There are mounds and mounds of snow in Athens at this very moment! I came back to this great city yesterday and I was kind of freaking out about having to go back to school tomorrow. There were just some things that I hadn't had the chance to do over break and I really wanted to get done before classes started.
I have been blessed with one more day of break and I have realized how wonderful snow is. Snow is just utter bliss! It is white and creates a blanket on the world. People in Georgia don't see snow very often and for once I am finally enjoying. There is a balance between work and play. Tomorrow will be the best day for me to enjoy myself as well as get those last minute things checked off my list.
I will upload pictures soon. Athens is beautiful tonight and I am loving my life!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Christmas
It's the most wonderful time of the year...not. Everyone knows that the holidays tend to bring out the emotions within family dynamics. Everyone spends a little too much time together and it just becomes a touchy subject. It's even too hard to describe in words. As hard as everyone tries to make Christmas the best time of year, it's just one of those things that makes life a little more stressful than usual.
This year, Christmas was the smallest side dish on my massive plate of commitment. I got home from Athens on the 14th and my work for Habitat's fundraiser started on the 18th. I had a few days to "relax" but you know I had an interview for a scholarship, a hair appointment and babysitting to get done. Once the fundraiser started I was at a different store each day wrapping gifts to my heart's content. Believe me it was rewarding especially when I saw the final number for donations but my body has literally been going all semester. I have not had a break. Along with Habitat's Gift Wrap I had to work on stuff for my new position in the sorority. Dues had to be inputted into the computer by December 26th, so that means it had to be done before Christmas.
Naturally since all this stuff was going on in my life before Christmas, I reached a breaking point on Christmas Eve. There are so many emotions that surround Christmas sometimes it wears a girl out. This whole semester has worn me down, so it was good for me to just get everything out on Christmas Eve. I had a lovely time at my grandmother's house and the past few days have been relaxing. I really enjoy the times when I don't have to worry about too many things.
The problem is gearing myself up for more tasks. There are emails to answer, friends to hang out with, applications to submit and rooms to clean. I am quickly finding out that young adulthood is filled with many tasks. There aren't too many moments that are just filled with laziness. I can't say that I don't enjoy being busy because it always gives me something to do but there comes a time when I am too busy and I am going to have to take a step back. I have to recharge for next semester or else my threshold of stress is going to break more often.
Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year because it forces us to think about the previous year. I know I am going to make some changes in 2011, so that I can be a better me. I love all the things I do, but there is more to life than tasks for sure. I hope everyone had an enjoyable Christmas!
This year, Christmas was the smallest side dish on my massive plate of commitment. I got home from Athens on the 14th and my work for Habitat's fundraiser started on the 18th. I had a few days to "relax" but you know I had an interview for a scholarship, a hair appointment and babysitting to get done. Once the fundraiser started I was at a different store each day wrapping gifts to my heart's content. Believe me it was rewarding especially when I saw the final number for donations but my body has literally been going all semester. I have not had a break. Along with Habitat's Gift Wrap I had to work on stuff for my new position in the sorority. Dues had to be inputted into the computer by December 26th, so that means it had to be done before Christmas.
Naturally since all this stuff was going on in my life before Christmas, I reached a breaking point on Christmas Eve. There are so many emotions that surround Christmas sometimes it wears a girl out. This whole semester has worn me down, so it was good for me to just get everything out on Christmas Eve. I had a lovely time at my grandmother's house and the past few days have been relaxing. I really enjoy the times when I don't have to worry about too many things.
The problem is gearing myself up for more tasks. There are emails to answer, friends to hang out with, applications to submit and rooms to clean. I am quickly finding out that young adulthood is filled with many tasks. There aren't too many moments that are just filled with laziness. I can't say that I don't enjoy being busy because it always gives me something to do but there comes a time when I am too busy and I am going to have to take a step back. I have to recharge for next semester or else my threshold of stress is going to break more often.
Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year because it forces us to think about the previous year. I know I am going to make some changes in 2011, so that I can be a better me. I love all the things I do, but there is more to life than tasks for sure. I hope everyone had an enjoyable Christmas!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
A Month
That's how long it's been since I posted on this blog. The last time I posted was probably one of the last times that I had a spare minute the whole month. The holidays are just an awful time of year for time management. It's the time of final's stress at school, yet there are so many other things to worry about with the holidays right around the corner.
