The Final Days

This weekend was a fantastic one! I got to spend it with my dad, brothers, cousins, and friends.  It was so nice to see them and have them here to celebrate my 21! My mom flies in on Sunday and I drive back to California for the summer next Monday.  I couldn't be more excited!.  I am officially done with homework and assignments.  I just have a few reviews and then finals and I'm done.  There is so much to do before I leave. I need to have my mail forwarded, subscriptions put on hold, pack, take my name off of the utilities.  The list feels miles long.  So what? I get really overwhelmed because I always look at the big picture of everything I need to do.  It's something that I've been trying to work on because I am completely useless when I'm stressed out.  Now what?  I've started to make a list of all that needs to be done and I'm adding to it as I remember.  I need to get started on the list so that I can do well on all my finals as well as get all of these little loose ends tied.

The Day My Family Came

I cannot wait for the end of today.  My dad and brother, Caden, are driving up from California and will be here for the weekend.  Landen, my other brother, is up at BYU-I and they are done with school this week.  They will head up there tomorrow to pick him up and then be back later that night.  They plan on staying here for my birthday on Saturday.  I am so excited to see them, but I have so much to do!

As the semester gets closer to being over, I tend to loose motivation--especially winter semester when I know I get a few months off of school.  I have one major paper and the final business assignment for this class left and then I can focus on finals.  So what? I need to get those assignments done! I have been trying to write my BIO 100 paper for several days now, but there is always something that seems more interesting to do than write it.  I've made progress though.  I've written about 1500 of the minimum 2500 word count.  My goal is to bust the rest of that paper out on Friday while my family is up in Idaho.  Now what?  I need to actually do it.  I need to cut myself off from the internet and whatever other things I'm easily distract by and get it done.  As soon as these assignments are over, I'm done.  I just need to do it.

The Most Stressful Paper of My Life

After today, I officially have three days of school left.  I only go on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  It's been really nice.  In those last few days, I have several big papers and projects due.  I decided to get some of this work done ahead of time (who am I?) and submitted my paper (due next Tuesday mind you) last night.  It was one of the papers I was most dreading to write this semester.  I'm in Humanities 202 to fulfill my my Letters and Civ 2 credits.  The assignment was to either paint a portrait, compose a song, or write a story in the style of one of the artists/composers/authors we have talked about this semester.  I have never had artistic ability.  I barely passed art in middle school when I had to take it.  I was really nervous about the assignment and stressed about it for weeks.  I ultimately decided to write a story that, I think, came out really well.  I contained all the elements that the original author used.  I am so glad to have that assignment done and over with.  I can see the end!!! I have a few more application blogs, the team project, and the final business assignment left in MCOM, a few in-class quizzes in HIST 201, and my research paper for BIO 100 and I'm done! So what? A common theme for me is lack of motivation.  It has been especially hard this summer since I'm not in any classes I really care about.  It's the semester to get all of my GEs done.  With so little left to do (and my family coming next weekend) I want to get ahead on this stuff as much as possible so that I can actually spend time with them.  Now what? I have outlines for my major assignments done and I just need to sit down and focus.  Once this stuff is done, I just have finals to worry about, so I hope to get it done as soon as possible!

The One Time I Was Jewish

So last night I had my first ever experience with Passover.  One of my best friends has some Jewish relatives and she invited me over to take part in this tradition that her family has done for years.  Both sides of my family are Mormon, so I don't have a ton of experience with other religions.  The food was delicious and I really enjoyed learning more about this religion's beliefs.  We are currently studying Judaism in my Survey of World Religions class, so it tied in perfectly.  So what?  I haven't really been anywhere.  Growing up, we didn't have the money to travel, so I haven't seen much of the world.  I felt so cultured learning about this holiday.  Now what?  I want to keep learning.  I'm firm in my membership with the LDS church, but I don't see the harm in learning more and understanding about the beliefs of my friends.  I want to start to experience and learn more about other religions and cultures.

The One Time That I Could Breathe

The semester is almost over! I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.  I have three more papers and a team project separating finals and me.  My mom flies in exactly one month from today to make the drive back to Southern California with me.  My two brothers and my dad will also be up here in about two weeks.  My brother (Landen) is up at BYU-I, so my dad and other brother (Caden) are driving up to pick him up from school.  It just so happens that that little trip falls over my birthday, so I could not be more excited.  So what? Even though things are starting to wind down, I still have a significant amount of points to claim in each of my classes.  I need to take this day to breathe and recover from the last few weeks, but I still need to keep motivated and get all my assignments done.  Now what?  I'm going to enjoy my day off (and by day I mean Friday).  Then it's back to work so that I can get ahead on these last few assignments.

