Officially: "Just a College Student"

Tomorrow is my first official day as "just a college student". It has been several years (like more than 5), since I graduated from high school. It took me 3 years to get my Associates Degree, and now I am working toward my Bachelors degree. I will graduate in May 2011, so I am making decent progress being that I have been a part time student until this past semester.

Tomorrow will be my first full day (9:30 - 5) of college. I have always taken 1 or 2 classes a day, but never a FULL day. I'm planning on being completely exhausted, especially since tomorrow will be extra long with a night class that ends at 8 pm. I am not working yet, and it looks like I won't be working anytime soon, as I don't have any prospective employers banging down my door from the 30 something applications and resumes I have submitted.

I am looking forward to focusing on school more, and a job less. I'm excited about the opportunities I will be afforded with my new found free time.

Hope everyone had a fantastic weekend!
-BB

Catching A Break

I have several assignments due in the next 2 weeks, this has driven me into full on planning mode. I have had my highlighters and my planner out, and I decided that I need to take a day off to get some things done....tomorrow is that day.

I have a chapter book to read for my Children's Literature class, I plan to start it tonight and finish it tomorrow. Next, I have to write a 3-5 page paper comparing a character in the chapter book to a character in a fairy tale. So, after I read the book I will begin working on constructing my thesis statement. I love writing that interests me, this doesn't really interest me - so I'm dreading it. However, my professor is willing to read our rough draft and comment before the actual paper is due, which I am thankful for. Ideally, I would write the paper over the weekend, and e-mail it to her on Monday, but we all know that isn't going to happen. I tend to procrastinate on the weekend, especially when there is a paper to be written! I have 2 weeks to get the rough draft to her, so I'm going to take my time and make sure I have something really good before I submit it for review.

I have other small things like documents to create, and journal entries to write - but they are easy compared to this reading and paper writing. I hope to spend my day tomorrow being productive, not lazy. I really need to take advantage of the quiet house!

It's my Friday!
-BB

So far....

The beginning of the semester has been hectic and fun. I have 4 very good, energetic professors who seem passionate about the respective subjects they are teaching.

This is a good thing! Professors who lack excitement about the material can make me fall asleep in a minute. However, professors who teach without referring to the book or notes are amazing educators.

I have definitely hit the jackpot this semester, and I am excited about my luck!

I also have to tell you how proud I am of myself. I have managed to stay organized and keep my nerves under control. Generally, at the beginning of the semester I am worried about everything, which makes me about unfit to be around. This semester was different. I planned my day in advance, and made sure I had everything prepared and sitting on the counter the night before. Preparing the night before made mornings much easier. I also managed to get up 10 minutes earlier everyday, and get to work about 20-30 minutes early everyday.

This week was a success, and I am happy about that! I have to work tomorrow, but I don't have any classes, and I get to go to lunch with the girls for the first time this week...I need some girl talk!
-BB

Preparation for the Semester

The fall semester starts on Monday, therefor I have done everything I can think of to ensure that I am prepared. Of course, after the 1st week of classes, there will be some things that I will need to purchase, but of course - I must wait for the class syllabus before I know exactly what I will need.

I've done a lot of pre-planning. I have all of my books, I bought a new messenger bag, and I have updated my planner. I need to go grocery shopping this weekend to get some things to pack my lunch and have at my desk so I can eat on the go and continue my weight loss journey.

I'm feeling pretty confident about this semester. I am working 40 hours a week, and taking 4 classes (2 during the day, 2 at night). The perk....I am employed by the college, so I can literally walk to class. I must admit when I signed up for 4 classes I was a bit scared. I wondered how I was going to juggle work, school and a social life. Then I remembered, my social life is not all that important right now....getting my degree is. When I have that very important piece of paper, I can be as social as I want to be...but until then, I must remain focused on the goal!

I hoped to have some relaxation before the semester started, however I will only get Saturday and Sunday. I didn't want to take any vacation days, and we had company last weekend so I was constantly on the go.

I am looking forward to rest and relaxation. And no, I did not attempt to water ski or knee board. I floated in my tube and played with the dogs, it was wonderful!

