I love getting new music to listen to. I listen to the radio for new hits, and find some old favorites. Some from when I was growing up and listening to 90s music, some from my parent's generation. Music always brings out so many emotions for me.
When I'm in a happy mood, or I want to dance and move and workout, I usually listen to recent songs from college time-now. Rap, hip-hop, pop, rock... you name it, I listen to it. When I'm a bit down, I like to listen to soothing music, sometimes classical; anything with a piano and stringed instruments, I'm game for. When I do yoga, I again put some soothing music on, but a little more upbeat, with some good drums in it.
When I just need to think, and I need some music to just have in the background, there are a few artists and albums that are my go-to music choice. Any album by Mae (though I usually skip Singularity), Everything in Transit by Jack's Mannequin, Leaving Through the Window and North by Something Corporate, Never Take Friendship Personal by Anberlin, Chroma by Cartel, Dog Problems and Interventions and Lullabies by The Format, and Science and Faith by The Script, to name a few (okay, a lot). Most of these (minus The Script, and the (M)orning, (A)fternoon and (E)vening albums from Mae) are from around 2006 (either before or just after)... which means most of these came out when I was in high school or just starting college. Crazy to think about, right?
But I can listen to these albums over and over again. I remember what I first felt when listening to these songs. I remember going to concerts and hearing them live, and remember loving every song, every note, all the people around me, singing the same words that were coming out of my mouth. Listening to them over and over, remembering the happiness, sometimes the sadness that accompanied a listen... you think back about what was going on then. What your biggest fears were, who your best friends were, what you were doing at that point in your life.
It's funny how these songs, that had special meaning to you in the past, these songs can have a special meaning to you now. Maybe it's just the same feeling reiterated, maybe it's a new feeling. Who you are, what you're doing, etc... all that can change in a second. But these songs don't change; they stay the same. They represent a moment in time that you can control.
That's one of the hardest things to comprehend: not being able to control things. It scares me, I know that. I thrive in trying to be in control. But most things I cannot control: I can't control what I'm working on, whether it's supposed to work like a protocol says or how it's supposed to work theoretically. I can't control my relationships with people; things will happen, and I just have to learn to adapt and change around them. I can't control the weather, as much as I would like to (sunny, 80 degrees all day, everyday). Sometimes, I can't control my emotions. There are so many things I know I cannot be in control of.
But I can be in control what I felt when I first listened to a song. And just that little bit of control is all that we should need. (Or that's what I tell myself. lol)
Think of a song, an album, an artist that you can listen to over and over again. Think of how you felt when you first heard it. What emotions come to mind? What events were going on?
For me, music helps reflect my mood, it helps me think. Is there something that does that for you? Whatever it is, don't lose it; perhaps it can keep you somewhat sane in an otherwise crazy world.
Go put on your favorite song or album, and just let yourself go in the music. I think you'll be glad you did. Be in control for a moment in time. Or a few, if it's on repeat. Lose yourself, and then bring yourself back, hopefully re-energized and ready to take what life throws at you.
I'm going back to listening to my music. Until next time. Remember to try to stay positive, life is a much more beautiful place that way.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Love will find a way to bloom.
Hello lovely people. It's been a while. I haven't been in the best of moods for the past month or so. So busy trying to get results that just won't happen, trying to finish up the hardest semester I've ever had; trying to make time for my family and friends this holiday season; trying to not let little things get me down.
We can't all be happy all the time. That is as good of a lesson as any, I think. It's opposite of one of my most influential lessons I've learned throughout my high school and college years: only you can make yourself happy. Other people can help continue your happiness, but overall, you are in charge of your own happiness.
But even the happiest of people gets down sometimes. It's natural, and it's nothing to be ashamed of.
Sometimes when I get stressed, I tend to shove every piece of food towards my face. That's been my crutch for a while, but it's not the healthiest thing to do. Pizza diets, while delicious, are not great for you.