The Time the Sun Came Out

I truly believe that seasonal depression is real--and I think I have it.  I've lived in California my whole life where the sun shines just about 365 days a year.  This whole snow, cold, and days without the sun is too much for me.  I have loved seeing it these past couple of days and I hope that means that winter is over and summer is on its way!  I've already seen a change in my mood and attitude since it started to shine.  So what? Now that my crazy week of assignments and midterms is over (I just walked out of my last one!) I can actually take the time to enjoy it.  I can sit outside while I do my readings for next week. Now what?  I'm going to actually get out there!  Once I publish this post, I shouldn't need the internet to get any more of my day's work done.  I can actually go sit on a planter and enjoy the weather.

The Time I Realized I Had Friends

On Tuesday nights, my roommate and a couple of our other friends get together for dinner and Pretty Little Liars.  That show is addicting and we die for it.  The last couple of weeks, it has just been Brittany (my roommate) and me because everybody has been feeling the pressures of school and work as of late.  This week, Corinne was able to come over.  I usually see her about twice a week, but I hadn't seen her since before I went home to California.  Three weeks is a super long time for us to go without seeing each other.  Last night, I went to dinner with one of my other best friends, Emilee.  We tried out this cute little place on State Street called Tortilla Bar.  That was the first time in several weeks that I had seen her too.  So what? These nights made me realize how much I miss my friends. I have been so overwhelmed by work and school over the past few weeks that I haven't made a huge effort to see either of them.  It made me realize that it's okay to take breaks from school and have a social life.  I feel less stressed about all I have to get done after my chats with them.  Now what?  I'm still going to focus on school and work.  I need to in order to do well this semester and graduate on time.  But now, I also realize that it is important to get out and do things.  I will make more of an effort to make and keep plans with my buddies.

The Most Stressful Time of the Year

The next few weeks are going to be hectic! The end of February/beginning of March always is for me.  My to-do list literally fills up an entire piece of notebook paper.  Apparently every teacher thinks that their class is the only one students have.  Just to name a few things, I have a test to take by Saturday and a paper to write, a briefing article to research, and a business presentation to prepare--and that's just for Tuesday.  I also have taken on more responsibility at work and am doing all but one aspect (the one I couldn't do if I wanted to because the office is in California) of my full-time summer job.  Life is a bit crazy at the moment.  I have been working on my perspective in situations like these.  I have never been able to focus on one assignment at a time.  I look at the big picture, get overwhelmed, and completely shut down--and when I shut down, no amount of reason can pull me out of it.  So what? I have too much to do to shut down.  I have made a list and prioritized all of the things I need to get done.  Hopefully this will help me to remember to focus on everything individually and do my best to complete it rather than having a mental breakdown.  Now what?  I need to get started on the list!  This blog post is just one of the many things I will get to cross off today.  Hopefully I can stay motivated enough to get ahead on all that I have to do!

The Best Letter I've Ever Received

It came!!! On Friday, I had a friend pick up my admissions letter for the Public Relations program.  I GOT IN!!! I could not be more excited to begin my journey in this program.  To make the celebration even better, I got the news from my own bed in my own room in my house back home.  California has treated me well in the few days I've been home.  It has been a weekend of celebrations and enjoying the warm weather (it was 81 degrees yesterday).  So what? This is the beginning of my professional career.  This letter was what I needed to know that this is the field I'm supposed to be in.  I love the work and have loved all the classes I've taken so far.  This is what I needed to know that I am good enough and have the skills to make it in the field.  Now what?  I have a few informational meetings to go to and a meeting with the department counselor to plan out my last few semesters, and then I start classes in the fall.  It will be a lot of hard work, but I am ready for the challenge.  I cannot wait to move on with the next phase of my life.

The Weekend of Midterms

One week from today, I will be basking in the California sunshine.  I could not be more excited.  For some reason, I thought it would be a good idea to go right in the middle of midterm season.  Not a big deal, just means I have to rush to take all of my tests before I leave.  I'll be taking one test a day from today until Tuesday.  Well worth it to be able to get out of the freezing cold.  Have I mentioned ever that I hate it?  Anywho, the trick to this weekend will be getting in all of the study time I need to do well on my exams and still find time to complete the assignments I have due on Tuesday.  So what? I am horrible when it comes to time management.  I have a hard time looking at individual assignments and will get stuck and overwhelmed looking at the big picture.  I need to plan out my time and limit the chances for distractions.  If this means shutting down the internet (a tear streams down my face) then it must be done.  Now what?  I better get studying!  My first midterm is in class and starts in about an hour and a half.  I think I'm going to punish the essay questions but the vocab questions are going to be a little harder.  Good thing I brought my flashcards to campus.

