home for the holidays

There's no place like home for the holidays!

photos via weheartit

Sorry I haven't posted anything this last week - my one focus was final exams and finishing my semester out strong!

Well, I'm glad that I can put this semester behind me, enjoy my break, and spend time with family and friends this Christmas season! Make sure you look out for my new entries!

Thanks for reading!

ten things i love

I haven't been in the best mood. Last night and this morning have just been difficult for me to get through. Thank goodness I don't have class today...

In an effort to shake this off and keep my head up, I'm going to share ten things that I love with you. So, here goes:

1. Warm Delights 150 Calorie Minis with Haagen Dazs ice cream
2. Wearing rainboots and stomping through puddles on a stormy day
3. Receiving flowers just because it's Thursday
4. Bright, blue skies with pure white, fluffy clouds
5. Starting my morning off by listening to jazz
6. Good, intelligent conversation
7. Salsa dancing in Guanajuato, Mexico (where I studied abroad)
8. Feeling the cool, winter air hit my face when I spend time outdoors
9. A good cup of Starbucks coffee
10. Making people smile

Photo via weheartit

What's on your list of things you love?

keeping yourself stress-free during exams

At my university, the week before final exams is called "Dead Week." When I was a freshman, I was told that professors canceled class during dead week and that professors didn't give tests, quizzes, or homework. I can tell you now that whoever passed that information on to me was telling me a lie.

Dead Week becomes one of the most stressful weeks for most students here because, on top of starting to study for the final exams, many students still have assignments and projects to finish that will have a heavy weight on their grade. I've been placed in that kind of situation before, and it is definitely not something I'd wish on anyone.

Luckily, Dead Week seems like it won't be as hard on me this year. I'm very glad about this, considering that I stress enough during every week of the semester - any additional stress would really send me over the edge.

Photo via weheartit

I know, however, that some of you all might not be in my situation, so I'd like to send you all a few suggestions to keep your stress level down from now until the end of final exams:

1. Don't stretch yourself too thin. If you feel like you've committed to too many things during these last couple of weeks during the semester, back out of some of them. I don't condone backing out of things you have committed to, but you have to remember that your number one priority as a college student is your academics. After you're through with final exams, you can jump right back in.
2. Be good to your body. As a college student myself, I know it's difficult to stay healthy. I'm usually too busy to work out, I sometimes skip meals, and at other times I am inclined to eat the most unhealthy food instead of what's best for my body. Try to avoid these bad habits this week: Eat breakfast. Take a study break and get some exercise. Eat at a regular time (not at 1 a.m.). Reach for an apple instead of french fries. Most importantly, try your hardest to get a good night's sleep. If you can avoid it, do not pull the all-nighter!
3. Think happy thoughts. To do well on your exams, you have to think positive. Try not to put yourself down and don't let yourself believe that you "are going to fail this exam." Be confident in your ability to take your exams. Be optimistic. You never know how you performed until you receive the grade afterwards, so try to stay positive all the way through.
4. Take a break. Don't sit in the library for a whole day or a whole night without taking a break. After awhile, your mind needs to rest from taking in all of that information. So, go watch a movie with friends. Make a quick trip to the store. Go get your nails done. Or head to the rec to play a pick-up game of basketball (guys, that was for you, if you're reading!). You'll get more work done - and it will be more efficient - if you take a break every once in awhile.

I hope these suggestions helped you! If you have any suggestions to stay stress-free, feel free to post them!

december

It's the first day of December! I can't believe how fast this year, and the fall semester for that matter, flew by!

I'm ready for the Christmas season to descend upon us (not like it hasn't done that already), I'm ready to shop for presents for my family, and I'm ready to see a fresh, white snow when I go home for the winter break.

photo via weheartit

December is one of my favorite months! Is it one of yours?

black friday

I've never gone out shopping on Black Friday.

I'm thinking, however, that this might change this year. Yes, I am actually thinking about participating in the crazy shopping event that results from crowds of impatient bargain hunters.

If I go, I'm planning on taking my sister with me. I'm thinking that it will be fun...I'm always in favor of shopping for a bargain, and considering my current financial situation, Black Friday might be my only hope for purchasing the nice gifts I'd really like to give to my friends and family.

Are you going out shopping on Black Friday?

happy thanksgiving

I don't know about you all, but I'm about to eat until I just can't eat anymore. There is no such thing as having too much to eat on Turkey Day, so I hope you do the same.

photo via foodgawker
 

Happy Thanksgiving!

thankful

It's that time of year. Thanksgiving! And it's time to spread the word about what you're thankful for.

What am I thankful for?

photo via weheartit

I'm thankful for all of the opportunities that have been presented to me this year. I have had the ability to continue to do well in my classes, study abroad, meet and form relationships with new people, and feel more confident about my plans for the future. Not everyone has those kinds of opportunities.