-BB

Ouchie.....

My doctors appointment on Thursday went well. They took x-rays at all different angles and determined that I have some alignment issues. I am going to see a cervical spine specialist today, hopefully they will be able to help me find some relief. While I was at the neurologist, they went ahead and did a steroid injection into my neck muscles. It was 3 different sticks of a VERY large needle. Ouch!!! It was painful, but I had relief all weekend, until this morning. I'm glad I'm going to the specialist this afternoon! In 4 weeks I go back to the neurologist for a check-up, and if I haven't gotten relief, we are going to explore other avenues, including doing an MRI. I really liked the neurologist, he seemed genuinely concerned and ready to do whatever was necessary to make me feel better, and better yet - he didn't just hand me a prescription and send me home...he ordered imaging, and referred me to a specialist! This has been going on for 4 years, and I finally think there might be a light at end of the tunnel!

I have to tell you again how amazing Keith Urban is. If you like country music, you absolutely must go to one of his concerts. If you don't - you are definitely missing out.

My summer class is over this Thursday, and my exam is next Tuesday. Can you say excitement?!?!? I have 2 big assignments due on Thursday, one is 3/4 of the way finished, and I haven't even started the other one - I'm such a procrastinator. It will all get done in time though, I am sure of it.

Mom and I weighed in last night because my class got out early. I lost 1.6 pounds for a total of 26.2 pounds. I was so excited to hit 25 pounds, I nearly cried. It is exciting to hit a milestone. My next "goal" is to loose 10 more pounds, and go from there. It seems like setting small goals helps me stay focused on the prize...which is - wearing at least a size 10, or smaller. I'd love for it to be smaller.

That's all for today, nothing too exciting - just a quick update.
-BB

Made it through the weekend....

Where did the weekend go? Seriously, it went by way to fast. I didn't get half of the things accomplished that I had on my "to do" list.

Friday night was an uneventful dinner out and mandatory Wal*Mart shopping trip for necessities, such as nail polish and foot creme to give myself an at home pedicure. It was nice, and much cheaper than going to the salon. Of course, it was work! I wear sandals or flip flips almost everyday, so it is very important that I have pretty feet. I have a foot soaking machine that vibrates and has rollers to massage my feet. It seemed like a silly purchase at the time, but it was worth it - my Mom and I both use it a lot.

Saturday was a nice, relaxing day. A good friend brought her little girl over. We had a girls lunch date, along with a trip to the park to feed the ducks. In the afternoon I went to get my eyebrows waxed by my favorite hairdresser, and while I was there I made a long overdue appointment to get my hair cut for real, like 1 inch or more. Seriously, it is getting so long that the split ends have a style of their own. It doesn't look too bad, but that is only because I'm a 'magician' when it comes to styling my hair, and concealing all the ugly parts.

After my eyebrown appointment, my brother, SIL, EBF, and I went out on the lake for a few hours. It was nice and breezy, and the sun was out so I had a chance to work on my tan. I am as white as I've ever been, this is the first year I haven't laid in the tanning bed to get a base tan before spending weekends on the lake. Saturday night was just lazy. I napped, watched recorded shows on the DVR, and cleaned up a bit.

Then today started with an early trip to the mall, and home to take an afternoon nap to sleep off the headache I developed. My throat was sore most of the day, and the headache still won't let up. I gave up on sleeping it off when it only got worse and made me feel sick to my stomach. I ate a light dinner, then my parents and I headed to the park to get in some exercise.

Notice I haven't mentioned homework yet? Yup. I didn't do any of it until late this evening after doing some grocery shopping for the week. I sat down and started on it, but I didn't get it all done. Tomorrow is another day.

I'm still sad that the weekend went by so fast. My car didn't get cleaned, and I didn't get as much homework done as I wanted to. However, it was nice to spend a relaxing day on the lake Saturyday, and buy some smaller clothes today.

I'm weighing in on Friday's now since I have class on Monday night. I lost 4.4 pounds last week to bring my total weight loss to just a little over 23 pounds. I've officially lost a great percentage of my total body weight, and I am down 2 pants sizes. I'm not going to go buy all new clothes, I will just look like a "bag lady" for a while, wearing all my larger clothes. I don't want to splurge on a new wardrobe when I have more weight to get rid of!

