Color Me Crazy

Running is a funny thing. Once upon a time people only ran for two reasons: catching dinner and running from a predator. Now, people run for exercise, for sports--dare I even say, for fun. Today I willingly woke up at 7:30am on a Saturday to run a 5K. 

Once we were all up and running around the apartment, we were scouring for a quick breakfast and panicking about our lack of preparation for transportation. We signed up for this 5K in the spring and neglected to pay attention to the fine details, like where it was and what information we need beforehand. That was a bad idea. The night before we learned it a few miles off of campus and that we would probably have to bike there. Only problem was one of our roommates doesn't have a bike--and we didn't arrange to have her borrow anyone's ahead of time because of our poor planning. As it turns out, our other friend that was running with us is in way too good of shape. So our roommate rode his bike, while he ran in front of us (he managed to stay ahead of us the whole time running, while we were biking.) He ran a couple miles there, ran the 5K, and then ran back. Here I am dying from barely running or riding in bike this summer, and he appears to be taking a colorful stroll in the park. 

On our way home it started raining so hard that I couldn't see because it got into my eyes and clouded my contacts. I couldn't put my sunglasses on to guard my eyes, because they were covered in the powder from the race. It was a really safe bike ride home as you might imagine. 

This whole event was a learning experience. So if you happen to have that crazy urge to pay to run approximately 3.1 miles in an organized event, there are a few things you may want to consider before arriving at the Starting Point.

Most importantly,

Find out where the race is and how you are going to get there before the night before. (If you choose to bike to and from your 5K, realize that you are exercising before and after you exercise.)

If you're doing a color run, make sure to have proper attire. Don't just focus on getting a white shirt and shorts. Dig out those old shoes that you don't care about getting messy--not the new ones you just got giddy over wearing to the gym. (DO NOT under any circumstances wear converse. Like I have mentioned, it's never a good idea.)

Check the forecast. You might not be able to do anything about it for a 5K you have already registered for, but at least you will know what to expect. If you have a trustworthy psychic on hand, maybe they can help you out when to plan your organized insane decisions exercising. 

Get proper sleep, and try to avoid pizza around 2 AM the night before the race. Just trust me on this one, guys.

If it is a color run, prepare for powder everywhere. Your body might be marked with color even after you shower.

Don't bring children. One child threw a temper tantrum around the 3rd kilometer. Boy did that motivate me to run faster though. So maybe you should bring children.

RUN the entire time--as fast as you can. Just kidding, especially if you don't take my advice and wear converse. Do you have any idea how much it hurts to run in converse? 

Hopefully you feel a little more prepared for your next 5K or at least you can laugh over the troubles 5K runners might encounter.

The Girls Are Back In Town

Exhausted.

Overheated.

Disconnected.

These three words describe how I felt most of the time I have been here. After months of packing, waiting, and buying I am finally moved into my first apartment. This week has consisted of apartment-wide sleepovers in the living room, impromptu dance parties with my roomies, and wondering when we were going to get wifi.

Exhausted. 

Moving is hard. I thought that packing for college was rough--unpacking was so much more difficult. I still can't remember where I put certain things, and I am figuring out how I want to organize and decorate.

I also don't have a car here, and getting back into walking everywhere is more difficult than I thought it would be. We have already walked so much. I have blisters on my feet, and my legs are sore from moving my things and going to work. Whenever I try to be productive, I have this overwhelming feeling of wanting to collapse onto our lovesac and indulge myself in a little time with Rory and Lorelai Gilmore (any Gilmore Girl fans here?).

Overheated. 

For the first few days I was here it was unbearably hot and humid, and on top of that when we got here we found out that there was only air conditioning in our living room. Our apartment is more like a townhouse. The living room is on the second level of the building, and then there are two more levels above that with the top level being a loft. My friend, Bridget, and I live in the loft--or rather, the closets of the loft. It sounds strange that we live in closets, but these walk-in closets fit an XL-Twin bed, a night stand, and there is still room at the end of my bed for more storage and a laundry basket.

But since heat rises, it was a completely different climate by the time you reached our room. Our roommates on the second floor didn't even want to sleep in their rooms, which were considerably cooler than ours (and by cooler, I mean that you didn't feel like you were melting quite as much as on the top floor). The living room was our little oasis, where we retreated to any chance that we got.

Disconnected.

