I'm sure it has become very clear to you readers that the frequency of my posts has decreased significantly. While there have certainly been moments that I could squeeze in a quick post, I've opted for something else. What have I been doing with my time? Reflecting on it now, I've actually been quite productive with my assignments. I've updated my résumé so I can apply for fieldwork next semester. I've participated more in my online class discussions because I am actually genuinely interested in the material. The best way for me to tell that I'm doing well with school work is to reflect on how I spend my time. This past week I have still not completed my apron (heaven knows it must happen eventually 'cause this girl got no sewing skeels). However, compared to the past, very little of my time has been devoted to watching videos. Maybe one hour every other day or every two days do I watch my shows. Other than that I've been trying to spend time with Alex since we re both kept busy with school and work. I did manage to make it to a 10 AM yoga class at the gym and it was just right. I can tell I needed it-- to let go and just breathe; to not be wondering what's next. Just to be. Being a grad student has shown me that it really does take a chunk out of my daily life but the quality of the other parts of my life increase. There's more curiosity more value to exchanges and conversations. More... Well, life, even though there is less time to use.
Despite my lack of presence here on my blog, I feel I am doing so much each day that there just never seems to be enough time for it all. I do my best to keep up with friends and family (note to self: get Jon Jon's Skype info) and I try to get out of the apartment everyday but allow myself a day or two to chill at home (note #2 I need to sweep/mop and clean the bathroom).
I've found I'm very happy amongst the chaos of life-- very active with moments for breathing in between. When I skip the tv and Facebook I find time for things like riding bikes (just gotta be careful with my new one-- I already let Roger beat me up once. He throws a mean punch).
Where I am now, I'm healthily proud. There is so much I'd like to do but I'm content with doing what I can. I know I won't be able to do everything but I should do all that fits within my waking hours.
I hope to continue to see progress with myself and how I spend my time because I am and hope to continue to be the person I want to be.
I've been kept quite busy this past week or so. Trying my best to keep up with assignments and still be active. I haven't made it to the gym in almost a month and it's really starting to bother me. I've realized that I work best on my school work in the morning but that's also when I most prefer to go to the gym-- less people, less traffic.
Eventually I'll get this all into a nice order. Eventually I'll be able to divide my time as best I can though there really doesn't seem to be enough anymore. It's the one thing we can never get enough of after all.
I have found that if I make one or two goals per day I'm highly likely to complete them and do more. So, since tomorrow is my first Sunday off in quite some time, I want to celebrate by going out to brunch (plus it's Alex and my anniversary this coming Friday. Three years but we both feel like it's been longer). I want to go to a farmers market but there isn't one until next Sunday. We will def go next Sunday.
So my goals for tomorrow are to catch up with my digital curation class and work on/hopefully finish my apron. I have everythkng I need I just gotta make the time.
Yesterday was quite productive. I worked on school stuff and got pretty much all of the laundry done. Yay for clean pants! I also cooked up an awesome dinner (with my honey's help of course!). I didn't get as much school work done as I wanted but it was good progress and I devoted a good amount of time. Definitely no more lazy days allowed-- it messed up my schedule too much. I would say I blame having cable now but I still don't really watch it much.
This morning has started off pretty okay. I only have a few minutes to write but it's something. I really need to get back to the gym because I'm tired of feeling tired. I don't know why I'm so good with school work at this new place but I haven't gone to the gym once since we moved. Maybe it's because I haven't actually done the ride from here to the gym yet. I think once I get my butt going it'll be cake. Also, I'll be getting my new bike soon so there will be even more of a need to get out.
Well, I have to finish getting ready for work. Have a good weekend everyone. Have fun this mid-September; dance in the rain.
