After a week of getting re-adjusted to schedules, jobs, and being back in Birmingham, it was so refreshing to have a night to relax. It's crazy to think that with graduation quickly approaching, we don't have a lot of weekends left like this. But, I digress (before i get teary eyed all over again). I am thankful for the people in my life and the simplistic nights like these that we are able to spend together.
Australia far exceeded my expectations. Describing it as “amazing,” “beautiful,” or “one-of-a-kind,” doesn't begin to do it justice. I could list 100 words or tell every story to try to explain it it, but it doesn't feel like that would be enough. In the past, I have spent so much time simply telling other people about my experiences without taking the time to reflect on my time somewhere. It became apparent, on our second day in Australia, that the country had something to teach me, and it didn’t let me down. Without sharing my personal discoveries, I will try my hand at offering one piece of advice to anyone in the same boat as me: take the time to reflect on your time spent in another country, culture, or city. Write in a journal, keep lists, or write on post-its. Anything works. But I am sure, that in the process of recollecting the day (and being forced to really think about things), you will find yourself pleasantly surprised by what you learn.
ps. If you ever get the chance to go to Australia, don't hesitate. Go.
Studying for exams this week only leaves me wanting simple moments like these even more. In 24 hours, I can officially claim these kind of nights back.
For anyone looking for a little (musical) company, I have come to love 8tracks. Its' playlists are put together by their users, and you can find just about anything you're in the mood to hear. Last night, I came to love this simple, a cappella/acoustic themed playlist:
It's crazy how the idea of home changes as we get older. For me, I used to be unappreciative of my time at home, not because I didn't like it but because I was longing for an adventure outside of it. Now when I go home it's this peaceful, serene, and comfortable place that is unlike anywhere else in the world. I took a sporadic trip home for a night last week and it was simple, but amazing. And with this picturesque lake being what I wake up to in the mornings, I vouch to never take home for granted again.
In the meantime, I have not been able to stop listening The Careful Ones' newly released album: listen.
this past weekend was a full embrace of fall. some friends and i headed to indiana where the fall colors were in full effect, the weather was crisp, and the leaves were falling. on top of that, the events of the weekend were a true testimony to getting in the fall spirit. from going to a football game, picking apples, spotting pumpkins, eating pie, and sitting around a fire, we did it all. now if only birmingham could catch on to the changing of seasons. im ready to live amongst the fall colors.
