Holi-Daze

My first semester at the University of Alaska Southeast has finally concluded. I should have packed for my 7:30 AM flight probably further in advance then midnight... but there were so many thoughts running through my mind that I needed to just sit down to write and process it all until I regained focus. Taylor Swift is playing in the background (meaning that 'Blank Space' is essentially on repeat), my hands smell like cleaning supplies and I am feeling pretty grungy. But in a weird way, it's like the best feeling ever. I am in my element. Though this post is filled with a few random thoughts in no logical order, it may still be worth reading.

Why not start with Thanksgiving, even though it was weeks ago?  Thanksgiving was wonderful--we went over to our pasture's house for a delicious meal and then later that weekend we went contradancing and ice-skating. I only fell once while ice-skating, thank goodness. I'm thinking that rollerblading was a pretty helpful thing in helping me acquire the ice-skating skill. However, they are drastically different things--which I tried explaining to people. But, what'er. Naturally, I hae zero coordination when it comes to dancing, but barn dancing was a lot of fun. Hours and hours of being twirled and feeling whirled. Did I ever feel dizzy? Absolutely. #noregrets

Finals week was this past week and thank the lahrd that they are over. My focus and determination for them was at a low. The stress was manageable and if anything, I felt more stressed because of other things I had to be doing on top of "studying". And well, I began reevaluating my life goals again. And by life goals, I mean my desire to teach. The other day I was asked where I see myself in five years and I said that I have no idea. Yes, like everyone, I have goals and dreams. Goals and dreams that don't require me to have a degree. Goals and dreams that allow me to kick it as a youth for as long as I can. Don't panic, I'm not alluding towards the fact that I am dropping out of school (even though I would love to).  I've just been feeling rebellious towards the education system and after four years, I've figured out how to work said system in a way that lets me slack. But like, what the heck? That is not me. Like, at all. So much internal conflict. #panic

I know that I have changed since being here this semester but I don't think in a bad way, per say. Granted, I am ready to peace out and get my degree, but alas, I have two more years putting me at five and half total. So one could clearly say that I'm not really about that academicife anymore. The main thing that I am happy about from this semester is the fact that I've grown immensely in my faith. It has always been there but this semester has been the cherry on top of this Christian Sunday (get the pun?). #blessed

I have grown socially because being in an environment and knowing basically no one, pushes you to go out of that comfort zone. I wasn't in Eau Claire where everyday I knew that my support group was there if I needed it. Instead I was only able to receive consolation through a phone call, letter, or Skype. And man, that is so tough. I was forced to open up to others to talk about the things that were heavy on my heart. #worth

I have gained much knowledge about a University that I knew nothing about. The student body is significantly smaller than that of Eau Claire's which in my opinion, has pros and cons. I know that I have gained skills and have had opportunities that will take me further in life than just a simple statement to throw on my resumé. #clutch
 
Switching gears now I want you all to know that the past few days have been filled with cleaning rooms in the residence hall as well as garbage cans. Yep, I literally crawled into a garbage can a little shorter than I to clean it out. I probably got high off of the fumes from the disinfectant spray that I clouded myself in. I also spent time cleaning pee off of toilets and other gross things. Though, I do find cleaning to be enjoyable (in a weird way). While cleaning all of these things, I began to think of it all as a metaphor for life. We all have things that take away from the pureness of our lives and the dirt further affects the relationships we have with others, ourselves, and our faith--whatever it may be. It's a challenge to get rid of these toxins but when you do, it's easy to regain focus of what is and isn't important to you. We also have to remember that the poisons will continue to present themselves so we are consistently cleaning.

Anyways, veering away from Allie's internal thoughts, I am currently back in the Midwest. I actually missed it more than I had expected. I landed in Minneapolis around 6:30 on Tuesday night, after about an 8 hour day of flights and layovers (which was a nightmare). I spent the night galavanting through the city, but actually only Olive Garden, and crashed early. Then Wednesday morning Abby and I headed to Eau Claire and said hi to tons of people. I was basically excited to see everyone and everyone (I'm assuming) was just as excited to see me. Walking into Oak Ridge that morning was so wonderful--the staff was in the lobby and I truly felt like I was home. Not that Greendale isn't home, but I have spent more time in the Ridge and Eau Claire than I have in Greendale over the past four years. There was so much love (and tons of tears)--which I'm all about.

Being in Eau Claire the past two days has brought tons of bliss and has been such a wonderful way to start off my winter break! Gary is picking me up tonight and from there, we'll had back to the 'burbs of Milwaukee. Wish us safe travels and hopefully I will see you over the break. Hugz.

- A