Swan and Shadow

It's been almost a month since I've blogged, and this time, it hasn't been because I've been too busy. My love for writing comes and goes, and it got to the point where posting every week was becoming more of a hassle than anything else. I've had a lot on my mind the past month or so, too much to fully allow myself to pour my thoughts out in writing.

But I'm back, still in shock that it's November and I'm almost halfway through with sophomore year. Before I know it, I'll be in a cap and gown receiving my diploma. Or hopefully receiving one, if I can get through school.

I'll give you a quick recap of the past month.

Declared a minor in Southern Studies, had a wonderful Halloween and Parent's Cocktail, visited Vanderbilt, became a certified addict to 3 cups of coffee a day, helped Cam choose her wedding dress, spent more time reading emails and browsing pinterest than doing homework, and got a job at The Daily Tar Heel. My little also started her own blog, and one of my best friends here at school started blogging for Scope Magazine found here. Holla.

Also, I just couldn't help posting this poem today. We're discussing it in one of my classes, and I love that the meaning and the shape of the poem go hand-in-hand. Beautiful.

Swan and Shadow

It's good to be back.

October Goals

Rabbit rabbit.

Skipped the nap and chose to blog in the kitchen, thanks to Hannah's encouragement and a cup of iced coffee. Here's a couple pictures from the weekend:

October. For me, it's a month stacked with fall festivities, midterm exams, and weekend trips.

This past weekend, after coming back from Greenville, I spent my Sunday relaxing at home. And it was lovely. Life at school has been so fast-paced that it almost felt like I've forgotten how to just take a deep breath and give my body some time to rejuvenate. My mom made my favorite chicken salad and vegetable soup and I cuddled in a blanket on the couch for most of the afternoon. And of course we shopped a little too, hitting up Marshalls and T.J. Maxx as per usual. (I bought a beautiful new suitcase for fall break!) It was just like those Sunday afternoons I remember in high school. A day of rest, not a day of cramming for the exams I put off studying for. I desperately needed that yesterday.

I've realized that I won't be able to spend much time with my family until Thanksgiving, besides a couple day trips back to Raleigh here and there. It's a little sad, to say the least, because I've missed those comforts that being home can only give you. Growing up isn't always what it's cracked up to be, y'all.

This week's a bit easier, so I'll finally have some time to get my life back on track in terms of mental sanity, exercise, and sleep.

The goals--

Take time to unwind. At least give myself one or two afternoons/nights a week to sip pumpkin lattes, watch Hulu, or catch up with friends...just because.

On that note, I do need to get ahead in the schoolwork department before the weekend hits. Since I have yet to get anything accomplished on Fridays and Saturdays.

Get on the ball with studying abroad. (Long story, but it's looking like a semester abroad has instead turned into a few weeks during the summer. Just can't bear being away from Carolina for that long.)

Clean out my closet. Summer things out. Fall things in.

Give others a chance, even if I don't see any point or immediate result right away.

Accept challenges in school as beneficial and rewarding.

Stop seeking security and instead focus on developing my patience.

a fresh breath of fall

Don't these potato wedges just look divine?

It's a given. Fall is my favorite time of year.

For one, the clothes. Two, the food. Three, all the activities and events, little things to look forward to that make the days slip by. Even though midterms are creeping up on me soon, this first month of sophomore year has really felt, in essence, like a fresh start. It's been so much more relaxed and enjoyable, which I can partly say in thanks to living in a house. Just having coffee brewed in the morning and a serene chilly walk to class is enough to make me a happy girl.

My week was filled with meetings, movie nights, a mixer at La Res, and homework involving an art history book twice the size of one of those huge family Bibles. And this weekend is another busy one. Big/little reveal, UNC vs. Virginia football game, chapter retreat, a friend's birthday brunch, and I've also got to squeeze some work in and tackle that to-do list of craft projects and errands.

But once again I will comment on how sweet it is to be in Chapel Hill on a crisp "fall-like" Friday.

Life Update

Open house round.

Skit round.

House tours.

Pref night.

Because for one, I have my life back!

Rush is over. It's bittersweet really, after all those hours we put into practicing each and everyday. I now longer have an excuse to not do my homework anymore, but ADPi ended up with some of Carolina's best (and I must say prettiest) girls. From the first round to pref night, I absolutely loved getting to know the girls visiting our house while getting closer to the girls already in my sorority. Rush is a crazy whirlwind of no sleep, mouth aches from smiling so much, and sore bodies, but it probably will remain a highlight of this year. Rush might not be for everyone, but I grew to love (almost) every minute of it.

My best friend is getting married. I woke up to a text with a picture of her ring that read, get ready to start planning a wedding! I don't think I have hyperventilated the way I did that morning. Holy crap. I am so happy for her, and couldn't be more excited for her and her fiancee to start their life together. So in the midst of school and everything going on this year, I have a wedding to help plan. Procrastination at its finest. But I could scream I am so excited for May 12th, 2012.

And on to the last life update. I decided to live in a house next year with my girls right off campus, and I am already about to jump off the wall in excitement. (I've been in this incredible mood ever since I got back to Chapel Hill so please excuse my "I can hardly contain my excitement" expressions). It's going to be so nice, relaxing, and perfect for junior year--I can already feel it.

Pi Pi ADPi

Sistazzzz.

Back for my second year at Carolina. And it's already been amazing.

I'll begin with stating how much I love living in the house. Living here is certainly different than what I expected. It's not always crazy, I can find peace and quiet when I need it, and there are girls around when I need someone to talk to. I'm pretty sure I can get used to the smell of biscuits in the oven when I wake up for my 8 am and afternoons spent in the rocking chairs on the porch. I'm in a quad room in the back of the house with another sophomore and a junior (pictures to come later when our room is actually together).

The past week has been filled with rush practice, of which has caused my voiceto sound like a dying frog, and of the start of classes. It's such an exciting, exhausting time of year, but I have no complaints as of yet. Seeing the freshman around campus makes me think aboutlast year and how much things have changed since. Maybe it's just because I've gotten used to how things go around here, but I'm loving this calmness and everything is going to work out attitude I'm feeling lately. I sure wish I could tell my freshman self that this time last year.

Off to more studies and memorizing rush songs...

Like it, love it, ADPi.

College Shopping List, for the grads.

Here it is, my just-graduated girls. I remember having a difficult time figuring out what I needed/didn't need at college and what I needed to prepare before move-in day. Dorms are small, but here's a list (in my opinion) of what you might want to pack and some extra tips to consider. Hope this helps on your summer shopping endeavors!

Necessary items:

• Portable drying rack. I hardly dry anything in the dryer, so this was a must-have for me.Will save you from having to wait so long for your laundry to dry downstairs as well.
• Towel wrap to wear out of the shower. Trust me, you'll want this when you're getting ready to go out with your friends.
• Storage boxes/bins/etc. You'll want to keep everything organized. I even labeled some of the boxes so I knew exactly what should be in them.
• Bed risers.
• Notebooks. No more high school binders, think about getting a couple 3 subject ones to separate between your Tuesday/Thursday and your Monday/Wednesday/Friday classes.
• Highlighters, pens, pencils, post-its, page markers, ruler, stapler/staples, you know the drill.
• Foam mattress pad. Seriously, I didn't think a dorm bed could be so comfortable.
• Swiffer. If you have wood floors like I did AND you have long hair, this is quite necessary.
• A id wallet (I recommend the Vera Bradley ones) to hold your college id, debit card, and keys to quickly slip in your book bag before class. You won't want to drag around your purse all day.
• A quality, sturdy book bag. North Face is the most popular on college campuses right now, but just find one that will easily tote all your books and your laptop.
• Laptop case. Also vital.
• A good planner. The ones they give you for free on move-in day are crap. I'm still using my Lilly one that I bought in August, they are the best for planning out your week!
• Photo paper, to print recent pictures you've taken at college that you might want to put up in your room.
• Plenty of blank cds and memory sticks. I recommend buying an external hard drive to store anything that you don't want on your computer. Make sure you also clean up your folders on your comp so everything is organized when you get there. I make a new folder for every semester, and then additional folders for each class. Helpful, people.
• Fan. My dorm was always smokin' hot, so definitely consider bringing one.
• Earplugs. If you're a light sleeper like me, I can't stress this enough.
• Large duffel bag, a couple bathing suits, and a beach towel. For those unexpected weekend trips!
• Rain jacket, umbrella, and rain boots. You'll be thankful on rainy, stormy days where you have to trek across campus.
• One of those Turvis Tumblrs. I used mine all the time to load up on caffeine before hitting the library.
• A couple food storage containers. I ended up bringing way too many, so just a couple will do.
• Zip-loc bags, wet wipes, tissues, and paper towels.
• Cleaning supplies for your fridge, your computer, and if you'll have a suite, your bathroom.
• Extra ink toner, computer paper. But make sure you take advantage of your school's printing allowance, I made the mistake of not using any of my allowance until probably the last month of classes.
• Lint brush, sewing kit, and safety pins.
• Coffee mug/maker. I actually ended up bringing my coffee maker home and instead used a coffee press every morning, but bring what works for you!
• Thank-you notes, cards, envelopes, stamps, and a list of addresses. I'm a big note-writer, so I bought a ton of stationary, but you'll want some things on-hand to send to your family and friends.
• Brita water filter. My roommate and I used this thing to death.
• A jewelry/accessory rack to hang in your closet. I used it to store my belts and scarves.
• A throw blanket and a lap desk, especially if you think you're going to study in your room. I ordered a car monogram to put on my lap desk, just to personalize it a bit.
• Extra toiletries. I stored mine in one of those ottomans you can find at Target or any home store.
• Small ironing board and iron. I really didn't use mine all that much, but it's good to have just in case. The ironing board is also great for making forts during exam time when you should be studying. Hah.
• If you're only going to bring a few pairs of shoes to school, these are the ones that you absolutely need: a comfortable pair to wear to class, flip-flops that you don't care about getting wet, a good pair of running tennis shoes, a pair of black pumps, cowboy boots, winter boots (not uggs, perhaps riding boots), wedges for more casual occasions, and fancier sandals.
• Nail polish stash. You'll make instant friends.
• A satchel. You'll want one.
• Yoga pants to throw on for class cause norts just don't cut it in the wintertime.
• A stash of sports bras. You'll live in these.
• Order checkbooks. Once again, especially if you're going Greek.
• Power strips and extension cords to hook up all your electronics.
• A hamper/laundry bag that's easy to tote downstairs and to-and-from home. I think I bought three, actually. Probably over-the-top, but I can't stand wearing dirty clothes.
• Good headphones. For the gym, library, etc.
• Book light.
• Chip clips and a coozie.
• Plastic hooks to hang your jackets/purses/etc.
• Dry-erase board with markers. Get this cheap.
• A journal. I kept mine on my nightstand, right where I could get to it in the morning or before bed.

