MIA

Yeah, yeah, yeah... I've been a little MIA lately, I know. I have fallen off the bandwagon all around, call it a lack of motivation. My coworkers have been gone, I've been bored to death... I thought that once I graduated, I would have more free time and be more, I don't know, active. But all that has happened is that I have lost focus. Without so much on my plate keeping me to a schedule, I started to feel kind of lost. But I am getting back on course. I want to be able to finish things and I WILL! So today, I am going outside to enjoy this beautiful day while getting some exercise! :) 

My mom is in town today, I haven't seen her in over 6 months, and not at all since I graduated! So I am very excited for her to be visiting. We are going to hang out, catch up, relax on the boat on the lake!! Great way to spend a long weekend (being memorial day weekend  and all). So all in all, things are looking up. I think today's exercise is going to be swimming. I haven't been in a while, but since I'll already be out on the water and it's more than 80 degrees outside, I think this is more than fitting! I'm going to take Dora, my bubs, with me, she LOVES the water! Alright, done with work for the day, time to go play :) Pictures of fun in the sun with the mom and pup to come.

Side note: I started watching The Walking Dead. Honestly an amazing series. I mean, I do like a good zombie movie/show, but this one is GREAT! I finished season one in a day, but I can't seem to find a place to watch season two online. I may have to break down and rent it if no one has it. Sad, but well worth it. AND at least I'll know what to do in a zombiepocalyps.

May Challenge.

30 days, 30 workouts, 30 minutes, 30 pounds. Person who looses the closest to 30 pounds (aka the most weight) wins. So, here's to trying to keep myself honest and accountable. I am going to attempt to post the pictures of the may challenge workouts on here. I'll add as I go, there should be 30 by the time I'm done.

day 1. Dora and I went for a jog.

Day 2. Got stuck in the rain while running.

day 3. Yoga on the Wii!

day 4. Tigers game. May not seem like a workout, but you try walking a few miles in Detroit, climbing the stairs at Comerica, and then sweating your but off for hours and then tell me it's not! :)

day 5. Forgot to take a picture. Walking/running/playing with dogs at my dad's property, not an official workout either, but I'm counting it.

day 6. Pure Sweat! A little over two miles, that was rough!! lol 

Party Bus.

The Graduates (Katie on left and Me on right)

PARTY BUS! This past Saturday was a blast! Katie (who, if you haven't figured it out by now, is my roommate and one of my best friends) and I graduated and celebrated balla' style, with a giant party bus. Katie got the bus with her other friend and then we all celebrated together. We had a great time. 28 people, 6 hours, 3 bars and countless drinks... a great way to end a college career haha. I bought a new dress, which I loved, you can't see it very well in the picture, but it was a cute little black and white dress. I will try to post some more (better) pictures when I get them, but this was the best one I have so far. Celebrating with some of my closest friends (including one who is also my co-worker, wink wink) was all that I could have asked for. I was so thankful for the great night and amazing people who came out to share in the excitement. I feel so blessed to have such great friends and family. The next day I actually felt pretty good, woke up early, got some stuff done around the house, and then felt lost, because Sunday is usually my day of homework... but I had none. That feeling didn't last long though, I relaxed for a bit and then had celebration dinner with my family and Katie (who I count as part of my family as well). My choice, a delicious chicken deVan ( a casserole), and a chocolate, heath, caramel cake homemade by my sister. Overall, a great weekend! 

Side note: On the procrastination front, I have decided I have put off applying for jobs long enough. So throughout the past week i have been slowly applying for some positions through my current employer, a few other local human service agencies and even a few places in Cali. I mean, I think I could handle moving out for a nit, and besides, my lifelong Bestie lives there! (Yeah, we've been friends since Kindergarten, went to school together through college, lived together for a couple years, and I  have so much love for that girl! lol) So, here's hoping to something good... or at least a job with benefits! ;)

Graduation.

Who has two thumbs and is graduated... THIS GIRL! I know it's been a while, but I have had a lot going on, for real though. haha As previously stated, I graduated! I had finals and papers all week and I had to pick up one of my best friends' mom from the airport for a surprise graduation visit on Friday. Then I went to her graduation and celebration dinner on Saturday, followed by PARTY BUS!! Monday I went to my first Tigers game of the season, which sadly was rained out :( However, I have another coming up this Saturday! All while trying to maintain a workout or at least somewhat healthy routine. Busy, busy, busy. But things have started to calm, and I am really starting to realize, it's over, I did it! :) So, more to come of the party, just wanted to post a quick update.

Side note: Started "May Challenge"with my roommie Katie and her cousin. 30 days, 30 minutes, 30 workouts, 30 pounds... sounds amazing right!? Keep you posted on that too lol

That's ME!!!

Life Choices.

I couldn't agree more with this quote. So, in accordance with this statement, I think i should be a mattress tester! (And no, not in a dirty way all you wierd-os with dirty minds). When I am procrastinating, I am most likely taking a nap... or daydreaming about taking a nap! This would be the most logical of things to do seeing as though my other options would be "blog-writter", "book reader", or "tv watcher", and though mattress tester doesn't seem legit, it seems more likely than the rest. :) Okay, so I feel like I haven't been writing on here as much as before so I am going to step it up. In the meantime, a few updates: 1. I graduated. Yes, officially done with school and it feels great! 2. Party bus is booked and ready to go on Saturday. I am so excited to celebrate not only MY graduation, but one of my best friends too! (GO KATIE!!) 3. I am still running... which I am pretty shocked at myself lol. Week 4 and going strong. I think that if I keep it up, I should be good to (definitely not win) but at least finish this race. So all in all, things are going great. Also, I have stopped putting of looking for jobs. I am still sad to think about moving on, I'm loving where I am. But I realize it's time. I am heading in the right direction, finally, and it's time to get a grown up job. No more watching Hulu and playing tetris all day :( So, here's to hoping I hear back from somewhere almost as equally awesome as where I work now, who knows where I'll end up. 

