This, in fact, is not my first blog. My first blog, To Prague I Go, was an attempt to keep family and friends updated on my European adventures last fall. I would like to say it was a valiant effort. But my novel-like, conversational, overly-descriptive, sporadically written blog may have been hard for some to read (or you may have thought I was being held captive in Turkey). This is my second attempt to share my many thoughts, discoveries and life in general. "Why now?", you may ask. Well, as many of you know, I am soon to be a graduate of the University of Wisconsin- River Falls, and with that I find myself in a very reflective state of mind (as well as slightly panicked and anxious one).
Here are two examples of common conversation that occur quite regularly in my life currently:
Example 1:
Caring Individual: "So Hannah, what are your plans for after graduation?"
Hannah: "I'm not completely sure. But my very rough plan is to move to Minneapolis...get a job...have some money...sing a lot."
Caring Individual: "Oh, that sounds so exciting!"
Example 2:
Caring Individual: "What degree are you graduating with?"
Hannah: "Broad Area Music with an emphasis in Vocal Performance."
Caring Individual: "Oh, wow. What can you do with that?"
Hannah: "Vocally perform."
Now, I will admit there is a slight undertone of sarcasm (Especially with Example 2). But please know that if you have or when you do ask me these questions I am not irritated by them (and I will hopefully sound more intelligent). It's natural and caring, people like to hear about people's lives. I do it all of the time :) Also know that I am super pumped for life after college (I want to make this clear right off of the bat). I feel I've learned so much over these past 4 1/2 years- it's overwhelming in the best sense. Me pointing out these converstations is that they ask a very good question: "What will I, Hannah Elizabeth Tjoflat, age 22, 6'1 1/2" tall, be doing with my life after graduation?" (Side note: if you're interested in coming to my commencement here's the link Commencement Info). This question triggers a lot of different emotions. Sometimes I feel so assured I'm even impressed with my confidence, other times I feel like I've never been asked these questions- like I'm trying to unlock a code or understand a foreign language.
Currently I am trying to focus on being fully engaged and present in these last weeks of class. I've come up with a list of things I want to do in my final days at UWRF. They are as follow:
1. Take a ridiculous amount of pictures
2. Go on walks (RF is truly beautiful)
3. Journal
4. Eat more veggies/fruits (They're just so darn good)
5. Go to the Falls Theater
6. Get to bed early (tonight not included...ha)
7. Wake up early
8. Distance my relationship with my computer
9. Sing Christmas carols in most situations
10. Cook meals that were worth the time
11. Drink a lot of tea
12. Send letters
13. Oh, and to blog
14. All of these things will be much more vibrant with the company of dear friends :) SO my biggest plan is to be with people- to laugh and study and ice skate and drink coffee to converse and encourage.
Here's to tomorrow- it's going to be a big, beautiful day full of lots of unknowns. I'm excited, are you?
Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth;
all the stages of my life were spread out before you,
The days of my life all prepared
before I'd even lived one day.
Psalm 139.16 (The Message)
