Well, time flies (slowly). Technically, this is the end of my first year at the Transatlantic History Ph.D. program at the University of Texas at Arlington. I say technically because I am also doing two summer independent studies and therefore my year will not actually end until August, but nevermind that. The year has been good and productive.
I finished my first two semesters with a 3.8 GPA, presented at three conferences and one symposium, and I have been accepted to present a two more conferences in the fall (more on that later). I have met a number of really great people whom I enjoy talking with and who challenge me intellectually. Also, I have made progress toward my dissertation, which is the reason I’m here. All in all, not a bad time here in Arlington, TX.
Money is always an issue, however. Living on the $15,000 a year stipend is a continuous financial juggling act. Thankfully, any expensive tastes i may have once had were beaten out of me long before I came here. Nothing like poverty to prepare you for poverty. I think the first words I ever learned from my mom were “We’re on a budget.” For nostalgia sake, and because it fits my budget, I still sometimes dine on sliced bread and sliced cheese, if the electricity is on I might just grill it.
To stretch the budget further I moved into a cheaper apartment than the one I first rented here in Arlington. Also, I gave my car to my brother in Orlando to save on gas, insurance, and tickets. This means that I walk everywhere, which makes me late to things, but is very healthy.
On that particular healthy note, I should add that I’m down to about 290lbs, from 354lbs last summer. And that is good. Additionally, I joined the department’s softball team, the Wayback Machine. Which is, at least, the best softball team on the second floor of University Hall, and no one can take that away from us.
More updates to come… Chao.