I went midnight shopping while we were out in Texas for Thanksgiving but yet I didn't get anything for anyone but myself. Yes I found some great deals but gifts for my family and friends should of been my top priority. I ended up ordering all of my gifts for my family online this year. It was just one click and done! With everything I had to do, that was the way to go. I haven't even thought about getting stuff for my friends. I think everyone is going to get books since that is where I am going to be spending most of the next week. I know it's kind of a cop out but I have to do what's most time efficient.
Speaking of books...not only did I have to worry about finals and shopping, I had to get the last minute details for Habitat for Humanity's fundraiser together. From December 18th to the 24th, I will be helping all of my wonderful store leaders and volunteers gift wrap purchases for customers in stores across Georgia. It will be the conclusion to all the work I have been doing all semester to get ready for this massive fundraiser. My goal is to raise $12,000 and I will be one of the happiest people alive if it is achieved.
Also, I am taking over the position of Delta Iota's vp: finance for the coming year. Did you know it takes a lot of time and effort to run a sorority's finances? I didn't know how much until about two weeks ago. I am learning quickly though. It just wasn't something I was expecting in the final weeks of the semester.
I am getting my grades back from my finals and by some miracle I am doing better than I expected, but this semester has really surprised me. I do need to start saying no to projects because I end up getting pulled in ten different directions most of the time. How can I give up something that fulfills different aspects of my life? I have a job. I do volunteer work. I am a leader in two organizations and I am an Accounting major. All of those things will lead to something better in life, so how do I choose. I refuse to choose right now. I want to do everything because all those things are what make my college career worthwhile. I just hope that I can stay sane by trying to do everything.
This semester has taught me a lot of lessons about life. It gets crazy and hectic sometimes but there are always the little moments that you have to cherish. I love the moments that I walk into the deeg and see all the sisters that I have gotten to know so well by living in the house. I also enjoy the moments when I am sitting by myself, just taking a moment to breath and reflect on life in general. As much work as it takes to go for twelve hours a day, I wouldn't change it because that means I am missing out on something. A month is a long time to go without reflecting. I don't want it to happen again because that means I am not taking time to process the things that are going on around me. I have just summarized what my life in a month looks like and believe me, it is a real brief summary. Life goes on day by day and there is always something to look forward to or work on in order to be better prepared for the next day.
I went midnight shopping while we were out in Texas for Thanksgiving but yet I didn't get anything for anyone but myself. Yes I found some great deals but gifts for my family and friends should of been my top priority. I ended up ordering all of my gifts for my family online this year. It was just one click and done! With everything I had to do, that was the way to go. I haven't even thought about getting stuff for my friends. I think everyone is going to get books since that is where I am going to be spending most of the next week. I know it's kind of a cop out but I have to do what's most time efficient.
Speaking of books...not only did I have to worry about finals and shopping, I had to get the last minute details for Habitat for Humanity's fundraiser together. From December 18th to the 24th, I will be helping all of my wonderful store leaders and volunteers gift wrap purchases for customers in stores across Georgia. It will be the conclusion to all the work I have been doing all semester to get ready for this massive fundraiser. My goal is to raise $12,000 and I will be one of the happiest people alive if it is achieved.
Also, I am taking over the position of Delta Iota's vp: finance for the coming year. Did you know it takes a lot of time and effort to run a sorority's finances? I didn't know how much until about two weeks ago. I am learning quickly though. It just wasn't something I was expecting in the final weeks of the semester.
I am getting my grades back from my finals and by some miracle I am doing better than I expected, but this semester has really surprised me. I do need to start saying no to projects because I end up getting pulled in ten different directions most of the time. How can I give up something that fulfills different aspects of my life? I have a job. I do volunteer work. I am a leader in two organizations and I am an Accounting major. All of those things will lead to something better in life, so how do I choose. I refuse to choose right now. I want to do everything because all those things are what make my college career worthwhile. I just hope that I can stay sane by trying to do everything.
This semester has taught me a lot of lessons about life. It gets crazy and hectic sometimes but there are always the little moments that you have to cherish. I love the moments that I walk into the deeg and see all the sisters that I have gotten to know so well by living in the house. I also enjoy the moments when I am sitting by myself, just taking a moment to breath and reflect on life in general. As much work as it takes to go for twelve hours a day, I wouldn't change it because that means I am missing out on something. A month is a long time to go without reflecting. I don't want it to happen again because that means I am not taking time to process the things that are going on around me. I have just summarized what my life in a month looks like and believe me, it is a real brief summary. Life goes on day by day and there is always something to look forward to or work on in order to be better prepared for the next day.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Building...
My first week of 20 has been about the same as most weeks in my life, but there has definitely been a change in my attitude. I am excited for everyday that 20 throws my way and I know that I can only learn from it. I guess that segways into my point.