Better get to bed, morning comes far to early!
-BB

Buried

That's right, I am buried under piles of stuff. Stuff to do, stuff to see, stuff to make, stuff.... lots of stuff.

On top of being crazy, insane busy, it is also crazy insane hot here, see Exhibit A:
The reason I am so busy, is entirely my own fault. You see, I decided that I would take a 4 week summer class that meets every evening Monday through Thursday. I did not expect the instructor to cram an entire semester into 4 weeks, but she did. I'm doing the work and neglecting other things - like my blog.

Then of course, I have volunteer work that I do. We have a big event coming up next month, and I am doing a lot of the pre-planning. Naturally because the event is in 4 weeks, I've got a lot of loose ends to tie up and meetings to attend every Thursday night after class. When I have a meeting after class, I have to literally run from my class, to the parking deck and drive exactly the speed limit all the way home to get there on time (I don't speed, it's dangerous).

Then, there is life in general. You know - showers, sleep, food, and socializing with friends and family. I have to actually plan my evening so I can get a shower and get in bed before 11. I have planned to work on homework every single Saturday this month until the class is finished, and on Tuesday nights - I plan to lay around in my pajamas and do NOTHING. Yup, I have to plan stuff like being lazy and showering. That's how busy I am. Pathetic - I know.

I got fed up with being busy last night and rebelled. I went to visit EBF's Mom, who is like my second Mom. Her sister is in town visiting and I just adore them. They are so laid back, unscripted, and a breath of fresh air. Sitting on their porch in the wicker furniture with a glass of tea eating Amish Friendship bread was the best hour of my week so far. They really helped me relax. I didn't tell them I was feeling overwhelmed, or even talk about my life. We just talked about shopping, dogs, shoes, and other random stuff. We relaxed and enjoyed each others company. It was nice! I need to make time to do stuff like that more often.

They are night owls and could sit up all night and talk - the even mentioned staying up to watch reruns on TV Land. But, I had to go, it was 10:30 and I had to get up early this morning for work. My brain wouldn't shut down so I stared at the ceiling in my bedroom until 3 am, then I got up at 6. Now I'm sitting here trying to stay awake with black rings under my eyes.

The good news is that I'm wearing an outfit today that I haven't been able to wear in quite a while. I'm officially down 1.8 more pounds for a total of 19.2. I can't wait until Friday to see if I hit the 20 pound mark!

No FTF this week, too much going on.

-BB

Reminiscing

Sometimes, when I get bored I read old posts. You see, I have been blogging since 2006, just not on this blog. My other blogs weren't very private, so I decided to start this one and keep it completely private and not reveal my identity, so I don't have to blog in fear.

For me, blogging is like writing in an online diary, except you get feedback from great blogging friends, and advice from people who don't judge you based on the way you look or the house you live in. Get it? I love blogging.

Anyway, reading old posts made me feel good about myself. I could see myself then, and where I am now - and I truly believe I have accomplished a lot. Including getting EBF out of my life, and on to another poor unsuspecting victim.

Speaking of accomplishing a lot....I am moving along on my never ending list. I need to get a lot accomplished at work today since I am only working 4 days this week. I got one of my final grades this morning, it was an A! I take my last final on Thursday, and I'm hoping to get my final grade by Monday morning.

On the Weight Watchers end of things, according to the scale last night I am down another 3.6 pounds, for a total of 15 pounds.

I don't notice it as much as I would like to, I am one of those people who always want more, but in reality - I'm not going to fit into a size 6 overnight. However, my jeans are fitting a lot looser, and people are commenting on how you can really see that I've lost weight mainly in my face. Apparently I had a fat face, which is now disappearing. Hum..I'm not sure if that's a compliment or not. Ha ha.

I'm off to get more done at work, then lunch with a group of friends who I haven't seen in almost a year! :)
-BB

Manic Monday

I got a lot of things on my list complete this weekend, however - it's never ending and in that fashion, I still have things to do.

