Mocha Frappes

What am I loving right now? McDonald's mocha frappes. They're $2.51, tax included, which is definitely less than those at Starbucks. Although I adore Starbucks and all of the wonderful local coffee shops in Jackson, McDonald's is a great option for when I'm in Magnolia. I also made a homemade mocha frappe earlier this week, which is an even cheaper alternative! I was pleased with how it turned out.

Unsettled

"I have a test tomorrow."
"I have to write a paper."
"I need to get some sleep."
"I have to go to a meeting."
"I have so much homework to do."
"I should go to the library."
"I am so stressed out."

What do all of these statements have in common? Yes, you got it...the word "I". I'm realizing that these four years of college, no matter how involved one is in extracurriculars or volunteer activities, is very self-serving. It causes me to become irritated when my views get so skewed that I think my tests and academic success (or the lack thereof) is the only important thing in this world. Unfortunately, I fall into that belief often. What a joke! With professors on my back and students constantly achieving academic success (which is great!), it is easy to slip into this mindset.

Now that I'm in my third year of college, I have been able to pinpoint my source of occasional discontentment with this chapter of my life. I want to invest my time in something other than constantly myself. However, I must remind myself that these four years of college (and hopefully four years of optometry school) is the time I'll be putting in to prepare for the long-term lifestyle I desire. This lifestyle will allow me to do meaningful activities and build/maintain enriching relationships and "success" in all aspects of life--not just the academic one.

I'm thankful for my Millsaps education and for the friendships, experiences, and life lessons I've gained here because there is, after all, a time for everything.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

(1) There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:
(2) a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
(3) a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
(4) a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
(5) a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
(6) a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
(7) a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
(8) a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

Almost Done

In the span of the past three days, I took four tests (while having a terrible cold).

Right now, I am sitting in Starbucks with a peppermint mocha, Kleenex, and my computer, doing absolutely nothing school related.

Once I return to campus, I will have three comprehensive final exams to prepare for and three reflection papers to write.

Exactly one week from today will be the sweet day that I load up my car, kiss this awful semester goodbye, put it behind me, and go home.

On another note, here's a picture of Yoda for your viewing pleasure:

Current Top Three Favorites

Three things I'm loving right now are...

1) Taylor Swift's newest album

2) Anberlin's newest album

3) Hazelnut coffee creamer

These two albums are great to listen to on my longer drives, and it was about time for some new music! I didn't think I would like Hazelnut creamer, but it's so yummy and makes late nights in the library just an itty bit more tolerable. My suitemate, Casey, just bought a huge bottle of it to carry us through finals week!

Koinonia

Three dollars buys you much more than a delicious mocha in a cute, homey mug.

Three dollars buys you personal time to digest the busyness of Millsaps or to refresh or realign your thinking.
Three dollars buys you the motivation to accomplish a lot in a shorter amount of time.
Three dollars buys you a short driving trip that allows you to enjoy your music.
Three dollars buys you space.
Three dollars buys you the place to people watch and see lives other than that of college students and professors.
Three dollars gets you out of the library and into a change of scenery.
Three dollars buys you, when not doing schoolwork, enriching conversation with those you love.

I love coffee shops.

Therapeutic Saturday

On my fall break, I saw Wicked in Memphis with Ariel. We absolutely loved it! Broadway musicals are magical, and my dream job is to be a Broadway dancer.


After my break, I finally got to see Michael! He came to Jackson for his fall break, and we had a great weekend.


After Michael left, I faced a week with three tests. Needless to say, I was pretty miserable. I gave up Facebook for the week, and that was an interesting experience. For the most part, I was so consumed with studying that I didn't really realize I wasn't on Facebook. However, I noticed that I excessively checked the weather and other websites that are regularly updated. It made me realize how much we crave constant updates/news. With that said, I spent Friday cleaning the bathroom, making a trip to Wal Mart, and Salsa dancing with friends! My Saturday has been spent sleeping, doing laundry, catching up on Facebook, and updating the blog.

One night I was studying organic and in the midst of all of the synthesis and mechanisms I was practicing, I jotted down this verse: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27.

Spontaneous Post

The following statements are opposites (me being pessimistic):
1) I'm a junior in college and I know exactly what I'm doing. Duh, I'm an upperclassman.
2) I know what I want to do with my life; I'll have no trouble reaching these goals.
3) Molecular cell biology is my favorite class ever.
4) I love it when I find a fruit fly in my rice in the Caf.
5) I'm so glad I have three tests in one week coming up.
6) It's so uplifting that everyone at Millsaps insists on coming across as being perfect.


The following epic events are going to occur within the next week (me being optimistic):
1) Fall break, baby.
2) Wicked Broadway in Memphis with Ariel Allen, followed by a fun night in Jonesboro.
3) Day in Little Rock with my family. I get to watch my high school's band perform.
4) See my doggie.
5) Sleep in my own bed and eat home cooked food.
6) Have plenty of time to study without having to go to class to accumulate even more homework.
7) Don't have to drive back to Jackson on Sunday afternoon like usual. That's so depressing.
8) No organic lab on Wednesday.
9) OEC with the cult for dinner.
10) Michael Price arrives in Jackson (best for last, naturally).