Focus

It still hasn't really sank in that RIT's spring quarter is over. It went by crazy fast, especially these past couple weeks. Trying to finish up all my projects and final exams while simultaneously packing up everything I own made it insane. But now I'm at home in New Jersey and I'm spending my time well: relaxing by the pool and hanging with my parents. It's been nice not spending an inordinate amount of time on my computer, as was my habit throughout the quarter. I've spent my time in a more productive manner, such as going on runs with my dad or finding nifty new things for my apartment with my mom. I've also revisited some of my more dormant hobbies - art (specifically, painting) and baking (french macarons!).

You really can't beat this life sometimes. This morning, I woke up to a crystal clear blue sky. I ran just shy of two miles around my neighborhood to the sounds of Panic! At The Disco's Vices & Virtues. Perfect start to the day. I followed it up with a breakfast of homemade apple oatmeal and homemade banana bread (with a glass of grapefruit juice, of course). You really can't deny that enjoying a wholesome breakfast out in a backyard of blooming flora (the welcoming, crystal waters of a swimming pool included) is the way to go. Sure, I've got some crazy great things to look forward to in the coming weeks, but I am just sitting back and enjoying the moment.

So many simple things to enjoy. The bright blue sky, the green grass, the pink, orange, and white of the freshly planted zinnias, the warmth of the sun, the feeling of a cool breeze on this hot day, and the soothing sounds of the birds chipring. Two days until move in. Seven until I see Josh again and leave for Vermont (and, ultimately, Rochester). But... focusing on now.

Almost There.

Homestretch! Week 10 is over and I'm mentally preparing myself for finals week and a ridiculous crunch of studying, packing, and finishing final projects. It's crazy to think that it's almost all over... good bye spring quarter, hello relaxing summer :)

Well today's the day. Josh is up here for the weekend and as of this morning, our lease is officially signed. We're all set to move in on the 28th! Now if only I could get all of my things together and ready to move by then. I'm still searching for some last minute things we need for the apartment (namely, slipcovers to hide unsightly couches) but for the most part I think we're all set. Just have to find the time to not fail my marketing final, finish up a typography design that I am really screwing up, present on a group project for web, and organize all of my things. Crazy to think that the chapter of my junior year in college is closing. In a year's time, I'll be graduating. HOW did that happen? It's scary to think of finishing up school and needing to find a real job. Daunting... but it's a necessary and exciting next step.

Despite the current rain, Rochester has been beautiful the past week. Sunshine and warmer weather. Hoping it's a sign of good things to come... although I'm sure it will be uncomfortably warm soon enough. Some of the plants Josh and I planted have sprouted! We have some zinnias coming up along with peas, basil, and thyme. The rosemary and oregano aren't quite there yet. I'm so excited though! Looking forward to some fresh herbs for delicious summer cooking!

One more week. Let's see if I can pull this off.

Time for a Detox

I'm realizing how much time my various Internet activities have been taking up recently - I feel like I have no time for the little things: drawing, reading, trying out some new crafts, etc. I feel busy, but it's all hitting me now that I'm just investing so much time into Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Netflix, and everything else that I lose all of my time. I'm honestly considering an Internet detox period. I definitely can't go cold turkey, but I'm thinking maybe a week of minimized computer usage. After the quarter ends, of course... only 15 more days until classes and finals are over!

Summer's coming up rapidly (and Rochester is starting to think about warming up, finally), which means I'll have lots of time for some new past times: more drawing, painting, friendship bracelet making, pilates, and possibly meditation! Even more reason to ditch the computer and play out in the sun. Summer marks a new page - Josh will finally be back in Rochester after 6 looong months! I remember starting this blog right around the time he left for his internship... time sure flies (thankfully)!

Goals for this summer: successfully grow my own herbs, cook new dishes each week with veggies from the CSA, go to the public market every weekend, go for runs around my neighborhood at least four times a week, have super fun times in the Honors office, make art (drawings, paintings, jewelry, crafts!), keep up the healthy eating and exercising, and enjoy my time with Josh ♥!

Let's finish this up, spring quarter.

P.S. I found a super delicious recipe for apple oatmeal the other day. I'll be making it for the third time on Friday.... highly recommended! http://ohsheglows.com/2011/01/24/apple-pie-oatmeal/