Judson students are returning to the campus today after (a well needed) Christmas break.

One part of me wants to be there moving back in with all my friends. I'm going to miss them so much. I don't like thinking about all the memories that I will not be part of during the upcoming months. Nevertheless, I need to remember that my absence does not mean I will be forgotten.

I think we all have a fear of being forgotten. We hold on so tightly to the past because it shaped who we are today. We don't want to move forward because something is lost in the process. A part of us is left with every memory we encounter. We want to stay with the memory because it is familiar, comfortable, safe, and good. In reality, we are not forgotten. Each memory is implanted in the people who experienced them. We will always be part of our friends and they will always be with us too!

While I continue to have mixed emotions about this upcoming semester, I am taking the next month for myself. It will be a refreshing breather in between the chaos. I do not have to worry about school obligations until I arrive in Australia in the middle of February. It is a little scary not having anything to do. As a Type A personality, I thrive on order and schedules. Right now, the only schedule I have is an eye exam at 2:00 tomorrow afternoon.  

So what do I do with all this free time? I can hardly make time for it all.

•1.      Sleeping- It has always been my favorite pastime and I do not get to do it enough!

•2.      Jogging- Nothing clears the mind and brings everything into perspective like a good run. Unfortunately, it is below freezing which means my face is chapped at the end... but I continue to press though.

•3.      Reading- I never have time to read for myself because school work ALWAYS comes first.

•4.      Watching movies- This is new for me. I'm attempting to catch up on all the movies I haven't watched in the past... 20 years. HAH! (good luck on that one)

•5.      Finding new recipes and cooking strategies- I cannot think of anything I would rather do than eat! I found a recipe for substituting ground flax seed for eggs. Flax seed is packed with Omega- 3 fatty acids! I tried it in waffles and it was delicious J

•6.      Visiting- I have a whole month to catch up with friends and family that I don't get to see often!

This month will be a nice one: full of fun and reflection. I'm excited! Relaxation... here I come!

With high spirits and anticipation,

ChristinaLee