Yes, it’s true: it’s the final countdown (and I don’t mean the annoying song by Europe, because I won’t do that to you right now). The semester is drawing to a close, final exams are rapidly approaching, and we are all awaiting the commencement of winter break with bated breath.

Finally. Sometimes I thought it would never come.

But, you see, here’s the thing. Although I’m glad that the work is almost over and I’ll be going home to four weeks of zero academic responsibilities, at the same time, I don’t want it to end. My first semester of college has been very good to me – albeit stressful much of the time – and I wish it could last just a little bit longer. I don’t know what the future holds (a lot of work, I imagine), so I’d rather stick with what I have now – great classes, some semblance of a social life, and experiences that I’ll never forget with people whom I’ll always cherish. Though I would like to skip those final exams, if you don’t mind. Read More »

College pranks generally include duct taping someone’s door, moving a school mascot across campus to another location, writing dirty messages in chalk throughout a parking lot, posting fake fliers for crazy sex parties, and maybe even sometimes, throwing tar on a fraternities front lawn at 4am. What about the word “bitch” being written over and over again on someone’s whiteboard? Does that count as a prank? If that counts, where is the line drawn?

As I danced through (and let me say, there was a lot of dancing on the weekends) my spring semester of freshman year, everything came to a screeching halt when I returned from class one day with the word bitch written in big letters across my whiteboard. My first intention was that my friends did it as a joke – no big deal. But when I asked them about it, they had no idea what I was talking about.

And then it happened again. And again. And nearly every time I left my room. It turned into this monotonous cycle, where bitch turned into other words, and when I say ‘other’ words I am talking about every negative synonym under the sun. Then messages were left letting me know that I was disliked, “hated” in fact, around campus. My door decorations disappeared or were ripped up. My name was even blacked out on the community bulletin board for my hall. Eventually, my whiteboard disappeared into the grungy abyss of my neon green hallway. Every time I shut my door or pretty much blinked, I had to prepare myself with what would be there next. Read More »

The world isn’t getting any easier. Judging by the recent headlines, there’s more to be shook up about than ever. Add a little end of semester jitters and it’s quite possible that a third installment of Spring Semester Freak-Out Remedies might be in order.

This time, I thought I’d give away a few evening rituals that I’ve learned over the years. I’m a hopeless case when it comes to sleep. If I’ve got a lot on my mind, you can kiss a restful night goodbye. I’m a champion Clock Gazer, watching the little red numbers tick by, getting more and more anxious the closer morning gets, practically ready to run a marathon by 4 AM.

I’ve always envied those people who pass out the minute their heads hit the pillow. I don’t understand what they do with their minds, but someday I hope to learn. Until then, this is what I do to calm down.

Two Hours before Bedtime: I turn my music down, and shut off the “Kelly Clarkson/Ozzy Ozborn” Playlist. Loud music helps me write—or dance around when I’m about to crack from stress—but it also revs up my body. I’ve found switching to a soft folk or classical station actually slows my heartbeat, and calms me without my head really noticing. I’ve also had a lot less complaints from downstairs neighbors. Read More »

Spring semester is not the time of year for freedom. It’s a perfect time for stress, final papers, graduation headaches, post-job searches, and general panic…but not for relaxation, meditation, and health.

Most of us are so busy thinking eight steps ahead that we forget to see what’s right in front of us. We’re exhausted, strung out, anxious…basically Lindsay Lohan’s body after a two day bender.

How’s a girl supposed to find some clarity during such a vague time? One way that’s guaranteed not to work is the old drugs and alcohol trick. They may help for the moment, but next thing you know you’re shaving your own head and getting random tattoos and showing up to parties without undies.

As much as I love action and adventure, I’m a big fan of spiritual, mental, and bodily health. I freely admit to being a Type A kind of girl, and that’s why I have to work every day to make sure I’m not running myself ragged. It’s taken a nice long while, but I think I’m finally finding my solid ground. Read More »