Jitters

After much anticipation, I have finally started my Grad School application. I though that starting the application would feel overwhelming but it has had quite the opposite effect. I literally have the jitters about it because I am so excited! Yes, it is possible that this could be from the hot mug of coffee I just downed but it is more likely from the excitement of the application. I have 3 of the 4 parts completed but the 3 that remain are the hardest. 

The biggest curiosity I had before starting my application was what the questions for the personal statement would be and I must say that immediately after reading them I had answers and examples come to mind for each one of them!

I feel very encouraged that I am looking to go in the right field for me because all of the prompts are so personal to me. I can't wait to continue working on my application but I am going to have to exercise a bit of self-control and hold off for a while because I have a pretty busy week with a paper due and an exam approaching. I have been spoiled thus far this semester with my lax schedule.

I promised an update on Fall Retreat so I will provide one that is very brief: 
It was a very fun and meaningful weekend. Great memories and friendships were made, prayers answered, and lives were impacted forever. I would post pictures but I forgot to bring my camera along. 

Another fun weekend is approaching to serve as a hiatus from this busy week. My parents are coming to visit me over fall break. I am most looking forward to my mom finally seeing my apartment! I am hoping to somehow find time to finish some decorating touches before they arrive on Friday. 

In joy and excitement, 
Kenz

P.S. How can dying leaves be so beautiful?

Old News

Wow, I definitely had intentions of blogging much more in the past several months but as you can see, that didn't go too well. Though summer wasn't completely hectic, it was a whirlwind. An amazing whirlwind though. 

Tomorrow I am embarking on the fourth week of classes of my senior year. After procrastinating for the past year, I have actually been seriously researching grad programs and am going to get my applications as soon as possible. I'm just taking it one step at a time. I'm starting to get excited about what next year is going to hold but need to make sure that I continue to live in the present. 

Besides emotionally preparing to move into the next phase of life and whatnot I have also decided to take charge on my eating philosophy. I partially consider myself paleo now. If paleo is unfamiliar to you check this out.  I say partially because I am not 100% and feel guilty calling myself a true paleo. I have adopted it as my philosophy of the ideal way to eat but I'm not able to always perfectly execute this goal. I say this after I ate a delicious salad for lunch followed by a couple delicious cookies. I have made great improvements in my diet but I still adore sweet things and am not planning on giving that up anytime soon. 

I would like to take a paragraph to make a note-to-self: Mackenzie, you LOVE the outdoors! Think about how this weekend you went for a trail jog, hiking, and then the Mud Run for four consecutive days! Ohmygosh, wait... it didn't kill you? Who are we kidding! So what if you're a little sore. You still have energy and could probably do it all again tomorrow. 

Speaking of outdoors, here are some recent pictures:

View from the almost-summit of Dragon's Tooth. Catawba, VA

Andrew and the very top of Dragon's Tooth.

Dragon's Tooth... Before the rain came.

Hiking Angel Peak with Kelsey. Pearisburg, VA

Probably the creepiest thing ever.

Thanks for reading :)