I probably would have blogged by now, except we didn't get wifi until recently. We moved in Saturday, and we didn't have Internet until Wednesday--it's sad but in that time I felt so disconnected, because I do so much on the Internet. I couldn't keep up with my favorite blogs, it was harder to catch up with emails on my phone (especially using up my data), and I couldn't blog at all. Originally, I planned to get a few posts done last week that I would schedule for a couple days this week. In reality, packing and spending time with friends and family took up so much time and energy that there wasn't a lot of time to write. So it has been especially hard to be away from blogging when it wasn't by choice.

I also didn't expect to be cut off from Internet this long. We were supposed to have a router from a friend of one my roommates, but that didn't work out, and we kept thinking that it would. Finally, we went and got it ourselves, and we successfully hooked it up all by ourselves (no matter how much time it took us). Now, the only thing that stands between me and blogging is time. This year will be the ultimate test of time management. I have a full course load, a research lab, a job, and a blog. On top of that I want to get more involved in student organizations on campus. This will be another busy semester, but I am more ready for it than ever.

Despite all of the exhaustion, heat, and lack of wifi, it has been a great week so far. It feels so natural to be back in Madison and spending time with my college friends. We are nostalgic seeing our old dorm, we are thrilled to have our own place, and we are excited to see what everyone has been up to.

Right now I am:

Content.

Relaxed.

Connected.

I am back with my college friends, settling into our new apartment, and preparing for classes I am really excited about. What more could I ask for?

How has your week been? Did you face any unexpected troubles?

Must Have Beauty Products for Going Back to College

A year ago I was packing for my first year of college, wondering if I would make friends easily, and worrying about what it would be like to be in a lecture with over a hundred other students. My freshman year I learned a lot, inside and outside of the lecture halls. Today I am heading back for round 2.

At first I wanted to share something super insightful heading off to school, but seeing as this has been a busy time (packing for college and all), I decided to share some of the items on my packing list that I had to make sure I got.

Original Image from Picjumbo

// ONE // 

Redken Iron Shape

If you are going to be styling with heat, you need to protect your hair. Coming from someone with sometimes out-of-control curls and frizz (don't be fooled by the pictures on the blog--the curls must be tamed), I am often straightening or touching up curls with hot styling tools. It is no secret that these tools are harmful, but having a good protective spray can minimize the damage, and help you feel better about making your hair look the way you want it. 

ULTA Beauty $16

 //TWO// 

Neutrogena Naturals Fresh Cleansing + Makeup Remover

For years I used the recognizable orange bottle of Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash--you know the one with the "#1 Dermatologist Recommended." It's true, in middle school my doctor told me that I would see the best results from this face wash. I stayed faithful to that orange facewash until I tried Neutrogena Naturals in our bathroom last year while I was back at home. I would never go back after using naturals. It feels so much better on your face, and this kind even has the make up remover, cutting down your time getting ready for bed. 

Target $6

//THREE//

Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets

Going back to school August or early September means that it's probably going to be hot and humid. I find that during these times oil absorbing sheets are my best friend, because a rise in heat and humidity can cause skin's oil production levels to increase. They are compact and portable, making it easy to toss into your purse or bag when you are on the go. If you already have oily skin or are more prone to breakouts during this time, these sheets are a great solution for a good price.

Target $4.50

//FOUR// 

Garnier® Fructis Style® Volumizing Anti-Humidity Aerosol Hairspray

This hairspray is the best thing that I could have come across with my curly hair. During the most humid times at the end of summer, my hair will barely straighten, and by the time I get it to look half decent it starts to curl again. And in case you haven't seen it, half straight-half curly hair is not a style that anyone looks good with. We are not talking about beach waves or big barrel curls at the ends. I am talking about frizzy, large, ship-wrecked-looking hair. Not only does this product give me a healthy-dose of volume, but it prevents me from looking like a woman from the eighties who just wondered out of the jungle. (It's really that bad--or at least I think so.) But this doesn't only work for people with curly hair--it's perfect for keeping in place a 'do that you spent a while working on, and it doesn't leave your hair feeling crunchy or stiff.   

Target $3.50

//FIVE//

Loreal BB Cream

I love my BB Cream. Since I have sensitive, acne-prone skin, I have also invested in some more expensive foundation and full-face makeups. But for $8 you can't go wrong with this BB Cream. It's especially great when I am in a hurry and want to cover up some of the imperfections on my face. This makeup corrects your skin for an all around even complexion. On top of that it hydrates and smooths your skin. It can also be used for touch ups later in the day, especially since you might be sweating off your makeup in the heat.