So, since it is the time of a new year starting, people are going to start making New Year resolutions. I'm not big into that, because I rarely keep them. However, I want a new way to deal with my sadness/stress/frustration.
I've tried yoga before, and it worked somewhat while I continuously practiced it. But then, life got in the way (Correction: science got in the way, like it always does), and I stopped. I found some classes at the recerational center on campus that I'm planning to do. It's not good when just being in the city you live in makes you stressed.
Below is one of my favorite bands, and I used a lot of their songs for yoga music and relaxation.
Mae - A Quiet (E)vening/Bloom
It could be about someone you love. It could be about your faith. Something that you're going through. But by still hoping, still dreaming, the finish line you want to reach is close. Stress is a part of life, but it does pass.
(I need to take my own advice more often than not. lol)
What do you do to relive yourself of stress? Massage, for stress you inflict on your body? Meditation, to soothe the mind? A warm bath? Listening to soft, comforting music?
Just remember to destress every once in a while. Maybe I will too, one of these days. Until then, it's time to break out the yoga mat. And Mae. And occasionally order some pizza and drink some wine. And eat chocolate. And my favorite thing: remember to breathe.
Until next time, loves. Have a wonderful new years, spending time with those that you love and cherish. I know I'm excited to spend it with some of the best people I know. Obviously can't have everyone I want around, but that's just life.
Remember to breathe. :) Try to stay positive. Things always turn out the way they are supposed to, and it's usually for the better.
We can't all be happy all the time. That is as good of a lesson as any, I think. It's opposite of one of my most influential lessons I've learned throughout my high school and college years: only you can make yourself happy. Other people can help continue your happiness, but overall, you are in charge of your own happiness.
But even the happiest of people gets down sometimes. It's natural, and it's nothing to be ashamed of.
Sometimes when I get stressed, I tend to shove every piece of food towards my face. That's been my crutch for a while, but it's not the healthiest thing to do. Pizza diets, while delicious, are not great for you.
So, since it is the time of a new year starting, people are going to start making New Year resolutions. I'm not big into that, because I rarely keep them. However, I want a new way to deal with my sadness/stress/frustration.
I've tried yoga before, and it worked somewhat while I continuously practiced it. But then, life got in the way (Correction: science got in the way, like it always does), and I stopped. I found some classes at the recerational center on campus that I'm planning to do. It's not good when just being in the city you live in makes you stressed.
Below is one of my favorite bands, and I used a lot of their songs for yoga music and relaxation.
Mae - A Quiet (E)vening/Bloom
It could be about someone you love. It could be about your faith. Something that you're going through. But by still hoping, still dreaming, the finish line you want to reach is close. Stress is a part of life, but it does pass.
(I need to take my own advice more often than not. lol)
What do you do to relive yourself of stress? Massage, for stress you inflict on your body? Meditation, to soothe the mind? A warm bath? Listening to soft, comforting music?
Just remember to destress every once in a while. Maybe I will too, one of these days. Until then, it's time to break out the yoga mat. And Mae. And occasionally order some pizza and drink some wine. And eat chocolate. And my favorite thing: remember to breathe.
Until next time, loves. Have a wonderful new years, spending time with those that you love and cherish. I know I'm excited to spend it with some of the best people I know. Obviously can't have everyone I want around, but that's just life.
Remember to breathe. :) Try to stay positive. Things always turn out the way they are supposed to, and it's usually for the better.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
"You're always so optimistic."
Happy Finals time everyone! Everyone will be fine, we've gone through these a bajillion times, so I'm just sending you positive thoughts your way... Good luck to all!
Also thinking of a special friend of mine, who I know is going to rock out tomorrow on her big test. :)
I was getting brunch with another friend yesterday, and we were just talking about things that were going on. She commented, "You're always so optimistic." Kind of a "duh" moment, but it's always nice to hear it nonetheless.
I say it's a "duh" moment because I know I'm optimistic, sometimes even overly optimistic. That's just how I've been for probably 6+ years now. It was a decision of mine to try not to dwell on things that happen, whether they're good or bad. You just have to be ready for the next thing that comes your way.
