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View from the Valley
Editor’ s Note
So, there’s this weird in-between period for college students/staff called “the three weeks in-between Thanksgiving Break and Winter Break.” And, let me tell you . . . GOOD GRIEF! The in-between period is a stressful time of the year. First off, if you’re a college student, you have finals--FINALS! Final Exams = Nightmare Fuel. Secondly, you have to make sure you get all of your deadlines done and all of your last-minute goals completed before you hibernate for 2-3 weeks. Then, lastly, you’re stressed to the point where you’re burnt out. By this time of the year, people are eager to celebrate their Winter Break since it’s so close! You’re almost at the finish line--you can feel it! One of my main stressors this year is gift-giving. Honestly, I am not the best at gift-giving. I have my great moments--like making hot chocolate bombs for my friends and family--but I always feel like my friends/family outweigh the gifts I give them. For example, I gifted my best friend some nail polish, lotion, and this toad cookie cutter because I thought it was funny. You know what she got me that year? A sweatshirt I had previously told her I loved and a grilled cheese cookbook. A. Grilled. Cheese. Cookbook. And I had the audacity to gift her nail polish for her manicure addiction? How dare I. But, this year, I promise I’m thinking outside of the box. I sought gift-giving tips! I am buying from local businesses! I’m trying out Etsy! You have to be careful with Etsy though--I ended up buying something for myself when I should’ve been shopping for gifts. . . . If you’re feeling stressed out during this weird in-between time or feeling overwhelmed by the holiday season, I advise you to make time out of your day to relax. Reading is a relaxation for me--why not try it out for yourself? Take some time and try to not think about all the last-minute holiday shopping you will end up doing despite telling yourself all month long, “No! I’ve got it all prepared!” (Last-minute shopping is an annual holiday at this point.) Take a break, relax, and read on.
I think everyone is winding down for the semester. Midterm has come and gone and students can see winter break in the near future. Not just students though; I think everyone on campus is ready. I am, of course, in the same boat. We are blessed here at Wabash to have two weeks off for the holidays. I could say it will be a time for rest and relaxation but with four children and a heavy schedule, every winter break I have a list of things to accomplish in my time off. In short, my garage won't clean itself (trust me, I have tried.) Really though, two weeks is a tremendous amount of time to pack up spent Christmas decorations, complete unfinished projects (like the garage), and start new ones. Don't worry. I will have plenty of hot coffee breaks, movie nights with my kids, and outside adventures. I hope whatever, whenever, wherever you are celebrating-you are filled with joy, peace, and gratitude.
Peace, Maggee Bleyer
Stay warm and read on! Jonathan Leach
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