It's been two lazy days. While I did indeed finally get the double sided bias tape from Joann's, I have not applied it to the apron. Monday I went out with Alex to get stuff to get the washing machine all set (which yay now I can wash things but boo the dryer doesn't work). Yesterday, Tuesday, we went out to get more stuff from Home Depot and then return the bed set I had gotten from Target when we first moved in (I finally decided on a different one!). I still keep forgetting to get darn swiffer sweeper heads. I was so close to being productive with school stuff at least but then I got distracted by some notifications I received from the department. I can finally apply for fieldwork for next semester so I needed to email someone to figure out what paperwork I have to get together.
So I need to keep this post short so I can kick my butt to do my school work. I have found that keeping this idea in my head keeps me motivated: if I do my schoolwork now I'm free to do fun stuff when the opportunity presents itself later-- and it always presents itself later (especially if I've procrastinated earlier).
I do wish it wasn't raining this morning so I could've made it to the gym early but instead I walked Penny in the rain and found out that wind breakers are most certainly not equivalent to rain jackets-- at least not the one I have).
"I carry your heart; I carry it in my heart." E.E. Cummings Find this cute necklace at Meytolbarnoy's etsy!
This weekend went by in such a flash. Before I knew it my parents were out front of my apartment and likewise with them having to leave. The sofa works great downstairs and we're hoping to have the washer and dryer up and running tonight (running out undies ahh!!). I didn't make it to the gym this morning, I was feeling pretty groggy but it's really just my fault because I decided to watch Outlander while eating breakfast. My days really are determined by how I start them. If I watch a movie right after yoga-- unless I have signed up for a gym class-- I won't want to go to the gym.
School work is still going well. I haven't done any today but I'm not behind on anything and I still have ample time to complete what I need to do. I was a little disappointed with myself on Friday when I turned in assignment to come to a realization that I didn't complete it in the manner the professor meant for me to. By then I knew it was too late. It was only the third week of class but I should have started on it a little earlier (I still gave myself a few days to get the interview questions back from the librarian) so I could ask my professor verifying questions.
Other than all that the apartment is coming along nicely. All Alex and I have left to do is: sell some tables, finish setting up the washer & dryer, get a new bed set, art work for the walls (maybe I can paint them?), get chairs for the dinner table, and put up some shelves.
I'm happy that Alex and I are starting to have less to be stressed about with the apartment. It was a struggle at first because we didn't have places for things and then there were boxes everywhere... it was hectic.
Today we'll be handing back the keys to the old apartment and getting that huge desk out of there-- since no one actually went through with buying it.
I will also be making my way to Joann's before it closes to get that double sided bias tape. Then I can move towards completion of my apron.
I've been absent on my blog for too long, yet again. Change really does effect me and I'm slowly working with it. We have the new place mostly in order. My parents come on Sunday to bring us a sofa, and Alex's parent's washer and dryer (thank you!).
I've been doing a good job at keeping up with my school work; now I need to get back into a good workout habit. My new complex is in the middle of construction for their new gym so I'm just relying on my yoga for the days I work. The other days, I really need to kick my butt out the house and get to the campus gym.
I also can finally set a start date for my everyday craftiness! Though I haven't heard back from the Crafting Club (boo), I should go ahead and get started anyway. I'm going to go ahead and start my craftiness on this coming Monday, September 15th. I'm going to start off by finishing up that cute apron I started last month. I really look forward to sharing my progress with sewing and anything else crafty (in all honestly it may be mostly sewing because I suck right now).
So coming up: more gym time + everyday craftiness.
I meant to post this on Monday but you know how it goes...
Boom, baby!
It's strange to think that it was only one year ago that Alex and I first moved in together. Amidst the stress of getting all the paperwork done and physical moving everything over and finding places for it, I felt a small sadness. We have outgrown our small apartment and this new one should do quite nicely but the sadness was leaving behind the close quarters.
After thoroughly cleaning the old place, I found myself saying goodbye to being rather cramped with fur babies but also opened myself up to the newness of the new place. The new setup is quite different-- as is normal for a larger apartment. While I may not be able to sit right next to Alex as often (our desks were right next to each other) i know I can still just pull up a chair next to him.
