I’ve been to Texas three times in about a month to play golf, and absolutely loved it.  Sorry Mom, I couldn’t have guessed I would have ridiculous tan lines by Easter.  When you compare my left and right hands I look like two different people.  So I got a tan in Texas… but now have no way to even out the tan lines for… awhile.

That sentence made me think of something I heard on the news this morning.  A seventeen year old girl recently was diagnosed with melanoma due to the amount of time she had spent in a tanning bed.  17 years old and she has cancer.  This story has led to a push for reform on the use of tanning beds by minors.  Although currently consent of a parent is required, there are some that would make the use of tanning beds by minors completely illegal.  I think it’s a great idea!  How many other 17 year olds out there have cancer but have no idea?  “Prom season” tanning has become the norm for most American teenagers.  Not only is there peer pressure to tan, but the beds become addictive.  I think it would be better to protect the underage girls rather than subject them to a new kind of addiction.  Of course, I’ve never artificially tanned.

The spring production is well underway.  We are in a rush to learn all the music, lines, blocking, and choreography.  Last night we had our first dance ensemble practice and it was an absolute blast.  I’ve missed organized dance!

Everyone seems to have survived midterms.  Whether or not our grades have is another question entirely.  I surely hope so!  There are not many more weeks in the semester.  Which means I am leaving for Guatemala very soon.

How do I live such a crazy life?  I take on one thing at a time.  I work hard, do what needs done, and take joy in the little things.  Like the fact that the trees are budding today.  SPRING!

This is our last week of school before break and so everyone is focusing on the light at the end of the tunnel. Spring break gives us a chance to re-energize ourselves, so we finish up the semester not completely worn out. I have a feeling that most people will be trying to catch up on sleep…..especially since the time change has made everyone dead tired! I cannot wait to get through the week, so I can relax and hang out with friends!!!

In reflection, this semester went really well. I met a lot of new people, worked with programs that I had never heard of before, learned a lot in the classroom, and even had fun in classes that I thought would be really serious. I can’t imagine being somewhere else and having the same amazing experiences. Even though parts of the semester might have been stressful and busy (like finals and projects), I would not trade them for anything. I can’t wait to see what break and next semester will bring! (hopefully a lot of fun!)

Along with all the University fun, my place where I work and volunteer is having a fundraising event called “Reaching the Youth With the Truth” and we are having a blast getting it ready! So between Newman’s events, work events, and studying it has been really busy. Luckily, it will soon be Thanksgiving break and we will all be able to relax, and eat a lot!