Tips:

• Instead of buying all your books from the student store, check out chegg.com. My suitemates told me about this site, and I'm hooked. Saves SO much money.
• Monogram your towels, especially if you'll have a hall style bathroom. It makes keeping up with them a lot easier.
• Personally, I hate the look of those rolling desk chairs. Try covering in a cute fabric in your room colors! (This also goes for a DIY bulletin board).
• Instead of bringing hangers from your closet at home, buy those thin velvet hangers you can find at Bed, Bath, & Beyond. They are great for saving precious closet space!
• I can't stress this enough, you don't have to bring a full set of plates, bowls, cups, and utensils. I bought so much dinnerware for my future apartment, thinking I would bring it just in case for my first year, and boy was I wrong. I recommend bringing a couple of each.
• If you're thinking about joining a sorority, you're going to get more t-shirts than you ever thought imaginable. I bought one of those rolling plastic stacking drawers, just for t-shirts, and it also served as my nightstand. (Hint: just bring a few of your high school t-shirts because you really won't wear them, except for bed or maybe as work-out attire).
• On that note, only bring clothes that you will wear. Why I decided to bring every color J Crew t-shirt I own who knows. I probably only wore 1/3 of my closet the whole year. Make sure you pack layers, invest in some cute going-out clothes, dresses for football games, Nike shorts, and bring things that you can mix-and-match.
• Check out stores like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Homegoods every week. They are constantly getting new shipments in and you'll want to snatch them up early before everything gets gone. Also remember that not everything in their "college section" is worth the money. Think of what you'll use after this year and what you'll want to have in an apartment or house someday. I found some great deals at these places though for frames and desk items.
• Shop at Target for some things. Almost everyone is going to go there for bedding, lamps, etc. so think outside the box. You can even make your own curtains and pillows, and look at stores online for bedding.
• Choose your colors wisely. Will you really be happy living with bright orange things all year?
• Bring a watch, or a couple. I found out how convenient they are, so you don't have to pull out your phone to check the time while you head to class.
• I never wore much jewelry in high school, but boy do girls lay it on in college. Stock up on some statement pieces that will instantly dress up an otherwise boring outfit.
• Come up with a storage option for your shoes and your hair accessories. I stored my shoes under the bed in two big pull-out drawers, and organized my hair things in a box, separate from my makeup. You could try hanging your shoes, but I couldn't bare to use any room in my closet that wasn't for clothes.
• Unless you really want to bring iPod speakers, just use your computer for playing music. Saves space.
• Think about getting a big canvas storage bin for your textbooks. I put mine under my desk, so my books wouldn't be thrown around all over the room.
• Buy a cute lamp. You will never use those bendy ones after your first year.
• Try to make your space as homey as possible, look for big photo frames that will dress up those god awful blank walls.
• Store your necklaces on a jewelry holder so that they won't get into a tangled mess.
• Think about getting a cover for your laptop; skinit has great options. You'll be carrying that precious thousand dollar thing everywhere.
• I used cute place mats to line my desk drawers, and I even put one on top of my dresser so it wouldn't get scratched. Dorm room furniture isn't the best quality.
• If you're going to school close to home, switch out your clothes by season. You don't need a winter coat in August, and take those summer shorts home over fall break.
• Take extra ribbon, pledge hooks, and tape move-in day. It's a crazy, long day in itself and you don't want to be running out to the store every five seconds.

