Spring-oritis

Whether you are a senior or not, it is the Spring and everyone is burnt out from school. No more football season. Into volleyball, basketball, soccer and baseball! Also into pushing through the last few weeks of classes full of tests, quizzes, papers, presentations and, lastly, finals. So whether it is senioritis, or just another kind of "itis," we have to press on. Instead of sleeping through one more class, get up and go. It's not that hard. Instead of not studying at all, at least make a study guide or talk it through with someone else. Instead of not reading any material, at least read the summaries/highlights and know the bold words. Don't let your exhaustion and frustration screw up your GPA in the last 20 days of class. Seriously, 20 days and then you are free for the summer. And whether your summer consists of working, taking summer classes, traveling or doing absolutely nothing (which I would only encourage doing that for a small amount of time), the summer will still be much more relaxing than your semesters. So work for it. Maybe I am writing this more to give myself a pep talk rather than anyone that may read this. Trust me. I have some serious senioritis. And it is funny, because no one notices. I guess I hide it well ahah. :) But nonetheless, it is a good lesson and attitude adjuster for any student during the Spring.

One great way to push through and finish strong is incentivizing yourself. Make a reward for yourself if you accomplish something, i.e. a manicure for you ladies if you get an A on a presentation or paper OR a piece of candy if you read a book :) Something to try. Something else to try, plan out next years' dorm room or apartment with www.dormsuitedorm.com. Take a break from studying and design your own bedding, purchase wall decor, sheets, pillows, ottoman, bath robes and much more. You can also buy graduation gifts for all of your friends.

Wherever you are in life precious lady, I pray you finish strong and be proud of your best efforts!!!

GOODLUCK

Step Sing anyone?

Alright, so who knows anything about Samford University's Step Sing CHAOS?? If you do, you will understand everything I am about to say. If you don't, here is a BRIEF summary. Words could never properly explain the true meaning and craziness of Step Sing. Step Sing is an annual competition between 10-13 organizations (it ranges each year depending on organizational status). Each organization (i.e. Chi Omega, Alpha Delta Pi, Pi Kappa Phi, Dudes a Plenty-independent men, Independent Ladies, etc) come up with a SECRET theme and then create a 6 minute production (dancing and singing) to compete with in front of 4 judges. Costumes, choreography, vocals, facials, energy and overall entertainment are only a few of the categories each organization is judged on. Competition gets CRAZY wild and the Sweepstakes trophy is a COVETED award on Samford's Campus. Ok, to try and explain the vastness of Step Sing a little more (my boyfriend could not grasp this concept), about 7,000 people travel to see this show (only 3 performances a year) and about 600 Samford students participate. Oh, and each organization can ONLY practice for 40 hours previous to the competition. If it is found out that you practiced more....you are fined a lot of money!

So, all that to be said, I participated in my last Step Sing this past weekend (which made me physically ill, but it was worth it). Chi Omega had a GREAT production: BATMAN. It was by far the funnest year. We had 5 villains in our production, Poison Ivy, Catwoman, Mr. Freeze, Two Faced and the Joker and then, of course, Batman. A Sigma Chi and friend of many Chi O's gladly volunteered for the job :) He did great!! Our closing formation was that of a Bat, with the lights down and all of us with flashlights pointing up. I think that was the audience's favorite part. Unfortunately, we did not place this year (as usual) BUT we left it all on stage and performed our hearts out AND had fun in the process. Now, we all need to catch up on sleep....

Does your college/university have ANYTHING like this? If so, I hope you are involved. Such a great way to meet people and get close to those you may not know as well!!

Picture

Here is that picture I promised!!! I WANT ONE OF THESE!!!!

Ottomans

Latest and greatest decoration Mrs. Sheri has designed-the ottoman. She created and built a frame, made of wood, and has figured out how to cover with a fabric of your choice! She stuffs the top with cushion so that is it very comfy! It also has a removable top so that you can store things on the inside! :) It is so so precious. Looks great with a chair, couch, or could serve as seating space if your dorm is a little cramped (like mine was freshman year)!! I will try and post a picture but definitely visit our website www.dormsuitedorm.com to view all GREAT accessories we have to offer.

xoxo

Got to talk about the Saints, SORRY!

