Confessions of a 3rd Year Uni Student! - Week #21

31 January 2015

Confessions of a Third Year Student

Confessions of a 3rd Year Uni Student! - Week #21

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I am feeling overwhelmed. 

I just feel like there is so much to do, and so little time. And, I really think it just happens to be the courses I chose this semester. It is so weird to me... Last semester I took 5 courses, and this semester I am only taking 4. So, you'd expect me to feel like I'd have more time. But, that is just the opposite of what I am feeling. These courses I have this semester just as soo much readings to keep up with! Like, I really do think that I feel like this is such a heavy course load I have this semester. 

Urg. I really do not know. I'm just stressing out. One of my anther class quizzes us weekly, solely based on the readings. Okay, so of course I have to keep up with those readings. But, my other anthropology class gives us pop up quizzes, also based on the readings... so, yeah I have to keep up with those readings as well. Then, we have my psychology classes. BOTH classes literally want us students to read 2 chapters a week. So, if you add that up, in order for me to be keeping up with ALL four of my classes, that requires me to read 7 chapters a week... which, lets be honest... is way too much. 

On top of that, I had my first mini assignment due this past week, and I felt like I did great. Let's just hope that translate to the grade!

Anyways, I have my first midterm this Friday, and I am extremely nervous. The prof that I have is relatively new, and we are basically her first class she is teaching. And so, she goes through the 3 hour lectures fairly quickly, while bombarding us with information after information. On top of that, she decides to throw in guest lectures, who do not even follow our textbook chapters... Our prof even sent us an email telling us to not focus on the guest lecture slides, but more on the chapters... which means I have to teach myself information that I paid hundreds of dollars to be taught to me. 

I should really get back to teaching myself information for Friday's midterm. I just cannot wait for this week to be over because next week it is reading week. A perfect opportunity to not only catch up on everything else, but on my life as well! 

Have a good weekend!

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Weekly Wishes #48

26 January 2015

Weekly Wishes

Weekly Wishes #48

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Happy Monday bloggers! It is that time of the week to be linking up with Melyssa for Weekly Wishes. This is a great linkup to share weekly goal and receive some encouragement from others who also have wishes/goals for the week!

Last Week's Wishes ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I can already hear your applauses when I tell you how I officially and finally went back to the gym! Wohoo! Although, it wasn't the full 4-5 days like I've intended, I went Thursday and Friday, and I really made up for the other days I didn't go. I did a lot of cardio, and strength training. I really like the feeling of being back at the gym, so you already know I am motivated than ever to get back there later this morning! Besides that... I kinda planned a lot of the prompts for last week and this week, so that is going well. Besides those two, I'm behind in everything else, aha what else is new?  This Week's Wishes ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Plan blog prompts. This isn't my priority, but it is something I want to get done to keep my blog active. Common, we all know that one blog we love who isn't active anymore, and we are just constantly refreshing their page to see if there is new content. Okay, maybe that's just me, but I don't want to be that blog!
2. Hit the gym 4-5 times this week. I was successful for 2 days last week, I am determined to do the 4-5 days I wish to complete this week! Cardio, here I come!
3. Textbook readings. I'm definitely behind in all my classes when it comes to the textbook readings. I made a schedule prioritizing which chapters I need to complete by when.. hopefully it helps. 
4. Plan in general. I find that my life is a bit more organized when I have everything planned out. I feel a bit more stressed free when I know I can accomplish something within a planned time frame. I need to get back into the habit of using an agenda to plan ahead, maybe I'll be a little bit more relaxes about everything. 

These are my wishes for the week.  If you're participating and happened to hop onto my blog, leave your link so I can leave some encouragement as well! Have a great Monday, xo

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Confessions of a 3rd Year Uni Student! - Week #20

24 January 2015

Confessions of a Third Year Student

Confessions of a 3rd Year Uni Student! - Week #20

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Okay, another week has come and gone, fairly quickly I might add. I don't even remember what exactly I did for school this week, but I remember being really stressed out! So, literally on Sunday night, I got off the waitlist for a course that is required towards my anthropology major. I was kind of relieved because I didn't want to put this off until next year, or even for the summer. I felt like it was better to get it over with it right away. 

