Wrapping it UP

Hello there dear readers!
Anyone still there?
Yoo whooo.
To be honest, I highly doubt anyone still checks this blog out. But that's okay.
I, myself, pretty much stopped doing that after a while. I'm not sure what it was: the daily stress of life, the colossal challenge of drafting something worthy of blogging, or just being lost in a sea of uncertainty but essentially I was more intimidated and stressed out by the idea of running this blog than I enjoyed it so I stopped. I did a lot in the meantime. I took more classes, I had some fun projects, took some nice photos, and life was okay. I'm not going to lie, these past few months have been a lot of pensive reflecting. I've been having a lot of those 'existential crisis' moments and 'what is life' type questions so I didn't really have the time to make quality updates.

All in all, I think I might have weighed myself down with expectations of what I wanted this space instead of just going out and doing it. I'm sorry about that, guys. I know it must be pretty disappointing to get an update like this and I feel pretty crappy about it but I think it's for the best if I retire this blog for now. Plus it's also very weird to me because I feel like I've changed substantially as a person from the time I started this blog and looking at it now, I'm not sure it's a good representation of me so I'm not too keen on keeping it around.

I find it a bit ironic that around the time of my one-year anniversary instead of celebrating I'm calling it quits. Haha. Sorry, everyone! I just felt like this project wasn't going anywhere and after many struggled attempts to rejuvenate it with new life, I feel like it's time to throw in the towel. Sometimes it's important to recognize when something isn't worth the energy anymore and for me and for this, the time was now. My apologies again to anyone who was a dedicated reader to this blog. I hope you can understand my reasoning for why I am closing down shop. And don't fear! While this particular place might not be present anymore, I will still be around! I will most definitely continue reading all your blogs and commenting on your stuff. I'm always interested in what  you all are up to! Plus I'm contemplating trying this again so perhaps keep an eye out for that if you're very keen on reading up on my life. Well, until that link for a new blog pops up, I think that's it. I hope enjoyed the snippets we had and enjoyed yourselves as much as I did. I hope to see you all sometime somewhere in the future. And for a parting gift, here's a fun little song that always comes in mind for me when I think of goodbyes.

Peace out, everyone! I love you loads! Stay awesome!

-SW

Resolutions Update

Remember those New Years & Bat Fit resolutions I made?  Yeah, don't worry, me neither.
So to give everyone a much needed reminder. I'd basically resolved to:

1-Manage my time better
2-Do better academically
3-Think bout my future
4-Be creative
5-Be adult-ish

6-Lose 20 pounds
7-Exercise
8-Eat better
9-Sleep better
10-Blog better

Mmm, man, I wish I could say I've been following them but to be totally honest, classes started, things got stressful, and I proceeded to completely forget about these. Hahaha. Oops.

On the plus side, I kinda made some progress on a few of these. I took the bus for the first time (went to school and came back all by myself. Woo for being a grown up!). I went to jury duty, got my first key made (fun fact, I got a key to our research lab before I got a house key. Haha how weird is that? I like to joke it shows how committed I am to science XD), and am going to take my DMV test on Monday. So yay seems like I'm doing really well on #5 on the list.

Plus, I've been challenging myself to do something that kinda scares me at least once a month. You know small things (like talking to strangers in the elevator or telling someone what I honestly think) to get myself to step out of my comfort zone and trying something new. It's been a bit scary but also exciting and fun. I've learned a lot. I think I'd also count that as being adult-ish and creative, too. I've also been keeping a jar where I put in good things that have happened to me (thanks Professor Z for that wonderful idea!) and been thinking bout my blog so I think that gets #4 & #10 a tad too. I've prioritized sleep (#9) over all-nighters (#2) a few times as well so I'm not sure whether that counts or not. It's like I kept one resolution at the expense of the other haha.

To be real though, the other numbers I haven't even thought about. The most glaring is #1 Time Management. The more reckless I am about how I spend my time, the more I realize how valuable and important it is. It's like this academic session was a colossal mess and all because I couldn't get my time in order. So yeah. I've really got to work on that. My eating and exercising could use some help, too. I haven't done anything remotely physical and swing from the extremes of either eating too much or too little (aka starving myself. so no bueno). That needs some overdue attention. Not to mention, I'm running away from my academics and future again. So yeah. I guess I could use some work on a lot of these but for now, I'm just going to celebrate my successes with some soup and pledge for better tomorrow.