Ok, so if I haven't told you before, I am from New Orleans, LA. And, we do things really weird, crazy, awesome in NOLA....if you haven't been there, I would highly recommend going. Not even necessarily during Mardi Gras (though that is so fun), but maybe Jazz Fast (April/May), Voodoo Fest (October) or for the Sugar Bowl every January. Anyways, this season, (just in case you have been living under a rock), the New Orleans Saints are ROCKING IT OUT. Quick stats on the Saints:

-Founded in 1966
-We are rated FIRST in the NFC South right now!
-First ever NFL team to be 13-0 (HOPEFULLY we will be 14-0 in the next 30 minutes!!!)
-NEVER, ever, everrrrrrrrrrrrr, in Saints Franchise history, EVER, had this great of a season!!

Ok, so allll that said, I am freaking out right now watching Saints play the Cowboys. We always turn on the A-game in the 4th quarter when I am about to have a heart attack. This winning season has been SO GREAT for the city, giving hope and excitement to its people, and stimulating the economy and stirring up the pride that we have always had for The Crescent City but that has been somewhat dormant since Katrina. Louisianians have been going CRAZY with Saints jerseys, t-shirts, flags, magnets, cups, coozeys, pants, hats, signs, if you can put a fleur de lis and WHO DAT on it, they make it.

Also, for the record, WHO DAT, is our quick, proud chant which is short for:

WHO DAT? WHO DAT? WHO DAT SAY DEY GONA BEAT DEM SAINTS??

Laissez les bons temps roulez!!!!

Christmas Time is Here

Between final projects, papers, presentations, tests, exams and moving, I am just now getting to write another blog! The ends of semesters while in college are always, ALWAYS, insane. Professors cram assigning final projects, papers, etc to the last minute. Students cram doing the final projects, papers, etc to the last minute. Then come final exams. Then, most students pack to go home. Everyone gets overwhelmed with family and the year doesn't slow down until after New Years! Whew. I hope all of you finished strong, got good grades and are thoroughly enjoying your families, friends and relatives at home! Whatever you are doing this holiday (which for most of you should consist of 4-6 weeks OFF, YAY), I hope you soak up the time off of classes and ENJOY life :) For you freshmen, college only gets FASTER, so don't wish it away. For you sophomores, you are almost finished HALFWAY of your college education. For you juniors, this is the last "carefree" break you will have. And for you seniors, finish up the graduate school applications and job applications so that next semester, our FINAL semester of undergraduate, will be an EASY BREEZE!!

Everyone done Christmas shopping?? What all are you wanting for CHristmas?? I still have a few to get AH!!

Sorority Parties

Everyone knows one of the funnest parts of being a college student is all the parties we get to go to, especially if you are in a sorority or fraternity! This Saturday night is my formal (my last formal ever) and I am so excited. I love the opportunity to dress up and go out on a date! We are having it at Gabriella Manor. Apparently this place is awesome. Can't wait to check it out myself. Should be a really great time.

Any good parties this weekend? Where do ya'll have your formals? What has been your favorite party theme this year? I have gone to parties from White Trash to Chi O Casino! Loved them all but my favs have been Chi O Casino and White Carnation Ball.

Hold on...

