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I don't like it. Yesterday, for example, it took me precisely 23 minutes to drive 1 mile. Here are some gift ideas that will make you happy. And make the world a more just, equitable, and happy place for all : )
Mennonite Central Committee Gifts
Few things are better than a beautiful day among mountains, woods, vineyards, and super friends. Much to our delight, Ryan decided to join a wine club that allowed us free tastings and access to a very grown-up room with a fire place and gourmet cheese platter. Any trip to Santa Barbara is incomplete without a trip to the tavern where woodsy smoke and harmonica and bbq sauce are abundant. So we sat by the fireplace, under the boar's head, and enjoyed a day void of homework or obligations.
(1) Thais, me, Sara, Andrea (2) cheese (3) mission-style winery (4) taverned cousins
[mountains intoxicate me.]
[i love miriam!]
All things considered, finals week could've been a lot worse. I even finished an hour early. Really, it feels almost anti-climactic since most of my papers were submitted via email. 10 weeks of studying and researching, and with the click of a "send" the quarter is complete.
I have to admit, I've never so looked forward to a break. It's not that the quarter was bad by any means; just a little too busy. Balancing 3 classes, plus one I never finished during the summer (p.s. never take a distance learning class unless you've mastered self-discipline), plus 3 jobs all added up to be even more than expected. Plus there's the whole "balancing my time" thing that I have yet to get down.
Honestly, I've spent a lot of the quarter feeling guilty...guilty mostly that I didn't have (or insist on) adequate time with friends. I feel horrible for not calling or writing or sitting down for coffee more often. Never even sent a single birthday card. Supposedly life gets busier as you get older, but I don't find myself a huge fan of this pattern. So, for all you out there reading, I apologize and hope we get to catch up SOON!
Besides these feelings of inadequacy this quarter, I am again amazed by God allowing me to be here. My classes continually challenge my assumptions, expand my view of God and his world, and motivate me to remain involved. My life here is graced with mountains and sunny days, a new church community, some sweet coffee shop finds, neighbor kids, cousins, wonderful friends. And the unexpected joy of falling in love with Ryan : )
So, a whole month of (relative) freedom awaits...and I am SO excited to go home for Christmas! Of course, there are 3 more quarters to go here at Fuller, but I hope time slows down enough so that I can continue savoring each one.
