everyone's favorite season

guys, I really can't believe it. it's here! the season's finally here! the one where everyone eats a ton and we all impulse shop online and get cranky with our loved ones!

what? the holidays?

NO.

final exam season!

so excuse me while I focus on those sorts of things for a bit--writing papers, reading over lecture notes, meeting with TAs and you know, trying to get enough sleep.

If you need me I'll probably look like a way less cute version of this:

{via tumblr}

for those of you who are also heading into those dreadful final weeks of the semester, and for those of you who generally like to procrastinate, I leave you with a list of my favorite 5-minute study break activities...

Suri's Burn Book

Angry Birds Star Wars

#whatshouldwecallme

and when you are done with Star Wars, there's always Angry Birds Rio

calling my parents

the November issue of Marie Claire

my tumblr, now with many winter/holiday photos

 US Weekly

face masks

Happy Thursday!! 

being thankful

{via weheartit}

I am thankful for my incredible, supportive family. 

I am thankful for the friends I have made throughout the years. 

I am happy to be home, nice and warm. 

These are blessings many of us take for granted, myself included. 

And I really want to take the time to appreciate them. 

I am thankful for the nineteen years-worth of memories and moments I've had with my grandmother. 

I am thankful I get to run around with Harry in the backyard. 

I am grateful for my education and the many opportunities life has afforded me.

I am so glad we are all healthy and happy.

I am thankful for everything that has yet to come. 

I salute life's second chances, chocolate-covered espresso beans, late-night meals with my roommate, walking on the beach with my cousins, extended essay deadlines, the planet Pluto. I'm glad the blown transformer across the street (thanks to Sandy) didn't burn our house down. I'm thankful for my mom's sweet potato casserole, warm fires in the fireplace, and all the wonderful books I have read this year. I am thankful for the tranquil moments that remind me that my neuroscience final will not be the end of me. I appreciate all that has happened so far, the good and the bad. 

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Whether you celebrate it or not, I hope your day is filled with family, delicious food, maybe a little football and moments here and there to just stop, smile and take it all in. 

saying goodbye...

hey, there. sorry I haven't been around lately this month. that will certainly change now that I am on Thanksgiving break and headed home for a week (finally!).

I would just like to take a moment to remember a very important woman in my life. I'm sad to say my grandmother passed away two weeks ago. It's still very hard to believe I'll never be able to hug her again, or call her on the phone or share our new favorite books.

My grandmother was probably one of the most positive and selfless people out there. She always put her family first and stayed strong through her own troubles. It was always about looking on the bright side and being thankful.

My favorite thing about her is that she always told everything like it was a story--a long, fascinating story. Even a simple trip to the supermarket to buy Moosetracks ice cream: there was a story in there and she was going to share it with you. I'll miss that most.

Grandma, I love you.

November Goals

{via tumblr}

happy November everyone! 

this month, I'd like to:

• write every single day in honor of NaNoWriMo. 

• keep up with all my classes and projects...and still feel a little sane at the end of the day.

• update some things around the blog. like my picture, my about page and the sidebar.

• take time at the end of each day to be thankful and appreciative.

• make working out more a priority. 

• start working on summer plans and internship applications.

• read at least one book that isn't assigned for a class.

• help prepare Thanksgiving dinner.

• try to get ahead of the holiday rush and plan what I'll be giving as gifts this year. 

October in Pictures

October, you've been good. It was a very busy month with midterms, parent's weekend, october break, miss hurricane sandy and halloween. here are some highlights...

In October...

• I watched the presidential debates and voted for the first time ever. 

• I had three papers and two midterms all within one week. it was not fun.

• I saw my parents and my brother for family weekend. that was fun.

• I was very much in the letter-writing mood. I sent out a total of two birthday cards. 

I had Halloween cards but Miss Sandy kind of kept me from sending those out as well...

• Lots of Hershey kisses were eaten. I sometimes like to make designs with the foil wrappers... oh yes, we also experimented with some food carts.

• I got into the Halloween spirit...even though I didn't dress up.

• fall finally came, with the beautiful leaves and the crisp chilly air. 

• I went home for a few days for october break. it was so nice to see my family and sleep in a bed that isn't lofted a million feet up. 

• while at home I picked out some pumpkins and eyed the corn and scarecrows with envy. 

• while at home I also ate lots and lots of good food. like chipotle. and my mommy's home cooking.

• and my brother finally got his gifts that took forever in the mail. (I told you I was in a Disney mood.)

• Hurricane Sandy made the history books. Yale classes cancelled for two days, something that hasn't been done since the 70s, I believe.

• I saw the Yale Symphony Orchestra's annual midnight Halloween show. It was very well done.

• I've already started planning for the holidays. I've started my wishlist. I have window decorations for my dorm, and yes, the holiday hippo will definitely be gracing our lawn this year. I made sure of that.

in all, I'm quite happy. how was your October?