As I think of more things this summer, I'll add to the list. It's a bit scattered, but I hope you've found it helpful! If you have any questions about anything or want any more advice on college shopping in general, just leave a comment.

Happiness hit her, like a train on a track

One final to go. Good time to blog? I think yes.

What a whirlwind of a year. I've started to pack up, okay maybe two duffel bag's worth, but I seriously can't believe how fast this year has gone by. At the same time, there's been so many changes, so many things in college that almost makes me look back at high school and think it was a million years ago, in terms of how I've grown.

These next three years are going to fly by too and that's the scary thought. Even yesterday when I was meeting with a sophomore from my sorority, she was telling me how fast life was happening for her. Internships, job offers, possible early graduation. And she's a sophomore.

So my lesson from this year: don't take this time for granted. Or wish it away. College can be this place to totally let your guard down and lose yourself, or it can be a place of growth and independence. I for one don't have it all together, but this semester especially I feel I've come quite a ways from that girl that graduated last June.

ps. I don't think it will come as any surprise if I'm not packed tomorrow morning when my parents arrive.

to my sweet ladies

Can't believe this is my last full week of being a college freshman. Where has the time gone? I have a feeling this week's going to be an emotional one. Not only will I be preparing for finals, I'll be thinking of leaving my dear friends for an entire summer. These girls have made my year, and I can't thank them enough. They have made that awkward transitory stage into college so much better than I could have imagined. They have inspired me to walk with the Lord, and they have brightened so many of my days. They have known the exact right words to say when I had the case of the Mondays or when I was just plain my stressed-out self. It's not going to be easy leaving them for three months, they mean so much to me.

But I just want to say how thankful I am for the time I've had to develop new friendships this year, as well as strengthen old ones. Being apart from good friends can often hurt those relationships, but I don't think that's been the case. It's made me appreciate those girls who take the time to write or just leave a voicemail on my phone to ask me how I've been. I'm looking forward to the summer, to catching up with them and hearing about their year. We've gone our separate ways, yes, but that hasn't affected what we have in the slightest.

"I love people who make me laugh. I honestly think it’s the thing I like most, to laugh. It cures a multitude of ills. It’s probably the most important thing in a person."Audrey.

like it, love it, adpi

First Greek Groove at UNC.

Metallic leggings. Anna's contortionist moves. Ellie's hot choreography. Pres Christina's pump-up dance. Nerves before performing. Cheers from the crowd.

So happy to be part of this wonderful chapter!

freshie

In some ways, I'm going to miss this little dorm. It's been my safe haven for almost eight months, and I can't believe I'll be moving out in just a few short weeks. Not only have I slept, eaten, and studied here, I've cried, laughed, and grown up in many ways in this teensy tiny space. At this desk, I've written ten page papers, I've stressed about class schedules, and I've poured out my heart to the Lord when I needed Him most. I came in here excitedly after Bid Day, and I've spent many hours here getting ready. And next door, I've had the privilege of getting to know the two most beautiful girls, who I can now call genuine and lifelong friends.

Dorm life might not be the most pleasant thing in the world, and I'll be the first to admit that I'm guilty of complaining about it. But when the suitcases come out at the beginning of May, it's going to be hard to part. This is the place where I've spent my first year away from home. Reading my past blog posts from last summer make me laugh a little bit. I was so nervous, and so anxious, for a brand new start here. I wondered what life would be like, living in a dorm, with a roommate I didn't know all that well. If only I could go back and reassure myself and calm some of those worries. Funny the way it is.

