"Make New Friends and Keep the Old..."

"Make new friends, and keep the old,

One is silver and the other gold."

 

I'm sure many of you have heard the preceeding lyrics. Sung around a fire at camps or youth groups, the song has been used to encourage kids not to limit themselves to the current friends they have. There are so many wonderful people out in the world! Why would we want to limit ourselves to only a few close friends?

 

Yesterday, I made an unexpected friend. I am not very good at making friends; I am pretty quiet around people when I first meet them, but once I get to know them a bit I can be very bubbly. Sadly, sometimes people miscontrue my timidness and think that because I'm bubbly with some people and not others, they think I might be stuck-up. But that is not the case! I love making new friends, I'm just shy at first. Considering that, the way I made my new friend yesterday was amazing.

 

Before waiting for a bus to go to St. John's, I went to run in to the "Good to Go" to buy a piece of banana bread and I said a warm "Hello!" to a friend as I went in. When I came back out for the bus, I siddled up to her and peeked at the article she was reading. I asked her, "Whatcha reading?" When she looked up at me, she answered, "Oh, ethics!" By this time, I had finally realized that she was not my friend, but someone who looked very similar! Since I had already done the hard part of breaking the ice, I thought, "Why not?!" and continued to talk easily with her the whole bus ride. By the end of the ride, I had made a new friend named Josie!

 

Today was a day for getting reaquainted with old friends. First, I had breakfast with my good friend Hudda. She was born in Somalia, and she is the strongest woman I know! It is always inspiring to have a chat with Hudda.

 



 

I also had lunch with another friend, Audrey. I hadn't seen her since spring semester 2012! Studying abroad, I never saw her last semester, and this semester I have not seen her around campus, so I invited her to eat lunch with me so we could catch up!

 

Sometimes we need to take initiative in order to make and keep good friends. If I hadn't been so friendly to Josie yesterday, I might not have ever met her. And with Hudda and Audrey, it takes a little planning to keep up with our friendships. But it is worth it! So take initiative! You never know what awesome people you will find out in the world, so go say hi to someone you might not know.

 

With simple happiness,



"A Sweet Surprise Awaits You"

Today has been one of those days. The good kind! First, I got to sleep in this morning. All 8 am classes were cancelled due to the snow we have been getting. Besides that, I had lunch with one of my very good friends, Stella. We studied abroad in Ireland together last semester, and she has such a bubbly and down-to-earth personality. She can be both serious and silly, which is why I love her!

Meet Stella!

 



I love catching up with friends. College life is so busy; I'm always running to a meeting of some kind, doing homework, cat-napping, or something! Its nice to get a little break every once-in-a-while. While eating with Stella, I had a fortune cookie, since I was feeling so lucky today. Here is what mine said:

What sweet surprise could that be?! Well, as I walked into my 1 pm class, everyone was on their way out. That class was cancelled too! And that's the story of how I managed to find the time to write this blog post for you all. :D

I hope everyone finds a couple moments today to enjoy some simple happinesses, like visiting with a good friend, or eating a fortune cookie or two!

With simple happiness,

Nothing Says Spring Like Fresh Basil!

Even though its only the beginning of March and its snowing outside today, I'm already thinking of spring. Last night, I went to the student mass at the Abbey on the SJU campus with my sister's boyfriend, Ben Demarais. Afterwards, he let me take my Valentine from him home with me: a basil plant! A while ago, Ben planted several pots of basil, and yesterday they were strong and mature enough for me to bring one back to my apartment after waiting in the cold bus line. Now my plant is sitting on my windowsill, making me wish for spring! Say hello to Bailey:

Its a pretty gloomy day out today, but spring will be here soon! I am looking forward to making grilled chicken and goat cheese sandwiches, with fresh basil on top! What are you looking forward to most about spring?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I published this post already today, but I just have to add one more thing! I made a cheese quesadilla for lunch and decided to add a little red onion and basil leaves... Dipped it in some pasta sauce. It was delicious!

Mm, I think I could add basil to just about anything. What's your favorite food to add fresh basil to?

With simple happiness,

Compliments to the Chef

I work at one of my college's culinary services, McGlynn's Sports Café. Since it's located in the same building as our fitness center and gym, it makes sense that the decorations are sports-related: jerseys, sports flags, golf clubs, tennis rackets, and other sports memorabilia. We serve burgers, subs, soup, some grocery items, and things like that. It's the only other place on campus to eat besides the main cafeteria in Gorecki, and it is great for getting a quick bite to eat.

I've worked at McGlynn's since my first year at CSB. I have been in a few different positions, working on the deli line making subs, the grill area making burgers, chicken strips, fries and other fried foods, and working in the preparation area making sandwiches, salads, dressings, pasta salad, and other food to sell in packages for easy grabbing for students. I've worked at McGlynn's for quite a while, and I feel like I've really gotten to know how most things work, and I think I'm good at both the preparing of food and customer service sides of things. But it is nice when a stranger compliments you on your work skills! And here's where the lesson for today comes in...

Yesterday I was working on the deli line, making subs and wraps. Twice people I was making sandwiches for complimented me on my sandwich making skills! Not only were these customers happy enough with their sandwiches, but I was pleasant enough for them to want to tell me they were pleased. So everyone involved was happy! After finding out some customers were happy with the way I made their subs or wraps, I continued the rest of my shift cheerfully. I know my work ethic for the day benefitted, as I felt more like I could tackle any problems would care to come my way. In fact, work was especially busy yesterday, and even though I was on the deli line, I helped out with the huge dish pile and stayed 15 minutes after my shift ended to help the deli line with a rush of customers.

