It's four days until my birthday. This year is the first time it has been on Thanksgiving since I was 10. I hope no one buys me a pumpkin pie like they did last year.

I am grateful for a lot this year. I've made some wonderful friends here and school, and am given the amazing opportunity every day to explore my curiosities and expand my knowledge. In the new year, even though it seems far away, I want to continue to make friends: especially in my new classes. I also want to get better at writing, which I know I will because I'm taking Creative Writing: Poetry!! I can't wait for that class. I also just can't wait for the classes I am in now to be over.

The changing of the seasons has been hard here. I wonder if it actually is colder of it just feels colder because I'm in a new place. I went for a run today and actually felt pretty warm. I'm geared up for winter—feeling ready to hibernate with lots of knowledge to marinate on.