Goodbye to the September Shlump

I was talking about my blog today and knew I hadn't posted since the beginning of the semester. So, since we're out of the "September Shlump," and into the getting-better weather of October, I thought I'd write a new post. By the way, the September shlump is totally a real thing for college kids. My sister created the phrase and can define it best, but I shall try here.

September Shlump--the time in September when your first tests and quizzes start and the homework is piling up and the excitement of brand new classes has worn off and it's still so stinking hot outside, and you're very tired all the time.

The weather was great on Friday, and I took a study blanket outside with oreos and chex-mix for snacks. I invited some friends to join me. One friend, Cali, did come outside, but we got so caught up in talking that I think we studied for around 20 minutes of a 3 hour session. Sometimes, however, that needs to happen.

I took the blanket out again after church on Sunday and got school done even with friends present. It's so relaxing to lay on a blanket in the grass with a steady wind through your hair, and the sun hits the back of your legs. I plan on making it a regular event.

I hope you're enjoying your October. I feel that this semester is going to pass soon. Busyness will take over, and there won't be so much time for lying in the grass with the sun on your legs. And then it will be Halloween. Thanksgiving will pass in a whirl, and then finals will hit. And with a combination of only taking 12 hours, several of my friends having graduated in December, and just being a senior in general, I think the spring will be really weird.

Despite future thoughts, I'm trying to enjoy this weather and take some time away from school for fun things. Things like talking for 3 hours instead of studying, impromptu trips to Chick-fil-A when the Homecoming game is disappointing, and writing blog posts. I also hope to have a game night sometime soon.

So long for now. I'll be back. :)

First Day

I woke early thanks to my window facing east. Once 8 o'clock hit, I grabbed my water bottle, my ID, my headphones, and a banana to take on the school's gym for the first time. It was a doozy: elliptical, tricep machine, followed by crunches. I did it, and I felt better for it. Lunch was at the Baugh, meh, but made better by two good friends whose company I've missed these past months. 2 classes and overviews of the course objectives under my belt. A sticky amount of sweating from crossing all lengths of the campus. I made my own dinner tonight, a chicken breast on the panini press with some Italian seasoning. Salad with cucumbers accompanied, and then I ate some chips just cause I wanted to. I entertained a friend over dinner, and the two of us played Bananagrams after we'd done our chatting. I capped my dinner around 9:15 when I started in on the piece of chocolate cream pie with my name on it. Lots of reading for classes along the way. It's already a mountain before me. Finally, dropped the dishwasher tab under the bottom rack, and flipped the on lever. Now I sit at my computer.

I was a little worried that with having my own kitchen this semester, I wouldn't really leave my apartment much. Thus, my socialization would tank. But for the first day, I exercised, had lunch with friends, dinner with a friend, played Bananagrams, spent lots of time sitting next to my roommate, and I still did a load of homework. I'm not worried anymore. A kitchen only means eating real food and gives you the bonus of being able to share of yourself by feeding others.

For now I must check out. My interview is tomorrow morning at 10:00 am. Please pray for me. I want this internship so much, I'm kind of afraid to talk about it.

The Beginning of the End

I read on facebook tonight that someone was saying that they really should dress up for school tomorrow (as it is the first day), but instead she's just going to wear really casual clothes because she wants to. Funny enough, I thought to myself earlier that instead of dressing up for classes, maybe I should just come in my lounging clothes because that would showcase my senior status.

Don't worry. I'll be wearing my predetermined nice outfit. :) But it did cross my mind.

I'm sitting at my desk in my little room all to myself, surrounded by open plastic bins, refuse all over the floor, and really too many picture frames on my desk, and I'm thinking about tomorrow. There is a slight note in my brain of it being a very important day as it marks the beginning of the end. Still, most of me just thinks it's another year of school. I guess it will feel like that for awhile, until the end starts to sink in.

At this point I have no idea what I'm doing after college, but that's all right for the moment. Later on, not so much. But, worrying about that later.

I have so many Disney memories surrounding me. They are nearly all work related, as that was where I was happiest. Nemo jumps out from my desk in several places. It's definitely not hard to find him here.

And then to the right of me, on the floor in front of the mirror, is my Death Star rug. You know, 'cause that's a very normal thing for a girl's senior dorm room. No matter. I absolutely love it. It brings an extra level of nerd to my room.

I feel like this post has a little too much rambling and introspection thrown in together. Maybe this is where I should end then. I am really tired. Climbing into bed after I finish writing this. With the bed lofted a good 4 feet, it's hard to get into bed with your computer, and then just lay the computer on the floor and go to sleep. Thus, typing this at my desk. Shortly to reach my bed.

I shall not take up anymore of your time. Thanks for reading. Good night.

Natalie Renee

Natalie Renee,

What a wisp of an angel,

What a breath of joy.

Pink hued and small featured,

You are the best combination.

Natalie Renee

Tiny princess for us all

Black hair and sleeping eyes

You don’t even know your magic yet.

You have so much to give the world.

Natalie Renee

I cannot wait to meet you.

Little baby soon in my arms

So many exciting stories to live

I promise to read them all.