The Sweeter Things

I do have to say I love California in February. It's Spring and gorgeous outside. I spent a good 2 1/2 hours at the pool today, swimming and reading. Now I am signed up for a surfing and triathlon training class that will put me outside and on the beach for 4 hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Not everything in California is bad.
My play closed on Wednesday. I am very proud of it. We had meager houses but they were very receptive and responsive. My actress grew from performance to performance and my stage manager was a true professional. Though I did enjoy the process, I can't even explain the relief I felt yesterday. Now I enter into Winter Quarter Part 2, enjoy as much as possible and plan for the future but try not to stress too much about it.
As I am basking in the glow of the California sun, I know it will be really important that I don't romanticize the experience here. I am so happy because I know it is ending and I don't have the pressures of the PhD looming over me. That being said, now I can enjoy being here and not looking back with regret. Not to mention, trying to enjoy instead of worry, take a deep breath instead of being overwhelmed and hiding under my desk. And getting a damn good tan (with many applications of sunscreen of course) before I return to the tundra.