Open Letter to College Students

To all of my friends and acquaintances returning to or starting college:

This year is going to be great.  If you’re a freshman, moving in might seem kind of scary, being away from home can kind of suck, but you’ll survive.  You’re going to meet all types of new people, probably many that you won’t like.  But that’s okay, you don’t have to like everybody.  And the few you do find that are worth keeping will help you on your journey as much as you will help them. 

You will be stressed, you will fear tests and teachers and projects, but you will make it.  Sometimes you might feel stupid, like you shouldn’t be where you are.  I promise you, you are not stupid.  You took the same tests as everyone else to get to where you are, and you endured your own suffering, just like they did.  Everybody deals with stress and tiredness, its how we come out of it that determines who we are.  If we give in, we won’t get anywhere.  But if we keep going, do our best to accept the circumstances as what they are and work with them, we all have the potential to overcome all obstacles. You deserve your shot, and you have earned it.  Go make the most of it. 

But keep in mind it will not be easy.  Even so, always give everything you do 100%. Your homework, your classes, your friends, your relationships, and yes, even your fun. Especially your fun.  You may find yourself with less free time, so enjoy it to its fullest too.  And sometimes this will mean faking it.  It is not always possible to get enough sleep, or finish your homework on time, or make straight A’s.  But no matter what, never quit.  You can do this.  You have it in you to make it, and you will do it.

And even when it’s really hard and nothing is working the way it should, keep smiling.  Even when you’re feeling the worst, smiling will always make it better (even if it’s fake).  So take a second to smell the fresh air when you walk to class.  Really feel the sun on your skin or the cold wind in your lungs.  And smile. Because everything is going to be okay. 

Chips and Cracks

I realized something tonight while I was having a conversation with my boyfriend.  I know I've written similar things before about people being imperfect and unique, but this is a different perspective on that.

People are like old, worn, teacups. Each of us has a different set of cracks and chips from where we've fallen apart and been put back together.  Some of our rims might be thicker or more delicate, some of us might be pretty or simple.  Some of our cracks may run deeper than other cups.  But we are all subjected to changes.  We may be used for containing hot liquids or cold, or perhaps we get dropped too roughly in the sink.  But all of these changes affect the very material of who we are.  And, like a very loved and favorited teacup, each time we are dropped or start to crack, we are put back together by those who love us.  In the end each time we are dropped we do change some, and perhaps we don't retain our original character or luster.  And indeed we still carry sharp edges that may poke the ones who love us.  But in the end these chips and cracks do not matter because we are a favorite teacup of someone, and they will love us regardless.  Nobody enjoys being cut by a sharp piece of ceramic, but the cup contains more good qualities, memories, and personality than any of the others.  It is, after all, our favorite cup for a reason.

Breath of Fresh Air

Sometimes it's good to take a break. I know that in the rush of stress, and due dates, and responsibilities, it gets really hectic, but stopping for a moment can be so beneficial. I think that's something I've just really come to grips with lately. Sometimes I feel like there's so much to do and so much going on, and many times this is the case.  But it only gets really bad when I tell myself that "it'll get better once it's over." Sometimes this is the case, like with tests and studying.  Other times its not.  When you have a continual steam of things to do and you just keep pushing to reach the finish line, its not going to happen.  Chances are you'll reach your breaking point before you ever reach the end.  So when you're so busy doing the constant stuff and you're feeling overwhelmed, stop. Stop before your body really hits the wall and you start falling apart. Stop and take a breather so you can keep running in one piece. Read a book, take a hike, go out with friends, do something crazy and fun so you can start at it again with a fresh spirit and the courage and energy to make it through. Even if you feel like you don't deserve a break because you haven't done well on a test or a homework, you do deserve it because you tried. All we can do in life is keep moving forward, but sometimes it's necessary to wander off the beaten path for a change in scenery.

Second Place!!!

I'm so overjoyed to announce that the Colorado School of Mines Sliderulers won second place in the swing dance competition tonight! I'm so proud of my boyfriend and his team for doing so well!!  Congratulations guys, you definitely earned it! Next year its time to beat CU, once and for all!

