The best week ever

12/3/07
8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.: Humanities final examination.
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.: Surprise birthday dinner with all my friends!

12/4/07
Studying for last three exams.

12/5/07
Studying for last three exams.

12/6/07
8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.: Calculus II final examination.
1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Cultural Anthropology final examination and presentation.

12/7/07
8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.: Chemistry final examination.

12/8/07
9:18 a.m.: On the road to Florida!

5:00 p.m.: Stop in Columbia, South Carolina to rendezvous with brother Jared.

12/9/07
8:00 a.m.: On the road once more!
2:00 p.m.: Touch down in Orlando!

12/10/07
10:30 a.m.: Wake up from restful sleep in my own bed.

So yeah, that's pretty much this past week, which I like to call "the best week ever." You might wonder how I could call this "the best week ever" when I had finals three of the five weekdays and a grueling 15-hour drive for the whole weekend. But the simple fact is that after finals week, I'm at home for the first time since leaving for college, and that made every day of finals week bearable, and even enjoyable.

Don't get me wrong, finals were stressful, and at times overwhelming. I spent a lot of time in my dorm room and at study sessions to prepare. But in the end, I was completely prepared. I remained focused, and it paid off, because finals went well for me overall.

My surprise birthday party definitely made my week tons better. Since my birthday is over the break (December 21), my hallmates and other friends planned an early surprise party at O-Charley's. It went off without a hitch; I was completely floored when I got to the restaurant and all my friends were there waiting for me! We all wore Mickey Mouse ears to celebrate my Orlando heritage, and then went back to the dorm for cake and presents. It was really great because it made me feel like I'd made some friends who truly cared about me, something I thought might not happen in the first semester.

One of the best parts of my week, though, was driving home. Despite the fact that on Saturday I drove for 8 hours through winding mountain roads full of fog, rain, and annoyingly cumbersome semis, I got to blast loud music, hang out with my dog, and drive through some beautiful countryside. Crossing the Florida-Georgia line was one of the best feelings ever!

With an academically and socially enjoyable first term behind me, I look forward to truly taking a break and relaxing in preparation for CentreTerm and spring term. And although at the beginning of the school year I thought I'd never say it, I already miss my friends and routine at Centre, and look forward to my return. That of course, isn't for another three weeks, so I think until then I'll go out in my backyard to soak up some rays!