Assignment Checklist

Does it freak anyone else out that it's almost halfway through the semester already?? The month of October is lovely, but extremely busy for me school-wise and I think I may only be able to truly enjoy the last week or so of this month.

Things to get done this month:

1. Paper/Presentation for Business of Art (tomorrow--halfway done at this point in the evening)
2. Renaissance paper proposal and research bibliography (still need to pick a topic!)
3. Human Impact quiz, e-mail assignment, and test
4. 32 Online Spanish activities
5. Big essay for EN 300
6. Spanish test and oral exam

Deep breaths. Okay, that's really not as bad as I built it up in my head. I think it's just stressful for me right now, because I am still sick-- yes, after two weeks of misery, STILL SICK! I think I'm going to try going to the campus health clinic tomorrow because I think this weird sickness has turned into a sinus infection. My body needs to make up its mind of whatever I'm sick with... I can't seem to get better! All I want to do is rest but there is always something to get done for school.

At least after tomorrow, I will not be as stressed because presentations freak me out-- I get so nervous talking in front of a group of people. For some reason, I can joke around and be the center of attention if I'm trying for laughs or being silly, but if I actually need to be serious, I freak. That's probably my insecurities coming out, huh?

I've decided that I'm going to Lawrence on Saturday for some refreshment and new inspiration. Maybe I'll check out the latest exhibits at the Spencer or go to a couple thrift stores, grab some coffee and forget my cares. Anyone is welcome to join me if you also need an escape from the stress of your life, too!

Doth here live a Harry Potter fan?

I found this little treasure as I was walking around downtown the other day and the inner dweeb in me squealed.

Art Auction + Book Suggestions

Tonight I helped out at the gallery auction in the Union tonight. The mirrors that were displayed in the upstairs gallery for the last month were auctioned off tonight and it was a lot of fun! I hadn't ever helped with an auction, let alone even been to one before and it was pretty exciting. Two other work-study students besides myself carried the mirrors around to each table as they were up for bidding. I got to be the Vannah White of mirrors as the auctioneers went crazy trying to stir up the rich to hand over the big dollars. The highest mirror that sold tonight went for over $550! This was a fundraiser to support the museum and the art lab, so tickets to this event were not cheap. I got to wear a pretty dress and help myself to a glass of wine at the open bar and some fancy desserts when I got done displaying the mirrors. It was also enjoyable to see other gallery workers since I rarely get to interact with them.

I really would like a good book to read, so I am taking open suggestions here on my blog. I'm really up for anything-- fantasty, adventure, theology, a biography, non-fiction, something Donald Miller-ish-- Really just a book that you personally love and would recommend! So, please-- shout them out.

On the mind...

I feel like this little guy, because like a good student I have squandered away my free time lately by just doing nothing and now I am way beyond overwhelmed. I have about a billion things to do-- and they all nicely came up around the same time and are all due in the next few days.

I'm still a bit sick and all I want to do is sleep and rest and try to get feeling back to normal, but there is no time. This semester is very hard... I don't remember having this much homework in my previous semesters, unless I just forgot and tried to block it out? I do a lot of my homework when I'm at work, but there's still always more to get done when I get home.

This year has a very different feel in general... so much about my life has changed a lot in the last few years. I still feel like I'm in a weird transition in regards to friends, church, etc. I just feel like I'm a constant state of flux trying to get back to normalcy... which brings me to another Art History image: Oh, Mondrian. I really like you. I'm sorry you're so misunderstood.

Anyhow, some really cool new things this year that are exciting: I've been wanting just more FELLOWSHIP lately, so I joined a couple Bible studies-- one for older girls in Challenge. It's more like a sisterhood and I've really learned a lot from these ladies so far-- they are awesome and so welcoming. I've also been wanting to meet more people at FBC since I really do want to make it my church more, and I'm starting a small group next week with a few other girls who attend Washburn.

I think your 20's are so unsettling. People constantly come in and out of your life, friendships change, people move away, friends get married, etc. I don't know how to explain how I feel about all of this other than feeling unsettled. Honestly, I feel like right now there are very few people in my life I can still relate to, being a single woman with pretty much no responsibilities and having no desire for a relationship. I think it can be both the easiest and hardest thing to be single. People forget what it's like. But I think the most valuable thing to a single person is genuine and sincere friendships. I'm so blessed by having a few strong friendships with women I know I can laugh with, cry with and share the most vulnerable places in my sentimental heart. And there's my Jesus whom I know I can ALWAYS rely on. He is always there to hold my hand in these lonely times when I'm so tired of facing the world alone.

Why I love my hair straightener:

Pre (aka Wild Lion Mane) vs. Post Straightened:

After straightening the hair, it also magically adds makeup, a smile and the Lumberjacket, of course.

VP Debates Tonight

....Should be very entertaining, I think, hehe. :) I'm going to miss them, because I will be spending some time with my bosom friend Tricia!

The poll board is full on Election Day, so I'm signed up as an alternate to help with things should they need me. I feel so political!

O'Dooley's with Grace

We celebrated the first day of October by spending a little time at this warm and fun Irish pub, discussing politics and the world of work.