Its such a pleasant feeling to be complimented. It benefits all involved, and even those not immediately involved. I'm sure my boss noticed my cheerfulness, and other customers hearing the compliment are probably more likely to come back to McGlynn's since others were pleased. So, don't be afraid to compliment someone today! See how it brightens not only their day, but others' days as well!

With simple happiness,

Oh, Simple Happinesses!

Hello, I'm back! It's been a growing experience, this last year. I studied abroad, went through my first break-up, and am learning to live everyday like an adventure. There were definitely some real ups and downs (quite possibly the higher of highs AND my lowest of lows, actually), but its the painful experiences that make us realize just how lucky we are, right? I have realized just how important it is to continue to take joy in the little things, in simple happinesses. I also realized how much I love writing blog posts; this site is like a public journal where I can share my adventures with you all virtually! Its a great way for me to connect with friends, family, and even people I don't know, and hopefully my brightness and happiness will help you all look at the world in a positive way! So, in the spirit of this blog, let's talk about some simple happinesses that have occured so far this week for me...

Simple Happiness #1

Yesterday was Monday. On the SJU  campus, Alquin Library kindly provides free coffee and a treat (usually mini donuts or mini scones, yum!) for students that come into the library. I love it when my 9:40 class at SJU lands on a Monday, because I walk right by the library on my way to class. And who can resist free coffee and a cranberry scone on a Monday morning?!

Simple Happiness #2

I go to the College of St. Benedict (an all girls college), and we are connected with the University of St. John's (an all boys college). While we are technically seperate colleges, all classes are co-ed and we share most of our clubs. Basically, we are a double college. The major difference between us and other colleges is that we have seperate campuses, boys on one campus and girls on the other. Anyhow, now that I have explained that! We have a bus system to take us between campuses, called the Link. One of our bus drivers likes to ask a trivia question to each busload of kids that he takes between the colleges. This morning, after my 8 am at SJU, I was finally the one to answer the trivia question! The question was "What is the term for buffed leather?" and I answered "Suede." So, I was rewarded for my brightness with a dum dum sucker... Ironic, but incentive!

 Simple Happiness #3

Alright, so this isn't necessarily a happiness, but it is a good lesson in optimism and humor! Last night I was walking back to the bus after my printmaking class (this will definitely be a topic of a post or two, as it is a simple happiness in itself!), and I was texting one of my best friends, my roommate here at college, Breanna. Anyway, since I was clearly not paying enough attention, when I hit a patch of ice, down I went! While my initial reaction was anger at my hurt pride, hurt hand, and snow-covered belongings, I quickly realized the humor in the situation. I mean, it is a safety hazard just to text and walk at the same time in MN! (P.S. - we probably shouldn't text and walk at the same time, but this is coming from a girl who frequently walks with her nose in a book!)

So, what do you think guys? Life can have some pretty horrible moments, but it is worth to look on the bright side and enjoy the little things!

With simple happiness,

A Study Break Surprise

Today is Saturday. Tomorrow is the last day before the last week of classes of the semester. My boyfriend Joe and I spent most of the afternoon and rest of the day studying (he studied, I played on Pinterest!) in the College of Saint Benedict's library, Clemens Library.

It was interesting how occupied the library was at 3 pm. Joe and I could hardly find two seats next to each other that were empty! By 7 pm it was pretty well cleared out, except for some students who were silly enough to become English majors and still needed to pump out a few more papers before going home for break. *cough, cough*

I usually hardly realize how many times I go to the bathroom, except on days when I have my butt glued to a computer chair (be it in my dorm room or the library). Anyways, on one of my frequent mini study breaks, I noticed this over-sized book on the bottom of a book shelf:

In a college library, once can expect to find literature on daunting mathematical concepts, but not so much enchanting, visually illustrated mathematical books. "How Much is a Million?" was one of the childhood books my family owned. Entertaining for both girls and boys, it is an academic yet whimsical (note the unicorn on the cover) book that is appealing to children of all ages... Point in case:

Do you still have some of your childhood books? Bring a few of your favorites out of storage and tie a large red ribbon around them to use it as a special Christmas decoration. Make a pretty bow and you're set to go!

With simple happiness,

"The Barn"

This a poem I wrote back in high school. I found it while looking for writing samples. I've changed a few things already, but if anyone has any advice, I always love to make my pieces better. Does anyone have a better title idea? Enjoy!

"The Barn"

An aged, but not old, scent met us on the
pebble road as we skipped up to the barn.
Partway there, Jewels crept up to us
with her tongue out and her pups right behind.
The horses called out as my sister passed
to grab some apples for her favorites.

~

My special spot in the barn is the loft.
Kittens can be found playing in the hay.
Mother cats watch high from the golden bales.
Streaks of sun create a warm atmosphere.
I like to sit still and simply listen.
Sounds of the barn are of the most calming.

~

When my sister departs back to the house,
I walk past each horse to say my hello.
It is soothing when horses lock their eyes
with yours and all things seem to be at ease.
Walking back to my house I think about
a world without any barns. How upsetting.

With simple happiness,