Balancing Act

Life has been so hectic lately, I feel like every time I look at the calendar I'm exclaiming how I can't believe it's already March, April, and now May! I feel like I am spending so much time trying to catch up so I can finally slow down that time is flying by without me. 

I'm not sure if I've mentioned it before but I am in the final stages of finishing my Masters degree and will *hopefully* graduate in December 2013. When I first started the program my official graduation date was May 2014, however I'm at a point in my life where school is the last of my list of priorities. You see I have been in school (nonstop) for the last 7 years. I took a full course load every semester and summer session offered and during my time at undergraduate I worked 3 different jobs to help pay for my schooling. When I graduated undergrad I accepted a full time position and started grad school full time 2 weeks after I graduated.

Since I moved my graduation date up by 5 months I've been doubling up on classes and it is finally catching up with me. I am currently finishing up a 'pre-assingment' that will end up being 120 pages in written response--and it is taking up all my time! I miss cooking supper, cleaning my house, playing with my puppy, and spending quality time with my husband.

Because I have been so busy I feel like I am missing out on the little things in life-the things that make life worth living. I've decided that I am going to make time for those little things...

- I am going to make time to cook supper with my husband

- I'll get up a little earlier to take Lola for a walk. And get up early on Saturday mornings to take her to the dog park

- I'll accept that invitations from friends to catch up and hang out and not feel guilty about not studying on a Saturday night

- I'll spend my lunch breaks reading the paper instead of reading homework assignments

I'm so close to being down, I just need to keep reminding myself that to keep sane the next 7 months I need to make time to enjoy life as well.  

How do you balance work/school and personal commitments? This is something I've always struggled with!!

Weekend Update

I can't believe another weekend had come and gone. The past week was so busy (just like all the others) that it flew by!

My little baby graduated from puppy training...

 Proud parents!

Lola did awesome and passed with flying colors!

We went and saw some basketball with my best friend and her husband.

Even though we lost, it was still a fun time! When I was in undergrad I never went to a basketball game (we are a football school after all) however, I went one other time when Nebraska played Kansas- the games are ok, but I much prefer Memorial Stadium to the Davaney Center any day!

And last but not least, went to Winter Fest! I always love trying new brews and there were so many this year! My favorite was by far an apple ginger beer---simply amazing! I'm still trying to find where they sell it in town so I can stock up.

Weekend Update

I usually never say this but thank goodness it is Monday. Last week was so exhausting! Since moving up my graduation date a couple months I have been trying to get as many classes completed as I can before I start my last 4 classes of my capstone. In order to knock one out before I started a new term Tuesday I decided to take a flex term=an 8 week term completed in 6 days. Last week I worked 40 hours at my day job and spent 35 hours in class. That equals one very, very, very exhausted Dani come Saturday evening!

However, to brighten my mood two of my favorite little kids came over to hang out and we had a fun night of watching Power Rangers and goofing off. Sunday I spent all day laying around, getting caught up on chores, and going to bed before 10.

I’m so excited to get back into a regular routine of work, class, and meals every night. I have so many different things going on this week, I am so excited! Tomorrow I start my most dreaded class of the program (International Economics and Business), Wednesday a Husker basketball game with my husband, best friends, and her husband, Thursday Lola is graduating from puppy kindergarten, and one of my favorite events of the year is on Friday—Winter Ale Festival.

I started Jillian Michael's 30 day shred last night....holy soreness!!! This lady knows what is up!!

2013

It cannot possibly be the 2nd week of 2013 already....holy cow! Like so many others, this last year has flown by. I realize I am a little late jumping on this band wagon, but on NYE my husband and I sat down and wrote down some goals as a couple and individually.

Couple:
1.) Increase our savings account
2.) Take a trip together-- planning one as we speak for May, June, and August!
3.) Eat dinner together, at our table, at least 3 times a week
4.) Continue to encourage and support one another

Personal Goals:
1.) Write more (blog, freelance, etc)
2.) Become more organized!
3.) Start and end each day grateful for what I have
4.) Get into an exercise routine I can stick with
5.) Graduate with my Masters- DECEMBER 2013!!!! :)
6.) Spend more time with my family

Nothing extravagant, but this year I am focusing on taking the clutter out of my life and living simply- already off to a great start!

Any specific resolutions you have?

Excited to see what 2013 has in store for us!

Giving Thanks

I love Thanksgiving, it is by far my favorite holiday! Mainly because we get to spend time with family without the presents or other obligations that come with Christmas. Plus, Thanksgiving involves all my favorite foods like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and macaroni and cheese casserole...YUM!

This year I have so much to be thankful for-- my husband and our brand new marriage. We continue to grow and learn from each other daily. My family who supports me in all my life adventures. A puppy that is teaching me about unconditional love. A job that provides for my husband and I as we navigate through school. An education that is equipping me with the essentials to be the best I can be. Friends that push me to get out of my comfort zone. And last, a life that is just pretty darn amazing to live. Some days I get so overwhelmed with all the I have been blessed with in my life I could start crying! It's my goal to stop worrying about the little things and start being appreciative for all the wonderful things I have in my life.

On a lighter note...Kane surprised me with an early Christmas present..a tablet I have been lusting over for a year now!

Asus Tablet via Best Buy

I'm still learning how to use it and all the features its offer but so far I love it! It will come in so handy for school. Also, a couple weeks ago I splurged and bought myself a new camera. 

Fujifilm FinePix S4300 via Best Buy

It is so much better than my last camera (which was over 5 years old!) and the quality of photos is amazing. Below are some of the photos I've taken with it so far...

 Trying to be artsy 

 Miss Lola

 Not quite sure about her Holiday sweater

 My little nephew is so dang cute!

He also loves ripping wrapping paper and bows :)

Hope everyone had a lovely Holiday with their families and loved ones!

GBR

Ah last weekend at the game was so much fun! After I graduated in undergrad I kind of gave up going out and tailgating before the games. I'm not going to lie-- I was exhausted tired when I got home Saturday night, but it was worth it to go see friends and family before the game. Here are a couple photos I took....

 Playing with the new iPhone panoramic photo

 My husband and his BFF just hanging

There is no place like Memorial Stadium....GBR

Is anyone else loving Daylight Savings??? I have been so productive today!

Goals for the Week

Every Sunday I try to write down a list of goals I want to accomplish for the week. Maybe writing them down and putting them out there for the world to see will help hold me more accountable.

1.) Get my house clean
2.) Not complain about work when i get home
3.) Cook supper every night this week and not eat out
4.) Complete 2 weeks worth of homework for my online class
5.) Get up at 6 a.m. to walk Lola at least 3 times this week
6.) Finish my Christmas want list for my parents and Kane
7.) Complete my 'to get' list for my Christmas shopping
8.) Finish my write up
9.) Complete my monthly budget for November
10.) Call and get auto insurance set up
11.) Finish and mail out all my wedding thank your

Hopefully I can cross each of these items of my list during the week!