Hug It Out

I had a 10-12 page botanical research paper that was due this morning in class. It was, to say the least, intense. After a full school day yesterday (10am-9pm, with two breaks), I went to B's house to eat dinner and finish my paper. I walked in the door and he started talking to me about his day and other things that were going on (yes, again, writing about bf problems on the blog somehow solves them in real life...), and when he turned away to start making dinner I started crying and hoped he wouldn't notice. He did, of course, and immediately started being hilarious to try to cheer me up. The tears stopped, and dinner made me feel a little better. However, I was still super stressed about my paper (which was actually 15 pages long because I'm an over-achiever -- thanks mom and dad!), and other school things on my agenda.

I sat at his desk working on my paper, and he laid in bed watching TV. By this point, it was around midnight, and when he would see me stressing out, he would just do something to make me laugh. It was really nice to have a good laugh together. It's amazing how much stress it releases!

There were also a few times between the hours of midnight and 1 where I just looked at him and he would give me the puppy-dog eyes. It's funny, because when the kids I babysit for give me the puppy-dog eyes I rarely give in. But when B does it, I rarely say no. Anyways, he would give me the eyes and say, "Come snuggle with me for a minute, take a break, relax." So I would have to do it. Then he would give me the biggest hugs ever and squeeze some of my stress away. And then say, "Okay, now just go to bed! :)" I would just smile, give him another big squeeze, and get back to my paper.

Obviously, I eventually made it to bed. I hardly slept because I was extremely anxious about my paper, but laying next to him (and the dog!) made me feel so much better. If laughter is the best medicine, then hugs are what you wash it down with. B's hugs saved me from a nervous breakdown last night. And pretty much any other time I'm on the brink. It's amazing what the smallest amount of physical contact from someone you love can do!

So next time you're feeling down, or on the brink of a breakdown, steal a huge hug from someone you care about. It might not fix everything, but it sure is a comfy band-aid!!!

Curve-Killer

Despite a long day of class, followed by hours of writing a research paper on orchids, and a long night ahead of me as I babysit 3 kids...today was a good day. This is because, for the first time in my four years at UCSB, I received the highest grade on a very important midterm...in a science class. This is not easy. Usually, every class has that one person who always gets the highest grade on everything, setting the standard for the rest of the class to follow. My friends and I refer to this person as the "curve-killer." We are usually "frenemies" with this person.

Today, I was that person! I didn't tell anyone in the class that I receive the highest score. I decided to take my seat on the curve-killer's throne with grace and not toot my own horn. Bad karma would have definitely followed if I had let everyone see my huge cheesy grin upon getting my test back. Instead, I sat it the corner and basked privately in my moment of triumph. It was wonderful.

I don't think I've clearly explained my school situation on this blog, so let me digress from my awesomeness for a moment :) I just 'graduated' from UCSB, however I was missing one class I needed to officially receive my degree. I am currently taking this class during the summer session. In one short week from Wednesday, I will be done - "fo' real" - with my Bachelor's Degree and minor. Although I have awaited this moment for quite some time, I crazily decided to begin taking classes at the local city college for a number of reasons. Mostly, I want to get my Masters in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing and need to take 3 lab courses as a prerequisite. I am taking my Anatomy and Physiology labs right now.

Anyhow, this is the last class I will ever take at UCSB. My time in college is quickly coming to an end. It's an amazing feeling, but also a frightening one...another reason I'm remaining a student at the CC. I'm still looking for a full-time job, since my CC classes are in the evening and I'm only getting ~12 hours/week at my current part-time job. I will really miss UCSB, but I'll be overjoyed to finally have my degree!!!

Seeing as this is my final course, I am determined to do well. The class I am taking is extremely tough and everyday I am bombarded with more information than I can handle. However, I have studied my ass off for this class. No, really, I have. I studied so intensely everyday for about a week prior to this midterm that I wasn't really eating because I was so focused and determined to cram every fact and figure into my brain. Because of this, the seat of my jeans are actually kind of baggy...I apparently lost a pound or two. Mind you, this is a sacrifice I am willing to make to earn an A in this class.

So, besides letting out my secret to people who aren't in my class, I wanted to write this blog to encourage all of you students out there. If you put your mind to something, you truly can achieve it! And, preparation for any big project will still allow you to get a reasonable amount of sleep (I am strongly against pulling all-nighters to study, btw. You can party all night, but studying all night is never as helpful as people think). I personally wouldn't recommend the I'm-studying-too-hardcore-to-eat strategy, but a little determination never hurt anyone, right?!

Midnight Munchies

It's nearing 1AM and I'm not tired yet. In fact, I'm starving!! Maybe not malnourished-die-of-starvation-hungry, but I could eat.

I'm a chronic snacker. My grandma calls me a grazer; this reminds be of a cow, but I suppose it's better than being a pig!

Whenever it's nearing what normal people consider "bed time," I always get hungry. I'm not sure if it's my body procrastinating getting in to bed and attempting for hours to fall asleep, or if my metabolism is speeding up, or what. But it makes me crazy!

When I snack before I bed I tend to munch on more than I should/need. But if I don't eat, that's all I'll think about while I try to sleep. I suppose, in a twisted sort of way, it's a good thing. Concentrating on my stomach takes my mind off of bigger problems.

However, I think tonight is one of those nights that calls for some blueberries and a sleeping pill. I need to be ready to face a looooong day of studying and writing tomorrow!

Re: Sleep

So glad I posted that blog yesterday...it was the proof I needed that writing out some of my problems/issues/feelings would help me solve them. My bf and I got back into the swing of things and had our usual mind-blowing sex last night. He wasn't too up for talking about his issues, but he's finally coming back around to his old self.

Although we still have our usual sleeping issues, we woke up feeling happy (albeit tired) this morning. My day is way too busy to take a nap, but at least I can concentrate on studying, rather than worrying about my relationship. I feel refocused on my priorities and am getting organized today so I can get through my to-do list.

Coffee Shops

I love coffee. Especially iced coffee. I love the smell of coffee and the swirly patterns caused by the addition of half&half that change with each cup. Mmmmmm.....

What accentuates great coffee even more is a great coffee shop. I'm one of those college students that does as much studying in coffee shops as I do in the library. I frequent different Starbucks as well as local coffee houses; and while Starbucks usually offer more tables, chairs, and outlets, non-chain coffee shops bring a comforting uniqueness and local flavor.

One local coffee shop about a mile from my apartment offers tons of tables and chairs (both inside and on a covered patio outside), but has a lack of electrical outlets for my laptop. Despite this one dramatic flaw, I love this place! I go there often and most of the employees, as well as the owner, know me by name. It's comforting. They're always friendly and helpful, plus the WiFi is free!!

Although coffee shops naturally emit more distracting sounds than a University library, it's always a nice change of pace, and you never know what experiences may await you! So even if you're not a student in search of new study hangouts, I recommend to anyone who needs to work on a laptop or just relax and read a book to start checking out local coffee shops. Enjoy the sights, sounds, scents, and of course, the coffee!!