So, Ali and I were standing in the kitchen Wednesday night, cooking (me) and talking (her), when we heard a key in the door, and it opened. My first thought was, "Great. The RA didn't even knock." But, I was wrong. Three girls walked in, each burdened with bags, boxes, and suitcases. They quickly tossed their names at us as they headed for Candice's room, leaving Ali and I stare at one another in bewilderment. Two of them had appeared to be African, and their words, which we overheard from the bedroom, seemed strangely indistinguishable. We figured out that Mary was the one actually moving in, and she came into the kitchen to put something in the freezer. She told us that she had been moved into Stadium Park apartments, but something was wrong with the room, so Housing moved her to our suite. None of us had been informed, but that's par for the course. She said she hoped that we were friendly, and we realized that she had gotten the wrong impression from the surprised looks on our faces when she walked in, so we assured her that she was quite welcome. She went to visit with Candice, and it wasn't long before we found out that Mary's from Cameroon, and she speaks French. I was so excited I wanted to squeal and dance around like a little girl. Well, actually, I did, come to think of it, but...hey, how crazy is it that I would be assigned a suitemate that speaks French? We started talking in French, and I could understand her really well. She said that I spoke extremely well, too, which was encouraging. I feel much more confident when native speakers can understand me, not just professors.
Anyway, my first two days of classes went quite well. All of my professors are either energetic, sarcastic, interesting, or a combination of the three, which I love. I think this semester's assignments will be mostly reading. I can handle that. I've had the chance to hang out with some old acquaintances, and I'm slowing starting to see more of the gang. It's good to be back. :) Ali and I have had some great times already - Star Trek and Robin Hood: Men in Tights, poptarts and chocolate - and I'm looking forward to many more.
I've been having dizzy spells today, though, so I'm going to head to bed and see if I can sleep it off. Night!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
crazy first day
I have to start by expressing how thankful I am for the gift God gave me this year: a summer with my family. Honestly, I thought that living at home with them during the summer months was going to be a trial, but God proved me wrong. Once again, He illustrated the fact that His plans are better than mine. There was healing, restoration, growth, laughter -- so many good things -- and I was sad that it had to end. So, God's plan: 1, Grace's plan: 0.
Now that I've moved into my apartment though, I can say that God has a season for everything. It's okay to be sad about the end of one season, and it's also okay to be excited about the beginning of another one. Which brings me to today. What. a. day. I have missed the insanity of girl time. It was so refreshing to start off the morning with Candice and Ali in the kitchen, chatting and cooking breakfast. I have been blessed with the most wonderful suite - better than I could have planned. Actually, it isn't what I planned, but as usual, God's plans are better. Ali and I had arranged to share the apartment with two friends that we already knew, but because of extenuating circumstances both of them had to change their plans, and another girl was assigned to our suite to replace one of them. At first I was a little skeptical about this idea of a random suitemate...but then I met Candice. She is amazing. I honestly can't wait to live with her this semester. So...yes, God's plan: 2, Grace's plan: 0.
Unfortunately, our apartment does not have working internet, so I'm using someone else's weak signal from the corner of our apartment. It hasn't been working for weeks, from what I've heard, so tomorrow, they're going to hear about it - again - in no uncertain terms. I hate dealing with the UCA Housing Department; they're never helpful, and you have to be abrasive to get anything accomplished. :/ I'm waiting on God's plan to come through on this one...
But anyway, today was also an awesome day because I got to spend it with Ali, hanging out, eating, having girl talk, laughing until we couldn't stand up...the usual. Most of my stuff has been unpacked and melded with hers in an organized fashion, as well, which gives me a good feeling. This apartment really feels home-y. There are still a few odds and ends we need to pick up at the Stuffmart, like an ice tray, but...overall, it's quite comfortable. I love the feeling I get from walking into a real kitchen to get a glass of water when I'm thirsty. I even love the feeling I get from doing the dishes. Weird, I know, but that's just me.
The other highlight of my day was finding out that I will be in the Concert Choir this semester. :) I've wanted to sing with them since freshman year, but I was too nervous about adding the time commitment at first. Now, though, I realize that I'm here at college not only for the classes, but for the experiences, and it's worth it to make time for something like this that I want to do. Singing makes me happy. Singing in a choir makes me happier. Singing in a *good* choir makes me the happiest! :)
Anyway, I need to get some sleep now so that I can get up in the morning and be fully awake for all of things I need to accomplish: friends to see, appointments to keep, errands to run, internet functionality to procure...you know, the usual. I'll be in touch.
