Less of an Eeyore more of a Pooh

Have you ever had one of those days that you're just in a funk? You feel like there's a rain cloud that just keeps following you? Like nothing can snap you out of your deep dark melancholy?

I empathize all too well. I like to refer to this as an Eeyore kind of mood. 

For me it's been an Eeyore kind of summer. Everything is so bitter sweet; so finite and unappealing. Maybe it's because I'm entering into my last year of undergraduate college. Maybe it's because I feel like I'm losing friends to bigger and better things while I'm still here in Boston living the dorm life. It could also be because I'm totally clueless as to what I'm going to do once I finally graduate in May. I have no job, no where to live, no school to go to.... So many reality checks in one summer would turn anyone into an Eeyore. 

Regardless, I need to get out of this funk. I need to become more of a Pooh Bear; so optimistic, so bright eyed and bushy tailed. I'm too young to be such a bitter realist I know, but it's so hard to change now. I know my cynicism is driving people crazy. Hell listening to myself is driving me crazy. What can I do to get out of this mood....think, think, think, think, think...

Popsicles and Ph.D.s

I'm here to tell you, it's true! Everyone does love a popsicle; even college professors. That's right; this week the ice cream man paid a visit to Simmons College. Around 2pm on Wednesday August 17, just about every office shut down to enjoy a frosty treat on the quad. Let me tell you, you begin to see your mentors in an entirely new light once you see them enjoying a "Big Dipper" or a "Choco Taco". This just goes to show that there's always a little kid hidden under that stuffy suit coat. I can't wait for the ice cream truck to pay us another visit. Student Government President, I'm counting on you to make this happen!

I'm not usually a beach person but...

There was something about this beach in Falmouth, MA that caught my eye.

Hi! My name is Katie, and I'm a Busy Beaver

The start of fall semester is getting closer and closer. To prepare for what's to come, I decided it was a good idea to make a chart of what my average week will look like. Holy crap! I sure know how to take a lot on. I'm so busy I needed to block out time to remind myself to eat. I've even considered scheduling bathroom times.

I've been told by many that I'm involved in too much; that I spread myself too thin; that I can't possibly be happy with such a hectic lifestyle. I disagree. My life isn't hectic- it's regimented. To those who say my plate is too full, I say "I have an appetite for life". Have you ever heard someone say, "Man, I wish I slept more in college." or "Wow if only I had sat on my a$$ more in school, I would be soooo much happier"? Nope, didn't think so.

Wish me luck for the coming semester!

So Good!

I sent this to the incoming students in my orienation group. I thought it was the perfect way to get them pumped for their new home in Boston. So Good!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ds-woOtfcgs&feature=youtu.be

French Failure

I am a failure as a French major. That's right I said it. I am a big fat failure!

By failure, I don't mean that I do poorly in my courses, or that my accent is terrible. I mean that my education in the French language and culture is fundamentally lacking.

I've been taking French for years. I've studied translataion and linguistics, literature, and culture. You may be asking what I could possibly be missing. Two words.... STUDY ABROAD!

What the hell kind of French major has never been to France for more than a week and a half? This chick right here. I feel like a fraud.

Things just haven't worked in my favor. There was trouble financing it, trouble scheduling it, etc. For a while there my college didn't even have a Study Abroad Department; that sure put a damper on things.

For the past few years I've seen a lot of friends and former classemates travel overseas, and it makes me green with envy. Why not me? Why do they get to go?

This summer I miss French more than ever. I miss speaking it. I miss reading it. I miss watching their pouty actors up on the big screen in our cinema class.

I can't wait for the fall semester to start so I can feed my French-loving addiction. Most of all, I can't wait to graduate. After May 2012, you can bet I'll be on my way to France. I will find a way.

Dear Diary....

I was never good at keeping a diary when I was younger. I'm not sure why I thought I'd be able to maintain a blog.

I've always been attracted to the idea of keeping a journal. As a child I loved reading books that mimicked the diaries and inner thoughts of famous historical figures like Cleopatra, Queen Elizabeth 1, and Marie Antoinnette. I wished that one day my thoughts and words would be as valuable as those of Anne Frank and others.

I've realized a few things. My thoughts are valuable. My words can be eloquent and honest. I just need to get off my lazy butt and write them!