Finals, Finance, and Freakouts

This pic gives me mental clarity ^_^

Hey y’all!

I know, I’ve been a ghost in April. (oddly poetic…?)

First order of business: Finals

This week is winding down and the projects and tests are winding up (much to my chagrin). But I know that this time, next week, I’ll be done and packing up my life to move out of this room and back home, where my family and puppies and summer opportunities await me. (More on those opportunities later.) I really don’t have much to say about finals other than that I have five of them, that I will be continuing to work night shifts during the week of finals, and that I have yet to really start studying. Fun.

Second order of business: Finance. 

I will say that one of my last posts was geared towards this goal I had, which included a Shopping Ban– basically a rule that stated anything unnecessary (that morning latte, that new skirt, that adorable stationary set) was off-purchasing-limits. Thing is, I never really published a list of what was allowed. And I realize that in an undertaking like this, I need to be specific, so as not to blur the lines (as I have in the past week– yes, I have stumbled!). So this is me, trying to get back on track with my life again.

I also got a really great budgeting template off of Cait Flander’s site as well. 10/10, would recommend! 

Now that that is established… 

Last order of business: Freakouts. 

There have been a few– both good and bad. Bad ones are mostly related to people, places, circumstances, money and budgets plus some summer uncertainties. But they’re being written down and checked off one by one, and I can only hope this summer brings some peace.  Good ones are mostly those related to work successes, having landed an internship for the summer in addition to a part time job, exciting vacation news, and the reunification with both old and new friends. OH, and recently winning the Facing Acne Scholarship with my stop-motion animation video! More on this on the Scribbles blog :D. 

…But for now, I’m just trying to get through this last week, trying to force myself to stay focused, with minimal tears and maximum coffee (previous supply because I’m not about to break my shopping ban (;) 

How is April wrapping up for you guys? 

xx

steph

Life as of Lately: Hey there, April

Hey guys (: Happy April! It’s been a while since I put one of these up, so let’s get to it!

[Reading] This awesome new book called The Organized Mind: Thinking Straight in the Age of Information Overload by Daniel J. Levitin. Basically, it’s about learning to regain our mastery of organization despite the absolute hustle and bustle of our everyday lives. Just opened it this evening but I feel like it’s gonna be a good one!

[Writing] MOAR LETTERS! To Ireland pen pal and all the Thank-you notes for the lovely people who sent me well wishes and *awesome* things to me on my birthday!

[Learning] about the action I can take towards protecting my privacy online. Especially in light of new legislature and political happenings.

[Doing] a ton of stuff! Like…

-getting my hair cut– I took a bold move and implemented bangs on my forehead and I have to say I’m quite pleased with the results! It’s quite the change and showering is hella weird, but it’s such a fun look and I’m pumped about them! Here’s a shameless pic first debuted on my snap XD:

-submitting my scholarship video (it’s FINALLY DONE! :D) I hear back later this month about winners! 

-chugging through more work and responsibility with the PA job!

-updating my virtual portfolio!

-making to-do lists for the coming week

-renovating my dry erase calendar to suit April 

[Eating] nothing right now but I had the best lasagna and spinach/lettuce/kale salad earlier. Followed by ice cream and brownies. Yum. Oh and yesterday I completely binged on Sweettarts, Chicks Ducks and Bunnies. XD

[Drinking] Chocolate milk. Yes. Right now, at 10:58pm. Good stuff.

[Listening] to SO MUCH THROWBACK. This playlist is very fun, guys (:

[Laughing] at all the cheese of the movie “Aquamarine”. I just watched it late Friday night with my roommate (who grew up on that movie and knew it like, word for word) and wow, it’s literally a mix between the Little Mermaid and Frozen. I say Frozen because (well, no spoilers) of the ending. I’ll just say that.

[Thinking] about how I need to implement meditation, touching my toes, and prayer into my morning routine. Gonna start this tomorrow. Also thinking about the shopping ban.

[Hoping] to goodness that I can get all of my financial life in order [loans, spending, saving, etc.]

[Loving] this weather! Warmness makes me feel happier and more productive. It just does. So if Mother Nature could keep up this nice streak she’s got going that’d be lovely.

[Praying] for some friends, family, and the strength to press forward even when my bones are broken and dry and it feels like I’m walking through the valley of the shadow of death.

What are you all doing this month?

💚,
Steph