January 7

I failed. I didn't take a picture for the 7th. It was the first day back to school. That is my only excuse, which is lame, I know. But there it is...

January 6

Classes start back tomorrow, for which I have mixed emotions. I'm glad that I'll have a regular routine and will see everyone again, however, I am not excited for the craziness that is my life during the semester. I'm always busy, which I love, but I also hate it a tad bit too. This semester won't be as hectic though since I'm only taking one class and then using my other credit hours to finish writing my thesis. I'm also looking for an organization to volunteer for since I'll have more time. I've been missing my philanthropy days from Phi Mu and wanting to get back into giving back. I'm going to do some research over the next few days and find an organization in Muncie that I want to support.

I spent today getting ready for tomorrow. Cleaned my apartment and did some grocery shopping and general errand running. Tomorrow is a 12 hour day for me, which means packing lunch, snack, and dinner. I've found that it's way cheaper to pack all of my meals and also healthier. I'm trying to help myself out a little since mornings aren't my thing by preparing as much as I can the night before. Who's knows how long this will last though.  Most nights I'm too exhausted to even make it to my bed. Woo to the start of a new semester and the last semester of my Master's program!

January 5

Driving, driving, driving. Made the trek back to Muncie today. 9 loooong hours and I am back in Indiana. Funny thing is that as soon as we got off at the Muncie exit it started to snow. What a sign. Ha. Then when I got home I realized that I had turned off the power strip that my refrigerator was plugged into. So...my fridge had been off for three weeks. Gross. At least now my fridge is nice and clean, and thankfully it was practically empty anyway. I also set up my record player!

I've decided that I was born in the wrong decade because this is hands down one of the best ways to listen to music. It just sounds so raw and real. I'm in love. I only have three records right now: Michael Jackson's "Thriller," Explosions in the Sky's "The Earth is Not a Dead Cold Place," and Old Crow Medicine Show's 45 of "Wagon Wheel." Thankfully, I live a block away from the local record store and plan to check it out ASAP. Vinyl all the way!

January 4

Left VA this morning and drove back home. I've realized that I'm much more relaxed during that drive than I am during my drive to Muncie. A lot of it has to do with the scenery. There are just mountains, on mountains, on mountains driving from PA to NC. But, driving from here to IN is flat and boring for most of it. Ugh. I'm not ready for break to be over. I miss my apartment and my space and my friends, but I do not miss the chaos that comes with all of that. Oh well. One more semester and I get to graduate! :)

My mom took me out for dinner as a good-bye and for my birthday. We went to the McKeansburg Hotel and I had the best fettuccine alfredo I've ever had in my life. It was delicious and nice to spend time with my mom.

Tonight I have successfully made an 11 hour playlist for the drive back. However, I have not finished my laundry or packing my car. I clearly have my priorities in order.

January 3

Heading down south to the land of the pine, thumbin my way into North Caroline...

Came to High Point/Winston-Salem today with Eliza. Stopped by HPU's campus to see how much it changed which was actually a really good time. It made me reminiscent and miss my undergrad days.  It also made me realize how much I took everything there for granted. Seriously. I was super spoiled there. I got to see old co-workers and roommates and just enjoy the empty campus since everyone was still on break. I also got to go to....wait for it....COOKOUT!!!

I have missed Cookout so much. I got a Cookout tray with a cajun chicken sandwich, hush puppies, and cajun french fries and a mint oreo milkshake. It's crazy cheap. Only $5 for the whole tray! I really love North Carolina and so many people that I care about still live here or close to here.  Once I figure my life out, I really think I'd like to move back here to settle down. It's just fantastic. And if you have doubts, take in this sunset:

When I do exciting things, I sometimes include a bonus picture. Today is one of those days. You're welcome...

January 2

Yay! Two days of p365. This is commitment. Ha. Today I road tripped down to VA to visit Eliza. Well overdue best friend time. Her mom cooked an awesome dinner of shrimp and grits. Southern hospitality at it's finest. I'm getting the recipe and plan on introducing my mid-western friends to some southern cooking! We also exchanged Christmas gifts and she gave me this sweet owl mug. So precious.

I'm spending the night here then we're going to explore HPU tomorrow. I'm interested to see how much it's changed. I really need to move back down south. I love it here and miss it so much!

Project 365, Attempt #3

It's really going to happen this time. I'm going to be diligent and committed and I'm going to finish a whole year of pictures. Technology has made it so much easier since my last attempt. I now have an iPhone which means I have a camera with me at all times. I'm hoping that this will inspire me to get back into photography. I miss it. I just don't have time. 2013 will be the year that I make time for me. I will make time for my hobbies and I won't become consumed by other unnecessary things. 2012. You were pretty good. I don't really have any complaints. However, I'm looking forward to 2013.

Today's photo:

January 1, 2013: Spent the afternoon with my family. I have now locked myself in my room to watch copious amounts of LOST for which I need to analyzed for my thesis. I'm praying that this will only deepen my love for the show, not make me hate it.