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I unfortunately haven’t updated Jelly’s Journal much this summer, which I regret because quite a bit has happened in the past several months. I still have about one month left of my summer break until I start school back up in the fall, but rather than write an incredibly long journal post I decided it would be better to include this all in a separate blog post; that way I can add as many pictures as I want!
A Lovely Summer Sunset
I mentioned in my last journal post that I would be TAing for a biochemistry class this summer, and well I just wrapped up the class! I was initially terrified of what being a TA would involve. As an introvert that prefers to listen rather than talk, I was kinda worried that I’d try the first week, immediately find out I hate it, and leave the TA position. I found though that I actually really enjoyed it! I always underestimate how much I love talking about topics I find interesting, and biochemistry is no exception. I fell in love with biochemistry last fall and have been fascinated by it ever since, so I’m glad I had the opportunity to do this. I’m actually gonna TA this upcoming fall as well which should hopefully go just as well!
In terms of Summer-y things, I haven’t been up to too much. My sister bought my twin and I season passes to our local amusement park so we have been going every now and then. I really can’t get enough of that place; we have been going since we were little and it’s such a cherished tradition for me. It’s also quite unique as it’s nestled next to the state’s largest wetlands and all kinds of fun swampy critters come to visit: herons, cormorants, geese, gulls, and even the occasional turtle. It’s also home to a bunch of historical artifacts and buildings. I’m not really one to get super pumped about history (though I have respect for it), but I still love walking through the creepy old houses and seeing all the oddities and treasures from the past. Plus I love the musty smell of old buildings.
In addition to visiting the nearby amusement park, I also was able to take a brief trip to a nearby lake with my boyfriend and his family. I was lucky enough to visit when it was somewhat stormy (did I mention that I LOVE the rain?) and the clouds were thick and gray. I also saw a couple of bird species that I haven’t really seen a whole lot before. These include the western kingbird and the western tanager, both beautiful yellow birds. I also saw some pelicans (MY FAVORITE), crows, hummingbirds, and geese.
Western Kingbird on the Left, Western Tanager on the Right
American Crow
I also discovered something extremely fascinating while walking along the shoreline. From far away it looked like a huge pile of gravel, but when I approached it I realized that it wasn’t a pile of rocks at all, but instead a large collection of little shells! Now I’m no expert on mollusks and their natural history, but many of them even looked fossilized! I’m guessing that maybe something about the density of the shells and the movement of the water caused the formation of this huge pile, but I can’t say for sure. In any case, it was a cool find and I brought a couple shells home. I absolutely love how many little treasures you can find in nature if you look closely!
Look at all the Little Shells!
On the art side of things, I really haven’t been making art as much as I would like, but I did paint a little piece for my local library’s mini art show. I should hopefully have it up in my art gallery soon! I’ve also started another Pokemon oracle card illustration, this time of turtwig. Once I’m done with this, I will have all the gen 4 starters completed! I’m also hoping to start making prints of these soon and selling them on my Etsy shop. I’m not sure if anyone would be interested but I guess there’s no harm in trying. Finally, I’m working a bit more on my elemental character design project and I have big plans for it. Whether these plans will actually come to fruition or not though is another story, but I’m excited nonetheless!
Mini Painting of an Archeopteryx, the Link Between Birds and Dinosaurs
I know I mentioned in a journal post a couple of months ago that I wanted to mod my 3DS this Summer, and I finally secured the SD card and reader that I need so I’ll hopefully get started soon. I am a bit apprehensive just cause I am in no way tech savvy and It would crush me if I bricked my precious galaxy-print 3DS. We’ll see how it goes I suppose.
Anyways, that’s pretty much everything that’s been going on this Summer. Not the most eventful Summer ever, but still a fairly productive one. In terms of the future, I am a little nervous for this Fall. I’m actually set to graduate after the Fall semester, and while that’s exciting I’m so so scared for what comes after. Namely, not knowing what comes after. I’ve been thinking about trying grad school but I’m not sure if I wanna jump right into it or work for a year or two beforehand. I suppose in the meantime I’m just gonna try to enjoy the rest of this Summer as much as possible.
Here are some Extra Photos Cause I Took a Lot this Summer:
Common Sagebrush Lizard
I'm Not Sure What Species of Stinkbug this is but He's Definitely Friend-Shaped
The Hotel Room I Stayed in During the 4th of July Weekend
My Precious Little Man Taking His First Driving Lesson!
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