fall quarter, in retrospect.

in the style of beeky, i am compiling a list of what i have learned this quarter. don't feel like you need to read all of this--it's more for my own thinking--but feel free if you're interested to know!

some things about me....
i learned that i need balance and consistency in my life, which only God can provide.
i learned that joy and peace are essential to my well-being.
i learned that i don't have to get upset a little dysfunction, but can embrace it and find the humor in it.
i learned that when i'm too introspective, my thoughts can sometimes get the best of me.
i learned that i am really, really stubborn.
i learned that the people i love the most care about me as a person more than what i do.
i learned that i need eight hours of sleep per night to be fully alert in the morning without the help of some serious caffeine.
i learned that vulnerability is the only way to have meaningful relationships.
i learned that i really do love to read, but only when the reading is not required.
i learned that this whole traditional college structure just is not my style of learning.
i learned that i cannot pull self-discipline out of my ass (true story).
i learned that my unhealthy level of stress makes me physically ill (not good).
i learned that it is ok, if not good, to be uncomfortable.
i learned that playing the piano is good for my soul.
i learned that i am a "peaceful phlegmatic"--one who requires peace, respect and self worth :)
i learned that i am an ENFP (with a strong emphasis on the FP).
i learned that i am a dreamer, and that i need to dream big.
i learned that time and distance cannot keep true friends apart.
i learned that writing (journaling and blogging) clears my head.
i learned that i can have grace with people all the time, but not with myself (God is working on it).
i learned that even 12 credits is more than i would prefer to take in a quarter.
i learned that my feelings too often determine my actions.
i learned that it is ok to be distracted sometimes.
i learned to embrace my artist's soul and have found it to be a huge part of who i am and how i see the world.
i learned that i like being goofy more than i like being serious.

generally light-hearted tid-bits...
i learned that church functions involving dancing bring out my "sassy" side.
i learned that short hair (on me) is decent.
i learned that talking on my cell phone while i'm driving impairs my sensibility enough to impulsively honk at people and flip them off.
i learned that, if thrown at a high enough velocity, a cell phone will shatter when it hits the wall.
i learned that "house meeting" really means "comedy hour" in the queen anne palace.
i learned that i am (at least slightly) lactose intolerant.
i learned that kerry park is the best place to walk to, sit, think, listen to my ipod, watch sunsets, drink coffee and contemplate life.
i learned that if you microwave popcorn for long enough, it will melt into a solid and unidentifiable glob.
i learned that my mom is a wild and crazy concert-goer.
i learned that i still do not like country music.
i learned that old and small toyotas cannot make it up snow-covered hills.
i learned that our neighbors do not appreciate late-night music, screaming or laughter.
i learned that the greatest revelations come to me in the shower.
i learned that event planning is NOT an interest of mine.
i learned that some people cut off and throw away the brownie crust, a fact that i still cannot comprehend.
i learned that disappearing silverware causes confusion.
i learned that it's possible to buy nine CDs in seven days.
i learned that pancakes really do make you sick by then end of them.
i learned that aparthy towards my college classes is not conducive to passing them.
i learned that it is difficult to be in shape and live in a house of eight girls who bake desserts everyday.

my housemates...
i learned that if kelly stands at the front door to hug you goodbye, she is secretly plotting to pin you down and tickle you.
i learned that christina is not a good person to surprise when it is late at night and people are sleeping.
i learned that bethany is a stereotypical mexican woman at heart.
i learned that if you appear to be having a crisis, you can distract kelly away from anything.

and most importantly...
i learned that it's ok to be myself and not worry what people will think of me.
i learned that life without passion, purpose and the enjoyment of God is just not worth it.
i learned that i need to live life, rather than just prepare for it.
i learned that i need to be confident of my identity in Christ.
i learned that the way i look is not as important as who i present myself to be.
i learned that my worth does not come from what i do or accomplish, but by simply being a child of God.
i learned that i love life most when i do my best to experience the fullness of the here and now.
i learned that life is a process and a journey; one for which i will never figure out or be perfect at, but one i can find joy in everyday.