Target $8

 What are some of you favorite beauty products? Do you prefer special items around this time? 

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. All of the products in this post are ones that I use and would recommend.
*Prices might vary by location.

Friday Favorites

Yesterday was one of my favorite days of the year: the day that I go to the Minnesota State Fair. I don't so much like the overabundance of people and dirty surroundings (as it was the first day, it really wasn't that bad--the real filth rolls in around the last few days of the Great Minnesota Get Together). However, I am a big fan of food. Isn't everyone?

I don't know about other state fairs, but in Minnesota we apparently like things deep fried and on a stick. Is that pretty normal? I guess it is America, after all--the land where McDonald's is the number one food-chain, and companies have convinced us that two patties on a burger is obviously better than one. It's sad really, but that's a topic for another day. Today I want to talk about food, and how much I look forward to my favorite Fair-Foods. 

A couple of years ago I wrote a post called "Can I have that deep fried on a stick?" There's one part that still remains true, and probably always will--and that is the 3 things you can guarantee at the Minnesota State Fair.

So today, I want to share some of my favorite treats at the fair. 

//ONE//

Sweet Martha's Cookies 

Sweet Martha's Cookies are everyone's favorite (and by everyone I mean everyone I associate with, because I don't understand how we could be friends if you didn't love these gooey-bites of chocolate-chip heaven). They are warm, fresh, and if you do it right, served with an ice-cold glass of milk. Yum. 

//TWO//

Fudge Puppy

What is a fudge puppy? Only a Belgian waffle on a stick covered in chocolate, with whipped topping and sprinkles. In one word: delicious.

//THREE//

Deep-Fried Candy Bar 

I have to admit I was a skeptic for years. I mean who needs to deep fry an already sugary fatty substance? But it turns out deep-fried Reese's Peanutbutter cups are kind of amazing. Sadly, I didn't get one this year, but seeing as I ate plenty of other unhealthy foods, my blood sugar is probably thanking me for refraining. 

//FOUR//

Pronto Pup 

A pronto pup is like a corndog, but better. I really couldn't tell you what makes them so much tastier, other than the batter on this dog must be prepared with a much better recipe, because they always have me coming back for more. 

//FIVE//

 Corn on the Cob

This corn is fresh, flavorful and fantastic. It's hard to look at other cobs the same way, because I have tasted the savory delight that awaits near the Grand Stand. But beware: you will be in need of dental floss afterward. My parents have always talked about how they should open a stand selling floss next-door. However, since that plan was never put into motion, it's best to come prepared or remember to snag a toothpick before you leave.

//SIX//

 Fresh Fries

These are often simply referred to as "Fair Fries" by Minnesotans. Ah, Fair Fries. They are fresh, and live up to their reputation of being some of the best fries in the state. However, I witnessed the beginning of my four-year-old sister becoming a fry-snob when she refused to eat them, because they were not from Honey and Mackie's. That's right, folks. You heard it here first, Fresh Fries has some stiff competition. Maybe you can settle the dispute by stopping in and seeing what all the fuss is about Honey and Mackie's fries.

//SEVEN//

Bacon on a Stick

This was the food that I originally thought looked gross, because I am a self-proclaimed anti-aficionado of bacon. What does that mean? I am not that big of a fan. In fact, you might go as far as to say that I don't like it. Gasp! Did I just say that I don't like bacon? Sorry, guys. (Unless you don't like bacon, too. In that case, let's be friends!) But I have to admit this thick-cut bacon was pretty tasty. With that being said, it's definitely not my new favorite thing at the fair, and I continue to keep living a relatively bacon-free lifestyle.

What do you like to eat the fair? Do you have any new favorites this year?

Breathe In, Breathe Out

Breathe In, 

Your breath should be heard.

In yoga, they tell us to focus on our breathing, to make our breath louder than our thoughts. We are supposed to concentrate on our breathing, making it slower, more audible, soothing. It drowns out all the troubles that we have outside of the walls of the studio. All of our "flaws" that we are self conscious about, all of the negativity and doubt, all of the pain we might carry with us, is all left behind. 

Your breath should be calming.

When I complete my final Shavasana (the last post in yoga--where you lay flat on your back, soaking up all the benefits of your practice), I feel renewed, calm, and ready for the outside world. Inevitably the stresses of the outside world get to me. I eventually get tense or frustrated, and I have to take myself back to the inner peace I feel during yoga. I purposefully slow my breathing, making the breath audible--even oceanic, as they tell often tell you to do during your practice.  

