Wed-nes-day

I’ve noticed this quarter that my weeks tend to *really* only start to move and jive by mid-week.  That said, things have been slow but I’m refocusing my attention on thesis stuff and trying to “energize” myself about the work ahead of me.  I can’t spend too much time updating tonight, but I’ll highlight a few things from today:

1. A high of 57?  Evanston, you’re finally coming around to spring weather, eh?  Friday’s high is 79 (WITH ONLY A LOW OF 60–nuts!)…we’re quite excited here.  I should note that I wore my winter coat to RUF large group last night.  That said, I’m excited for this warm front.

2. I had an unexpected yet good (and very timely) conversation with my friend Andrew today.  His encouragement and thoughtfulness really asserted that we need the support of friends to give us new things to consider or at least offer new approaches to confronting the stress in our lives.  Points for conversation and Whole Foods coffee!

3. I am in the process of turning over the reigns for the student group I’ve been leading the past couple years: the Undergraduate English Association.  It’s weird to turn over the responsibilities but very, very necessary.

More to come later, but I hope everybody is doing well!

March Seventh

Because I love lists:

1. Yesterday was about 65 and sunny in Evanston = AMAZING.  I’m excited for the springtime :)

2. Happy 22nd Birthday, Andrew!

3. School has been incredibly busy these days, and it’s been difficult to get work done, but I’m hopeful about this last stretch.  I have an Evolution exam on Monday, an Asian Am paper to write, and my thesis draft due all within the next week and a half.  Then, I’ll be home in North Carolina enjoying time with family & friends (can’t wait).

4. I’ve been trying to get better at saying “no” to different time commitments; I’ve been feeling overextended at points these past few weeks, but things have steadily gotten better.  Keep on, keeping on?

5. Lots to do this weekend.  More to come later.

Stockton, IL

Outside from the Inside // Feb 2009

I’m currently on a retreat with Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) this weekend out in the middle of nowhere in northwest Illinois.  Everybody has the afternoon free, so I’m just getting a couple things done while folks are hanging out, doing homework, skiing, etc.  It’s been a very chill trip so far, and I’m glad  that I decided to come out since it’s my first official RUF gig (Andrew always invites me to RUF large group and other events, but I’ve just never gotten around to attending anything, so I’m glad that he invited me earlier in the week).  More details to come after the trip, but I just wanted to check in.  Pastor Stuart from Grace Presbyterian Church (who is on retreat with us) gave a very thought-provoking talk last night on love in the context of our relationship with God…he just framed the topic in a way I had never considered, so it was refreshing.

Oh, and I realize it’s Valentine’s Day.  I guess I’ve never been too big on the holiday…or ever had a significantly memorable Valentine’s, so I’m fairly indifferent to it all.  And it’s definitely a romantically driven holiday, so it’s hard to be single and feel hyped up about it, you know?  All that said, it’s really nice to be away this weekend, just taking time to interact and talk with people as well as just get out of the trap of being in college–it’s definitely been nice to have time away from the stress of the everyday, and I’ve found it all to be a lot more comfortable than I expected it to be.  Our large group didn’t start until a little before midnight last night (everybody got in during the evening  and snowfall slowed down the trek), but  I’ve already had some great conversations so far.  I even found myself staying up until 3am talking to one of the girls who I’m rooming with…very cool, to say the least.  Okay, that’s all for now.  I’ll be in touch soon, friends.