June Goals: Update

Get at least a 2.5 GPA for Spring quarter.

Calculus kicked my butt; I failed it. This led to getting below a 2.5, which is so sad! But it led to my decision that I'm in the wrong major, so something sure came of it!

Go on a road-trip with Daphne and Kristina to Oregon.

This was SO MUCH FUN! We took 13 hours to drive to Eugene from San Jose, stopping in fun little places and then spent 4 days there with Kristina before driving home.

Catch up on my Daily Reflection devotionals.

I tried to do this, but it just didn't go that well. I would really love to spend time just reading my devotionals and truly immerse myself in the teachings of the Word.

Go paintballing with friends.

Also didn't do this. I'm planning on finding a weekend to finally do this, though! I've already bought the tickets!

Send 5 postcards via postcrossing.com.

Did this! I wrote to 5 different people in 5 different countries! Totally cool!

Start reading again.

I bought 3 books at Powell's books in Portland, but have yet to read them. I've been reading an insane amount for my summer classes, though! That kind of counts, right?

Bake something new.

DID THIS! In fact, I baked two new things! Kristina, Daphne, and I spent a rainy day baking - we had a blast and they were super yummy treats!

Take my sister out for a congratulatory afternoon.

Haven't done this either, however, plan on making an invitation to take her out for later in the month.

Host a high school reunion with my friends.

Kind of had this. I've seen everyone but one person who is home for the summer, but have only seen them in small groups. I've planned a beach trip for Friday, though, so I planned it in June but am accomplishing it in July.

Clean out my closet/room and donate all unused items.

I got rid of so many clothes! My closet is all organized by colour and it looks so pretty. My room, however, looks like a bomb went off. I plan on fixing that, though.

Is That Normal? Week 5

You may be wondering where my week 4 post is...well, I missed it. Summer school has officially taken over my life! Taking 3 online classes in 6 weeks equals A LOT of reading! However, I couldn't miss Is That Normal? for a second week in a row, so study break? YES!

1.

Is it normal to live with your parents past the age of 24?

With most people starting college at 18, most have their degree by 22. I can see having a couple years of wiggle room to find a job and get on your feet, but after that, I'd say not normal. Honestly, I can't see a lot of 24 year olds wanting to live at home. Even coming home now, it's so weird, and I've only been out of the house for 2 years! Once you've hit 24, it's time to find a job, and move out.

2.

Is it normal to leave your house and/or car unlocked?

Not normal! My aunt used to live in a small neighbourhood in Ontario and would never lock her house/car. Then she moved to a bigger city and still didn't lock her door - we all told her she was crazy! I can't not lock my car and house whenever I leave either of them. I'm apparently extremely paranoid.

3.

Is it normal to prefer using a men's razor instead of a women's?

Personally, I've only used a men's razor a couple times because I'm too in love with my Venus Embrace, but it's still totally normal! I figure, if it's being used to shave a guys chin, then it must totally work for knees, which of course, is the hardest area to shave! ;)

4.  

Is it normal to go back to bed right after showering for a quick nap?

I would like to think this is normal! I love coming out of the shower and just laying in bed in my towel. One, it helps me dry, and two, it's just so relaxing. I am the most random shower-er ever! I rarely shower in the morning, but will shower in the afternoon and sometimes at night; basically, whenever I have time. That mini-nap afterwards is wonderful!

5.

Is it normal to eat chocolate chips straight from the bag?

If you say this isn't normal, you've obviously never tried this! During finals week, Clara, Izzy, and I enjoyed lots of chocolate chips!

6.

Is it normal to check behind the shower curtain or under the bed before you get in?

I would say not normal. I assume that no one has come into my house and if they did, wouldn't choose to hide under my bed or in my shower. Plus, what are you going to do if something is hiding in one of those places? 

7.

Is it normal to talk to yourself?

Please let this be normal! I don't talk to myself aloud, but if you could hear the conversations in my head...that sentence really makes it seem like I should say "not normal" doesn't it?

8.

Is it normal to bite your nails?

Fingernails, normal; toenails, so not normal! I think this is a habit that everyone's picked up at some point or another. I don't bite my nails often, but sometimes it just happens, and I don't feel weird about it.

9.

