free time on the waitlist

Class is in session. How am I certain of this? Well, the lack of parking around campus is a confirmation. Aside from that, students are swarming the campus, freshmen are trying to navigate their way around campus subtly, and the workload has started to pile on. Despite what seems like a string of negativity, I’m excited to be back at school.  I get to see people I haven’t seen since last semester and all in all, it’s nice to be back in the routine.  Even if that involves getting up early to workout and attempting to beat the morning traffic on my way to school. 

It’s time to find my spot in the library, limit my time on Hulu, and start studying. Senior year is in session!

-B

challenges, i accept you

As I prepare to head back to North Carolina for my last year of college (still can’t believe it), I’m trying my best to not stress out about everything.  I have to move into my new apartment, figure out what books to order, and basically readjust to living in a college environment.  Since I’ve been home in Atlanta, I’ve been working as much as possible. Long gone are those of sleeping in and waking up past noon. Yes, it’s been a busy summer for me, but I’m definitely ready to get back into the swing of things.  Besides, I miss seeing all of my friends and family in North Carolina.

With each new school year, challenges come attached. We can’t avoid them so instead, accept them.  I think the way we approach a challenge is what determines the outcome.  It could compel us to question our beliefs or morals.  Or, it could be something as simple as figuring out when we can meet with our classmates for a group project.  Challenges are everywhere and hiding in a corner isn’t the solution.  They’re there for a reason so step outside of your comfort zone and face it head on.

As I enter my senior year, I want to approach it with a different attitude.  I’m usually an optimistic person anyways (perhaps too much), but I’ve come to the realization that my perception of things can be both a hindrance and a blessing.  Trust me, it’s easy to complain about the difficulties of a college lifestyle because I’ve done it so much that it’s become almost routine. But now, it’s time for me to be grateful.  Instead of wondering how the heck I’m going to accomplish something that seems practically impossible, I’m going to embrace it with this mentality,

“give me your best shot.”

Besides, who said challenges couldn’t be fun? ;D

-B

 

who said growing up was easy?

I’ve been in my new apartment for almost a week and I feel like I’ve had barely anytime to rest.

One of my best friends had training for her job so her boss requested that she suggest a friend who could take her shifts.  Knowing that I needed money for school expenses, my incredible friend suggested me.  When I discussed my availability with her employer, I signed up for the longest shift for both days.  Each shift lasted six hours but overall, it really wasn’t that bad at all.  Even though the fire alarm went off during my first shift and I completely lost my composure, it was an experience I won’t forget.  The employees, students, and faculty members I interacted with on the job, made my time there enjoyable.  I would definitely work there again.

With school starting on Monday, I am still in the process of accomplishing a few things.  I have a lot to figure out before I have to start my job back.  My junior year will definitely stand out from my previous years because I’ll be working two jobs, trying to cover tuition, apartment bills, etc. It will be a lot but I guess that’s my “welcome to the real world.”

Honestly, I don’t know how often I’ll be able to post.  You’ll have to excuse me in advance if my blog posts are sometimes three sentences. Writing is how I relax, but with my schedule, I don’t know how plausible  that will be.

I’ll definitely need a lot of prayers to get through this year 🙂

-B

loading up the suitcases

It’s that time of year again. That period when I dread packing up all my belongings into suitcases. What makes this a tedious process is ensuring that I have everything and don’t leave anything important behind.

As much as I try, this time of year is inevitable. Sooner or later, I would have to return to *gulp* school. The one word I’ve tried to avoid this summer.

Since I’ve entered college, I consider myself to be somewhat of a nomad. I know it may seem a little farfetched to refer to myself as that, but it’s true. I move here and there, packing my necessities in suitcases. If you have yet to experience college, I don’t want to scare you. College has given me a peek into what the business world entails and it definitely gives you a different perspective on life. It isn’t my environment I dread returning to, it’s the school work, tuition, money situations; all those tiny factors that can sometimes be overwhelming.

Nevertheless, I’m excited to see all of my friends and family who are in North Carolina. It’s hard being away from people I’m used to spending almost every day with, but we have definitely maintained contact. Thanks to the wonderful world of social networking 🙂

So as I return to the excitement of packing (strong sarcasm on the “excitement”), I want you to know that I realize how fortunate u am to be able to attend college. I’m not bitter at all. It’s still a transition for me.

By packing up my things, it means that another chapter in my life is about to start. And honestly, it’s a little frightening. I’m going to be a junior in college and am thankful for everything I’ve experienced during those years in school. To me, I’m not just packing up my suitcases; I’m getting ready for another year that will help shape me for future.

-B

days, where have you gone?

My week has been super hectic! Since I don’t have time right now to to give you all the details, here’s a quick overview:

1. Babysitting my baby niece

2. Work

3. Preparing for the upcoming season of The Ashlei Elise Show (with the wonderful Ashlei of course)

4. Trying to figure out my junior year (can’t believe how fast it has flown by)

Don’t worry, I’ll find time to write a decent post.  I just want to provide a quick rundown of why I’ve been absent from my blog.

-B

east to west coast

Last night, I had the chance to catch up with one of my best friends.  She’s interning in California so I haven’t been able to speak to her during the summer.  We discussed her typical day at work, what it’s like living on the west coast, etc.  It was just great to talk because I sometimes took my friends for advantage.  Not them particularly, but their availability.  In the past, my summers consisted of going to the mall, out to eat, the movies, sit by the pool; the basic things you do in the summer.  But things have changed these last two years.  We’ve had jobs, internships, and less time to actually hang out.  So, during our talk, we joked and laughed but then we took a minute to really think, this is a crucial period in our lives.

This is the time when figure out what careers we want to pursue and the direction we want to go.  It’s difficult when there are a thousand options presenting themselves to us but it’s up to us to decide.  Is it possible to have a job that we enjoy and manages to pay the necessary expenses? Ok, starting off, we might just take a job because it pays the bills.  eventually though, we all want to find that happy place.  That happy medium where we won’t dread going to work on Mondays.

Even though my bestie is on the west coast, I’m extremely proud of her.  We don’t hang out frequently, but it’s times like these that remind us that as we grow up, different responsibilities will fall into our lives.  No matter where we are in the world, it’s our friendships that help keep us sane in this insane world.

-B

fueling my dreams

I wish I could say my summer has gone exactly as planned, but it hasn’t.  I was hoping to have an internship where I could figure out what exactly I want to do.  Honestly, I feel like I’m riding on a teeter totter of my life.  One minute I’m on the side that knows exactly where I’m going to land in five years.  Then, I’m on the other side that is second-guessing my decision.  I guess my dilemma is figuring out what career will allow me to incorporate writing without becoming a hermit.  It’s frustrating when you think you had everything planned out and then all of a sudden, you’re faced with these decisions that will affect you for years to come.

I’ve always been the person that changed her mind every 2 years.  When I was younger, I wanted to be a doctor (what kid didn’t?) Then, I found out my distaste for math and science.  Next, I wanted to be a musician; until I started taking piano lessons and didn’t have the patience.  Before I knew it, I thought I had it! I would become a journalist.  But then, people started telling me how I’ll basically be a starving artist at first and the chances of succeeding in that industry are slim.  My problem is listening to what everyone wants, but not really listening to what I want.  In the middle of my frustration, I’ve come to learn that I what I need, is patience. When something doesn’t go as I intended, I have to stop moving onto the next project.

I’m hoping and praying that this year will be different.  Hopefully, I figure out what the heck I want to do and when that happens, I’ll stick with it. So far, my lack of an internship has allowed me to focus more on my writing.  If things keep going the way they are, I think some incredible things are in the making.  God definitely has a sense of humor because this summer has definitely been a test of my patience.  He hasn’t let me down yet, and I don’t anticipate that ever happening.