I'm not saying to not enjoy what you have. But realistically, whatever you think you have could be taken from you in a single second. What to take away from it: be grateful for all the good you have. However, when something bad comes along, try not to put so much energy into that. Don't get drawn in by pessimistic thinking. It's too easy to have every part of your life be negative, and it's a lot harder to try to get back to optimism.
As a chemist (or general scientist), one thing you learn quickly is that though reactions, etc. are supposed to work in a specific theoretical way, real world application is not always the same, and most of the time, things don't work the way you want them to. So, do I know how easy it is to be pessimistic in a world that rarely works the way it should? You bet I do. However, in my field, every positive result brings such joy and optimism, you want to search for those positive results.
So: in my case, definitely, why not just be optimistic as much as possible? It's so much more rewarding than to be pessimistic, and have things go wrong time and time again. Things are going to go wrong, it's important in how you deal with these hard times. When the good times come around, they're much more enjoyable if you can be generally optimistic.
So: if you are wanting to be optimistic, but don't know where to start... here are a few tips that work for me.
1) Enjoy what you're doing, whatever it is. I hate doing chores, like cleaning. However, the end result makes me feel good, because things look so much better and I feel more peaceful having a clean bathroom, clean dishes, a organized desk. Less disorder for me makes me happy. Same thing goes for something you're having fun with, whether it's getting together with friends, working out or fixing your favorite meal. Enjoy what you're doing, and the company you have. When things get tough, you can remember those times, and look forward to having that feeling again.
2) Take breaks when working. Too many times, we want to just work on something straight through to get it done. What I've found is that if I don't take a 15 min break here and there, I end up procrastinating a lot more than I would have with some time off.
3) Listen to music that makes you happy. Regardless if it's classical, hip-hop, dubstep or bluegrass, music can effect your emotions very easily. Listen to things that make you happy, or excited, or motivated. Whatever you want to feel, play music to make yourself feel that way. If you have to force yourself to listen to it, soon you'll want to listen to it, and you'll be glad you did.
4) If you're not happy, pretend you are. I know that sounds a little silly. Why are you pretending to be happy and optimistic if you're not? By pretending to be happy, a lot of times (for me, at least) I then become happy. It's a gradual change, but it's a genuine change. You start to actually feel happy and you don't have to pretend anymore. It's funny, but it's true.
I'm not saying I don't get negative. We all get stressed, and it's all too easy to get into a negative mindset. But sometimes, we just need to regroup, and get past what's making us negative. Take a "me" day, figure out what's really bothering, and then make a plan on how to fix it. Some problems are easy to fix, some take a lot longer... but take sometime to yourself. I know I forget that I need to work on myself sometimes, and not just work on other things.
So, in an optimistic ending, go enjoy the winter season everyone! (Although it certainly doesn't feel like winter! 53 degrees today) It's the most wonderful time of the year, after all. :)
Also thinking of a special friend of mine, who I know is going to rock out tomorrow on her big test. :)
I was getting brunch with another friend yesterday, and we were just talking about things that were going on. She commented, "You're always so optimistic." Kind of a "duh" moment, but it's always nice to hear it nonetheless.
I say it's a "duh" moment because I know I'm optimistic, sometimes even overly optimistic. That's just how I've been for probably 6+ years now. It was a decision of mine to try not to dwell on things that happen, whether they're good or bad. You just have to be ready for the next thing that comes your way.
I'm not saying to not enjoy what you have. But realistically, whatever you think you have could be taken from you in a single second. What to take away from it: be grateful for all the good you have. However, when something bad comes along, try not to put so much energy into that. Don't get drawn in by pessimistic thinking. It's too easy to have every part of your life be negative, and it's a lot harder to try to get back to optimism.