As you all know, I've moved into a new apartment. It turns out that just because it's around the corner, it doesn't mean it's easier than moving miles away. While Alex has been wonderful and has been doing so much for this move in addition to waking up early for work, I've been feeling icky and sick-- just so so exhausted. I woke up this morning thinking I'd need to call out of work but after some yoga and a nice bowl of oatmeal I managed to get myself to feeling okay. I've kept up with most assignments (though I do have an online lecture and a few readings to catch up with). So far not too bad. I'm feeling stressed with all the boxes and bags everywhere. I know we just moved and it's been a few days now but we don't have all our furniture (alex's desk) so there are so many things that just don't have a spot yet.
We're working on getting a washer and dryer; Alex's parents said we can borrow theirs and the pair should work with the space and hookups we have. How are we getting it from PSL to Tampa? My wonderful parents offered to drive it, along with a sofa (Yay!). So now we just have to plan when. Weekends work best for my parents so I'll need to arrange a day off or at least a half day. It's silly to have them drive all the way here but not be able to spend at least some time with them. I think a half day would be acceptable-- I'd get off around 2 ish.
Well I have to finish getting ready for work and take my allergy drops. It's a couple minutes added to my commute so I need to be on top of it.
I hope everyone's semester is going smoothly. I will hopefully be having some fun updates on craftiness soon. So far no word from the Crafting Club... and I have a ton of things I need to buy (bras, undies, tooth brush heads, etc.).
I write this post today as a person who previously had little issue with purchasing non-organic apples (apples are specific to the nature of my thoughts). For as long as I can remember I've been eating and enjoying apples. The range over the years has included McIntosh, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Gala, Fuji, and probably others. Of course there have been times when I've let one go past it's time and it was mealy, or have allowed myself to buy one or a few that were not yet quite where they should have been. I have forgiven produce sellers of such faults as these because, when picking for such a mass amount of people, many that are not on the same scale as others will slip through.
My tolerance of faults has reached its max as of yesterday. I have been having issues with produce from Sanwa, as I have probably mentioned before, and I had thought maybe I'd grown allergic to the skin of pineapple (which probably is true with how my skin reacts to touching the pineapple plant at work). However, after numerous times of eating apples and ending up with my thumb, index, and middle finger swollen and burning I realize I am now allergic to whatever pesticides are being used. What is most odd is I do a vinegar lemon juice wash (I am strongly considering adding baking soda for more of a scrubbing effect)... and it works well enough for other produce (I taste a difference in berries-- they're sweeter after I wash them!). I'm fortunate that my lips and throat don't noticeably react to the pesticides but I was thinking about the skin on my fingers... and it has be wondering: if my skin reacts so, who is to say that it does not negatively impact my insides? Obvious it is nothing instantly fatal but what about in the long run?
We all know that companies can only look so far into the effects of using a product-- many companies have not been around long enough to have sufficient testing to see how their products effect the human body. It's very frustrating to be an American with open eyes-- to see the truth more and more about the food given to you.
I'm not going to go on an all-organic super hippie shpeal or anything like that, all I'm saying is that I don't think I should be eating apples anymore unless they're organic (so... apples much less often because I'm pretty sure the organic ones cost twice as much per pound).
Annie Complex: a term made up by Catherine Negron to describe the instantaneous urge for your brain to sing (loudly) Annie's Tomorrow song even though you only know that part.
Tomorrow! Tomorrow! I'm packing! Tomorrow! The move is only two daaaaaays aaaaaawaaaaay!
Too much for a Sunday morning? I agree, but it's in my head so I thought I would share.
I didn't do any school work yesterday (I was actually kept very busy at work and relaxed at home because Alex may have gotten me sick) but maybe I'll have time today at work for some reading. I know i'll be in a bit of a pinch this week because of the move in and getting everything over to the new place in one piece (have I mentioned it's literally around the corner?).