What are you thankful for?

has winter come yet?

Yes...I know winter doesn't come until December.

But since I'm down here in Alabama, I'm wondering if fall has even arrived yet! We still get temperatures of 70+ degrees, and the percentage of humidity is still high.

Honestly, I'm ready for the temperatures to drop and for the cool wind to blow against my face. I'm ready to put on a warm sweater without having to worry about being too hot while wearing it once afternoon hits. I'm ready to pull on my coat, boots, and scarf!

Mostly, I'm ready to pull on my gloves. Here are some of the cute ones I've found.

1: Target
2: American Eagle
3: Banana Republic
4: Jessica Simpson
5: Ralph Lauren

Have you found any you'd like to buy yet?

you're only a day away

Taking from the famous words of Annie the orphan, "Tomorrow, you're only a day away!" I honestly cannot wait for tomorrow. I can't wait until 3:30 this afternoon for that matter. And why's that, you ask?

That is when Thanksgiving break begins.

photo via weheartit

Ill be able to finally kick my feet up, relax, and breathe a sigh of relief. I don't know how you all feel, but this semester has caused so much stress for me, and I'm nearing my wit's end. A break, no matter how long (or short) it is, will be perfect and necessary.

inspiration

"You miss 100% of the shots you never take."
-Wayne Gretsky

From weheartit.

Remember that.

Alicia Keys at the AMAs

Hands down, Alicia Keys is one of my favorite musical artists. While I watched the AMAs last night, I fell in love with her music more and more. I cannot wait until she releases her new album - I'm in love with her first 2 singles already.

In case you missed the AMAs last night, here are 2 of her performances. The first is with Jay-Z, "Empire State of Mind," and the second is her new song, "Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart."




And here are some photos as well. I loved her red carpet dress.

I thoroughly enjoyed each of her performances. Keep 'em coming, Alicia!

battle studies

I downloaded John Mayer's new album yesterday. It's called Battle Studies, and I must say that I love it.

I've always said that I can turn all of his albums on shuffle and listen to him all day long. It's the truth. I think I enjoy this album more than Continuum!

Anyways, I just wanted to suggest that you purchase the album and listen to it. It's a great piece of musical work. John Mayer is a musical genius.

the point of it all

 photo from weheartit

My days seem long whenever we're apart

It's like someone had thrown away my heart

You're a major part of my life

And no matter what the storm may bring

I'm fine with you...

And the point of it all

Is I love you.

"The Point of It All," Anthony Hamilton

brand new

So, I'm trying this new thing out. It's called "being more positive." Why would I need to do that?

Well, the people who know me best would tell you that I'm either very happy or very upset. They'd tell you that I'm either very positive or very negative. Basically, it's an either/or ordeal - my mood is never somewhere in between.

I'm going to put an end to this. As much as I feel like it doesn't affect others, I know it does. And as much as I feel like it doesn't really affect me, I know it does.

I also know that I'm not the only one out there who is like this. If you know you're the same way, you should do this with me. Just a suggestion...

Photo by NaPix -- Hmong Soul

Here are a set of basic rules I've created:

1. Keep negative thoughts and opinions of others (and things) to yourself. To put it simply, if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all!
2. Don't hold grudges against others. To put it simply,  forgive and forget (most things, not all)!
3. Smile often and laugh much.
4. Don't focus as much on or talk as much about the negative. Focus on the positive!

By just following these four guidelines, my week has already been much better than usual. Each day, I have encountered problems (as always), but I've dealt with them in a more constructive, positive way. I've been less disappointed, less upset, and less angry.

I'm feeling better than I ever - I'm feeling brand new.

Sending happiness and happy days your way!

what a difference

I just spent about an hour reading some of my favorite blogs. I never realized how much I enjoyed dedicating part of my day to reading the blogs on my blogroll and writing posts for my own blogs. Because of school, the piles of homework, and the never ending meetings, I haven't been able to do any of that.

photo by productionstudyusa

I'm glad I was able to fit that daily ritual into my schedule today. One of the blogs that I absolutely love is le love.

Check this short film out (I stumbled across it while reading le love). It's called "Tall Enough" and is directed by Barry Jenkins. The film captures the beauty of not only a budding romance, but also the beauty of interracial relationships. I absolutely loved it. I'd definitely enjoy watching more of his work.

if i could escape for awhile

This is where I would go if I could escape for awhile.