You breath should be long.

In school, they teach you that a comma indicates a breath. It signals a "pause" in a sentence. But a semicolon is used to connect two similar ideas when something stronger than a comma is needed. The image above symbolizes the moments when you feel like giving up, when everything becomes too much to handle. You take that breath: breath in, breath out. Suddenly the stress and worries you had before become a little more manageable. The deeper and longer the breath the more relaxed you feel. 

Your breath should be relieving.

When I am feeling overheated in yoga I take a deep inhale and take an open-mouth exhale to release the heat. They tell us to do this or go into child's pose if we are feeling overheated or out-of-sync with our breath. Lately, I have encountered more stressors than usual, and I hold my stress in my stomach. I call them my "stress stomach aches", triggered by anxiety and worry. When other people in my life are hurting, I hurt, and while feeling other people's pain can be in our nature, it can take a real tole on you. One of my good friends reminded me that it is good to empathize with others, but I can't go on their journey with them. I cannot take on the problems of the world, no matter how much I might want to help others. So I will do my best to see the beauty within them, and hope that someone can seek solace in my words.

Your breath should be forgiving.

In a stressful situation, I have to actively remind myself to take deep breaths. Inhale...1...2...3. Exhale...1...2...3. Respond. Yoga has taught me to live in the moment, but that can be easier said than done. In our practice we are supposed to focus on the present, and not hold onto the past. That can be as simple as forgiving your body for not staying balanced in a certain pose. Or it can be as complex as forgiving yourself for the negative thoughts you had or negative actions in your life. 

Your breath should be steady.

When you are in the present moment you do not hold onto the things that went wrong yesterday, and you don't worry about the possible dilemmas of the future. You concern yourself with what is happening right now. In this moment. Sometimes you don't want to be in the present moment, because it is hard, and it is uncomfortable. But you remember while you are in the moment that it won't last forever, and that like with the semicolon, there is a story on the other side. So slow down, take a breath. Know that everything takes time, but when you get to look back, you will see that the rough patch--that time when everything seemed too much to handle, that road block you thought was a dead end--was the semicolon that told two similar stories. Both were about you, connected by the moment when you realize there is so much more to come.

Breathe Out.

Credit: The Berry

This Weeks Goals

This week I have a lot to do. It's my last week at home before I go back to college, and it's one of the busiest weeks I have had all summer. 

Goals For the Week:

• Start packing for college
• Make a Sponsor Page to Swap Buttons
• Do one last summer craft
• Exchange buttons with at least one other blogger
• Try one new food at the State Fair
• Spend time with friends from home before we go back
• Write a post about going back to college
• Make a blog schedule for the coming weeks
• Cherish every moment I have last with my little sister

As you can see, I already checked a couple off between yesterday and this morning. I felt like they were worth mentioning, because I have meaning to do both for a while now. Packing is awful. I detest sorting through all of my stuff and deciding what to bring and what not to bring. Last year my roommate and I brought way too much stuff. Our room was cluttered and messy the majority of the time, and I want to do whatever I can to make sure that I don't bring more than I need this year. However, being an apartment makes things a little different. We are forced to bring a lot more than last year anyway, and it has been a lot of work to communicate what everyone is bringing and make sure that we have everything we need. 

That being said, I am thrilled to be living with these girls this year, and I can't wait to see what adventures we have in our first apartment. It's strange to think that it is happening so soon, because it is something we have been talking about so long that it doesn't seem real. 

I also wanted to announce to any bloggers that I now have a "Sponsor" page. As I am still in the growing phase, this means that I am interested in "Free-Button-Swaps". If this sounds like something you're interested in, take a peak at my Sponsor Page. I look forward to hearing from you. 

Today's post was inspired by "Call Me Sassafras".

On Making Waffle Cones

Photo Credit: Plymouth Magazine

This is the only Saturday that I have had off all summer, and it is bittersweet. It is the last Saturday that I will spend at home before I go back, and I have a lot to do to get ready for school. I haven't even started packing. While I am more than ready to return to college, it is always sad to watch summer come to end. I spent this summer taking care of my little sister, Sydney, and working part time at local ice cream and french fry shop (which is not called "Ice Cream and French Fries"--like many people think because they read the logo wrong), Honey and Mackie's. That's right, we serve ice cream and french fries, folks. The perfect combination of sweet and salty. Plus, if you're looking for a little something more we also serve hot dogs, and have some specialty fries that are a little more filling.