So, once I got into the course, I unfortunately didn't have access to portal, which is the university base teachers use to interact with their students, like post up lecture slides, announcement anything important, or even post practice test questions. Luckily, I have a friend in the course who quickly sent me the course syllabus... and then the assignment. I was kind of shock to find out that I had an assignment due on Wednesday based on the readings from the classes I missed, since I was waitlisted. 

I looked at the course syllabus to find out that there were 8 books I had to buy. And although they were fairly old, and relatively cheap in comparison to other textbook in other courses, it was basically reading 1 book per week. I already felt the stress. Why? Well, my two other classes tests us weekly on information based on the readings. So, I already have a hard time keeping up with those two classes and the readings, plus I have this other course where the teacher wants us to read 2 chapters per week.. Like what? Common... I already have a hard time keeping up with 1 chapter in a course, let alone two. 

Anyways, I decided to just suck it up and get it all done. Tuesday was actually my first day of tutorial or the course I recently enrolled in. When I got there, keep in mind I have yet to attend a lecture, everyone was participating on last weeks readings that I had obviously not read. Embarrassing when she tried putting me on the spot for my opinions. Towards the end of the tutorial, the TA actually came to me and asked me to sign up for a day to give a presentation. And because I just enrolled in, of course the other students signed up first, leaving me with next week to give a presentation. 

The moment I left that classroom, I went online and dropped the course. Why did I give up so easily? Let me tell you. For this course alone I would have an assignment due next Wednesday, a midterm on Wednesday, and a presentation next Tuesday? Oh, and I didn't attend any of the lectures, or do the readings. I simply just did what was best for me and decided to drop the course and take it next year. 

Besides that ONE event that seem to have taken over this post, I was just feeling extremely stressed with readings and school that I decided to hit the gym. I went to the gym on Thursday and Friday, and boy did it felt amazing! I honestly cannot wait to get back into the rhythm, and actually maintain my attendance at the gym in order to reach my ultimate goal of losing 40 pounds this year. 

... So yeah, that was my week. Hopefully this post doesn't depress you. I've got work today... so there goes another day without getting much school work done. I swear, if only I was able to function without sleep, I would be caught up with everything. HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

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The Best Part of My Day!

22 January 2015

bunny

The Best Part of My Day!

Haha, if you have me on snapchat, or see all the photos I like and post on instagram, it really shouldn't be a surprised that coming home to Penelope is actually my favourite part of my day! Yes, I know, you may be thinking how on earth do I love coming home to an animal that is relatively independent compared to puppies? Well, I guess it is just the bond that Pay and I have developed for one another.
In March, I would officially have Pay for 1 year. It is honestly crazy how time flies. I remember when I first brought her home, she was absolutely scared, yet curious. And because she spent a few days at Jay's with his rabbit prior to coming to my place, she already got a sense of who I was. So, the day she officially "moved" in here, she was attached to me when something was unfamiliar to her.
I'm not exactly what it was that made her more trusting with me, but out of no where, it was just apparent the love she had for me. She would always chill near me, she always played with me, she hardly ever attacked me, and when she did, she would never bit, just nibble, and she could lay in one spot licking me for hours. Isn't this normal? Well, not for rabbits. Because they are usually prey animals, they are often scared. So for her to develop such a loving attachment to me just felt amazing. Especially when there was a HUGE difference in the way she behaved around other family members, and strangers from myself.
Anyways, back to the point of this blog post, Penelope is my favourite part of the day. I honestly cannot wait to get home from school or work just to see her, pet her, and for her to lick me. I love when she sees me, she loves to run around my feet, climb my climbs, or jump around the room with excitement. It is just too adorable, and I really do with my family can experience the bond I have developed with her over the months.
I still find it amazing how Penelope is a living being... a living being that I am taking care of and spending sooo much time with. She is just an amazing friend to come home to. 

