finally, no more snow

Needless to say, it's been a long winter. It was snowing up until early April. New England weather never fails to impress me with how unpredictable it is, and how ridiculous it can be. In the long run, it was a good season. Don't get me wrong, the snow can be absolutely gorgeous, especially during sunsets (purple sunsets to be exact), but I can't help but shake the cold unfriendly feel of winter off my spine whenever I'm outside. But then again I don't hate winter. It's quiet, peaceful, and still, and leaves us in an awakening slumber. It gives us cold air to clear our lungs, and longer nights to rest our minds. It gives us time without distraction, and helps us to return to ourselves.

This winter I had a lot to think about graduation and needing to worry about finding work, apartment hunting, and things like that. I feel the impending approach of the real world everyone speaks of. But the more I thought while staring at the cold white crystal piles on the ground, the more I realized that I'm not afraid of the future; rather, I'm accepting the challenge. And it's such an empowering feeling. There is too much to look forward to to be afraid. Every winter ends with a Spring.

"Winter is not a season, it's an occupation."
-Sinclair Lewis

o-o-o-o-o-o

Have a wonderful day!

-Chelle

PUERTO RICO, BABY ! ;D

Spring break means it's time to kick back, relax and soak up some sun! It's especially better in Puerto Rico! Roaming Old San Juan, rain forest hiking, beach bumming, bio-luminescent bay kayaking...

You know that trip you've always wanted to have with a couple of your closest friends and you KNOW you'll have a good time? The reality of it actually happening was mind-blowing. #theeffortittooktogettherewasridiculous #we'reneverusingorbitzagain

Being served sangria while getting pedicures was especially nice after an entire day of retail therapy in Old San Juan.

"I don't know what it is about Puerto Rico, but the piggies are delicious!"

I know Puerto Rico is not the only place where there are budding trees, but it's so nice to see some color and something natural when you spend a majority of your time in a computer lab or at a library desk.

If you've never swam up to a waterfall and felt the weight of freezing cold freshness crashing onto you, I highly recommend it.

After a hectic finals week, it feels so good to do absolutely nothing on the beach except set an alarm for when to flip over when tanning. #engineersneedmentalbreakstoo

Of course we had to visit the Bicardi Factory. On the tour they showed us a sample distillation column where they purified the rum and I couldn't help but have a chem eng moment ;D. 

After a few days in a tropical getaway, and after distractions and worries become nothing but whispers in the back of my mind, I was finally able to find myself in the present again. In the present, I was reminded of how lucky I am to have found friends to hold so dear to me - even more so I am lucky to have such good friends who love me despite of myself. We all have those moments once in a while and they're beautiful realizations that bring peace to our minds and warmth to our hearts. It's a feeling irreplaceable and I feel blessed to have the privilege. It was a huge part of what made the trip so memorable. Inside jokes are the best and the freedom to love and enjoy the moment are part of what makes life worth living.

Anyhoo, hope everyone had an amazing spring break!

Now back to work...

"The library missed us."

"We don't miss it back..."

"Maybe our girlfriends are our soul mates and guys are just people to have fun with."

-Candace Bushnell, Sex and the City

o-o-o-o-o-o

Have a wonderful day!

-Chelle