How have your resolutions been coming? Let me know in the comments below! :)

NY Goals & Bat Fit

1. Practice more conscious and effective time management.
I’ve realized the only reason I never get to do the things I really want to do (like blog, sew, see friends, etc.) is because I don’t have time for them and that’s a direct result of poor planning and procrastination. By wasting time (internet, TV, etc.) when I should be working, I’m taking away from time I could be doing something I actually like. So this is a big deal; if I can just exercise some self-control, I can possibly accomplish more of what I want to in the same time.

2. Aim for better grades and academic goals.
I might’ve let my priorities shift a bit this past year to just taking care of myself (both mentally and physically). And while that’s all fine and dandy (I’m still alive, yay!), I think it’s time to direct the focus back on my education and doing the absolute best I can in my classes. My record in college has been splotchy at best so let’s try to finish strong!

3. Think about and address the future.
This is really just facing the big question of what will I do after college. I need to address this question pronto and think of possibilities of what I can do. Researching career options, grad programs, and coming up with a 5 year plan are all good places to start. Talking to the career counselor might also be a good idea too. Basically, as long as I don’t wait until the graduation day to answer this question, I’m fine.

4. Spend more time doing creative projects & crafts.
I have like 3 boxes full of fabric, beads, creative projects, and little “things to do” (as evidenced by my sewing and craft checklists), it’s about time I did them. Hopefully, if I can uphold goal #1 of time management, I can get to these as well. That way I’ll be able to knock out this goal as well. Yay for double dipping!

5. Embrace my adult responsibilities.
Let’s face it: I’m not getting any younger. Every year, I’m just getting older, it’s time I start being a grown up. This means more taking care of myself and less depending on everyone else to do it for me (aka cooking, cleaning, making my own lunches, finding my own transportation, making my own decisions, etc.). Not going to lie, this one is going to be the least fun but the most necessary.

The next few goals are specifically for Bat Fit.

6. Lose 20 pounds.
A bit self-explanatory. I’ve always been a bit chubbier than average and fatter than I’d like. So, rather than waste away another year wishing I was fitter but doing nothing, the New Year feels like a good time as any to make some healthy changes. Everyone says your 20s are your prime; I should at least look and feel like that before it’s gone!

7. Exercise regularly.
I don’t care if this means going to the gym three times a week or just doing sit ups during commercials. Basically, I just want to make exercise is part of my weekly routine. I want to create an exercise habit and stick with it, no matter how small. It’s been a long-term goal of mine ever since P.E. class (so like 5-6 years) ended to incorporate exercise in my life and it’d be really awesome if I could accomplish it this year.

8. Eat healthier.
Pretty straight forward. Less processed junk, more whole natural foods. Plus, eating on time (aka on a schedule); I have a bad tendency to eat sporadically which is actually not that good for me. It means I either starve myself or eat more than I need to be full. So I have to really watch that. It helps that I have to read up on nutrition for the class I’m teaching in spring. Not only am I learning but it’s also really motivating me to make positive changes.

9. Sleep routinely.
A fairly simple goal. Long story short, my sleep schedule is all whack. I’m either sleeping past noon in break or staying up until sunrise during school. I’m really bad at sleeping (and waking up) on time which usually translates into being sleep-deprived or missing my morning duties. So yeah. I really have to work on this (is it just me or are you seeing a time management trend here? Haha practically half my goals could be solved with good prioritizing/planning).

10.  Blog regularly.
Basically, just blog more often and more good content (aka less rambling apologies about how I haven’t blogged in forever).

So there you have it, those are my goals for this coming year. What about all of you? Do we have any of the same goals? Or do you have some less cliché ones? :) Let me know in the comments below!

Dude, I'm really loving this Bat Fit design, the bat trim is just gorgeous.
So fabulous!

Looking Forward

Greetings Readers!