In trying to describe my second summer working here, I decided to make a visual. Without further ado, I present you with my venn diagram.

Now, for some further explanation. At first I thought a simple pro-con list might do to describe my feelings toward my work. But I realize there were some aspects that fell somewhere in the middle.

For instance, discounted ice cream and french fries might be seen as a perk, or it might be seen as a fast track to keeping on the freshman 15 (that you might or might not have gained).

Getting easily scared by your manager. If you read, "Forget Monsters. I'm Scared of Living People,"  you would know that I am easily startled--and for some reason this comes out even more at work. Luckily the majority of the "instances" (aka me screaming over my manager walking into a room unannounced or the like) have been when we are slow so I haven't managed to frighten any customers. But apparently I have more than proved my lung capacity--oops!

And then, there is making waffle cones. Sounds fun, right? The mouth-watering aroma of waffle cone batter fills the store. Our cones are fresh and homemade--both great characteristics of any food place. Plus, customers get a front-row seat in the action, because we make them right behind the dipping cabinets filled with homemade ice cream. (Have I made you want to stop in yet?)

Behind the counter is a tad different. You have to get the batter just right: too thick you end up with mushy wannabe waffles and too thin you end up with waffle bites (which we sell for only $1). Then you have to worry about getting an even color throughout the cone. You don't want it to be too light and you don't want to burn it, and you don't want one half to be considerably darker than the other side. If you fill it the waffle cone maker with too much batter you have to scrape the edges, because otherwise it will have gooey batter around the cone. Careful! Don't reach over the waffle cone makers while they are hot--you will get burned. Next you have to worry about rolling it. They are rolled in this little contraption with a pointed roller, and if you push the roller in too far you end up with too big of a hole on the bottom, which means ice cream would drip right out. Plus, if you don't roll it right after you get it out, it will harden, which means more waffle bites.

Once you start getting good at making waffle cones, you inevitability attempt making two at once. This is where it gets even trickier. You can't put both down at once because, like I said, you have to roll them as soon as you take them out, and unless you have super powers (which would totally land you a job here, or possibly your own reality show) it is impossible to roll two at once. The timers are screaming at you left and right. And even though you waited until one was half done to put down another one, you end up with two done at the same time, because one wasn't done after a minute for whatever reason. Or maybe  three families walked in, children pressing their grubby fingers against the sneezeguard of the dipping cabinets, and you're elbow deep in waffle batter.

But at the end of the day you still love your job, because you leave a hard days work flexing your newly toned arms and thinking about all the smiles from the little girls and boys who just wanted a little ice cream before dinner. And you're not even scared, because the awesome people you work with can't startle you any more.*

This post was not sponsored. I really love my job. 

*No one actually tries to scare me at work--I can't seem to figure out why I am so easily startled.

Discoveries From the Bin

This summer the Bin has undergo many changes. I completely redecorated, but once I started, it couldn't end there. The more I read other blogs, and the more I learned about HTML/CSS the more I wanted to change. It has been an incredible experience spending more time with my blog, and I have loved every minute of it.

Today I will even be featured on a blog I've mentioned before, "Life Could Be a Dream." Check out one of my favorite blogs to see my feature and more. Jana has some really great posts--find some of here most popular posts here.

Check out some of my other favorite discoveries of the week.

From Her Campus--the UW-Madison Chapter--I found:

"20 Thoughts That Go Through Your Head Before and While Working Out" 

From Kiersten's, "She is Fierce", twitter I found:

"Are You Missing Out on Life While You're Checking Your Smart Phone?"

From Whitney Blake's blog I found:

"18 Things I Learned at My First Blog Conference"

From Gina Alyse's blog I found: 

"Destination: College - A Blog Hop

From The Daily Tay I found: 

"Exercise Tips For Those Who Don't Like To Exercise"

Just another day from the Life in the Lost and Found Bin. Hope you found something you like. 

What have you discovered this week?

P.S. I updated my About Page, added a Contact Page, and I have a few new Must Reads.

Why I Write 2.0

I first started blogging in September of 2011. It had been something I heard about and some people even told me it was something I should try when I told them about my writing. But it wasn't until that first day of AP Comp that I actually made it. It was called "Write Away", and my reader base consisted of my teacher and sometimes my classmates. This was the first time I was forced to articulate why I write. Up until this assignment I hadn't thought of it that much. Why do I write?

