>> november grabbag

Why, hello. November is gone. And somehow we're already moving through December just as rapidly.

The past month has been crazy to say the least. Once you pass the halfway point for the semester, you know from here on out it's full speed ahead until finals and the glorious holidays that await. My planner is bursting at the seams. Chicken scratches for appointments, to-dos, check marks, cancellations, make-up dates, exams, get-togethers, Skype dates, life, life, and life. You know, the usual.

This busyness has commenced plenty of groans and complaints. Apologizing to my dear friends who've had to put up with me. I've learned though when life gets busy, start counting your blessings. It's quite easy to fall into a habit of griping and groaning about all the things we have to get done. Granted, you should count your blessings anyway even if you're not stressed. But I am, and I need to before I start crying ugly tears. I was sharing with a friend how all these little distractions and stress were so insignificant. Literally, #fwp. (Omg, did I just use a hash tag in my blog post? Get that outta here!!) But really, when I think about what I'm stressing about it's almost always school-related now. Oh, the problems that come with the luxury of attaining a higher education. Anyway, that's for another day. Let's get started with the list, shall we?

Warning: this is not your typical "I'm thankful for God, friends and family!!!!11!! asdfasalkdsfjsddfsd" list although they will certainly make an appearance.

In no particular order, I am immensely grateful for:

01 Zara. Because where else am I going to do retail therapy?
02 R8. The college fellowship I am coming to know and love so well.
03 Manton Ave. Because the house that sits at the end of the street has been second home since the beginning of freshman year and the family that resides in it second family.
04 Newell Apt. Because at the moment, it is my comfort after a really long Monday and Tuesday (& the occasional Wednesday when there are dreaded chem exams).
05 M WANG. Because by extension, her gracious offer to let me crash at her place added seven hundred years back to my life. Although, we've only known each other for a little over a year, talking to this one makes me feel like we been friends for a lifetime.
06 Midnight baking. Because it combines number 02, 04, and 05 & I don't say no to sweets. More on that HERE.
07 Commuter locker 10 at the DSC. It's mine. Don't touch. This genius idea also added seven hundred years back to my life. Goodbye bane of commuter life and twenty pound backpack.
08 My maaaaa. Because sometimes she'll get a twinkle in her eye when I talk about guy friends. And then she'll ask why nobody likes me when I tell her I'm perfectly happy single. #whatisaselfesteem
09 My paaaaa. Because sometimes I liken him to a giant cuddly teddy bear.
10 This scarf I have around my neck right now because it smells like chocolate chip mint cookies due to 06.
11 Running and the ability to be healthy.
12  NEW YOOOOORRRK. Yep.
13 Public transportation. Because as much as I hate it, I need it. So therefore, I hate how I love it.
14 Thanksgiving. Christmas. Holidays. Breaks. I use these words interchangeably.
16 A CHAN. Because this girl has never left my side even though we are approximately 730.4 miles apart (thank you, Google) and about half a day's worth of a drive away (11 hour and 9 min. Thank you again, Google.) Not a very acceptable situation but I suppose it's the universe's way of reminding us that absence makes the heart grow fonder.
17 My cam cam. What would I do without it?!!
18 L HEARD. This list would not be complete without this girl. She has always been on my side and is constantly rooting for me. Goodness gracious girl, when we meet up again it's going to be one giant fiesta of chick flicks, home pedicures and manicures, exercises (you know exactly which one I'm talking about), Facebook stalkfest, and heart-to-hearts. This girl is mad smart, disciplined, and driven. She'll probably snort when she reads this but honestly, she's one of my biggest inspirations.
19 The broooooobrrrooooo. That's his name in my phone. I miss him. I say this all the time, but I really do. Every once in awhile, it feels like we're missing someone when he's away. The house feels a little emptier. Granted, we don't always get along, but we're working on it. And I appreciate him oh so much even if I don't tell it to his face often enough. Mad genius, the guy is. Another one of my big inspirations. He also happens to be dating person in 18. #POWERCOUPLE
20 In all these things, God is first. He is my everything in life because I know that without Him, I wouldn't have anything. Although I know that many times I say this, I don't often live it out enough. But then, I come full circle and find myself struggling even in the best of times and it is a reminder that sends me crawling back to the table of grace. Taste and see that the Lord is good and oh, how He satisfies!

Well I was going to stop at 17, because that's my favorite number but I couldn't help myself. I better save more things to list for another stressful day. Well, here's my challenge to you! Write down a list of things YOU'RE thankful for, especially in this busy season of life. The busier, the better. You'll find that in the midst of chaos and all that stress, your soul can find refuge in appreciating the people and things that Christ has placed in your life. You may be surprised by how many things you can come up with. Be creative! Or you may be surprised that you can't think of anything at all. Either way, it will require a little bit of creativity and perhaps reevaluation on your end.

So much love and encouragement to everybody striving towards the finish line. The end is in sight. We're in this together. Go get 'em!

Over and out,

A

p.s.-Post editing, I realized that I totally skipped 15 while writing this list. It was two in the morning and I had just finished a laborious exam. Please forgive me.