whole year. I''m facing into another year of it next year - with zero income. Thank goodness I have this year ''off'' from the treadmill!

My BF would also have probably proposed already if I hadn''t slowed him down. I''m still mulling over whether I will feel ready to be engaged without having finished my thesis, but the thesis is dragging on and on and at this rate the poor boy will have to wait another nine months. I don''t want to wait either!

Well done to both of you for surviving such a tough year and here''s to lots of fantastic times ahead!

 

[Just_Me]

Congrats on all the A''s!!!! That is fantastic!!!

And I''m so sorry about the loss of your grandpa.

 

[CNOS128]

Congratulations on being halfway through!!

I know firsthand how trying graduate school can be especially if you''re in a relationship. It''s quite an accomplishment that you not only received excellent grades, but did so while maintaining your relationship - and sanity. Hopefully you''ll get a chance to relax over the summer!

The next year will fly by before you know it!

 

[Jewels305]

Thanks for the congrats!! There were times, especially at the beginning, when I felt that I wasn't "cut out" for graduate school, and that I couldn't go through with it. Fortunately BF was my cheerleader and told me that I am one of the most intelligent people that he knows, and that I would be just fine if I gave things a little time to work themselves out. He was right!

I hope that the next year does fly by because while grad school has been a great experience, I am looking forward to beginning a new phase of my professional life after I graduate.

Thanks again!!

 

[Dreamgirl]

Congrats on finishing one year!

Your situation sounds like myself and my FF.
I hadn't posted this yet and thought about posting it but..He just finished his BS degree and graduated May 3!!!!

This took much longer than it's supposed to. (this is because he moved here and established 1 year residency, then went to school part time for many years as he worked full time (lives on his own, bills, etc.)) The past 2 years of our relationship have been INSANE because he transfered to another college (in town) and started a full fledged "school of professional studies" program to finish up for his degree. This consisted of him doing accelerated classes, CLEP and Dantes exams, school work every night, and on weekends.

It took a lot out of him, but I supported him the entire time and tried my best at giving him the time he needed to finish his studies. We are SO HAPPY and extremely excited that he is finally finished! And now he once again has more time for us! He is now putting together a resume to find a better job with his degree. He may go back for his Masters, but is unsure yet if he will do so. I guess it will depend on how the "new job" goes and what not.

 

[Bia]

Sometimes I wonder why I decided to put myself through more torture, in other words, grad school!!! But I know, as I am sure you do, it will be worth it in the end.

Congratulations to you, because you a.) finished without sinking and b.) got all As in the process!!! You deserve a really big hand

Keep up the good work and relax now that summer is here! Thank God!!!