What I'm Thankful For 2015 {Thanksgiving Post}

Happy Thanksgiving!

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Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year. I love all the food and the Macy's Parade and the family and the fact that Christmas pretty much starts the next day. Thanksgiving just makes me so happy. Every year (2013 & 2014) I like to share all the things I am grateful for, like...

...Mama Judy

...my family in general

...my friends

Mandi & I

Tori & I

Sonja, Megan & I

Amelia & I

...the ability to go to school...even when it stresses me out

A snap from my least favorite class in Spring '15 semester

...the ability to eat 3 meals a day

...the fact that I can write this blog

...the ability to travel

From my March 2015 trip

...the amazing men and women who risk their lives everyday for our freedom.

...people who donate their organs so that people like my cousin can continue to enjoy their lives.

And those are all the things I'm grateful this year and everyday. What are you grateful for? Let me know in the comments below. 

Homecoming 2015

Hello All,

In October my college had its homecoming weekend. Homecoming at my school is a big deal but its not as big as it at other schools. But its still a lot of fun to go to and the traditions are pretty cool too. And since I did it of course I need to blog about it.

Homecoming was on Saturday, which meant that I had to work from midnight to 4 AM the day of homecoming. Luckily this year it was a night game which means I got to sleep until a pretty decent time of about 11:30. When I got up I did my make up and got ready for the game.

The first tradition my school as is the annual homecoming parade where the different halls, clubs and organization create skits to share on homecoming day.  On most of the posters around campus said that the parade was starting at 1:30 but they changed it to 2 meaning we were super early. My roommate Sonja knows some of the girls on the soccer team and we went and watched a little of it.

Sonja ended up watching the rest of the game while Megan and I went to watch the parade. I always love going to parade one because the different groups are super creative but also because one of my good friends, Mandi's (you may recognize her from my Disney 2015 Spring Break Trip) sorority always does a skit and I love to see what they come up with. All the clubs and organization did a great job and to be honest it is always one of my favorite parts of the parade.

After the parade we went to lunch at our dinning hall and then hung out at our room for a little while. But soon it was time for the game. It was a night game and the first one I had ever gone to (at night at least). It was a lot of fun but I only made it to about half time because I got too cold. Unfortunately our team lost but they did a really good job in the part that I saw.

The field

The snapchat showing how cold it was

2/3 of my roommate (LtoR: Sonja, Megan and me)

And that was my senior year homecoming!

When Life Gets Stressful

Hello All,

Recently my life has been crazy busy. You probably noticed because I'm rarely writing on here and even my social medias aren't updated as often as they used to be. (Find me by searching @judy_judy94 on any social media) Being busy has left me majorly stressed. There are some things that I found that really help when I'm stressed.

1. Venting

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Sometimes you just need to get things off your chest. Especially when it feels like everything is going wrong. And sometimes if your lucky and you have friends like my friend Mandi they'll send you little pep talk text messages to help get you through the day. 

2. Binge Watching Some Netflix

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Sometimes you just need to disappear into a world of make believe. Or a world that has more drama then your own life and you don't have to personally deal with the aftermath. Plus when your binge watching you don't really have to think about all the poop hitting the fan which is a nice little vacation for your brain.

3. Call Your Mom

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Somehow no matter what the problem or situation is moms always have the answer. Even if you don't want to hear that advice. Plus moms are pre-programmed to love you even when you go on ranting about the same stupid thing for hours on end.

4. Work Out

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Okay I'll be honest I'm not following my own advice on this one but I know from the past  working out does help when your stressed and having a bad day.

5. Treat Yo Self

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Whether your buy yourself a new shirt or eat an extra cookie with your dinner every once in a while its good to treat yourself every once in awhile.

6. Sleep

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Sometimes your body needs to sleep and it needs to sleep good. Don't feel bad when your friends want to go out one night and you chose to sleep. Also don't feel bad if you crash out at 9 PM and sleep until 9 AM the next morning because sometimes that is well needed.

7. Make Yourself Feel Good

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I find the days that I get ready for school and make myself feel pretty that I have more productive and happier on those days. Some days this doesn't work but most days it does.

8. Find a mantra

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This particular mantra has been this recently. I wrote it down on index card and have it clipped in my planner. Everyday I read it and remind myself that sometimes your going to have a rough couple of days but then you fake it and you're eventually going to make it.