How's everyone doing? I hope you all had a fantastic holiday season. I had fun catch-up reading everyone’s blogs; so many exciting updates (big congrats to Dr. Z)! My last post was about taking a hiatus and while I wouldn't say I'm officially back (yet), I thought what the heck, why not make just one last post for 2014 before it's over.

Speaking of which, can you believe it? 2014 is already over! Right when I was getting used to writing 14! In any case, it's definitely been a crazy and turbulent year. I've had a lot of ups (cool teaching program) and downs (spraining my ankle) and overall it's been an okay year. I've grown a lot as a person and gotten more comfortable with myself but there's still so much to do and see! I’ve taken some big chances (changing majors yet again) but the learning and improving doesn’t stop there! And that’s exactly what I'm hoping to do this coming year: challenge myself to grow even more.

Realizing it's going to be my last year of undergrad has been difficult for me to come to terms with. It all seems so bizarre; I've always gone to school and been a student. That's always been my number one priority. What's going to happen when that paradigm is fundamentally shifted? I feel like this past year I finally reached a place where I was comfortable in college (heck, I was even enjoying it), but right when I'd settled in, I got the rude awakening that in just a year's time the tables are going to turn yet again. Trying to think about what lies ahead after this makes me so anxious and worried. Just attempting to plan for that future is daunting and scary but I know it has to be done and the sooner I deal with it, the better. 

I'm definitely guilty of trying to run away from real change; I’ll move things around in my room, try new cuisines, and throw out old clothes but when it comes to actual radical change, I shrink away. I’ll postpone growing up (cough cough not learning how to drive or do taxes or what APR is) and making much-needed changes to my life (cough cough eating healthier, moving out, etc.) because it's just too much to handle to me. The unknown is so risky and intimidating and rather than facing it, I like to retreat to the comfort and familiarity of my current routine; that option is always so alluring and more importantly, convenient and easy.

But the truth is there’s nothing to gain in that approach: in just staying the same. Nothing ever changes. Like yeah, my life right now is pretty good and I’m super grateful for everything, but I just feel like it could be better, I could be better. There’s a certain security and safety in doing what you’ve always done but at what cost? You’re giving up all these fabulous possibilities. If you never step out of your comfort zone, you never realize your true potential. You’ve just stagnated.

It reminds me of this really insightful quote my trig teacher once told me (and had up on her wall), “Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there”* Sometimes the most glorious rewards come when you take a risk, when you go out on a limb and do something daring and crazy. And hey, even if it doesn’t work out, at least you tried, right? You’ll have an answer and some insights instead of the regrets and “what-ifs” (ugh those are the worst). And I think that’s my next big challenge. Trying to encourage, embrace, and adjust more easily to groundbreaking change. Like, learning to allow and accept it rather than ignoring or avoiding it. 

So, in that vein, I want to announce my new goals for 2015 (including my Bat Fit goals!). They’re including in the next post (partly because I wanted to give them their own post and also I wrote too much in this one, bwhaha). Let me know what you think of them in the comments! Any suggestions are welcome!

Hiatus Hibiscus

Hey peeps,
So I sortof accidentally ended up taking a hiatus as soon as classes started again (October). Sorry bout that but I think it's best if I just take a break and come back when things have calmed down in my life and I have some good content.
Until then, here's a hibiscus as the title promised!

From http://goo.gl/YY9cXb

Bye for now! Hope you all fare well!!

Love Life

So I was just surfing the web and I came across urban dictionary's definition of rejection; it's actually pretty hilarious (and a good answer for all those people who keep asking about my relationship status and I don't know how to describe how one-sided/non-existent it is).

This is an accurate gif of my reaction to this:

Oh haha that's so funny *sobs uncontrollably*

Also this author gets me:
http://www.mcsweeneys.net/authors/connie-sun

News

Hello there, dear readers! How's life? I hope everyone's doing well.

