so, upon checking the latest news as i woke up this morning, i found that apple is releasing something called an "ipad," a kindle-like device that allows users to read novels among many other functions.

wish i could have time to elaborate, but i'll just say that no matter how advanced technology becomes, i don't think reading anything via plastic screen can match up to the way a hardback feels, how thick ivory paper looks, or what sitting in a bookstore or library means.

on another note, to go to my 9 am psychology class to take my first skip of the semester?  hmm...

Before this post really gets started, I have to wonder: is there anyone who still reads Life in the Smyth Lane besides my dad (who may, in actuality, be our most faithful and devout reader)?  Ever since we aquired our goal of 25 readers by Christmas, there have been few new followers.  Thanks to all of you readers who, like my Daddio, tune in for every episode of Life in the Smyth Lane.  And if you're a secret reader (I know a few of you must exist), we'd love to have you become an official follower!

This semester I am taking a class called Education for the Exceptional Learner, aka, Special Education.  Since I decided the week before exams to minor in Secondary Education, I had to make a few adjustments to the sched.  Hence psychology (ick!) and special ed this semester.  Although it has been my only class in the education department so far, I have really enjoyed special education.  My teacher, Dr. G* (I didn't put her real name because I thought that would be mean and fear that she will google her own name, stumble over Life in the Smyth Lane, and fail me for the semester) is very organized, has a passion for people, and loves to chat.

Dr. G went to PC in the seventies and has lived and taught around Clinton for most of her life since (whoa!!).  She is single, an adjuct professor at PC, and also works part time for a center in Clinton that provides mentally-handicapped adults with jobs.  She is awesome at what she does and incredibly patient with the adults with whom she works.  She hands back every paper or assignment within the next class period.  She is training us to be teachers who are attentive to each student's learning needs.

I can only think of wonderful things to say about Dr. G, but today I realized that a huge fear of mine is that I will become a woman like her!  Incredibly passionate about her job, able to impact her community, and overall satisfied without a family or husband.  Take what I know of Dr. G's life, throw in a few cats, maybe a book club or two and I find myself already cringing at the chance that this image could very well be my future!

I am learning to be content in every situation...wherever God has me.  And I don't have to worry about the future yet.  He who provides enough grace for me to dwell with him today will be faithful til tomorrow.

??

i have been informed by the authorities (aka my roomie ashton) that it is my turn to blog.  here's a little update on my semester, friends!

• my classes are interesting, albeit boring.  a personal fav is special education.  why, you ask?  the professor is organized, loves teaching, and told all of us on the first day of class that we'd get an A.  also gotta love linguistics.  i enjoy grammar because i had great teachers in middle school who really stressed learning how to diagram and analyze sentence structure.  linguistics is supposed to be a difficult class, but it's starting off slowly for me so far.  we'll see how that goes!
• god is really teaching me a lot about resting!  and i am learning how to rest in so many ways.  a lot of times when i think about resting i just want to take a nap, but i am exploring new methods of relaxation.  for example, yesterday lindsay mayo and i explored antique stores in downtown clinton.  expecting to find a great bargain, we left with only a memorable experience (but all of our $$ intact too!).  i have just really felt convicted lately that god deserves me when i am at my best, not when i'm exhausted and my eyelids are drooping!  it is more important for me to love him and know him better than it is for me to make good grades, hangout with people, or try to save the world.
• community always feels different to me second semester.  the lord is using other people in my life to encourage me and lead me to knowing more of him.  the BJC met last night (holla!!) and we watched both bridgette jones movies, consumed oodles of peanut butter m&ms, sour gummy worms, and sparkling grape juice.  i am constantly reminded of a beautiful verse i memorized last week..."what shall i render to the lord for all his benefits to me?  i will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the lord."  i am really loving where he has me right now!

i am trying to dig through the crevices of my mind to reveal some exciting, silly, or fun story right now to no avail.  but they'll be on the way soon.  love yall!

SparkTests

As if text summaries weren't enough, here's another reason why Sparknotes is the greatest resource ever.  Recently laughed my way through an online quiz...here are a few of the funniest Qs:


14 Which statement most closely resembles your philosophy on dating?

 There's more fish in the sea

 There are more fish in the sea

 The sea is polluted

 I hate the smell of fish

23 Have you ever faked a British accent?

 Yes

 Nay, you codswalloping stinker!

these are so HILARIOUS.  i am STILL laughing OUT LOUD!