As a chemist (or general scientist), one thing you learn quickly is that though reactions, etc. are supposed to work in a specific theoretical way, real world application is not always the same, and most of the time, things don't work the way you want them to. So, do I know how easy it is to be pessimistic in a world that rarely works the way it should? You bet I do. However, in my field, every positive result brings such joy and optimism, you want to search for those positive results.
So: in my case, definitely, why not just be optimistic as much as possible? It's so much more rewarding than to be pessimistic, and have things go wrong time and time again. Things are going to go wrong, it's important in how you deal with these hard times. When the good times come around, they're much more enjoyable if you can be generally optimistic.
So: if you are wanting to be optimistic, but don't know where to start... here are a few tips that work for me.
1) Enjoy what you're doing, whatever it is. I hate doing chores, like cleaning. However, the end result makes me feel good, because things look so much better and I feel more peaceful having a clean bathroom, clean dishes, a organized desk. Less disorder for me makes me happy. Same thing goes for something you're having fun with, whether it's getting together with friends, working out or fixing your favorite meal. Enjoy what you're doing, and the company you have. When things get tough, you can remember those times, and look forward to having that feeling again.
2) Take breaks when working. Too many times, we want to just work on something straight through to get it done. What I've found is that if I don't take a 15 min break here and there, I end up procrastinating a lot more than I would have with some time off.
3) Listen to music that makes you happy. Regardless if it's classical, hip-hop, dubstep or bluegrass, music can effect your emotions very easily. Listen to things that make you happy, or excited, or motivated. Whatever you want to feel, play music to make yourself feel that way. If you have to force yourself to listen to it, soon you'll want to listen to it, and you'll be glad you did.
4) If you're not happy, pretend you are. I know that sounds a little silly. Why are you pretending to be happy and optimistic if you're not? By pretending to be happy, a lot of times (for me, at least) I then become happy. It's a gradual change, but it's a genuine change. You start to actually feel happy and you don't have to pretend anymore. It's funny, but it's true.
I'm not saying I don't get negative. We all get stressed, and it's all too easy to get into a negative mindset. But sometimes, we just need to regroup, and get past what's making us negative. Take a "me" day, figure out what's really bothering, and then make a plan on how to fix it. Some problems are easy to fix, some take a lot longer... but take sometime to yourself. I know I forget that I need to work on myself sometimes, and not just work on other things.
So, in an optimistic ending, go enjoy the winter season everyone! (Although it certainly doesn't feel like winter! 53 degrees today) It's the most wonderful time of the year, after all. :)
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Be thankful for those around you.
November is one of my favorite months, solely because of that awesome holiday called THANKSGIVING. If you know me at all, i LOVE thanksgiving more than most things in the world. seriously.
But that's for another blog post.
Only reason I bring up my favorite holiday comes from an idea I've seen some people do: for the whole month of November, say what you are thankful for. I think this is a great idea (though we should be thankful everyday, but again, that's for some rant that I don't have time/energy for right now). I think we all forget what we are thankful for, so instead of reflecting for one day, do it daily. Maybe even continue it on past the month of November.
Some things I'm thankful for (off the top of my head, in no particular order):
- My friends. I seriously have the best friends, and I will TOTALLY brag on them all day, e'ry day.
- My family. They have always been so supportive of me in my endeavors, and we always have a ton of fun at dinners, vacations, etc. Sometimes we argue, but that's family for you.
- Totino's, in general. Those party pizzas and pizza rolls are AMAZING and brighten my day every time I eat them.
- COFFEE. I'm not sure I'd be able to get through grad school without it. (Who would have thought?)
- My cats at home. I'm a crazy cat lady (this shouldn't surprise you), and they make me soooo happy everytime I get to see them. And then I take plenty of pictures of them. I'm not too crazy, I promise.
- The gifts given to me. No, I'm not talking about ACTUAL gifts... though I like getting gifts (hint, hint). You know what I mean. I've only gone so far because of what I've received.
I know there are plenty more things that I'm thankful for, but do you really want to read about that? Probably not. And the two most important ones are at the top, and everything else is a little silly (but completely necessary to my well beling).