Is it normal to go to bed without brushing your teeth?

Despite wishing that this is normal, it is so not! There's so much stuff on your teeth that's accumulated throughout the day and you should get that off before sleeping and in my mind, letting it set up shop there. However, there are definitely nights when I'm just way too tired to care, and that's when I wish it was normal!

10.

Is it normal to "baby talk" your pet?  

 I definitely have a "dog voice," so this is normal in my mind! My friends make fun of me all the time because as soon as I see my puppies (Kinchie and Whinnie), my voice completely changes into that "baby talk/dog talk" voice. I might get made fun of, but my dogs seem to enjoy it!

Is That Normal? Week 3

This post is coming very late this Tuesday evening. It has been an extremely stressful day for me, but this is how I relaxed before going to bed, so it was worth the wait!

Is that normal?

1.

Is it normal to drive 5 mph over the speed limit? 10 mph?

Totally normal! I'm one of those people that get angry at the car ahead of me for going the speed limit. I realize they're doing exactly what they're supposed to be doing, but it's just so annoying! Now, 10 mph over, unless on the freeway (let's be real, no one really drives just 70), not normal. That's just asking for a ticket!

2.

Is it normal to pick a wedgie in public?

Unless you can disguise this so well that no one would know, I'd say not normal. Whenever I see someone do this, I'm like, come on, just wait a few minutes until you can definitely hide and fix yourself...no one wants to see your hand picking at your ass.

3.

Is it normal to put makeup on even if you aren't planning on leaving the house?

This depends. When you know you're home because you're sick, not normal. You're sick, just let yourself go fresh faced! If you're home because you have nothing better to do, then yes, totally normal! You have to feel like you're still getting ready for the day for the off chance you decide to go out.

4.

Is it normal to go skinny dipping?

On a regular basis, not normal! However, I do think this is something everyone should do at least once. I, myself, have never done it, despite having a pool in my backyard, but one day, when I'm brave enough and my parents aren't home, I might just try it.

5.

Is it normal to use the restroom while on the phone?

So not normal! I have a friend that will go to the bathroom while talking on the phone and the rest of us just look at her thinking, "man am I glad I'm not on the other end of that call." Either hold it until you're conversation ends, or just wait a couple minutes before making a call.

6.

Is it normal to check yourself out when passing by a window/mirror?

Totally normal! As girls, we can't help it: when you see a mirror/window, you've got to see if you're still looking as fly as when you left your house.

7.

Is it normal to keep folded laundry in the basket instead of putting it away?

I would say this isn't normal, however, we're all guilty of doing this! I leave my laundry in my hamper for quite some time and then will eventually put everything away when I get sick of rummaging through it to find what I'm looking for.

8.

Is it normal to turn & walk the opposite direction when seeing someone you know in a store?

Normal, all the way. When you know someone, but not very well, so you don't want to have that awkward conversation, avoiding the situation altogether is the best option. I tend to just avoid eye contact while keeping a small eye on them rather than turning and walking in the opposite direction (then it looks like I'm not hiding from them if they see me).

9.

Is it normal to drink coffee/soda from a straw?

Soda: totally normal! When drinking out of a can, a straw can seem so much cleaner and when you go out for dinner, you always get a straw with your soda - there's a reason for that.

Coffee: sometimes normal. When it's an iced coffee, like at Starbucks, a straw just seems to make sense. Hot coffee, however, I would say not normal. I tried this the other week and it was a fun little experiment, but I felt totally weird while doing it!

10.
Is it normal to hover the toilet in a public restroom?
Normal. In Canada, seat covers just don't exist, so this was the only way to go without feeling all icky. In the states, though, I feel like it's less normal because seat covers are everywhere! You've got a barrier, so why waste those lovely leg muscles?

Is That Normal? Week 2

This week is finals week here in Davis, so needless to say, it's been a stressful week...and it's only Tuesday! I took my first final yesterday at 8am (sadly, I haven't been up this early in months, so I was exhausted yesterday! I never thought my amazing sleep schedule would get a "sadly..."). Just 3 more separate me from a beautifully, relaxing summer!

On another note: I HAVE A FOLLOWER! It might sound totally lame, but she's my first one (and wasn't even a friend I tried to coerce into following me!). You should go check out her blog over at Buttercups & Blue Scrubs to share the love! She has an adorable blog!

