Just Smile :)

onto the next!

2012-01-31T10:00:00.000-08:00

I really can't believe it's February already! Well, I mean, tomorrow is February first so I guess we still have a whole day. But really, so much has happened this month that I don't even know where to begin!

First, there was the celebration of New Year's Eve in Vancouver, B.C.

the city and all the boats

crazy crowds post-midnight

my boyfriend and I walking to the pub (yes his eyes are closed, grr)

Then, one of my roommates' dogs had puppies!! They were only 3 weeks old in this picture. Adorable :)

And once all the craziness of winter break was over, it was time to hit the books and start my very last semester as a college student! Which is even more crazy. At first I wasn't sure I wanted to graduate, but now I can't wait to get into the "real world".

I guess this post really doesn't do the month justice...my mind has been working on overtime to decide what I want to do when I "grow up", so January has seemed sooooo much longer than it's actually been. But overall it's been a blast, and I can't wait to continue into 2012!

So I hope you're all having a fantastic week so far, and remember, just smile :)

don't worry, be happy

2012-01-11T15:58:00.000-08:00

There are few things that can truly perk me up from having a horrible day, whether it's from a bad hair day (trivial, I know, but somehow hair is a huge determinant of my mood) or relationship problems (family, friends, boyfriend, etc.). Just because it's the start of a new semester and emotions tend to run high, I thought I would make a list of these videos/activities that really help me out.

1. Bizkit the sleepwalking dog: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2BgjH_CtIA
Watching this video makes me feel equal parts sad and happy. Sad because the dog obviously has no clue what is happening, and happy because he's just so silly! Anyways, watch this video and feel yourself getting happier.

2. Butterball downstairs: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kQnrKvOTNg
First of all, I love corgis. Secondly, I love puppies. This video combines both of these with adorable whimperings and just an adorable obstacle for the puppy (Butterball) to overcome. As my bf has come to realize, I don't even have to watch the video to be happy - the mere mention of Butterball will turn any frown of mine upside down.

3. Going for a run
Now, if you know me at all then you would know for a fact that I despise running. Loathe it. And the only times I willingly go for a run are: 1. when I'm feeling especially out of shape, 2. when I'm feeling very motivated to do something about said being out of shape, and 3. if I can't stop thinking about something that is bringing my whole mood down. Whether this is a fight, a break up, or something else along those lines, going for a run will silence my mind for a little bit while I focus on something I can control.

4. Reading a book
This tip is sometime difficult to carry out. I LOVE reading and usually I can use books as an escape from the real world, but sometimes what's bothering me consumes my brain. I don't know if any of you guys are the same, but often my brain won't shut up on a particular topic (very very annoying). When this is the case, reading won't help very much, but usually it will.

5. Cleaning my room/house
Cleaning my room or house is one of my strategies for dealing with stress or anxiety. Not sure why that is, but eliminating clutter and focusing on a physical task helps calm me down and feel like I can focus again on the task at hand.

Hope these help! Don't let classes get you down.

And remember, just smile :)

time flies when you're having...fun?

2012-01-10T18:13:00.000-08:00

found on weheartit.com

Well, it's official. I have begun the very last semester of my college career. It's such a strange feeling - it's the day you dream about since the time you realize that hey, maybe it would be nice not to have to go back to school every day. But after 15 years of schooling day in and day out, the real world is fast approaching and all I want to do is hide under my desk and avoid being found.
I must admit before I complain too much, that part of it is exciting at the same time. I am being presented with the chance to prove myself to the world, and reinvent anything I don't like about myself. Moments like this have always held a sort of thrill in my mind - when I was younger I wished that my parents would for some reason uproot us and move to some town across the country where I wouldn't know anyone and would be able to start over. I would daydream about being someone else, someone more outgoing and who dressed better. Now that I think back on it, I realize how happy I am that that didn't happen, because where and who would I be then?
So here I am, not quite 21, and trying to decide what I want to do with my life. In the past 3 years I have bounced between so many career options that I don't even know what to make sense of it all. First it was math teacher...until I realized that devoting my life to math would be horrid. Then chemist, until I realized that I hate being pressured and get super nervous in the lab. Next was history teacher, archaeologist, anthropologist, librarian, museum curator...the list goes on. The point is, I'm at the point in life where I thought I would know who I am and what I want to spend my life doing.
The truth is, none of that is true. I know that I'm a pretty good writer, very organized (and if I allow myself to lose focus I have a frenzied cleaning spree), I love history and anthropology, I'm creative, and I want to make enough money to support myself. Not enough to be rich - job satisfaction ranks much higher on my list of priorities than finances - but I would love to not live paycheck to paycheck.
As of now, my goal is to get through school, probably apply to grad school (just to see if I can get in - and have it as a backup plan), and start looking for both jobs and apartments in Seattle, WA. I don't know where I will eventually end up, and while it's scary and intimidating and completely foreign, the only way to begin living is to just jump in and start.

remember, just smile :)

getting started!

2012-01-05T10:57:00.000-08:00

This may seem like the usual "I'm going to try something new for the new year" sort of thing, but the truth is I've been wanting to start a blog for a while now. Something about it just calls to me - just like I was convinced years ago that keeping a diary was the thing for me. That eventually fell through, so I'm hoping that this time I'm able to stick with it!
Just a few things about me: I'm a senior in college, graduating and heading out into the real world in about 4 months (scary!!), I love dogs and giraffes, I hate peanut butter with a passion, and I have the best boyfriend in the world. We met in physics (otherwise the worst class EVER), and I've been smitten ever since.
One goal of mine in keeping this blog is to eat healthier and spend more time getting comfortable in the kitchen. I'm not the greatest cook, which means I usually resort to macaroni and cheese or hamburger helper when it comes to making dinner (cliche, I know). But that's all about to change!
So if you're interested in pictures of cute animals, cute clothes, and delicious recipes, you've come to the right place! This blog is my space to keep track of what I'm thinking about in this crazy world. Don't be afraid to comment or ask questions if you've got them!

and remember, just smile :)