Lessons College Can't Teach

When it comes to school, I am ridiculously responsible. I always show up for class on time, never miss an assignment, and actually take notes. My one vice is never feeling guilty for skipping class - as long as it's done within the 2-3 excused absence allowance. So to have a typical 'college moment' of being an irresponsible student is rare for me. Which is why I have to share my morning with you.

I'd been preparing for this particular presentation for a week, only because it's worth 25 percent of my grade. I've read and re-read the chapter it covers, actually avoiding Sparknotes in my diligence to do it correctly. And because the damn book was no where to be found on there. I had my notes all typed up and ready to be printed off prior to the class, I practiced to be sure it was within the 25 minute allotted time slot, and I made a mental note to actually wear real clothes to school. And then God decided to shit on me this morning. Never once having over slept this semester, I chose to do it today, waking up literally 24 minutes before my presentation was suppose to start. Keep in mind it takes me at least 20 minutes to get to school, and another five to find parking. I grabbed the clothes on my floor that I was wearing the night before, jammed a piece of gum in my mouth, and flew out the door while I was still trying to zip up my backpack. Driving like a complete asshole, I made it to school in record time, cut someone off for a parking spot, and stumbled into class as my professor was beginning role call. My only give-away to being ridiculously unprepared was the fact that I still needed to print out my notes. Thank god for my Midwestern charm. A quick smile and plea for a five minute stall, and I was in and out of the library with my notes in hand. I killed the presentation, had the professor laughing, and have no worries about the grade. The most stressful, yet strangely rewarding, morning I've had in a while.

I've mentioned being a little OCD about school and my GPA, but to be completely honest with you, my outlook on it all has sort of changed this semester. I'm in my fifth year of post-high school education. That is one year too many. I hear so many post-grads bitching and moaning about the job market and wanting to go back to binge drinking and pulling adderall all-nighters, but I cannot wait to be done with it. I don't need a college enrollment as an excuse to drink, and I can think of plenty of other things I'd rather be doing all night than researching Marco Polo and his freaking journey through Asia. So even though I'm obviously going to put effort into my final year, I've lightened up on the amount of stress I put on myself when it comes to my school work. My GPA can only slide so much from here, and the experience I'm having outside of the classroom is worth more to me than what I'm learning in it. Being able to summarize the themes of ancient medieval texts may get me an 'A' now, but I have a feeling the knowledge will do jack shit for me in the real world. Being able to handle my liquor and every other lesson I've learned the hard way here is a different story.

Covering the Basis for the Critical

I'm pathetic. I don't even want to look at the last time I posted, but I know off of the top of my head it's nearing the two week mark. Not OK. I will get better at this ridiculous schedule thing, I promise.

I was obnoxiously informed by one of my most loving co-workers that my blog has turned into nothing that I promised it would be. While I initially started it claiming I'd focus on finding balance with fashion, fun, and fitness on a frugal budget, I've strayed into my dating life, drinking habits, and religious views. And as much as I adoringly wanted to hit him for criticizing my blog, he was right. Sort of. While having fun, shopping, and working out take up generous portions of my time, so does drinking, spiritual speculation, and failing miserably in the dating world. And considering the ridiculous number of page views on posts that featured a drunk dial from my ex boyfriend and my humiliating blackout that included a drunk dial to my daddy, I don't think you mind reading about any extra-curricular material. Nonetheless, just for this darling co-worker that puts me in my place during every shift we share, I shall make a point to touch on all that I've promised you. And then some.

Fashion. As in shopping. As in I have done wayyyy too much of it in the past two weeks. Ok, month. But it needs to stop, because the numbers in my accounts are dwindling, and my fridge and gas tank will not fill themselves. It has not all been for nothing though, because there are some fabulous additions now sitting in my wardrobe. As in these babies.

When in doubt for what to buy yourself for your birthday, always head to the shoe section. And finding anything in leopard print is just an added bonus. And the fact that I found them in a shoe warehouse, allowing me to pay my rent this month. Happy birthday to me. Another pair of stilettos I could potentially take a tumble in after a few too many drinks - just what I needed.

One of my best friends came to visit for my birthday, so having fun has not been an issue. I did the unthinkable and took off the entire weekend of work. There were lunch dates, shopping and nights out in the city, sleepovers in Brooklyn, and lazy mornings laying in bed. To say this was all done on a budget would be a blatant lie, but best friends don't come every weekend. Sadly, once she left, my reality of work schedules and homework piles was waiting right where I left it. I was able to take a break to see some family in the city last night, and there's a night out in Long Beach in my very near future, as in tonight, so I haven't become socially awkward quite yet.

As for fitness, the majority of my workouts have consisted of shaking a drink mixer, squatting down to be eye level with the beer cooler, and running around tables on wing night. I've tried to fit in actual runs, yoga classes, and an elevated treadmill that burns ridiculous calories at the gym, but my schedule has been a little crazy. There always seem to be periods of time where this happens, and all I can do is remind myself that it's not the end of the world if I can't work out every day. I just do what I can when I can, and move on. Life will slow down.

So if you were becoming as critical of my blog content as my coworker, relax yourself - I just covered it all. And for those of you who actually appreciate my cynical viewpoints on dating and over-indulgences with drinking, no worries. As long as I continue to have pointless encounters with awkward guys and gin and tonics to numb the annoyance, the stories will keep coming. At least this way, someone will benefit from the entertainment of the never ending unfortunate situations I find myself in.