Taking a Day

Today I am taking a day to not be a college student. Tuesdays are nice, because I don't have any classes other than a movie in the afternoon for the common freshman class. And those are usually fun or interesting.

So I started out the day getting up early and going to the local elementary school for a student athlete program called Reading Buddies. I got to read to a first grade class and do activities with them about pumpkins. After working with kids all summer, I really missed being around little kids who love it when you act like a total goofball. It was a ton of fun and made me feel rejuvenated. And then when I went to check my mail, I got a super sweet package from one of my favorite people in the whole world! It was the perfect pick-me-up!

I'm going to goof off and watch some Brothers and Sisters (I'm watching season 3), and then go to lunch. Then I have my movie (which is about reconciliation in Rwanda, should be very interesting. After that I have practice, but we're going to the first half of the women's soccer match against our rival school. After that I'll have to do my homework, but at least for today I can have some time to do things other than be a student!

Last night I went to Spanish Club game night. I played Taboo in Spanish, which was pretty tricky. But I held my own! Afterwards, I started teaching one of my suite mates guitar. C and G chords were our starting point so that she can play "Anyone Else But You" from the movie Juno. It was a good start, and fun to share the love!

Overall, life this week is good, after a somewhat more stressful one. It's the last week of volleyball, so now I can start to focus on all the other things I want to do!

Studying

I'm studying for an environmental studies test on population growth. Pretty interesting, but also a tad on the boring side. Either way, it's important. Next unit is biological destruction, which is guaranteed to get me riled up. Yesterday we had no classes- it was what is called "Fall Institute Day", where workshops are offered. I went to the workshop about our study abroad programs in Barcelona and Argentina. It's gotten me thinking about my future educational goals and all that jazz. I'm thinking a term in Argentina is in order, but I'm also going to be on the lookout for programs focused on the environment, as well as spanish language. I was also talking with some upper classmen on my team it got me thinking about doing an independent minor in agriculture. Lots to think about!!!

"I had withdrawn in forest, and my song

Was swallowed up in leaves that blew alway"

-Robert Frost

I'm off to play guitar and have some relaxation time.

Homework can wait.

It's my first Saturday off since I got to school- I don't have a volleyball game today.

So I slept in, hung out with friends, and am currently starting to read "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind" by William Kamkwamba. It's pretty good so far! The weather is nice out today, not too chilly. I'm starting to feel the need to get back to some woods... I don't have enough of nature! Only a few more weeks until I'm back to some mountains.

This is why I don't have my license

I would rather be driving this!

Earth Tones

Beets

I have a beet problem.

I love beets SO MUCH.

People think I'm crazy, and say they taste like dirt, but that's why I love them!

Because they taste like dirt in a GOOD way.

I also think beets are pretty.

So that's why I received this textile as a gift from my mom.

I got these two vintage pieces this last weekend at the Antique Mall nearby.

The pea one is an old seed box. This one is a beet can label.

Pretty awesome!

This is a print from Bread and Puppet. My mom and dad went to see them perform and, knowing I was jealous, sent me this poster. It's now on my dorm wall. Pretty snazzy.

In conclusion, please try beets. They are delicious. They are especially good with a medley of root veggies like carrots and potatoes. Golden beets are amazing! All you have to do is put some oil on them and throw them in the oven at 350-400ish for about an hour.

BEET THE SYSTEM!