otherwise known as kate

1. Silicon Valley jokes/references always 2. Being stuck inside isn’t fun but cool surroundings make it interesting 3. Class Pass cancellation fees are the only thing keeping me on track

San Francisco Scenes Day 1 Quick stop at the Hearst Building, one of my favorite places in the city Climbed up a mountain, spent some time thinking, spent some time jamming at Sound Summit. I've seen Wilco 30 times and this was by far my favorite set - not just because of the setting but the whole experience was just stellar. I've been stuck in a convention center listening to the wonders of cloud computing today so yesterday was perfection.

Back and Forward: Last week included three finals over four days; I am spent. A big-ish assignment is due Wednesday so it's back to the books. I have been prioritizing exercise and made it to barre for the first time in three months. The class was a challenging reminder of why I love and need activity. It was a beautiful day for an outdoors but routine lunch. This time of year is all sorts of special. Saturday I head to San Francisco for OpenWorld, this giant conference for Oracle. Highlights: Pacific time necessitating an early arrival so I'm heading north to Mill Valley to catch Wilco at Sound Summit. A favorite band playing to that view? Perfect. Billy Joel playing the customer appreciation event (😂) means I can catch up with a college friend and hear some music that may not be my jam but should be fun nonetheless. In an effort to not let school consume me Part II, I've put Open House Chicago in my calendar. Can't beat free culture.

Started the day with some restorative Pilates, powered though with aid of the National, taking a spin break, and studying business law all night.

Started the day with some restorative Pilates, powered though with aid of the National, taking a spin break, and studying business law all night.

How is it Wednesday? Nothing profound since my brain is fried but just a few thoughts I need to get out. I attended the wedding of a classmate/friend over the weekend, and here I am standing in front of a wall of broccoli. I always feel awkward and unattractive when I'm with these friends and have a long way to go still with self acceptance. I danced a lot to some amazing music and saw some beautiful traditions. My life is a garbage pile of homework (and LaCroix). I had a take-home final due Sunday that was no joke. I have two in-class finals on Friday. And homework. And reading. I try to remember that this is worth it. Struggle is part of the journey. That I am learning and growing. But it's hard. Especially when you have to say no to so much and you are typically a person who never says no. I have a lot of guilt around changing relationships and situations I am not controlling well, and constantly need to remind myself to ease up. Building on that, The stress and busyness of school sometimes makes me alone and lonely. I randomly read my horoscope while in line at Starbucks and it said this week will focus on feelings related to physical relationships - loss and need. Being single is sometimes - actually often - great but sometimes pretty awful for me. Lately, it's been feeling pretty awful. And tomorrow is going to be very hard for that reason, as it is every year (but a bit better every year). But I'll get through. I'm not even making sense at this point so it's on to more flash card review!

Current state: my hair looks like I could be on the top of a Camaro in a White Snake video. One of my professors recommend his stylist to me (it’s that apparent 😂) so here I am, waiting for some woman named Misako to work wonders on this mess. Apparently the straw-like state of my hair requires multiple treatments so this should be hilarious. Current state 2: I went for a follow-up appointment with my doctor for some skin issues. Those persist but the good news is that pumping the brakes on drinking for a month translated into 10 pounds gone.

Highlights: always too much fun with random people, the kids turning into sport stars, friends who have been with you forever and more recent, days at the zoo, the next generation, another fun Pride, front row dancing by myself to LCD Soundsystem, the perks of knowing a boat owner.

When I'm on a conference call and bored, which is often, I scroll through Facebook as a distraction. Occasionally I'll do something random because why not. Last week I came across a contest for a taping with @twinpeaksdudes, a newer favorite. So tonight I was at the Hideout, one of Chicago's best clubs, for a quick happy hour set. If you like the rock and roll, check them out, enjoy and thank me later.

So enough about my ridiculous mess.  I missed this space and can’t wait for all the good it brings.       

Life Lately: 1. MBA immersion week was intense, partly because of the program's content and partly because this girl can't turn down an opportunity for fun (curse you the Backer!). The program's content excites me and this should be a good journey professionally and personally. The cohort is diverse and everyone has interesting backgrounds. My small group is...a lot of look; we'll get there. And Notre Dame is totally amazing at marketing or brainwashing or whatever - I felt the specialness of campus immediately. @karion - totally thought of you when I walked past the las school every morning and also when a law school student hit on me (he is 24 and guessed my age to be 28 - bless him!) 2. I was back in time on Saturday for Seamus and Sinead tearing up the court. It's going to be hard balancing time, school and life, especially with these cuties. 3. In the vein of can't say no, I went to Vance Joy with some girlfriends Saturday night. I am unfamiliar with most of his music, but it was a fun enough night. His cover of Paul Simon's "Call Me Al" was delightful. 4. Just a reminder to be kind, always.

Theme for Thursday. All good stuff, all at once.

I probably was not aware of what you were going through, but you made me aware of more things than I can count, and I am eternally thankful.

1. I’m on my way to Steamboat. Currently sitting in the airport and questioning why I am not going somewhere warm. Being/living alone is still an adjustment for me at times and I frankly become tired of being with myself. The thought of going away alone wasn’t really appealing so I’m off to an even colder destination. Kind of regretting this. 2. First attempt at skiing so…send prayers 😬 3. Years of work travel and miles = an upgrade to first class. 4. No Drinking January went out the window last night. I met a friend at our regular, the Sky-Ride, which is a pit next to a prison, and had a great night. We drank Michelob Ultra so that’s basically water, right? 5. I finished my MBA math prerequisites and scored an 85%. Remembered how much I love statistics and probability and how much high school me disliked algebra. Pretty happy with my score but realize the learning curve will be steep in some areas. One week until classes start!