On the Mind...

I feel like I'm juggling a million things right now, trying to maintain a social life, barely keeping up with school, working two jobs, Bible studies, constantly going from one thing to the next. I'd like to prioritize, but honestly I don't know what needs to go. School started two months ago, and honestly I never feel like I was ready for it. I'm definitely not giving it the time I really need to, which leads to pulling all-nighters in my procrastination. I think above all else, I really need to give school a big priority. It's crazy to think that last year school was really all I did, and now I just try to fit it in where I can.

I really don't like being a busy person. I look forward to Monday's because it's my only day where I don't work at either job usually, I only have two classes, and a huge chunk in the afternoon free. The rest of the week is taken up by going from one place to the next-- school, work, home, back to school, on to the museum-- it's very exhausting! I don't know why it's so hard to focus this semester, I don't know what the problem is. On top of it all, I haven't been making time for Jesus time, which I so desperately need! I try to fill my life up with everything else that doesn't satisfy, when I really just need Him so much. It's really hard to follow Him and to live a life that truly glorifies Him. I get so tired of my roller coaster of my walk with Him. I so want to constantly be growing closer to Him, not up and down like it has been for a while. I'd really like an older woman to mentor me, I think that might help my growth a lot. A lot of it too is knowing where to read in the Bible. I feel lost in that area. I usually just read from the New Testament, but what I'd really like is to keep it fresh, to learn new things, to get a different perspective on something I've read a hundred times.

On a study break, I decided to focus on something I could control-- cleaning my room. I put a ton of clothes away, threw things in the trash, swept the floor and now I don't feel quite as crazy. I think if anything your bedroom should be a peaceful place! I still need to decorate and put pictures on the walls and everything.

I hope I can stay up tonight and try to get more done on my essay exam. I'm almost done with my third cup of coffee tonight, and I feel like a lot of my energy is gone. I'm going to try and drudge through it tonight so tomorrow won't be quite as stressful.

Almost time, kids...

So, Spring Semester classes are already listed on the Washburn site, and I think I pretty much have my schedule figured out.... Here's what I'm thinking at this point (and please note that this will be my LAST semester at Washburn! Exciting!!!)...

1.Early Modern Art (cubism, impressionism, expressionism, etc. All the ism's basically)
2. Art of the Americas
3. Spanish Composition
4. Literature for Young Adults
5. Spanish Translation
6. Kansas History or Social Psychology

Another 18ish hour semester, but then I will be DONE, and I'm gonna have a big PARTY to celebrate! And you're all invited!

Enchantments

Today is the first day of October! I woke up and genuinely felt the same way as if it were my birthday, sheer excitement! October is magical-- the brisk air becomes more apparent, the leaves turn a beautiful array of golden tones, hot drinks taste that much more amazing, corn mazes, pumpkins and of course you have all month to look forward to Halloween! I'm thinking of having a party at my house that night. What are your plans?


There are small moments when I'm on the bike where I think just by glancing over at something for a second, I have an immortal image burned on my brain the rest of the day. I rode home from school yesterday going down the sidewalk on Huntoon, facing the speeding cars going down the opposite direction. I felt like I was totally protected just by a small curb and a sidewalk, even though I felt a bit like a fish swimming upstream. It's a bit intimidating facing a hundred bumpers all coming at you. I glanced over once to my right when I heard the sound of little boys shouting, and captured an immortal moment in my brain: A pair of boys were sword fighting using large sticks, slapping the wood together to make a curiously loud contact sound. I felt like they should be wearing tiny prince crowns. Fencing is timeless! It reminded me of this magical Glosoli video. I think when I have kids someday I will not own a television for a while simply so that they can nurture their imaginations a bit.

Another small moment was as I was racing down another street, my slightly puffy sleeve caught the wind, and I glanced over and saw it billowing. I couldn't help but smile like a crazy person, smiling at their own sleeve! Later when Emily and I were flying down Indian Hills, I looked over and saw a large patch of corn blazing with the light of the sun. I couldn't take my eyes off of that beautiful sight!

Today, I: (to follow Tricia's suit)

-Spoke a lot of Spanish, including a whole conversation about Mulan y como nos gusta la voz de Donny Osmond.... pretty entertaining stuff, I tell ya!
-Listened to "Tocar Madera" in my Conversational Spanish class, a very spirited song (cancion) about various superstitions, since that happens to be this week's topic. Fun fact: In the Hispanic culture, Tuesday the 13th is the feared day!
-Went to Art Criticism and found out that I was the only one in the class who received an A on our formal analysis paper. That made me feel smart and loved.
-Rode up to 33rd and Indian Hills with Emily after class... which was probably in the area of 10 miles or so? It was a very nice ride and much easier this time with my raised seat.
-Started off season three of Roswell with a bang.... Sonic from my homegirl Tricia, m&m's and popcorn (I've got the magical microwave timing gift), and ROSWELL! BAH! So addicted right now.

Autumnal Musings

My annual affair with Fall begins officially today! I could squeal over and over!

This time of year comes around, and even if just two weeks ago I was wanting more summer, I am definitely ready for a new season. I am always the happiest during Fall, something about it just makes me so giddy!

As you can tell, I often get excited over the next couple months, see post from a year ago.

I rode my bike to school today, my eyes burning from the coldness of the morning air but I didn't care because my old friend had come back to me again. I even pulled out the ole Lumberjacket today in honor of Fall's return and plan to wear it continuously throughout the season. Between my first and second class, I walked over to the Union and was thinking about getting coffee, but changed my mind and bought a hot chocolate instead. It was perfect!

Welcome, Autumn: "Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun..." **

**- From a John Keats collection of poetry book I acquired from the library book sale. Isn't that line delightful??

confession

I like hip hop.

I can't help myself.

I feel Fall coming, and I think I'm finally ready to welcome my old, dear friend.