Is it nap time yet?

As the day begins to end, I have once again, have never felt so thankful that it is Friday. This past week has been tiring and stressful for not only to me, but for the rest of my peers. The Fall Semester is winding down and that means papers, projects, exams, and presentations are due soon.

For those who are studying abroad like me, we not only have to think about finishing everything, but we also have to deal of moving out from our dorms. Can I just say that moving itself is stressful enough? I'm still thinking how I'm going to take my fridge and microwave out of my dorm. I'm thinking of sugarcoating my male friends or making them feel bad until they help me. One of those has to work, right?

It's going to be non-stop for now on. But although that is the case, I'm still going to need my naps. If I'm going to read pages of my history books and that psychology textbook, then I'm definitely going to need to recharge myself. If not, I'm still going to fall asleep reading halfway into the book and then fall asleep.

The end of a much needed break

It is officially Monday and that means there is at least 3 weeks left of school...well, at least for me. This past week has been nothing but sleep, sleep, and more sleep. I didn't even bother packing homework in my suitcase for my trip back home for Thanksgiving break. Who was I kidding? It was definitely not going to get done. It would have just taken up space. Traveling was already stressful as it was.

And speaking of traveling, can someone tell me why I ALWAYS forget something either at home and at school?. I forgot my planner at home. Do you know how horrible that is?! I sound a bit lame, but I'm sure college students can relate with me

I have no idea if I have meetings to go to today, tomorrow, or next week. Hopefully, I don't have anything important to do until I can get my mom to mail it to me. Yes, I'm serious. I want my planner, damn it!

But enough with the rambling. Thanksgiving is over (unfortunately) and I, along with the rest of my peers, are back at school to catch up on the never ending mountain of work  and trying to figure out what our days consist of for the last 3 weeks of school.

By the way, what kind of professor gives you a quiz the Monday you return from break?...Now that's just rude.

Telemarketers: What do you want from me now?

Lately, I've been getting these annoying calls from telemarketers. I don't know how they got my number, but frankly they need to stop.

What's even more annoying, when you decide to finally pick one up, just to see what the hell they want, there is no answer. It's usually from the same number and if I knew how to, I would definitely have blocked them a long time ago.

I feel like I'm always being harassed by these people and I never know when it's a legitimate phone call or not. (I could be missing a phone call from my future husband!...just saying).

I've looked into it and there's a Do Not Call list that people can sign up for, but I've read the reviews and people have been saying that it's no good.

I don't know, but I'm at the point where I'm going to answer these calls, say "No," and hang up.

That sounds more efficient, right?

Living paycheck to paycheck

Last night, I had the most heart wrenching email I thought I could have at the moment. I got an email saying that I had an outstanding account and if I didn't pay it by November 15, then the school had the right to revoke my study abroad privileges. I knew I had to pay in order to take my finals, but I didn't know I had to pay so soon.

For those few minutes, as I read the email, I couldn't believe that all my hard work was going to be for nothing. I worked for months trying to earn money to pay for airplane tickets, passport fees, visa fees, deposit fees. There were so many times I thought I was not going to study abroad because I didn't have the financial means to afford it. I kept thinking that it wasn't meant for somebody like me. I was already struggling to earn enough to pay for my school bill, what was I doing trying to study abroad? That's only for those who can afford it, right?

At that moment, I realized that although that may be the case, I now know how to live paycheck to paycheck. Literally, everything I earned was sent to pay fees, fees, and more fees. I kept ending up with just $10 every week in my account. Barely enough to do my laundry. If only my school gave more opportunities to work, more hours, more...everything. But the main lesson I learned, am still learning I guess, is that I am definitely ready for the real world. I know how to sacrifice what I want now to what will benefit me in the future. I now know how to be completely independent. To be an adult. And although it may be though, it has definitely made me stronger.

I never realized it either, but there are thousands of students that I never thought of in the same situation. Each one of us have our own stories, but we're all struggling to gain the education that we want and need and we're all struggling to enjoy our youth while being responsible at the same time. It's hard work, a lot of hard work, but we can all persevere.

Fortunately, the school gave me an extension. I should definitely have the money by the deadline they gave me, but it was even a struggle gaining the courage to swallow up my pride and asking for help.

No matter how bad it may seem, it's always good to keep on laughing.

President Obama re-elected for another term

Last night, my campus hosted an election party to watch the count of the votes. I was unable to go it due to work, but my friends posted tons of pictures and videos of everyone at the party.

