It's been awhile...

It's been awhile since my last post, so obviously I've worn a lot of clothes between now and then... I apologize for not blogging more often.  Classes, Ultimate Frisbee, and band come first, but trust me, I've been trying not to slack in my outfit selection.

A few things I'd like to discuss:
-my recent staples
-my new favorite pieces
-some cute outfits I've worn
-the weather today :)

My recent staples:
-My black-and-grey striped TOMS.  I wear them everywhere and with everything (except sweats... for some reason, I think TOMS with sweats look stupid).
-The dark green, purple, and red v-neck t-shirts I bought at Wet Seal.  I think that every time I do laundry I wash at least two of them.
-Tank tops.  I only had one black cami, so when my mom and aunt took me shopping, I bought another black cami, a cream colored cami, a black/cream striped tank, a cream/tan striped tank, and a sparkly black tank top. Seriously, they are perfect for layering underneath sweaters, leathers jackets, or simple low-cut/see-through tops.

My new(ish) favorite pieces:
-My silver moon/star ring.  It reminds me of my dream to go to outer space.  When I feel down about school, it reminds me what I'm working towards... and it honestly encourages me.
-My green leather jacket. I bought it at Macy's last Thanksgiving, and I wore it for probably the third time on Friday.  And I rocked it.  Note to self: find more things to wear it with.
-My black Candie's jeggings/stretch pants.  I hate to call them jeggings because they're soft and not denim, but I hate to call them stretch pants because they are rather dressy... but I've already mentally designed multiple outfits to wear them with.

Cute outfits:
-Green leather jacket, black jeggings, black cami, my key necklace, my green bead dangly earrings, and black pointed flats (with zippers!).  Pulled my hair back by doing my usual side part and then twisting it.

-For Beauty and the Beast: black pencil skirt with my purple top (the sleeves are slightly puffy) tucked in.  Pointed black heels, pearl earrings, and my black-and-white patterned trench coat (see right) completed the outfit. Oh, and don't forget my perfect over-the-shoulder, navy purse (also from NYC last Thanksgiving).
-Purple v-neck, light blue jeans (Aeropostale, slightly flared), pearl earrings, black-and-grey TOMS, navy zip-up hoodie underneath and black and white jacket... perfect for a colder day and shopping with my mom and aunt!

The weather here is lovely today though slightly windy.  Have to admit, I'm loving it.  I should be outside, but instead I'm taking care of random business in my dorm room.  Boiler Brass game tonight, so I'll be rockin' the sparkly gold TOMS with bumblebee knee socks. :)

Boiler up and dress up!

Back to school!

Oh the typical back-to-school frenzy.  I survived my first week... but it was a long one.

Due to the fact that I really only have classes on MWF (Tuesdays and Thursdays consist of band and a lab every other week), I only dress up on MWF.  It is almost a little sad, but I WORK IT those days.  Because my boyfriend is in 3 of my 4 aero classes, I try extra hard.

Monday:  my beige, purple, and orange kimono dress from Target with a beige cami underneath.  Simple gold hoop earrings and my KKY lavalier complimented my outfit.  My new Candies gladiator sandals (with a slight heel) showed off my still-intact pedicure.

Wednesday:  looked like a sorority girl in my black KKY v-neck (the letters are black-and-white zebra on a hot pink background)... I forgot that this weekend is recruitment, so I matched hundreds of girls on campus sporting their letters and v-necks.  I punk my outfit up a little with pink Converse low-tops and jean bermudas, but I keep it classy with pearl earrings.

Friday:  rocked my scholarly look.  Navy blue cargo shorts, white cami, navy-and-white striped button-up top.  Unfortunately, I do not own navy sandals, so I wore my black sandals and matched them with my key necklace (my sisters and I all made similar ones).  I felt cute and inspired to study.

Well here's to fashion and the weekend!  -K

Happiness is...

