A few weeks ago, Susie mentioned that she was attending Wanderlust 108 (go check out the Facebook Live video she filmed with Jeana!), and I was immediately intrigued. I like running and yoga, and I’m always up for trying meditation. Plus, at the time, it was about 70° in Chicago. Who doesn’t want to be outside in gorgeous weather? So, I bought a ticket and decided to go.
Well, Saturday was freezing and muddy, and I also managed to not see Susie. Fail. But, I’m actually really glad I decided to go. That one day was an excellent reflection of so many parts of me and of college that I’ve struggled with a lot over the past almost-six quarters – and I’m happy to say that I’m finally okay with them.
{Speaking of reflections…}
I had to be an adult
Planning is my thing. I like lists and planners and Post-Its and big desk calendars a lot. But… I like planning with knowledge and advice. On Saturday, no one could tell me exactly what to wear to be warm (not sure there was a right answer…). No one could tell me what time I needed to leave to get to Wanderlust with the right amount of time to check my bag and all that before the run. Honestly, there was no one to tell me to leave at all. I could’ve stayed in my nice, warm dorm and skipped out on the event altogether. I went to Wanderlust on my own, so I talked to people I didn’t know while I waited in lines. Oh, and my phone died unexpectedly right after the meditation, so I made my way back to campus phone-less. It was the only time I’ve ever been particularly grateful for taxis.
From what I can tell, being an adult is largely about doing life even when no one is there to tell you to. College has made me even better at that, and my little Saturday adventure showed me that, too.
Wanderlust 108 was on the same day as Summer Breeze
Summer Breeze at UChicago is an afternoon carnival on the quad followed by a somewhat big-name concert in the evening. That’s the part put on by the school, but it is also basically one giant day of alcohol (if your study schedule can afford it). And while I did go to the carnival last year, not much about Summer Breeze appeals to me at all. I was never huge on carnivals and fairs, and while I enjoy a concert if I care about the performer, it’s not really my top choice of activity. Alcohol-fueled parties also aren’t my thing.
So, on Saturday, when people started the party at 9am, I had already been at Grant Park for a few hours and had run the 5K. I chose a morning “mindfulness triathlon” over an all-day college party.
My distaste for late nights and parties used to really bother me. I just wanted to be like all the people who actually liked those things, because it feels like most people do. But I don’t.
I do enjoy running and yoga and fresh air and mornings, so I indulge in those things. That’s a good thing.
Saturday was cold
When I stepped outside in the morning, I thought, “Oh, it’s a little chilly.”
WRONG. For the three layers of athletic clothing I was wearing, it was cold and windy, and it had rained the night before, so it was also crazy-muddy. I spent a solid 30 minutes when I got home cleaning my yoga mat, another 30 minutes in a hot shower, and the rest of the evening trying to feel fully warm.
What does this have to do with my college career? Well, I ask myself on a semi-regular basis why I didn’t go to school in the south or California or anywhere that you would classify as “warm”. I asked myself this very question countless times on Saturday.
Ultimately, however, I know that I really like Chicago. Home is close, I like experiencing season changes, and I don’t enjoy oppressive heat, but wow – Saturday was chilly.
I was in pajamas by 3pm
Okay, so this is not a usual occurrence, per se, but sometimes I wish it could be. I came home, showered, ate, and put on pajamas.
I like relaxed evenings, and this was absolutely that (plus a little homework since I am in school, after all).
I came home and ate cookies
It took a while for my appetite to catch up with me. I’m pretty sure my body was more concerned with getting warm than getting fed at first, but when it did, I was hungry.
I ate plenty of more substantial food throughout the evening, and then one of the girls in my house came up to make chocolate chip cookies. I caught up with her and a few other girls over hot cookies, and added a few cookies I’m recipe-testing for the blog for good measure.
I think this is an obvious connection with college, but if not: long days call for cookies. I think it’s science.
