Hey everyone!
It's been a little while..longer than I had hoped to be away. I got busy and distracted.
But, this week I've been thinking (well, I'm always thinking..but stay with me!) and realized that I keep having all these great ideas, but I lack follow-through. I've been meaning to exercise, eat better, blog more, have better sleep patterns, pray more, the list goes on. I've just been wanting to improve aspects of my life and I even think up a plan of action. But, I never take the actions.
So, I'm wondering if telling my readers this plan will make me stick to it more. I'm hoping it will. If I feel like I'm breaking a promise to you all then maybe I'll be more willing to stick to it? Fingers crossed!
Tomorrow my roommate and I are planning on grocery shopping for our last little bit of the semester. I thought that maybe a good place to start on this new healthier journey would be to share my shopping list.
So here it is: Grapes, Bananas, Carrots, Frozen Spinach, White Beans, Whole wheat pasta, Whole wheat bread, Shredded Cheese, Greek Yogurt, Honey, Walnuts
We still have peanut butter, jelly, brown rice, and some oatmeal packets. I'm planning on eating PB&J's on whole wheat bread, pasta with cheese and spinach, and yogurt with honey and walnuts mixed in.
Hopefully that will constitute a few meals until I can think of more creative ways to eat healthy on a college budget.
Any advice on sticking to exercise and nutrition plans? Healthy, easy recipes?
Leave me a comment below with any tips or tricks!
Sincerely, Paige
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Learning about Me
Hey everyone!
Tonight, my roommate and I took a personality test online. Click here!
I've been continually struggling with my major and future career choices. I am a worrier, so not knowing what my next step should be is particularly terrifying. And, as the semester comes to a close, we are required to pick classes for next semester. I have juggled majors quite often over the last few months.
I decided today to actually utilize one of our few free on campus resources: Calling and Career Center. They advised me to take a couple of career assessments. Not that they were unhelpful, but the tests were not especially satisfying in their results. I wasn't guided into a career like I hoped I would be.
I guess it's a problem to expect a simple online test to simply say "Tah Dah! Here's your perfect career choice!".
Another thing I'm discovering that college preparation is lacking is an aspect of involvement in choosing a major. Most people I know just pick something. Nothing particular is done in order to make sure students are actively looking into their personal strengths.
Our college makes us take a strengths finder test. But, nothing is stressed after that for each student. I know it would be asking a lot to make time to meet with each incoming Freshman. But I think that for students that come into college without knowing what exactly they want to study, it would be beneficial to see what they are particularly talented in.
After taking to my roommate, an advisor, and my mom, I realized that I really do have an interest in English. I realized that my Strengths would work in an English degree.
It's important that students have a knowledge of their talents. More so than needing to have an idea of a major when they step foot on campus, students need to realize they have talents in them naturally. They've been conditioned to think they just have to make a decision.
Everyone has a natural talent and skill set that prepares them for a specific purpose. I think more students should spend time trying to learn about themselves before deciding on a career for the rest of their lives.
Ok, end of scattered thoughts.
Thanks for reading my crazy, scrambled, ideas!
Sincerely, Paige
Tonight, my roommate and I took a personality test online. Click here!
I've been continually struggling with my major and future career choices. I am a worrier, so not knowing what my next step should be is particularly terrifying. And, as the semester comes to a close, we are required to pick classes for next semester. I have juggled majors quite often over the last few months.
I decided today to actually utilize one of our few free on campus resources: Calling and Career Center. They advised me to take a couple of career assessments. Not that they were unhelpful, but the tests were not especially satisfying in their results. I wasn't guided into a career like I hoped I would be.
I guess it's a problem to expect a simple online test to simply say "Tah Dah! Here's your perfect career choice!".
Another thing I'm discovering that college preparation is lacking is an aspect of involvement in choosing a major. Most people I know just pick something. Nothing particular is done in order to make sure students are actively looking into their personal strengths.
Our college makes us take a strengths finder test. But, nothing is stressed after that for each student. I know it would be asking a lot to make time to meet with each incoming Freshman. But I think that for students that come into college without knowing what exactly they want to study, it would be beneficial to see what they are particularly talented in.
After taking to my roommate, an advisor, and my mom, I realized that I really do have an interest in English. I realized that my Strengths would work in an English degree.
It's important that students have a knowledge of their talents. More so than needing to have an idea of a major when they step foot on campus, students need to realize they have talents in them naturally. They've been conditioned to think they just have to make a decision.
Everyone has a natural talent and skill set that prepares them for a specific purpose. I think more students should spend time trying to learn about themselves before deciding on a career for the rest of their lives.
Ok, end of scattered thoughts.
Thanks for reading my crazy, scrambled, ideas!
