I am pretty sure I say this every year, but I absolutely LOVE Fall. I love everything about it. I love the crisp air, the changing leaves, wearing comfy sweaters, leggings, candy corn, pumpkin everything ... I could really go on and on.
One thing I want to know is this, when/how do we learn to describe Fall as crisp? I don't know how I just know that the only word to describe the Fall weather is crisp. I have such great memories as a little kid trick-or-treating with my cousins and loving the smell and feel of the air. I love playing in the leaves. I love how pretty everything is when the leaves are changing. I love when I get to drive home in the Fall and once I get back into the mountains the blankets of color that seem to have taken over them. I have always really enjoyed Halloween, it was my second favorite holiday as a child - after Christmas. It is my Mom's favorite holiday and she made our costumes when we were little, they were always so awesome.
Here are some of the fabulous costumes I wore through the years: Ninja Turtle, Jasmine, Angel, Petland employee, Witch, Cheerleader, Oompa Loompa, Max from Where the Wild Things are, Buddy the Elf.
I can't wait to carve a pumpkin and eat some roasted pumpkin seeds!
Happy Fall everyone!
Friday, October 15, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Content
For the first time in a long time I finally feel content with my life. I am usually so anxious and over-analytical and I feel like I am finally getting to the point where I am not like that. Yeah I still have my concerns and my worries, but I feel at ease now. That is an amazing feeling and certainly lifts a burden. I have gotten into the swing of things at school and while I am still working on a routine I feel pretty good with the way classes are going and keeping balanced with all of my other commitments.
I feel like a huge part of being content is just giving things up to the Lord. I know that my life is in his hands and that I am living (trying my best) according to his plan. I think the reason before that I felt so uneasy with my life is because I thought I was in control, it's taken me a long time to realize that is definitely not the case. People are worrying about jobs and graduation right now and I really am not worried about it. I am not in any hurry to commit myself to one set path, one set job. I just want to live my life while I am still young. I want to explore, I want to travel, I want to do everything.
I am content in the Lord right now. Philippians 4: 1-9 couldn't say it more perfectly.
Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends! I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
I feel like a huge part of being content is just giving things up to the Lord. I know that my life is in his hands and that I am living (trying my best) according to his plan. I think the reason before that I felt so uneasy with my life is because I thought I was in control, it's taken me a long time to realize that is definitely not the case. People are worrying about jobs and graduation right now and I really am not worried about it. I am not in any hurry to commit myself to one set path, one set job. I just want to live my life while I am still young. I want to explore, I want to travel, I want to do everything.
I am content in the Lord right now. Philippians 4: 1-9 couldn't say it more perfectly.
Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends! I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Remembering...
Today it didn't really hit me that it was "9/11". I feel bad saying that but each year I feel like I forget more and more to take some time to think about all of those who were lost and their families, the children who never got to meet their fathers because they were lost in the attacks, they will be 8 soon, that is INSANE to me. I know the grief of losing a loved one and when I think about that it breaks my heart for all of these people. I didn't know anyone that was lost that day.
That day I was in my 7th grade science class and they sent us home early. I knew the World Trade Center Towers had collapsed, but in my 12 year old naivete, I didn't realize until I got home and saw it on the TV that the Twin Towers and the World Trade Center Towers were one in the same. I had been to New York earlier that year in May. We were supposed to go to the top of the towers but it was foggy that day so they decided we shouldn't. I took a picture of them from our river tour and when I looked at the picture 4 months later what I saw was chilling. The fog was so thick that day that the towers looked just like when they were collapsing, only half of the towers were visible.
I pray for those families and friends, some of whom are still struggling with their grief, that they find peace and solace in the fact that their loved ones are with our maker.
That day I was in my 7th grade science class and they sent us home early. I knew the World Trade Center Towers had collapsed, but in my 12 year old naivete, I didn't realize until I got home and saw it on the TV that the Twin Towers and the World Trade Center Towers were one in the same. I had been to New York earlier that year in May. We were supposed to go to the top of the towers but it was foggy that day so they decided we shouldn't. I took a picture of them from our river tour and when I looked at the picture 4 months later what I saw was chilling. The fog was so thick that day that the towers looked just like when they were collapsing, only half of the towers were visible.
I pray for those families and friends, some of whom are still struggling with their grief, that they find peace and solace in the fact that their loved ones are with our maker.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Missing You
One year ago today, my good friend Erik passed away. He was running in the Virginia Beach Half Marathon and collapsed, his heart stopped and they couldn't bring him back. Erik was 23 years old and at the prime of his life. He was in great physical shape and ran these types of things all of the time. Erik was a senior when I was a freshman here at CNU and was truly like a big brother. He had such a light and energy about him and really knew how to live life. I was unable to train in time to compete in this years race, which was yesterday so I decided to volunteer at the finish line instead. I had to wake up at 4am in order to get to Va Beach by 530. The weather was absolutely wonderful and couldn't have been more perfect for the runners. Watching the sunrise and listen to the ocean waves I knew that Erik was watching over everyone. I worked at the finish line giving runners cold wet towels. Being at the finish line was really difficult because that was where he collapsed. Whenever I saw someone coming through the finish with the Medical Staff I said a little prayer for them and it took all that I had to maintain composure for the whole race. I was not tired at all the whole day and it was so inspiring to me to watch over 80 people race in Erik's memory. My goal is to train so I can run it next year.