'Long days call for cookies.' @EllenSlater reflects on #Wanderlust108 and college and life. #bgbcommunity Share on XThe Takeaway
Not only was Saturday a sort of reflection of my college life, but it also prompted reflection on my college life – and beyond. In the past 18 months, I’ve become so much more accepting of who I am and what I like. I’m still as guilty as the next person of being too hard on myself, but I’ve come a long way. I only have about 18 more months of college, but if they’re nearly as full of growth as the first 18, I think I’ll have done alright.
And maybe I won’t have to be ridiculously cold for 7 hours to realize it.
When have you noticed you’ve grown a lot?
How was your weekend?
Such a fun experience!
Those first “events” and things I did my first year of college all alone really made me feel like an “adult” too. It was all up to me and me alone!
College has been really good for growing up, that’s for sure 🙂
So sorry about the weather, but you handled it well 😉 I think a part of college I really did like was managing my schedule, planning and “being an adult” (well, as adult as you can be in college). I have no doubt the next two years will be the best years of college for you!
I like being able to manage my own schedule, too! You get to learn what works for you. Thanks for your encouragement, Emily! You’re so sweet!
I am the same way about getting warm before gettin fed. I don’t usually like to eat outside (unless it’s really warm) and would rather be comfortable that full. I also put sleep before food. I collapse into bed and take a nap, then eat when I get up lol
I hope you’re warm by now. It was chilly here on Sunday and I was cold all day ( this coming the day after I got a bad sunburn).
Have a good week Ellen 🙂
I hope you stay warm this week, Ellie!
I can’t believe that we didn’t see each other on Saturday–totally my fault. And omg, it took me the entire rest of the day to get warm as well. We were supposed to be there until the very end, and we just couldn’t hand it. I can’t wait until the weather figures itself out.
We are going to talk about this on Thursday over dinner. I definitely realized that I was ready for more at about the same time in my college journey as you. xoxoxo
No big deal – I should’ve texted you earlier!
Yesss please. I’m looking forward to it! ❤️
COME MOVE TO SAN DIEGO. We can be roommates and finish out college together (not kidding). It’s usually warm here 🙂
Ever wish you could live two lives side-by-side? Yeah, I’d like to do that: one where I move to SDSU and one where I stay here. It would be so fun to hang out with you!
Oh no I’m so rubbish at telling what the weather is going to be like! In Auckland you have to be prepared for anything. I literally have an umbrella, jacket, sunglasses and sunscreen in my backpack. Also, I’m so glad there is someone else who doesn’t appreciate staying up late or parties. Sometimes it really feels like I’m the only one.
Hahaha that sounds a lot like Chicago weather. And YES, I feel like everyone likes parties and I just don’t. We gotta stick together 🙂
Good for you for doing something that you actually enjoyed versus just something that everyone else was doing! This upcoming weekend is “Spring Concert” at my school, which is pretty similar to what Summer Breeze sounds like… a big, outdoor party with some so-so bands and a lot of alcohol. Last year, I tried making myself go and enjoy it, but the enjoyment part just didn’t happen. So this year, I’m going home to work in the garden and play with my cat instead. 🙂
Yep, that sounds very similar. But you do you. Enjoy that garden and your cat ❤️
I love that you were in pajamas by 3pm as that’s EXACTLY what I do when I’ve been out and about and it’s cold. The first thing I do is jump in a crazy hot shower and put on cosy pj’s and I swear there’s no better feeling, haha!
It sounds like it was a great opportunity to reflect and think about what’s to come!
Yesss. Hot showers and pajamas for life ❤️
I really enjoyed this post! As a fellow Chicago girl, props on dealing with the weather. I’m so glad you decided to do something you actually wanted instead of settling- and that you’ve accepted it. Even after I decided I didn’t feel like partying anymore as a sophomore, I wasted a lot of opportunities by feeling guilty about it. Northwestern’s Dillo Day is this weekend and your post inspired me to spend that day on something I love. Thanks!
Aw yay. Enjoy your “me time”!
Learning to be an adult is hard, because I’m still so bad at planning. It looks like you had a GOOD day, and coming home to eat cookies is always a really good plan. Kudos for braving the chilly day!!! It’s pretty chilly here today, so I’m thankful for cozy socks and sweat pants.
Cozy socks make life better! 🙂