Whether your you need to chill on the couch get up and be active or just remind yourself that your worth it there are so many ways to de-stress yourself and take a mini life vacation.

How do you de-stress? Tell me about it in the comments below.

Pumpkin Picking 2015

Hello All,

How is it already November? Actually I can totally believe it because October completely dragged by. I kept thinking it was November and nope it was still October. I think it was how much work I had to get done in the month. Although I don't see it slowing down anytime soon. Also I just realized that this means that I'm almost done with what will most likely be the final fall semester of my undergraduate career. Say what? But that is not what I'm here to talk about.

Earlier in October my roommates and I did some roomie bonding and I realized that I never wrote about it. Okay I didn't realize it. I've had 3 post on my to-do list to write and I'm finally getting around to writing 1 of them. Hopefully the other two will be written in the next century month. But our little bonding trip brought us Pumpkin Picking!

We went on a Sunday which meant that I had to work my normal Sunday shift of 8 AM to Noon while they got to sleep in. While I was working I had multiple people come up to me and tell me it was snowing!

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 At first I was like "Oh no, I'm not going pumpkin picking in the snow." But by the time I got off it had stopped snowing and we decided to go anyways. 

We went to Bishops Orchard which is about 20 minutes away from where we go to school. We went right over to the pumpkin patch and started looking at what pumpkins we wanted. At first I pictured getting just one big pumpkin but I ended up changing my mind and getting one small pumpkin and 3 mini pumpkins. I figured since I wasn't going to be craving it I didn't need a super large one. I believe that my roommates, Megan and Sonja, both made similar purchases.

After we paid for our pumpkins I got in line to buy some fried dough. I was starving but the line took forever. The Fried Dough was good but it wasn't overly memorable. While I was getting fried dough Megan and Sonja were exploring the store they have there. The have a lot of yummy looking prepared food. I actually got a cookie and cream cupcake and it was delicious. I wish they sold it in a six pack instead of just individually.

After the pumpkin patch we did a quick Target run as well as a Michael's run. When we got back to our dorm we spent the majority of the rest of the evening watching Criminal Minds and painting pumpkins. Although I didn't decorate for long because I had to go to bed early because of an early work shift the next morning.

Letting Snapchat know I'm vlogging
(You can follow me @Judy_Judy94)

When you're bored in line so you snapchat selfie

Our room's pumpkin collection

I was bored and took another selfie because I liked the lighting.

Over all it was a really fun day. I wish I had gotten more pictures and footage for the vlog but I was living in the moment and that's the more important part right? If you are interested you can check out my vlog by clicking here.

2009 vs. 2015

Hello All,

Okay so you know those notes on Facebook where you ask all those random question and you answer them and you think you're pretty cool for doing so? No that was just me. Okay, well I was fooling around on Facebook and decided I would answer these question now but also keep the answer from 2009. Sound good?

Oh yeah this was orignally posted on November 27, 2009 so I would have been a Sophomore in high school. 

1. Promise not to skip or delete any of these questions? 
2009: no
2015: I'll be a good sport and answer all the questions 

2. If you married the last person that texted you what would your last name be? 
2009:my last name but that would be really weird condisder the last person to text me was my dad 
2015: again my last name because the last person I text was Mama J this time.

What's the most important part of a relationship in your opinion? 
2009: trust 
2015: based on friendship

Do you think the person you like is cute? 
2009: yeah 
2015: yeah, pretty much. 😍

What's the first thing that pops into your head when you think of last summer? 
2009: camp 
2015: Work

Are you happy? 
2009: yeah 
2015: I'm happy but stressed and have bittersweet feelings towards graduating.

Are there songs you can't listen to because they remind you of someone? 
2009: at the moment no 
2015: There are songs that make me think of people but they aren't songs that I can't listen to they just bring up so memories.

Know anybody who's a bad kisser? 
2009: no 
2015: No

Would you rather have no heat in winter or no A/C in the summer? 
2009: no ac in the summer cuz i've done that 
2015: no ac in the summer because that's how my house and car have been forever.

Wearing any bracelets? 
2009: not at the moment 
2015: no, not right now but I love wearing them.

Do you believe teenagers can be in love and stay in love? 
2009: yes 
2015: I do but I think its extremely rare and takes a lot of work and most teenagers aren't mature enough yet.

