New Year, New Adventures, New Challenges

Well, to really sum up 2011, I'd have to say it was probably the craziest roller coaster I've ever been on. It was filled with many more downs than ups, but I am confident that 2012 will be great. Also, I think 2012 kind of owes my family so that's why I'm so confident. The first part of 2012 will definitely be a little stressful as I await the notifications from my graduate schools. I applied to four, and I'm hoping I have the opportunity to interview with all of them. As I finished up 2011 with graduate school applications and finding ways to professionally develop, I have come to realize that it is time I go abroad again. I spent a good majority of my time the week of Christmas researching language schools in Argentina and Costa Rica. My goal is to finally be able to speak spanish more fluently. I can read, write and understand anyone that speaks Spanish to me but speaking back is quite the challenge. I know this is a major skill I need to develop as I head into the international programs aspect of Student Affairs. As of right now it looks like Costa Rica may be the spot as one the Programs Specialist in the CLU Study Abroad Center utilized the school. I'll know for sure if I can for the 10 weeks I want to once I hear back from schools and do interviews for assistantships, but really won't know until April.

That's one adventure I'll be having in 2012 hopefully! The next will hopefully be moving to a new place and going to graduate school. I say hopefully because at the end of the day Colorado State is where I want to be and if it doesn't happen this year, I may just wait it out and apply again the next year...we'll cross the bridge if and when it gets here though. I'm looking forward to the idea of moving to somewhere new, OUTSIDE of California. The five weeks I have left to wait is absolutely killing me! I don't know how I'll wait again after interviews!

The final challenge that will seem like the bandwagon challenge is working on my fitness. I'm not concerned with losing weight however. I've done that, and I'm very proud of what I have accomplished. I'm down an entire size in both bottoms and top and I've never worn these sizes in my entire life! Personally, I just need to get back on track with toning and building muscle. I'd love to get a handle on my abs, as even when you lose weight your abs just don't make you feel like you've really done anything if you don't work on tightening. So here are just a few of my goals for fitness in 2012:
1) Work out five days a week (doesn't have to be necessarily intense and at the gym)
2) Buy a new pair of skates and start skating again.
3) Become a runner
4) Run a 10K
5) Run a Half
6) Drink the daily recommended amount of water
7) SPINACH and VEGGIE smoothies!

Well that sums it up! I'm hoping to fork up the money to join CrossFit because I think I could benefit from something like that but it's a little steep! It would make go at least three times a week though! That makes it completely worth the price!

Well, happy new year and hopefully 2012 will be good to all of us!

Happy...Applications, I Mean Holidays

So it has been a while again since I've written. Mostly because immediately after attending NASPA Western Regional in San Diego like became a little more hectic. Something is constantly changing in my life so, shocker, my graduate schools have changed again. I've actually removed Rutgers from my list. This leaves me with four applications to work on. For the last two weeks I've been working hard on my Colorado State application. As I began to look more in depth and discover new things about the program, I have found that this is the program I want to be in. It is my top choice, and I am so nervous as I put together everything. The letters of recommendation are flowing in. My statement of purpose is done (just need it to be reviewed with the edits now). I also have finished my resume. The only things left to do are to finish the program applications, send transcripts, and alter my statement for each school. 

This week has been emotionally draining for me and the application process. I've become emotionally attached to my goals and dreams (always have been but even more) and it has definitely had an affect on my attitude. The positivity and support from others is great. They believe that I will get into anywhere I want to go. It is a wonderful feeling when people hold you in such high regard; however, it also adds tons of pressure. I already put tons of pressure on  myself so it's worse when I feel it from others unintentionally. On top of that, the new SOCs have been chosen and I couldn't be happier for them. I am so proud of each and every one of them. At the same time, it brought a mixed feeling of emotions. I'm done with a program that has meant so much to me and been so much a part of the reason I'm going into this field. It is very hard to realize I'm done forever, but I was definitely also ready to be done. Mixed emotions are never good for the emotional type. 

My goal is to be done, mail out, and submit everything by the 19th. I do not want to have applications over my head during the holidays. Needless to say, I'll be restricting a lot of my free time to the process and letting go and letting God. I'm going to Colorado at the end of the month, which is slightly torture but I really want to see my friends. Anyways, wish me luck as I finished up everything in the next 9 days!