The Art of Procrastination

This past weekend, I really wanted to do a lot of homework. Honest, I promise. But, when my phone buzzed Saturday morning, my weekend was done. Friday night I had made plans to go to Texas Roadhouse for dinner with my cousins (the Kramers on my dad's side). I had a great time and a nice break from the homework I had done all day. I planned on spending my whole Saturday reading Guns, Germs, and Steel for my paper in my history class. When I woke up on Saturday, I had a text from my friend, Kim. She was hoping she could leave three of her four children with me for an hour or so while she and her husband went to test-drive some trucks. I didn't think it would be a problem (her kids are super easy) and the kids came over. One thing led to another and I ended up out to lunch with them, driving up to Highland to see Les Misérables with Kim, and then staying at her house for dinner. It was about 7:30, the day was blown, so I decided to go visit my cousins (on my mom's side) who live just down the street. One thing led to another, I ended up spending the night and didn't make it back to Provo until about 5:30 Sunday evening.  This week has been crazy catching up on all the homework and assignments I'm behind on from spending the weekend working easy and playing hard.  So what?  We can all relate to wanting to have fun rather than working, but it's okay to say no to people.  I have never been good with that.  I try my best to accommodate everybody, even if it means I suffer in the end. I didn't need to hang out with Kim after she came to grab her kids.  I didn't need to spend the night at my aunt's, but I didn't say no.  My lack of responsibility left this week super unorganized and me completely frustrated with how much work I had to do.  Now what? I will say no when I have too much to do.  I never again want to feel so unprepared and flustered as I did this week.

The Terrifying Walk to Class

This is my third year at BYU.  Coming from Southern California (were it was a perfect 77º this past weekend) I have yet to learn to love the cold weather and snow.  My freshman year, I remember slipping and sliding (usually ending up on my butt) all the time.  My knees were permanently black and blue from how often I fell.  Last year, I was a little luckier.  I didn't fall once! I was so proud of myself. As I walked to class this morning, I experienced a little thing I had no idea even existed--freezing rain.  Campus is like an ice rink.  I fear for my knees.  So what?  Coming from California, I have no need for any snow gear.  I live in Vans, Toms, and boots.  If you know anything about any of these shoes, they have no traction on the bottom.  I'm setting myself up for a spill.  With this terrifying weather condition, I need to learn how to walk in the snow.  I called my dad, and he said to walk on the balls of your feet instead of the heels (like I normally do).  Doing so will cause your feet to slip backwards, giving you more control to catch yourself when you stumble.  Now what? I'm putting this idea into motion.  So far, so good.  I also plan on buying some shoes suitable for this crazy weather.  Hopefully I can make it without a major fall until then.

The Start of My Professional Life

This morning I did it.  I submitted my application to the Public Relations program here at BYU.  This isn't the first program I've applied to.  I came to BYU with the desire to become a nurse.  I went through that whole application process, but it was not as nerve-wracking as this one.  I could not sleep last night.  This just confirms to me that PR is the industry I am meant to be in. So what?  I have always believed that I can do whatever I set my mind to, but preparing to apply to this program has helped reinforce that in my mind.  My Intro to PR class was hard, but I knew that if I put in the time and effort I could do well.  And I did.  I know that I will be able to succeed throughout the rest of the program because of my determination to do well.  Now what?  Though the initial paperwork is in, I still have two major parts of my application to complete--an interview and a case analysis.  Now is the time to prepare for those pieces so I can ensure that I get a spot in this program.

The Little Box in the Living Room

I am a major TV junkie.  Ever since I was little, my mom, sister, and I have gathered around the TV to watch our favorite shows together.  Between the three of us, we watch just about every show on air and quite a few that have ended.  My love for TV has grown so much over the years that I have decided to make it the center of my career.  My goal is to work in the Public Relations department for NBC.  Now that Christmas break is over, all of my favorite shows are starting to come back from hiatus.  So what?  At the start of my TV-catch-up marathon it may not seem like a huge time sucker, but by the end of my run, a whole day has been wasted.  My shows are not something I'm giving up.  All my friends come to me with questions about last night's episode or the celebrities that star in them.  It's kind of my thing.  However, I don't have days that can just be wasted on TV.  Now what?  With the start of a new semester, I don't have time to spend *cough cough* 7 hours on some days watching shows.  I need to be better about managing my time so that I can do well in my classes as well as enjoy my favorite pastime.  In order to do this, I will limit my shows until after my homework and other responsibilities are done.  Hopefully, by following this rule, I will be able to have the best of both worlds.