I'm doing better myself. I've been keeping my foot tightly wrapped which has been helping a lot; it’s helped me regain some of my walking so I can even do a few household tasks (major yay!). But my knee on the opposite uninjured side has started acting up though (I think it's Runner's Knee). I figure it's just a by-product of the foot so I'm trying to take it easy. I got (aka: was forced to buy) some athletic sneakers, too --which cost far too much considering how ugly they look-- but hey, health is important. My recovery is going too slow and it's really hard being patient with it at this point but I'm trying hard. For now, my main goal is to just be better by the start of school. I’m really hoping & praying for that but we’ll have to see.

Thanks to my increased mobility, I've also gotten around to doing some of my chores and work which has made me much happier. It's like I'm finally snapping out of the sluggish rut I was stuck in (another yay!). I finally got around to major cleaning my room (& the bathroom) which was a big personal victory. My room was a complete disaster and its tumultuous state was probably a big reason I was down in the dumps. Forcing myself to tackle it piece by piece was incredibly satisfying. I re-organized the layout, made a new shelf (with ikea instructions), threw out lots of old junk, made a pillow cover, and even changed up my desk. And let me tell you, it felt sooo good. I'm so glad I did it. I might not be able to go out much but cleaning up has been nice. Doing all this has really made me start feeling like myself again; I'm really hoping this is the start of me getting back to normal!

But I must confess, I've been watching a ton of TV though. I'm not really proud of that but hey, I figure what's a summer break without a little (aka way too much) mindless channel flipping. Sometimes it's nice to tune out of your own life and get lost in someone else’s. Funny story, we actually didn't have cable growing up so I never really sat around watching TV but our provider bundles it into the package so I'm finally getting to watch all the Disney channel and Nickolodeon I missed out on! Their new shows are interesting; I'm not a fan of all of them but some of them are good (Liv & Maddie, Henry Danger, Jessie, etc.). Tangent: Has anyone else ever noticed how perfect everyone on Disney's hair is, though? It's TOO perfect!!! Oh, I also watched a nice indie film recently called Flawless. I've written a review about it here if you want to hear more on my thoughts about that.

In unrelated news, we unexpectedly got a pretty pair of parakeets! While they're both awfully quiet for birds, I find them very cute and adorable. They make me so happy. We have dog and cat allergies in our family so growing up we always had birds which is why I have a very special place in my heart for them (esp. budgies) so it's very exciting to have a pair again after many years of none. They're still shy and guarded but I'm hoping that giving them a little time will help them warm up to us. 

Alright, that’s all I’ve got for now. I know it’s not much or super exciting but sometimes it’s nice to be grateful for what you’ve got (cough cough thank God for your health cough cough) and appreciate what’s going right (instead of focusing on what’s wrong). Or at least that’s what I’m trying to do through this very prolonged injury. Hopefully next time I’ll have ever better news but until then, ta-ta!

Overdue Update

Howdy Folks!
I know I've been MIA for quite a while now (a little over 2 weeks) and I'm real sorry bout that. First it was that trip to TX then my summer classes plus their finals and, of course, this darn foot which unfortunately is still not fully healed (I know, I know, you're all probably very tired of hearing about it but just imagine trying to live with it!).

So yeah, in short it's been a long and stressful couple of weeks and while some of it was good (the wedding was awesome sauce and I did great on my final :), most of it wasn't as pretty (painful walking, visiting a podiatrist, finding out I have flat feet, crutches, etc.). In fact, I feel like I was actually happier when I had the class or the wedding. It must've taken my mind off my foot because now in the 2 weeks I have off as "break" before Fall Session starts things have been pretty darn crummy. I mean, I'm not  really doing much and I've still been really miserable. Guess being cooped up at home with just your family really isn't the best thing for your health.

Plus I'm pretty sure I've got a serious case of ennui going. Motivating myself to do anything has been a uphill battle; the sloth in me just wants to sit around, eat, and surf the TV channels or internet. But (of course) that just always leaves my conscience extremely unhappy and dissatisfied with how I spent my time. Plus it also makes me somewhat depressed since I start comparing my life with that on TV (and how everyone looks so darn well put-together. Why can't I be like that?!) But let's be real here, the sloth has been getting best of me lately. I keep finding some hapless excuse to not own up to my mistakes and make the most of my day. Honestly I've been giving myself too many passes for 'bad days' and not enough 'productive' ones (or at the very least happy ones).