Here is a list (both superficial and sincere) of things that make me happy:

1. Watching a movie with my family

2. Wearing THE PERFECT outfit 

3. Playing a cool arpeggio on the clarinet

4. Texting my boyfriend

5. Finishing a page or two for my scrapbook

6. Seeing that people 'liked' my Facebook status (as lame as this is, I really do love it when people are into what I'm doing)

7. Getting over $2 in tips at DQ in one shift

8.  Giving someone the BEST GIFT EVER

9. Surprising people

10. Reading a classic novel (among my favorites are Les Miserables, To Kill A Mockingbird, The Scarlet Letter)

11. Reading a predictable teen book like the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants...

12. Singing while driving

13. Drinking a frappe, cappuccino, or latte

14. Making other people smile

15. Doing God's Horn with my tenor saxophone or playing Hail Purdue

So here's to the things that make us happy.  My suggestion to you: make a list like this, and when you're feeling down, pick one and do it :) 

Sunshine and smiles... K

Summer Musings

Ahhh... Today is the first day in a long time that I do not have to work or do something major (like travel to Davenport for a DCI show).  Of course, I don't know what to do with my free time... and I feel like I've wasted my day.  It's 2:30 p.m., and I've hardly done anything.  Ugh.  I hate that I can't relax... I feel stressed when I have nothing to do...

Anyway, I've done some fun things these past few days. I saw two DCI shows and a fair parade, hung out with my friend who drove 11 hours one way to see me, and saw a bunch of my Kappa Kappa Psi brothers.  So having nothing to do today is a let-down.  Fortunately, I have this weekend to look forward to!  I'm going shopping with Lisa and Laura in Des Moines.  Here are the places I want to stop at to buy CLOTHES:

1.  Target (they have some really CUTE stuff, including lots of dresses)
2.  Forever 21 (I am hoping they have tunics/dresses to wear over leggings, as I'm trying to expand my style to more than jeans/shorts and fashion tops)
3.  Charlotte Russe (I have 18.25 left on a giftcard, and it's burning a hole in my pocket!  When we went shopping with Amanda and Amanda this weekend, I bought two rings there; however, I'd like to buy new shirts/dresses when I go shopping this upcoming weekend).
4.  American Eagle (I'm not usually a big fan of A.E., but Laura swears by them and their sale prices.  I hope to find a v-neck t to replace my magenta one).

Hope you're enjoying the sun and staying cool :)

Outfits for Outings

During the past few days, I've taken a few outings.  On Friday, I went to Iowa City (boo Hawkeyes) to see my little sis, Laura, play her end-of-band-camp concert.  Of course, that called for a nice, cute outfit that demonstrated effort and looked stylish for a college town.

Outside the old capitol building in Iowa City

Hence, my dark yet (in my opinion) sophisticated outfit!  A black fitted-t: truly the perfect addition to any wardrobe.  They are so versatile... I can dress it up (with khakis or skirts) or down (with sweatpant capris).  I chose to pair it with my new silk scarf from Roma, pearl earrings (classic, but overworn by me), a black belt, my nude sandals from Greece (not seen in picture, obviously), and jean shorts.  For once, they aren't short shorts.  And I'll tell you why.  As a runner/marching-band-geek (love it!) my thighs are very muscular.  I love my legs, but longer shorts and capris look better than short shorts.



Anyway, yesterday found me at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo with one of my bestest best friends, Jared. That called for another picture-worthy outfit but of a different caliber.  As it was hot and sunny (for most of the day), I needed something light-weight but with enough coverage.

In the Desert Dome at the Henry Doorly Zoo

My magenta v-neck is perfect for summer!  It's a little worn out (so it might get thrown away at the end of summer).  I tucked it into navy cargo shorts for a more grown-up look.  My magenta bracelet from Morocco matched perfect, as did my small, navy purse from Strawberry (in NYC).  Again, the nude sandals completed my outfit.   My legs ached by the end of the day (I should have worn my pink Chucks), but it was a great day!  I loved seeing the giraffes, zebra, tigers, fish, and the jungle, but most of all I enjoyed spending time with a good friend.

