Just glancing at my weekly schedule is enough to give me a headache most weeks. Juggling classes, several jobs, homework, and a social life doesn't sound like all that much until you write it all out on paper hour by hour. Honestly, I've been way more overcommitted in the past, but that doesn't necessarily make my schedule any less crazy, it just makes it all organized and colorful and crazy. So here's a little look at my crazy, fun, busy, weird little world. I'm rather fond of it.
Sunday
October is the time for corn mazes, apple cider, scarves, and vests. Too bad the weather decided to be uncooperative. It may have been unseasonably hot, but I thoroughly enjoyed the chance to help out with the middle school youth group trip to the corn maze. Even though we only spent 10 minutes in the maze itself. From the cow train pulled by a tractor to feeding cute (but smelly) animals and eating fresh apple cider donuts, we stayed busy in the several hours that we were there. Definitely worth the investment of a day, without a doubt.
If you weren't quite sure, I just want to clarify that this is corn. A huge VAT full of corn. I would have liked to see the meeting where someone said, "Hey, ya know what we need at our corn maze? Several corn pits - it's like ball pits only better!" Who comes up with this stuff? I mean I can't complain; wading through corn is like walking through sand only not as horrible and gritty. Plus, being buried in corn was worth it for the crazy smiles and giggles on the girls' faces as I helplessly tried to keep the kernels out of my ear. I'll be finding corn everywhere for quite a while. I can't say I'll miss smelling like a bird feeder, but the corn pits were certainly a highlight of my day.
Monday
What better way to start the day than sleeping late because you forgot to set your alarm?! I missed my morning walk but those extra thirty minutes of sleep were beyond worth it. I proceeded to freak everyone out by being overly cheerful all morning. Success.
I may be overbooked, but it's my roomie's fiancé's birthday, so obviously that calls for a fun (if brief) trip to T.G.I. Friday's with them to celebrate! And then on to the next meeting on my calendar. Seriously, I don't know how I ever make it to bed before 1 am sometimes.
Tuesday
My day begins at 6:30 with the noise of construction. A shocking amount of light streams through my window and I can just barely see the colorful remnants of the sun rising over Chicago in the distance. Half of the trees outside my third floor room have already been felled and I sit to watch as they get to work on the remaining greenery.
At 7 I finally decide that I should roll out of bed and get ready for work at 8, the first of 3 shifts I would be working today. Do I need makeup? Nahhh. But a little eyeshadow can't hurt. While I'm at it I might as well put on some eyeliner. ....Well, crazy cat eye wings, it is! Heck, might as well go for a full face of make up at this point. Yep, that's how my morning generally goes. It's a struggle.
Wednesday
It's Founder's Day at my school, so to celebrate the choir sang in chapel. For some strange reason I am in the choir. It's quite the experience. I'm not exactly star quality when it comes to singing, but they put up with me, so there I was sitting off to the side in front of the organ today. It was worth it to be able to sing the university hymn as we remember the history of our fine institution. Choir has actually been a really fun experience this year and I've grown a lot through it, but man, it can be quite the challenge.
I was wearing a dress to be presentable for choir, but it just started raining. Yuck. Hello rain boots! For work today I am filming the men's soccer game - rain or shine. After a lightning delay the game gets under way and I am so grateful for the fact that I get to sit inside with the camera. That drippy rain is nothing but nasty.
Thursday
I drowsily woke up to my alarm, in no hurry but excited to get up and moving because IT'S FRIDAY! I closed my eyes to doze for another 5 minutes before sitting bolt upright in panic at the realization that it was not, in fact, Friday and I should probably start getting ready for my 8 am shift at work. Yeah. Oops. But I made it in time, coffee in hand, so life is good.
After work, class, chapel, and a meeting, I begrudgingly got my stuff together and walked out to my car. I'm an education major, and one of the classes we have to take is PE Methods. Today class was cancelled so that we could go out and observe PE teachers in action. Let's preface this story with this disclaimer: I am quite possibly the clumsiest person you could ever meet. I don't sports. Sportsing is a bad idea in my world. Nonetheless, I had to go observe and help out for several hours in an elementary school gym. Good idea? I think not.
I have never had so much fun at an observation before.
What is this madness?? I had a blast going for a jog in the brisk air with the Kindergarteners, playing line tag, leading third graders in stretches, and helping them out with their mile run. For a split second I even considered becoming a PE teacher. Don't worry, I realized the error of my ways. But seriously, I never realized that learning how to move and live a healthy lifestyle could be so much fun. I would go back every week if I could.
Today marks the first swing dance club meeting of the year! To say I'm thrilled would be an understatement. Last year, this club was my baby. I may not be in charge anymore, but I can rest content knowing that it is in really good hands this year. I've been having dancing withdrawals and it feels so good to finally be back at it. I can even forgive the fact that it's scheduled at the exact same time as the Season 12 premiere of Supernatural. I'm only a little bitter.
Friday
I finally got to visit the school where I will be student teaching next semester! Being greeted by 11 sweet, enthusiastic fourth graders is beyond worth getting up at 5:30. They also taught me how to dab, so I'd say it's been a successful day.
...and this successful day only gets better because my parents are here for the weekend! And if that wasn't already awesome enough, they come bearing winter clothes, gourmet flavored coffee, and a coloring book. Seriously y'all, life is good. I'll just be over here in my room feverishly coloring away like the adult that I promise I am.
Saturday
The weather cooperated and our day began with a lovely walk that ended in a stellar breakfast. I mean...what is a walk if you don't make up for it by immediately eating less-than-healthy food at a diner? So you could say the day got off to a good start.
The day ended pretty well, too. After an afternoon filled with wedding registry shopping and an evening spent watching "Sully," I returned to a totally nutritious snack of Moon Pie Bites (it's almost a real Moon Pie...) and RC Cola. I think basically what can be taken away from today is that I have horribly unhealthy taste in food, way too much on my plate, and life is pretty great.
