Ready, Set,

Go! The last couple months of school in one post. Ready?

Kaitlyn became an auburn and had issues with her milk. Actually, we all had issued with our fridge. 

Nightly chats with Dakotes through our windows. 

Spring break! That's coming in another post.  

(almost) Midnight showing of HUNGER GAMES!! 

Dakota's, Lindsie's, and my obsession with Peeta aka Josh Hutcherson! Whoo baby.

Dying easter eggs for home evening. 

Being collegiate in appearance and in studying at the library. 

Visit from Savannie! She went to classes with me and of course we had Aggie ice cream...even if it was necessary to wear coats.  

Easter Sunday dinner with the roomies.  

Going to Brooke's soccer game. 

Soaking in the glorious sunshine.  

Seeing Sydnee in her play. Dang is she good.  

Nicholas Sparks movie night. Actually, a lot of movie nights. :) 

True Aggie night!  

Those kisstixx getcha every time... 

Hanging with good friends. 

Karaoke night at Pizza Pie Cafe. 

Legit slumber party. Last weekend together as roommates. :( 

Roommate date that consisted of volleyball, picnic, s'mores, and How to Train Your Dragon. 

Taco Tuesday at Cafe Rio. 

Cleaning, cleaning, cleaning in 407. 

And of course finals and studying fit in there somewhere. ;)

It was a tearful goodbye leaving Snow 407 and the girls that lived there this past school year. We had memories and laughter that I'll remember for a long, long time. As the lyrics say from Wicked, "because I knew you, I have been changed for good." Love my 407 girls!

Finals Week

Definition: books and notes strewn across the table, overwhelming stress, late night, brain-frying study sessions, pretty much a nightmare of a week.

There are ways, of course, to reduce the agony of such a week. Here are a few tips to ease the tension and prepare yourself for finals week.

1. Get rid of distractions. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, cell phones, whatever your weakness may be, give it up for a week. If it's impossible, limit yourself to checking once a day. I promise it's worth it. 
2. Study at the library. Discover your favorite nook and settle down for a hard core study session. It's quiet, the distractions are few, and the atmosphere is comfortable, relaxing, yet motivating.
3. Howl. Every Wednesday of finals week there's been a Utah State tradition to howl (yes, like a wolf) at 10pm in the library in order to unwind and release test anxiety. 
4. Take breaks. Power walk for 15 minutes, grab a healthy snack, stick in ear buds and have a silent dance party, watch a funny YouTube video and share it with a friend, or reminisce by looking through old photos. Do whatever it takes to relax for a few minutes so your brain doesn't turn to mush. 
5. Make a list. I find when I schedule out my day with what I'm going to study, for how long, as well as when I'm going to take breaks, I get a lot more accomplished than if I go on a whim of what I feel like studying at the moment. 
6. Listen to music. Try classical music to help you stay focused and motivated. Pandora has some great classical and piano stations that are perfect for studying. 
7. Reward yourself. After all that hard studying and using your stellar skills to ace exams, give yourself a treat! Party with friends, go to a movie, or get some Aggie ice cream to celebrate a job well done! 

College is Fun

Grilling apples 

The best tasting crepes ever from "The Crepery." 

Prepping for the 80s choir concert 

Savanna's first dance :) 

The Vow with Brooke 

Valentine's Day...Brooke got lots of surprises ;) 

And I got a wonderful Love package from home! 

Last home basketball game 

Some pics via Brooke and Grace

Principal Gold is my Professor

This man (the one on the left), with the intellectual glasses, thought provoking, bushy, dark brown beard, classy bow tie, crisp suit coat, and distinct voice tone, is my Humanities professor. Just add some hair, a checkered sweater vest, and an old fashioned leather business bag and you've got him made. It's just the greatest thing ever.

And this man (or I guess she's really a woman...pretending to be a man), on the right, with the look of awe, disturbance, and what-did-I-get-myself-into, is me. Just cut the dirt stained gym clothes, add some length to the hair, and you've got a USU student learning philosophical ideas from a professor who I half expected the first day of class to burst into, "Welcome to, Illyria, welcome, welcome, welcome, welcome, welcome, welcome, welcome, welcome... to Illyria." Only instead of Illyria, Utah State, of course. Yes, you should be jealous. 

Photo via Google. Movie reference: She's the Man

December in Review

Choir concert at Catholic cathedral

Brooke's birthday

Window shopping on Main Street

Care packages and studying for finals

Christmas decorations and the best roommate Christmas ever (even if I've only ever had just one...)

Going to David Archuleta's concert! So amazing. He announced he's going on a mish! *tear* so proud.

Temple Square with family and seeing Jane at Desseret Book and the Trax! What are the chances...

A very spoiled Christmas

Church on Christmas day and then family!

The best skit you've ever seen in your life. ;) Based off this. Hilarious. Please watch.

New Years with the Washingtonites: Brent, Wade, and Laura

Goodbye 2011, welcome 2012!