Update on my summer to-do list!

So far, I have done a lot on my list!

I have:
Read 3 books (check!)
Scrapbook-ed 10 pages (halfway there!)
Sewn up the collar on my Windsor t-shirt (check!)

It's not even July yet!

Every time I start to get restless, I remind myself that once this summer is over, I won't get another one like it.  On to summer classes, a summer in Houston, and then REAL LIFE.  Scary, I know.

So here's to summer things I love:
blogging
reading
scrapbooking
sleeping
shopping (NEED TO DO THAT MORE)
walking with Mom
jogging with Lisa
journaling

And here are the things I need to stop (or at least cut back on):
Facebooking
Tweeting
eating ice cream at work
stressing (it's summer, right?  WHY DO I STILL STRESS OUT?!?!)

European Clothes with an Iowan Twist

 So, seeing as my sister returned from her time abroad with lots of beautiful souvenirs... thimbles, a cute box, a fan from Spain, but mostly clothes, accessories, and shoes... I decided to write a blog detailing my soon-to-be use of these gifts!  So here are pictures of my gifts and my plans for what to wear them with:
1. Teal skirt:
I thought this would look fantastic with my black fashion t-shirt tucked in.  Add my black sandals for a simple touch, or wear my zebra-print, sparkly silver-and-black flats for a slightly more glam-rocker feel.  Not that this skirt says glam-rocker.... it more says sweet, flower-child.  I could also wear this shirt with my maroon v-neck for a color-block effect.

2. Bracelets:
I won't go into lots of detail on what I could wear these with, mostly because they'd go with lots of things.  I just need to make it my mission to start wearing bracelets...


3. Headband:
First of all, I LOVE THIS!  It surpasses my usual jeans, nice top, and TOMS outfit choice. I'm going to have to be a little bit creative with this... One thought I had was this with a flowy top (help!  I might need one of those!) with khaki shorts/capris and my new sandals from Greece (see below).

4. Ah... the scarf from Rome.

This is simply elegant.  I plan on wearing this with my black fitted-t, my favorite Levis, and my black sandals or plain black pointed-toe flats. I could also wear my Greek sandals with it since there is a hint of tan in the design... LOVE!

5. Other scarf.
I love this because of the multiple colors.  I have two pink fitted-t's. It would also look good with a white shirt (although I don't really like white clothes).  I wore it the other day with my pearl earring (personal favorites of mine--classy AND lovely).  Finally, it just looks like a scarf I would throw on under my black-and-white jacket for a pop of color!

6. Swansea Sweatshirt:  I just wish the weather would get a little colder so I could wear this!  I plan on taking it to school with me in the fall and wearing it to marching band when the weather gets colder... I'll brighten up those fall days for sure!

7. The cheap boots... win.

These boots cost Lisa two pounds... so like 3-ish dollars.  I think they will look stunning with my super-skinny jeans and a boho top. I would also like to look into buying a tunic to wear with these boots and leggings.  Again, I wouldn't mind the weather dropping back into the 60s so I could wear these beauties :)

8. Sandals from Greece:
Personal favorite gift, and surprisingly, they fit perfectly!  Ah!  I could pretty much wear these with anything.  I plan on wearing them with my all-black romper (which, by the way, would look great with my scarf from Roma), but first I have to get brave enough to try the nude-with-black.  We'll see.  They look great with khakis (as they made their debut at church).




Thanks, Lisa, for the awesome gifts!  I love them, but mostly I'm happy that you're home safe and sound!  Much love!

Shopping List

I'm going through old clothes... throwing lots away and taking lots to Goodwill/West Central.
Mom even said I need new clothes.... which means... I sense a SHOPPING TRIP coming up!  Once my dearest twin sister gets home, my mother, sisters, and I are going to hit the mall and Kohl's, of course.  :)   I also will do some online shopping (TOMS.com will be the ruin of me).  

