Mini Break

I did not get to enjoy the Spring Break for Wash U because I was still working at my schools in Illinois. However, their Spring Break is really just a long weekend around Easter. So, starting Thursday at 12:15pm, I have no class or practicum obligations until Tuesday. How wonderful!

And while I will be working on the rest of my semester work during this time, what makes it a true break is the fact that my worst week of the semester is now behind me (it might have even been the worst week of my grad school career). On Monday, I turned in a 25 page paper that has been dictating my life for more than a month. Then, on Wednesday night I had a presentation and another paper due (which I had been able to spend little if any time on because of the previously mentioned paper which had taken over my life).

This all seemed impossible. Given my issues with focus and my recent history of major deadline issues, it was all I could do not to give up. Last weekend, I remember praying and telling God that I knew that this was truly impossible for my own abilities and capacities... and basically that it was up to Him. After 3 days with a total of 10.5 hours of sleep, not only did I turn in the Monday paper on time, but I was also prepared for my presentation and turned the paper into that professor as well. I left class last night in complete shock... and then I cried tears of joy all the way home... and then I went to bed. I'm so relieved and so grateful to have this behind me... and ON TIME no less. That's HUGE for me!!! :)

All that to say that this truly is a break for me. My stress level (which has been in "emergency" mode for almost 6 weeks) has taken a nose dive and I feel great (though I'm still recovering from sleep deprivation). I was even singing to myself as I loaded my car to head to class this morning. It wasn't until I noticed myself singing that I realized that I used to sing or hum to myself most of the time... but I haven't for weeks. If that doesn't indicate my stress level and state of well-being, I don't know what does.

So here is what I accomplished over my break:

- painted my toe nails
- slept for a cumulative 41 hours since Wednesday (which brought my average for the week up to 6.4 a night-from 3.3 a night)
- went out with friends
- slept
- watched Grey's with another friend
- chilled with a movie and another friend
- slept some more
- had brunch with friends
- went on a sunny walk in the park with friends
- made deviled eggs
- vegged at home with a movie and Mocha (roommate's dog)
- slept even more
- celebrated Easter with friends, fellowship, food, and more rest and more friends
- slept yet again

And now back to work... I really needed that break :)