Honestly, have you ever eaten raw cookie dough? 
2009: yes 
2015: Yes I love raw cookie dough.

Are any of your friends taller than you? 
2009: it's not hard to be taller than me 
2015: I'm 5' 3" so yeah there are taller people then my.

How many text messages are currently in your inbox? 
2009: 57 i emptied it recently 
2015: I don't think its possible to see all the messages on the iphone.

Did you copy and paste this survey? 
2009: how else would i get it? 
2015: almost six years later I'm not sure what this question is really asking.

Have you ever dated a football player? 
2009: nope 
2015: nope

Is there anything pink within 10 feet of you? 
2009: yes the blanket around me is pink and so is a piece of paper on my floor 
2015: most likely, that's my favorite color.

Where do you wish you were right now? 
2009: anywhere but here 
2015: First off I wonder where here was. But right now I wish I was traveling the world.

How late did you stay up last night and why? 
2009: 10:05 cuz i was tired 
2015: 9 PM because I woke up at 4 AM this morning

If your boyfriend or girlfriend cheated on you, would you take them back? 
2009: idk i don't have boyfriend so i would have to say i will cross that bridge if i evdre get to it 
2015: I don't think I could ever take a cheater back

Are you planning on having a kid? 
2009: on day 
2015: Like what I'm guessing I was trying to say 6 year ago, yes one day I plan on having a kid.

Do you consider yourself a study freak? 
2009: not at all 
2015:  I'm trying to make dean's list this year so I'm trying to be.

Is there someone you liked so much and nothing ever happened? 
2009: yes 
2015: Is there anyone who hasn't gone through this?

Do you think you can last in a relationship for 6 months without cheating? 
2009: probs 
2015: Yeah because if I wasn't happy I'd just leave.

Could you go the rest of your life without smoking weed? 
2009: i don't plan to smoke weed 
2015: Still haven't smoke weed.

If you woke up in one of the Saw movies, do you think you could survive? 
2009: no 
2015: I have never seen any so I really don't know, but I'm going to have to say no.

If someone liked you, would you want them to tell you? 
2009: yes 
2015: Only if it was someone who I had feelings back for.

Do you believe that if you want something bad enough you'll get it? 
2009: one day maybe cuz you want it for a reason and everything happens for a reason 
2015: Yes, because I think if you truly want something you would really work for it.

Is there anyone who doesn't like you? 
2009: probs 
2015: Definitely, but that's okay, not everyone is supposed to love me.

Ready for kids? 
2009: not at all i'm only fifteen 
2015: I think I still have at least 5 years until I want kids.

What's one thing you do when you're mad? 
2009: depneds 
2015: Normally call Mama J and rant or rant to a friend.

Ever been called a bitch? 
2009: who hasn't 
2015: Yeah

How many kids do you want? 
2009: 3 or 5 i guess idk it's in the far future why are there so many questions about kids in this note? 
2015: I still want 3 or 5 but I'm leaning closer to 3

Who was the last person to make you smile? 
2009: either jamie or mom whoever made me laugh last 
2015: 2009 version about myself

When's the next time you'll see your closest friend? 
2009: idk 
2015: I have a lot of close friends so it depends on who it is.

Who is your favorite person to have long conversations with? 
2009: depends 
2015: Megan and Mandi

Is anyone over protective over you? 
2009: maybe 
2015: My mom.

Will you be in a relationship next month? 
2009: idk i can't see the future 
2015: Probably not.

Do you trust all of your friends? 
2009: no 
2015: I trust my close ones

Are you any good at math? 
2009: yes 
2015: I don't know what changed but now I'm horrible

Do you have a reason to smile right now? 
2009: not at the moment 
2015: I'm laughing with my roommates about how immature we were when we were younger

What was the first thing you thought this morning? 
2009: what am i listening to?????????? 
2015: Must get up for work.

What are you currently listening to? 
2009: Family Stones 
2015: My roommate talking

Where is your phone? 
2009: on my leg 
2015: In my back pocket

Last time you felt bad about something? 
2009: today 
2015: I don't know

Do you think someone is thinking about you right now? 
2009: maybe 
2015:

Do you miss your past? 
2009: at times 
2015: Nah, I'm pretty happy now.