P.S. Here is an updated and much higher quality video! Enjoy! :)

Best Weekend :)

I'm so happy I got to spend these last three days with my favorite person in the whole world. I had so much fun touring more of Rapid City with you!! I loved just being able to spend time with you again and forget about all the stress for a while! :) Though I already miss you so much, I can't wait to see you again, and I'm praying these last 5 weeks will go by quickly.  Love you soooo much! <3 

P.S. Thanks for the chocolate chips and the NEW WEEZER ALBUM!! :D I'm still so excited about that!    And helping me re-pot my plant. And being brave in getting the dirt for her. And yeah, you are just the best! :)

grin em

Spring Break, at Last!

What a gift Spring Break is.  You would think that two and a half months of college is nothing, after returning from Christmas Break, there is no motivation left.  But thankfully I've found a way to restore motivation!  Talk to the same people or relive the experiences that gave you the passion for what you pursue.  That's what I did!  After grinding away through a semester with no fun classes and no classes that are actually part of my field, I needed reminding of why I joined the field of geology.  Today I visited my earth science teacher from high school, the real inspiration behind my love of rocks, and I have returned with a renewed energy.  Even though the rest of this semester will probably still suck, I can't wait to start up my geo classes again next fall.  Hopefully that will be enough motivation to keep me rolling through the rest of the year!

Not only has it been a restorative time for my motivation, but I'm also getting things done.  I've been busy, but not busy in a bad way. More like catching up with the fun things I had to put aside when the semester began.  But now my to-do list is gradually shrinking and I'm happier than ever! Here's to looking forward to Easter Break, haha!

Eyes: the Body of The Soul

It's a funny thing, trying to remember people.  It's easy to remember something they've done or said, but when it comes to remembering what they look like its a little harder.  When you think of someone, even someone you've known all your life, you can remember their face and the body type.  But remembering their eyes is very different.  For me at least, when I try to picture someone's eyes, my mind comes up blank.  I cannot imagine the eyes of those I love.  I don't know why, but unless I've seen them very recently, they come up as empty spots on the face.  But sadly, that is the part of the face I want to remember most.  After all, eyes are very expressive and some call them the windows to the soul. 

So perhaps that is the very reason why I can't remember them.  Perhaps it is impossible to capture or ever retain what someone's eyes look like because they represent the person themself.  It is impossible to permanently cage the essence of another soul.

Love is Acceptance

Love is hard.  At first it seems so easy.  Falling in love is easy; but staying in it is harder. I don't mean this to sound like love or relationships are a bad thing, because they're not.  But unlike the stereotypical image of 'romance' and 'love,' long-term relationships require hard work too.  I'm sure part of the problem that people face in making relationships work is the baggage that their partner brings.  I'd say this is such a problem because we're all inclined to believe that 'the one' is absolutely perfect in every way, a kind of 'super human.'  Disney princesses always found their knight in shining armor, true love was always the happy ending of every fairy tale, but neither are accurate representations of real life.  Some of you may roll your eyes at this; obviously fairy tales are just stories and not real life, who could be so stupid to compare them to reality?  But its not so much that we think life is just like fairy tales.  However, a small part of us will always be hopeful that someday we will find our 'soulmates' and everything will turn out fabulously.  We want to remain naive and we want our own stories to be the exceptions to the rule. We think that maybe, just maybe, our love will be different than everyone else's.  Our relationship won't have problems.  Our partner will not come with quirks, sadness, anger, distrust, or bad days. Nobody wants to believe that their potential mate could be simply human.  Because of this colored lens we look through, we refuse to accept anyone who is less than perfect.  In the initial phase of dating this is okay, but as things progress and more flaws are revealed people begin to realize "he isn't perfect." 

But I'm here to say something about this perfection-scope so many people use in looking for a significant other: you aren't perfect either.   Though I'm sure we'd all like to believe that we don't have flaws, that we aren't vain, rough on the edges, or that we have ugly sides too.  Human beings are infinitely-faceted and while this is what makes us unique, it also makes us increasingly complex and more prone to error. 

