even the winter

Since I posted last, winter has certainly arrived here in Philadelphia. I’m sure all of you heard about the monster that was Winterstorm Jonas. It dumped a hefty 20+ inches on us, but of course managed to not bless us with a snow day off of school. I stocked up at the grocery store, made a big batch of African peanut sweet potato stew (delish and hearty), and basically hibernated in my pjs all weekend while forcing myself to study angiology. I managed to get out in the midst of it Saturday for a verrrrry windy and cold thirty minute walk around Penn, only for Instagram photo purposes of course. Campus is even prettier buried beneath a thick layer of white.

The winter weather does affect my days recently more than I anticipated, though. Can we talk about how the sun sets around 5 o’clock (aka when we finish class most days)? Also, I am sad to admit the lack of gym-going that has occurred since the new semester started. Would you really want to put on 3 layers just to walk to the gym and take them off? Not to mention the sheer volume of our courses already this semester that demand every waking hour of attention to master. This afternoon I did make myself make the measly four-block trek to have a serious leg day session. All that talk in pathology about atrophy, and I’m convinced that’s the sad current state of my former cycling instructor thighs and glutes. I’m also convinced I’m going to start rock climbing again for a fun non-workout workout. I haven’t done it since I left Baylor, and even back then it was very few and far between – and mainly to just say hi to my cool friends who worked The Rock.

This entire past week was a rougghhhh one, my friends. Our Thursday exam was arguably our biggest doozy yet. Let’s just say I’m still recovering mentally and physically, and my main medicine of choice this weekend (per usual) has been pizza and wine. I’ve also relished some sweet early bed times to “catch up” (scientifically not possible, sorry) on my sleep. I am so thankful for all my friends back home who check in on me and support my study marathons with all the emojis, Bitmojis, letters, and maybe some distracting youtube videos every now and then. Speaking of, one of my BEST friends from college is taking non other than THE MCAT this week, and she is seriously the most diligent and resilient person I know so I’m nothing but confident in her. Shout out to YOU Jenna, (future) M.D.

If you know me at all, you know my days too often revolve around a countdown and looking forward to something in the near or far off future (I’m learning more and more to live in the here and now, but I can’t help but get excited about planning fun trips or events). Well in the past few days, I have had a SERIOUS case of #yolo and spontaneity…I never regret it 🙂

1. I will be in WACOTOWN in 26 short days to watch my first ever Baylor All-University Sing that I won’t be performing in! (If you’re not a Baylor grad, google it. I can’t explain) Also just to see some of my Baylor buds who I love and miss dearly. Oh and Mexican food, duh. And half pitchers at Shorty’s.
2. For the first part of my spring break (only 5 weeks away – GLORY) I am headed to Washington, D.C. for the first time ever to hang out and explore the city with one of my absolute favorite people who just happens to be temporarily moving there for a few months (140 miles away instead of 1400 = happy me).
3. You know that little band called Coldplay? They’re performing the Super Bowl halftime show this year in case you didn’t hear. They also just announced their US Stadium Tour dates, and I am FINALLY going to see one of my all time favorite bands LIVE this August! My extensive concert bucket list is pretty much complete now.

I’d say that little list (especially the first two happening so soon) is all the motivation I need for this next stretch of exams.

While I do love looking forward in anticipation of things to come, God is continually teaching me to stop and thank Him for TODAY – just as it comes and as it is. Even in this winter season, even in this waiting season, and even in this weary season. I want to fight to not let my hopeful heart wander too far off in the distance, but to hold on tight to the gift he gives each day, this chapter, right now. After all, what good does it do to jump to the end we’re dreaming up on our own when He is our author, writing way better stories than we ever could?

Even the Winter, by Audrey Assad (one of my favorite artists), pretty much sums this up.

What if the spring comes soon 

and we’re surprised

What if the seasons help us realize

Some things are only proven over time

“A Little Party Never Killed Nobody”

The first two weeks of school and work have kept me busy and my blog neglected, but I somehow found the time to host one of my favorite parties yet. I can finally sit and curl up on the couch on this wintry night with my warm wooly socks, postpone my studies, and write about a night full of good friends, celebrating, and taking a moment from our busy lives to make some great memories. Not to mention a cocktail party menu that I think rivals all other menus of my entertaining history.

This past Saturday was my belated birthday party that I named the cliche yet clever “Forever XXI.” I first thought I would just go out to dinner somewhere with a large group of friends once everyone was back in Waco, but who am I kidding? I’ve always preferred hosting and cooking for my own parties over the years, so why should my 21st be any different? Now that I could throw an actual “cocktail” party (my 18th happened to be a fun, fancy, faux-cocktail vibe), I immediately started brainstorming food and drink (while denying my immediate homework of the semester) that would be the makings of what I’d like to call a “winter chic” gathering – fancy not fussy, classy not trashy.  Just think modern Gatsby on a much smaller, college budget level. I had no intentions on getting my friends (or me) wasted by any means just because it was a 21st birthday party (and trust me we didn’t), but I did want to create a fun, carefree space where everyone was free to enjoy ample delicious food and drinks.

Let the good times roll
Hey baby, throw your cares away
Let the good times roll
Leave your worry for another day
Let the good times roll
Leave yesterday behind
Let the good times roll tonight

Of course one of the most important aspects of a good party is the people. My friends that came were a perfect mix of those I know from all over campus through the different things I’m involved in. It was cool seeing all the people I know mingling and getting to know one another through good conversation.

With tea lights clustered, apartment party-space friendly, ice bucket ready, party playlist playing, oven hot and filled, and red lipstick on, the night was under way.

The Playlist

Katy Perry, OneRepublic, Lorde, Sara Bareilles, Bruno Mars, Andy Davis, Kesha, Ellie Goulding, JT and more

The Menu: A Relaxed-Gourmet Mix of Small, Flavor-Packed Bites

Chipotle Rosemary Roasted Mixed Nuts – spicy, sweet, salty, and addicting

Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese – easily the crowd’s favorite! Smoky salty bacon, sweet chewy dates, and creamy tangy goat cheese. No wonder…

Green Bean Bacon Bundles –  need I say more?

Bruschetta: 2 ways – 1) Goat cheese, honey, and nutmeg 2) Apricot preserves, fontina/smoked provolone (assorted), and proscuitto

“Skinny” Spinach Artichoke Dip with Veggies and Pita Chips – a party classic

Crock Pot Italian Turkey Meatballs with Tomato Basil Sauce – SO easy and tasty!

Chocolate Fondue – In the words of Frozen, “Maybe it’s the party talking, or the chocolate fondue…”

The Bar: Signature Cocktails and Make-Your-Own Inspiration

Cranberry Mai Tai (with a Mocktail option) – think classic Mai Tai plus cranberry and Sprite

Sparkling Golden Apple – champagne, apple juice, Goldschlager

Make Your Own: Mojito, White Russian (definitely my favorite of the night – perfect after-dinner winter drink for a coffee lover)

Assorted Wine and Craft Beer

Obviously I sampled everything, and couldn’t help but love my own cooking and new-found “bar-tending” skills (?). No one was looking at their watch, and I felt so blessed to look around and see that I was surrounded by people I love with smiles on their faces. I think everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves and stayed late into the night (with a couple of my favorites sticking around ’til even later to help clean up, have a little more fun on the dance floor, and belt out the Frozen soundtrack). Even though it was technically a party for me, it was simply another opportunity to do what I love by opening up my home and my kitchen to people that appreciate it.

“But entertaining isn’t a sport or a competition. It’s an act of love, if you let it be.” – Shauna Niequist