So here is my list (specific and sometimes not):
1. TOMS (at LEAST one more pair, possibly two... definitely the grey/black striped ones)
2. A pencil skirt (necessary for dress-up occasions and parties)
3. A nice sundress... I am tired of stealing Lis's!
4. New jean shorts... I'm a little iffy on this... I only really wear them in the summer.  But jeans are definitely too hot for an Iowa, Indiana, or Texan summer.
5. New tops (hello. I've been wearing some of the same ones since middle school... yeah).  Some simple V-necks, some really dressy/stylish

Things  NOT to buy:
1. Sandals.  I just got a black pair, but I don't need any more
2. T-Shirts.  Never wear them at school except for marching band practices/jogging/Ultimate Frisbee.
3. Jewelry... let's face it.  I wear earrings, my KKY lavalier, my Swarovski necklace, my key necklace, and maybe my Class ring and my Championship ring.

Summer Goals

Lately, I have just been sleeping in, reading, and working.  I have to confess: I am very unaccustomed to doing nothing. Which is why I have decided to list my goals for the summer.  I am purposefully making them not too lofty because I want to relax a lot too.  But here they are:

-Make 20 scrapbook pages (either for my Europe or Purdue scrapbooks).

-Read at least 3 books (I've already read the seventh Harry Potter book)

-Clean up my room and recycle/throw away a TON OF CRAP.... haha. I need to make room for new clothes and things from college.

-Prepare for my NASA Co-Op... read my books on Fortran and start buying nice work clothes.

-Practice my clarinet at least a little... haha 

-Hang out with friends... I need to stay in better touch with my Harlan girls :)
-Sew the collar of my Windsor T-Shirt that Courtney and I cut/improved... lol

My Sophomore Top 20

As today is my first day back home in Iowa, I decided to reflect on my past two semesters at Purdue.  I've changed so much since last summer... grown older, wiser, and slightly more serious; made new friends and became closer to my old friends; lost friends; studied way too much for some exams and way too little for others; been disappointed; interviewed for, received, and accepted my dream job.

So here is the Top 20 things I've done my second year as a Boilermaker (in no particular order):

1. Marched in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade with the Purdue All-American Marching Band

2. Was awarded one of two interview slots with NASA-Johnson Space Center

3. Got the Co-Op at NASA-Johnson Space Center (I can't wait to start in January 2012).

4. Joined Purdue Women's Club Ultimate Frisbee team... and played in my first (and only) tournament.

5. Designed an mass cargo transport airplane with my AAE 251 Design Team and received the ATK Space Award for best aircraft design.

6. Became friends with my Little Brother for Kappa Kappa Psi, Ryan, and watched him complete his BIT semester.

7. Successfully organized the painting of the string storage cabinets for KKY's Spring Service Project and created a Google Doc to help band students find study buddies for finals week.  

8. Rushed SGT (Aerospace Honor Society) and TBP (Engineering Honor Society).

9. Asked a great friend to band prom... he's now my boyfriend :)

10. Played clarinet in the North Central District Intercollegiate Band.

11. Became a '10' for the tenor saxophone section of the AAMB and section leader for Boiler Brass.

12. Made some new good friends in: Sarah M., Mark D., and Brent M.

13. Played in the Purdue Symphony Orchestra... I finally got to play Pictures at an Exhibition.

14. Premiered Anthem by Steven Bryant with the Purdue Wind Ensemble (commissioned for us to celebrate 125 years of Purdue Bands).

15. Earned a 4.0 in the fall, and did well this past semester (final grades aren't in yet).

16. Went to Amanda's house for Easter, where I saw "Tangled", enjoyed getting to know her family better, toured Shipshewana, and found 55 Easter eggs. 

17. Wrote a write-up for the District Outstanding Service Project Award (KKY) and accepted the award on behalf of Gamma Pi at our own convention.

18. Saw my first hockey game in Indianapolis, stole Scott's iPod, and signed up to march at the Indy 500.

19. Ran the Freezing 5K (part of Engineering Week) and placed 3rd for women (with no training!)

20. 