Do you ever think "what if"? 
2009: who doesn't 
2015: Sometimes

Are you happy with the way things are going? 
2009: yes 
2015: Things are going pretty damn well now

Would you ever get a tattoo? 
2009: maybe one day 
2015: I really want ones but I'm too scared

Honestly, do you hate the last boy you were talking to? 
2009: no 
2015: What kind of talking. Like pre-dating talking or just having conversation.

Who was the last person you talked to on the phone? 
2009: my mom 
2015: My mom

Do you think you'll be married in 10 years? 
2009: maybe i can't see the future 
2015: I'd hope so

Would you go in public looking like you do right now? 
2009: if i had probs not though 
2015: Yeah, I go out like this all the time.

Have you ever made someone so mad that they broke something? 
2009: yes 
2015: yes, apparently

This time last year, what was your love life like? 
 2009: singe 
2015: I was single

Can you recall the last time you sincerely liked someone? 
2009: yes 
2015: yes

What are your LEGAL initials? 
EKJ 

Is there someone who you can spend every minute with and be happy? 
2009: yes 
2015: Sometimes I just need a break

What were you doing 30 minutes ago? 
2009: drawing 
2015: Working on this

Is it possible to be single and happy? 
2009:yes 
2015: Be single and happy until you meet someone who makes you no longer want to be single.

Are you trying to avoid liking somebody at the moment? 
2009: kinda 
2015: No

Do you miss anyone? 
2009: no 
2015: no

Do you trust people? 
2009: a few 
2015: a few

Is your life anything like it was 2 years ago? 
2009: no 
2015: Everything has changed

Pizza rolls or bagel bites? 
2009: either 
2015: pizza rolls

Does anyone have feelings for you? 
2009: idk
2015: maybe 

Have you ever told anyone you loved them and meant it? 
2009: my parents 
2015: my parents and Mandi and Tori

What is one thing you miss about your past? 
2009: idk 
2015:  Not thinking about how soon graduation

Do you miss anyone? 
2009: why yes i do...do you?
2015: kind of 

Thoughts & Worries With Senior Year

Hello All,

I'm a senior in college!

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I have had a lot feelings going through the past 5 weeks. A lot of them aren't a positive as I would have thought. Don't get me wrong. There is a small piece of me who is excited to graduate. I mean I get to experience new things and I'll get a break from school for at least a year before going on to graduate school. Plus when I no longer have to live by a school schedule I might have more time to travel which will be really awesome.

But the majority of me is scared to graduate. The biggest thing that scares me is that I still have no clue what I want to do post college. I don't know what kind of career I could want. I go through different ideas about as fast as I go through underwear. TMI? But nothing really seems to suit me. I'm not sure that any of these careers are something that I could see myself wake up and do every day for the rest of my life. Or at least until I retire. Wow, retirement is an even scarier thought.

Another reason that I am scared beyond belief to graduate is because I know how to do college. After three plus years I know how to make a schedule, I know where to print my papers, I know how to format my papers. I know how to organized a dorm room (to the best of my abilities) and I know how to make friends in a classroom. What I don't know how to do is adult. I don't know how to find a big girl job or what its like to work all day Monday to Friday. I don't know how you make friends that aren't just thrown into life whether its from class or randomly living near each other. I know in time this will come naturally and I'll laugh at myself for even being worried about but for now I'm worried.

Speaking of making friends who aren't just place in your life by people who have power over those types of things, my friends are at school. The only person from my hometown that I really talk to is Tori. The rest of them are at school. And of the ones who are graduating at the same time I am live near school or even further away by like an hour from me. I'm worried that I won't see them as often. And after a lot of thinking I've realized that if I could work anywhere post graduation it would be in the same area where I am currently going to school. But at the same time I know that I am in no place post college, finically that is, to live in an apartment. So, all that is stressing me out.

The biggest reason is that I'm not ready for this chapter of my life to end. I have enjoyed college but I haven't enjoyed it as much as I should have. I feel like there are things that I missed out on. Some of them are stupid naive girly things. Like I thought I'd come to college and meet a guy and fall in love but now 4 years later I realize that is unrealistic. The majority of my friend and people I know haven't had a steady boyfriend through college. And if I'm being honest I'm grateful that I didn't have a steady boyfriend throughout college because I learned to so much and grew so much as person. But other's

And then there is growth. Logically I know that I won't stop growing as a person just because I'm handed a diploma but I have feel like I have so much more growing left to do that would make sense to do at college campus.