I have so much to do this week AND I really really want to try getting Kaitlin's iPad back to her. I feel awful just letting it sit here on my desk but she says she really doesn't need it. I also need to make it to the other side of town to get my next dose of allergy drops (need them by Wednesday the latest because that's when my current vials are up).
For those of you who aren't religious readers of my blog, I recently posted about wanting to do something crafty every day and I will indeed be doing it. Hopefully the start will be on the 9th but it depends on when financial aid comes in.
Well, have a happy Sunday and don't party too hard (though I know many of you will take advantage of the Labor Day weekend).
Note to self: Still have to call Colie. Priority for Monday.
The days are flying by fast. Sometimes work can be slow but time will move as it does. Before I know it we'll be in our new place. I'm happy there are a couple people interested in the big desk. Selling it will really help us out with buying Alex a new desk and keeping the space open.
I'm really excited to have space for just dance and the patio outside to do my yoga (it's really going to suck in spring when that free blossoms out back though. My allergies are aweful but maybe the allergy drops will come to some aid by then.
On a different note, I'm really proud of myself for having a good start to the fall semester. I've been keeping up with my assignments and keeping in mind assignments that will be due in the following weeks. I know I have to interview a library professional and id really like it to be someone who teaches mini classes for using library resources (since that's what I aspire to do). The only downer so far with school, aside from the silly online financial aid thingy, is that I feel my professors are too disconnected from me. Occasionally when I've asked a question, I've been made to feel dim witted (even though the answers to my questions were indeed not made clear with the resources provided on the course site). A plus is that I've gained a skill level in my Canvas navigation. I understand how my professors are using them (though I feel some things could be done with more easy and efficiency).
I hope everyone else's semesters are starting off well (note to self: call Colie). Work your butts off because, really, who needs a butt anyway?
As I sit here on my lunch break staring at the remnants of my potato leek soup I realize I haven't written my blog post yet today. I was going to do it this morning but I got a hit on fb in regards to the desk we re trying to sell. Then I had to scramble to finish getting ready for work. Made it on time-- I've been doin good about that these past couples months and I'm happy my managers have noticed my extra efforts. I'll need to make sure to leave even earlier next weekend as we will be at our new place! It's not farther, it's just nestled on the road in a weird way so I may need five more minutes to meet the same clock.
My seedlings that I started at work are looking good-- I'm hoping I don't take too long with the pallet garden project. The 3-4 of the bush beans are ready to be moved but I have nowhere for them yet. Bush beans are delicious and I'm so happy I'll get to grow them on our own back patio.
Something else on my mind is my school work. I have a discussion post I have to write tonight and I have yet to do the reading. The question is simple "define information literacy" so I'm sure I'll be able to gather my ideas along with the readings to give an acceptable post. Maybe work will be slow enough to allow me reading time. I doubt it-- the Friday truck is here and it's my turn to check it in. After that it'll be time to stock the floor.
On a fun note, we get this seasons seeds in finally! A bit late but I think it'll all turn out fine. We do live in Florida after all-- not much fear for frost until January.
I hope everyone's weekend gets off to a good start. I'm sure many of you who are back to school are welcoming the chance to really spend time and catch up with friends. Some of you may need a drink after a rediculously early (in the semester) exam. Whatever it is you need this weekend, I hope you find bounty.
Today was a relatively productive day. It started out a bit slow due to my Disney's Fairies addiction but then I managed to do some readings, do an assignment, and attend my online lecture (it was a real snoozer when professors mostly just read the slides they're showing you). No gym today; I really needed a rest. So far this semester is starting at a decent pace. I'd like to pick it up a couple notches so I'm not squeezing all my work into a couple days. It really is better to devote an hour or so every day to school work-- then the rest of the time I'm free.