Sincerely, Paige
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Occupation: Unknown
Hey everyone!
Today I want to share with you all some things that have been on my mind and heart as of this week.
I want to preface this post by saying that the last thing I want this blog to become is a negative space where my readers and I rant and rave about things we do not like.
I am currently a Sophomore college student. I feel extremely blessed to be able to attend college on a scholarship that only requires me to keep a high A grade point average. I am extremely fortunate to be in college without going into debt that will follow me for years.
But, lately I have started to contemplate the way that young adults are told to continue their education. As of now, I have thought about three different majors, and so many careers I could not even tell you all of them. I am confused and still unsure of where I will or should end up in life and what my occupation will be (if I choose to pursue a career and not be a stay at home mom..maybe another post on that later).
In high school, most kids are taught basic education like reading, math, history, and sciences. These things are extremely important and help us to be good citizens of our country and communicate with others in an intelligent way.
What I feel that this does not prepare us for is trying to enter college, at the young age of 18, knowing what we would like to do for the rest of our working lives. By learning these things, we have no experience of the business world, or the medical field, or being a professional writer. We don't have experience in the work force. We haven't tried to learn what the day of an accountant or pastor is like.
I know some people grow up knowing their calling, but I for one, did not spend time in high school thinking about a future job. I was just trying to do my homework and get good grades on the tests that week.
I think that taking time to learn about your strengths and weaknesses is a good thing. Trying to find what makes you tick, makes you happy, and feel like you are accomplishing positive change in the world is really important. I think that a gap year is a positive thing and might affect a lot of students decisions to continue in school, if they knew going in what they wanted to study.
Another part of this discussion I've been having with myself, is wondering whether an almost "necessary" college experience is good for every young adult. I do not mean that college is unnecessary for everyone and I know that some jobs definitely require schooling after graduating high school (uh, doctors please!).
But maybe, we all need to take a step back and think about what we really care about in life. Maybe defining ourselves by our calling isn't all that it's cracked up to be. Maybe the most important thing is finding a place where you feel you can make a positive difference and change lives of people around you.
Sincerely, Paige
Today I want to share with you all some things that have been on my mind and heart as of this week.
I want to preface this post by saying that the last thing I want this blog to become is a negative space where my readers and I rant and rave about things we do not like.
I am currently a Sophomore college student. I feel extremely blessed to be able to attend college on a scholarship that only requires me to keep a high A grade point average. I am extremely fortunate to be in college without going into debt that will follow me for years.
But, lately I have started to contemplate the way that young adults are told to continue their education. As of now, I have thought about three different majors, and so many careers I could not even tell you all of them. I am confused and still unsure of where I will or should end up in life and what my occupation will be (if I choose to pursue a career and not be a stay at home mom..maybe another post on that later).
In high school, most kids are taught basic education like reading, math, history, and sciences. These things are extremely important and help us to be good citizens of our country and communicate with others in an intelligent way.
What I feel that this does not prepare us for is trying to enter college, at the young age of 18, knowing what we would like to do for the rest of our working lives. By learning these things, we have no experience of the business world, or the medical field, or being a professional writer. We don't have experience in the work force. We haven't tried to learn what the day of an accountant or pastor is like.
I know some people grow up knowing their calling, but I for one, did not spend time in high school thinking about a future job. I was just trying to do my homework and get good grades on the tests that week.
I think that taking time to learn about your strengths and weaknesses is a good thing. Trying to find what makes you tick, makes you happy, and feel like you are accomplishing positive change in the world is really important. I think that a gap year is a positive thing and might affect a lot of students decisions to continue in school, if they knew going in what they wanted to study.
Another part of this discussion I've been having with myself, is wondering whether an almost "necessary" college experience is good for every young adult. I do not mean that college is unnecessary for everyone and I know that some jobs definitely require schooling after graduating high school (uh, doctors please!).
But maybe, we all need to take a step back and think about what we really care about in life. Maybe defining ourselves by our calling isn't all that it's cracked up to be. Maybe the most important thing is finding a place where you feel you can make a positive difference and change lives of people around you.
Sincerely, Paige
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Cookie Craze
Hey everyone!
So I didn't post on Saturday like I said I would, but today you get an extra yummy post.
This week I have baked cookies twice.. I like to think it's how college students cope with stress and tests, and life in general.
I did a quick Google search for "easy and fast" chocolate chip cookie recipes. I decided the picture on *this one looked really good. Unfortunately, mine did not turn out nearly as perfect looking, but hey, that's part of the fun. And, despite their appearance, they tasted FANTASTIC!
If you like a little salty, perfectly soft yet still slightly crunchy cookie, give this recipe a try!