I am supposed to go to lunch tomorrow with my friend who is moving, all I managed to get her was a card. I've got to find something good tonight, somewhere, or I will have a lame present. Any ideas?

One thing I accomplished this weekend, that I am proud of, is putting away all my laundry. Every last piece has been hung in the closet, no more living out of a laundry basket.

At the end of every semester I go through this panic mode and only do things related to school and sleeping. I fail to get housework done, until it's so bad I cannot stand it anymore. Considering my last exam is not until this Thursday, it is pretty impressive that there aren't piles of laundry placed in various baskets throughout my bedroom.

I'm only working 4 days this week, then I'm beach bound for 3 days of pure bliss!
-BB

Realization

When I was in community college, I planned out my entire 2 year degree on an Excel spreadsheet according to semester. I wanted to be able to sit down, look at my class plan and know when I was going to graduate.

I'm in my mid-20's - so in reality, by now I should have a 4 year degree. I can't tell you too much about my about my real age (I have to keep my identity a secret, otherwise I wouldn't feel comfortable blogging - I have way to many nosy extended family members). I have always worked full time and taken classes part time so I could afford other things, like a new vehicle and several years ago, an apartment.

Anyway, back on topic, the idea of charting out my degree was to make myself feel comfortable about where I was going and the progress I was making. I graduated in May 2007 with my associates degree and transferred to a 4 year institution. I have been attending this college since Spring 2007, so roughly 2 years.

About 2 weeks ago I had an appointment with my academic adviser, during the appointment she helped me plan out the classes I needed to take to complete my degree. In my usual, anal retentive, have to have everything planned out attitude, I had a copy of my spreadsheet that has my classes planned out in order to graduate. My projected graduation date was May 2012. Her projected graduation date was December 2011.

Guess what? I am going with her plan.

She helped me figure out what classes I should take together, and which semester I should take the classes. To graduate by December 2011, I have to take 3 classes in the Spring and the Fall, and 1 in the Summer. It is entirely possible to do this, it will just keep me busy until December 2011. However, I am an education major, so 1 year of my degree (Spring and Fall 2011) will be me spending my days in the classroom, learning from another teacher - so I won't actually be on campus.

I was elated to find out that I could graduate in December 2011, because my car will be paid off in October 2011, so after graduation and a secure job - I can begin house shopping! Now that's exciting!

I register for classes today, and I am feeling a bit nostalgic because I hear students all over campus talking about registering for their introductory English and Math classes, and here I am registering for Junior level classes. Next year when I register for Fall 2010 classes, it will be my last semester on campus taking a seated class, I believe it might make me a bit sad. I'm sure I will have to post about it when the time comes.

I read a great quote from Theodore Roosevelt that I really liked and it reminded me that I'm putting all this hard work in to reach a goal that I have dreamed about since I was a little girl, and WOW....that was a long time ago!

Happiness is not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort. - Franklin D. Roosevelt

-BB

And it's Monday again....

I did something this weekend that I always say I'm going to do, but never do. I relaxed. It was great too! I slept until 10 yesterday and I didn't change out of my PJ's until 4 pm when I had to go grocery shopping. I was with friends on Saturday evening and I didn't get home until after 2 am, so naturally I took a shower and couldn't fall asleep. My insomnia and shower wake up kept me up until 4 am, so sleeping until 10 was warranted!

On another note, I have a big exam tomorrow. I worked on the study guide yesterday and I got it completed. Now I just have to read and review it until I can spit out knowledge about social problems like my life depends on it. Did I mention I'm not a fan of testing? Hate it, but it's a requirement of any education...so I better get used to it!

Tonight is the big weigh in. Mom and I are going right after work today, she is joining this week so she won't find out if she lost anything even though she followed the plan with me all week. We went grocery shopping last night and bought lots of healthy items for dinner this week.

Hope everyone has a fabulous Monday. I have meetings most of the day. I don't like meetings almost as much as I don't like exams.

-BB

Rantings and Rubbish

Drum roll please.....my pinning ceremony went perfect. No tripping and embarrassing myself in front of a room full of future colleagues. Thank goodness!

