Calgon won't cut it today.

Nostalgia has struck, with a quick, slight movement. I was updating my profile picture (which was about two hair colours and three haircuts out-of-date) for this blog when I spotted this picture amid the many snapshots saved on my laptop.

My immediate thought was, "I want to go back to that day."

Perhaps it was more of a desire to feel that joy and abandon to the evening. The agenda was enjoying Zack's company and it was fulfilled.

Finals week is upon me, which isn't a spit-eliciting phrase this semester. I only had two physical final exams, both this morning. Left to complete are an online written exam for my fingerspelling class and an interview with my sign language instructor, as part of the final evaluations. It hasn't been bad, but there is the constant desire to be able to call everything done and walk away, leaving myself to while my days as I please. At 25 there are hopefully many days left in which to do some whiling.

At present I'm just unsettled. This too shall pass.

Four years and one day

This is the time that has elapsed since meeting Zack. Our friendship has blossomed since back in 2006. Some of the best memories of these past four years are the ones that I shared with him and our friends. It's even sweeter since our friendship has since become our romance, and we're still friends too. We've both been kind of excited about today and celebrated in a somewhat understated way. Last night, Zack came over and helped me fix a stew recipe I wanted to try. We hung out and I was able to give him two small gifts that I had ordered for him to express my affection and commemorate the past four years of our friendship.

After I got home from school and work I checked the mail and found a note that he had written and mailed to me for today. Just a lovely card from a lovely man. *ahhh...* It has been a fine day.

All day this song has been going through my mind while thinking of Zack and how grateful I am for him in my life. He is such a blessing!

"And I'm racking my brain for a new improved way
To let you know you're more to me than what I know how to say
You're OK with the way this is going to be
This is going to be the best thing we've ever seen"

- "Must Have Done Something Right" by Relient K

I finished the work that I could on my brain development chapter in my neurobiology class. The biggest impression from this evening's review of the online discussion is that I really need to take care of my body and be certain to get enough folic acid and other B vitamins to help lessen the risk of neural tube defects for the children my husband and I may have. No husband yet, but it's always good to start healthy habits, right?

Speaking of which, sleep and some quite time in the morning are probably good habits to develop from this point. Before parting for the evening I wish to leave you with this video that was posted on vimeo.com. Adieu!

Foolishly Seeking True Love from Jarrett Lee Conaway on Vimeo.

"It won't be long before we'll all be there with..."

SNOW!

The weather here in our area of the States has meant no school, no work, and more time to improve my Guitar Hero skills. However, it has also meant a rather sedentary day and a sore left wrist, arm, and shoulder from playing Guitar Hero too long.

Sadly it has also meant a day away from my honey. He tried to convince me to come over last night before the bad weather set in, but I chose to stay home assuming that our weather people were underestimating the coming winter storm and that we would still have school today.

Thankfully, no school today. Regretfully, no time with Zack today.

However, I have had a chance to work on some of the smaller projects that I needed to get done. The plan now is to get most, if not all, of my work done so that I can enjoy more time with him later. That's the plan at least.

In regards to last night however, my best friend and I got to spend time with an older couple we both know from church. They are exceptionally sweet, hospitable, kind, and funny people. The meal that Elaine cooked was simple but SO good: homemade burgers, cheese dip, and any desired fixings. The conversation was honest, lovingly probing, and deeply caring. I'm glad to have them in my life.

Until next time, may those enjoying snow benefit from the time to relax!

Definitely human

Have you ever seen the movie FernGully: The Last Rainforest? There is a scene where the human character is carving the fairy Crysta's name into a tree. She stops him and asks if he can't feel the tree's pain. The sarcastic response from Batty Koda, as voiced by Robin Williams, was:

"Humans can't feel anything. They're numb from the brain down"

Best quote.

I'm feeling it tonight/this morning. Spending the past few hours nearly stationary working on my online Neurobiology homework has left both my brain and my butt numb. Sleep is casting a siren call and I'm ready to jump overboard.

While I'm still up though, I've been thinking about fellow blogger Kimberly (though I don't know her in person) and hoping all is well with school and life. Sending warm thoughts and prayers your way! C:

I'm an Actor Out of Work

That's what Annie Clark told me. Sang to me.

Annie Clark is St. Vincent: ilovestvincent.com and St. Vincent makes brilliant music.



In other news:

A - Christmas holiday has been stupendous! Especially the extra time with Zack.

B - As most in my station probably do, I wish there was more time for holiday. I'd love to spend more time with Zack, D, and my family. Getting my sleep schedule in order would be a good idea too.

C - I purchased my textbooks and figured out my budget for the Spring semester, so I'm feeling pretty confident school-wise, at least for a time.

D - My personal custom has been such that I have not written formal goals or resolutions for the past few New Years. However, my short list is:

.health (drop 16 kilos by May's end?)
.read more
.cultivate my spirit/soul
.learn yes/no balance

E - New Blog Layout - first time I've changed it. I like.

Chill in air
and frosty lips
speak middle words
of death advancing.

Death from life;
the embers fade,
by cold embraced
fading to gray.

Life will return
with vigorous growth
but wait now
by warm hearth.