1 stick butter, melted
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups flour
3/4 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 12oz bag of chocolate chips or chunks
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
Whisk together the sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla until they are smooth and look like caramel.
Mix the flour, baking soda, and salt together in a separate bowl.
Stir the dry mixture into the egg mixture, but don't over do it.
Add in the chocolate chips.
Spoon the mix onto parchment lined baking sheets. (Try to keep the mix more into ball form than the picture below shows.. )
Bake for about ten minutes.
Cool for a few minutes, or as long as your eager friends will wait.
As you can see, the cookies tend to spread out. If you are looking for a nice presentation, I recommend spacing them more than two inches apart.
These cookies don't last long so be prepared to grab one for yourself while they are still nice and warm!
Sincerely, Paige
*recipe from Food Network
So I didn't post on Saturday like I said I would, but today you get an extra yummy post.
This week I have baked cookies twice.. I like to think it's how college students cope with stress and tests, and life in general.
I did a quick Google search for "easy and fast" chocolate chip cookie recipes. I decided the picture on *this one looked really good. Unfortunately, mine did not turn out nearly as perfect looking, but hey, that's part of the fun. And, despite their appearance, they tasted FANTASTIC!
If you like a little salty, perfectly soft yet still slightly crunchy cookie, give this recipe a try!
1 stick butter, melted
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups flour
3/4 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 12oz bag of chocolate chips or chunks
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
Whisk together the sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla until they are smooth and look like caramel.
Mix the flour, baking soda, and salt together in a separate bowl.
Stir the dry mixture into the egg mixture, but don't over do it.
Add in the chocolate chips.
Spoon the mix onto parchment lined baking sheets. (Try to keep the mix more into ball form than the picture below shows.. )
Bake for about ten minutes.
These cookies don't last long so be prepared to grab one for yourself while they are still nice and warm!
Sincerely, Paige
*recipe from Food Network
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Affirmations & Epiphanies
Hey everyone!
It is currently 2 am. I unfortunately took a two hour nap today and am now not sleepy. Oh the joys of being a college student.
I apologize for my absence. I've been having a case of blogger's block.
But today I had an epiphany. I had a teacher tell me that I was good at accounting. I hate that class and know that I would be unhappy in choosing accounting as a career. But after leaving that class, I automatically reevaluated my major choice. I realized today how easily swayed and encouraged (or discouraged) I am by having other people tell me I am good at something.
In the car with my fiance, I had a moment. I had a clear, strong thought that life isn't about having other people confirm me and my actions.
My blogging isn't about having other people think I'm good at it. It isn't about getting a huge audience that follows my every move. It isn't about getting comments and affirmation about my writing. It's a hobby. It's something I enjoy and should do because I like it. I should continue to blog because it makes me feel happy, and to me, it is a release and a way to evaluate my thoughts and channel them out of my head. A blog isn't something you do just because someone else is going to read it.
So, I am going to press on with this adventure. I am not going to give up for fear of failing and not getting subscribers. That isn't what's important. I am going to do this because it's something I have wanted to do for a year. If I fail, it's ok; and it's ok because I tried my best.
I will post again tomorrow (Saturday), because I can only get better if I practice.
I hope this post helps someone else out there who is struggling with affirmation issues.
Do something for you today no matter what other people are going to say.
Sincerely, Paige
*I got a few ideas for this from Zoella's blog post here.
It is currently 2 am. I unfortunately took a two hour nap today and am now not sleepy. Oh the joys of being a college student.
I apologize for my absence. I've been having a case of blogger's block.
But today I had an epiphany. I had a teacher tell me that I was good at accounting. I hate that class and know that I would be unhappy in choosing accounting as a career. But after leaving that class, I automatically reevaluated my major choice. I realized today how easily swayed and encouraged (or discouraged) I am by having other people tell me I am good at something.
In the car with my fiance, I had a moment. I had a clear, strong thought that life isn't about having other people confirm me and my actions.
My blogging isn't about having other people think I'm good at it. It isn't about getting a huge audience that follows my every move. It isn't about getting comments and affirmation about my writing. It's a hobby. It's something I enjoy and should do because I like it. I should continue to blog because it makes me feel happy, and to me, it is a release and a way to evaluate my thoughts and channel them out of my head. A blog isn't something you do just because someone else is going to read it.
So, I am going to press on with this adventure. I am not going to give up for fear of failing and not getting subscribers. That isn't what's important. I am going to do this because it's something I have wanted to do for a year. If I fail, it's ok; and it's ok because I tried my best.
I will post again tomorrow (Saturday), because I can only get better if I practice.
I hope this post helps someone else out there who is struggling with affirmation issues.
Do something for you today no matter what other people are going to say.
Sincerely, Paige
*I got a few ideas for this from Zoella's blog post here.
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