A semester later...at the same point

I realize I haven't utilized this blog since my class ended, and I'm not quite sure what to do with it. But I have some free time and would like to use this space to reflect on the end my semester. I have one more final, an English paper, but that's not due for a few days.
I thank God that I made it through this semester and managed to keep my grades relatively intact. Between my dad having a heart attack and some haunting personal demons popping back up, it's definitely been trying. I am exceeding grateful for the volunteer opportunities I have been given this semester. These have not only given me the chance the serve others, but they also gave me a non-frivolous study break. Of course, the Dead, Janis, and Symphony of Science (really glad I discovered that) have also been a major help to keeping me sane over the semester and especially the past week.
I am disgruntled that my final exams have stolen the first days of winter from me. I did not get to properly enjoy the first snows; the glass panes of the IC separated us. I am getting to enjoy the cold, though. The lake is beautiful, and the wind invigorating. Despite missing the snow, Nature showed it's grace to me in other ways. On my way to the library, I had to see the lake for just a minute before I locked myself away in the stacks. I know the construction of the IC is supposed to make it unobtrusive, but you can't really experience the lake unless you are standing next to it, hearing, smelling, feeling the wind and the water crash into and over each other, performing their ballet of power. Anyway, I was going to lake, passing by the chapel, and there was some sort of precipitation (snow/ice) hitting my face, surrounded by the wind swirling through the arches of the walkway, and all of a sudden....a rabbit darts by! It was absolutely amazing. It was such an awesome moment and reminded me of all the beautiful little things that happen every day. It took me out of my finals funk and brought me back to reality.
Now all I have to do is write this paper, meet the cat sitter, and go home. I go back to my job two days after I get back, and I can't wait. I'm ready to leave the finals stress mode behind and kick into retail work at Christmas time stress! It may still be stress, but it's different stress, and I'll take it. Just riding the wave of change.....