Needless to say, once the final count was done, s$#t got real (excuse my language). It was such an intense and anxious moment before the announcement. I know for a fact, people around campus were talking left and right about who would win and what that would mean for the next four years of our country.

If Romney won, would he try to help the lower class? Would he focus on the more privilège? Would he actually help our country?

If Obama won, would he do things differently? Is he actually going to solve the employment problem? The war in Iraq? The immigration problems and discriminations?

Whichever side someone was on, tension was high all over campus. Anxiousness and nervousness were at an all time high; especially when the news about Obama losing 600 votes because people were posting pictures of their ballots online. I suggest for new time voters to read the laws of their states. Certain states don't mind, but the ones like Illinois make it illegal to do those types of things. I would suggest that for the next term, to not share anything at all online just to be safe. What good is it trying to make a difference if your right to vote goes to waste because of a foolish mistake?

Either way, it was definitely exciting for me. I have never voted before and I am so glad that I decided to become a part of the political world to make a difference.

It's definitely been an interesting and grateful day.

P.S. It's freezing over here in the east coast. Can someone tell me why the wind has the need to slap you in the face as you're trying to get to classes?

That is all...

Get Out There and Vote

Today marks the day to cast your votes everyone. I have just came back from City Hall to vote for President Obama. Remember, whoever you vote for, make sure you choose someone who you KNOW will hear your voice.

This is the first time that I have ever voted and I have to say it was quite exciting. Also, on a side note, I don't know why I was stressing out when I was filling out my ballot. I think it had to do with the fact that I didn't want to mess things up. I tend to make foolish mistakes if I don't triple check things.

Tomorrow we will see who will be President of the United States. I'm not going to make anyone vote for Obama (even though that would be nice), since you have already been shoved down your throat the pros and cons of which candidate would be best as President.

You have made your decision, now act on it. Educate yourself on your candidates and make the right choice for yourself, your loved ones, and your future.

We have the power. We have a voice. It's our responsibility to use them.

I did.

Did you?

Daylight Savings Time

Today marks the day of daylight savings. I am extremely happy about this, and I'm sure other people are, because that means I get to sleep a whole extra hour!...Well, until next week and then I'll go back to feeling tired all the time.

I still do not know why we move the clock forward in the Spring and then back in the Fall, but it's a nice change (If anyone knows, I would really love to find out!).

You don't understand how excited I was when my phone turned to 1am again instead of 2am....It was nice and, strangely enough, I felt more productive for that short amount of time. Then I went to bed at 3am, with a smile on my face, and thinking that it would have been 4am. I felt like such a fool because of this discovery.

Whatever the case, I am just glad to gain that extra hour and enjoying the comfort of my bed for a little longer.

Enjoy your extra hour of sleep!

That is all.

T.G.I.F.

I don't know why I'm tired, considering that I had a four day weekend with Hurricane Sandy over here, but I am so glad that it's Friday. The weekend is something I always look forward to and I always tell myself that it's the perfect time to get my stuff together and organize my course materials for the following week.

Does that actually happen? Of course not.

Friday I work three of my four jobs on campus and by midnight all I want to do is watch Family Guy and call it a night. Saturday is my "me" day. I usually just go to the mall with my friends and then hang out until the wee hours talking about nonsense things and enjoying our youth. Then comes Sunday and I have meetings after meeting after meetings and, of course, have to get my reading done that I should have started that Friday night; but we already talked about that.

Although, I may regret my procrastination (I should really work on that), the weekend is definitely something I need in order to recharge my batteries. If I didn't have those days to not think about scholarly work, I think my brain would melt.

I just wasn't trained like that.

I can't spend forever doing school work. I need breaks to enjoy my time at college. I'm a Junior now and next year will be my last year in college. I want to spend time with the amazing people I've met throughout my time here before we all go our separate ways.

So I am going to take a step back from my planner and just go with the flow....at least for these two days.

What are your plans for the weekend?

Here's a little something to amuse you. Enjoy!

Stevie Wonder: Isn't She Lovely?

Today, I was riding in my school's van to Target and on my way there, I heard this song that I am now officially obsessed with. It was called Isn't She Lovely by Stevie Wonder. Stevie Wonder had the most beautiful voice for this song. It's just perfect to add to your pandora's christmas/winter songs.

I was talking to my friend, who went with me to Target, and we both agreed that people don't make music like this anymore. Sure, there are still some artist who can put moving music, but, now days, you have to really look for it. Now, I'm not saying that I don't love my generation's music, but I feel like there are so many artists who are following the trend and what's popular than putting out deep and quality work. We forget the past that has influenced us so much and, sometimes, it's nice to go old school.

I love the lyrics to this song as well. It's about the birth of a child.

Now that's music.

Passport Central

After the whole issue with Hurricane Sandy, I was worried that my passport was going to be delayed. Well, I had nothing to worry about. Yesterday morning, my passport came in the mail and I have never felt so excited about anything else. I have never had a reason to get a passport and now that I have one, I just feel that much more anxious about my study abroad trip.

I was going to take a picture of my passport, but I just keep forgetting to do it.  It looks just like this, but mine looks so much better!

This upcoming spring, I will spend 7 months in France: the first 4-5 months in my study abroad program and the rest working at an internship somewhere in Paris. Having this passport in my hand has made the trip that much of a reality and, I'm not going to lie, I feel kind of nauseous (I swear I'm going to be that person to cry on the plane when I take off).

For so long, traveling abroad was always a dream of mine and I sometimes feel like I have to pinch myself to make sure I'm not sleeping.

Now, I just have to apply for my visa and get that process out of the way.

It's all coming together.....I think I need to lie down for a second.

Hurricane Sandy

A problem about going to school in the East Coast are the random hurricanes that we get over here. Last year, we had Hurricane Irene the week before school opened and my school had to push our whole academic calendar a week.

I was a student advisor, so I was fortunate to already be on campus before the hurricane hit. If I flew out to campus all the way from Chicago, I would have been sleeping in the airport. That would have been a trip to remember, huh?

The freshmen, however, were not so lucky. If they were not an international student or lived very far away (as in more than 2 hours) they were sent back home.

This year, I now have to deal with Hurricane Sandy. Hopefully, it's not as serious, but my school has canceled classes for the next two days.

I don't know about you, but I am definitely going to try to do some work before Wednesday class (note keyword: try).

What about you? What are you going to do during lockdown from the hurricane?

Email Overdrive

Lately, my email inbox has been getting the best of me. It's as if it created a life of it's own and has been multiplying ever since.

I currently have over 200 unread emails and I have no idea what they're about! I knew it was bad, but I didn't know how out of control I was with my inbox until I was told that there was an event on campus about post-graduation campus. Needless to say, I missed it because I didn't see the email and, therefore, never RSVPed for it.

Anybody that knows me can tell you that I love all things related to organization. I am obsessed about that and love to read blogs on how someone was able to organize their homes.

So my goal for today is to go through all of my unread emails and delete things that I no longer have any use for. I'm for keeping things in case I need it in the future, but I'm pretty sure that I don't need three different reminders that Charlotte Russe is having a sale or a coupon for something that I never even heard of. Don't you agree?

...Ahh, I need coffee.

Reminiscing on Hobbies

Image retrieved from deviantart.com by Lady-Tori

Do you know what I miss? Writing.

When I was in high school I wrote a ton of stories based on my favorite shows. If you ask anyone, I am a hard core anime and fan fiction lover. Writing about them just make it so interesting to see how you could make fictional characters become so human. It's amazing what people can come up with when it comes to fanfiction, too.

I love being in college, don't get me wrong, but, sometimes, you don't have enough time in the world to do the things you want to do when you have to study for an exam and write that 10-page paper you put off until the last minute (on a side note: is it just me or does it seem like the work never ends?!) But papers, exams, and presentations are just the tip of the ice-berg of what usually takes up a college student's time. You also have to take into account of club activities and on or off-campus jobs. 

But writing is not the only thing that I miss. I also miss the time that I had in high school to read for fun. Having to read articles and textbooks for class, I feel like there is just not enough time in the world to read that new york times bestsellers novel because you have to read 100 pages by the next day. Not to mention that I am a Psych major with a History minor, so all of my classes are reading intensive. It's interesting work, but sometimes I just want to read about someone being able to throw fireballs from their hands and saving the world in the end. Is that so wrong?!

Either way, my goal is to try to get back to my writing and reading. I loved it when I would get lost in my fictional world and just pretend that I was an awesome, kick-ass, superhero.

First Day of Classes and Whatnot

Last Thursday marked the beginning of the semester for me at my school. I have to say, that week was magical. This is the first time in two years (I'm a junior now) that I can finally enjoy my Thursdays and Fridays. Usually I have 9am classes where it kind of makes it hard to spend time with my friends into the wee hours of the morning; especially if I have to sit through a lecture the following day without  falling asleep.