<3
Now that I've moved into my apartment though, I can say that God has a season for everything. It's okay to be sad about the end of one season, and it's also okay to be excited about the beginning of another one. Which brings me to today. What. a. day. I have missed the insanity of girl time. It was so refreshing to start off the morning with Candice and Ali in the kitchen, chatting and cooking breakfast. I have been blessed with the most wonderful suite - better than I could have planned. Actually, it isn't what I planned, but as usual, God's plans are better. Ali and I had arranged to share the apartment with two friends that we already knew, but because of extenuating circumstances both of them had to change their plans, and another girl was assigned to our suite to replace one of them. At first I was a little skeptical about this idea of a random suitemate...but then I met Candice. She is amazing. I honestly can't wait to live with her this semester. So...yes, God's plan: 2, Grace's plan: 0.
Unfortunately, our apartment does not have working internet, so I'm using someone else's weak signal from the corner of our apartment. It hasn't been working for weeks, from what I've heard, so tomorrow, they're going to hear about it - again - in no uncertain terms. I hate dealing with the UCA Housing Department; they're never helpful, and you have to be abrasive to get anything accomplished. :/ I'm waiting on God's plan to come through on this one...
But anyway, today was also an awesome day because I got to spend it with Ali, hanging out, eating, having girl talk, laughing until we couldn't stand up...the usual. Most of my stuff has been unpacked and melded with hers in an organized fashion, as well, which gives me a good feeling. This apartment really feels home-y. There are still a few odds and ends we need to pick up at the Stuffmart, like an ice tray, but...overall, it's quite comfortable. I love the feeling I get from walking into a real kitchen to get a glass of water when I'm thirsty. I even love the feeling I get from doing the dishes. Weird, I know, but that's just me.
The other highlight of my day was finding out that I will be in the Concert Choir this semester. :) I've wanted to sing with them since freshman year, but I was too nervous about adding the time commitment at first. Now, though, I realize that I'm here at college not only for the classes, but for the experiences, and it's worth it to make time for something like this that I want to do. Singing makes me happy. Singing in a choir makes me happier. Singing in a *good* choir makes me the happiest! :)
Anyway, I need to get some sleep now so that I can get up in the morning and be fully awake for all of things I need to accomplish: friends to see, appointments to keep, errands to run, internet functionality to procure...you know, the usual. I'll be in touch.
<3
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
not for the faint of...stomach?
Since my thoughts are not very organized right now, this is probably going to end up as "mind vomit." My apologies in advance to those of weaker constitution.
As a result of babysitting over the past week and a half, I've discovered once again how much I enjoy the quiet, early morning hours. I haven't seen many of them this summer, but I'm hoping to overhaul my schedule this fall. Fortunately, my classes are going to force me to make some changes anyway. Class starts at 10am MWF and 9:25am TTh, but Ali has an 8am class MWF, so I'm sure I'll be waking up early every day. Strangely enough, I think I actually prefer that. Getting up at the same hour(especially an earlier hour) generally makes me feel better, and it gives me time to work out or work on homework without the distractions that present themselves later in the day. This is all theory so far, though -- I make no promises as to how my REAL schedule is going to fall into place.
My store manager told me last week that it's become a very real possibility again that I could be transferred to a Conway store. She and one of the other store managers would like for me to be able to stay in the company instead of being terminated. (It's a good feeling, being wanted.) :) It all depends on the store manager in Conway, though. If she can make room for me, I'll gladly join her team; if not, I'll trust that God has something else in mind. However, one thing is for sure: I'm going to miss working at the Cabot store. :(
Speaking of work, schedules, and classes...I need to order books for my History of American Diplomacy class and sell the textbook I bought for the Logic class I dropped. Taking three classes that don't directly count for either of my majors was stressing me out, so a few weeks ago, I decided to look through the list of classes once again to see if I missed a possibility. That's when I found the Diplomacy class. I don't know how I missed it before! It counts for my International Studies major, which I definitely need to be working on, since I'm almost done with the requirements for my French major. Anyway, I'm glad to be taking three, instead of two, upper division classes that are worth something. I was feeling the pressure of time running out (even though I know I have some breathing room). It's hard to remind myself to slow down and remember that I don't have to rush through everything.