Friday, September 3, 2010
9-02-10 brings Armed Robbers and "Hurricane" Earl
Yesterday was to my excitement 90210 (September 2, 1010) ! Get it, like Beverly Hills, 90210! Although I was a little young for that show, I watched it all the time. I was in love with Jason Priestley (I thought he was related to Elvis).
Much like the drama of that show yesterday brought a lot of drama to the CNU campus. First of all we have been on our toes waiting to see if Hurricane Earl was going to hit us here, ODU and The University of Richmond?? had classes canceled because of it. We have yet to be evacuated and the only effects we have seen are a few raindrops and some wind.
Then at approximately 8:40/8:45 yesterday morning an armed robber robbed the VA Educators Credit Union in the CNU Village. CNU started sending out a barage of texts about 8:50 telling everyone to get to a secure location, barricade the doors, close the blinds and turn off the lights. When the first text was sent out I was in my bathroom getting ready for class, I had just gotten off work at 8:30 and walked back to my apartment, in the CNU Village. This means at about the same time he was robbing the credit union I was walking right by and right by where he ran off. My roommate yelled from her room to look outside and we could see the Police putting up the caution tape. CNU probably sent out about 10 text messages instructing everyone on campus that we were on lockdown and to stay put until the all clear, which came about two hours later. Let me just tell you I was not exactly comfortable walking around when they were searching for a guy with a glock.
So the weekend begins on a great note am I right?
Much like the drama of that show yesterday brought a lot of drama to the CNU campus. First of all we have been on our toes waiting to see if Hurricane Earl was going to hit us here, ODU and The University of Richmond?? had classes canceled because of it. We have yet to be evacuated and the only effects we have seen are a few raindrops and some wind.
Then at approximately 8:40/8:45 yesterday morning an armed robber robbed the VA Educators Credit Union in the CNU Village. CNU started sending out a barage of texts about 8:50 telling everyone to get to a secure location, barricade the doors, close the blinds and turn off the lights. When the first text was sent out I was in my bathroom getting ready for class, I had just gotten off work at 8:30 and walked back to my apartment, in the CNU Village. This means at about the same time he was robbing the credit union I was walking right by and right by where he ran off. My roommate yelled from her room to look outside and we could see the Police putting up the caution tape. CNU probably sent out about 10 text messages instructing everyone on campus that we were on lockdown and to stay put until the all clear, which came about two hours later. Let me just tell you I was not exactly comfortable walking around when they were searching for a guy with a glock.
So the weekend begins on a great note am I right?
Sunday, August 29, 2010
I should be asleep right now...
It is only the second week of school and I ALREADY have two really full "To-Do" Lists. Do not get me wrong, I love nothing more than to make a list of any kind. My favorite kind of list is a "To-Do" list because at some point you get to cross everything off of the list and feel really accomplished... then the next day you realize you've got a brand new "To-Do" list and your feeling of triumph has gone to the wind. Sometimes I think I make busy work for myself. Then I realize that is just wishful thinking and I really am as busy as my "To-Do" lists say I am.
Did you know that at The University (as in UVA) they do not call their 4th year students Seniors? They call them "4th Years" because Thomas Jefferson thought that by this time they had not learned enough to earn the status of "Senior". Just a little fun fact.
As a Senior at CNU I have been thinking a lot about the past three years. I think about the what-ifs... about the paths not taken and how different my CNU experience would have been if I had just taken the other path. Obviously thinking in what-ifs gets you nowhere because there is nothing you can do about it now. Nonetheless it is really strange to think of how different my life would be right now if I would've simply gone down a different path.
I saw the Lord's beauty yesterday in my Little Sister in my sorority, Shelby. I was NOT having a good day yesterday, it seemed like everyone was just out to put me in a bad mood. Well I was whining and complaining about being so peeved and Shelby looked at me and said "Brynn, don't be negative, don't let stupid stuff ruin your night, enjoy where you are right now and being with your friends". Shelby reminded me that God wants us not to dwell on the past, he wants us to live each day to the fullest and to live in the moment. There is no point to be pessimistic and let it ruin a potentially great night, but if I let negativity ruin my night without even trying to enjoy myself then I've lost. This really encouraged me to stay positive and flush out negativity.
