summer living

haven't written anything substantial in awhile, mainly because there is nothing substantial to write about - i'm still in the best mood ever. most days i take leisurely walks to and from class (aside from the few occasions when i'm late), soaking up the full radiance and beauty of summertime. come back to my lovely apartment, prepare a meal or two, spend some time with my housemates, chill out to some music, read a bit. sometimes on the weekends i sleepover at my friends', where we chat and laugh about careless nothings into the wee hours of the morning. sundays i take the bus and do my grocery shopping. most simple lifestyle ever, but i adore everything about santa barbara.

one year down

first year of college, summarized in a quick list:

1. learned a whole lot about myself. i am aware that i say this after every year, but i swear i mean it every time... i think it is only natural that i learn more about myself with every progressing year anyways.
   
2. gained a much greater perspective of the world.
   
3. went to state street obsessively. urban outfitters, reference, pad thai, repeat the next weekend.
   
4. met some great people - can't say i was very close to most, but i genuinely enjoyed everyone's company.
   
5. also successfully kept in touch with old friends.
   
6. had a lovely roommate.
   
7. did pretty well, grade-wise.
   
8. struggled (and am still struggling, unfortunately) with choosing a major.
   
9. became fascinated with middle eastern history and culture, after taking an 'islam & modernity' course.
   
10. did more writing than i have ever done in my entire life, and in turn got to hone my writing skills a little bit.
    
11. also probably ate more desserts in the dining commons than ever before.
    
12. isla vista - 'nuff said.
    
13. fell in love with santa barbara.
    
14. thoroughly enjoyed myself!

jesusita fires

santa barbara is (quite literally) on fire at the moment. thankfully our campus is next to the ocean and away from the mountains... from the eighth floor at night, however, you can see a glowing red outline of the mountains. so many little pieces of ash stuck in my screen window. third fire this year - crazy stuff!