A Break From Chaos

Other than the peace that comes found with Christ, there are few things that help to soothe the soul as music does. Recently, I have been surrounding myself with mellow tunes in an attempt to relax in life. Lately, it has been A Fine Frenzy's One Cell in the Sea and Joshua Radin's Simple Times. These two albums have easily become two of my favorites. They don't lull you to sleep, nor do they keep you awake with excitement. It is pure loveliness that quiets the soul. And after a day of chaos, there is nothing like sitting in the library with friends and enjoying some good tunes as you do your homework.

Daydreams

I have this undying ache to travel and experience new places. I want to live somewhere that there is actually four seasons, versus the hot, hotter, and hottest we have her in Southern CA. 

I want to be surrounded by beautiful trees that reach the clouds, not desert.

I want rain and lots of it, not the little trickles we get 2 weeks out of the year.

I want a beautiful park that I can stroll through anytime of the day so I can take a book and sit under a tree and read for hours, undisturbed.

Alas, I must keep in mind that I still have at least three more years here in Riverside. Once I finish school, my plan is to save up some money and move away. Ideally, Oregon or Washington, but I know that might not happen right away. And that’s okay. I just can’t wait to see what God has planned for me, although the reality is I must. Hopefully, His plan includes travel, but I must learn to trust that He knows what is best for me.

Until then, I can sit and dream of all the places I want to visit…

Awkward Silence...

Maybe it makes me a dork, but one of my favorite places on campus is the library. I love the quietness of it. It is a place that brings peace and tranquility. More importantly, I am ultra-productive when I’m in the library. So, this semester, I’ve made it a habit to come to the library every Tuesday night. I’m usually graced with the lovely presence of Kristina Osborne or Jessica Collins. Tonight it happens to be Kristina by my side, with Bradyn on her way to join the fun… Or the awkwardness I should say…

The only downside to the library? Finding a spot that meets all your needs. I am referring to the need of a table that will hold your entire group or an indoor table if it’s cold outside. The trickiest one is finding a table that fits your party AND has enough outlets to equip all the laptops that your group has brought. This was the problem this evening.

Kristina and I were hoping for one of the larger study group tables (for a few reasons). First, they always have extension cords by them so everyone can plug their laptop in, making it highly convenient. Second, they have these amazingly comfortable chairs that make it very easy to get comfortable while doing work. And lastly, it’s nice to have a larger table to spread your stuff out on. The problem this evening? They had already been taken.

One in particular was occupied by one person. That’s right a SINGLE HUMAN BEING. I feel like it’s a tad rude to take a 6-person study table to have all to yourself. As Kristina and I searched the library, we decided we would have to fight the awkwardness and just ask the lady if we could join her, because we needed those outlets darn it! So, we walked over and politely asked her if we could join her. The expected response? Oh of course, no problem. The response we received? “Umm as long as you don’t talk.”

Well… excuse me! So now, Bradyn, Kristina and I are sitting here in silence, afraid to speak to one another. I can’t speak for the others, but all I really want to do is burst out in laughter at the awkwardness of the whole situation. I notice she keeps looking at her phone to check the time, so we’re all secretly hoping she has to be somewhere soon. Then again, I’m sure she is thinking the same thing of us...

A Pleasant Surprise

 

Today I received a very pleasant surprise in my mailbox. I went to The Post to see if this lovely necklace (see picture below) I ordered form Etsy.com had come. I’ve been wanting it for months and finally forked up the money to buy it.

So, I’ve been checking the mail everyday to see if it has arrived. Alas, it did not come today, but I received something much better than a piece of jewelry. I received a letter from one of my best friends Adam, who is Mormon and is away on his mission in the Dominican Republic.  When Adam first told me he was going all the way to the Dominican Republic, I remember I cried. Of course, we can still write to each other, but for two years I will not be able to see him face-to-face. It is especially difficult, considering he lives around the corner from me. Right now, it’s not so bad, but this summer is going to be rough. But at least there is only a year and a half left until I can see him.

When he left I was worried I would only get letters saying what he was up to, but not include his sense of humor that I love so much. Thankfully, when I read his letters it is like he is right next to me telling me the story himself. I love it, because I can just picture the way he is saying things and it makes me glad that I am not missing out on that part of our friendship. And of course, the stories always give me a good chuckle.

It will be so weird to see him when he returns, because we will not have seen each other for two whole years… which is insane, considering we used to see each other every day (even if it meant using webcam). But I can’t wait until he returns and we get to spend time catching up and talking about how much we’ve changed. Adam is in my prayers every day and I hope you will keep him in your as well.