123 I'M DONE WITH MY A LEVELS

Ahhh, I've been waiting to do this GIF since forever. One photo after every exam, and it all adds up.

Sorry if I'm a little incoherent, I'm kind of numbly happy! My exams are finally over!

Here's a quote that struck me from the calendar: "May He enlighten the eyes of your mind so that you can see what hope His call holds for you." This is amazing, for me. It reminds me that His call may not be the call I hear right now, and that, most importantly, you do not need qualifications to be the kind of person God wants you to be. You can be a virtuous, wholly good person, who brings light to everyone's days, and never leaves someone without making them smile, without acing every exam. This brings new meaning to "You are alright". I have to remind myself daily that God gave each of us talents, and not all of them can be used in the same way. We can only hope that each of us can use our God-given talents to further His goals of love, faith, and hope in the community; and thus my long-term goal for myself must not be, come March, to expect accolades but to use whatever grades that slip of paper may bring to make my life and that of those around me better.

121 Middle of the End

Or middle of the bend?
Just a mild update to let you guys know I am still alive and, thankfully, more than halfway through my papers. Just three papers and two subjects to go-- six days-- and I'll be F.R.E.E.!!

Credit: Alexandra Sophie Photography

Also, Aaron Tveit is my latest obsession.

If singing's not your thing, check out Tom Hiddleston dancing.

And, for good measure, let's hope the other candidates and I will 'get Loki':

120 We've been here before, haven't we?

1280 x 800

1280 x 800

A few inspirational words to get you through, if you, like me, are facing a long and tough road ahead. Not that long, admittedly -in 2 weeks I'll be scot-free- but it's as tough as I've ever faced. The last two are big enough for desktop backgrounds: the last one's my current favourite, as it perks up my day :)

Also updated my blackboard to a scoreboard of sorts:

After I came home today I realized I'd forgotten to include a whole lot of theories for one of my essays and misspelled an important philosopher's name... as well as the word "amassed". Plus, facing many sleepless nights ahead, as last night's tossing and turning testified. If you have any fail-safe tips for sleeping well, do share them!!

119 We Can Do This.

Aside from my excitement at trying out the stained glass edit tool on Photoshop (I'm such a kid) (how can I not have discovered this earlier?!)... here's one of my favourite quotes from the Bible, one that I repeat to myself when I get very stressed about the weeks ahead. It reminds me to keep track of the bigger picture, and keep calm.

Fight the good fight. Finish the race. Keep the faith.
-Adapted from the wise words of St. Paul

113 Unexpectedly Poignant...

-Quote, thanks to the unexpectedly poignant read I chanced across on my newsfeed today. I have no lack of gaps in my life, but thankfully and hopefully, I have remained and will continue to remain free of the gaps mentioned in the post.

88 Quiet Truths

Max Ehrmann's "Desiderata"

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. 
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism. 
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass. 
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself. 
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. 
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. 
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.