contemplation

I cannot say I have control of my mind.

My thoughts aimlessly wander

without a map, as they please

I wish I could gain control,

could wrangle the very thoughts 

that mark my existence.

Things change so suddenly,

yet only temporarily.

Such a small moment

can change a lifetime.

And then sink back into insignificance,

returning to be only that small moment,

yet still breaking boundaries of time.

it may reappear in our minds as a thought 

Back for a second wind to conquer 

And take a hold of our consciousness

These thoughts excite me

Pumping life through these veins

Thoughts of thoughts

That have yet to come.

Thoughts of a first year architecture student

welcome to lee hall dear readers

last night in studio I wrote a poem. I was stuck there anyway because of my project but the rain outside sealed the deal. I have to admit the quiet rustling of the trees against the window panes combined with the occasional loud clap of thunder, pitter patter of rain, and rain-themed songs (compliments of youtube) all made for a nice working environment. Anyway, here's that poem my friends. enjoy

People always ask...

where are you going

at all times of the day?

why does it seem like

you're always away?

The studio calls

my project awaits

drawings, sketches, drafts

and models to make

Planning for sleep?

oh, you're quite funny

you'll work through the night

all for no money

You know you'll be up

to watch the sunrise

Fourth year's always say,

"you'd get out if you were wise"

But you don't heed their warnings,

you keep with the daily grind

besides losing sleep

you might also lose your mind

Despite these complaints

I guess it's not too bad

just try to get out sometimes

or else you'll go mad

give your best and nothing less

cause doing what you've never done

will be the cause of your success

thoughts on decisions

"Trust yourself. If you do not, then you will forever be looking to others to prove your own merit to you, and you will never be satisfied. You will always be asking others what to do and at the same time resenting their help. Trust in yourself starts with being ok with the consequences of your decisions"

I was reminiscing back on big decisions I've made in my life and found one thing to be consistent. In each circumstance that I've been confronted with a large decision, I've sought out the help of others and placed a huge amount of significance on their opinion. But looking back on it, none of that matters. For instance, when deciding on which sorority I liked best (and even which college I liked best), I listened to so much of what other people had to say about the different reputations.  Doing so left me feeling as though I'd been dropped into the deep end of a very large pool and was doing summersaults underwater just trying to get to the surface to catch my breath. It was overwhelming. I felt uncomfortable going with my inner feelings and against the opinions of others, but I am so glad I trusted myself. So here's to trusting ourselves and the lord, because great things can happen when we do.

have a spectacular week my friends!

weird. feelin. time.

dear little monster inside myself,
please stop taking refuge in the back of my throat, the bottom of my stomach, or the inside of my heart. There simply is not room for you here. I don't feel like trying to get answers from you, so please just tell me your secrets and I'll leave you alone.
thank you.
sincerely,
your human

toy story clouds

“I do not believe one can settle how much we ought to give. I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare.”

C.S. Lewis

jumbles

I'd give you my heart

But I'm afraid to say

It isn't my heart

That you're looking for today.

You're lost and confused

Dazed but amused

Covered by blinders

That you don't know you use

So open your eyes

How you may ask?

Well this could be

A quite difficult task

Turn to our lord

The lover of your soul

He knows you more

He can fill that hole.

the importance of making a bed

http://www.askousa.com/laundry/xxl_laundry/

I did it. I finally did my laundry. After it started to pile up onto my desk and all over my room I figured it was time. Three loads later, I've finally managed to get it all done and picked up. 

As I was putting the sheets back on my bed, I thought about how this had been a ritual that I had learned and continued with since kindergarten. I remember my mom teaching me how to make my bed, and while it never was perfect or even daily, it was definitely important. So then I got to thinking about just how imperative making your bed is (and all chores really...gag who am I? haha).

I think that productivity stems from making your bed. There's something about mustering up the motivation to actually place your sheets in an orderly fashion that sets you up for success for the rest of your day. So I've set a goal for myself to try and make my bed everyday. 