I have obviously had a hectic week because it is getting near Thanksgiving Break which means finals are right around the corner which means that Habitat Gift Wrap is right around the corner which means that Christmas is right around the corner! Stop, think about the next few days, not the next two months! I need to focus on last week to convey my point.
The most important aspect of my life the last week has been the concept of building. Every step that we take in our lives leads to something else. A decision I make today will at least affect tomorrow if not further into the future. I had my advising appointment last week where I had to make decisions about my class schedule. I still don't know if I made the right decision but Oasis has a redo option, so I am not too worried. I also had to take a professional picture for the business school and attend a welcoming luncheon for the business school. The way I come off in the picture or the interactions I had with my fellow peers/advisors at the luncheon will undoubtable have an impact on my next two years because my first impression will most likely be interpreted a certain way. Those two actions were building a future for me in terms of my career. I don't think that I made a bad first impression, but it's just an example :-)
Building though is something so much more important to me. If you don't know, I am involved with Habitat for Humanity. Habitat's goal is to build decent, affordable shelters for those in need. I have worked on both sides of Habitat's mission. My sophomore year in high school, I went to a site that in the morning only had a foundation and by the afternoon I was climbing off the roof of the first floor. If that doesn't make someone want to help the greater good, I don't know what does :-) These people that need Habitat homes are trying to build a life for themselves that is better than what they had. I am helping them build that life by giving numerous hours to UGA's gift wrapping fundraiser. Everything I do for Habitat, I do with love. It brings out the best in me and helps me remember that I am only a small fraction of this world.
I think the best thing about Habitat is that is remembers there are some people that just need a favor. This past Saturday, I went to build that was completely different from the one I first went on five years ago. The site we arrived at already had a house sitting on the land. What might you asked did we do? We built a ramp for a family that needed stable access into their home. We provided a safe way for the family to roam in and out of their home as they pleased. It was just as much work as putting in the first floor of the house, but I think it was more rewarding because it makes you realize that the simple things in life are really what matter most.
I can't even express in written words how excited and alive I feel when I talk about my experiences with Habitat. Even though the coordination of fundraisers may be stressful and time consuming, it is definitely worth it when I see my hard work being put to good use. Habitat for Humanity is something I will be involved in for the rest of my life because just like the hammer securing that last nail in place, Habitat has built my life into something much better than it was before I got involved.
I have obviously had a hectic week because it is getting near Thanksgiving Break which means finals are right around the corner which means that Habitat Gift Wrap is right around the corner which means that Christmas is right around the corner! Stop, think about the next few days, not the next two months! I need to focus on last week to convey my point.
The most important aspect of my life the last week has been the concept of building. Every step that we take in our lives leads to something else. A decision I make today will at least affect tomorrow if not further into the future. I had my advising appointment last week where I had to make decisions about my class schedule. I still don't know if I made the right decision but Oasis has a redo option, so I am not too worried. I also had to take a professional picture for the business school and attend a welcoming luncheon for the business school. The way I come off in the picture or the interactions I had with my fellow peers/advisors at the luncheon will undoubtable have an impact on my next two years because my first impression will most likely be interpreted a certain way. Those two actions were building a future for me in terms of my career. I don't think that I made a bad first impression, but it's just an example :-)
Building though is something so much more important to me. If you don't know, I am involved with Habitat for Humanity. Habitat's goal is to build decent, affordable shelters for those in need. I have worked on both sides of Habitat's mission. My sophomore year in high school, I went to a site that in the morning only had a foundation and by the afternoon I was climbing off the roof of the first floor. If that doesn't make someone want to help the greater good, I don't know what does :-) These people that need Habitat homes are trying to build a life for themselves that is better than what they had. I am helping them build that life by giving numerous hours to UGA's gift wrapping fundraiser. Everything I do for Habitat, I do with love. It brings out the best in me and helps me remember that I am only a small fraction of this world.
I think the best thing about Habitat is that is remembers there are some people that just need a favor. This past Saturday, I went to build that was completely different from the one I first went on five years ago. The site we arrived at already had a house sitting on the land. What might you asked did we do? We built a ramp for a family that needed stable access into their home. We provided a safe way for the family to roam in and out of their home as they pleased. It was just as much work as putting in the first floor of the house, but I think it was more rewarding because it makes you realize that the simple things in life are really what matter most.
