Countdown

I haven't showered in two days-unless, of course, you count swimming in the pool "showering -and I'm officially exhausted. I've had off the last two days and I've done nothing but study, write papers, take an exam, and run a few errands. (Granted, some of that studying was done either at the pool or on the beach, but still . . .) I know I've said it before, but this program is grueling. I'm hoping that as the weeks go on I'll learn to manage my time better and get back into the student mindset, where writing papers is second nature and I can "skim" through the assigned readings and still absorb the content. That said, I'm happy to report that I have, in fact, recieved my first paper back, as well as my first exam, and I got A's on both of them! :)

In other news . . .

1. So, I gave in and I bought my first pair of Crocs - don't judge. (Catton, I can see the look of disappoint on your face as you're reading this - wipe it off!) I bought them for work, because everyone else was wearing them there, and I have to say, they're actually pretty comfortable and not all that bad looking. I still am not a fan of the neon greens and pinks, though - those deserve a ticket from the fashion police...seriously. (Sorry to those who may own a pair.) Anyway, just thought I'd share that random bit of information.

2. As I'm writing this post, I'm approaching the start of the 24 hour countdown to 31. Seriously? Sigh . . . Where did 30 go? It feels like I was just mourning the loss of my 20s and now I'm already moving on to the next year! 31. Weird. Suddenly 30 doesn't seem so bad! :) Actually, I'm only partially serious; most of me has decided to try to embrace my 30s and accept the fact that I'm aging; that I'll never be (or look) 20 years old again . . . and that's okay. So far, my 30s are teaching me things about myself, they're forcing me out of comfort zones, they're giving me more confidence. In short, and surprisingly enough, 31 doesn't really bother me at all that much. I'm excited to see what my 31st year has in store for me! One thing that I am bummed about in regards to my birthday: I have to work. So, I'll be celebrating 31 by serving other people food. Fun, fun . . . :)

3. I miss my family. And my friends, of course. But especially my family, right now. Again, as I write this, my sisters and their families, my dad, stepmom, grandparents, and all my aunts, uncles, and cousins are gathering at my Dad's cabin in West Virginia to ring in the 4th of July together as a family. I will miss being with them this year. . . a lot! It's cliche to say, I know, but the older I get, the more I value my family and want to be near them. And I just so happen to have been blessed with an amazing family. Although, I'll still be living here at this time next year (which is hard for me to believe), I'm determined to make it home to celebrate the 4th with them, and welcome 32, arms wide open!

Okay, time for bed. Tomorrow's agenda: study, then work. Okay, fiiiiine, I'll probably go to the beach, too!

Nite.