When I woke up this morning I realized that in just a few days Alex and I will be moving into our new place. You're probably getting tired of hearing me blab about the move but changes like these are always exciting! Who doesn't like the idea of more space to work with and walk around in. I already have quite a few plants started at work so next Friday I'll hopefully get my garden started. I can't wait to share pictures with all of you! It'll be such an experience and I'm excited to apply everything I've learned from work and thought up in my head. I really like the pots within bigger pots ideas. Similar to the picture shown above but with a larger difference between the pot sizes (and not for succulents-- though I can say I will be happy to have quite a bit of aloe in the garden). Tomorrow I'll hopefully find a nice pallet to set aside and bring home for my pallet garden project.
Good heavens, I am going to have lots of projects going on this fall! Hopefully I'll be joining the crafting club soon to have some extra opinions and ideas.
Big note to self: hall your butt earlier to the gym so you have less people to compete with (there were like a gazillion people hogging the workout mats trying to do weird bar-weighted moves-- and I mean the whole bar, not dumbbells or medicine balls). Despite that, I took my usual hour for arms and legs. I really need to get in some back workouts but the trouble is I'm dead after arms and legs. I know I could totally isolate different parts and do one for each day but I honestly like to get it all in in one day. I feel weird going just for arms or just for legs (honestly, I don't know how people complain about the time it takes to workout-- time flies when I'm on the floor). Perhaps it's people who spend their full 30 minutes of gym time on the elliptical or treadmill. I'm not downing on the elliptical/treadmill but, seriously, it's boring to just be on it for 30 minutes. I only do it when I need to or I'm too lazy to make the trip to campus; even then I still need good music to sing along and dance in my head to.
I'm not sure what else I'd like to share with you readers in this post. I almost have all my textbooks and doing okay with money to move into the new place and still buy groceries, thanks to my mom. The new semester is starting off okay. It looks like I have a weekly discussion for each of my classes so maybe that will keep me involved with all of them... I really hope I can keep up with my school work a little better this semester. I also hope my interests are restored once more with these classes-- I'm very hopeful for the History of Libraries and Teaching Information Literacy.
The day after another weight session, my triceps, abs, and inner thighs are feelin' it. I wanted to do muscle madness group fitness class at noon but I know that if I go my muscles will be uncomfortably be shaking the whole time. I've opted for a 4 PM Step Class and just no sweets for today. I'm hoping to cut back my sweets to a once a week treat... we shall see how it goes.
Yesterday I got to meet one of Kaitlin's friends (it was very nice to meet you Iiana!) and enjoyed a delicious small cup of Haagen Das Belgium Chocolate Chocolate ice cream. Then while Alex went to his first day of class, Kaitlin and I got whisked away in Sephora. Or rather, Kaitlin got whisked away and I marveled at her eye for colors and quality products.
As today goes on, I see that I truly cannot allow myself to remain inside through the morning and into afternoon. Doing so affects productivity and I've found it's better to get the day started with physical activity. Breakfast, then physical activity of course. It would be favorable to have more options for gym classes in the morning. I cannot allow myself to be picky when it comes to this matter. I should have gone to yoga at 10 AM.
We learn with time.
The end of True Blood; the finale of LOK Book 3; the start of a new semester. Will this one be different from the last? Will I finally meet new people and make new friends? Will I learn some crazy sewing and crafting skills? Will I ever push beyond my current yoga boundaries? As you know, I'll be moving into my new place next week. It's a pleasant fit: a new place for a new semester. Change is scary but it's good for the spirit. Our energy thrives on the changes all around us. Today may be similar to yesterday but it's always a new day. It's always a new moment. We have control over what we think and what we do. We are right now. I am responsible for making myself learn new skills and push my own boundaries. I am responsible for making new friends.
I just have to put myself out there.
Here's to the start of a new semester. Whether it starts off well or the worst ever, you can make it through. Make new memories, make it all worth it.