Hold on guys. Keep pressing on. We are in our final stretch of Fall 2009 and though everyone is anxiously awaiting Thanksgiving next Thursday (YAY!) and Christmas in 5 1/2 weeks (no one is counting :/), we must press forward with the end of the semester! Going to class and doing work is the absolute hardest at this point because as college kids, we get tired. We get burnt out and tired of doing so much work for so long. But know, it is worth finishing STRONG until the very end. When high, good grades are returned and you can put an awesome GPA on your resume to make you MUCH MORE MARKETABLE (and get a job) in this jobless market, all your hard work will pay off. I know that hole "C's get degrees" motto. But I don't agree with it. Why not be the BEST you can? Why not challenge yourself to produce quality work and build a good reputation for yourself? I started feeling really burnt out this morning so I wanted to encourage ya'll to all focus on the finish line. Don't stop before it. You must finish the race WELL. Take each day at a time. One project, presentation and test at a time. Deep breaths, lots of red bull, coffee, monsters, stress food, and late night study buddies. Find those people who you can be productive with but will keep you company late into the night (or early in the morning if that's more your style).

One of the smartest and BEST things about college life is the LONG (NEEDED) Christmas break in between Fall and Spring. Keeping this in mind oftentimes helps me finish what I have to do!

Maybe a little realistic/thought-provoking quote is appropriate!

“There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. That will be the beginning.” - Louis L'Amour (1908–1988), American writer

Somewhat negative, but good to keep in mind and SO TRUE! I like to interpret it as there always being a new challenge to conquer!

NEW ACCESSORIES

Dorm Suite Dorm Friends-

We are launching a new and exciting winter accessory collection. In order for you to decorate your dorm rooms the best, we wanted to offer you the cutest and trendiest decor. Many of these accessories make great gifts. With Christmas coming up, remember your college daughters, sisters, friends, and cousins at www.dormsuitedorm.com. I have included some of our collection above. Please visit our website or give us a call to see the complete new line and to answer any of your questions 205-879-8278.

WHO DAT?!

Who dat say dey gona beat dem SAINTS?! The Saints played the Atlanta Falcons tonight and considering I am from New Orleans and a huge Saints fan...I AM PUMPED!! 7-0 baby! Superbowl anyone?? :)

Football is such a huge part of our society, especially college. I watched the game tonight with a past professor who I have become good friends with (She is from New Orleans too) and she was saying that if it were up to her, college sports would become obsolete. She would turn, say LSU Football, into a pro-team. I gave her a funny face and then asked why in the heck would you do thaaatt!? She hates that people make college decisions based on the sports. However, this further reflects how important we make sports, football, baseball, soccer, basketball, as a society!! It is crazy!

Hope ya'll weren't pulling for the Falcons tonight!! :)

Holiday Decor

Halloween always reminds me of costumes and decorations for the upcoming series of Holidays! Holiday decorating is so much fun, especially in a dorm room. There are so many options to embrace the holidays by decorating your dorm room. I have seen college students wrap their doors in wrapping paper (appropriate for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas) and add ribbons, bows, signs, etc. onto the door. (This is also fun for birthdays!). Pumpkins, cats, turkeys, Capricorns, Christmas trees (small ones are available to fit in your dorm at http://www.christmastrees4smallspaces.com/, http://www.target.com/gp/search/179-0483622-2072919?field-keywords=christmas+tree&url=index%3Dtarget%26search-alias%3Dtgt-index&ref=sr_bx_1_1&x=0&y=0, or http://www.acehardware.com/search/index.jsp?kwCatId=&kw=christmas%20tree&origkw=christmas%20tree&sr=1 ), Santa Clause, stockings for you and your roommate, holiday towels, decorative curtains, or rugs are all great additions to your room to prepare for each holiday. Don’t forget you can hang decorations, signs, etc from your fans or in between ceiling tiles. It can be fun to hang fabric from your ceiling or walls as well.

Another option to change the mood in your dorm room is to buy different colored light bulbs. You can visit http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Navigation?storeId=10051&categoryID=502955&langId=1&catalogId=10053&navFlow=3&searchRedirect=light%20bulbs or http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productList&Ne=4294967294&category=Light+Bulbs&N=0+4294960302 to find decorative and multi-colored bulbs for your rooms. Orange is fun for Halloween. And, red and green are festive for Christmas. Changing all your bulbs may not be good for your eyes and reading; however, changing a few will set the holiday mood!

