just getting started.

My sophomore year of college is over and my summer is here. It's hard to believe to say the least. It seems like time is quickly slipping through my fingertips these days, and for me, it's not the greatest feeling. Over the past year, I have come to realize something that I already knew about myself, I like structure. I like plans, and routines and knowing what my next move will be and where it will lead me. 

My summer was going to be no different, until one week before finals all of my summer plans were over before they had even begun. I was going to work all summer volunteering at a summer camp and take an online astronomy class, but within literally five minutes I got an email that said the summer volunteering was no longer an option and the deadline (which I was previously told was May 15) for my summer class had passed months ago. And there I was, left without my plans, routines, and predictable next steps. 

It was only after a few frantic phone calls to my mom and many trips to the registrar's office to beg for another summer school option that I realized maybe this unplanned summer was just what I needed. 

So despite my worries, I put a smile on my face, worked my way through finals, packed my bags, said my goodbyes, and headed home. As soon as I walked in the door of my comfortable Tuscany-inspired home I felt at ease. All my worries of a summer with no plans were gone (well, not completely, but they got smaller), I realized that I still have everything that really matters to me, and for once maybe I should leave the planning to someone else, and just wait. Take a deep breath and relax, I mean, isn't that what summer is all about?

I want this to happen to me one day.

So, it's been a while...

I took a little break, well a long break, from my blog for awhile just to see what it was like. Now that I am required to blog for one of my journalism classes, I realized how much I missed this little online outlet for my thoughts. So I am happy to announce to all my readers (if I even have any) that I am back! I will try to write more often, and hopefully stay consistent. 

Side note: I'm on Twitter now. It wasn't by choice, it's for a class and needless to say I was a bit unsure about the whole thing. I have had a Twitter account for about 2 days now and I have already checked it about 40 times. I guess the whole glorified facebook status site had a pull on me after all...or it could be the fact that now I can really follow Ashton Kutcher's every move. 

nothing.

I think it's the simplicity of breaks that I love the most. I have been on this winter break for exactly four days and so far I have done absolutely nothing. Nothing.. I forgot what it felt like, maybe that is why that's all I have been doing lately. 

Tomorrow morning I'm headed to Disney with a selection of friends and family for three days of Christmasy bliss. It will be the start to my Christmas break, and maybe the end to my "nothing" streak. 

I asked for Twilight for Christmas. I just have to see what all the buzz is about. So far I have been casually walking behind the vampire-obsessed bandwagon, maybe one day, I will hop on and join the journey.. we will see. 

almost.

You know that you have been studying too much when your "breaks" consist of studying for a different class or working on a final project. I'm just one final away from my much anticipated Winter Break. This week full of finals, papers, hardly any sleep has been long and rough (and the  fact that I managed to catch a stubborn little cold doesn't help either) but it is almost over and I couldn't be more ready. I love my school, my friends, even the large course load (ok maybe not "love" but it's not too bad) but it's time for a break. I need it, and plan to take full advantage of it. I really just want to bake cookies and watch cheesy Christmas movies with my mom. 

Goodnight.... well I guess good morning.

Grateful

Happy Thanksgiving! I had a really great one this year. Usually my Thanksgiving is rushed. I typically wake up only to watch a few minutes of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, head to my Aunt's for lunch, then hurry back home to get to bed in preparation for my favorite shopping day of the year. This year was different. I was home, which in itself is something to be thankful for, I got to watch the entire parade, and enjoyed a leisurely meal cooked my my mom and finished the day constructing our "battle plan" for tomorrow. It was great, just what I needed. The day even managed to keep my mind off the two papers and countless journal entries that need to be done. Wow, I have a lot to be thankful for. 

Side note: The fact that Anderson Cooper is just as obsessed with the Real Housewives series as I am only make me like him more. 

November?!

I feel like I missed out on Halloween this year. I was feeling sick all day so that kind of put a damper on the whole evening. I hadn't planned to wear a costume, so instead of doing the typical Halloween activities, I stuck to my normal Friday night line-up with the addition of a carmel apple and some candy corn. I think it came too fast this year, much like a lot of other events, and now it's November..geez.  All I have to say is next year it's going to be good. I already know what I am going to be.. it will impress.. you just wait. 

About 3 weeks til Thanksgiving break. I say "break" with hesitation since it is really just a 3 day tease that comes before finals week, but I'm ready for it. I can almost smell the pumpkin swirl cheesecake and I almost have my Black Friday battle plan completed. 

Is anyone else sad that Joaquin Pheonix is done with movies? I really liked him, he is one of those versatile actors who you can watch over and over again and still be surprised. He made me enjoy listening to the twangy tunes of Johnny Cash though, so if music is his next move then I guess it's a good one.