Ugh, it's just been one of those weeks. You know what I mean, right? Those weeks where absolutely nothing seems to be going right, where everything feels like it's falling apart and your life is just a complete mess. Those weeks you just want to crawl under the covers and forget the world exists until you have the courage to wake up one day and face it. Yeahhh. Those ones. That's what I've been going through. I really hope it gets better but for the meanwhile I'm just going to buckle down and try my best to make the most of what time I've got left (before the impending start of classes. nooo). No point crying over the past. But yeah. That's my life. I hope all of you have better stories and life events going on. I'm wishing you all nothing but the best. Please let me know how you're feeling in the comments below and if you've got any remedies to deal with the blues.
Lots of Love!
P.S. I made this a while ago when I was inspired by Andy Warhol's work. I call it Guilty Hearts.

Urgh

Hello all!
Just a quick update I'm squeezing in here before I'm off to work. The posts might be a little slow for the next few weeks seeing as how I'm still injured (really bad ankle sprain) and drowning in work. I hope you don't mind the lag! Hopefully things will be smoother and better next month! Thank you for understanding! In the meanwhile, I shall leave you with this strange photo I found in my homework. Enjoy!

Just A Note

Hi again!
So, this is more of a personal note to myself for future reference but I thought I'd share it with you all (in case anyone is interested) . Basically, I'm just making a quick list of the things I hope to cover in this blog. Granted, these list might change and evolve over time but, for now, this is what I'm going to focus on.
Here's the list:
1-creative projects (creative stuff: DIY alterations, etc.)
2-personal projects (like personal growth in academics, health, etc.)
3-alternative subculture stuff (steampunk, goth, rockabilly, etc.)
4-personal style (outfits, clothes, etc.)
5-my thoughts and opinions (on random topics)
6-reviews on things I've tried (products, media, etc.)
7-my life (when applicable, if interesting)

Surprise Post!

Alright, I'll be honest: I didn't really plan on writing another post in July seeing as how I'm still struggling with that broken ankle but the fabulous Professor Z has this wonderful linkup going on called The Professor's Monthly Homework Assignment and I just couldn't resist.

It's about summer and it's hosted by one of my favorite art historians on the internet! How could I say no?! Besides, it's a homework assignment!! Those things are serious business to this student. You can't pass those up. Mom would not approve! Haha anywho, the prompt is: how do you survive the dog days of summer?

Well, that's a really good question. As a kid, I used to waste away my summer being the epitome of laziness and sloth. Stuck at home, I'd just sleep in until noon, eat junk food, sit around with books (later the internet), and watch TV. But that never really felt good or fulfilling. I always looked back at those summers and thought "Gosh what did I do?! I was so unproductive and boring! I didn't even make any good memories!"

So a few summers ago, I decided to change that up and took a class over summer. And OMG. I loved it! I felt like I was doing something worthwhile with my time plus I had an excuse to learn! It was great! (Classes in summer are also cool because it’s easier to make friends and the teacher can help you more) But I don't think the solution is simply “taking class”, I think it’s easier than that. To me, the real key is finding a fun way to keep yourself busy. Be that in whatever way you wish. I knew a girl who’d spend all summer going to music concerts and finding new bands or my coworker who likes to take road trips with her best friend in summer (“mini-adventures” as she calls them). It's totally up to you how you spend your time but if you're caught up in something good, you won't even notice the time go by!

Like, classes hasn't always been my thing. That just happens to be what I’m focusing on this summer. Past summers I've done stuff like volunteer, help with research projects, participate in religious traditions (fasts, holidays, etc.), at weddings, party planning, travelling, etc. The list goes on. I think the secret is to just get really absorbed in something else and then summer will be over before you know it ‘cause you’re enjoying yourself! Or you can break your ankle and get crutches. That makes the time go by as well. But I wouldn’t recommend that. Trust me, that one’s not fun.

Here are some photos from my class this summer in case you're interested.



Well anyhow, that’s how I make it through the dog days of summer. What about you? Do you have any good tips for beating those tough summer days (besides air-conditioning)? Let me know in the comments below! :) Have a fabulous day!