As to next year, I'm living in the sorority house. My housing plans have changed about three times from last November, but everything now is settled and the lease is signed. I'm thrilled to be living there. Ever since I visited my mom's Chi O house at ECU, I knew that I wanted to live in a place like that. And now that it's finally happening, I couldn't be happier. I'm sure there will definitely be rocky points in living in a house with thirty some girls, but I feel blessed for this opportunity. I've been asking the Lord to give me patience for quite a while. I think I will definitely have to learn to possess that trait next year and that will definitely be a good thing for me.

It's a little overwhelming thinking about how much can change in the next three years. So much has changed for me in just one. My little room will always represent my freshman year, my first year as a Carolina student, with all its up and downs and tears and cherished moments. And I'm so excited to uncover what my next three rooms will represent.

Sunburns and Sundaes

Today's glimmer of summer weather was marvelous. There's something about the warm sun shining at UNC that makes everyone be in a better mood and come alive. We can all feel break approaching fast in a few weeks, and we can't help but soak it all in before we all go our separate ways.

So this is how I spent my day...

Relaxing (or should I say burning?) by the pool.

Sisterhood bar-b-que/ice cream sundae dinner on the porch.

Above image taken by the lovely annaseewong.com

Of course I did other things too, like go to class and smuggle some work in here and there and practice for Greek Groove late into the evening, but the weather was definitely a nice welcome to the week. I think now I'm mentally prepared for the insaneness (not a word) of the next few weeks; I best step up my game if I'm going to get through it.

April showers bring May flowers

This month's going to be crazy one. My agenda is stacked full of project due dates, Panhel events, sorority functions, concerts, and exams. But this time of year is probably one of my favorites. It's Easter season, and everything starts coming into bloom. I love the fresh air, the floral sundresses, the bright shorts paired with cardigans, the warmer days, the chilly nights. So I wish you all a very happy April!

What do you like about this time of year?

(I do in fact own yellow pants. Maybe I'll wear them sometime soon, they deserve a day out after being stuck in my closet for months on end.)

to escape, to feel, to live

For one of my classes, we had to create a short "public service announcement," so I decided to make mine on Carolina Style, one of the dance groups at UNC. During Fall Fest at the beginning of the school year, I ran into my friend Tiffany, my Dance Director in high school (but a senior at CH now), who was promoting the company. After talking to her about it, I knew I wanted to audition. It disappoints me that Carolina doesn't have a solid dance program like other top universities, but from what I could tell from our short conversation, C-Style was her perfect outlet.

The company is divided into three groups (ballet, tap, and jazz), so of course I chose ballet. I learned three pieces last semester, and on Sunday I will perform four. Even though I've been doing C-Style since last September, it's really taken me up until now to realize how much I truly miss dancing all the time. It was such a huge part of my life for such a long time, and it's crazy how just going off to college can change all that. But this week, I think I've taken a new perspective. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to dance with other girls who feel the same way. We all miss taking class each night. We all miss rehearsals for recitals, Nutcracker, pointe shoes, the feeling of accomplishment after a triple pirouette. We miss these things, but I think in a way, it brings us closer. Another one of the seniors, while taking me home last night, told me that some of her best memories from college were from Carolina Style. I hope I can say that too in three years, and I'm looking forward to making the most out of dancing here.

(Video song: Cosmic Love by Florence + The Machine)

#darty #formalnight

Last weekend's formal, via photo recap.

Pre-formal Lazy Afternoon...

Might be cheesy, but we threw up the diamonds. We're freshman okay?

Shagging by the Old Well. Two things most definitely Carolina.

Big and I, what would I do without her?

Formal date for the evening!

Title post: top Twitter trends of the evening

A Mile a Minute

Please excuse my lack of blogging lately. I feel like I've been on-the-go non-stop for the past week. It's been a constant cycle of writing papers, studying until at least 2 am most nights, and a full load of rehearsals and meetings. Phew.

Now it's back to studying Mass Media in a Changing World...yippee?

(I'm slowly falling apart with all this lack of sleep. Scratch that. I AM falling apart with all this lack of sleep. Need this beach weekend to come fast!)

May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks you grow, and may trouble avoid you wherever you go.

View from the ADPi house

Taking a much needed study break (four midterms to prepare for, eek!)...complete with a glass of sweet tea and a rocking chair. Nothing could be finer.

Happy St. Patty's Day!

Title post via Twitter

Bachelor Monday.

(Don't let the smile fool you. I am so not looking forward to the next two weeks of midterms and papers).