Now, on to Is That Normal? Week 2!

1.  

Is it normal to pretend you didn't already know about someone/something via Facebook when it comes up in a "real life" conversation with that person?

Completely and totally NORMAL! My friends already know my secret: I creep on them because I love them. It really doesn't surprise any of them when I say "oh yeah, I saw that on Facebook." And now that Facebook has come up with this new "Close Friends" deal, I get notifications whenever my friends post things, so really, it can't be a complete shock that I already know what they're talking about. However, I do know people who pretend they don't something, and honestly, just fess-up: we all do it! #proudfacebookstalker

2.  

Is it normal to "fart and walk away?"

Definitely normal. We've all thought, "If I just let it out and walk away, no one will know it was me!" You learn this lovely trick when you're in grade 5 and someone does it. If you haven't done it, welcome to this new, kind of gross, trick.

3.  

Is it normal to spy on your neighbors?

I think is totally normal. It's human nature to be curious about your neighbours! And if you have neighbours who are loud or who are always doing something interesting, it can be kind of fun. It might help that we have a balcony on our second floor making this just so easy. Man, between this and the Facebook creeping...I promise I'm not a stalker!

4.  

Is it normal to read your boyfriend's/husband's texts?

I definitely don't think this is normal. If you trust your boyfriend/husband, there should be no need to read through his texts. If you have a reason to creep, you should think about that reason before you read through significant other's personal conversations.

5.  

Is it normal to compulsively check social media for notifications?

When you're a college student and procrastinating from schoolwork, definitely normal. When you're out with people and enjoying each other's company, not normal (and really, if you're checking when you're out doing things, you must be really bored, and should maybe invest in some fun, new things!)

6. 

Is it normal for a 20-something women to listen to Rap/Hip Hop?

Completely normal! I mean honestly, in what world is 20-something too old to listen to Kanye West? The first half (and probably more...) of your 20's are spent in college. If you go to a party, what do you expect to hear? Plus, it is just way too fun to go all thug and dance my ass of - I know my best friend would completely agree! (She's someone who every Friday night says, "guys, can we just go out for a bit? I REALLY WANNA DANCE!")

7.  

Is it normal to take toiletries from a hotel?

I'd say not normal, at least not for me. I think I'm too loyal to Dove to use anything else. And is it just me, or do hotel toiletries always leave your skin feeling all sticky after you wash your body? However, that being said, some people love and collect them, so I suppose it's normal for them!

8.  

Is it normal for your dog to sleep in your bed?

Since this is the only way my dogs will go to bed, totally normal! When we first got Kinchie, she was so tiny, and my mom automatically wanted her to sleep with them to help her potty-train. Of course, then she got in the habit of sleeping with my parents, so when Whinnie came along, she, too joined in on the sleepover! Whenever I go home, I love it when my mom leaves for work and my dogs come in and sleep in my bed until I decide to wake up!

9.  

Is it normal to taste test grapes out of the bag at the grocery store?

Gross, not normal. You know that when you're testing the grapes they've probably been touched by other "testers" right? And you know that you're supposed to wash your fruit before eating it, and when you're testing your food at the store, it hasn't been washed, right?

10.  

Is it normal for men to shape their eyebrows?

The only thing I can think of when reading #10 is the Friends episode where Joey gets his eyebrows waxed. If you've seen this episode, you know it's not normal! He looked CREEPY! Plucking occasionally so you don't look like a werewolf, totally normal, so go for it! I mean, you do want to look nice and clean for your lady, right? But full on waxing, I think I'm old school and think that is just too girly for a dude!

Are these normal for you? Go Link-up at Chalk on the Rain:

Is That Normal?

I've decided to start looking for some fun link-ups and will randomly complete them (or if I love them, do them weekly)! I found this new one from Chalk in the Rain and it sounded so fun, that I just had to join in! Enjoy!

1.  Is it normal to Google yourself? I think so! I've definitely done this, along with googling my friends. Sometimes it's fun to see if google knows who I am!

2.  Is it normal to pretend you are stuck in traffic as an excuse for being late? Well, it might not be normal, but I am so guilty of this! Sometimes, when you're running a little late to an appointment or it took you too long to get dressed for an outing, traffic is the perfect excuse!