In 2011 I wrote this small post with seemingly banal reasons of why I write, essentially saying, because I like to, because I want to get better, and because it helps me keep my thoughts straight. At that time all of those things might have been true. All I knew was that I enjoyed spending hours in front of an empty page or blank document. I could carefully craft sentences to create meaning, and that made me feel powerful. Most of my writing up until AP Comp was fictional--I spent hours upon hours dreaming up characters and plot lines that sometimes I imagined myself in these made up worlds.

The semester after AP Comp I took a creative writing class. One day we were going around our usual circle talking about what we wanted to do with our lives. In AP Comp I had finally overcome my fear of being a writer, and decided to admit that I enjoyed it, despite the negative stigma often associated with choosing a "creative path". I wrote my final paper about my decision to become a writer, and ditching my dreams to be a doctor. My final line was something like, "Just call me Dr. Wordsmith." I had come to terms with my decision to follow my dreams, even if that meant sacrificing the stability that came with going into a field like medicine--or so I thought. That day my creative writing teacher asked me what I wanted to do I said, "My ultimate dream would be to do something in the film industry, but that isn't really possible...so, I don't know yet."

She looked at me funny and said, "Why not?"

I had never told anyone that I had this kind of dream before, and I definitely didn't expect that kind of response. The possibility of making it in the world of film seemed so daunting (still does) that I wrote it off before I let myself really want it. But when she questioned me I didn't really have a good reason not to do it. If telling people that I wanted to be a writer was difficult, admitting that I dreamed to make movies someday seemed next to impossible. Yet, once I got it out there I allowed myself to accept this dream--it was a challenge that I was ready to take on. Again, or so I thought.

Last November I wrote a post "Ten Thousand Hours" about my dedication to my passion. But I struggle with my goals every day. I worry that I am not good enough. I worry what other people think about my dreams. I worry about what it will be like if I actually try to go after my dreams. I worry that I will fail. I worry that the people who doubted me along the way will be there to say, "I told you so." I worry that these people exist--but I think I create most of the doubt. We really can be our own worst enemies.

Custom "Hey Girl"

However, these doubts and worries fuel my passion even more. They push me to get my writing out there. They push me to prove myself (if only to myself). They push me to keep going, even if I am busy or drained from the day.

A year ago, I wrote about someone telling me that I wouldn't make money from writing and I should keep it as a hobby. And it stung. It made me feel like I wasn't good enough--and it made me consider other options more seriously. That's part of the reason I thought about becoming an engineer last fall. That person still thinks it is simply a hobby to me, and that I spend too much time blogging and writing. They think of it as a waste of time.

But that's ok, because I think of it as happiness.

I write because:

• It makes me happy.
• At the end of a long day there is nothing I would rather do.
• I want to maximize the time that I spend doing what makes me happy.
• It's something I can share with others.
• I want to encourage other people to do what they love, and I want something I say to resonate with someone else. I want my words to mean something. 

How to Make the Most Out of the End Of Summer

Summer's End...Already?

For students August usually signifies the end of a much-needed break. It's usually not over right away, but you are already on the downward slope, and there is no slowing down from here. All of the things you want to do have to get done in August. Forgot you wanted to stay up all night having a Harry Potter marathon with friends? Now's the time to do it. Forgot you wanted to take a spontaneous road trip? Now's the time to do it. Forgot you weren't ready for summer to end? Now's the time to accept it. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but summer doesn't last for ever. However, it is not over yet (for most of us--sorry if it is for you). So take this time to really make the most of what is left.

We are close to halfway through August. I already move into my first apartment a week from this Saturday. Last year it seemed like something we only talked about, an imaginary future that would never truly arrive on our doorstep. But this is for real now. My roommates and I spent 2 hours delegating who would bring what last weekend over video chat, and I still can't believe we are actually moving in this soon. 

