The Power of the Dark Crystal Meth Whore
This week I turned in my last paper for the final class required for my MS curriculum. It felt good...really good...like taking a crap that's been up there for almost 5 years. That's how long I've been taking graduate-level classes at the rate of one class per semester. Taking two was out of the question while trying to balance work, rugby and a social life. The courses were interesting and I learned a lot, and am now ready to shift gears. As in downshift and enjoy my Sunday and Monday nights again, free of assignments and papers and such.
After I plunked the paper down on the instructor's desk I walked across the campus on my way to treat myself to some bubble tea. On the way I took a cell phone pic of the Kermit the Frog statue, where he sits chatting with his friend Jim Henson. Henson was an alumni of the university where I took my classes. I expect to pass this final course and graduate, but won't receive my diploma for a while. I don't want to do the whole cap and gown thing - just send me the degree and transcript and I'll be fine.
So now that's done, I'm doubling my efforts on a housing search. Everyone else has scored some good places to live, but my vast and usually reliable DC network has failed me this time. Either no one is renting or everything is taken. It's really sad that a responsible, tidy, employed guy approaching 40 can't find a place to live in this town. Would you rather have a sketchy meth whore burning down your house, or a 20something Jennifer puking on your carpets after a night out at Adams-Morgan? Skip says I need to buy, but I'm not ready and I don't have a down payment, so it's renting for me until then. And I'd like to avoid a rental situation that would prevent me from building up savings, but that cycle of expensive city life can keep you from getting ahead like that.
But I will not stop whining about what a shithole Shaw is or my rental search until y'all help a blogger out! There has got to be a landlord out there who would love to have a renter like me who can keep a garden alive while they're gone.
There is progress on the Dark Crystal sequel, tentatively named The Power of the Dark Crystal. I found a blog that covers it all, but they don't mention whether or not Andrea Mitchell will star in it this time:
a.) you don't have to have a downpayment to purchase, you can get a loan for %100 of purchase price plus if you buy before Nov you get the $8000 tax credit. Plus housing prices are lower than they'll ever be.
2.) you should walk in graduation, I'll come and scream JIMBO!!!!!! when they hand you your diploma
Wow, it's amazing to see the little girl who played Kira in the original all grown up. I'm glad that she's gone on to a nice career in the news, sometimes being in sci-fi at the beginning of your career can get you type cast and you never work again. I'm very glad she was able to buck that trend.
I do wonder what happened to that little Latin boy that played Jen though....
Congratulations! Glad you finished. There aren't many people who would have stuck with it like you have and took one class per semester. Good job!
Sorry Jimbo, but Kira grew up to be Dana Bash the CNN Political Correspondant.
Congratulations on completing your Masters coursework. You're quite the tenacious man taking a course a semester. Hopefully that attribute will help you find a place to live.
Gelfling! You "crack" me up! Muhahahaha! I am looking forward to the sequel. Congratulations on finishing up the paper and the degree. I know it was a struggle because I am feeling it too!
Due to state budget cuts they have taken away one of our tuition vouchers so now it is only two free classes an academic year. I am now managing one class a semester. I'll be too old to be hired by the time I am finished. Ugh!
Hmm, perhaps now I may have a social life and actually get back to blogging. Hey, I never thought about that!
OK, minor pedantic little complaint. "Alumni" and "Alumnae" are plural, "Alumnus" and "Alumna" are singular (in each case, male and female, respectively). Henson was an alumnus; you and he will be alumni.
But yes, do at least find a real estate agent and discuss your situation. A reputable one will help you figure out if you're financially ready for a house purchase, and if not, may know of someone who's got something available to rent.
Congrats on completing the MS coursework. Now you can get cracking on that Ph.D. The world is waiting for Dr. Jimbo.
Congratulations, Jimbo. Best wishes in the apartment search.
Kudos for all your hard work!
I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks ms Mitchell is really a fairy tale creature come to life! Made me chuckle.