But regardless if you're surrounded by the people you love, random people you don't know, or acquaintances, be thankful for who is around you. And be thankful for the new people you've met recently. I know a year and a half isn't exactly a "recent time period", but I am so thankful to have met some awesome people, from school and outside of it. I'm going to be in Cincinnati for (hopefully) another 3.5 years, so I have a feeling that the people I've met "recently" are going to have a pretty big impact on my life until I leave here.
Be thankful, and show how thankful you are. You may think you don't have as much to be thankful for, but it's not really if you have more or less to be thankful about, it's about having things to be thankful for.
Have a great month, and don't worry, you'll be hearing from me about Thanksgiving soon enough. (Again.)
Sunday, October 14, 2012
What I would rather be doing besides chemistry...
Obviously, this post makes you believe that I am stuck in lab, doing some lab work or working on chemistry-related topics. At the moment, I'm obviously not, but I'll be there soon enough. (Waiting to eat lunch first, you obviously see where my priorities are. Hahaha)
However, I know a lot of times I get jealous/envious of people and their wonderful lives. All the fun things that people get to do (Keeneland meets, football games, basketball games, concerts, Harvest Homecoming, etc. The list goes on and on) while I feel like I'm stuck at school doing work, or stuck at home doing work. I feel angry at chemistry, as to why I have to stay and do things that are MUCH less fun then the things I noted before. For example: I'd rather be sitting on my porch, with a cup of coffee, reading a book for enjoyment. I can't remember the last time I did that.
But then I continue to realize that:
1) This is my job. I am getting paid (my school paid for + a stipend), and so it won't always be enjoyable. I can't remember a job that I always enjoyed going to day in and day out. So it's okay that I'm not always super stoked to go in (especially on the weekends. yuck)
2) This is a big dream of mine. I want to accomplish this. I want to get my Ph.D. I want to get something that only a small percentage of people have in the world. I want to be part of an elite group of smart people (though I don't think I'll ever be as smart as some of the people out there). Making dreams come true doesn't come easy, and it requires time, hard work and lots of sacrifice. I'm only 24, and I have a lot more of my life to live after this. So working on acquiring my Ph.D. until I'm 28 is a big sacrifice, but a sacrifice I'm willing to go through with.
3) I don't know what I would do with my life if I wasn't doing something science-based. I always say that I'd become an event planner if Chemistry didn't work out. But let's be honest, all I have are good organizational skills and good planning skills. PRETTY SURE that's not all you need to go into event planning for an actual career. I've been science-based pretty much my entire life. I remember going to science shows when I was younger, going to the Louisville Science Center on the weekends and watching IMAX movies about the Amazon or space (obviously always narrated by Morgan Freeman or Harrison Ford), playing science and math-based video games on the computer (number munchers, the Amazon Trail, Geometry Blaster... and that's where my weirdness comes from, y'all), etc. etc. etc. I grew up with science, so it only makes sense for me to continue with science, regardless of how "depressed" it makes me.
Let's be honest: science is HARD. But, if I (and other people who "like" science) am not doing it, who would be? Who would come up with all these new findings about space, about drug-delivery systems using small organic compounds that are less harmful than radiation treatment, about new species of plants/animals, about how the earth was composed billions of years ago vs. now... We need people to do science, and I just happen to be one of them. But it's not easy, and we scientists get frustrated. I know I surely do, and being around/talking to a lot of other people in the sciences, it's very frustrating, and we'll all probably becoming functioning alcoholics who also happen to be addicted to coffee. But if that's how we get through it, that's how we get through it.
I can't speak for any other type of work/study besides my own, but I can imagine that each brings frustrations with them. But we just have to remember that there IS more to life than just our studies, our work... it's what the rest of the world has to offer. And while we may not be able to partake in some of the finer things in life right now, we'll get our chance soon enough. We just have to push through the difficult times now, and always look for that light at the end of the tunnel.