1. Summer Bucket list: It's never too late to make a tangible representation of what you want to do before summer's end. Maybe if you have it written out, it will make it feel more official, and you can hold yourself accountable for what you want to do. It might be easier to make plans at the last minute or overdose on Netflix, but if you have bigger plans for this summer, make them happen. 
2. Make Concrete Plans: Early June is the time to say "I am free whenever." Mid August is the time to say "I am available at 6:30 on Thursday. Make time for me." You don't want to miss out on your final days with friends you won't see for a long time because you couldn't coordinate schedules. So make the time, and make sure you don't miss out. 
3. Live in the moment: Yes, summer is almost over. But it is not over, so don't count it done and spend every second obsessing about what Fall will hold. Of course Autumn is filled with wonderful things, too--for many it's big sweaters, Pumpkin spiced anything, or football season. These are all things to look forward to, but it is not time for that yet. Appreciate the sunshine and warm weather while we have it. 
4. Take Advantage of End of Season Sales: But don't go crazy. What you like now might not be the same by the beginning of next summer. So be cautious, but there are plenty of end-of-summer sales that are filled with wonderful items at a great price. I know I said "live in the moment", but in terms of shopping, that's usually not a good idea. After all, if I purchased everything my heart desired at that moment, I would be as much debt as my credit card limit allowed. 
5. Have a lazy day: Forget everything I just said for a moment, and take a day off. Save all of the stuff I just mentioned for all of the other days of summer, and take one day to do absolutely nothing. You deserve some time to yourself to be a beach bum or even lounge around the house. For those over-productive types this can be the hardest one on the list. If you feel like you always have to be doing something, relaxing can be incredibly challenging. You're thinking, The lazy bird didn't catch the worm--or something like that. But sometimes your body just needs to be at rest. A day off will leave you feel refreshed and give you the energy to conquer anything you want to get done when you get back to work. 

#Foodgrams

A couple of weeks ago I posted "10 Must See Instagrams". I enjoyed creating the post, because I love finding creative photos, and I always want to share them. So today I decided to create a food-themed instagram post. Some people gag at the sight of a foodgram, because it is terribly "cliche" and "amateur". But instagram is for the amateurs. It is "insta", because it is an app created to share special moments insta-ntly. These photos are not supposed to be professional quaily (they are usually taken with smartphones, after all)--yet some take professional-looking photos, and I envy these people. So check out some of my favorite Instagrams, featuring food, from the last few months.

Warning: these photos might stimulate hunger.

 

  

11 Things I Wish I Knew Before Freshman Year

Going to college is exciting. It is a new chapter of your life, and it is a transitional period. You are becoming an independent adult, and that is an incredible thing. But it is also scary. You are in a new place with a lot of unfamiliar faces, and if you are living on campus, you have to adjust to a new home.

Last year when I was getting ready college, I spent a lot of time finding articles (mainly from pinterest) with lists about things I should know before I go and what I should bring. No list is going to be able to cover everything you want to know before you head off, but I know they brought me a lot of comfort. So I want to share a few things I wish I would have considered before I moved in.

1. Befriend your RA. Your resident adviser--house fellow, floor adviser, community adviser, or whatever you call it at your school-- is there to help you. Sure, they get paid to make sure that you are behaving and not harming yourself or floormates, but they are more than that. They are people, too--often people with a lot of experience on campus. These guys know the best restaurants, the best ice cream, and best discounted text books. If you need advice, they are a great resource just down the hall. Take the time to get to know your RA, because upperclassman friends can be the best kind.

2. Find out what makes you look like a freshman. But don't be afraid to look like a freshman, because news flash: you are one. (Unless you're not, and you're just reading this for fun. In which case, I hope you realized this at one point, too.) As soon as I got on campus, I learned there are many indications that you are a freshman. Some of them include, having a lanyard for your keys and/or Student ID, not starting to walk into the crosswalk before the walk sign turned on (this one is not necessarily an indication, but it quickly became apparent that most people who had been around a while knew exactly when they could start walking), walking around with large groups of people at night (because no one knows what is going on yet and everyone wants other people to be lost with), and of course, the obvious one, asking for directions to any building. Like I said, it's okay to look like a freshman; just know, it might be painfully obvious at first that you are a newbie.

3.You don't need to be in a sorority or fraternity to find friends. You will make friends! This is the scary part: coming into college without your best friends that you have known since kindergarten. It doesn't mean that you won't keep your high school friends (I still love mine!), but you need a little time apart. "It's not you--it's college. And I think we should see other people." Just kidding. I am telling you that you don't have to break up with your old friends--just find new ones, too. And you don't have to join a sorority or frat to do it. If that's not the reason you want to join one, and you want that experience, by all means go be recruited! Personally, I found out quickly that sorority life was not in my future.

4. It's okay to be "undecided". Unless you are considering being an engineer. If you think you might want to become an engineer, you should start on that track right away. It is much easier to switch out of that program than to try to get into it once you start taking other classes. But if you don't want to spend your time engineering anything, than you probably have time to get it figured out. Don't feel like you need to know what you are going to do by the end of your first lecture freshman year.

