At A Tough Week's End

Never have I been happier to see the end of a week. This past week has probably been the most stressful week of my college experience yet; I had four midterms and a research proposal due all in the same week. That's a midterm/big assignment for all five of my classes right there--all in one week. Outrageous, right?

I realized from this hectic week that I can get really crabby when I feel stressed. I'm extremely irritable and just all around not pleasant to be around. I began to find myself annoyed by the most insignificant, arbitrary things about others around me as well as my own room. Strange enough, the arrangement of my book stack pissed me off so much that I ended up spending a good amount of time reorganizing it. In retrospect, uhm...why did I do that?

Albeit I stayed a hermit in my room and at the library most to the week, my limited interaction with others really did show how stressed out I was, even in times when I didn't think I felt stressed. People kept telling me that I looked really stressed out. I tried my best to stay focused and relaxed, and probably even sort of convinced myself that I wasn't stressed, but I guess those who know me well saw through that and could tell that I was under quite a bit of strain.

I've come to find that it's always helpful to give myself incentive and a reason to chug through the week. "When i get through all my midterms, we'll go shopping this weekend!" Knowing that I have something fun outside of school to look forward to at the end of the week definitely motivates me to stay focused. I had been craving macarons for a while and told myself that I'd get a box to reward myself at the end of the week. They totally taste way better after I've had a tough week. Chocolate does too.

Socialization & School

With midterms coming up next week, I've been trying to catch up on the two-three weeks of reading I'm behind on in both Anthropology and History. I can say without a doubt that this semester has definitely been my most difficult yet. The good majority of my classes are very reading and writing intensive which pretty much leaves me drafting papers every two weeks or so, and reading hundreds of pages a week. I'm in a "struggle," as my history professor would put it. I've just got to stay focused.

On socialization, well, what socialization? I guess I mean my lack thereof socialization. I have never really been a sociable person ever. Being in college has definitely made this clear to me. I have prioritized school, leaving me little time for other things. I already use three calendars (my iCal, my agenda/planner, and my oversized wall calendar) to help me manage my time, but I could definitely organize my life a little better perhaps to find time for friends and other leisurely things. I mean if other people can have social lives and balance school, why can't I?

Excuse my little pre-midterm funk. I'm usually not a downer.
On a happier note, the picture of the bird above is of a necklace I just received in the mail. It's super cute and the brass gives it a sort of antique-y look that I'm totally in love with. Its cuteness definitely helps to put me in better spirits.