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Linking up with Kathy for her weekly Writing Workshop!

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This Is Me

20 January 2015

realization

This Is Me

Have you ever had those days where you spent hours upon hours just going through different blogs? I've done that this past weekend, and boy did I come across some amazing blogs! In fact, there were a few blogs I fell in love with and decided to read some past post. This post is actually based of a 2011 post Shane wrote (click HERE to view the post).

I am...a girl who is just trying to get through life, day by day.

I want....to have more hours in a day.

I have....7 piercings (3 on my left ear, and 4 on my right).

I wish.... I'll be able to get into grad school.

I hate... when people talk in class... if you don't want to listen, then don't come. simple. 

I fear...not making my parents proud. 
I hear... the Parenthood (a t.v. show) in the background.

I search.... for strength and the mental ability to get through everything.

I wonder.... when everything will fall into place. 
I regret.... not continuing my studies in French.

I love... my family, friends, and the special one.

I ache...to become the person I want to be.

I always... end up going to sleep late.

I usually.... shower at night.
I am not... someone who will pretend to be someone I am not. 

I sing.... really well... in my head.

I never.... want to give up.
I rarely.... find good friends or people I can trust...

I cry... when I am really, really hurt.

I am not always... the life of the party. I have those days were I let the bad things get to me.

I lose... hope way too easily.

I am confused... about my life.

I need... stop procrastinating and learn to use my time more wisely.

I should... be reading my textbook chapters and catch up on everything. 

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Weekly Wishes #47

19 January 2015

Weekly Wishes

Weekly Wishes #47

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Happy Monday bloggers! It is that time of the week to be linking up with Melyssa for Weekly Wishes. This is a great linkup to share weekly goal and receive some encouragement from others who also have wishes/goals for the week!

Last Week's Wishes ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alright, I think my talk is just cheap. I'll be real - I think I made more excuses than ever to not to go the gym last week, and boy am I way behind in my textbook readings for school. All I have to say that although I was somewhat product last week, it was fast enough.. if that even makes sense. But, yeah.. I just have to learn how to devote all my available time to be more productive this week.  This Week's Wishes ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Plan blog prompts. Okay, so sometime today or tomorrow, I will probably have a list of blog prompts I will try to write and schedule for the rest of the month. I think this will make it a little bit easier to balance blogging (which I really want to continue) and ALLL the school stuff I've been stumped with. 
2. Hit the gym 4-5 times this week. Sooo... I didn't go to the gym at all last week... this week I am determined to do so. I think instead of trying to go during the day between classes, I am going to try going early in the morning. So the plan is to wake up at 7am tomorrow, leave by 7:30am, and get to the gym at 8:00am. I think getting there earlier will help my day go by with more energy!
3. Textbook readings. I'm definitely behind in all my classes when it comes to the textbook readings. I made a schedule prioritizing which chapters I need to complete by when.. hopefully it helps. 
4. Research Grad schools. It is time for me to look into what exactly I will be applying for next year, so I know what I want to aspire. Just knowing I want to get a Masters in psychology isn't enough. There are more specific programs (i.e., Occupational therapy, community psychology, etc.) that are available to get masters. I really need to know which type of Masters degree will help me for my future. LET THE RESEARCH BEGIN. 

These are my wishes for the week.  If you're participating and happened to hop onto my blog, leave your link so I can leave some encouragement as well! Have a great Monday, xo

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Silent Sunday #45

18 January 2015

silent sunday

Silent Sunday #45

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Confessions of a 3rd Year Uni Student! - Week #19