I should be asleep right now. I have work at 6am but here I am. I wish I could just make myself go to sleep at a decent hour! This weekend I got to sleep in for the first time practically since summer started. It was amazing to have no alarm set and just wake up whenever.
On another random note, my awesome sorority sister Rosie is studying abroad in Spain this semester and she's been blogging during her first week there. I love reading about her adventures so far, but it reminds me that I haven't been to Europe in 3 years and boy do I miss it! I absolutely love everything about Europe and I wish money grew on trees and I could just go all over and see everything because I seriously am itching to get back. I do not know if I can make it to 2012! PS if you didn't know, my Mom and I are going to London in 2012 for the Summer Olympics - my LIFE DREAM!! I cannot wait to see one of the most incredible events ever and not to mention watch Michael Phelps kill it in the pool. I went to London in 2004 for a few days, definitely not enough time so I am really excited to go back for a few weeks in 2012. I need to find some way to get back to Europe before 2012 though!! Any suggestions??
Did you know that at The University (as in UVA) they do not call their 4th year students Seniors? They call them "4th Years" because Thomas Jefferson thought that by this time they had not learned enough to earn the status of "Senior". Just a little fun fact.
As a Senior at CNU I have been thinking a lot about the past three years. I think about the what-ifs... about the paths not taken and how different my CNU experience would have been if I had just taken the other path. Obviously thinking in what-ifs gets you nowhere because there is nothing you can do about it now. Nonetheless it is really strange to think of how different my life would be right now if I would've simply gone down a different path.
I saw the Lord's beauty yesterday in my Little Sister in my sorority, Shelby. I was NOT having a good day yesterday, it seemed like everyone was just out to put me in a bad mood. Well I was whining and complaining about being so peeved and Shelby looked at me and said "Brynn, don't be negative, don't let stupid stuff ruin your night, enjoy where you are right now and being with your friends". Shelby reminded me that God wants us not to dwell on the past, he wants us to live each day to the fullest and to live in the moment. There is no point to be pessimistic and let it ruin a potentially great night, but if I let negativity ruin my night without even trying to enjoy myself then I've lost. This really encouraged me to stay positive and flush out negativity.
I should be asleep right now. I have work at 6am but here I am. I wish I could just make myself go to sleep at a decent hour! This weekend I got to sleep in for the first time practically since summer started. It was amazing to have no alarm set and just wake up whenever.
On another random note, my awesome sorority sister Rosie is studying abroad in Spain this semester and she's been blogging during her first week there. I love reading about her adventures so far, but it reminds me that I haven't been to Europe in 3 years and boy do I miss it! I absolutely love everything about Europe and I wish money grew on trees and I could just go all over and see everything because I seriously am itching to get back. I do not know if I can make it to 2012! PS if you didn't know, my Mom and I are going to London in 2012 for the Summer Olympics - my LIFE DREAM!! I cannot wait to see one of the most incredible events ever and not to mention watch Michael Phelps kill it in the pool. I went to London in 2004 for a few days, definitely not enough time so I am really excited to go back for a few weeks in 2012. I need to find some way to get back to Europe before 2012 though!! Any suggestions??
Friday, August 27, 2010
Senior Year ... Week 1 Down...
Well I have officially finished my first week of Senior Year. I moved back last Friday and it took me pretty much this whole week to get everything settled/unpacked in my apartment. I am living with my roommate Heather again in a 2 person apartment, having my own room again is great! The first weekend back was pretty miserable because I was so sick, I am still trying to get rid of my cough.
I am working at 6am Monday through Friday this semester so that has certainly been a big adjustment. My classes and professors are all really great this so far! I am taking Cognitive Development and Lab, World of Art in Context I, Introduction to Linguistics, and my Psychology Senior Seminar which is Understanding Brain Theory through Case Studies in Brain Injury - I know it sounds crazy but I am so stoked about it, I bought a small/life size model of a brain just for the class.
I know before I got back I kept saying being back in school would be a vacation compared to summer, well thus far it seriously has been, I actually have free time to take a nap, go to the store, do whatever I want really. I am really looking forward to this year and trying my best to making it the best one yet.
14 weeks left in the semester and I know it's gonna fly by!
I am working at 6am Monday through Friday this semester so that has certainly been a big adjustment. My classes and professors are all really great this so far! I am taking Cognitive Development and Lab, World of Art in Context I, Introduction to Linguistics, and my Psychology Senior Seminar which is Understanding Brain Theory through Case Studies in Brain Injury - I know it sounds crazy but I am so stoked about it, I bought a small/life size model of a brain just for the class.
I know before I got back I kept saying being back in school would be a vacation compared to summer, well thus far it seriously has been, I actually have free time to take a nap, go to the store, do whatever I want really. I am really looking forward to this year and trying my best to making it the best one yet.
14 weeks left in the semester and I know it's gonna fly by!
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