ACCORDING TO ZAC

Today was a really great day. It was Thanksgiving, yes, but even for a Thanksgiving, it was particularly excellent. The food was delicious, the company was wonderful, and I have been happy all day long. Here is a quick list of all of the things that I am grateful for. The earth. This planet is so filled with wondrous things for us to enjoy. People really take for granted the amazing things there are to see and do. My appreciation for nature has come with age, but even many people who have grown up do not appreciate the earth and the magnificent things it has to offer. There aren't enough words to describe how truly awesome the earth is. I will love it forever. This country. This nation is not perfect. However, beyond our imperfections, we have some fantastic opportunities here in America. To have the opportunity to say what you want, practice any religion you please, and have a real say in the function of our government is a blessing. I know this country is a wonderful place to...

Today, we prepare. Tomorrow, we eat .

Reasons why today has been fantastic: Payday. I've been living like a pauper (not really) for like, a week! I fit into small jeans since I started going to the gym. I didn't wear 34 inch waist jeans in August. I do now. I didn't have a single assignment due today. I got a very hearty lunch for $1.50. I love the Institute. I'm going to see Harry Potter tonight, and I'm kind of having a hard time containing my excitement. Oh, and I got second place in a contest. See post below. Yeah, today has been a good day.

Get this -- I got an email last week saying that I had been nominated for the Finley Newswriting Competition. The email told me that I was nominated by my Reporting the News (JOUR 205) professor, and that the nominees were chosen as the most promising of the early newswriting students. The email also told me that, if I were to participate, all of the competitors were going to listen to Peter Smith, of UA's Planetary Science department give a press conference. There would be a question and answer session to follow for our clarification. After the questions, we had an hour to write a news story about the press conference and whatever Smith had talked about. At first, I didn't really plan on participating. In fact, my professor, Nancy (who we all love), called all of her nominees (there were 4 or 5 from my class and 4 or 5 from the other 3 JOUR 205 sections). Nancy informed us that she chose us because we had the highest grades, and thus the best shot at this of the bunch. I...

I think I am officially a college student. I ate a pizza-pocket. For breakfast. You gotta do what you gotta do, right? Right.

International Relations is a truly awful class that I don't really even need for my major. The one good thing that comes from studying for the exam I have tomorrow is that I indulge in all types of yummy, fattening food and don't feel bad about it because I'm too consumed thinking about my dumb test. At least I'll be well fed tomorrow... even if I won't have much sleep. Oh, college.

Tonight we went and saw Hereafter .  [ This one , in case you were wondering.] Eric moaned and Austin tried to nap. I found it positively engaging and thought-provoking. The entire time I couldn't help but think of how blessed I am. Life totally sucks sometimes. Seriously. Granted, what stresses me out, like school, church obligations, etc., are relatively small in comparison to some of the things other people deal with. At the end of the day though, I know why I'm here, what I need to do, and where I'm going, and I have a wonderful support system of family and friends that keep me above water when I don't feel like I can swim any longer. The people in the movie struggle with deaths of certain loved ones and what lies in the hereafter. Death is hard. You don't need to tell me that. I think that as a 20 year old, I'm reasonably well acquainted with it, especially losing my uncle that we were all close with.  But having the knowledge and understanding of God...