Mostly from last night…

I like being out and about later in the evening or early in the morning. Today I have done both.

I had my second day of classes at UCF and my first day of the Tuesday/Thursday classes. As much as I cannot believe that people take 8:00am classes, far less that 7:30am classes even exist, this semester I enrolled in Communications Research Methods at 7:30 in the morning. Thankfully, and I would not be in this class if this was not the case, I only live about two miles from campus.

As my alarm went off at 6:10, and I slept a few more minutes until my second alarm would go off 6 minutes later, I thought to myself that this was not so bad. Waking up early, believe it or not, sort of lengthens your day. Of course, it may shorten your whole sleeping time. I enjoyed some hot cereal before heading out and enjoying my extra strong coffee. Both were delicious. Though by the time I was “out and about” this morning, which happened to be 7:0something, plenty of other people had long gone started their day. And I was just beginning.

The reasoning behind my liking for early mornings differs from my liking for late nights. And I must say, I’m not fond of a late night with an early morning to follow. However, early mornings with later nights are acceptable. Back to why I like rising early (though this good feeling takes a little while to come, usually a short time after I have finally gotten out of bed and know that I am not going back to sleep so I should deal with getting up), anyways, I like that I feel like I have extra time. This may have more to do with your reason for waking up early in the first place. Obviously, if you wake up early everyday you probably do not randomly get some extra time in your morning to do with as you please. I only wake up before seven two days a week, and I know that by next week I probably will not be as excited about these early mornings, though I do think the teacher will make the morning fun.

Luckily, today I had a bit of extra time after my 7:30 class was let out after 23 or so minutes. I planned on going to Panera and getting online. Maybe working on some much needed photo editing. Nix that. Thought about going to an old favorite spot on a lake near the old office. Nix that. Thought about going to Austin’s, a different Panera, and back and forth with all of those choices. I ended up just heading to work, but I got there at least 20 minutes early. So instead of going strait in, considering I really did not have to be in till 9:30, I put the Juno soundtrack on my iPod and busted out the camera. It was a very enjoyable 20 minutes behind the ol’ Relevant offices. Soon, maybe after I edit the Home Sweet Homeless Christmas Extravaganza photos and after I upload or email the photos from Christmas for my brother, maybe then I will put some new random stuff on the flickr. It has been too long since I took a few shots randomly on my own.

The morning at school gave way to the morning at work which gave way to an afternoon at school which finally ended at 8… giving way to a night on my own. Made a delicious pita stuffed with cucumbers and some hummus. Enjoyed said delight while watching Arrested Development. Took a bath while listening to Feist. Then, what I was looking forward to, I went grocery shopping.

There’s a 24 hour Walmart “Neighborhood” Center down the road. Which is wonderful, because I am not a fan of overly crowded shops, especially grocery stores where I like to take my time. Walmart was pretty empty. And the few people that were there were fun to watch. The couples. The wife who had not had mac and cheese in two years and the husband that graciously declined buying it for her. The guy with the gauges and a bulk buy of paper towels. The girl calling her friend to either figure out which alcoholic beverage to buy or to find out where her friend was. The young business man who looked tired.
I spent at least 45 minutes browsing the Neighborhood Center and I only bought $30 worth of groceries. There’s just things that I oddly enjoy, and usually those things are best done alone. Maybe not always, but sometimes.

I like going out to places like that at night. Random places that are usually so crowded in the day.
Cafes are different at night. The people who come into Coffee Cafe at night are rarely the same people that are there in the morning, save the few addicted regulars. The bald guy is there almost all mornings, though I recall very few times if any I have seen him at night. Christian and his good looking friend are there many nights appearing to enjoy their coffee, conversation, and possibly an occasional cigarette. The young guy who looks like the actor who played in Into The Wild could be found with his Mac or a book in hand at night, but never in the morning. (Afternoons are fair game… sort of)
My mornings at Coffee Cafe were always random. I was an evening regular. The mornings I did spend at my favorite cafe were those mornings I woke extra early and had that random extra time. I loved those random morning visits.
Man, I miss Coffee Cafe.

I feel this was a very productive weekend.
Friday morning and afternoon were taken up by Orientation. I found a great dresser at Goodwill for $20 which Sarah helped me get into the apartment. Also, we found a great little Caribbean restaurant that had doubles and roti and all sorts of stuff. The potato roti was delicious! Good times with Samara and Danielle… and Cari and Chandler and Travis and a bunch of random people at Austin’s. Sunday night saw an amazing Status service. And Monday was my first day at UCF… which I was able to ride to school for. Delightful.

I’ve had much on my mind lately, as usual. I have also been journaling a lot, pen and paper style, and will put that up when time permits.
Stuff brought up from last year is swirling around my mind. And I suppose I should let it go. I want to. What may have first brought slight anger has simply turned into hurt and distrust. But we’ll see… We will see.

I turn 19 on Sunday. Oh my goodness.
I am looking forward to seeing good friends within the next few days. I like being around people who bring out the best in me, who bring out the real me.

Now, I am tired. I’m writing this from my surprisingly comfy butterfly chair, which currently is the only place to sit in our living room… until tomorrow that is. Bringing the futon here tomorrow. Very exciting. Man, I am sleepy.

Forgiveness is giving up all hope of having had a different past.
-Anne Lamott

((((I wrote that last night))))
((it’s a new day, and I’m sitting here waiting for class to start))
I have listened to Rob Bell’s Love Wins (pt. 1) message fully 3 times today. I’m on the fourth listen, or maybe it’s the 5th. Stuff I need to hear. I wasn’t sure about letting go… but LOVE WINS.
I tend to have breakdowns in random places.. usually like a coffee shop or something. Today it was at work. Not so bad.
I’m tired. I have a little bit of homework I have to do… and I’m going to get my futon from Deland tonight. I want to sleep. Time to head to class.

….