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.

My sister is home. :)

School stress

I miss the carefree days of Summer when all I had to worry about was what bike route I was going to take! This semester is going to be super intense.... I've got four papers to write for my Short Story class and three essay exams, three intense papers for Art Criticism, one huge research paper for Art of Africa, a couple papers for Spanish Grammar Review-- along with keeping a weekly diary in Spanish, and one other paper for my Peru class. And that doesn't even include my tests, oral exams and other projects!

I think what it really comes down to is becoming better organized. I need to take advantage of my time at the museum, and use that time to only work on school stuff. Even though my schedule seems pretty busy, I've got to use the free time I do have to work ahead on things and not procrastinate! This is my last Fall semester.... I've got to remember that I'm nearing the end and can't give up now!

I love my friends.

I really and truly feel blessed to have all of them in my life-- the thinkers, the intellectuals, the artists, the free spirits, the Jesus lovers, the rational ones (yes, I do have a couple of these, thank goodness!!), the impersonators, friends who make me laugh until I cry, friends who inspire me to grow and change my thinking, the ones who doubt. I love all of their imperfections, for there is power in weakness! I am quite content with my life, really basking in the love of Christ and just wanting to give Him my all. I'm excited to grow in areas where I am weak, that Christ will be glorified!

We need other people around us, and I'm realizing that more and more. I love love love how the Lord sometimes uses other people to reveal Himself to us. I received such healing recently from a dear friend, and am continually amazed by the grace of God. Thank the Lord that we do not have to do life alone, that if we mess up, we are not abandoned. I'm blessed to have people around me who want to help and understand and comfort, but also to challenge me!

I thank the Lord for you!!