I'm leaving the last two blank for now because I don't really know what they are yet... I need more time to reflect, but Mom is Skyping Lisa and I want to say hi.  

Musing of a run-down, beat-down, exhausted college student on Spring Break

The title sums up what this post is going to be about.  I am SO exhausted... this break could not have come at a more crucial time.  The week before Spring Break, I about 5 hours of sleep each night.  Looking back, I wonder how I even made it through that week... with lab reports, an exam, and homework.

I have never felt so run-down before.  Even when First-Year Honors Engineering programming homeworks (Post Activities, the formal name for torture) kept me awake until 2 a.m., I had easier weeks and less stress.  This semester, I tell myself every week that next week will be better.  When it isn't, I repeat that mantra, waiting for a week when I don't want to cry almost everyday.  I think about how much work I have... how much Psi stuff I have... how much I need to do to 'prepare for my future'... and it is overwhelming.

I made a pact with my sister.  We are both going to enjoy the rest of the semester.  My course-load won't get easier, my Psi stuff won't get less demanding... but I am going to deal with it better. I am going to sleep more, and honestly, I'm going to try harder to try less hard. I am going to take better care of myself (read: more nail polish, lotion, journaling, and time for myself).

I'm starting RIGHT NOW.  I am working to get a lot of my homework done for next week. I am not going to stress if I don't finish it, as I'll have time during the week, but I am getting a good start.  Each day, I finish a little more.  I am also getting caught up on Glee, blogging, and doing crossword puzzles. I practiced my clarinet for a little while yesterday, and today I went out for lunch with X-stine and Melissa, two of my H-town besties :)

I will go back to school energized, prepared, and motivated to finish the semester strong.  I will not let my stress affect my relationships, and I will invest more time in my friendships. I will go to church more and pray more... I will be better all around.  Here's to being better every day. 

More Fashion

Time to dish on a few of my favorite fashion trends!  Though first I'd like to talk about my outfit today... I woke up and thought, 'I want to wear a scarf today.'  So I planned my outfit around a scarf... crazy, right?  I wore flare jeans (are those even "in" anymore?), a grey-and-white horizontally striped camisole, my navy blue zip-up hoodie layered under my black and white jacket (with bright white buttons), pink Chucks with grey socks, and my bright blue scarf.  I wasn't even sure if I matched, but I liked the crazy layered feel.  However, I wore it with confidence... and I even got a few compliments.  Becca, one of my tenor sax rookies (love her!), wanted to talk to me about KKY stuff, but first she told me I looked cute.  WIN :)  It's strange how one compliment makes me so happy.  Resolution: give out more compliments.  More than I already give.

Anyway, here are my fashion "staples", "must-haves", etc:
1.) Pearl earrings.
>>>I wear mine probably every third day, interspersed with my sapphire studs and diamond earrings. Pearls are so elegant, but you can wear them with a t-shirt and jeans and not look weird. I buy cheap ones at Wally-World and replace them when necessary :)

2.) Boots
>>>My favorite pair is a tie between my pink suede slouch boots and my brown faux-leather "riding" boots.  Both look fantastic with skinny or boyfriend jeans.  I like to wear the pink ones with all my grey sweaters, and my brown ones look good with thing that have hints of off-white or brown in them.  I am trying to be more adventurous (okay, I actually just left my black dress pants at home), so one day I wore a strapless floral sundress (yes, I know it's summer), a green faux-leather jacket, black leggings, and my pink boots. I felt like I looked a little weird, but I also felt a strange sense of exhilaration in doing something different.  I have some good ideas for spring outfits with boots, but sadly, the temperature was -8 degrees today... so they'll have to stay in my closet for now.

3.) Scarves
>>>Enough said, right?  I don't wear mine as often as I should... I'm working on that.  :)

That's all for now... this fashionista has a 7:30 a.m. Thermo class tomorrow.

Have You Got It In You?