I don’t know about you, but scents and smells always bring back memories and put me in a holiday mood along with all the decorations. Candles are obviously the first thought when I say scent; however, many dorm rooms don’t allow candles (fire hazard). So, if candles are not an option, diffusers are an awesome alternative! You can purchase diffusers at several different stores (Target, WalMart, Hallmark) or from small businesses online. Just Google diffuser and choose the scent that best matches your favorite holiday smells! It will complete your holiday-decorated room and set the perfect aroma for the holiday season.

Have fun decorating your dorm room for the upcoming holiday season!

Happy Halloween

Happy, belated, Halloween to ya'll! I hope everyone had a fun, and safe night last night. Halloween is always so fun in college. There are always many parties to choose from and crazy costumes to wear. I came home this Halloween. For the first time in four years, Halloween fell on the weekend so I could come home for my Maw Maw (my grandmother, for all you non-Louisiana people) and my Moma's Birthdays! After we celebrated, I met up with my cousins to further celebrate All Hallows Eve. It was a great night. What did ya'll do? Any fun parties? What did ya'll dress up as (that is always the hardest part for me)?!

p.s. I hope everyone remembered to set their clocks back last night at 2am. We gained an hour, to sleep, but lost an hour of daylight. We can't win with this whole daylight savings time thing!

Happy November!

I am BACK!

I AM BACK! I cannot even explain how happy I am to be able to say that. I took the GMAT TODAY. It took me 4 hours.....10:45am-2:45am. Brutal. Standardized tests. What is the point? They are so incredibly frustrating. You remember those days of taking the ACT or SAT right? I would encourage you, if you are interested in Graduate School, to start prepping for the GRE, GMAT, MCAT, LSAT, whatever the test is, early and make a schedule for yourself! Anyways, enough about that.

Funny story, at least for me. Mrs. Sheri got some new bath robes to offer ya'll on her website www.dormsuitedorm.com. They are so comfy and cute cute colors. Welllll....she didn't have a picture of them so she got ME to model them. HAAAA. I pasted the picture on the left...hilarious! I hope ya'll take a second to go look at all the new accessories on our website. Other than bath robes, Mrs. Sheri has matching cosmetic bags, mirrors, picture frames (ADORABLE), picture bags, picture pockets, and so much more. Trust me.....go check it out.

PS those capris I have on in the picture are on the website too...love them. Almost took them home with me haha

Quotes continue...

Sorry this is how it has to be right now :( Hope ya'll are at least enjoying the quotes! I personally love them... Have a great week

	“In this world, you must be a bit too kind in order to be kind enough.”
	Pierre Carlet de Chamblain de Marivaux (1688–1763) French writer

Stress

Stress! It is a very manageable thing; however, it can also take over your life!! I am sorry to say that I will be leaving you with several quotes to enjoy, contemplate, disagree with, etc in the next 9 days because I am taking the GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test) for Business Graduate School next Wednesday (talk about stress) and will thus be preoccupied studying to hopefully ACE it!!! I hope you enjoy the next marathon of quotes...they are some really good ones :)

	“No time like the present.”
	Delarivier Manley (1663–1724) English writer

Presentations

Just as I wrote last night about how every college student HAS to experience...and endure.....group projects, presentations are something else that you won't escape. Presentations have never been stressful for me personally. Yes, I have to prepare (even though I usually do better just winging it) and work for the quality of my presentation; however, public speaking has never really freaked me out or scared me. I know this is not the case for many people (and I am ever-grateful I am not included in this bunch). For those of you who hate presentations, just remember to 1. practice, practice, practice. In front of the mirror, in front of your friends and even in your sleep. 2. Research and study the information SO well that JUST IN CASE you mess up your lines, you can start speaking from memory. 3. Go to the room/site where you will be speaking before the planned presentation in order to be comfortable with the environment and maybe even do a practice run. 4. Try and look people in their eyes as you speak, but if you can't, look at their foreheads. It is not good speech-making etiquette to look over your audience. 5. Make flash cards or some sort of prompts. Most presentations allow for prompts to keep you on track and smoothly speaking. 6. DO NOT READ YOUR PROMPTS. These are not to be read. That would not be giving a presentation. That would be reading to your class, which anyone could do. And 7. Ask someone you respect, and who you know can be honest with you, to critique your presentation. There are always mannerisms and gestures that we make as we talk; however, we don't realize that we do most of them. So, it is good to get an unbiased and helpful point of view.

