I want a t-shirt that says: I Survived Finals at ____ University!

I survived finals. Not that many of them resembled traditional finals. I had two exams, two presentations and two letters to write. Prior to all that madness, was the week(s) of the paper.

I think that everything came off well. I did my best. I didn't obsess though. The hardest part of finals for me is letting go of my expectations and perfectionism. I think I did well this time. I went to the Christian club Christmas Party. I celebrated a friend's birthday by going out to eat. Basically, I didn't hibernate with my books while biting my nails. I watched a Lord Peter Wimsey DVD and fell in love with his chair:

It's not the best picture but I really like the pattern and colors. I also sprinkled my studying with Lord Peter short stories.

Back to finals... (the thought process here is representative of finals week) :)

My exam on Monday for Learning and Teaching was straight forward but I think I write too much! The physics exam was straight forward. There were a couple of points I could have studied better but over all it was a good straight forward test. It helps when the TEN point extra credit portion came straight from the review session the day before. I am so glad I didn't skip!

The group presentation for culture went well. The professor brought pizza since we were the last and only group to present that day. How to ensure an audience: food. The presentation went well; my closing was inspired by God since none of us had prepared a closing. I had a lovely chat after class with the professor regarding adoption outside of one's ethnicity and culture. Adoption is near and dear to my heart and I was curious as to what I could/should do as a someday mother of children that may not look like me or be of the same culture.

I spent most of my study time working on a narrated power point presentation on national education standards. It worked out but was super time consuming.

For my major pro seminar class, I had to turn in an action piece for my critical issue. I ended up writing to my senators and representative regarding national education standards. The second half of the project was justifying my reasoning.

The last letter, was to the president of the university regarding student support of the climate change initiative. That was ridiculous as our lab data was totally flawed and not useful. It was nice though to write the letter with new friends.

To round out the finals week experience, I had my post-final dream. I always have a dream after finals where I'm late to class, forgot something or missed the final. This time I was there for the physics final but was too distracted to write! I was approached by another student in the dream to take their test for them. The teacher caught on to what happened (I said no) and the other student turned in their paper with my name written all over it. The dream ended with me trying to convince the professor that I should be allowed to finish my test. He was being non-committal (just like in real life). He finally asks me to explain what I studied. I blank, and when I start to give a really good explanation of what nuclear fission is: I wake up. At that point I have to give myself a reality check of what is real and that I did finish all my finals!

Friday I was car-less as the alternator went out Thursday resulting in a tow, finding a new auto shop and a fun evening out with friends culminating in a Trader Joes run. On Friday, I went to the graduating senior project/thesis presentations. I am now really excited about the possibilities for my project! I got my car back yesterday after a introduction to the local bus system and enjoyed a quiet evening. At least until I went to bed! But that is a story for another day.

I am off to the land of Spare Oom.
Enjoy the Holiday!

Music

(Photo by Lora)

I'm itching for music. I can't just turn on the radio or itunes and be satisfied. No, this itching is in my fingers. My fingers are itching for an instrument other than this (laptop) keyboard. In the absence of an instrument I've taken to typing my notes to music and keeping the beat!

I was in Target on Monday and while desperately looking for a piece of electronics that I will never use again save for this one class (ahem) I saw IT. A keyboard, on and waiting to be played. I stopped an played a bit but I couldn't compete with the Christmas music. Can you say discordant? :)

Over the Thanksgiving holidays, I had the opportunity to see my brother play piano for the first time since starting classes. I was impressed with his ability. He's integrated his drumming theory to the piano to create an amazing composition. My goal over Christmas is to work with him to transcribe it. One of my favorite memories from break is slipping into the music room at church after the Thanksgiving service and trading knowledge back and forth on the piano. This trading will be short-lived. "B" is taking music theory and will soon outstrip my meager ability.

Since being at the University, I've had little contact with musical instruments. Target, Thanksgiving and borrowing someone's guitar at a beach bonfire have been the extent of my musical moments. I'm looking forward to going home, being able to play on "my" piano, and celebrate the first coming of our Lord and Savior. Just one more week and a bit!

So I promised a post on thankfulness and/or Thanksgiving... Right now I am truly thankful to make it through this week! I had something due everyday but Wednesday and a lot of them were writing projects or research papers. Thus, instead of a long wordy post, I will rest my wrists and give you pictures instead!

I'm thankful for:

The sky to rest my eyes and renew my heart...

Pea blossoms (which grow up to become peas!)

A certain, special cat with discerning taste!

SNOW!!!

Fall color and fruits

Family, new and old friends, new and old churches, moments of rest, learning, teaching, loving, the past and the anticipation of what's ahead.

I'm most thankful that we have personal, loving God who through Jesus Christ took the sin of the world. During this season of Advent, I'm especially reminded of how we are to be watchful, desirous and yearning for his return.

And I'm thankful.