"Been one of those days... "

Today has been a ridiculously long day... I'm so tired right now, and yet I feel like I should do more work tonight.  I didn't seem to accomplish a lot this evening or today.  I kind of did my laundry, but now it's hanging all over my room drying.  I tried to complete my 204 homework, but my friends and I could only finish one of four problems... which isn't very satisfying.  I went to the armory to through a frisbee around with the coaches and some of the girls from Ultimate, but ROTC people (I think) were having target practice...

I feel defeated.  I feel exhausted.  I wonder what it would be like to quit trying so hard.  To stop caring so much about grades.  To sleep more, work less.  To stop mentally organizing and assessing my life, because every time I do, I'm disappointed.  

I feel like caving in. 

Yet "Have You Got It In You?" by Imogen Heap just started playing via Shuffle on my iTunes. Stupid, I know, but the song challenges me.  I HAVE got it in me.  I just need to tap into my inner strength and drive... hopefully sooner rather than later.  I can do it; I know I can do it.  I will do it, no matter how long it takes me, how little sleep I get, or how much I stress.  I'm too determined to give up.  I will become an Aerospace Engineer.  I've come too far to turn back, so I'm looking forward.

Fashion Time

Ah... fashion.  I love it!  Excuse my dress for today (Silver jeans, soccer t-shirt, and pink Converse). I had a lab and wasn't sure if there was a strict dress code as there was in Chemistry.  I dolled up Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and I wanted to share some of my stylishness!

Monday: I dug out my orange sweater that I honestly haven't worn since I took my senior pictures in it.  The sleeves are three-quarters length and it has a bow that ties in the back.  I layered it over a faint yellow camisole with dark boyfriend jeans tucked into my brown faux-leather boots.  Sapphire studs and my KKY lavalier are typical pieces of jewelry that I probably wear too much :)

Tuesday: I felt a little more out-going today and opted out of the sweater-and-boots combo. Super skinny jeans make my legs look muscular and lean.  My simple black fitted-tee from Kohl's is not exactly my favorite article of clothing, but after pairing it with the a multicolor square scarf, my black-and-white jacket, and black slouch boots that hit a little below my knee (super cheap, too!), I loved the look.  It was a little rougher than I usually attempt, but the result was that I felt a little edgier and bolder.

The necklace... it's so sparkly and beautiful!

Wednesday: This has been my favorite look of the semester. It is sweet and elegant without going too overboard for school... I have to sit through Thermo, Diff. Eq, Linear Algebra, Wind Ensemble, and Structures and trek all over campus in my outfit, so heels and (in the winter) skirts are a little out of the question.  The lilac sweater I wore is a gift from my sister and happens to be from American Eagle.  A black camisole from Aeropostale, my favorite Levi jeans (the ones that are not-too-flared/straight-legged, not-too-dark/light, you know... the perfect ones), black pointy-toed flats with zipper accents from Target, and an adorable statement necklace from Charlotte Russe complete the outfit.  Confession: the necklace is a necklace and a brooch. Even my guy pals complimented me on my necklace.  I felt so cute and confident in my outfit all day, which is why I love dressing up.  Looking good makes me feel good, and I act accordingly.  Not surprisingly, I felt sweet but flirty all day <3

In the dressing rooms in Elliott... I was practicing
my clarinet, but I also seized the photo-op :)

Kind of a BIG Deal

I am psyched right now. So psyched that it is even cancelling out my stress!  I GOT THE LITTLE I WANTED :)  I am in Kappa Kappa Psi, an honorary band fraternity, and I just got my first choice for my "Little Brother".  My friend Kyle and I were talking about going on Big/Little double dates, which would be so awesome.  Kyle got his first choice in Littles too. Although lots of the BITs (Brothers in Training, that is) seem fun, interesting, and kind, but for some reason this one kid stood out to me during his interview.  And now he's my Little Bro.

AEA

Flattered and Confused

These seem to be the two words that describe me right now. Flattered. Confused. I'm not stressed (well, no more than usual), worried, or overly tired.