3.  Is it normal to have told someone they have bad breath? Man, I wish it was, but I would have to say, not normal! I've told my sister before, but that's because we're sisters. If I were to tell anyone else, I think I'd come off looking seriously rude! Plus, what if I didn't have perfect breath!?

4.  Is it normal to have worn the same undies 2 days in a row without washing them?  Oh dear God, NEVER NORMAL! I happen to know someone who does this more regularly than you EVER should, and each time it happens, I think in my head, this is so not normal!

5.  Is it normal to put baby powder in your hair to de-grease? Totally normal! Sometimes there just isn't time to shower, but you want to make your hair look nice. It really is an ingenious little trick!

6.  Is it normal to have accidentally sent a nasty text/email to the person the e-mail/text was about?  Definitely happens, but is it normal? Probably not. Sadly, it happens more often than not - happened to my sister just last week, actually. Personally, I've never sent a nasty one, but have sent a text intended for my best friend about my boyfriend to him...at least it was flattering!

7.  Is it normal to have lied to your doctor? I can't say I think this is normal. If you're going to your doctor, you should be telling the truth, always! Sometimes, symptoms may be exaggerated, but I would hope people are being honest to their doctors.

8.  Is it normal to go an entire week eating cereal for dinner? During finals week, yes! In college, yes! For your family, no. If you're in college, sometimes that's all you can afford or is the only thing that you can eat really quickly. However, when you have a family, I think you should switch it up every now and again.

9.  Is it normal to pull clothes out of the dirty laundry to wear?  Sadly, yes. I can definitely admit that I've done this before. Sometimes, I'm just too lazy to do laundry, but really want those sweatpants, so out they come, then back in they go at the end of the day.

10.  Is it normal to re-gift a wedding gift? I don't think it's normal. Re-gifting the occasional gift to someone is one thing, but a wedding gift is usually something special that someone close to either the bride or groom picked out especially for you. If you're really not using something, goodwill is better than re-gifting I think.

June Goals

Get at least a 2.5 GPA for Spring quarter.

Go on a road-trip with Daphne and Kristina to Oregon.

Catch up on my Daily Reflection devotionals.

Go paintballing with friends.

Send 5 postcards via postcrossing.com.

Start reading again.

Bake something new.

Take my sister out for a congratulatory afternoon.

Host a high school reunion with my friends.

Clean out my closet/room and donate all unused items.

May Goals Update

Participate in Derby Days (Sigma Chi's philanthropy).

Sadly, I didn't participate as much as I'd hoped. It turned out to be a very busy week for me with all my doctors appointments. I did, however, buy the shirt!

Bake and/or cook for Mothers' Day.

I also wasn't able to do this. During the week, I made Cupcake Sliders and Cookie Fries, which took FOREVER, so I was a little baked-out. I'll make up for it over the summer when I have plenty of time!

Continue to buy flowers every two weeks.

I did this! The first set I bought were beautiful blue flowers, and the second set were little light pink ones.

Start some blogging traditions.

I've decided what traditions I'm going to begin! I have officially started my Wednesday tradition, and was all ready to start my Friday one, but then she didn't do it this week. I have a feeling these traditions will officially begin when my summer break starts. (Find post here!)

Make paddle key-chains for some of my sisters.

They turned out so cute! I made them for the 5 of us girls and my little. I quite like them, and so do they!

See Jamie for a weekend (hopefully in Davis!).

I was so happy I was able to see this girl! It was, however, in San Jose, but we spent the whole day together and it was wonderful! She is now officially in Spain for her summer study abroad and won't be back until Kellen's wedding.

Try the Pinterest clothing experiment (my name for it).

I am definitely doing this right now! It's so interesting to a) see how many pieces of clothing I have, and b) to see how many different outfits I wear in a day.

Go to calculus tutoring twice a week.

I am now going once a week. The second tutor I had was just making me more confused (he wasn't a very good teacher), so I decided it wasn't worth it.

Watch my sister graduate high school.

She graduated last weekend! I will definitely post about this later this week!

Complete my fundraising goal for Walk for Wishes.

I reached my personal goal: $150!