Chapter Fifty-One: Highs and Lows

This weekend was officially "Parent Weekend," here at Texas Tech. Family flocked to Lubbock not only to check up on their precious children, but also to watch the game on Saturday. My parents couldn't come in, but Mary's grandparents came into town (and so did Bailey's dad!). It was such a treat meeting her grandparents...plus they were kind enough to treat us to non-dorm food.

Very sweet people posing with Buddy Holly!

Anyway, like I said, Saturday was game day. Once again, I had the wonderful opportunity to sit with Mary and her family. This was my second game, and I was ready for battle. 

Game Ready!

I think I look good with the flag...what do you think?

I went all out. Well, I didn't paint my chest red and black (Mom and Dad probably wouldn't like that...), but I did wear a Tech shirt, along with face tattoos (see above), and brought along some red and black pom-poms! This game was so much more fun than my first one...for many reasons. A) I went all out and felt very spirited and B) Texas Tech played a WHOLE LOT BETTER. 

Unfortunately, we lost. Even so, it was a very good game, and I enjoyed every moment... except when West Virginia got their last minute field goal! 

Fun Times!

Sunday was our lazy day. We all slept well past lunchtime, which I think we all needed. The weekdays knock the wind out of us...and our sleeping schedules suffer because of that. I think we are getting better, but it's definitely hard! 

Later on, Mary and I took Bailey's car (Bailey had band practice) to Michael's, because Mary had a project due soon. Well, walking into that store was such an eye-opener! I just wanted to buy the whole store and just start making things. Painting, coloring, decorating...whatever! Just anything to let my imagination (and stress) out! I think Bailey, Mary, and I will be making the occasional trip there to pick up a couple of stress-reliever projects... 

Mary had to create a cube for her Architecture class. Bailey and I are so impressed by her artistic abilities (and rumor has it, her professor is, too!) 

9'' by 9'' Wooden Frame with a Tetradecahedron

Monday was pretty standard, except for the 35 mph winds. Yes. 35 mph. 

Walking in it wasn't too bad, if you didn't mind your hair going mad. Biking on the other hand...that was a struggle. At some points, it was great. If I biked with the wind, then I was a speeding bullet on the street. Against the wind? Nearly impossible. My quads were screaming at me as I was going at snail speed. Pretty counterproductive, distance-wise. But a good work-out for sure! 

Rather Blustery Day!

Monday night, I decided to take a break from my studies and have some fun. My residence hall was hosting a Disney Karaoke Night, in light of our homecoming theme - Hollywood! Well, if you know me at all (hint, look at the blog's background image!), I. Love. Disney. So, of course I had to participate!! 

I sang a song by myself (after working up the courage), did a duet with my CA, and sang along with everyone else in the fun event. I'm so glad I took two hours off and had a little fun!

My CA, Kristen, and I singing "For the First Time in Forever (Reprise)"!

Tuesday, I hit a bit of a low point for me. My posts have always had a happy-go-lucky mood because I have really been enjoying myself. Sometimes I have low points, but I didn't feel the need to blog about them before. However, if this is going to be an accurate blog about life as a freshman, I need to be completely honest with you. 

Because I'm in the Honors College, I get the chance to register for classes earlier than everyone else here at Tech. This is a huge deal, because classes can fill up incredibly fast. I'm extremely grateful for this, but I have been stressing myself out lately. I feel the need to decide RIGHT NOW what I want to do for the rest of my life, and I don't feel like I'm ready to make this decision. 

Currently, I am on the track for pharmacy school. However, during the summer, I became interested in optometry. Now, I'm having second thoughts about my future in the healthcare field completely. 

You see, I've always had high ambitions for myself. Go big or go home, am I right? I've prepared myself for years that I was going to spend a lot of time and money going to school to achieve my dream. However, now that I'm here and I'm learning a little bit about the programs I'm interested in, I'm also learning more about myself. One important factor: BOTH Pharmacy and Optometry school involves a Gross Anatomy Lab. 

Anatomy

Cadavers

Dead People

And I know I shouldn't look at it like that. Cadavers are bodies that were voluntarily donated for scientific purposes. What better way to learn about the human body than actually looking at the human body? The problem is, I don't know if I can handle that. 

So, you can see my problem. 

And please don't think I'm putting down healthcare professionals. I highly respect and admire you if you can handle that. I just don't think that's where I'm supposed to be. 

Yes, all of these thoughts dawned on me Tuesday. 

Tuesday is also the meeting day of Women of Faith. I packed up my bible, journal, and shoe box (for some mysterious activity) and headed over there with Mary. And that single meeting was just what I needed. 

I cannot share all that was talked about during the meeting, but I can tell you this: We talked a lot about body image and God's creation - us. Humans. And a very special verse was shared with us:

"He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." I will all the more gladly boast of my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities; for when I am weak, then I am strong." 

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

God is so wonderful and speaks to us always, whether we are listening or not. Last night, I chose to listen. And I hope you do, too. 

Afterwards, I had long, tearful talks with my parents and boyfriend (Thanks for listening to me!) and that, too, made me feel a lot better. No, I don't know what job I want. I don't know what my major should be. And I don't know what I should do. But I'm not that worried anymore. And all I can say is, Thank God. 

Got a burning question? Drop it off in the blank text box in the right margin!