Applying for graduation & a new arrival

Today I climbed to the top floor of Old Main in order to apply for graduation in the Spring! It was really a non-event, but exciting none-the-less. I can hardly believe how fast everything has gone and is presently going. I've loved my time at the U of A, can't imagine having any minute gone differently than it has.

The Grove, Chemistry & Biochemistry, enjoying brisk mornings with various running partners, falling in love, growing in community, playing bass, everything's been such a blast! Thank you Lord!

I couldn't help but consider the irony in paying to apply for graduation. Did they not get that money over the 4-years I've (well, scholarships) have been paying the university for an education? Anyway, what's an extra $25, to them? To me, it could mean a tank of gas, 1/3 the price of an hour on a jet ski at Clear Lake, 4 orders of lettuce wraps from PF Chang's, etc.

Speaking of PF Chang's ... NW Arkansas finally has one! All the Arkansayans, at least a lot, have not clue as to what this funny chinese name is all about; I just hope they get to try the lettuce wraps, because they're incredible. Actually, they are just about as incredibly hard to make as they are incredibly delicious ... I think there are approximately 30 ingredients involved in the recipe.

Jesse's & my favorite place to sit in Pei Wei (the "iformal" fast version of PF Chang's) is at the bar where we can watch the cooks work their magic on the woks. Fire flashes up many times during our meal, and we think it's mostly for the cook's enjoyment and show, but that may just be the secret to excellent Asian cooking. Being able to watch this skill is certainly something Pei Wei offers that PF Chang's regrettably does not. Our Pei Wei friends are Alan & Jenny - we all love it!

It's nice to have the company in the area! We'll have to make it up to Rogers, soon - anyone interested?

October

Fall is by far my favorite season: I love the color palette of the leaves, the chilly nights and perfect running-temperature days, college football (GO HOGS!!!), beginning to anticipate the holidays, having an excuse to light up the fire place, cooking home-made stew and biscuits, hiking, taking walks around downtown Fayetteville, little-league soccer games, everything - wow ... this is the most wonderful time of year!

Jesse & I went home to visit my family this weekend, and I loved it (however, it always seems just a little too short and I am pondering whether it is because all of the incredible memories or because of everything left to be done).

On Saturday, I attended my first field trip during my years at the U of A - my dad accompanied me to the Tulsa Zoo in order to observe the primates. This semester, I am taking an honors colloquium class called "Primate Behavioral Ecology" and I have been surprised at how much I enjoy the course. My awesome community group, of course, had to pray for me concerning a REALLY tough paper (timing wise) I had to complete in there, and that was a blessing, too! We were certainly made for community.

We're having a lot of fun planning out everything for the wedding etc. Brett & Elise Harkey are going to be meeting with us for marriage counseling, so that should be really awesome. Jesse & my friendship is growing so close, it's amazing. Can't wait to see everyone in January!

Grad. school applications are due in January also, but I'm trying to get those in by next week or so. Can't wait to get positive paperwork back on all of that, but I don't think that will come until Spring ... so I'll just have to be trusting the Lord concerning that - awesome, he's faithful. Why can that be so easy to forget?

Biking sounds like a great afternoon activity. Sorry for the major delay in updating this page!!! More soon.

Much love.