Crunch Time

It's the week before finals, and I'm overwhelmed. Book reviews, Scripture reflections, papers, and projects are due in rapid fire succession over the next two weeks. Why am I feeling the same stress I did when I was in my undergrad years or when I was teaching? I am going to school, doing the things I love most: reading the Bible, reading Christian thinkers, analysts, and scientists, and responding in writing to it all. I used to resent my studies and work because I wanted more time to do those very things; now they are what fill my time - almost exclusively. I get to read a wonderful book and write a thoughtful reflection tonight. That's what I should be thinking.

I'm Here!

Well, I've arrived. I just bought Christmas presents, paid my rent, Mastercard, and Discover card bills, and balanced my two checkbooks with my laptop perched on the kitchen counter, waiting for my tortelini to cook and my hair to dry. Now, I'm blogging while eating my tortelini, and will probably check the online discussion forum for class before I actually walk across campus to get there. I'll get this 21st century mutlitasking thing down sooner or later, but this is beyond where I've ever been before.

Hanky please

I just finished watching The Family Man for the second time. The first time I watched it, I was relatively unaffected, thinking it was just an okay movie. This time, I cry my eyes out. What a difference two years makes. And, for all of you cool, strong, intellectuals, I don't care if it is sentimental, romantic sap - when Nicholas Cage pleads, "I choose us," it's beautiful.

Unsettled

A guy asked me out today. I had I hunch that it was coming, and I turned him down. I feel so bad about it though. I know I don't want to date the guy, but I wanted to cry afterwards. I wish everyone could find acceptance where they long for it.

Autumn

Autumn reminds me that things pass quickly. The leaves in St. Louis turned vibrant this weekend, so much so that I have been startled by glances out windows and steps outside into the oranges, browns, and reds. Within a week and a half though, it will be over. The trees will be bare and though the weather may be beautiful, the sights will not be. We’ll start saying things like, “I bet that ridge is beautiful in the spring.” I better appreciate the colors now, because they won’t wait for me to think I have time to take them in.