-B

learning to believe in Him

I can’t even recall the last time I posted on here.  It’s sad that it has been that long, but I have been consumed with school and work.  Thankfully, I have finished my second year of college and blessed to have made so many amazing friends along the way.  This year has been a true testament that as long as I keep my faith planted in God and His word, the word impossible shouldn’t be verbalized or cross my mind.  Why? Because through Christ, everything is possible.  It may not be on my time, but it will happen.  It may not go as I plan, but He has a plan.  My trust  in Him may fluctuate, but His love is constant.

Well, I don’t even know where to begin this little rant.  So many things have happened this past year that have reminded me how grateful I am that I have Christ in my life.  People I have grown up with have passed away, been in fatal accidents, or committed suicide.  Yet, I have the audacity to complain that my life isn’t good enough.  I have life and so far, that is perfectly fine with me. What makes it better is that my life revolves around Christ.

Two weeks ago, my sister had a beautiful baby girl.  Since I was in the midst of taking my finals for school, I was unable to make it home.  However, the pictures that were sent to me served as a reminder.  A reminder of how precious and fragile life is.  When I finished with school, I flew home for the summer and got to hold my baby niece.  Looking at her brought tears to my eyes.   I couldn’t help but smile the first time she looked at me and smiled.  It’s mind blowing to know that while I’m holding this baby, God has already set her life into place.  He knows every move she’s going to make before it happens because He.Is.God.

I haven’t figured out what I’m going to do this summer but what I had planned, fell apart.  I know that whatever I choose to do, God will use me.  I don’t know how or where, but I’m certain that He will.

Just remember that God always has a plan.  The moment we allow doubt to cultivate in our mind, that’s when the enemy chooses to attack.  We have to keep believing in Christ.

-B

april fools’ domination

My girlfriends and I decided that we wanted to make this year’s April fools epic.  So, we stocked up on materials late last night and planned how we would get our guy friends next door.  We wanted to do everything last night, but the guys decided to invite a bunch of their friends over last night for a movie night.  Thanks to them, our plans had to be delayed.  Boo 😦

Not to fear, we came up with a plan B.  We set our phones to get up at 4am because we figured they would be asleep by then.  Did that happen? Absolutely not. So we moved on to plan C, which happened spontaneously.

We rushed over to their place when we found out that all the guys were out of their apartment and went CRAZY! We saran wrapped the entrance of their bathroom, put saran wrap all over one of the guy’s bedroom door, taped newspaper all over their room, and taped tea bags onto their wall and ceiling.  Want to see the end result? Check it out below 🙂

Yes, we completely ruled this time around.  Until next time men….

surprises, how I heart you

This past weekend, my roommate and I drove to NC State University.  My intention of going was to surprise one of my best friends, Brenna, for her birthday.  One of her friends had contacted me and explained how they were planning a birthday dinner for her and that it would be great if I could come.  It just so happened that Julie, my roommate, was heading that direction the same weekend for a ballroom dance competition.  Once I arrived at NC State, one of my other best friends – Jessica – came and picked me up and we both went to surprise Brenna.

When we arrived, one of Brenna’s friends came and directed us to the table.  She gave us a little intro and then we popped out.  Brenna was speechless for about a minute and her facial expression definitely indicated that she had no idea that we were coming.  I was worried that she would have found out.  Brenna, Jessica, and I label ourselves as the trio so I was glad that we were reunited.  It’s difficult to schedule get together when all three of us go to different schools and have such hectic schedules.   Not to mention, limited means of transportation.  However, we found a way to work it out and I’m thankful that Jessica and I were able to celebrate a milestone in our best friend’s life.

It was a road trip I’ll never forget with my roommate because it was our first official road trip.  Also, I had the chance to spend time at my friends’ campuses and meet their friends.  I have known Brenna and Jessica for about eight years, and I know that the three of us will ALWAYS be best friends.