Ain't No Rest for the Wicked

Note:  This post was originally written in May of 2012.  I misplaced it somehow and it never made the blog during it's most appropriate time.  I managed to accomplish two of the five goals listed...  I could have done better.

Cage the Elephant sings a song Ain't No Rest for the Wicked.  The following line of the courus goes money don't go on trees.

Yesterday marked the end of my first year of doctoral coursework.  I admit, I am relieved.

I have heard mixed reviews about what lies ahead.  Equal numbers of folks have told me that the first and second year are most difficult.  Given that there are only two years of course work, this matches what mathematicians would tell me are odds.  I have no idea what my experience with future course work will feel like, but I know I will not let my guard down and will prepare for a rough experience and expect the best.

In the mean time I have three weeks of "freedom." I plan to catch up on reading, run as much as I can, and enjoy the downtime.  I will probably also blog more than usual, so that is either a good or a bad thing depending on how closely you read.  I am certain by the time coursework resumes, I will be ready.

My summer bucket list:

1) Ride my bike to work (20 miles one way).  I am mostly scared of biking on the road... Is that weird?
2) Prepare to run a marathon in August.
3) Run three half marathons by August. (The physical challenges support my quest to gain zero pounds during doctoral study, but also support my emotional balance through cardio work)
4) Read fun things.  Listening to great things counts too.
5) Ride a horse.  I think horse racing is fascinating, I would like to know what makes it auxilleratzing.

Remember that what lies ahead might be a challenge but it is worth every minute.