Any presentations this week? I have 2!!

Goodluck if so....knock em dead :)

Group Projects

Inevitably, you will be required to participate in a group project. That is part of college. You can't avoid it. Many people love group projects. Usually these people consist of the ones that don't do SQUAT. And then there are other people (the ones who do EVERYTHING) who hate group projects (i.e. ME). I wish I could hope that this scenario would alter once I got into the real, working world, with mature adults; however, I do not have high expectations. There will always be those that ride along on others' hard work. How do we avoid this? Or at least minimize it? I have found, within college, if I delegate specific tasks to people and then follow through with them OFTEN, they are a little more likely to complete it. This is just a small action, which doesn't have a huge turn around, but it is something. I wish I had a better answer. Sometimes people need to be "babied" or "micromanaged." At that point, maybe it's better to just do it yourself. Or sometimes people just need to be called out, embarrassed if you will. Most of the freeriders continue to freeride because no one says anything. If you call them out, especially in front of people, maybe they will care enough to do something about it, ya know. But maybe they won't!

I guess you just have to ask yourself: Am I going to just do the work RIGHT and let others get credit for it? Am I going to call him/her out? Do I micromanage (which isn't my job)?

UGH, group projects....

I like quotes!

	“Be not careless in deeds, nor confused in words, nor rambling in thought.”
	Marcus Aurelius (121–180) Roman emperor and philosopher To ponder......

I love LSU...GEAUX TIGERS!

Alright. I don't know if you are a football fan, but basically, if you didn't watch the LSU v FLA game tonight, you must live under a rock. FYI, about 34% of Americans claim football as their favorite sport (http://pewresearch.org/pubs/315/americans-to-rest-of-world-soccer-not-really-our-thing). Anyways, I refuse to be a fair-weather fan so, even though the Gators beat my Tigers 13-3, I still love the LSU Tigers. LSU started the game really strong, pumped and positive; however, did not end quite as passionate. They put up a great fight but the game is not over. We still have Alabama to beat on Saturday November 7. I am hoping we can redeem ourselves then!

Football is one of the biggest parts of college. When I began going to Samford University and football was NOT big and there was no 12-hour tailgating, and nobody had an intense PASSION and love for SU Football, I began to wonder if I was missing out on the "typical" college experience. All my friends from high school went to LSU, UGA, USM: mostly big, state schools (where the football rocks)! Me and a few of my really close friends however, decided to attend smaller schools (5,000-10,000 students). And though the football isn't the same, we can support state school football just as much as if we attended the state school and can experience football as often and as much as we want! So basically, 3 1/2 years later, I can say that I get the valuable small classroom sizes, the close relationships with professors and the small school benefits while still supporting and enjoying the large, state school football games! Don't be discouraged if you feel like you are missing out college, you are not! You can experience both! Live it up!

GEAUX TIGERS!

Working your options

Never for one second think that many of the professors, staff, faculty or professional people you are encountering in your college career will not be able to help you find a job when you are nearing graduation. I forgot who gave me this brilliant piece of advice, but I want to pass it along: "Always, always be networking." Fortunately, I listened to this advice since I was a freshman in college and it has already helped me get my foot in a few doors. Two important, intelligent and powerful people that I greatly respect and admire in this community have dropped my name to the same company (go figure). Wow. No one would ever think that your actions years ago would or could affect how someone views you, your work ethic, your character, your skill set and your intelligence for a future job or career. REMEMBER THIS THOUGH. Always be networking. You never ever know who someone may know and how they can help you one day. You don't want to screw that up!!