Parkhurst Reunion

There was recently a reunion for those of us who lived in the Parkhurst Hall Honor's Community in 2003-2004. While I lived with most of these individuals in Sanford as well, there was something significantly different in seeing them in the place where we first grew to know one another. It was held in the fourth floor community room, and Erin and I visited the guys who now inhabit our old dwellings. We were able to give them the stories behind patched walls. It was a very nice experience. Looking over pictures from our first year here, I realize how much we have all changed. So many memories.

Parkhurst Reunion

"where the waves grow sweet..."

It's a beautiful day outside. Yesterday was nothing but rain. Today is nothing but clear blue skies, sunshine, and just enough wind to put a slight chill in the air. Days like this make me so happy that I can barely stand it. Something within thrives on brilliant days. I'm listening to windchimes, watching shadows dance, and enjoying homemade cinnamon rolls. Today is a day for exploring or driving. It seems a shame to spend it inside, but that is precisely what will end up happening. I'm determined to rediscover the lazy Sundays that never seemed to end...the ones where you took a nap just to make time pass faster. They are probably out of reach until classes end, but I'm confident that they're waiting. Weekends always make it difficult to return to normal life. I think that's one reason I'm so eager to finish school. At least with a job, I might be better able to relax on Saturdays and Sundays. As it is, I'm always fretting about homework, tests, or projects. I realize that a different kind of worry will take over my life, but at this point, I think I will welcome the change.

The windchimes sound almost as if they're a song from another world. I could easily fall asleep in my dreamy state, which probably means that I should tackle the day's tasks.

Boo

My laptop is dead again. Until I get it fixed, updates and online time will practically cease. On one hand, it sucks because next week is midterms. I need consistent access to a computer for some of my classes. On the other hand, I might actually get more studying done for lack of anything better to do.

Have I ever mentioned how annoying "She'll be Coming Round the Mountain" is?

Somewhere over the rainbow

Thirty minutes until class. There are more productive ways to spend my time, but where's the sense in that? Work hours are being cut back from 6:00-9:00 instead of the usual 5:00-9:00. It means less hours, which means less money, but I don't really care. I don't think I'll continue working Phonathon next semester. It's a good job, but I think I'm heading towards burnout in the phone call department. Megan is helping me line up clarinet lessons, which is going to be awesome. Lessons are what I've always wanted to do, and hopefully it will be running full steam next semester.
I started attending a Bible Study on Monday nights with four other girls. Someone brings dinner or snacks, then we watch a video message and talk about the things we've discovered over the course of the week. I'm really looking forward to this because it will hopefully keep me accountable on a daily basis. My biggest problem has been not staying consistently in the Word.
I'm still striving to find a balance between down time and work time. Our Music Therapy Group on Fridays is proving to be very therapeutic. We're discussing things in our personal lives that need improvement and looking to others for suggestions and support. It's still easier said than done, but we'll see. I'm trying to get most of my assignments done ahead of time so that I can enjoy the weekends. Frequently, even if I'm not actively doing homework, I'm mentally stressing over what needs to be completed by Monday. This weekend, I'm heading down to Savannah for Johnathan's recital. It's always so nice just to get on the road and drive. I can turn up the music and sing as loud as I want. There's nothing in front of me but flat open roads and blue sky. I'm saving up my change so that I can visit Starbuck's while I'm down there. Excitement all the way around!
Now. If only the sun would chase away the clouds...

"Well, east coast girls are hip..."

I was walking up the alley that runs between our parking deck and downtown. Sandwiched between dirty city walls, I gazed up for a glimpse of blue sky. As I returned my focus to the busy street ahead, the scent of food was carried on a breeze. I was glad to be headed to lunch, but another thought also stirred in my brain. For some reason, that split second reminded me of adventures in Louisiana. Then I thought of hot dog vendors in NYC. The Varsity, even. Milledgeville is hardly what one would consider urban, but it brought to mind encounters with the rush of a busy city. All cities have their bustling moments. Even the administration section of Cumming resembles Atlanta between the hours of 11:00 and 1:00. People scurrying about in suits, briefcases in tow. They gesture, deep in conversation while crossing the street to one of the few downtown eateries. Cars back up beyond sight at each red light. Today made me want to travel. I'm not even so sure I want to hit the big cities. It'd be nice just to say I've been there, but more than anything, I just want to experience having experienced more of this country. I'm grateful for my brief trip across the Atlantic, but I can't really fathom globe trotting unless I've first taken in the sights and sounds of my own homeland. I realize that it's highly unlikely that I will ever travel extensively, but who knows? Maybe one day when the kids are out of school, my husband and I will take a week or two off of work and create our own massive vacation...family members in tow. I know. I'm dreaming. But it never hurts to have dreams.

I need a vacation...

Dream...

I want to approach tomorrow as if it is the beginning of the rest of my life. Why live any other way? Better mindset. Self-discipline. Positive thoughts. Tossing away annoying self doubt. I love hitting these periods of inspiration, and I hope it sticks around long enough for me to make it a permanent fixture.

Where have all the flowers gone?

Rainy days and Monday always get me down...unless I expect them to. From the very beginning of the day, I was looking frantically toward the end. I was sure it would be horrid. I had class from 8:00 to 4:00, a brief meeting, then work from 5:00 to 9:00. Now that I'm sitting here at 9:30, I can't seem to stop my mind from racing. I'm so ready to collapse, but yet I can't complain about the way the day went.

It was very drizzly today, but even the nastiest days have their harsh beauty. I'm jealous of those in North Georgia who got snow and wish fervently that a couple inches would descend on Middle Georgia. That'll be the day. Joseph met me in the Honor's Lounge to deliver a late birthday present. Two black and white photographs that he had taken and knew I would appreciate. Both are extremely fitting, and I love them. I can't wait to frame them and place them with my other black and whites at home. If you're reading this, thank you.

I have been in a very curious mood as of late. I'm eager to learn, but not so eager to learn the things they tell me I have to know. I'd much rather study the lives of inspirational people. Familiarize myself with their writings and understand the inner workings of genius. I've even become more interested in classical music, which I never expected to happen in a million years.

It's time for some cocoa and a little bit of my John Newton biography. For anyone who doesn't know, he's the writer of "Amazing Grace" and has a truly amazing story. Newton lived an incredibly wicked life, and it's incredible to see the tranformation that took place in his life, leading him to pen one of the best-loved hymns ever written.