I can't even express in written words how excited and alive I feel when I talk about my experiences with Habitat. Even though the coordination of fundraisers may be stressful and time consuming, it is definitely worth it when I see my hard work being put to good use. Habitat for Humanity is something I will be involved in for the rest of my life because just like the hammer securing that last nail in place, Habitat has built my life into something much better than it was before I got involved.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Birthdays!
So if you didn't know from my previous posts, today is my birthday! I have had a few conversations with my roommate about how stressful birthdays are because you have to react when opening presents. Presents are surprises that you know are coming, which is a really hard state of mind to put yourself in. This year though, I got an actual surprise from my parents. Usually I just go with my mom to pick out what she should give me for my birthday and then the day of my birthday is pretty uneventful. My parents came up on Saturday to help me celebrate and that is when I got my big surprise. It was a beautiful Coach purse that matches my grown up suit so well. Yeah that's right. I now own a suit. It's a very scary thought for a just turned 20 year old but it's a consequence of being a semester ahead in college. You get to those milestones of life earlier than most (story of my life actually).
So my birthday ended up turning into a week celebration. Today was the best day ever! I had to go to work this morning at oh dark thirty, but it was so quiet that I got all my work done (still on track to not having homework over Thanksgiving Break!). Once I got back from class, I just chilled until I went to Your Pie for dinner (subway of the pizza market) and then I got birthday cake ice cream at marble slab. The best thing about today was just being surprised all the time with a simple "Happy Birthday" from someone I have met within the last year and half of my life. I felt blessed by everyone who took the minute to wish me a happy birthday. It's knowing that people care and that I will return the favor when their birthday comes. Some of my previous posts have not been so cheery because life has been so hectic. I am taking my own advice and focusing on the little things in life.
Happy Birthday to me! I am celebrating the fact that I have a very blessed life and I don't know what I would do without each and every person who I cross paths with on a daily basis. My life (each and every day) is shaped by those around me...not the presents I receive (even if they are the best presents I have gotten) or the stressful times that might burden me (especially since I tend to focus on them). I don't want to make predictions about this next year of my life because you never know if those expectations are going to be fulfilled. Isn't it better to be surprised by life than disappointed by the things that don't come?! I can say though that I have been 20 for almost 12 hours now and they have definitely been 12 hours to remember!
So my birthday ended up turning into a week celebration. Today was the best day ever! I had to go to work this morning at oh dark thirty, but it was so quiet that I got all my work done (still on track to not having homework over Thanksgiving Break!). Once I got back from class, I just chilled until I went to Your Pie for dinner (subway of the pizza market) and then I got birthday cake ice cream at marble slab. The best thing about today was just being surprised all the time with a simple "Happy Birthday" from someone I have met within the last year and half of my life. I felt blessed by everyone who took the minute to wish me a happy birthday. It's knowing that people care and that I will return the favor when their birthday comes. Some of my previous posts have not been so cheery because life has been so hectic. I am taking my own advice and focusing on the little things in life.
Happy Birthday to me! I am celebrating the fact that I have a very blessed life and I don't know what I would do without each and every person who I cross paths with on a daily basis. My life (each and every day) is shaped by those around me...not the presents I receive (even if they are the best presents I have gotten) or the stressful times that might burden me (especially since I tend to focus on them). I don't want to make predictions about this next year of my life because you never know if those expectations are going to be fulfilled. Isn't it better to be surprised by life than disappointed by the things that don't come?! I can say though that I have been 20 for almost 12 hours now and they have definitely been 12 hours to remember!
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| Both of my cute new purses! One for casual things and one for growing up :) |
Saturday, November 6, 2010
The Good Times
So I feel like my blog usually becomes a platform for my issues in life, but this post is different. The last few days have been great! I found out that I made a good grade on my Accounting tests. I was really productive yesterday in regards to my HUGE extracurricular activity project. And my family came to see me today in Athens.
My parents came to Athens today because my sorority was hosting a family day event. We actually didn't make an appearance at the sorority house until around 5 pm because we were also celebrating my birthday. The day started off with a tailgate for Habitat for Humanity. We recycle cans as a fundraiser and our tailgate was to advocate for that fundraiser. My parents don't usually come to games, so when they got the chance to tailgate today they went all out. I don't usually get so excited about food but who wouldn't when there is chick-fil-a nuggets and brownies in the same place. My day just got better because even though it was cold at the game, the Dawgs won big. Then my parents treated me to a wonderful dinner at my new favorite restaurant in Athens, Doc Chey's and I got pumpkin yogurt for dessert. I got my birthday presents from my family and I love everything I got. I don't want to harp on gifts but it was just nice to spend time with my family.
