Choose my adventure! I need some input from those who know me. If you don't know, feel free to vote too. As you know from my previous post, I just "graduated" from MSU with my masters in Zoo and Aquarium Management. Keep in mind, my actual degree says "Masters in Zoology" and I have a pretty Business and Communication Skills certificate to accompany it. Here are some options for career moves once I finish my thesis:

1. Work as animal researcher at pharmaceutical company, MPI Research, in Kalamazoo, MI
2. Work as lab tech at MSU
3. Work in development/marketing/events at a zoo or aquarium (if they will hire me)
4. Go back to Seward, Alaska and work the front desk again at the hotel
5. Americorps position as marine mammal trainer or aquarist at Alaska SeaLife Center for 11 months
6. Sales rep for medical equipment supply company in Seattle or Miami ($50K base salary plus money for a car)
7. Volunteer sea turtle worker somewhere in the world
8. Any other ideas?

Well, I did it! OK not really. But I did walk in the advanced degree ceremony tonight at MSU. Hopefully I will be defending in early August so it will mean more then. Here are photos of me, Courtney and I, and then my statisitcs TA, Nora, and I.

Did you catch Oprah today? The fabulous ladies of one of my fav shows, Sex and the City, were on promoting the movie. Yes the movie! It opens on May 30th. This is why I think Sex and The City will help the economy. The government couldn't have planned the economic stimulus checks any better. One of the topics that came up today on Oprah was how SATC has changed fashion. I believe it has. Since ending 4 years ago, I have seen a shift in style. Maybe it is because I am older and wiser, maybe it is because my friends have fabulous jobs in fabulous cities. Stilettos and clutches have risen with a vengeance.

With the premier approaching in 28 days(!) I am wanting to glam it up. It could be all the episodes I watched while lying on the couch recovering that sparked this. Or maybe the spring weather is motivating me to dress up a little bit. Originally I wanted to save my stimulus check for a trip to Australia. Now I am wondering if I should buy a fabulous outfit for my trip to The Big Apple in June. Courtney and I are going to see the movie opening weekend, but Lansing can't hold a candle to NYC. Not even a match, really.

Will the movie inspire ladies around the globe to shop 'til they drop? Time will tell.

Tomorrow I am walking in MSU's graduation ceremony. Don't get excited. It is all pretend for me. Courtney is the one who is really close to finishing. She defends next week. I, on the other hand, have to finish up statistics, take a summer class, and oh yeah, write my pesky thesis. All by August 15th. Actually, August 5th would be better because that is when my lease is up. I'll keep you posted as my defense approaches.

On my return trip from Alaska last summer, I got bumped. Since then I have had a free voucher sitting on my desk, begging to be used. I tried to use it for our Utah trip, but there was no availability. James and I were going to do a road trip from Portland to Vancouver in late July, but his family is coming and my friend is getting married. The ticket expires in August, which limits my travel plans too. When I heard my BU girls were getting together in NYC for the Sex and The City premier, I thought perfect! I can't remember the last time we were all together. (Maybe Kate's wedding?) But I waited to long and again, the availability disappeared.

This morning I rectified the situation. Look out New York, cuz here I come! I will be exploring the concrete jungle from June 20-June 23. In my Domino Magazine, I read there will be a super hero costume exhibit at the MET while I am visiting. Mostly I am looking forward to seeing Erin's new digs and hanging with all my friends. It will be nice to have a change of scene too. Of course, it is a week before my summer class ends, but I should be able to handle it.