Finals were rough this year. Not that they are ever especially fun, but for some reason I had an inordinately difficult time sitting down at my desk and forcing myself to write. And once I did, I would realize that I didn’t have the right book in the right place and I couldn’t find these notes or those notes and I could hardly type with the mountain of work piling up, threatening to topple over onto my keyboard at any moment.

I found myself in that predicament because I tend to get unorganized when I have a lot of stuff to do. Dangerously so. Which is bad, because I have a hard time concentrating when things need to be straightened, or cleaned, or filed away. I can’t work unless my workspace is clean and everything I need is at hand.

And so, I thought that I would take the first weeks of the summer before I start classes in July and totally reorganize and idiot-proof my office, and, as massive an undertaking as it will be, my entire home. Read More »

Everyone has a goal. Everyone has that one thing that they are dying to change, but have never found the courage/motivation to actually get up offa that thing and just do it, Nike-style.

Well, put down that Hershey’s bar, open up that French textbook or get to organizing that closet – it’s time for iCiNG’s Transformation Challenge!

I’ve blogged about iCiNG before, but this time I’m here to encourage – no, challenge – you to take part in this month-long effort to transform your life.

Basically, what you do is pick something (or a few somethings) that you want to change within the next month. It can be something as vague as “Get organized” or as specific as “Get an A on my Art History Final.” Then, head on over to this page to get the basic “rules” and join the discussion.

What’s so great about this challenge? Well, the best part is knowing that there are hundreds of others participating – and encouraging – you to get your life together, in whatever that means to you. You can also sign up for iCiNG’s Transformation Challenge e-mails that give you little doses of inspiration to help keep you strong throughout the month.

So no more excuses, gals. Can’t wait to hear about all your fabulous transformations over the next 25 days!

Not too long ago, I talked about cleaning out your dorm in order to help get your life on track. Hopefully, you took some of that advice and put it to good use.

Whether you did or didn’t (what are you waiting for? Go for it!), the weather is getting cooler and the holiday season is getting ready to make our already busy lives a big ball of stress. Now is the time to do a clean-sweep on your brain. What do I mean by that? You’re in dire need of an attitude overhaul!

The best part: not only will you feel like a new person…you will be. Thanks to Dumb Little Man I’ve read his wonderful advice and made it a little more college-centric. So, let’s take a minute and make a plan to better ourselves!

The first and most important step is to understand that by changing your thoughts, you will shape a more positive life. This sounds scary, but it’s not about brainwashing yourself. It’s about knowing that positivity breeds positivity.

DLM then outlines 9 steps that will aid you in beginning your transformation, but what I find most useful is his number one rule: Make an Appointment With Yourself

It’s important to take a moment out of your busy day to sit with your thoughts. It’s sounds very hippie-dippy…like I’m some kind of Earth Child, but just take my word for it. This time will allow you to relax, think, sort out your thoughts, and daydream about all the possibilities your life can take. Read More »

Who doesn’t enjoy rerun episodes of MADE on MTV? Sure, the show got annoyingly repetitive and started selling out near the end of the series, (what MTV shows don’t? Believe it or not the Real World used to have something to do with its title. And MTV stands for music television…ironic I know.) but overall it was highly enjoyable to watch an angry gothic chick try and make the cheerleading squad or a socially awkward Bible-thumper audition for the step team.

Anyone who ever watched the show undoubtedly considered, if ever given the opportunity, what they themselves would ask to be made into. My sister, (a highly uncoordinated 24-year old with no athletic experience) claims she would want to be made into a dancer. I’m not sure what I’d request. Maybe to learn how to surf. (In accordance to my unconstrained high-pitched glee, the roommates thought I’d either won the lottery or spotted one enormous cockroach. In fact, I’d just seen that Blue Crush was airing on HBO.) Plus, I’d probably get a free trip to California or somewhere nice out of it. Read More »