I know this day seems really simple to most people but I needed a day to just enjoy the simple things in life. I need to remember the times in life that I enjoy the most. School and extracurriculars are important but so is relaxation. This day is good and I know tomorrow is going to be productive. These are the good times!
My parents came to Athens today because my sorority was hosting a family day event. We actually didn't make an appearance at the sorority house until around 5 pm because we were also celebrating my birthday. The day started off with a tailgate for Habitat for Humanity. We recycle cans as a fundraiser and our tailgate was to advocate for that fundraiser. My parents don't usually come to games, so when they got the chance to tailgate today they went all out. I don't usually get so excited about food but who wouldn't when there is chick-fil-a nuggets and brownies in the same place. My day just got better because even though it was cold at the game, the Dawgs won big. Then my parents treated me to a wonderful dinner at my new favorite restaurant in Athens, Doc Chey's and I got pumpkin yogurt for dessert. I got my birthday presents from my family and I love everything I got. I don't want to harp on gifts but it was just nice to spend time with my family.
I know this day seems really simple to most people but I needed a day to just enjoy the simple things in life. I need to remember the times in life that I enjoy the most. School and extracurriculars are important but so is relaxation. This day is good and I know tomorrow is going to be productive. These are the good times!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Realization
I am about to break every rule that I have previously established for myself concerning blog post but I don't care!! I have made a discovery in the last 24 hours that has made me refocus. What might you ask did I realize? I realized that life is hard. No ifs, ands or buts about it. Every day is filled with a hectic lifestyle that only gets complicated by challenges along the way. I know people are probably thinking...duh, it took you 19 years and 51 weeks to figure that out (I will be 20 in a week from today). And I realized before now that life was not in the least bit simple but now I understand that the problems we face as individual adults are far different than the problems we faced as children or even teenagers. My biggest concern in elementary school was who I was going to play with at recess, biggest concern in middle school was if my wardrobe was "cool" enough, biggest concern in high school was academics and achieving my goals. And all in one fail swoop those aspects of my life converge in adulthood. I am now responsible for my actions and I have to make sure that I am living the life I want to live.
I could not live without my parents. They somewhat shielded from this "hard life" in my younger days (whose parents didn't!?) but now that I have figured it out, they are willing to support, encourage and do anything necessary to make sure that I am still living a great life. I just can't believe that I am making all of my own decisions and that each of those decisions has an impact on my life.
This realization came about because I was walking out of a meeting last night feeling completely overwhelmed. I then tried to study and realized that the student center was like Grand Central Station and I was going to get nothing done fast because I tend to be a people watcher. As I was walking to my car, all I could think about was my test on Wednesday, test on Thursday, my mile long to do list and the feeling that everything was going to to come crumbling down around me. I can't say that I have actually had a panic attack before but I am pretty sure last night was close. I think most people have these little freak outs and they wonder why other people are so content with their lives. I have come to realize that everyone feels overwhelmed at some point...it's hard not to in college. But last night was a change in my attitude. All I can do is focus on the individual aspects of my life. I have to make sure that my studies come first and then whatever time I have left is devoted to the activities that make me feel good. I think I should go back and read my own blog post because I give advice to myself, but tend to forget about my own advice when the going gets tough.
Here is my advice for everyone today: know that life is hard, it's going to have its ups and downs but all of us have the ability to succeed and make ourselves happy.
I could not live without my parents. They somewhat shielded from this "hard life" in my younger days (whose parents didn't!?) but now that I have figured it out, they are willing to support, encourage and do anything necessary to make sure that I am still living a great life. I just can't believe that I am making all of my own decisions and that each of those decisions has an impact on my life.
This realization came about because I was walking out of a meeting last night feeling completely overwhelmed. I then tried to study and realized that the student center was like Grand Central Station and I was going to get nothing done fast because I tend to be a people watcher. As I was walking to my car, all I could think about was my test on Wednesday, test on Thursday, my mile long to do list and the feeling that everything was going to to come crumbling down around me. I can't say that I have actually had a panic attack before but I am pretty sure last night was close. I think most people have these little freak outs and they wonder why other people are so content with their lives. I have come to realize that everyone feels overwhelmed at some point...it's hard not to in college. But last night was a change in my attitude. All I can do is focus on the individual aspects of my life. I have to make sure that my studies come first and then whatever time I have left is devoted to the activities that make me feel good. I think I should go back and read my own blog post because I give advice to myself, but tend to forget about my own advice when the going gets tough.
Here is my advice for everyone today: know that life is hard, it's going to have its ups and downs but all of us have the ability to succeed and make ourselves happy.
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