So, today, if you have to do some less-than-enjoyable things (for example, go into lab for a few hours), make the most of it. Play your favorite music while doing it. Multitask, and do something you like to do as well. Get your favorite coffee/hot beverage before/after your work, and just enjoy the day for what it is.
All you scientists out there (and all you non-scientists too), just take it a day at a time, but remember, that there are good things ahead, even if they're not in your direct line of sight. They'll find you, but be ready for them.
As for me, it's almost lunch time (YESSSSSSSSSSSSS) and then time for me to head in to start some reactions. Until next time (which for me may be a while... I'm not good at this "regular blogging stuff" lol)
However, I know a lot of times I get jealous/envious of people and their wonderful lives. All the fun things that people get to do (Keeneland meets, football games, basketball games, concerts, Harvest Homecoming, etc. The list goes on and on) while I feel like I'm stuck at school doing work, or stuck at home doing work. I feel angry at chemistry, as to why I have to stay and do things that are MUCH less fun then the things I noted before. For example: I'd rather be sitting on my porch, with a cup of coffee, reading a book for enjoyment. I can't remember the last time I did that.
But then I continue to realize that:
1) This is my job. I am getting paid (my school paid for + a stipend), and so it won't always be enjoyable. I can't remember a job that I always enjoyed going to day in and day out. So it's okay that I'm not always super stoked to go in (especially on the weekends. yuck)
2) This is a big dream of mine. I want to accomplish this. I want to get my Ph.D. I want to get something that only a small percentage of people have in the world. I want to be part of an elite group of smart people (though I don't think I'll ever be as smart as some of the people out there). Making dreams come true doesn't come easy, and it requires time, hard work and lots of sacrifice. I'm only 24, and I have a lot more of my life to live after this. So working on acquiring my Ph.D. until I'm 28 is a big sacrifice, but a sacrifice I'm willing to go through with.
3) I don't know what I would do with my life if I wasn't doing something science-based. I always say that I'd become an event planner if Chemistry didn't work out. But let's be honest, all I have are good organizational skills and good planning skills. PRETTY SURE that's not all you need to go into event planning for an actual career. I've been science-based pretty much my entire life. I remember going to science shows when I was younger, going to the Louisville Science Center on the weekends and watching IMAX movies about the Amazon or space (obviously always narrated by Morgan Freeman or Harrison Ford), playing science and math-based video games on the computer (number munchers, the Amazon Trail, Geometry Blaster... and that's where my weirdness comes from, y'all), etc. etc. etc. I grew up with science, so it only makes sense for me to continue with science, regardless of how "depressed" it makes me.
Let's be honest: science is HARD. But, if I (and other people who "like" science) am not doing it, who would be? Who would come up with all these new findings about space, about drug-delivery systems using small organic compounds that are less harmful than radiation treatment, about new species of plants/animals, about how the earth was composed billions of years ago vs. now... We need people to do science, and I just happen to be one of them. But it's not easy, and we scientists get frustrated. I know I surely do, and being around/talking to a lot of other people in the sciences, it's very frustrating, and we'll all probably becoming functioning alcoholics who also happen to be addicted to coffee. But if that's how we get through it, that's how we get through it.
I can't speak for any other type of work/study besides my own, but I can imagine that each brings frustrations with them. But we just have to remember that there IS more to life than just our studies, our work... it's what the rest of the world has to offer. And while we may not be able to partake in some of the finer things in life right now, we'll get our chance soon enough. We just have to push through the difficult times now, and always look for that light at the end of the tunnel.
So, today, if you have to do some less-than-enjoyable things (for example, go into lab for a few hours), make the most of it. Play your favorite music while doing it. Multitask, and do something you like to do as well. Get your favorite coffee/hot beverage before/after your work, and just enjoy the day for what it is.
All you scientists out there (and all you non-scientists too), just take it a day at a time, but remember, that there are good things ahead, even if they're not in your direct line of sight. They'll find you, but be ready for them.