On another note, as I was walking across campus today on my way to class I was observing the scenes around me and I had this wonderful idea for a blog post....my rants about college campuses, and more appropriately the behavior of college students.

• Construction equipment randomly placed near sidewalks. I realize construction is an integral part of a growing campus, but must it be parked on the very edge of the sidewalk so when a Facilities utility cart goes buzzing by you practically have to climb it to avoid being run over?
  
  
• Conversations that do not need to be overheard. I swear to you, yesterday on my walk to class I heard one girl say to another "She used all my frickin' tampons and didn't even replace them. I mean seriously, how you gonna disrespect me like that? I was sitting on the toilet and didn't have a damn tampon!" Did she think me and the other students traveling down that sidewalk wanted to hear her tampon crisis? I especially did not want to picture her sitting on the toilet searching her trusty bathroom vanity for a tampon.
  
  
• Lack of respect and appropriate dress. We had presentations yesterday in my class, the assignment was to present an activity to the class which you would do as a teacher with your elementary school students. One of the girls who presented came into class late and made a ton of noise while another student was presenting. Then when it was her turn to present she stood up in front of the class in her Ugg boots and sweatpants, with her belly button piercing hanging out of her three sizes too small shirt. Lets not mention that her bra was a dark color and her shirt was a very light color. She was totally unprepared. It was evident that she did not follow directions or put a lot of thought into the assignment. She didn't even have enough copies of the material for all the students to participate. Do we want her teaching our kids?
  
  
• Temperature. They just can't seem to get the temperature right in any building. If it is the dead of winter (in Charlotte, NC that is like anywhere between 30 and 40 degrees), they the the temperature in the classroom set like as if it were 100 outside. The AC is blasting, and while I'm shivering and my lips are turning blue, instead of listening to the teacher I am trying to decide if it is colder outside or inside.
  
  
• General Manners. I could write about how most of the college students are rude, but that is not completely true. However, there are quite a few who see you with your hands full and let the door close in your face. Then there is the Library, there are 4 doors to enter and exit. They will be approaching the entrance and see you coming from inside the lobby approaching to exit. Instead of waiting for you to come out the door, they grab it and try to slide in before you are completely out. Maybe they don't see the other three doors. Is that even possible? My personal favorite happened today. I was sitting in the back of the lecture hall listening intently as the professor lectured about different social problems. A girl came and sat at a desk that was randomly sitting in the hallway and began reading out of her notebook. It was fine, until about 10 of her friends showed up and they began having a loud conversation that involved a lot of laughing and no regard for the lecture hall of 150+ students that were trying to learn something. I gave them one of those looks that says 'Um hello, use your common sense', and they got the hint and lowered the volume. I would have closed the door, but I feared being frozen to my seat by the temperature in the room.
  
  

That's all. I think 5 is a good number to stop at. I am the average age of a college student, and to be honest - some of the things I see on a daily basis just baffle me!

-BB

Entertainment = Shopping

Opps! No Sunday Post! That "I will blog everyday" mentality was short lived! No less - I didn't forget, I just got too busy and wasn't near the computer.

I have become an avid reader of James Patterson and Debbie Macomber books. I like them because they are realistic, sweet stories. Not raunchy romance novels. James Patterson has some mystery books, but I don't read them - I'm a chicken! I stayed up until 3 am on Sunday morning reading, and when I woke up at 9 am read again until I finished the book (Promise, Texas by Debbie Macomber). It was a great book! I decided that I needed to quit being lazy and get some housework done. I started in the bedroom, and I cleaned every inch of the room. When I was done, I decided that I needed to reward myself with a new bed ensemble, complete with curtains to match and throw pillows.

I was off to the mall in less than 4 hours, and back home with a great new set! I meant to take pictures, but again - I forgot before running out the door this morning. I will definitely take pictures tonight and upload them. Promise.

I have decided that from now on, before I go shopping I should try to accomplish something at home, and treat shopping as a reward. My reward? (Other than the new bedding). Panties from Arie. I love that store! (www.ae.com/aerie/index.jsp).

Ah, it's another Monday. I have a midterm at 2....blah.
-BB