Routine = Love/hate relationship

My life in Topeka is a life of routine. My morning, afternoon and evening routines are all basically exactly the same everyday. There are things about routine that I love - I am more productive and it forces me to enjoy each day for what it is because tomorrow is going to be exactly the same so I might as well learn to love it. But at the same time after awhile that routine starts to drive me INSANE and I rebel in any little way that I can.

For example, the other day I drove through town to get to work instead of taking the highway. Yes, it took longer to get to work but it was worth it to be able to turn onto different streets and pass different buildings. This may not seem exciting at all but it is amazing how refreshing it was to change up that little routine in my life. OR I rebel against routine that people try and place on me. For example: my boss encourages everyone to wear yellow on Mondays to make Mondays a happier day. I did this for a few weeks until I realized that I hated the routine of it so one Monday I wore black.... mwahaha!

However, one routine in my life that I love and have no desire to change up anytime soon is my evening walk. Lennie (my dog) and I embark on a walk through the neighborhood every night around 8. I put on some good tunes and stroll through the streets bobbing my head and smiling at the neighbors. I see the same neighbors every night on my walk and I love it. There are the two elderly couples that sit in lawn chairs on their driveway and talk all night until it gets dark. There is the old Indian woman who walks slower than any human I've ever seen before but hey! at least she is out moving... and she does it all while wearing very colorful saris (which I love.) There is a dad with three kids that bike ride every night. And they all wear matching red helmets... precious! And there is my neighbor who sits in his driveway smoking pot all night with his friend... not as precious. But still, I love my evening walk and the people that share it with me.

So, although routine drives me crazy and causes me to wear my Richard Simmons shirt to work every once in awhile because I can no longer stand my 'work clothes'.... I have learned to make sure my life includes routines that make me happy because otherwise... what is the point?!

The end of an era

Well here it is. My final week of college... of living in Manhattan.. of having the identity of "student". I feel like I should have all these profound thoughts, words of advice, regrets, etc. But instead I'm so overwhelmed with emotions that I've almost become emotionless.

I think you eventually reach a point where it is ending and there is nothing you can do about. And whether you are looking forward to the future or not, it is coming full steam ahead so you might as well welcome it with open arms!

I've loved these last four years. Looking back on it now I can see all the things I've learned, things I didn't even know I was learning at the time. I can also see how God used certain people in my life and certain situations to shape me and teach me. When I think back on college I will remember all the good times, good friends, good food and things I've learned. Which I don't think I could ask for much more than that!

So friends, I'm not sure what is in store for me after this. But I'm thankful for the past four years. And the role that each of you has played in my life :) Can't wait to see what the next four years holds for us!!

Bon Appetit

So, I just finished watching Julie and Julia. A movie I have been wanting to see for a long time because I had a feeling I would love it; which I did.

However, now I am quite hungry and only in the mood for elaborate food such as duck or lobster, neither of which I have ever had and probably would not like.

But that movie made me feel like I should like sophisticated food. And that I can cook anything.

It’s the same way I felt after I watched Ratatouille.

If nothing else it reminds me that it is important to have passion for something in life that you love. Oh, and you can never have too much butter.

Veronika, der Lenz ist da

I opened up blogger without really having a plan as to what I was going to write about. So, I'll just write whatever comes to mind. This could be fun.

a) 7 weeks of school left... then I GRADUATE!! As much sadness is filled with leaving this place, I can honestly say that I am really excited. Stepping away from everything here for a week during spring break was good for me. For some reason, I think more clearly/my life makes more sense when I'm in Topeka. maybe that's just the magic of Topeka... or should I say, Google. ;)

b) Still have no clue what I'm doing after graduation but I'm not worried about it. I trust that the right opportunity will come along when it is supposed to. Which feels good.

c) Spring is technically here! I'm excited for warm days and playing soccer with Kristen. Also, I can't help but think of a german song by an old singing group called Comedian Harmonists that were very popular in Europe until the mid 1930's. After that things got rocky because several of the members were Jewish. However, their music lives on and the "group" is back (with new members obviously). So, here is the modern comedian harmonists singing the song that I find myself singing everyday because the main line is, "Veronika, der lenz ist da" which translates to, "Veronica, the spring is here". You will probably think it is weird (which it is) but that is why I love the Germans. Plus now you've expanded your cultural horizons for the day.

d) The Dawson family is going to see Earth Wind & Fire at starlight at the end of May. I can't wait!! oh, and we have an extra ticket. So feel free to bribe your way into getting to join in on the best evening of your life.

e) My lovely friend/fellow blogger, Sara, is getting married soon and it is going to be a glorious occasion!!

And finally,

f) I have found that I talk to myself. a lot. My roommate Katie has caught me on several occasions walking and talking to myself. It is kind of embarrassing but at the same time, I can't help it if I enjoy spending time with myself. Kelsie is always great to talk with. ;)

Weird place

I'm in a weird place right now. In terms of my feelings. (yes, I'm going to talk about my feelings. Rare... but it does happen) The fact that spring break is under 2 weeks away which means the semester is almost half over which means I'm almost graduating and leaving behind a world that I spent the last 4 years building.... is intense. And it seems like every few weeks I have a different set of emotions on how I feel about it. Sometimes excited. Sometimes nervous. Sometimes confused. As of late I think I have been feeling sad yet understanding with a splash of hopeful.

Now I know I said I was going to talk about my feelings but really, I think a song montage would do the job so much better. Here is a video list of songs that I have been listening to non-stop the past 2 weeks because they express how I feel on the inside in one way or another.

Stay tuned - my emotions change at the drop of a hat these days so I'm sure in a week or two I will have a whole new set of emotions/songs swirling around inside me!

I have a dream

... to be on the Amazing Race. I have had this dream for years and years and years. But you have to be 21 to be on the show. I remember when I was youngin' I didn't think the show would be on on anymore by the time I was 21 BUUUUUT here I am 21 and here they are holding open casting calls for the show in Topeka!!

http://www.wibw.com/blogs/mytv/82603032.html

Luckily, my friend Sarah and I have been prepping for this day (just in case) and made an application video this summer. The video is ready to go, the application is being filled out and on Monday she will submit the video and application at the casting call.

I may have found what I'm doing with myself after graduation... Amazing Race Season 17 here I come!!!

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