Chapter Eighty-Seven: Giggles and Pie (Most of the Time)

Sometimes, after a week of school, the feeling of drowning comes to mind. No one ever said college was going to be easy (and if they did they were lying). College is definitely fun, enriching, and an amazing experience in general...but it is easy to feel in-over-our-heads.
I've been feeling pretty stressed these last couple of days. I'm taking seventeen hours (I've only taken sixteen in the past), but these seventeen hours consist of two sciences, two labs, two math classes, and an honors art/animation class. Needless to say, I've been doing a whole lot of reading and note taking and not a whole lot of relaxing.
I just wanted to share my feelings to not only ask for some prayers, but to also remind everyone that struggling is a normal hardship we all have to face. It's easy for us to beat up on ourselves when we're not performing at our best or handling time well, but we have to remember we are human and are not alone. The best advice I can give to others who are struggling is to take a moment to breathe. Pray. Say Thank You and Keep Going.
Last blog post I actually forgot to post a couple of important things...So let's talk about that!
On the Friday before classes, Mary's Dad took a whole lot of us out for some authentic Filipino food. The only Filipino food I've ever had was Pancit (Mary made it for us once!), so this was a whole new experience. It was so much fun sitting together, trying new things...and we took some home, too!

It was a feast! I'm so thankful for that wonderful dinner (and hope that we can go back and get some more!)

Fast forward to last Friday, the last day of the first week. It was a rough week (aren't all first weeks a little rocky?) so we decided to go out for some Thai food.

Apparently this is one of the best places around (Mary and Bailey have been here before), so we decided to try it out. When we walked in, the place was packed...we waited a good 20 minutes for a table, which we literally ran to after the previous customers got up. Despite the crowds, we managed to have some decent conversation alongside some wonderful food. 

The next morning we decided to visit the local Farmers' Market. One of my most fond childhood memories is visiting the Farmers' Market with my mother. It was so fun looking at the pretty fruits and vegetables, tasting fresh tomatoes or peaches, and, most importantly, spending time with Mom! Anyway, the Farmers' Market here was very different from the ones back home....which made the trip even more adventurous! We tried fresh milk, chocolate, and smelled all-natural laundry detergent. We got to say hi to lots of visiting dogs (and owners) as well as glance at a small art gallery. I wish we had more room in our fridge, because I would have brought everything home!

Later that evening, Luke and I decided to go on a date. Yeah, Yeah, I know we live, like, less than a mile apart...but spending quality time is so important and necessary. We decided to try the famous Pie Bar. When we arrived, we just couldn't choose one flavor...so we chose six! It was so yummy (Hot Apple was my favorite!) and really romantic. 

Giggles and Pie All Around

After a fun weekend, it was back to school. This week was special because I got to meet both of my pets for my two Biology classes. On Tuesday, in Biology of Animals, we were given the responsibility of taking care of a special organism...a Madagascar Hissing Cockroach.

Eeeewww!! I know, it is totally not what you would expect. To be honest, I'm a little excited but mostly nervous because, I mean, it's a cockroach. However, on Tuesday, we were assigned a cockroach (ours is a female) and told to name her. My group chose Phoebe, and then painted her back with a lavender dot so we can identify her as the semester goes on. We got to practice handling her...which was informative, but was terrifying! My heart was beating so fast when I tried (and failed, repeatedly) to pick her up. Phoebe accidentally went flying at one point (she can't fly naturally, so this was because Sarah was a little frightened by her sudden movement), but, luckily, no one was injured. In conclusion, this will be a very interesting semester with Phoebe. 

Phoebe running in her "Arena" or "Play Pen"

The very next day I attended my Biology of Plants lab and was assigned a plant to take care of for the next couple of weeks. I personally planted Zinnia seeds into a cute styrofoam cup and named the new plant Farore and cannot wait to see it grow!

Day 1

Farore's home is in the Biology Greenhouse on campus. Today I decided to visit her and snap a few pictures of the easily-overlooked beauty on campus.

The Greenhouse

I hope Farore likes her home, because I sure do! I get to take care of her for six whole weeks so I will update you as she grows and blooms! 

While I'm not quite finished decorating my room so far, I have made a lot of progress. I won't show you a whole view yet, but I did something super cool and want to brag about it. I signed up for Shutterfly (a photo printing company) and when you sign up for the first time you get 50 4x6 prints for free. All you have to pay is shipping and handling...which is only, like, $3! It's totally worth it if you love pictures like I do... 

I love it so much! I'm literally surrounded by loved ones. 

So, school is really looking interesting and fun so far. As excited as I am to study and learn more, I'm also nervous. I love school, as you have probably noticed by now, but this semester has really been rough so far. I've even thought about dropping a class. I like crazy sometimes, but I'm still adjusting to studying and socializing and so on. I've learned that I easily beat myself up over school when I really shouldn't...In my degree, I'm taking all the introductory sciences as well as some upper mathematics so I will be double certified to teach both subjects in school. While I prefer to teach science, I know that math is an important subject that needs to be deeply understood as well. I love/hate my degree because I'm dipping my toes in all the subjects that truly, genuinely interest me as well as facing my fear of math. I won't deny I'm nervous about the math classes I'm taking and will take. It will be a struggle, but the struggles are what make it worth while. So I'm putting my brave face on, gathering my courage, and sticking to it because, by golly, I know I can do it! 

That's all the updates and advice I have for this chapter...Many Adventures are planned in the upcoming weeks so stay tuned!