As for me, it's almost lunch time (YESSSSSSSSSSSSS) and then time for me to head in to start some reactions. Until next time (which for me may be a while... I'm not good at this "regular blogging stuff" lol)
Monday, October 8, 2012
Always thinking, always moving.
What a crazy busy September! It turned to October and fall on me! From the UofL UK game, Annie's coming back to KY party, Sugar Ray concert, a high school friend's wedding, Oktoberfest Zinzinnati with friends coming to visit, and a trip to Columbus, hasn't been much time to do much else (besides some needed chemistry work, of course).
The main thing that has kept me busy since school started again is just my program in general. Classes + teaching + research = a full 10-12 hour day most days. Then it's time to come home, go to sleep, and do it all again the next day. While I know I complain about it (a lot... it's true. Some of you have probably heard more than your fair share of my whining), I think about what else I could be doing with my life instead.
I could be at my old job, working 8 hour days, just getting through the day, and repeating 5 days a week. Not loving what I'm doing, but tolerating it enough until something better comes my way. I could have been working for Brown-Forman, had that worked out, and probably be pretty happy. I could have gone to UofL to get my Masters' degree, and then be in the workforce in another year.
And then I take a look at where I am today. I worked my butt off to switch from the Masters' program to the Ph.D. program. I'm in a research group that I feel comfortable in and enjoy the research (most of the time). I'm teaching organic chemistry recitations and labs, and helping new students learn how awesome it is. (Believe me, it's freaking awesome) While it's VERY FAR down the road, I see a potential future that I couldn't see when I started the program.
So many times, it's easy to complain about how tough life is. I do it ALL THE TIME. I know I try not to, and it's hard to break that habit. But sometimes, it's nice to take a day, not do anything but watch your favorite TV shows, talk to some friends you haven't had the chance to catch up with in a long time, drink some freshly brewed coffee on a cool, fall day... and just take life in. Just let it happen to you... it doesn't have to be productive, it just has to... be, I guess.
Fall is one of my favorite seasons, and I think it's a very good thinking season as well. Go porchsit with a hot cup of cocoa; sit by the fire, roasting marshmallows and watching the fire burn; watching the leaves change colors day by day; getting ready for the best holiday, Thanksgiving, and what all we have to be thankful for in our lives. For me, it's the introspective season.
It's nice to just think about things... so if you need to, take a day and relax, and just think. Think about the present: how you got there and where you want to go. But also make sure you chill in the present for a bit, since it's so easy to look towards tomorrow. Revel in what is going on around you... this day is unique in its own way.
In a world where it's easy to forget about the good and focus on the bad, try to flip the script from time to time. You'll be amazed to see what you'll find.
The main thing that has kept me busy since school started again is just my program in general. Classes + teaching + research = a full 10-12 hour day most days. Then it's time to come home, go to sleep, and do it all again the next day. While I know I complain about it (a lot... it's true. Some of you have probably heard more than your fair share of my whining), I think about what else I could be doing with my life instead.
I could be at my old job, working 8 hour days, just getting through the day, and repeating 5 days a week. Not loving what I'm doing, but tolerating it enough until something better comes my way. I could have been working for Brown-Forman, had that worked out, and probably be pretty happy. I could have gone to UofL to get my Masters' degree, and then be in the workforce in another year.
And then I take a look at where I am today. I worked my butt off to switch from the Masters' program to the Ph.D. program. I'm in a research group that I feel comfortable in and enjoy the research (most of the time). I'm teaching organic chemistry recitations and labs, and helping new students learn how awesome it is. (Believe me, it's freaking awesome) While it's VERY FAR down the road, I see a potential future that I couldn't see when I started the program.
So many times, it's easy to complain about how tough life is. I do it ALL THE TIME. I know I try not to, and it's hard to break that habit. But sometimes, it's nice to take a day, not do anything but watch your favorite TV shows, talk to some friends you haven't had the chance to catch up with in a long time, drink some freshly brewed coffee on a cool, fall day... and just take life in. Just let it happen to you... it doesn't have to be productive, it just has to... be, I guess.
