having a "life"

This semester I chose not to do a part-time job because amidst 5 classes and involvement in lots of school activities, I wanted to have more of a life.  I wanted to have time to do simple everyday things that many college students do not have time to do, like watching some TV, taking a nice walk, and preparing a meal.  Since I have nothing too pressing with school this week, I have been fortunate to do so.  Yesterday morning I took a nice long walk on the boardwalk with a friend from choir.  It was moderate excercise and a good time to talk!  After my two classes, I went to the pool complex at school to swim and lay out.  San Diego has been experiencing very warm weather, so what better way to soak it all in?  I spent a good 2 or so hours out there before I went to my friend's room to catch up and sing / play guitar.  Today I went grocery shopping for some essentials after school (something I really love to do when I have time) and made myself an amazing grilled cheese sandwich on sourdough bread.  It was the first grilled cheese I have made in our new place, so it was pretty special.  :)  There will definitely be many more to come.  Then I watched a little bit of Larry King, who I love.  The topic was about America's public school and education "crisis."  I really love being informed and watching the news and programs like these, but throughout my college days I haven't had/made time to be as up on current events as I'd like to be.  All of this may sound silly and basic, but I am happy when I am able to have time for little things like these.   

last "first" day, and looking back

Today was the first day of classes of my last year of college.  Here it is: senior year!  I honestly didn't want it to come.  I have had the best times of my life over the past 3 years and I know I have grown in so many ways.  So I do not want to even think about this time in my life nearing its end.  This past summer was amazing as well, so I was sad when it recently came to a close.  I had the opportunity to learn more about and work in the industry that has come to define my hometown of Las Vegas: hospitality.  The people I worked with were great and I was very impressed with the company.  My career goals became a little more clear and I finally feel somewhat at ease about  my future.  I also made a lot of close friends who were fellow interns, and got to experience a whole new Vegas along with them now that I am 21.  Most of my new friends are not from Vegas... they are from other parts of the country like Kansas, Atlanta, New Jersey, and New York.  It was really refreshing meeting and getting to know people that are different from the typical USD student / West coast California type.  I am making every effort I can to stay in touch with them and I have a feeling that some of us will be back together in Vegas to work with the company after we graduate.  :)      

Today also marks exactly one year since I arrived in Madrid to study there for the fall semester.  My senora, Concha, actually e-mailed me today reminding me of that!  She said today is special and that a year has passed.  Thankfully, I am not terribly sad that I am not there anymore.  Last semester was pretty rough since it came on the heels of the highs of my semester abroad, but I feel that I am better adjusted now.  I am thankful that I got to have that experience and have accepted that it is behind me.  The happiness and fun that I experienced in Las Vegas this summer definitely helped.  And my beautiful campus, amazing beach side apartment with my best friend, the lovely San Diego weather, and seeing my friends here has me in high spirits.  Here's to a fulfilling last year of college...