I have a tendency to obsess about productivity to the point that every minute serves a purpose, which can be both a good and a bad thing. I suppose there's a reason that I'm as driven and ambitious as I am, but I'm trying to learn to strike a balance. I think using time wisely is about moderation, not obsessive achievement. Maybe if I can remember that more often, I can eliminate some of this guilt, stress, and fear over not having done "enough." I'm sure there's a spiritual principle here that I've been forgetting...probably something about trusting God. I think it would be worth some thought and prayer later.
Oh - I've been thinking over the past couple of days about something I heard on the radio. It was just one of those 2 minute devotional spots that air on KLOVE or SpiritFM; I don't remember which station it was, and I don't remember who was talking. Anyway, the guy was challenging listeners to rethink the way they look at each day, and what he said really made sense to me. Instead of waking up every day, staggering under the weight of our emotional, relational, or financial stresses, or just moaning about another Monday, we should look at ourselves as being "one day closer." Today, I am one day closer to Christ, one day closer to healing in a relationship, one day closer to the other side of a financial crunch, one day closer to freedom from a habit, one day closer to spiritual maturity, one day closer seeing Him face to face in heaven. The burden seems so much lighter when I remind myself that today, I really am one day closer.
Anyway, I should see what else needs to be taken care of today. I have some Mexican layered dip to make for Mishal's party tonight, and I need to call the body shop to ask why they haven't called me back about the part I ordered for the car. :P
Grace and peace in Christ. :)
As a result of babysitting over the past week and a half, I've discovered once again how much I enjoy the quiet, early morning hours. I haven't seen many of them this summer, but I'm hoping to overhaul my schedule this fall. Fortunately, my classes are going to force me to make some changes anyway. Class starts at 10am MWF and 9:25am TTh, but Ali has an 8am class MWF, so I'm sure I'll be waking up early every day. Strangely enough, I think I actually prefer that. Getting up at the same hour(especially an earlier hour) generally makes me feel better, and it gives me time to work out or work on homework without the distractions that present themselves later in the day. This is all theory so far, though -- I make no promises as to how my REAL schedule is going to fall into place.
My store manager told me last week that it's become a very real possibility again that I could be transferred to a Conway store. She and one of the other store managers would like for me to be able to stay in the company instead of being terminated. (It's a good feeling, being wanted.) :) It all depends on the store manager in Conway, though. If she can make room for me, I'll gladly join her team; if not, I'll trust that God has something else in mind. However, one thing is for sure: I'm going to miss working at the Cabot store. :(
Speaking of work, schedules, and classes...I need to order books for my History of American Diplomacy class and sell the textbook I bought for the Logic class I dropped. Taking three classes that don't directly count for either of my majors was stressing me out, so a few weeks ago, I decided to look through the list of classes once again to see if I missed a possibility. That's when I found the Diplomacy class. I don't know how I missed it before! It counts for my International Studies major, which I definitely need to be working on, since I'm almost done with the requirements for my French major. Anyway, I'm glad to be taking three, instead of two, upper division classes that are worth something. I was feeling the pressure of time running out (even though I know I have some breathing room). It's hard to remind myself to slow down and remember that I don't have to rush through everything.
I have a tendency to obsess about productivity to the point that every minute serves a purpose, which can be both a good and a bad thing. I suppose there's a reason that I'm as driven and ambitious as I am, but I'm trying to learn to strike a balance. I think using time wisely is about moderation, not obsessive achievement. Maybe if I can remember that more often, I can eliminate some of this guilt, stress, and fear over not having done "enough." I'm sure there's a spiritual principle here that I've been forgetting...probably something about trusting God. I think it would be worth some thought and prayer later.
Oh - I've been thinking over the past couple of days about something I heard on the radio. It was just one of those 2 minute devotional spots that air on KLOVE or SpiritFM; I don't remember which station it was, and I don't remember who was talking. Anyway, the guy was challenging listeners to rethink the way they look at each day, and what he said really made sense to me. Instead of waking up every day, staggering under the weight of our emotional, relational, or financial stresses, or just moaning about another Monday, we should look at ourselves as being "one day closer." Today, I am one day closer to Christ, one day closer to healing in a relationship, one day closer to the other side of a financial crunch, one day closer to freedom from a habit, one day closer to spiritual maturity, one day closer seeing Him face to face in heaven. The burden seems so much lighter when I remind myself that today, I really am one day closer.
Anyway, I should see what else needs to be taken care of today. I have some Mexican layered dip to make for Mishal's party tonight, and I need to call the body shop to ask why they haven't called me back about the part I ordered for the car. :P
Grace and peace in Christ. :)
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