5. Be Yourself.  Everyone wants to "reinvent" themselves in college--to be someone different than they were in high school.  This desirable person is more mature, good-looking, suave (uses words like suave). It's okay to want to present yourself differently, but make sure you are being true to yourself. You can still be a more mature version of yourself with doing a 180. Don't pretend to be someone you're not.

6. College is not, at all, like the show Greek. When the show Greek came on ABC Family, I thought it had college spot on. All of the movies I had seen always involved endless wild parties and people standing up in lectures to profess their love for someone or tell their opinion on life. Maybe I am not taking the right classes, but usually when I go to class I can expect to listen to a professor drown on about whatever the subject is without any significant disruptions. With that being said, I did have a professor dance Gangnam Style last semester while we watched the music video--so I guess they are somewhat entertaining. But I remember watching an episode of Greek with my mom one time and saying that I hoped my college experience would be as exciting as that. My mom warned me not to expect it to be like that. College involves work--a lot of work, and that means sometimes saying no to fun because you have study or write a paper. Even on--gasp!--a Saturday night.

7. Don't try to be an engineer just because all the cool kids are doing it. That one is a bit specific, I know. But this can apply to any field that other people revere. Your major is a MAJOR decision. And it should be 100% your decision. You are here for yourself, and you know what makes you happy. At the end of the day, what you are the most passionate about is what you will be the most successful in, because you will enjoy doing it and put more work in. First semester I talked to a lot of people who were going for engineering, and I have heavily considered engineering in the past. So I thought, maybe this is it. Maybe it is worth staying in school longer to have a more successful career. But then I realized I don't have to be in a STEM career to be successful. After talks with a fellow classmate, Nan (my wonderful floor-mate), my grandma, and best friends, I knew I should pursue my dreams. But it was so scary--but one of my favorite quotes is "If your dreams don't scare you, they aren't big enough." So do what you want to do, and don't become an engineer, businesses person, medical professional, etc. unless it is 100% your dream.

8. Go to the Student Organization Fair, but don't give everyone your email. My friends and I really enjoyed the Student Org Fair, and we even joined a couple Orgs. However, my roommate and I gave out our email to almost every stand that seemed interesting. And that was a big mistake. We received so many emails over the course of the year that I felt like I was a part of some of these organizations that I never attended. As a student you will already get a surplus of emails, and it is overwhelming. Don't make the mistake of trying to join every organization on campus (don't worry we didn't try to join every org, but it was bad).

9. Be prepared for encountering situations that you don't know how to handle. Whether or not you want to admit it, you were at least somewhat dependent on your parents to help you deal with your problems until you went off to college. It's not like you can't call them to help you through certain dilemmas, but now is the time to start figuring things out for yourself. And there will be certain times that you don't know what to do, but you won't want to talk it through with Mom and Dad. You won't have all the answers, and sometimes you will mess up. Learn from those times, and be really proud of yourself when it turns out well. Now you take all of the responsibility if it goes wrong, but you get all the credit if it is a success.

10. Find your friends, but don't worry if you are not friends with everyone. I found the majority of my college friends within the first couple weeks. Throughout the year I felt bad that I didn't even know some of the people on my floor, and that I wasn't very close with certain people. But you can't be friends with everyone. If you were, you would be a crappy friend, because you would have limited time to dedicated to all of them. You have the opportunity to make a lot of great friends, so take this time to figure out who you click with, and work on time management so that you can spend time getting to know them. (Late night talks are the best! Who needs sleep anyway?)

11. Go to Welcome Week events. I put this one last because it is the first thing you will encounter. At the beginning I remember we spent time considering what we should really go to, because some of the events sounded pretty pointless. But these events are created for you. They are to help make this new place seem a little less scary and more like home. One of my first experiences on campus was sitting on a bus for over an hour, because my roommate and I didn't know which stop to get off on to find one of the unions. We completely missed the introductory event for our dorm. Later we learned, if we would have just walked there, we would have only been a couple minutes late. So I guess this one is two tips: wait to get to know the bus system until you have the time to get lost, and make sure to make the most out of welcome week. Plus, there is always tons of free stuff. Who doesn't love that?

If you enjoyed this, you should also check out "10 Things You Learn At College."

More college:
"Finals, Freak-Outs, and Other Fun"
"Ten Thousand Hours"
"Time Management"
"I've Been in Love With Love"

Happily shared with "Seeking Individuality."