Last night I started watching Outlander. I was expecting to be disinterested and bored but, to my surprise, the show is quite captivating. The sequence of time is, of course, already mixed up but in addition to this is a unique style of story telling-- a kind attempt at considering the viewer's questions (such as, how does it feel to time travel?). Claire, the main character's, personality is charming and spunky. As a nurse, everyone has a reason to like her-- even those in the time displacement. When she thinks of her husband, I find myself looking to Alex as he sleeps. It must be a terrible thing to be ripped apart from such happiness. Claire has already recognized mortality as she has lived through WWI but to be displaced in time? That is a true separation for nothing short of magic can get you there and back again.
In light of the Sunday before the fall semester begins, I reflect on what is most important to me. There was a time with school was of the highest priority but now I see that it is merely a necessary burden put upon people of our time to make their way through life comfortably. We devoute a quarter of our precious time to school and much more than that to work-- all for small yet very precious amounts of time with those we love, marveling at the beauty of the universe.
I've been feeling really tired lately and I think it's because there's been so much going on: excitement about moving, anxiety about school, spending time with friends, getting everything together and ready for the move (i.e. bills, payments, boxes, etc.). It's no fun feeling tired but I gotta keep moving forward. Somehow I gotta acquire my required textbooks as well (and get Kaitlin's iPad back to her lol).
I'm not sure what else to talk about this morning other than me finally working on the new season of Legend of Korra. LOVE all the spirits, they're adorable. I want them to be a part of my next painting project. Alex wants to get me some canvas and I'm sure it'll be fun-- once again, just have to wait for financial aid (his. Mine is delayed so I have longer to wait for mine).
And I just spent a good three minutes looking for the spirits that have really caught my fancy: the one that follow Bumi (leaf bunny) and the move that Jinora uses to send for help (bunny bird). Since I'm having so much trouble finding stills of them, I'll have to move through the episodes again and pause as needed. Only thing bothersome at all about that is our poopey internet that acts up at night and freezes randomly while watching LOK.
Since I'm already pushing to keep my daily blog posts going, it might be good to add something new. You all know Alex and I are working towards MegaCon and jittering with excitement every time we think about showing up in awesome home made Red Lantern getups. Id like to do something crafty every day leading up to the big day. Obviously this will eventually include the official Red Lantern project but prior to that there may be other costumes alongside smaller projects.
I think it would be wise to set a start date and a budget for each month. If a cosplay costume is to be a part of that month the. The budget may only be exceeded by the amount of the materials for that costume. You know I'm pretty frugal so I do not expect to need more than the budget-- let's say $50 for now-- but craftiness can sneak up the costs. As for the start date lets say September 8th. That'll give me time to move into the new place, get the fall semester going for classes, and establish a new routine in relation to the new space.
Speaking of craftiness, the semester is starting soon and I need to get in contact with the USF crafting club. I know it sounds a bit nerdy and/or grandma-y but I think it'll be a great opportunity to make new friends and get some more crafting in.
Poop. I knew I'd forget if I didn't do it in the morning. Oh well here it is.
I can't allow myself to skip out on the USF gym. It'll be easier to push myself there with the gym classes.
What I would like to do every week is 1-2 weight days and the rest are group workout/cardio. Abs are going to happen everyday prior to workout. It turns out abs are a million times easier when you do them before your workout because you are (or should be) always using them when using your body.
I may need to consider doing them prior to my bike ride to the gym afte I move. It's not far away from my current apartment but I'll have a couple more minutes to add to the ride.
I hope this semester starts off well if it both school and my workouts.
I'm starting to feel uneasy about school because what I've chosen is such a different educational path (but still similar). You all know id rather just be in a yoga teacher training program but I'm already in library science... Too deep into it, too deep in debt. That's the sad truth about furthering education. No matter what you will be in debt somehow. My brother is in debt and the Navy have him a full ride to dental school.
It's one of my fears that money will be an obstacle to my dreams... I mean it already is with yoga. Perhaps my fears are horribly misplaced since life is struggle. If everything we easy, what would be the point?
