Day 27

         Hey guys, sorry it's been awhile. In my defense, I was gone all weekend on a retreat. And it was very good. For me, it was like a deep, calming breath. That last retreat I want on was a very intense, in your face kind of retreat. Not in a bad way, of course. That one was very fun. It's just that this one was relaxing and reassuring and exactly what I needed. Anyway, onto the challenge!

Writing Challenge Day #27: Your Favorite Place to Eat

         Oh boy. There are several places that I love to eat at. I really enjoy eating at the Mongolian Grill. I mean, I am a huge fan of stir fry and that is the place to go if you want a stir fry. Yumm...But. It's not my favorite. I also really enjoy getting frozen yogurt from Sugar Berry. Oh my gosh, I love Sugar Berry and I love frozen yogurt and I love their method of pricing (leave me alone, I like it, okay?) However, that is also not my favorite place to eat. Unfortunately for me, my favorite place to eat is no longer in business. The Oakwood Lounge, the only place to eat in my tiny town (technically a village), felt like home to me. For a while last year, I went there on a weekly basis. I became a regular at my favorite restaurant (which was pretty cool). I always got water and deep fried pickles. I haven't had a deep fried pickle since it closed at the beginning of May. It was only five months ago, but it feels like it's been ages. I really do miss it. I made some great memories in that restaurant, both with the people who want there with me and those who worked there. Every Thursday night, I would go to the Oakwood with my brother and we would each go to our teams for DJ Trivia (a trivia game). It was free to participate in and usually lasted about an hour and a half. Ugh. You just don't know how much I miss it. I don't think any other restaurant will ever measure up to my beloved Oakwood and I don't think I will ever stop missing it.



“‘Fear not!’ said a strange voice behind him. Frodo turned and saw Strider, and yet not Strider; for the weatherworn Ranger was no longer there. In the stern sat Aragorn son of Arathorn, proud and erect, guiding the boat with skillful strokes; his hood was cast back, and his dark hair was blowing in the wind, a light was in his eyes: a king returning from exile to his own land.” -The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkein

Ireland, again.

          Alright guys...I was supposed to write about my truest fear for the writing challenge. But I can't. My mind is far too occupied elsewhere, Ireland specifically. Shall I tell you my dilemma? There is a study abroad program through my college to go to Ireland for a little less than three weeks. And what is the program, you ask? Literature. This is like MY trip. This is the trip for me. And, as far as study abroad programs go, not that costly. I really, really, reeeallly want to go. Ireland, guys! IRELAND!

          (I'm not seeing the dilemma here...)

          Sorry, I'm getting to that. I really want to go, BUT I have some cons. I've never traveled outside of the country before (Canada does not count), and that terrifies me. I would be without anyone I know, which also terrifies me. I would have to miss my brother's graduation (but hey, my older brother missed mine, so..). While the trip isn't terribly expensive, it's not terribly cheap either. And I'm only a college freshman. The trip is open to all students, but I feel like freshmen don't belong on these sorts of things. Am I right? But I want to go so bad! Guys, this is Ireland, the one place I want to go more than anywhere else (closely followed by New Zealand). I am just very torn on this. If there is anyone that reads this other than my Franco Fan, I could use some advice. (Advice from Franco Fan is more than welcome, of course. And just so you know, I will always refer to you as Franco Fan on here now. Congratulations.) I will now put on a picture from Ireland so we can take a moment to sigh wistfully. Let the sighing commence.

"All that is gold does not glitter,

Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.

From the ashes a fire shall be woken,
A light from the shadows shall spring;
Renewed shall be blade that was broken,
The crownless again shall be king.”

-Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkein

Nineteen.

Writing Challenge Day #19: What's in Your Bag?
          My purse, or my backpack? I'll do both. In my backpack, I have my stats book, binder, folder, and notebook. I have a folder for environmental science. I also have The Fellowship of the Ring as well as two other, smaller notebooks. And an umbrella, my wallet, and a lunch bag. And that's just the big pocket! In the middle pocket I have a broken mini stapler and a picture, I think. In my smallest pocket, I have a calculator, three pens, a bag of almonds, and some leaves from the costume for Little Shop of Horrors (don't ask...) I believe that's all that's in my backpack.
         In the inside pocket of my purse, I have four bookmarks that I took from a library, three dollars, and a receipt from Meijer. In the main pocket, I have headphones, ten dollars, movie tickets (The Fault in Our Stars, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Maleficent), my planner, and my checkbook. In the smallest, front pocket I have random change, which consists mostly of pennies.

         I'm sorry this is so terribly short. I don't really have anything interesting in either of my bags. On a random note, it is very cold in Michigan, considering how warm it was not that long ago, and I am wearing two pairs of socks, sweatpants, a long sleeved t-shirt, and a sweatshirt (my Harry Potter sweatshirt, of course :o). And I am snuggled in a very fuzzy blanket that I got last year for Christmas. Needless to say, I am very cold. I despite the fact that the season of perpetually cold feet is coming up, I'm kind of excited. Or really excited. I love Christmas! And I can't wait for the first snow and the first time we turn on the fireplace and when Christmas music starts playing on the radio...And I have a bit of a confession...I'm actually listening to Christmas music as I type this. I'm home alone and I didn't want to wait until November. So judge me if you want, but I'm enjoying myself! Also, I had an interview today. I was so nervous that I could barely eat breakfast (you know how I am with people) and even now that it's over, I still can't eat lunch. It was very nerve wrecking, but I think it went well. The lady who interviewed me was very nice and made me feel more at ease. I think I might actually have a shot at this one...I'll keep you posted!

"It is a strange thing, but when you are dreading something, and would give anything to slow down time, it has a disobliging habit of speeding up." -Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling