Showing posts with label lovely things. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lovely things. Show all posts
I have been seeing an abundance of dinner tables converted into home offices, "soft offices" or just people's beds converted into offices, some really killer home offices that were built for actual work, and some really creative set ups, so I was inspired to share my at-home office. Which I'm actually quite proud of.
What has evolved from a makeup vanity now into a dual-purpose vanity and desk has become my place of production and zoom meetings. As a kid I'd use it to play school, pretending it was the teacher's desk, but now I get to live out my 10 year-old fantasy and write all of my assignments, blog posts (even this one I'm writing), and participate in class at my desk.
I keep my productive spaces pretty organized, and I think a lot of my friends from school can abide by that. I am the most focused when I know where everything is, the main tool, my MacBook Pro, has been my saving grace through all of this. As a matter of fact, my camera has been broken for the past month, so Zoom meetings have been less awkward to say the least.
As you can see, I have a small gold tray that I bought from Target's Project 62 line, wouldn't we all love to go back to Target? I linked a similar one I found and I love to keep my makeup brushes, perfume, or Q-tips at hand because you never know when you need a quick Zoom session touch up. I also have this really quirky eyelash mirror. Folder organizers are also the way to go, I mostly love them because they hide all of my legal pads I use for notes.
Next to me, I usually have some type of liquid. I have been loving citrus infused water and hot tea. It gives me a boost and isn't something sugary or overly caffeinated. I'll have my AirPods handy, as well as, a note pad or a weekly to-do list to keep track of my online assignments and meetings. Rifle Paper Co. makes a lot of pretty ones that are functional and pull off like a sticky note.
I have also been really into these blue light glasses, although I don't know if they actually work or if I'd just gave into the trend. Staring at my screen all day does strain my eyes, but I've not worn them enough to find out if they have lasting benefits. All I know is that I feel more productive wearing them, so maybe that's a hidden plus.
I think everybody needs a sufficient desk lamp. I brought this one back from school and I use it every day. The lighting in my room is nice, but during the afternoon or when Chicago decides it'll be cloudy and snow, I feel like I could just take a nap and not do work. This one was also purchased at Target (who could have guessed).
Above my desk is usually a wall calendar. I always buy the Paper Source ones that have pretty landscapes or national parks on them. Once the year goes by, I cut off the bottom calendar part and keep them as wall art instead. All of their calendars are more than 50% off, so I would highly recommend giving them a quick browse!
I know this is a weird time and a very different adjustment to our every day routines, especially for those who have never worked from home. I am hopeful that this will not be the normal routine forever, but uplifting each other by showing the ways we get productive and maintain our daily routines always helps me stay motivated when times are hard and confusing.
Trying to stay engaged online as a college student has presented its challenges, but remembering that I have a support system of professors, advisors, family, and friends makes it just a bit more doable. What has your work-from-home routine looked like?
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Many times do I find myself in silence, either right before bed or as soon as I wake-up. Times I think to myself what needs to be accomplished the next day and making lists or to-dos in my head. I have this obsession with creating lists and "next steps" for what needs to get done and to be quite frank, it's exhausting. Counting down the days, scratching out the lists, ripping off the weeks, it's just a matter of time before I'm onto the next thing and the next and the next. I need to breathe really.
There are times when I find myself wondering how I got here. There are also times when I find myself wondering when I will leave. Never would I have imagined where I would be now ten years ago—and I don't know what lies ahead of me either. I think that's just the process of time at work.
I could never have guessed that I would be halfway through my junior year, continuing this blog for more than five years, being a writing tutor at my college, being promoted to the Executive Vice President of PRSSA, visited five countries in Europe, or even have three tattoos by the time I'm twenty-years-old. I feel good and proud.
There are times when I digress into my humble little puffer jacket shell and question my abilities, my passions, and what the hell I'm doing. I mean, I think it's valid and common to feel that way, but let's be real, winter doesn't help and I will blame the weather as much as I want. February is one of the worst "second chance" months, you know after you tried so hard to get back at it in January, but then February just sneaks up on you with a pile of deadlines, emails, and applications to be sent out.
This month has really sneaked up on me, but what I've come to realize is that it can be very easy to set ourselves in neutral during these seasons. It can be easy to lose sight of the purpose that drives me to do the things I'm passionate about. I'm stuck in the past or the future, not taking full advantage of the present moment for what it is. It's easy to place myself on a scale of productivity and obsess over what must be done—not what is being done.
Thinking about what gives me purpose motivates me to take everything I do at full force and focus, knowing at the end of the day, that I tried my best. Remembering where I stand now and not wasting my life trying to figure out what my end-all-be-all "purpose" truly is because this is it. What I've learned, though, is that our life's purpose is not a "one-stop arrival," and as cliché, as it is true, it's about the journey, not the destination and trusting the process along the way. Nothing is permanent—we're all just figuring it out as we go. How can you find purpose in today?
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I believe in bedtime routines and their impact on our wellbeing—without them, I feel like it's very difficult to fully settle in at the end of a long day. As someone who has watched so many night-time routines and regimens on YouTube, I thought it'd be a good time to share my own.
On most nights, I'd like to think that I have a pretty well-managed schedule when it comes to getting ready for bed. With that said, my sleep schedule is not strict nor is what I do in order to get ready for bed. However, I like to allow myself at least an hour before I fall asleep to pamp and prep for the next day ahead. When I do this, I can feel refreshed and relaxed, especially when I use some of my favorite essential items.
I like to keep things simple. After I've done my evening skincare, showered, etc. I am always sure to moisturize and keep lotion or cream at my bedside. I've gotten into the habit of using it right before I go to bed—who likes cold and dry hands? Not me. The Bath and Body Works Orange Ginger Body Lotion from their Aromatherapy collection is my current bed-side pick and while orange is not the most "calming" of scents, it's a pleasant fragrance nonetheless.
On the topic of aromatherapy, recently I've been using a lot of essential oils especially when it comes to my nighttime routine. Lavender, eucalyptus, and lemongrass have been my favorite fragrances at the moment and I use them in my diffuser and in rollers applying them to my temples, neck, and wrists when I'm feeling anxious or restless during the night.
I've never underestimated the power of fragrance as a stress-reliever or a sleep inducer, but when I was first introduced to pillow mists, I couldn't go back. Bath and Body's Lavender Vanilla Pillow Mist is soothing and instantly relieves feelings of stress or discomfort. The ultimate spa-like experience.
Sometimes I like to play a sleepytime playlist and it was only until recently that I found out you can set your music on your phone to a timer so that it stops when you fall asleep. I'm always reaching for my wireless headphones before bed and am thankful that they are comfortable to sleep with. I've even explored meditation apps like Headspace to help with uneasy sleep. If there are any other ways I can get good and restful sleep, I am always open to trying it. What are your bedtime routine essentials?
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For the Foodie...
My family usually does stocking fillers and all of the tiny bits and bobs the last week before Christmas. Usually, it's items such as chapstick, gum, candy, fuzzy socks, silly putty—you know, those finishing touches that everyone loves, but don't really ask for. I was trying to think of some of my favorite stocking stuffers and the default is always food. "Santa" would always leave those LifeSaver Sweet Holiday Storybooks and my sisters and I would fight over the flavors.
You can never go wrong with gifting food, keeping in mind allergies of course. It's the perfect present route to go in for co-workers, friends, secret Santas, or the beloved foodie in your life. I also love gifting small things because sometimes those make the biggest smiles.
For those non-coffee drinkers like me, tea is always a great gift. I am always willing to try new flavors and one of my favorites is The Republic of Tea Cranberry Blood Orange black tea. It's the perfect holiday blend. For something to stir with, I always love the look of personalized dining ware like hand-stamped spoons and forks or even engraved glasses. This spoon was from a local craft fair and it just adds a little joy to every cup of cheer! I would recommend looking on Etsy for custom engravings, too.
I don't know anyone who doesn't love chocolate. Every year my mom has one of these Terry's Chocolate Orange Balls. Maybe it's more of a British tradition, but there's something so satisfying when you have to slam the orange on the counter and break open the decadent orange chocolate slivers. Pure bliss.
Indulge in fruit-flavored body care items such as the Orange Ginger Body Lotion from Bath and Body Work's Aromatherapy collection. There's always something to love from their wide variety of bath, skincare, and home scents. I'm always trying to keep track of who loves what fragrance! I love their aromatherapy line because it includes natural essential oils and the look of the amber bottles are sleek and the perfect addition to anyone's bathroom essentials.
Speaking of sleekness, olive oil is another great gift as a stocking or basket filler. I bought this La Carrera Olive Oil while I was in Spain, so I'm not quite sure how accessible this bottle is, but another one of my favorites originates in Egg Harbour, Wisconsin. It's Fat Louie's Garlic Olive Oil and every time we're in Door County my family stocks up with five or six of these bad boys. It's perfect to cook and dip with.
Chapped lips are a no-go this time of year. If there's something I know, it's that I have at least one tube of chapstick in every bag wherever I go. Burt's Bees is my forever lip balm and this Limited-Edition Peppermint Lip Balm is currently at my bedside. They also have holiday packs, which have special edition flavors to choose from and share such as Chai Tea and Vanilla Maple.
These are some of my current favorites and are the perfect bits for those who love food and also just might want the "small things" this holiday. Christmas is right around the corner, so I hope these ideas alleviated some pressure from the shopping mania that's going to happen this weekend. To all of my readers, supporters, and friends, I wish you all a very merry holiday season. I will be taking a much-needed break, as I hope you do too! I will be back and ready for the new year and can't wait for what's to come.
Merry Christmas <3
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For the special gal...
I can officially say that all of my Christmas shopping is done. Usually, I'm even more ahead of the game and I have it all figured out before December. I love gift-giving. I know I have talked about not being materialistic and what impact we make as consumers, but hey, the holidays are the time to spread a little consumeristic cheer. Especially when it comes to the people that I love.
When it comes to gift-giving, I'm all about the personalized sentiments, but every now and then I think it's definitely okay to hit the high road and splurge on something really nice for a person who is undoubtedly well-deserving of it. Perhaps this can be used as a wishlist for those women in our lives or a little hint for those guys looking for some inspiration.
Perfume is always a hit. There are so many nice perfumes out there and I realize that there are so many different scents to choose from. I love florals and you really can't go wrong with a fresh and femme floral musk. Jo Malone's Peony and Blush Suede perfume is my daily fragrance. A spritz of this is just mesmerizing.
For a gal who loves music and is always jamming, Apple AirPods have been one of my all-time gift-worthy headphones. I've had Beats in the past, but never liked the bulkiness. I can be on the go, working out, or just chilling in bed without having to mess with the fussy cord—worth it.
Christmas tends to bring in an abundance of new beauty releases and I am always happy to receive new products in my stocking to try out. I think one of the easiest products is mascara, there's no need to color match! You can never go wrong with mascara and the Givenchy Volume Disturbia Mascara is the perfect treat-your-gal beauty product.
Handbags and accessories are always great gifts to give. In fact, that was one of the things I got my mom this year. I know a lot of people have a specific brand, style, color, or material they love—bags are just the key to a girl's heart. Something petite and as vibrant as this Calvin Klein Cora Crossbody is the perfect size and statement. It's the perfect Christmas red, too.
As much as I honestly love receiving fuzzy socks, sometimes it's okay to go above and beyond, especially for a jaw-dropping moment, by gifting this Gucci GG Marmont Card Case Wallet. It's a timeless piece and will be a long-time love of mine.
No need to panic—my gift guide is here to inspire and enhance your gift-giving ideas. Treat the lovely women in your life because you and I both know socks may not just cut it this year. While I do think practical gifts can be well-loved, I'm def asking for a new calendar lol, sometimes going the more luxurious route may be a really nice surprise for someone not expecting it.
My favorite part of gift-giving is seeing the receiver's reaction and the whole process of opening up a present. Just the small joys in giving make my heart feel full and warm. Who's on your gift-giving list this year?
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October is one of the best months and one of my most productive or manic times of the year. Usually, this is one of my favorite transition months into winter, however, Jack Frost came a little too early and blessed Chicago with a dusting of snow on Halloween. Now that it's November, I'm already gearing up for what could possibly be another polar vortex and am nearing the end of my first quarter of school.
I was able to really enjoy all things fall this past month with my friends, take a weekend trip up north with my family, while also managing to do research for my public relations campaign class, and being able to attend an interview at WGN Radio for one of my internship clients. It was a jam-packed month, and I am looking forward to the finish line before a much-needed break.
01. I've realized that I have not been in the presence of others as much as I should be. During this time of year, when the holidays are right around the corner, a lot of people tend to get a bit angsty and are centered on their own plans, to-dos, and routines. I have been geared into my work a lot lately and achieving my personal goals so much that it has made me a little burnt out, to be honest. This month, I'd like to take my time and contribute it towards something that will benefit others in some way.
02. Since I have been somewhat of a workaholic, exercising and meditating has been on the backburner. Since I am going to have more time once school gets out for winter break, I want to start up my normal yoga routine and challenge myself to go beyond the routine I already know and practice. I need to get out of my comfort zone and foster a mindset that will allow me to stay motivated and remind me why I'm doing this for myself.
03. November is also going to be a bit stressful towards the end of the month since I will be finishing up my work and taking my finals. A lot of anxiety builds up during this time, and in a lot of other people too, so I want to be sure to give myself time to relax and reset. In order to do this, I want to be more creatively stimulated and I'm hoping to get my camera out a bit more, find a new playlist (Maggie Rogers has been my top at the moment), come up with new outfits I'm too shy to try out, or maybe wear a simple red lip. These little things are simple enough to make a busy week interesting and just comforting.
04. On a more optimistic note, I plan on visiting some family this month and my best friends are coming home for the holidays. In a couple weeks, I'll be headed to Michigan to visit my grandpa and aunt from Oregon, who I rarely get to see. I will also be spending Thanksgiving with my mom's side and am excited to reminisce and get some close time with everyone this month. It can be hard to check everyone off the list, so I'm glad we get to make quick trips to see the people we can.
As the year is coming to a close (unbelievably), I've found myself reflecting on many high and low moments I've had. Daylight savings is here, temps are dropping, and moods are changing. November is a month filled with reflection and gratitude, something I think we all need to remember. What's on the radar for this month?
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Never did I think that balancing a pumpkin on my head would inspire a blog post, but here we are! I can't believe October is halfway through and the leaves have just begun to change. This past weekend, my best friend Ellie was in town for fall break and so were my two sisters—the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the beautiful fall weekend and go to a fall fest. While we weren't exactly pumpkin picking, we bought pumpkins and then persisted to place them on our heads. We are the real pumpkin-heads.
Maybe it wasn't exactly balancing the pumpkins on our heads that inspired me to write, but hey, I gotta embrace it. It's been a hectic past couple of weeks.
I've been told that my junior and senior years of college are going to be the hardest. I mean, I was told that in high school and I was like "Are you kidding? I get to go home for lunch!". It doesn't seem like you get seniority in college because that's when you start to realize just how real your life is starting to get and how much time you don't have.
My normal days are filled with waking up, getting dressed, making sure I eat something, start my internship work, go tutor for an hour, go to class, eat, somehow exercise or attend a meeting, try to do homework, and then sleep (hopefully). My routine changes and fluxes based on what week it is, and it's a good routine, but a busy one.
Usually, when I'm feeling the weight of my days, I try to confide in a friend (typically Ellie) and we facetime the night away watching Bob's Burgers or literally just playing the new Mario Kart app while we facetime. It's the perfect way to check back in and reset.
Everything we do is based on time and lately, I've been trying to cut back on saying yes and giving myself a break. I need time to go to a pumpkin patch, watch Shane Dawson's Jeffree series, drink some apple cider, or go to the Dollar Tree because why the hell not.
I know that the work I need to do will get done because that's just the person I am. I'm always one step ahead, but recently its proved less than helpful. When I try to get too far ahead, I end up caring more about getting it done than actually actively participating in the work that's being done.
That's why I know balance is key—in all things life. If you're also feeling like the calendar pages are turning and you just can't seem to find time to pause and reflect on what's happening around you, you'll miss all of the great opportunities to grow and literally live a more fulfilling life because of it. Sure you have to get an assignment due by Monday, but it can wait because you have a life besides your work.
I stress about little things all the time: is the laundry done, do I need to email that one person back, did I go to the bank, am I going to have enough time to eat today, and on and on. Reminding myself that I need to release the gas pedal every now and then really helps when I enter that mindset of worrying about every single thing that needs to be done. Committing to one task at a time is the best way to go about it—and being present while doing it.
I'm not an expert on balancing all things life, but I sure do balance a good pumpkin.
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This summer, I took on a task that I'm not so fond of doing—reading. I have always struggled to find books that I can fully commit to and enjoy. Maybe that's because I've been forced to read books in school or I've just not found the type of book I like to read yet. I'm not an avid reader, I'm not the best reader, but I thought this challenge would be something very beneficial for me while I had the free time to do it over the summer. To my surprise, I was able to read five books in two months—all because of Reese's Book Club.
Reese Witherspoon launched Hello Sunshine which is a media brand that's full mission is to foster storytelling, creating, and discovering content that celebrates and idolizes women by putting them at the center of the story. Whether or not you've noticed these yellow sunshine-like emblems on books, I took it upon myself to read five fiction novels and pick my top three to share my initial thoughts with all of you.
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
This book was on The New York Times Best Seller list of 2019 for 20 weeks and is probably my favorite book I read this summer. I am very into nature and ethereal imagery, which Owens far exceeded my expectations with her detailed illustrations of an isolated North Carolina Marsh and an orphaned girl, Kya, who grew up on it.
There's murder, family dysfunction, romance, and all the while Kya is trying to discover who she is all by herself. More importantly, documenting her findings of nature reveals so much more to her than school ever did. It's a story that makes you want to run into the fields and be one with the sunshine, birds, and mud. Truly a beautiful read.
This was a heartwarming story about a little boy, who believes he's a girl—and is a girl. Inspired by the author's transgender child, this isn't just a book about being transgender. It is an honest story about a family that goes through this process and all are affected by it.
It will bring tears and smiles; including realizations and transformations that make every small detail in parenting crucial. It is full of bright, nostalgia and whimsy fairytales, but deeper truths of identity beyond a "happy ending" that we would all wish for our kids and families.
The Last House Guest by Megan Miranda
If you're really looking for a page-turner, I would recommend this book. As I was reading this, it was sending chills up and down my spine. The best thriller books are the ones that leave you feeling like someone is watching you in your own house. Spooky, I know.
You are in for a treat with some "dizzying" plot twists and thrills set in Littleport, Maine. The perfect setting for a cozy fall evening of reading. It's a story about an affluent tourist town and the suspicious death of their own, Sadie Loman. Good friend, Avery Greer, is trying to clear her own name and uncover the mystery as a resident on their property—is she to blame? Find out in this addictive read, you won't regret it.
Reading for pleasure is one of those things I need to get better at. Especially when I have the time and motivation to do it. There are so many great books out there, and following Reese's Book Club made it easier for me to find books and get suggestions of what to read next. If you also struggle to read, I would highly recommend finding a book club like hers to give you some options from a varied range of books.
Fall is the best time to snuggle up and delve into stories, which is why I hope I've given some inspiration as to what to read next this season. Reading these books over the summer has given me a new appreciation for reading. There's an addictive and immersive feeling of escapism that a movie on Netflix could easily accomplish, but by reading a book, I create the story, the characters, and the setting.
For a while, I had a distaste for reading. I was impatient and couldn't wait for the story to develop, but now I've come to realize that there's richness to stories incomparable to my own. Give a book a couple chapters, believe me, you'll be amazed. What's on your fall reading list?
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It's September!! And if you don't know what that means, it means its ihavetoomuchtodoandnotimetodoit season! Also known as, Virgo season! Which, I am a Leo-Virgo cusp and this time of year means chaos for me. All chaos aside, I've actually had quite the summer and was anticipating fall to roll around sometime soon. Everyone's back into their routines, or at least trying to cope with their routines, and I have just completed my first week of my junior year of college. Yay.
It can be overwhelming when the to-do lists, responsibilities, deadlines, assignments, projects, and every other stressful thing possible lands on your plate all at once. If there's one week I hate, it's syllabus week. When your professors hand you a packet of every single test and paper due in the next ten weeks of your life.
This weekend I needed to ground myself: I did some yoga, ran some errands, walked my pup, babysat, and tackled what now is an entirely full planner of commitments and things I don't want to do. So I took a step back and thought about ways in which I can make this overhaul of chaos better. Much better.
Make Your Schedule
It always helps me when I can visually see all of the tasks I need completed by a certain date and time. Choose what works best for you. I like to use a planner and highlight all of my classes, along with meetings and clubs, and other commitments in different colors. I also utilize a weekly desk calendar that only shows what I need to do that week. Even using sticky notes on your computer works!
Engage, Then Disengage
I am a victim of doing other things when I should be doing something else. Especially when I should be relaxing and I try to take advantage of my relaxing time for more work time. I understand time crunches and totally stand by that, but when you need a break, take it. Even if that means dedicating an hour to going to the gym, watching a movie, or getting your nails done.
Remember Priorities
Taking time for yourself is a priority. You have to remember that you will be working for basically your entire life and balance is key! Do what needs to be done, but don't push yourself if it's feeling like you can't handle so much at once. People are there to support you and want to see you succeed, sometimes that means taking your foot off the gas pedal.
Make Time You Need to Relax
Everyone says that "there's not enough time" for anything, but that's usually because they don't make the time to do something. "There's not enough time to relax," "I can't fit yoga classes into my schedule," or "I'm just too busy to get some time for myself," are some things I often hear. One thing to consider is your sleep-wake cycle. Are you getting enough sleep? What time do you normally go to bed? Could this be effecting your energy levels? Sleep is something to consider when you're staying up until 2am trying to finish work for Monday.
These are all things to consider that might help alleviate stress, anxiety, and a feeling of overwhelm as the new season transitions into a busy one. Balance is something I cannot stress enough. Divide up your day so that you have breaks and time to re-adjust and reset. What do you do to not overwhelm your busy ass life?
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I've always loved a good, long weekend. I mean, who doesn't? An extra day to do nothing is the best. Knowing me, an extra day means an extra day to prepare myself for the short week ahead. Mostly an extra day to relax and rejoice in other people's company, read a book, do some yoga, and eat some ribs! Truly the best.
On Saturday, the parents and I drove down to visit my younger sister, Emily, at Valparaiso University in Indiana. She is a freshman studying Kinesiology and has adjusted quite well! It was nice being on campus and also bringing Cooper along to go see her. We had lunch at her fave, Culver's, met her sweet roommate, Sydney, and played fetch with Cooper on the quad.
Exploring downtown Valpo on a nice, breezy Saturday was all we needed. Especially their cute square with boutiques and artesian coffee places.
On Sunday, I connected with my best friend, Mikayla, who's my sweet friend from high school. It's always a nice time when we get the chance to hang out. We are the brunching buddies! I don't know if there's a duo that loves brunch so much more than we do. We walked around downtown La Grange, which I always forget is so nearby and a lovely place to explore, and ate at Blueberry Hill Cafe for the best banana pecan pancakes and bacon.
It's so nice catching up with friends and just enjoying each other's company when you can. Yesterday we had ribs with the neighbors and a chill day reading magazines and doing a whole-lotta-nothing. I have one more week of summer left, so I've been trying to use the most of my free time reading, getting things ready for school, writing for the blog, and working on my internship!
You don't realize just how great free-time is until it's gone. I'm usually one who loves to make the most out of a free day and be as productive as possible, but lately, I've just loved not doing much as time gets nearer to the busier days. What did you do over the long weekend? Or better, what didn't you do?
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As I begin to prepare for what seems like a trip of a lifetime, I literally today have started getting everything I need and packed. Honestly, packing is one of my favorite things to do, but one of my largest pitfalls because I overpack SO much. The places I'm going to, France, the Netherlands, and Spain for three weeks are all going to be pretty warm during the day, but I still can't rely on just my knowledge of Chicago weather and think that all countries get extremely hot days next to extremely cold and rainy ones.
This trip has required me to do some research and a lot of asking around to see what other people's experiences were like travelling abroad. I got a lot of mixed information from a lot of sources based on personal preferences, ages, time of the year travelling, and just an overall consensus that travelling is really dependent on many factors and is different for everyone. My feelings toward studying abroad is mostly excitment, mixed with a little bit of nerves, but I think it's all normal and my attitude about it all is go with the flow and open to trying new things.
For one thing I really don't know how I am going to be on an eight hour flight, but it has to be better than a 21 hour bus ride to Florida. The excitment of going and getting there will make it all feel fast. I would say I am a pretty good traveler, but going in a big group can be overwhelming at times just based on the fact that we all need to work seamlessly together.
Being with a group of students can really relieve discomfort and I am grateful that I have a big group to relate to and get to know more. To be honest, I have already connected with some of the girls in our class. I'm sure that I will come back with new friendships. You know while traveling with a lot of people can ease the feeling of homesickness, I also really like to keep to myself at times. I know we have packed schedules each day, but sometimes all I want to do is chill out and not worry about other people. Pacing myself in this aspect will be necessary if I'm going to need times to reboot during the trip.
I have the expectation that all is going to be great, but I also have expectations that there will be times that I feel sad, confused, distraught, lost, etc. Being in a new place, for an extended period of time with people I hardly know yet, can bring up these feelings and I want to make sure that my headspace doesn't dwell on these things because I am there to enjoy every minute of the trip and make the most out of everything available to me. Embracing the sense of the unknown, figuring out how to navigate, and adapting to new social sitations will be a test for me.
I know there are many people who have already travelled to a ton of different countries and probably remember the first time they traveled abroad for the first time, too. I don't really know what to expect, how everything is going to go, but the people that have made this possible at my college really know what they're doing and are well experienced in it.
The emotions I have are totally normal and I think I am more than ready to have this experience. As I am writing this now, within a week I will be away and my plans for blogging are going to be on hold as I take in everything I can while I'm away. I will be documenting my travel and of course, sharing a post about it as soon as I get back in early July.
When I think about all the things that could happen, I try to remember that fear is probably the main factor that pulls people away from experiencing the world and going beyond what they know. I really want to travel as much as I can and that takes a lot of strength and mind power to do, but I know it will all be worth it in the end. Let me know what your travel plans are this summer! I can't wait to tell you all about it.
Bon Voyage!
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People ask me if I'm on summer yet—I'm not. I'm still in school, but that's okay! I like being productive and having a schedule keeps me grounded and focused. However, this past Memorial Day I had the chance to take a road trip down to Missouri to enjoy the fresh air, sunshine, and definitely the pool. Breaks like those are the best because you get to worry less and rejoice in eachother's company—something I need more than I think. So, yes summer is nearing around the corner and so is June.
There is so much going on in June. May was definitely a busy month for me academic wise, but I have one big trip abroad in two weeks! If you forgot, I am going to France, Spain, and the Netherlands. Other than that, I am finishing up finals and taking advantage of the time I have over seas.
These next two weeks in June I will be working my butt off, finals is in the next week and I have been pushing through all of my assignments and group projects. It doesn't make it easier when all of my friends have already been done with school for the past month.
I'll be honest, I do have a bit of apprehension before going to Europe. It's my first time and only friends I know have been and experienced long distance travel. I know eventually I will get adjusted, but the fact that I don't know how I am going to adjust when I get there can make me worriesome. Before study abroad trips like this one, my instructors meet with everyone to lay down logistics and how everything is planned out—more or less, travelling leads to unexpected delays or obstacles that you just have to adjust to. I'm curious to see how well I can handle these situations and be aware of it.
My goal for June is to just simply enjoy it all by being as present as I can be. I know it will go by extrememly fast and I'm lowkey already missing it because I know this trip will fly by. My plan is to take a lot of pictures, but to control my technology use while I'm there. I know wifi and all that will not be as strong anyway, so making the real memories will be more than enough for me.
Another goal I have while I'm in Europe is to be spontaneous. You know, try new things, say yes to more opportunities, get out of my comfort zone a little, and talk to the locals. There's so much I could worry about while traveling, but that's so much time wasted when I could be enjoying moments freely. I've been in the midwest my whole life, and there's so much to explore out there, I don't want to take it all for granted.
I am really lucky for how far I have come, there are so many things ahead of me. It almost seems unreal at times the things you can accomplish in such little time—and then it's already past you. If I can inspire anyone, I would advise you to think about where you are right now, the things that drive and move you, the people that surround you, and the memories you could be making instead of just looking at your phone and swiping your life away.
What you want is already out there, so how are you going to achieve it?
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