I have had to deal with party noises outside my dorm when I was studying for a test and although my school isn't a huge party scene like other universities (thank god), it can still get pretty annoying when you keep hearing screaming. I'm not going to lie, there have more times than I can remember when I wanted to throttle them all in the head until they got the hint that they are not the only people in the whole campus.

With that being said, I'm pretty sure now you can understand why I am officially satisfied with my schedule this semester. Yes, I still have classes on those days, but it's only one on Thursdays at 11:50am and Fridays at 2:45. I will be forced to get up and make something useful with my day, but not too early where I end up feeling like a zombie.

Now back to the magical part of my week. That is the reason why I wanted to share with you all about that day. Although the semester has barely started, my Friday class was canceled and thus I was able to go to the beach with my friends to enjoy the last few days of the summer. I haven't been to the beach in about 10 years, so going with my friends was not only nice, but memorable; considering that one of my closest friends was going abroad for a whole year and I will be without her for my Junior year. It was a nice last hoorah before the first full week of classes started and we got to see her off at the train station for her to fly out.

Aren't these pictures amazing!

It was sad to say good-bye, but it was still nice to at least spend the last few days with her and other friends and enjoy each others' shenanigans.

And now, I venture off into the beginning of the first full week of classes and try to make my little friend proud of me....and to take many, many pictures for her while I'm at it.

Till next time....

Patience is a Virtue

I don't know if many of you know, but I work at a women's fashion store as part of my summer job. That means that for the past 3 months, I have had to deal with not only the women that shop at our store, but their kids and boyfriends/husbands/brothers who do not know their way from a lacy top that needs an undershirt to a short skirt that may or may not cover them the right way.

I'm not going to lie, I love this job. It keeps me busy and I love the people who work there. The customers, on the other hand, are a different story. You can say it's a love/hate relationship between me and them. I love them because my day wouldn't be half as entertaining without them (plus I kind of need them for my manager to keep having me to come back) and I hate them because I don't know what it is with people, but the thought of even maybe putting things back wherever they got them from probably has never reached their brains. I'm not saying that I haven't done it before, but I am definitely aware of it now after having this job.

Yesterday was a very stressful day. I was assigned to take care of the shoes section and I can honestly say I have no idea how I survived. My patience was tested that's for sure. There was just shoes everywhere and having to clean up with strollers and people in the way definitely was a challenge for me. I had to wait almost to closing time for me to finally be able to move around freely and look for where the many single shoes belonged. Apparently, taking out one shoe from its box and leaving it almost on the other side of the store was the idea for the day.

Image retrieved from  http://www.retailconcepts.com/bout-us/shop-talk-newsletter/jan-12 

All I wanted to do was to go home and sleep, but alas that was not the case. We didn't leave until 11:30pm and, mind you, we close at 9:30. Usually we're out of there by 10:30 the latest, but life wanted to have fun and keep us there for an extra hour.

Taking deep breaths and just talking to my co-workers was what kept me sane. Maybe I should take up yoga, if I'm going to come back as a seasonal employee and do this for Winter Break.

Yep, I'm definitely going to do that; especially when Christmas and New Years comes...Namaste.

Organizing My Internet Life

I don't know about you, but lately I realized that I'm all over the place when it comes to online sites. Over the years I have forgotten site names, passwords, and usernames because of not going onto them for so long.

I have four (or maybe it's five) email accounts, twitter, facebook, blogspot, fanfiction (we'll get to that another time for those who don't know what it is), and many other sites that I have forgotten due to not being on them. But I'm sure you get the idea. The fact is I have probably signed up for so many sites and never thought of how that can affect me. I'm going to graduate college in two years and, by the time I interview for my first job, I'm pretty sure they're going to do background checks. Yes, sir, I think that's mine. When did I get it, you say? Who knows...I'm pretty sure the end of that conversation wouldn't look too good on me.

Even though there may not be anything bad on them (since I most likely signed up once and never came back), the image that I'm portraying is someone disorganized and not caring about what I'm signing myself up for. If I want to end up at my dream company, I need to be careful what I put out there now.

So I have to make a list of all sites that I have made accounts on and to close the ones I'm not using. If I'm not using them, then what's the point in keeping them, right? Being organized online is a great way for me to start taking charge of my life. You can thank my obsession on blogs about organization for coming up with this new goal. Not to mention this is the perfect time to start cleaning out the old. In 2 weeks I will be heading to my third year in college and I would really like to get handle of my life by then...okay sort of.