17 January 2015

Confessions of a Third Year Student

Confessions of a 3rd Year Uni Student! - Week #19

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Well... its back! If you actually read this series, you probably already know that the last time I wrote was back in November... yeah, I actually counted, it was pretty much 10 weeks ago :/ opps, sorry! Like I always say, I've been busy with school... and by the time exams came around, I was completely absent. Then, my Christmas break started, and I really didn't have much to update and write about my school.
But, it is the second week back into the new semester, and I must say that I am extremely stressed out, already. Over the Christmas break, I took the time to write down all the courses I need in order to receive my Bachelors in Science for this semester, and next year. Then, I realized that although I am on the right track, my only problem was actually selecting which courses will work best  as courses do not overlap. Does that make sense?
Anyways, it was a stressful process, and truthfully I keep looking back at this schedule to ensure I have everything right. I really, really, really, I want to graduate on time, especially with my friends to share the moment with. So, as I am ahead in my schedule, there is still a few gaps I need to fill in. 
So, that means, this semester I completely changed my schedule, including the courses I decided to take. I am currently taking 4 courses; linguistic anthropology, preworld history, cognitive psychology and child and adolescent disorders. I think it is a great selection of courses, and I am really interested in what I am learning so far. I am also on the waitlist for another anthropology course, which I am hoping to get in this week to knock off one of the courses I plan to take next year.
Besides this entire stressful process of ensuring I will graduate with the appropriate number of credits AND on time, I am already feeling behind in my readings. I created my schedule for myself prioritizing which readings to get done first. So far, the plan is to try to do at least 2 chapters a day.. I should be caught up by the time the first midterm comes around (Jan. 30).
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I have work today... the first shift I had in weeks. Why? Well, last week they decided to call me and cancel my shift since there as "not much work" to do. I think having a part-time job like this actually motivates me to do well in school. No way do I want to do retail for the rest of my life, and no way do  I ever want my shifts to be randomly cancelled. I want a stable and reliable career. But for now, the part-time job is what I need to start saving up for grad school!
Have a great weekend, xo! 

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Needing Some Inspiration...

16 January 2015

Blogging

Needing Some Inspiration...

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Have you ever had those days where you just want to blog, but you have absolutely no idea about what you want to blog about? Yeah... I'm currently in that phase.. well, I've been in this phase for the past month or so. I'm not sure exactly what it is, but I actually do blame school. My creativity and openmindedness has been closed off. When it came to studying or re-learning something I didn't understand in class, you often would find me in my room alone, or at the library studying my butt off.
So, I guess it is fair to say that I've be uninspired lately. I want to blog about my life so bad, but nothing exciting is happening. Unless you guys like to hear about my days in class and then to the library reading textbook chapters upon chapters... I know, I live through it daily so I already know it is kinda boring.
Anyways, I thought you guys should know that although I want to be blogging, I just have nothing to blog about. Is that the same thing as writers block? I'm pretty sure it is. But, don't worry. I know once I get back into the school groove of the new semester, I'll probably be inspired once again.
But, if you're in the same boat as me, I actually found some helpful posts to become re-inspired. Take a look if your in need, just as I am!
31 Ways to Find Inspiration for Your Writing 50 Ways to Find Inspiration: Creation, Explore, Expand 9 Tips to Inspire Great Blog Post Ideas 5 Creative Cures for Writer's Block
I'll probably be reading more into these links in the weekend, thats if I have time. Oh, and if you're in a real need to catch up on posts in January, I actually found a link that has prompts for December if you're interested in that! (31 January Writing Prompts). Have a beautiful weekend! 

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Looking Back to A Childhood Thought

15 January 2015

linkup

Looking Back to A Childhood Thought

I've been meaning to participate in this link-up for a while, but of course, I am a procrastinator and just keep pushing everything off. Today, I've decided to finally join in the Write it or Die Wednesdays with Vashelle and Mia. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know it is not Wednesday, but hey, better late then never! Today's prompt is this photograph! 