Fall is one of my favorite seasons, and I think it's a very good thinking season as well. Go porchsit with a hot cup of cocoa; sit by the fire, roasting marshmallows and watching the fire burn; watching the leaves change colors day by day; getting ready for the best holiday, Thanksgiving, and what all we have to be thankful for in our lives. For me, it's the introspective season.
It's nice to just think about things... so if you need to, take a day and relax, and just think. Think about the present: how you got there and where you want to go. But also make sure you chill in the present for a bit, since it's so easy to look towards tomorrow. Revel in what is going on around you... this day is unique in its own way.
In a world where it's easy to forget about the good and focus on the bad, try to flip the script from time to time. You'll be amazed to see what you'll find.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Doesn't matter where, it's always a good time.
Please excuse the Owl City + Carly Rae Jespen song title. Sorry I'm not sorry. It's a catchy song.
I've been a bit MIA since the last time I had something to write about... mostly because I've been extremely stressed from school. Not saying that I'm stress-free now, I'm just dealing with it a lot better than I have been. Very little time to get research done + having to teach full time + boss needing results = later nights staying at lab + little time for much else besides sleep. But if it wasn't hard, everyone would be getting their Ph.D. in chemistry.
It's definitely hard to stay positive in a world of negative results (and sometimes negative people), but you just have to take one day at a time. You do the work, you feel okay when you get to play. Seeing some of my favorite people from college Labor Day weekend + seeing Louisville beat the snot out of Kentucky; seeing Sugar Ray with college friends + current roomies and then Chemistry Department party... doesn't get much better than that. :)
But that's what makes life worth it, isn't it? The hard work and rough times are worth it whenever you can balance it out with some fun times that make memories and friendships (either by renewing old friendships or making new ones). And it doesn't really matter where it happens: the lab, school, home, a bar, a friend's house, a sports game... as long as it's with people that you enjoy to spend time with, it'll always be a good time.
I know this is brief, but chemistry takes priority (per usual). Just keep your head up. Do the best you can, and the rest will fall into place. Don't worry about things you can't control (easier said than done), and remember to take time to relax/have fun. It makes hard work and fun times more rewarding.
Keep dreaming big, and thinking positive. Make goals, and go out and get them. Try new things. Dance around your room to your favorite song. Take a walk in the beautiful fall weather. Porch sit when it's raining. Life is a beautiful thing, let's remember to enjoy it.
I've been a bit MIA since the last time I had something to write about... mostly because I've been extremely stressed from school. Not saying that I'm stress-free now, I'm just dealing with it a lot better than I have been. Very little time to get research done + having to teach full time + boss needing results = later nights staying at lab + little time for much else besides sleep. But if it wasn't hard, everyone would be getting their Ph.D. in chemistry.
It's definitely hard to stay positive in a world of negative results (and sometimes negative people), but you just have to take one day at a time. You do the work, you feel okay when you get to play. Seeing some of my favorite people from college Labor Day weekend + seeing Louisville beat the snot out of Kentucky; seeing Sugar Ray with college friends + current roomies and then Chemistry Department party... doesn't get much better than that. :)
But that's what makes life worth it, isn't it? The hard work and rough times are worth it whenever you can balance it out with some fun times that make memories and friendships (either by renewing old friendships or making new ones). And it doesn't really matter where it happens: the lab, school, home, a bar, a friend's house, a sports game... as long as it's with people that you enjoy to spend time with, it'll always be a good time.
I know this is brief, but chemistry takes priority (per usual). Just keep your head up. Do the best you can, and the rest will fall into place. Don't worry about things you can't control (easier said than done), and remember to take time to relax/have fun. It makes hard work and fun times more rewarding.
Keep dreaming big, and thinking positive. Make goals, and go out and get them. Try new things. Dance around your room to your favorite song. Take a walk in the beautiful fall weather. Porch sit when it's raining. Life is a beautiful thing, let's remember to enjoy it.
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