Back in the Thrill, after a relaxing weekend at home. It's good to be back honestly, I'm finally to the point where I don't like being away from Chapel Hill for long. But my work load is out the roof for the next week or two, and I apologize in advance for not blogging as often/my lack of creativity.

But anywho, in lieu of Mondays, I decided to make a list of five ways to make your Monday better:

1. Get up a little early to fix a healthy breakfast, spend time in God's word, and start your day on the right note. It makes a world of difference.
2. Grab a Coke Zero, cherry. No calories and it's a quick pick-me-up in the middle of the afternoon. Especially if you're like me and run on caffeine.
3. If it's a nice out, go for a quick 30 minute walk. Spending your whole day in the library is not a way to spend a Monday.
4. Watch your favorite show. Take a break from hitting the books and turn on say, the finale of the Bachelor tonight.
5. Plan out your week/month. Write down small tasks for each day so you're organized and prepared, not overwhelmed by how much you have to do that week.

Working Girl

Resumes? Already? I am a freshman in college, for heaven's sake.

I can already tell that for the rest of my life, I am going to dread filling out pages and pages of job applications and tweaking what I've done in my life into perfect prose (on an 8.5" x 11" piece of paper).

Yes, I want to get experience in retail. Yes, I want to continue lifeguarding. Yes, I want to work with people. But what I really want is to find something, anything related to my major. Is that so hard? There's actually an internship I'm applying for that sounds perfect for me, an unpaid position that could eventually turn into something more permanent in the future. From what I can tell, it's my dream stepping-stone-into-what-I-want-to-do-later-in-life job. I keep getting my hopes up, but I have to remind myself that God might have other plans. My meticulous, planned-out-to-the-t nature sometimes can frustrate the heck out of me. I feel like I'm constantly telling myself to calm down and just relax. I'm not Superwoman, I can't have everything my way and with a snap of my fingers, make everything magically fall into place.

So I'm letting it go. Whatever happens, happens. Whatever God has planned for this summer, it will turn out and be for my good.

"If everything is Yours, I'm letting it go, it was never mine to hold."

Everything Is Yours by Audrey Assad

And my head told my heart let love grow.

But my heart told my head this time no.

Listening :: to Mumford & Sons for the third night in a row. (Title taken from Winter Winds).

Feeling :: happy that tomorrow's Friday and that I can finally swallow without three doses of ibuprofen.

Wanting :: to wear my new boots asap. Although the temperature tomorrow is supposed to be in the 70s. What is this North Carolina?

Reading :: 1 Corinthians. I just started reading this book this week, but I am already amazed of its relevance to today's world.

This week has been such a blur, I think partly due to the packed schedule I've had the past few days. Phew. But honestly, it's kind of sad how fast this semester is going. I really feel like it was just yesterday I was looking for a roommate, dreaming of college, and picking out things for my dorm. Now freshman year is more than half over, and that's so hard to wrap my head around.

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him -- but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit."

1 Corinthians 9-10.

It's so easy for me to become disappointed; disappointed in myself, disappointed in others, disappointed when my life is not a-okay perfect. Ever since about the end of November of last year though, God really woke me up. He wasn't allowing those disappointments and tough situations in my life for me just to feel more down and out. He wanted me to realize that I needed to put my hope back in Him. I wasn't going to find fulfillment in pleasing others, I was only going to find contentment when my relationship was back on track with Him. Those disappointments, I feel, were (and are) preparing me for what I cannot even conceive. Only He knows.

On Being Sick

I never got sick in high school. (Except for one incident in which I got swine flu during a senior class trip in NYC). But really, I'm the person who always had that perfect attendance record, was always healthy, and when I had the resemblance of a cold it was a big deal.

I'm convinced college is a breeding ground for sickness. And being sick there is probably the most dreadful experience besides exam time. So as a result, I went home for the weekend and haven't left my couch for two whole days. As wonderful as it's been to catch up on rest, I can't say that I've enjoyed not being able to speak without my throat screaming at me. Ugh. This is horrible. And why this happens to me, I don't know.

Anyways, I guess I better be thankful for some things about this weekend.

So here's my thankful list.

:: Not fainting in the doctor's office when the nurse took my blood.

:: SATC & Grey's marathons in the middle of the afternoon.

:: Tea with honey.

:: Warm quilts.

:: Hot 30 minute showers.

:: Time to read.

:: Oatmeal for breakfast & homemade soup for lunch/dinner.

:: A new yogurt place literally a 2 minute drive from my house.