When I was younger, I thought I had everything figured out - what I wanted to be, who I wanted to marry, how many children I wanted... blah, blah, blah. But, as I grew up, I learnt, of course things change. But, when I saw this picture, one thought immediately came to my mind. 
Proposal.
Before you get ahead of yourself, no I am not engaged, nor have I ever been asked. When I was younger, I always had the idea of being proposed under the ocean. I know, such a cliché. But, this was something I really wanted! I've had a love for the water and a huge interest for all the creatures that live under the ocean/sea. So, why not share a big moment like a proposal with living creatures I absolutely adored?
Ha, I even had it all planned out believe it or not! (Ask my sister and cousin, I'm sure they remember all the details I bored them with during our sleepovers!) I always imaged going on a trip to Cuba or somewhere warm with friends and their significant other - like a couples retreat. Then, we would go scuba diving with the dolphins. And, when I was younger, I always assumed that you had a rope to hold onto to drag ourselves deep within the ocean. Then, I imaged going down this rope to the bottom and seeing my future finance down there with some sign asking me to marry me.
Yeah, cute idea I know. But, I highly doubt it will ever happen. Why do you ask? Well, for one, my man doesn't swim or do water activities... soo, scuba diving is definitely out of the picture for him. But, on a more serious note, I feel like because I've had this idea for so long, I will have a huge expectation, an expectation that will definitely be hard to fulfill. So, I definitely do not want to put whoever my future finance is all the pressure of fulfilling a childhood dream. Besides, I want to be surprised with the proposal, like be completely swept off my feet.
Like common, you can't tell me this isn't cute!

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But, it is definitely too early for me to be thinking about proposals, and marriage. It is not in my plan right now. However, if you absolutely love this idea, please take it and make it better than I've ever imagined please! 

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Weekly Wishes #46

12 January 2015

Weekly Wishes

Weekly Wishes #46

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Happy Monday bloggers! It is that time of the week to be linking up with Melyssa for Weekly Wishes. This is a great linkup to share weekly goal and receive some encouragement from others who also have wishes/goals for the week!

Last Week's Wishes ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It is the second week of January, and I am excited more than ever to change. Change in a way where I am actually determined to keep up with my weekly goals/wishes. Yes, I am going with that cliche of the whole "new year, new me". Don't hate, I am just motivated to be a better be, and work with my word of the year, which is HAPPY. (Click HERE to read about that!) This Week's Wishes ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Plan blog prompts. I want to continue to be more active on my blog even though I am juggling school and my part-time job. I feel like if I at least write down a list of days of what I am writing, then it will motivate me to blog more. So, this month, and the next few months this is something I want to continue. 
2. Hit the gym 4-5 times this week. Mother nature called last week; so I tomorrow I will hitting back to the gym with the goal of losing 30-40lbs this year. Because it has been a while since I've been to do the gym, I will have to work my way back; slow and steady. 
3. Textbook readings. I want to stay ahead of my readings this semester. I feel like I'll better understand more of the lectures, and it will help me participate more in class. 
4. Talk to profs. I want to start building relationships/friendships with my profs, especially since I will be applying for grad school next year, and reference letters from academic professors is key. This week, I will make it apparent to go to the prof after every lecture, introduce myself, and ask at least 1 question from the lecture. If I do this constantly, of course the prof will remember me and genuinely remember my name, and hopefully this will work to my advantage for next year. 
5. Research Grad schools. It is time for me to look into what exactly I will be applying for next year, so I know what I want to aspire. Just knowing I want to get a Masters in psychology isn't enough. There are more specific programs (i.e., Occupational therapy, community psychology, etc.) that are available to get masters. I really need to know which type of Masters degree will help me for my future. LET THE RESEARCH BEGIN. 