But like I said, it's a start, right?

3 Ways to Stay Safe

Two days ago an incident at work has reminded me that it's very important to stay alert to your surroundings. Here is what happened. Man wanted to be my friend. I said no. Man started following me around my work. Granted that the incident happened at my place of work, bad things can happen anywhere.

I never thought anything weird would happen while I was at work (that stuff only happens in the movies, right? If that's the case, where's my hot guy that's supposed to ward of the strange man from me?)

The fact is, we all tend to become too comfortable with our surroundings. Now, I'm not saying to become paranoid and to watch every single person that comes your way like a hawk. I'm just saying it would really benefit you to be aware of your environment.

I have come up with 3 ways that could help me, and anyone else, on becoming safer:

1. Taking a bus/train ride

Taking that long bus or train ride can be really boring and tiresome. But if you decide to listen to your iPod, play with your phone/iPad, or read, just know that you are letting yourself become more vulnerable. I am totally guilty of doing all three. It's important to remember that if you are going to do this, then to not let yourself become completely absorbed with what you are doing. Especially if you're traveling alone. We all want you to make it back to your place in one piece so you could hear that thing that happened the other day your mother wanted to tell you about...or maybe not, but you get the picture.

2. At your work place (esp. if your job requires customer service)

If you're like me and your job requires you to talk and interact with customers, I bet you barely have a moment's peace while you're on the clock. This is one place where not too many people think about their vulnerability (esp. if you're not a cop). I work at a clothing store for women, so the worst thing I thought I would have to worry about is a possible punch from someone trying to run with a bunch of unpurchased items (if only). You're going to greet customers all day; the nice ones and the really weird ones. If at any time you feel uncomfortable because of a customer, don't be afraid to let your manager know. You cannot say anything, in case it may come out offensive and then that's a whole other thing you have to worry about, but your manager or supervisor can. Their job is to settle the conflict. They are the peace keepers, so don't be afraid to ask for help if you really feel that your interaction with said customer is going down-hill. You can bet I ran to my customer when Man was starting follow me on the floor. Um, thank you, but no.

3. Taking a walk

For the love of god, do not walk down a deserted alley late at night! I don't care if it is quicker to your destination. You never know if there is something waiting for you in a dark corner. Use your common sense people! It's easier for other people to not notice if you need any help if you are in there, not to mention it's easier for the strange man to target you. Just don't do it, okay? Also, don't forget that if you are taking a walk with people around, not paying attention to your surroundings is also easy for you to get pick-pocketed or mugged. That amazing song on your iPod or text from that cute boy from class does not need your 100% attention. Yes, the text could mean a potential date that could lead to that dream wedding and house with two kids and a dog, but what's better? Becoming a better target and risk your hard-earned stuff or ending up at home with all your hopes and dreams still intact? Plus, you can think of an awesome text to send back to said crush that could lead you to that dream wedding. I'm just saying.

Hope this helps. I know for a fact that I'm going to try to follow these rules. The last thing I need is more stress added to my already growing to-do list. I definitely do not want to add: file stolen item. I work hard for my stuff and I dare anybody to try to take it away!

That is all.

Summer Loving and New Beginnings

This summer, I have to say, has passed by pretty fast. In three weeks, I will pack my bags and take a plane and a train to head back to campus. I will once again spend money on books that we may or may not use and stress over on papers, exams, and projects. I will be heading to my third year in college (who knew I would ever make it this far) and see the many friends that I have not been able to keep in touch due to the two jobs I have to pay for said books.

This year though, I have decided to head back to campus with two new blogs. I have decided that I want to document the many insane things that I go through on campus and the number of times I will be forced to be an adult for the last two years of my college career. I want Something Called Life to be something I can go back to and look at my memories of the best times of my life.

My other blog is called For the Love of French. I am currently trying to become fluent in French and I will be heading to France this coming spring. I will be posting the many different types of techniques and methods that I will use to achieve French fluency as well as articles, videos, and websites that will help me understand of learning a new language. It's fairly new and I won't be posting anything for a few days.

I have to say I'm excited for this new chapter of my life. I've been obsessed with blogs lately and I am so happy that I'm finally getting to do one (or two in this case)

If you have any ideas of what you would like to see on here, I would love to hear your input!

Until then!

Jen