I'd pick a good book from the shelves, curl up in that big chair, and read to my heart's content.

from Just be spLendid

abroad again

A couple posts ago, I mentioned that I had made many changes in my plan for my academic future. Here they are:

• I had been majoring in Public Relations and had a double minor in Spanish and World Business. That has now become a double major in Public Relations and Spanish.
• Explanation: There was a chance I would not have finished my World Business minor because the higher level classes were not offered every semester. Furthermore, there will always be someone who is well-versed in business concepts and procedures. I can learn that along the way. Spanish and knowledge of the Latino culture, however, is not something you can learn along the way. 
• I had not planned on taking summer school because I wanted a major internship this summer. Now, however, I will be taking one class this upcoming summer and will not have an internship.
• Explanation: To have the major internship I had wanted, it would be beneficial to take Public Relations Writing beforehand. Due to the course sequence in the Public Relations major, however, I will not take that class until Fall 2010. I've decided that, instead of going into a major internship without having taken the writing class, I'll take that during the summer and apply for internships afterwards.
• Because I will have an extra semester to work with after I take my Public Relations Writing class, I'm going to study abroad in the Fall of 2010 in Malaga, Spain.
• Explanation: Becoming fluent in Spanish and learning more about the culture by experiencing it firsthand will be beneficial to my future. I can also try to find a job working in the Public Relations industry abroad, since I will have taken the writing class. I'll be more prepared.

So that's all that has changed. It's a lot, I know, but I feel that it will create better options for me in the future. I'll be happier too.

strange

It's been a strange day. Usually I have to wake up 3-4 hours before my first class starts, due to the large amount of tasks I need to complete. During my first class, I usually don't pay attention because other things still need to be finished.

Today, that wasn't the case. I actually woke up at 8 instead of 6:30. I actually listened to my professor lecture (well, kind of) in my first class because I didn't have anything else to work on. And tonight, I'm sitting here staring at the walls because I don't have any homework for tomorrow.

Photo by Don3rdSE

I always wish there were more hours in the day, but for once, I have more than enough time to do what I need to do. It's quite a nice surprise.

Don't you love days like these?

just captured me

I'm a sucker for anything about love and relationships, so I found myself unable to stop reading this post titled, "and I wonder if he ever would."

I suggest reading this blog post from Le Love. I thought it was written beautifully, so I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did.

Long Time, No Write

It's been three months since the last time I wrote anything here. Coming back to the University for the fall semester, I had every intention of continuing to write, no matter how busy my schedule became. I even started a list of unfinished blog posts so it would be easier for me to think of something to write - I could just choose to finish one from the list, and I'd finish it quickly.

Obviously, that has not happened.

So much has happened since this summer. I've continued to grow, I've continued to change, I've continued to push forward with my life. I've actually made some pretty big decisions that will affect my plans up until graduation.

I won't explain everything right now though. I'll save that for another day. For now, I'll just leave a picture to give you a little hint.

Malaga

Photo by trondjs

volunteering

Wow, it's ironic that I wrote yesterday about my love for traveling...

One of my good friends just asked me if I would be interested in volunteering at an orphanage in the Dominican Republic as an alternative winter break. OF COURSE I'm interested!!!

1. I've always believed that volunteering and participating in community service is important
2. I love speaking in Spanish (it isn't required for this program, but I know I'd use it 
3. I love to travel (I studied in Mexico 5 weeks this summer and hope to do more!) 

 Photo by naya_girl

This would be an amazing opportunity for me, and I know I would absolutely love it! I  have a great desire to go, and I really hope it will be possible. I'll definitely keep you updated!

Has anyone else volunteered abroad?

mp3

I hardly spent anytime surfing the Internet yesterday, and I didn't even read the blogs I follow. Now, this wasn't because I was out of the house or super busy. I actually sat in front of my computer all day...

I was downloading music to my new Zune.

I've had the first generation 30 GB Zune for 3 years now. It doesn't work consistently and yesterday, the software wouldn't recognize that the device was plugged in. So what does that mean? I couldn't sync anything to the Zune.

Music has always been a huge part of my life - I use my Zune all the time! When this happened, I just freaked out a little. Actually, I freaked out a lot. I bought the new 120 GB Zune yesterday, and I'm so glad I have it: it's new, it works, it's better, and I don't have to worry about replacing all of my music that I've used before.

Photo by Asian Image

I'm relieved now that I have a new player. Without music, I don't know what I would do!!

How often do you use your mp3 player?

airplanes

Yesterday at the office, I was working on the Mac, editing some video. I faced the window the whole time, and I couldn't help but notice all of the planes flying into the airport. Plane after plane, minute after minute.

I used to be afraid of flying, but after traveling via plane to come home from college each time, I've become quite used to it. I actually consider myself an "expert flier" now. I love flying.

Photo by Felipe Barrientos

The real reason why I love flying though is that I love to travel. I want to see the world. I'd like to learn about more cultures and different groups of people. I want to visit Spain, Chile, Argentina, Asia, Australia, France, Italy, and more.

Not only is it an enjoyable experience when I travel, but also an important experience. I believe that it is important for an individual to travel and learn about different cultures in order to have a better, more knowledgeable understanding of the world.

Do you agree?

a word from thoreau

Photo by ღĴęNňζ™

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.

- Henry David Thoreau

I live by this. Will you?