A colleague of mine (okay, I would call her a friend though we're no where near being super close) wants me to do Women's Ultimate Frisbee. When a friend relayed the message, I responded, "Like an intramural team?" But she actually wants me to consider being on the CLUB TEAM.  Like I would be an athlete again.  I run sometimes on the treadmill in the nice workout room hidden in Duhme's basement, and I play Ultimate Frisbee after orchestra rehearsals when the weather is beautiful (which is actually where the club Frisbee player saw my skills). Yet that isn't the same as being on a legitimate sports team. I was surprised and flattered. Jackie herself is a fantastic Frisbee player (she has a kick@$$ throw and awesome precision), so her praise has value to me. It actually made my day to think that even just one person views me as something more than a musician or engineer.  I hope I have time to fit it into my schedule, but I am going to be honest with myself.  I can hardly keep up with orchestra, KKY, SGT, and Purdue SWE, and I just don't want to   'keep up'; I want to excel.  Yet for right now I'll focus on the joy I felt at being asked to consider being on a Purdue club team :)

As for confused... this one is more complicated.  It has everything to do with a best friend of mine.  Lately I've been feeling differently about him.  We walk to class together, talking and laughing like we always do.  But yesterday I found myself in math class wondering what it would be like to hold his hand as we walk.  When he said, "See you at lunch!" as he stood outside the door, I realized that it might look like we were a couple... Yet I don't want to risk it just yet.  I've always erred on the side of caution, and I plan on keeping it that way.  Our friendship is too valuable now, but if I feel more certain later, I might change my mind ;)

<3

A or B

I feel fortunate (most of the time) to have friends (both at college and at home) who are smart, funny, and accepting.  Sometimes my college friends are vulgar, but they are never rude or mean.  And every once in a while, I get a not-so-subtle reminder of why I love them.  For instance, this morning... Aeromechanics II Lab. It just sounds gross, but I was not completely dismayed because one of my best guy friends is in the class me.  We had to sign up for whether we wanted to go to lab next week or two weeks from now.  A or B. Jared and I turned to each other and mouthed, "Week A!" Then my one of my other aerospace engineering buddies asked us, "Week A?" I was psyched to think that I would have lab with both of them!  Like the overachievers most AAEs are, people rushed to sign up, including my second friend.  By the time Jared was signing up, there was only spot left for Week A.  He could have taken it.  It would have meant that he alternated his 204 and 330 labs every week... definitely a good situation. Yet he signed up for Week B so we could take it together, sacrificing a selfish happiness to make a friend happy... that is TRUE friendship.

Making Time for ME

Making time for me.  It's one of my New Year's Resolutions.  And like all my other resolutions, it's written on a colored note card and taped to the part of my desk right above my computer.  I purposefully put them right where I will see them daily.  So here it goes... my simple resolutions to make me a more happy person than I already am:

1. Make time for ME.
2. Wake up no later than 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and make use of that time.
3. DON'T HIT SNOOZE
4. Email Professor Nichols once a month
5. Run at least FIVE miles every week.
6. DO NOT TEXT in MA 265, MA 266, ME 200, or AAE 204.
7. Eat 1 apple a day!

I could put stuff like read my thermo chapter before going to class, be on time for my 7:30 a.m. class every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, or wear my hair in at least three different ways each week (I confess: I fall into wearing the same hairstyle almost every day).  But I liked these goals because I know I can attain these goals.  Check out my progress: I ran 2 miles yesterday, at an apple yesterday (note to self... eat one at dinner!), and haven't hit snooze for the past 3 days.  Doing the math, I'd say I'm on my way.

I'm been feeling a little down... It might have to do with a heavy class load this semester, worry about finding an internship/research for the summer, or that my best friend is leaving the country tomorrow for a semester in Wales.  Or maybe it's that I'm Services Head of KKY, I regret not being more active in SWE, and I'm considering getting a job this semester as a grader. Yikes!

 I'm determined to pick myself up and move forward.  I can do it!  It's not exactly poetic, but that my mantra. I plan on journaling and blogging more to help me get my emotions out.

Sunshine and smiles,
Nerdy&Fabulous