In any relationship both parties have flaws and baggage, its just part of what makes life interesting.  Yes, these things make love more difficult.  Sometimes they get in the way, sometimes they cause problems.  But in my opinion, its important to find someone whose flaws you can tolerate. Both because you must love them despite their flaws, and because they love you despite yours. Neither of you are perfect.  No, love won't be easy, but if you can accept and work through the rough parts there is so much more waiting. 

Good Day - Happy Little Things

Today was simply a good day.  Why exactly? Well, there are several reasons.  I believe it stemmed from being so happy last night. Thinking about the future and plans that seem so realistic is what really gets me going down the road to happy.  Last night I was thinking about this summer and the things I want to do, plans I want to make, etc.  I get really excited when I plan something out.  I don't know why I do, its probably just something weird about me.  Most people don't really think planning is fun, or they dread doing it, but I really enjoy it.  It makes me feel like I'm getting things done, I'm organizing things, putting them in order, and taking control.  Of course there's a million other things I need to do before anything fun happens, but sometimes its nice to push those to the back burner, even just for a few hours.

It is also interesting how thinking about the future can make us so happy.  Usually we are at our happiest when there is something exciting about to happen.  Unfortunately, exciting things are not always happening, and sometimes we are left to find our happiness elsewhere. I would say its still important to find something to look forward to and be happy about though. Every day. Even the littlest of things can be turned into something happy if we let it.

One of my happy little things today was this adorable mug I found! I'm currently drinking tea out of it.

Have a happy evening! 

Day 3 and Already Sleep Deprived

So, last night something incredibly weird happened.  Again. I distinctly recall that a similar incident occurred last year.

At about 1:15, I decided I must have missed my alarm.  I picked up my phone, looked at the clock, glared at the two alarms I had set for 6:30 and 6:45, and then sighed.  It was time to get up and get dressed.  Now, I wasn't immediately concerned that my roommate wasn't up yet, because she gets up after I do.  So I got dressed, quickly hurried out to our common room, and that was when I got confused.  My other roommate wasn't up yet, the light on my desk was the only light on, and the whole floor was quiet.  But I continued to get ready to go.  Then I realized I left my phone under my pillow and I hurried back into the room for it.  I picked it up, looked at the clock maybe two more times, put it in my pocket and came back out.  But then I stopped because I realized that it wasn't actually 6:45 or 7, and I definitely wasn't going to be late for class.  It was 1:23 in the morning, only two hours after I had gone to sleep, and I was ready for class. Of course I groaned and went straight back to bed.  Oddly enough I went into a very deep sleep after that.

Do not ask me why my brain does this to me.  I wish I could explain it.  All I know is my circadian rhythms are messed up. 

On a different note: when you have 4 classes in a row and you have to walk between them, some problems arise.  While sitting at the front of the class is a great thing for learning purposes, it has the disadvantage of making you the last person to leave the building on your way to your next class. This in turn leads to much delay because people are vexingly slow.  Maybe its best to sit in the middle instead of the front.  I don't know.  I do know I want to go back to bed though.

Also, I found out I made the Dean's List last semester!! :D

Just a Word as School Begins Again

Hello everyone!
I am sorry I have not posted very much lately.  I had it on my to do list to update my blog, but clearly it never happened, even over Christmas break.  I usually consider Christmas break to be relaxing, but this year it was quite the opposite.  Juggling work, family, and a social life is hard within the span of a month.  Anyway, I hope everyone had a warm and wonderful Christmas and I suppose its not too late for me to wish everyone a Happy New Year!

For me at least, I didn't want to go back to school.  I mean I love South Dakota, I love the school, I love my friends, but lets be honest: does anyone ever really want to get back to work after taking a break? That initial motivation to get you rolling is always so hard.  But now I suppose I have no choice.  I'm here, I survived my first day of classes, and I already have a quiz, two homeworks, and a test to look forward to.  Yes, second semester is going to be hard and annoying and stressful, but I'll survive; I always do!  Hopefully I'll have a little bit of time here and there to update my blog this semester, too!

To the seniors of my old high school: best of luck with your theses, you're in the home stretch and I know you'll all do fabulously.  In the end all the hard work and stress and sleepless nights will be worth it, even though it doesn't seem like it right now.

To my fellow freshman and other college people: Its just another semester.  We can do this.  Now lets get down to business. (16 weeks-ish till summer!)