Lessons Learned ...

As some of you may know, I've been really stressing out about my academic performance lately. Today, I learned something:

If you don't understand why you received a grade, question it -- be willing to learn from your mistakes and you just might be rewarded, or at least know how to improve for next time.

Two weeks ago, I turned in a paper for my sociological theory class. I worked really hard on this paper for several days and was really hoping for an 'A' ... When it was returned Tuesday, I found that I had received an 86, a bit below my goal. So, I set up an appointment with my professor for this afternoon. After going over my paper and letting me know my weaknesses, he re-read my conclusion (in which I tied theory into a modern sociological problem) and he changed my grade from an 86 to a 90 ...

On top of that, I also spoke with my social stats professor about an exam I had recently taken and received a 77 (in any other math class, a 77 would be great for me. But not in stats, b/c stats I (somewhat) enjoy). One problem in particular bothered me b/c I had drawn out the equation, I had conceptually come up with the correct answer, but mathematically, I was off. After seeing this, he bumped me up from a 77 to an 80.

I didn't set out to have my grades changed, but I did want to know what I could do to improve myself for future papers and exams -- but I'm not complaining about the outcome. And all though going to my professors about my scores and wanting to improve sounds like a simple enough thing, it really clicked for me today: there is nothing wrong with asking questions, who knows what you may learn.

I also learned that my theory prof isn't as intimidating as I thought, he's actually a nice guy ... imagine that, lol (:

Anyway, I just wanted to share this as I know I'm not the only one struggling with classes right now.

xx

What I'm doing RIGHT NOW!

Preparing for a Sociological Theory midterm. Prof gave us the questions that will be on the midterm and is allowing us to bring in one sheet of paper (written on one side only) anything we want, except we can't write our essays out on the cheat sheet (or it will graded harder and a bibliography would be required). Sooooo, I've copied and pasted all the relevant bits of information I could locate from my own notes, the lecture slides, and textbook. It's amazing what you can fit on one sheet of paper with a 7 point font and 1/2" margins! I still have some more stuff to add (I even have room on my paper to add it) and THEN I can read over it to see if any of it is really useful. *sigh* Did I mention the exam is THURSDAY!?!!! I'm also currently wondering why I thought this theory class would be interesting. I must be crazy, LOL

ANYWAYS, aside from that, things are going ... Had a family bbq this weekend, that was entertaining. Got to see my besties new place (cute as expected!). And hung out with my Chris (:

Just work and school, more of the usual.

Well, I suppose I should get back to the fascinating (and ancient) world of theory. Gotta get more done before Chris gets home and we have dinner!!

xx

It's been a while ...

makes me think of the Staind song and that song is depressing ): ... Anyways.

It has been a while since I blogged though. Right now, I'm playing catch up: catch up on lectures, papers, readings, emails, news ... you know, the usual. I took the weekend off, no work, no homework (hence the reason for all the catch up!). But it was nice. Very well deserved and much needed.

Chris and I spent most of the weekend together, relaxing. We don't really get to spend time together like we used to, so it was really nice ... We had lunch on the patio at PF Changs, then did a little shopping (I needed new work pants and HAD to get a denim jacket to wear for the fall), and I was finally able to pick out the radio I'm going to have installed in my truck (I've been dealing with trying to find a new radio for 2 months now, so fingers crossed this one works out). Saturday night, we went to see The Social Network, which I give 2 BIG thumbs UP (: Movie Tavern really needs to step up its drink game though. My Bloody Mary was lacking, I still haven't had a good one of those in ages ): ... On Sunday, we had a cookout with some friends/family. It was nice, low key. Chris grilled some burgers and I made my famous herb roasted potatoes.

Oh and BIG NEWS, I got my beloved BlackBerry back!!!! Big thanks to Randy for trading with me! LOL (:

Well, that's pretty much all that's been going on recently. I've got some more emails to catch up on, then lunch, and off to work for the evening!

xx

1,2 ... 3??

balancing act

noun

: an attempt to cope with several often conflicting factors or situations at the same time

I have this theory that if I can have 3 days in a row where I can balance everything just right, 3 days where I complete everything on my to-do list then I can do it everyday ... But, day 3 always messes things up.

This is how it usually goes: I will wake up (let's say it's a Tuesday morning), get ready to head to campus, the first outfit I put on is "the one." Make a quick stop at Shell for gas and coffee. I feel great, I will have all the energy in the world, every song they play on the radio is my favorite, and traffic is less frustrating than usual. Classes go smoothly (no stalking, yelling, or kicking from angry students), I go home, get a little homework done, see Chris between his work and school schedule, then I'm off to the gym. After a great work-out, I head back home, take a quick shower, wait for Chris, make dinner, relax and watch some t.v., then we're off to bed.

Ok, so now day 2. Wednesday: wake up between 8 and 9, make some breakfast and watch a psych lecture, read a couple chapters for one class or another, pick up a few things around the apartment, then it's time for lunch and to get ready for work. Work is good, not too slow, not too busy. I leave feeling like I accomplished something at work and at home earlier in the day. Come home to my wonderful fiancee, make dinner, relax, maybe watch a movie and then it's off to bed.

... (insert Jaws sound effect here) ... Thursday. Day 3, the day it all goes down hill. I wake up late, can't find a thing to wear, traffic is horrible, classes seem to drag by, at least one professor piles a ridiculous assignment on me, traffic on the way home is horrible (why are there so many people on I-45 at 3 in the afternoon anyway), get home and realize I didn't lay anything out for dinner ... It keeps going in this manner. I will spare you the rest of the details (I feel you've been subjected to enough).

It happens this way day after day, week after week. I'm sure my 3 day theory is silliness, but it does bug me that I can't seem to have more than two good days.

