I just skipped a class and blogged.

This morning, the realization that I have less than a month of my freshman year of college left really hit me. Some of my favorite times at Mizzou are days like today, when you can actually hear the birds chirping when you walk outside and see far off in the distance without scattered students blocking the way. Yes, it's Easter weekend and that means there aren't nearly as many people on campus right now. Professors: I recommend not telling your students a set number of unexcused absences they receive for the semester, because I WILL strategically plan to use them ALL before it reaches the end. Today, exhibit A (and one class that I missed accidentally--oops).

It's evident that I love Columbia. One of my good friends questioned me the other day as to why I love it as much as I do. And surprisingly, I did have to think about it for a minute. I had, and still do, express my happiness here due to the friendships and blessings I have encountered in a short timespan of 8 months. Intangible things. However, when I pondered the experiences of freshman year, I found a variety of nouns that fit that appreciation. I know I talk about the people a great deal. And the things I do or picked up in college. Rarely have I solely thought about the places in Columbia. Tangible things.

1. The campus:

This one is fairly obvious. But seriously, Mizzou's campus is BEAUTIFUL. Mizzou: you a dime. This includes my Rock community's home made in Memorial Student Union, aka Memorial or Mem. We. Live. There. You could be sitting in my dorm room one minute and then, after a 12-minute walk, be in the center of downtown. Tradition after tradition, history after history, that's what Mizzou's campus is. The J-School itself is incredible, but I'm a tad biased (well that's ironic).

2. Capen Park:

Without a doubt, guaranteed to provide peace when you reach the top. I'm winded by the time I get there, but I'm also winded every day when I walk up three flights of stairs for my French class. It seems that if someone is struggling on a given day or even myself, the response is usually, "You should go to Capen." Hands down, one of the best places to watch the sunrise. 

3. Cafe Berlin:

You know in FRIENDS how Central Perk is their home away from home that promises a wonderful cup of delicious coffee? Cafe Berlin is that to me. Many wonderful conversations have happened here and it was the topic of the first article I ever had published, so that's kind of neat. Dat apples and sausage doe. 

4. Big Tree:

This is always a place that's funny to tell outsiders about. "What's at Big Tree?" "A big tree." "That's it?" Basically, it's this big open field that is about a 15-minute drive from campus with a really big tree. It's a cool part of Columbia's history and is super old. I went there the other night with some friends to watch the lunar eclipse. Perfect view of all of the stars.

5. My parking garage:

Yes, you read that correctly. My parking garage is on the edge of campus so I go a little out of my way when I park. But sometimes, I'll think of an excuse to drive and intentionally leave to watch the sunset. The elevator also talks there. 

6. Rock Quarry Road:

I don't have a picture of this. But I love it because it reminds me of Pounds Road/Gamel Cemetary (for my Festus peeps), the road that I drove every single day, whether on my way to work or school. A peaceful, beautiful road. 

7. An unhealthy amount of places to eat, that I would probably be judged if I named them all:

• Hotbox (cookies)
• Gumby's (pizza)
• Freebirds (burritos)
• Lakota (coffee)
• D. Rowe's (BBQ)
• CHIPOTLE, CHIPOTLE, CHIPOTLE (my heart)

8. The Schulz abode:

 Lots of intense games of CatchPhrase here. Homemade popcorn guaranteed. Where we can all sit in a circle and worship together, crying and singing. The home of two incredible mentors and the parents of Midcampus. AND MIA!! 

The list goes on. I think I'll stay here awhile. 

Happy Easter weekend, everyone!