Time goes by (so slowly).

But really, it doesn't. It's been two weeks since my last post? My goodness, does time just fly by. I guess I just never realized how busy I've been because I've constantly been doing things! Let's just start at the beginning of the semester:

The first week wasn't bad. Being in senior level classes now, "syllabus week" doesn't really exist, so I've had homework assigned since day one. This semester I'm taking two design intensive classes, Mechanical Design II and Design of Alternative Energy, as well as Heat Transfer and Vibrations. Heat Transfer is my favorite so far, mostly because it's taught by the favorite professor in the engineering department, but I also enjoy the subject matter. I think this semester is going to be a tough one, though, due to the design courses and arranging time to meet with my groups. But that's what engineering all comes down to in the real world, arranging schedules to work with people and get things done!

We are also in the middle of Spring Rush for Phi Rho currently. Unfortunately, a few of the events are at the same time I'm scheduled to work, so I won't get to interact with the rushees very much. But I will get to see them for the rest of the semester! I am the senior Member Educator this semester, so I get to teach them about the sorority, our chapter, and everything else that comes along with Greek Life. Our rush theme is Disney this semester, so I'm planning on incorporating that into some fun educational activities as well :)

Despite my interesting schedule with work, school, and Phi Rho, it should definitely be an interesting semester!

Welcome back, Spartans!

Hello fellow Spartans and welcome back to the beauty of East Lansing! I honestly can't complain since the weather has been quite favorable for the beginning of January. I have even been able to run almost every day this week! A pretty good start to my New Year's goals if I do say so myself. Speaking of which, here's something awesome that MSU Live On is offering that will help me with those goals this upcoming semester! There's a new Neighborhood Health and Wellness Group Exercise Program called "Live On & Be Fit" run by students like you and me. The benefit is, you don't even have to leave campus to do this! There's everything from yoga to Zumba to aquatic activities held in each neighborhood or at an IM building. Personally, I'm most interested in the beginning ballet class in South Neighborhood. I haven't taken a dance class since I was about three, but something about plies and a bunch of French words just really sparks my interest.

Having trouble motivating yourself to just get up and do it? Make a pact with your roommate that you'll do it together. Working out is always more fun in a group, and sooner or later, it won't even feel like working out. It's a great way to learn something new and be healthy at the same time!

For a full list of events, go to this website: Live On & Be Fit!. Don't see something there that should be! Suggest a class or event to Live On and see if they'll start one up! Maybe you will even be able to run it. Now how great would that look on a resume? :)

Maybe it's not my weekend, but it's gonna be my year.

It's 2013! I guess the Mayans were wrong about the end of the world thing..

Well that means we can all start our New Year's resolutions now! But let me rephrase - New Year's GOALS. According to Google, the word 'resolution' means 'a firm decision to do or not to do something.' On the other hand, the definition of a 'goal' is 'the result or achievement toward which effort is directed.' To me, that word sounds so much more encouraging and actually makes me WANT to accomplish what I intend to do. This year, my goals are pretty simple:

1. Be stronger and healthier. I feel like I've already started this by beginning running, choosing to eat well, and encouraging my friends and family to do the same, but I know that you can always improve when it comes to this lifestyle. I just organized my schedule for the upcoming semester, and I already feel a little overwhelmed by the shear amount of color splashed across my Google Calendar. I will DEFINITELY need to find some time to work out/run in there in order to ease my mind while building some muscle.
2. Be less judgmental. This is one thing that I've found people are very afraid to admit about themselves because it is normally not a desired quality. I KNOW that I can easily jump to conclusions, and I've come to realize I can easily form an opinion about someone or something based on something that someone else has said or heard. I want to keep more of an open mind, especially since I will be graduating and entering the real world soon, and I'll need that to further succeed. 
3. Run a half marathon. I know this is on the same terms as my first goal, but I wanted to be a little more specific. I'm not sure if it will be this year or next year, but I would LOVE to run in the Disney Half Marathon down in Orlando. :)
4. Set aside some 'me' time every week. It isn't very often that I am able to take the time to relax during the week, as my boyfriend frequently reminds me, so all of that stress builds up in unhealthy ways. I plan to bring my flute and piccolo up to campus with me this semester, because playing music has always been able to force me to relax even when I don't think I'm capable of it at the time.

Of course I have plenty of other things I want to accomplish over the year as well. I want to bake and cook more from my endless list of Pinterest recipes and cookbooks,  I want to scrapbook more especially when it comes to documenting events from my sorority, and I definitely need to start thinking more seriously about a full time job for next Spring.. It's a long and stressful list but I'm confident that I will be able to get he majority of items accomplished this year. :)

2013: You WILL be a fantastic year, whether you like it or not!