These are my wishes for the week.  If you're participating and happened to hop onto my blog, leave your link so I can leave some encouragement as well! Have a great Monday, xo

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Silent Sunday #44

11 January 2015

silent sunday

Silent Sunday #44

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My Word of the Year 2015

07 January 2015

word of the year

My Word of the Year 2015

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If you decided to take the time to read out some of the goals I set up for myself for the 2015 year, you may have realized that I want to be able to put myself first. Why? Well, sometimes people suck and decide to use my niceness and take advantage of me and not like to give back whenever it is time I need help. And I realized that when cases like this happened, I often found myself in a slump and not happy with myself. This year, things will be different.
That is why I chose happy as my word for 2015.
Reflecting back onto 2014, there are a lot of times I was just unhappy with the people around, and especially the way I've been treated by others. The worst part is, I felt like there were times where I just allowed this to continue and really not do much about it. So this year I am changing this.
So, from the way I see myself, to the way I see others, here are ways happy will successfully be my word for 2015.
Happy Body. This year, I want to be more happy with my body. More specifically, I want to be proud to show off my body. There is a reason you hardly (or ever) see full body shot photos on my instagram, or even Facebook. It is because I dislike the way I look. I could easily go on and on about what is wrong with me... But, instead of sitting here and complaining, I am going to change this. Whether that means being nicer with my thoughts about my body, or even working out to get my body, I will do it.
Happy Thoughts. I am a firm believer that thoughts affect the way we behave. If we have negative feelings, then we will behave in a way for negative things to happen. This year, I want to change the way I see people and my surroundings. Happy thoughts will equal a happy life right? This year, I want to focus on seeing the positive in those I usually have quick doubts about.
Happy Heart. I keep saying that I want to put myself first. But, I need to be real here... I am actually not entirely selfish, so of course there will be times when I will put others before me. Which, I personally think is a good thing because it makes me happy knowing I'm making a difference in someone else's life. Having a happy heart definitely includes putting more of an effort with my family, and Jay, and my friends.
I know its been 7 days since New Years, but hey, its never too late to change the way I want to live my life! Have you chosen a word? Let me know :) 

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Silent Sunday #43

04 January 2015

silent sunday

Silent Sunday #43

 I always do stuff like this to Penelope on snapchat. (snapchat: oulalanessaa)

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HAPPY NEW YEAR! + 2015 Goals!

01 January 2015

2015

HAPPY NEW YEAR! + 2015 Goals!

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Happy New Year everyone! It is officially the first day of 2015 and I am just excited to see what this year has in store for me. 2014 was a pretty good year for me, and I am honestly hoping Newton's law doesn't come true for 2015 (what goes up, must come down). So, this year I will definitely be giving off a lot of positivity in hopes for more positivity to return my way!
In 2014, I found myself struggling with who I am as a person. I learnt new things about me, like what I was capable of doing. However, I also learnt new things that I was afraid of. It weird, 2014 has definitely been a learning process especially when it came to accepting who I am. This year, I will make it more about me rather than others. It is time to put the focus on me, and no more depending on others.
Last year, I wrote down a bunch of goals I wanted accomplish in 2014. This year, it will be no different. This year, I will again share the many goals I have set for myself for the upcoming year. By making it public, it is making me more accountable for what I said I will do. So, here are my goals for 2015:
Blog

• Make more blogger friends
• Attempt to comment more on others blogs
• Co-Host a linkup
• Reach 200 followers by the end of 2015
• Create/design a new blog layout!

Career

• Start to volunteer at hospitals/rehab centres
• Ask questions to academic counsellor, instead of leaving them wondering in my thoughts
• Build up references
• Start looking at grad schools to apply for next year

Fitness and Health

• Lose up to 40lbs 
• Exercise 4-5 times a week (even if it is just for an hour)
• Eat healthier
• Cut the fast food intake (including my favourite.. burgers and fries)

School

• Raise my GPA to 3.7 on the 4.0 scale
• Build relationships with my profs (like going to more office hours)
• Use my agenda more often 
• Study ahead of time
• NO MORE PROCRASTINATION

Personal

• Put myself first
• Sleep regularly and for a good 8 hours
• Do things that make me happy
• Work more and spend less
• Work on myself - physically, emotionally, mentally 
• Learn to be happy with what I have

Okay, so as I was writing these goals, I realized that I probably should have written this post a few days ago... these are definitely not ALL my goals.. but you get the general idea! Happy New Year to you and your families! I hope 2015 will be just as good to you as 2014 was for me!

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