Catching Up

Well, hello, everyone!  I'm so sorry about the lack of posting.  The end of the semester and Christmas season got the best of me and I neglected this little spot.  I just thought I would give a little update today and let you know I'm still functioning (mostly).

Probably the biggest thing was I finished my first semester of graduate school!  I'm so happy to be on break and get re-energized for the next semester.  This is the first time since high school I've had a job and worked, so it definitely took some getting used to.  I learned a lot in and out of the classroom and I hope I can learn from my mistakes this semester and improve.

Also, CHRISTMAS!  I had so much fun this year spending time with family.  My mom's side always has a big gathering on Christmas Eve.  This was the first year Gordon got to see the madness that happens when all the younger kids open their gifts.  It was hilarious and reminded me of how enthusiastic I would be about new toys and goodies when I was that age.  I was very spoiled Christmas morning (anyone want a post on that?) and it was great to relax and enjoy the day.

I hope you all have had a wonderful holiday so far!  Tell me what you've been up to in the comments!

Until next time!

Rachel

(Also, yes, that is me in a onesie holding a Skyhook.  If anyone knows that video game I will love you forever.)

  

Christmas Traditions

I'm finally writing a Christmas post!  I absolutely adore this time of year.  Everyone seems to be in such high spirits and it's absolutely contagious.  The first few weeks of December are always busy since I'm studying for finals, but I thought I would take a little break (more like procrastinate) and share with you my favorite Christmas traditions.  And, yes, that is a Hello Kitty ornament. :]

A Cherished Bond

I'm going to be honest with you all, I have gone through so many introduction drafts for this post it's overwhelming.  After all of the metaphors and images I could craft with words, there is only one way to properly start this post: 

The bonds that you make throughout your life should always be cherished.

Seems a tad obvious, I know.  There are times in life where we get a bit lost in our own world.  Our schedules are filled with appointments, obligations, and responsibilities that often leave us drained by the end of the day.  There are times where after a day of classes and work I just want to go to bed and sleep until the cycle needs to start again.  This past weekend, I was able to put down my weekly planner and reconnect with an old friend.

I drove to Virginia to see a childhood friend of mine.  I have known her since the first grade, which makes this a whopping 16 year friendship.  During the college application madness in high school, I knew one of her top choices was a school in Virginia.  Several months later, when I heard she was accepted to that school, I was a mix of ecstatic and selfishly upset.  My best friend was going to school in another state, hours away from me.  I had no idea how to maintain a friendship with that amount of space between us.  I was always terrible at keeping in touch with people who moved away or did not go to the same school as me.  The last thing I wanted was to lose touch.  

It did not take as much work as you would think.  Phone calls, texts, sending stupid pictures (usually of cats) through Facebook or email, and the occasional surprise visit was all it took.  I realized we did not need to talk every day.  All we had to do was make time for each other.  I understand not all friendships work the way mine does, but the point of this post still applies to everyone.  Make time for those who mean the most.

It's easy to get lost in our own lives.  It's just as easy to take a moment and appreciate those around you.

Until next time,

Rachel