I challenge you to try it as well, dearest readers. I promise you'll start your day off right and that motivation will carryout throughout your day. 

who knows, maybe doing something simple as making your bed will give you the momentum to do something you see as impossible.  

{like major in architecture...}

found some adventure!

I'd venture to say

that this made my day

when I stepped on the bank 

of Hartwell, the lake

thank goodness for my kayaking class. There's nothing quite as relaxing as paddling on the lake after a hard week of classes. While it might take me a bit to convince myself that this class is worth the time, I definitely don't regret it once I'm on the water. 

I'm so grateful that my parents let me explore this interest as an adventurous 4th grader. I know kayaking will be a hobby I'll have for life.

tuesday night dinners

hello thereeeee readers!

mmmm those beautiful clemson sunsets

Today is a beautiful day in Clemson, SC. However, I've managed to sleep for 4 hours today (missed 2 classes...yikes). Considering that's how much I sleep on an average night, I'd say I'm ahead of the game! I got yet another night sleep just by napping today. holllllllaaaaa

so today is tuesday, which means one thing: Catholic Dinner.

Tuesday night dinner is a parishioner-provided-home-cooked-dinner with all the college kids from my parish in the basement of my church. It's become quite the tradition among my friends and I, and I haven't missed one yet this semester. I look forward to it so much simply because I love that sense of belonging, and crave the home cooked food (sometimes the dining hall just doesnt cut it). The people there are pretty interesting as well. Let me introduce you to a few:

1. the grumpy old priest: this guy is the man. he pretends to be a real grouch and his famous line is "have a nice day...if you want to". He'll occasionally even tell people to have a terrible day. He is loved by all and really has a sense of humor that appeals to college students. He's a spectacular people person, often remembering everyone's name and making really personable conversations. Underneath that tough facade is a loving heart and guiding spirit perfect for his position as parish priest.

2. the newbie: Every Catholic dinner you can bet there's a newbie. this person just looks uncomfortable and is disoriented at first but will soon become acquainted with the at home atmosphere of these habitual dinners. Everyone was once a newbie, so most people try to make other's first catholic dinner experience a good one. I still remember my first catholic dinner when my friend Mike and I decided to venture out and give it a try. Even though it was a bit awkward and felt like we just stepped back into the 90s, I'd say it was most definitely worth it.

3. the non-catholic friends: These people can be seen from a mile away. when asked if they attend St. Andrew's, they'll often reply with "umm, I'm still looking for a church now." Their Catholic friends try to make them feel at home and comfortable, yet they still feel a bit awkward when the youth minister brings around a sign up form for the weekly newsletter. They especially feel strange when someone at the table speaks of vocations or other catholic traditions that seem so foreign to those that weren't raised Catholic. I may or may not be responsible for supplying many of these attendees. While a lot of my friends aren't catholic, I still invite them weekly and they manage to show up. I mean, who wouldn't turn down free food?

4. the "I just want free food" guy: this guy sticks out like a sore thumb. usually the first in line and the first to leave, he's just in it for the free food. and you can bet that if the food is sub par, he's bouncing out. I don't blame him, the dining hall can get old sometimes.

5. the graduate: these guys are in a very in-between period of their lives. while they might have just graduated, they still hang around campus like it's their job, which they wouldn't do if they had one. We love these people but are sometimes left wondering...how old are you?

6. the Catholic dinner veteran: this person  knows the ins and outs of catholic dinner like the back of their hand. They often bring in the newbies and Fr. Jack knows them by name. I'd like to think that I'd be considered a veteran at this point after being acquainted with most of the regulars at tuesday dinners and also bringing anyone and everyone out that might want to join us for dinner. these veterans call st. andrews home and help make everyone else want to do the same.

the note that my friend mike left at my desk

So, happy tuesday my friends! Hope it's been spectacular

.

craving adventure.

I really want to go camping right now. I wish it were warmer already.