Opps.

In a slump

Hey Guys & Gals. I'm afraid I have some "no bueno" news for you today.

I ended up falling down the stairs and spraining my ankle a few days ago. It was a pretty bad sprain: my foot swelled up like a tennis ball and it was super painful. Sooo yeah. I haven't been doing much besides dealing with that (aka being miserable, taking medicine, and sitting on my bum).  I've been trying to take care of it like icing, elevating, compressing, etc. (following WebMD's advice) but working life around a bad ankle isn't easy; let me tell you that. I have to use crutches to go to class and I can't even walk to the bathroom by myself. In other words, I'm really really out of it this week.

Plus, I've got like a bazillion other things I have going on right now (finals for classes, family, fasting, Eid, an upcoming birthday, new program, etc.) and I'm so exhausted. I just want to crawl into a blanket and forget the world exists for the next few days until I'm better. So yeah. My apologies if this week's post is a bit lackluster but I'm really just not feeling it. Hopefully I'll be better by next week (or at least by August; I'm aiming for that) and I'll have happier updates for you all then. Alright, that's all I have for now. I hope all of you are faring better! Take care!

Accurate depiction of what I'm doing
From rainbowsqueeze.tumblr

A good representation of what I want to do
From hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com

Tide Pools Part 2

Here's the last batch of photos! These are more just for fun and scenic so no big descriptions, just pretty photos. Enjoy!

 

Well, that's all I have for you, folks. Hope you liked the photos! Please let me know what you think in the comments below! Other than that, thanks & see you later!

Tide Pools Part 1

Howdy Everyone!
So this post is going to be a photos galore!! Get prepared to see tons of photos!! Although this will be more of me pointing out all the life I can recognize, I think you'll still enjoy it and hey, you might even learn something! :)

Just go ahead and click through the slideshow; there's only ~40 photos and the captions give you more info on what's what. Enjoy!




Anyways, that's all I've got for you in terms of organisms I know. If you've had enough of me throwing marine biology at you, please check out my next post: it's all just nice pretty photos, no big explanations (promise). Here it is!

Tide Pools

Hello Everyone!
So this is a little random but I thought it'd be fun to share this neat little outing I had with all of you. A while ago, I went to the tide pools with my sister for our Marine Biology class (the professor was awesome enough to arrange the trip and come with us!). I've taken a few ocean-related courses this past year (first Oceanography then Marine Biology) so this trip was extra fun and special. It was a very fitting way to finish the class in my opinion. Anyways, we got some really awesome photos from that trip and I've been itching to share them with you! I really wanted to post this earlier but didn't get the photos back from my friend until now. So, without further ado, here's the Tide Pool adventure recap! (Note: Since we took over 200 photos, I'm just going to share the good ones and break the post into two)

We had to get up very early in the morning (that's when it's low tide for us) but it was definitely super worth it. We saw all kinds of cool, awesome sea life. It was the perfect chance to actually see what I'd learned out there alive and in the field. It was my first time out to the tide pools though so I was entirely unprepared in terms of footwear and clothing. In fact, I kept falling and tripping over everything. It was hilarious and embarrassing. At one point I even stepped on a sea urchin. Ouch. Yeah. That was definitely not my favorite part of this trip. My foot was thoroughly injured by the end and I even to take out a few sea urchin splinters BUT I still consider it a fabulous experience and a great trip! I would do it again in a heartbeat! Haha, anyhow, here are the links for the posts with photos. Enjoy!
Have an awesome day and I hope you go have some fun adventures of your own (don't forget to share them with us all too)!

Part 1 Photos

Part 2 Photos

General Update

Hi, Everyone!

Just wanted to put this out there: I'm aiming to update this blog about once a week (or every other week) depending on time constraints (since I'm really busy right now).
I hope you don't mind! I just want to make sure I have enough time to post worthwhile quality content and this is my way of doing that. Plus it'll help give this blog some sort of schedule/structure. In the meantime, here's a cookie!

Credit to Daniela's blog for the picture.
Check out her delicious recipe for these here