My question to you is, how do you do it? I know I have a lot of friends that balance much more than I do, and do a great job of it. I feel like I'm failing with the few things I'm poorly attempting to balance. This morning I am sitting here wondering how I'm going to get 2 stats homework assignments completed, read two 40+ page chapters, study for my first demography exam, email the Dean, return some phone calls, fix lunch, cook dinner, and I really want to clean out my truck (I spend a lot of time in it and I'm so tired of it being a hot mess -- I guess we're a lot alike) all while being sick. Yes, again. I can't seem to get better and it isn't helping matters any ...

Maybe I'm just over complicating things or idolizing everyone who seems to have it more together than I do? Maybe no one truly has it all together, all the time -- but I can't even get the appearance down (an art I feel everyone but me has mastered) ... Is it about balancing everything or is it about relishing the moment when you mark just one thing off the ever growing to do list???

I know I can't be the only one that feels this way, I know we all feel overwhelmed from time to time, and we all have our coping mechanisms, I've just lost sight of mine recently and I need some help. (yes, I said it. I need some help *gasp* ... that's a whole other thing that bothers me, why does admitting that you need help seem to have such a horrible connotation? Like it's a huge character flaw, a sign of weakness, but that's for another time) ... So, tell me:

how do you do it???

xx

Drama is never in a recession ...

... Shaken not stirred.

Yesterday on campus, there was an incident involving another student following Ronnie and I around campus making threats b/c we asked him and this girl to stop talking during lecture. The kid followed us around for about 15 minutes mouthing off, demanding respect (obviously not willing to show any himself). He then proceeded to kick my feet as we walked away (for the 4th time) ... We made our professor aware of the incident, he spoke with the student, said he was confident it would blow over, but that we could follow up with the Dean of Students, which I intend to do.

This entire incident has me really shaken up. Honestly, I'm a bit surprised how much it has affected me. The fact that he kicked me when Ronnie wasn't watching leaves me feeling that if he were to see me walking alone on campus, he may try to retaliate against me. Also, I'm concerned b/c like me, this student is a Sociology major -- there is a chance that we will have other classes together in the future and he is not someone I want to face again.

The fact that asking someone to stop talking during lecture escalated to a violent, threatening situation is unnerving to say the least. I don't know what is going to happen next or how I will feel Tuesday when I return to campus, but it's not something I'm prepared to let go. It shouldn't have happened in the first place, and I believe that he should be held accountable for his actions.

My can of mace has been returned to it's rightful place in my purse (and not in my car where it has been).

...

But lets not make this post all about the bad ... Today, I got to have lunch with one of my oldest, and bestest friends, Mikki. She is moving all the way to El Paso in a few weeks ): So hopefully, there will be MANY more lunches between now and then!

No plans for the weekend. Hoping to get together with Jamie and Joseph, maybe do dinner or something (if you two are reading this, it's a hint!). And I have massive amounts of studying to do on Sunday, two exams in the same week is never fun! For now, I'm off for another great Friday night spent Krogering!

xx

Virgin Blogger Here

Ok, so ... what to say??? ... I guess I will start with what's going on right now ...

School. There's a lot of that. I'm working on a BS in Sociology with a minor is Psychology at UH. I should be finished with that in December 2011 and then it's off to grad school, not sure where yet but probably at UH. This semester is a lot of fun. Most of my classes are associated with my major, that's exciting! I'm taking: Population Analysis, Sociological Theory (yea, that's a mouth full and a challenging course), Stats for Sociology majors, and Clinical Psych (ugh! Note to anyone considering a psych major at UH -- their psych department is horrible) ... I just turned in my first paper for theory, it was challenging to write but I think I did well on it. I can't wait to get the paper back, I'm such a nerd. I WANT MY GRADE!!!! LOL ... Next week commences the first exams of the semester, JOY! I'm ready though.

School isn't the only thing going on though ... I'm also working on getting back in shape. Going to the gym about 4 days a week for 1 to 2 hours each session. Feeling pretty good about my progress and determined to see more! (:

There's work and my amazing fiancee, Chris. He's going to school too. He's working on an Associates at Lonestar -- North Harris. Between working full-time and going to school full-time, he stays pretty busy.

Ooooooh!!! We just adopted a new kitty. She was a stray that kept appearing on our back porch. Chris let me feed her, then I named her (Nala), and then I let her in (: It was a long process b/c Alanis was not happy about someone new coming on to her territory, but she's been inside for about a week and a half now and things are going much more smoothly. Her, Piper, and Alanis were even chasing each other around the living room last night. It was really funny watching the 3 of them. (I can't believe we have 3 animals, 3 is definitely the limit ... I'm sure Chris will be glad to know I feel that way, LOL)

I do a lot of reading for school, but I'm trying to read more outside of that. I've bought 3 new books recently and I'm determined to read a little bit of one of them each day. I've started on Dirty, Sexy, Politics by Meghan McCain. I <3 memoirs and even though I'm only on page 22, it hasn't disappointed so far. I also bought Chelsea, Chelsea, Bang, Bang. I've read her other 2 books, so I'm excited to read this one. The other book I got is a bit more "educational" or whatever you wanna call it, LOL (I'm not much of a fantasy reader). It's Unhinged: The Trouble with Psychiatry - A Doctor's Revelation about a Profession in Crisis by Daniel Carlat. This is a topic that really interests me, so I think I will read this one next

Alright, I guess that is it ... This is my first attempt at blogging, so bare with me. I will get better, except my grammar, that wont get better, so that you can deal with (: Oh, and if you don't like my blog, you can blame Leslie (she is my inspiration)

xx