In a Nutshell

I've never really been one to skimp on details... but for the sake of good time management (something I'm trying, by the grace of Jesus, to better comprehend) and conservation of space on this ole' thing, I'm going to make a generous attempt.
It has been about a week and a half since my last post, and I'm going to try and list only the most noteworthy happenings, so I can have a record (and so my parents can be updated on my life away from home):

- I attended the contemporary worship service at Second Baptist here in Springfield, and really felt connected there. I am almost certain I will return. Thank you Jesus, for answered prayers.
- My dear friend Michael gave a phenomenal performance at his piano recital last Sunday, which I attended after church (one of the benefits of being just close to home). That boy is blessed with an insane amount of talent. His humility inspires and encourages me. Michael=wonderful.
- Finally retrieved my smoothie-maker from home, along with some various items I discovered to be lacking in my world at MSU (namely, some more cook books, more blackberry loose-leaf tea, a dance workout DVD, and two pairs of jeans I forgot to pack).
- Had my first voice lesson Monday afternoon with Mr. Harris, and what a JOY it is to be settling back in that routine. The beauty is doubly enhanced by the fact that I get to take lessons with this wonderful guy for fun, on the side-- not for a grade, as I did last year. I am undeserving of his generosity in continuing to teach me on his own time. :)
- My education class is long. But it is good stuff, y'all. My professor is full of time-tested knowledge, with a few good stories thrown in there, too. :)
- I experimented with a Kraft FoodandFamily recipe on Monday night, making a cheaper, healthier version of chicken fajitas. It was wonderful. Needless to say, we are recreating that meal again in the near future.
- I slept in french braids on Monday night in hopes of somehow creating a hint of texture in my baby-fine hair... result: slight success. And yes, I deem this significant enough to make the list. :)
- My poetry class was canceled, so I spent the afternoon being semi-productive. I made some homemade crutons using our day-old bread, herbs, and olive oil (thanks to my Dad for that idea), made a trip to wal*mart to purchase two MORE $16.00 curtain panels for my room, cleaned the kitchen and did the dishes, and plenty of other things that I'm sure were important but have slipped from my memory throughout this past week.
- Family Dinner night at the LSC was delicious-- burgers from the grill and a veggie tray. De. Lish.
- Chrissy and I went to one of the Cru Small Groups in Wells Tuesday night, and it was great. However, when it comes to scheduling, it turned out to be not so great. We're going to try and go to one of the others at a more convenient time during the week.
- It rained on Wednesday, and in case you're unaware-- I'm not a huge fan of rain. Good thing it only rained for the first half of the day. :)
- I had a meeting with a rep from MSU's "Mentoring for Success" program downtown on Wednesday afternoon, and it went over quite well. I'm going to be volunteering at Springfield's Multicultural Center, with their after-school tutoring program for kids learning English as a second language. So cool these opportunities God's blessed me with that really are in tune with my heart. I feel like I'm getting the hang of some small part of His purpose for my little life here.
- Linguistics continues to hold the top spot, if I were to rank my classes in terms of my favorites. Which I do. Linguistics reminds me why I love English so much, when my lengthy reading assignments tempt me to believe otherwise.
- In my Ethnic Literature class, we are required to contribute to class discussion at least once a week. It's a 75-minute time period, and there are over 40 people in that class. Let's be honest-- not all of us are going to be reach that goal. Especially me. Yes, I wish that I could-- I wish that I could muster up enough courage to say what's on my mind before the person next to me beats me to it and voices the exact same thought I'd just debated sharing, making me want to kick myself (PLUS the idea is usually met with a positive response, no doubt, which makes me want to kick myself again). Needless to say, I'm still working on figuring out how to participate adequately. :)
- My Poetry class reminds me that I suck as a poet a lot more than I originally thought. WHICH... is awesome, as I'm sure you inferred. ;)
- Got to attend Mitchell's soccer game against Greenwood, which he (and the rest of his team, really) dominated (sort of; the score was 1-0). 'Twas lovely seeing the 'rents again, and getting to talk to some good ole' High School friends.
- Attended a small group (through The Vine) with Jessica, and I really liked it. I'm not sure if it's going to fit in my already kind-of packed schedule, but I'm still praying about that one. Details to come.
- FUSION... was awesome. Headed over to the theater with Kelsey 2 (a new freshman buddy-- we share the same name) and Chrissy. Wonderful time of worship AND fellowship. Went to PoHo with K and C, met up with Lizzy and purchased a big bowl of nachos to share. Met a lot of cool people. Cru is taking over my heart more and more this year. :)
- Received a text from my newly assigned English conversation partner, Muteb! I can't explain how excited I was to hear from him (and, really, to hear that I had been assigned a partner at all). Once again, evidence of God's faithfulness. On His time, and not mine (just like always). Ask me for more info if you're curious. Details to come. :)
- I felt crappy again on Friday morning, so I took a nap after my morning classes.
- Went to Plaster to work out, and got to walk back in the pouring rain. I actually enjoyed it. (It was a FURNACE in the weight room).
- My dear dear sweet friend Kayla stopped by the House for a visit before the long holiday weekend. Loved seeing her perverted little self. :)
- Got on the road with Andrea and Chrissy (headed to Jackson, MO) around 3:30pm, and...

the rest is yet to come.
don't worry, I'll make good on that promise. :)
(i hope.)

I'm tired. I still have to read about 40 pages about Native Americans before bed. Good thing I like them as much as I do. :)


Until next time...