Although there is a lot anxiety in my mind as I chug through my mid-terms and prepare for what should be my final semester as a undergrad, actually my final semester in school for at least a year (I'm definitely taking a break between undergrad and grad school). But there also is a lot of pride. My college has a rate of only about 19% of students graduate in the course of 4 years. I am going to be one of the 19% as long as all of my classes are offered next semester. Not only that but looking back at my Sophomore Year, which arguably was the hardest year of my life and there were times that I thought I would never graduate because I thought that I wouldn't be able to make through school. There were times where I debated dropping out. I wondered if college really was for me.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, even if I don't think of ready to graduate, even if the idea of doing so gives me anxiety and as much as it doesn't seem possible that its already that time in my life, I am damn proud of how far I came. As a student, as a person, as a member of society.

So, here's to the last semester and half of my undergrad career, hopefully it will be the best ones yet.

Source

If you guys are interested I just posted a new video to my YouTube Channel. You can check it out here.

New Year Goals {September 2015}

Hello All,

Remember when I use to be so good at keeping up with series? Like when I used to write every three months about my yearly goals. Well I did but this year I totally just skipped over June. Ooops.
But I figured I'd come back and check-in with the goals now. Before I start you can check the reasoning behind why I chose these goals by clicking here.

Key:

Not Even Attempted

In Progress

Completed 

1. Starting Eating Healthier and Exercising

From about January to April I did an amazing job with this goal. But then the stress of life got in the way and I completely gave up. Recently I have been feeling the want to get back into that routine but its hard. I need to figure out how I can fit that into my new schedule.

2. Either Plan or Cross 3 Things Off My Bucket List

The only thing I see getting crossed off my bucket list this year is possibly hitting 500 posts on this blog. Otherwise I am focusing super hard on doing really well in school and enjoying my senior year of college.

3. Finish 2 Blankets for my 180 Blankets for the 180 Day Project

Over the summer I worked really hard on a blanket. But I left at home. I knew that I wouldn't get anything done at school but hopefully I can get one done before New Years, especially over Thanksgiving and Christmas break. 

4. Read 6 Books That Aren't for School

Over the summer I read 5 different books. I think that if I read a book over winter break I can easily cross this goal off my goals list. Actually in all honesty I actually brought a book to school with my this semester so maybe I'll make time to read for pleasure. If you're interested in reading my reviews you can by clicking on the book title: Six Months Later, Gone Too Far, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, P.S. I Still Love You and The Third Twin.

5. Blog Twice A Week

At the beginning of the year I was really good at planning out posts and keeping up with this blog. And as much as I have love blogging I know that I can't force myself to write because when I do the posts aren't as good and I'm not as happy with them. 

6. Create a Budget and Stick to It

Right now I'm working keep track of how much I spent. Most months I'm pretty good and over the summer I noticed that I was saving about as much if not more than I was spending which is definitely a step in the right direction. 

7. Stop Procrastinating

This semester I have been working really hard on staying ahead of work. I real so much better not having to stress the night before about homework and its actually given me more free time because I've been more organized.

8. Become a Neater Person

I have been trying really hard to not only stay organized but make sure that everything is in its place and stays in its place. One thing I've been trying to do is straighten up every Sunday for a more deep clean organization as well as small organization activities each day.

9. Go on 4 Blog Worthy Adventures

I am so excited that I crossed something off my list. I have hit 4 Blog Worthy adventures and I actually think there a few more coming up this year!  You can read about them clicking on the links. Going to Disney with my friends, Tori coming and exploring, hiking with my roommate and Going to Boston with Mama J (Part 1) and Part 2.

10. Work on my Novel More

I got a lot of work done on it over winter break 2014/2015 as well as some work over the summer. 

Every time I write these post I don't go over my goals but look at them as I go. I'm not sure if that makes sense to anyone other than me. But anyways when I started writing this post I thought that I would see a lot of bold writing. But after finishing this post I am shocked by how far I have gotten this year. I am so proud of the person that I am becoming and these goals are helping me get there.

How are you guys doing on any 2015 goals you have? Let me know in the comments below.