5 a.m.

While I may be in the midst of another all-nighter, I still had plenty to be excited and thankful about today:

1. I have a job interview next week as a part-time designer with CCIM. Also known as the best college at Ball State. (Send good vibes my way!)

2. I may be getting to go back to England next May.Maybe.But a strong maybe. Because my awesome, England-obsessed journo prof is probably doing and Honors colloq about The Beatles. (Hello, Liverpool!)

3. I withdrew from a class that was just not necessary to completing my degree and just giving me extra work I don’t have time for. So hooray for decluttering life just a bit.

4. Getting super excited about the summer internships I’m applying for. Sure, going straight into a job would be nice, but there are so many great internship opportunities, and you can only transition from internships to jobs once. Might as well get my fill before it’s too late.

Decluttering life

1) Is 'decluttering' a real word? It is for now.

2) So it may not be immediate decluttering, but for spring nonetheless.

When I planned this fall semester last year, it was supposed to be a break. A less stressful, less busy semester with more sleep. But boy was I wrong. I'm busier than ever.

So I've done some reevaluating lately and have a plan to make sure next semester is better. I'm dropping my minor because I've taken all the classes that interest me and can still market those skills. I'm taking a class just because I want to, and it will be low stress and just fun. It will be the first time ever that I am in the minimum number of hours required for a full-time student, so I will have time for sleep, for me and for actually doing everything I envision with the student organizations I have a leadership role in. And who knows, maybe even a real part-time job.

Sound like I'm cluttering it back up with all that extra stuff? Wrong. I do most of that stuff now on top of a full course load. Except sleep. (That doesn't happen as often as it should.)

So I will be less busy. A little, at least. But what is there will be a good, less stress and more fun kind of busy.

And I can't wait.

Faith

This is why I have unfailing faith in God and humanity.

Yesterday, my friend began blowing up Facebook (in the best way possible) with a fundraiser for a family at her church. This wonderful family was looking to adopt a baby with special needs from Serbia, but had just been denied a $5,400 grant they needed to fund the adoption.



Lakes Family Adoption from Emily Theis on Vimeo.

[Yes, my amazing friend Emily made that video!]

Fast-forward 24 hours to today.

Every last cent needed to reach their goal has been raised. With more still coming in.

That is some kind of amazing.

And I may be broke in that woe-is-me-poor-college-student way, but I am happy to use the $20 in my wallet to buy some screen print cards to not only support the cause, but also share it with others.

I wish the best for this family and everybody who has helped their dream come true.

You can learn more by visiting the Lakes Family Adoption website and Facebook.

Deja Vu

So, I realize that these promises to start blogging more sound very familiar.

As in, all I did last year during school was one update post a month with another similar-sounding promise.

And it really was my intention to do better this year. Which I have, but only slightly. It's funny how all the little things add up and suddenly, it's another day or week. And now, it's almost a new month.

Things like two group projects due last week. Or waking up sick on Saturday. And having to deliver on a cookie promise today.

But, I really am trying to blog more. Really, I am. So hopefully can happen soon.

Let's face it, though. My life isn't nearly as interesting in Muncie as it was on the Cape or in London ;)

Missing England

So on Thursday we had a student panel with some of the people from our BSU at the Games group. It was part of the journalism department's Professionals-In-Residence program, so a lot of other students came to hear about our trip and see some of the work we did.

And boy was it an emotional ride.

Pretty sure I almost cried when they played this video introducing our experience, made by one of our own video crew members:




I don't think any of us will ever get over just how amazing of an experience this was. Or ever be able to thank all the people who made it reality and helped us get there.

I wish we could be back there now reliving it all over again. With some afternoon tea and scones, of course. ;)

It's almost here guys.

One of my absolute favorite things: fall in Indiana.

This weekend dangled it in front of my face, and then bumped the thermometer back up a bit when Monday rolled around. How rude.

But I can feel it. It's almost here.

 

The days of driving with the windows down. Mornings where warm coffee actually makes sense. When jeans and hoodies are always acceptable. Crisp nights are for bonfires. Pumpkin and apple everything. And lazy Sundays are meant for watching plenty of football.

Really, kids. It doesn't get much better.