Reflection

So, we're already almost half way through October. WHAT THE HECK?! I cannot believe how fast time is going. I feel like I have been in Juneau for more than two months but yet, still feel new to the community. It's a really strange feeling. The days always seem to pass slow, but the weeks seem to zoom by. Can you say Twilight Zone?

Yesterday was a lazy day. I reheated the same cup of coffee at least ten times (if not more) while sitting in front of my computer working on online discussions, papers, and catching up on reading. For some reason, it had taken me almost six hours to read one chapter from my communications book, when usually it takes me thirty minutes. My mind had just been everywhere yesterday and I can't keep it from wandering . I've just been abnormally reflective the past few days. I think that part of it is because everything is finally slowing down and I can process what is actually going on. The freshmen are a little bit less needy and don't demand as much of my attention as they did towards the beginning of the semester. And this past Friday, I finished up my last program for the semester, so I can take a break from that aspect of residence life. So instead of focusing on academics, I'm focusing on life and where I am and how I need to focus on the now rather than the future and what that entails. I continuously think about how the decisions that I'll need to make will not only affect me, but my family and friends back home.

The heaviest thing on my heart is the decision of whether or not to stay next year, or even for the summer. My bosses have already mentioned things about me staying and how they would love for me to continue working for them. I want to so badly but how practical is it really? Then I have the decision of whether or not I want to continue being an RA back home (or here, if I stay). And of course I want to bring back my experiences here at UAS to UWEC but how burnt out am I actually from the position? But what was the point of me coming then if I am not going to bring back experiences from another Housing and Residence Life Program? SO MANY THOUGHTS. I know that I have until about January or February to decide, but with how fast the time has been going, I feel like those months will be here before I even realize it. It's been something that I've been praying about and know that God will help me come to a decision, even though it may be waaaay down the road. So much can change in the next few months that could sway my opinion either way.

In other news, I'm pretty sure that I'm buying my plane ticket home for winter break this week. HOLLA. It'll probably be the last thing I'll be able to buy for a while as it will suck out all money I have. Well, not all of it, but a hefty amount. But then again, will I really regret not having that money five years down the road? Probably not. So it's worth it. Plus, I'll be able to basque in the sun, cuddle with the pets, eat Kopp's, buy dairy products that don't cost more than $7, hug everyone, eat Chipotle, and accuse Stephanie of taking my clothes with her to UWM. It'll be a splendid time! I also know that when I'm home, I'll probably be ready to come back to Juneau (just as if I were in Eau Claire)--no offense Mom and Dad. I mean, who wouldn't miss the snow covered mountains that are visible right from campus?

ANYWAYS, I should probably not be up super late like I usually am and actually get a decent amount of sleep while I still have the opportunity. Sending much love to all of you back home and hope that y'all are staying warm and enjoying the sunshine!

- A

Dad sent me a care package of candy corn gummies, suckers, and the original stuff!