Side note: This week has been SO amazing and is only getting better! Sunday I saw M.C. Hammer preform, Tuesday I finished all of my classes, Thursday I will be seeing Salt-n-Pepper, Saturday is official Graduation Ceremony and Party bus, and Sunday is family dinner! Busy week, but it doesn't get better than that! <3

immediate gratification.

So true. Today after work I plan on utilizing the ultimate form of procrastination... the NAP! And that will totally pay off immediately. I can't wait. The end.
Side note: I still plan on running and finishing up some of my essays for my finals tonight. But first, nap. Then I will have more energy and brain power to complete these taxing tasks. :)

Productivity.

I do my work at the same time every day, the last minute. This pretty much represents my life. I think the pressure and adrenaline build up causing me to work harder... in turn being more productive. I mean, I can get things done in (the last) 5 minutes that takes other people DAYS! Now that is what I call productivity. One example, my research paper. Yeah I said I was "working" on it for about a week, but in reality, I didn't start working on it until about 8 hours before it was due. But guess what, it got done, it was decent enough (haha high standards, I know), and it didn't get on the way of me not doing other things. So in your face SOC 301! Currently, I am putting off taking a shower and cleaning my room. Yep, even the small things get their share of the "P Love"... what I like to call it when I put something off. But today wasn't a total loss, I did manage to get some work finished, get this, actually at work. I also managed to go for a run, though I really did not want to, and I also plan on starting to read a book that I have been wanting to read since I got it for my birthday, which was in December. So all in all, I call that a good day.

Side note: I'm done! I stopped finding ways to put it off and finally GRADUATED! Yesterday was my last day of class, I have a few essays and loose ends to tie up by Tuesday, and then that's it. Now to start thinking of what I am going to do with myself with no school or homework. More time to work on becoming a more efficient me :)

callus.

Question of the day: Do you think gymnasts have callus' on their vagina? Because I'm sitting on this wood and mine already hurts, and they swing around on it all day...

Yes, that very deep and thought provoking question was posed earlier today by one of my magnificent co-workers. I must admit, hanging out with certain people at work is one of the best procrastination tactics that I have come to find. I am lucky, because I work somewhere in which, most of, the people are more relaxed and low key. And a handful are actually quite fun and entertaining. UGH! I hate to think of working somewhere else where I wont have the same feeling... of fun and excitement that the day brings here. So for now, I'll keep putting it off :) In the mean time, I'll enjoy the spontaneous dance parties, walks to the gas station and DIA and projects on the F:drive. 

So, as for an update on my productive weekend. It was wonderful! I actually got a lot done. I think that this blog has a lot to do with it. I know I claim to use it as a tool in my laziness, by writing when I don't want to do something else. But those writings actually give me some incentive. Not only do I need topics to write about, but I also don't want to have to blog back about how I failed at getting anything accomplished. That's a little embarrassing. As for this weekend, I finished The Hunger Games book 1 AND saw the movie. The book was great, a very gripping read for a young adult novel. I really enjoyed it. The movie, well, it was okay. I think if I had not read the book, I would have liked it more, but since I had a preconceived set of imagery in my head about what I was expecting, it fell a little short. But overall, it has proven to be a wonderful concept so far. I am going to start reading book 2 as soon as I can, just have to get through a couple papers and finals for school first. ONE MORE WEEK!! CAN'T WAIT!! Which reminds me, I have a paper to work on. Yeah, there is probably something I should be working on for my actual job right now, but I am going to try to get some research out of the way while I'm thinking about it. I'll keep you posted on the progress. It's another running night, not feeling it today, but gotta keep up the progress til my 5k :)
Side note: It's amazing how refreshed and content you (or at least I) feel when I actually finish what you set out to do. I made a list and got it all done, with time to spare. Amazing what you can do when you set your mind to it.

Putting off the put off.

So I have been putting off writing on here for a couple days (big surprise) lol. I have lots to say, just need to get the motivation up to start typing. Actually, the last couple days have been very busy. It's coming down to the last couple weeks of school, WOOP WOOP! I have had papers, readings, and more papers to do. And along with that, lots of actual work to do during the day, which therefore means no school work or HULU for that matter, during the work day. Sad business.

On a positive note, last night was the Take Back the Night rally in Detroit, which happens to be one of my favorite events. There weren't that many people, but it was only the 2nd time holding at this location. Hopefully it will continue to grow. it's a great event to educate and empower everyone, especially young women and men. And tonight was the 2nd annual Detroit/Wayne County Youth Poetry Slam through work. Those kids are so very talented and the poems and stories that they tell are so moving. Weeks like these make me feel lucky to be able to have the job I do, and work with the community to just be able to see the strength and resilience of these kids. It's truly inspiring. 

So when I got home from this event, I began to clean the house, mainly my room/closet, which has been a mess for a while. But then I remembered, I haven't written in my blog yet, better "take a break" from cleaning and do that... apparently I just realized it was of the utmost importance... have to write, right now!! :) And that's what I did. 

I have big plans for tomorrow. It's going to be a productive day, I can feel it. Running in the morning, laundry during the day while catching up on some homework, and then hopefully hanging out with some friends in the evening. I know that doesn't sound any different than a normal day for some, but for me, that's progress. Okay, can't put off finishing cleaning forever... though the snoring dog next to me is trying to tempt me to nap. Adios for now.

Side note: The big plans for tomorrow may include seeing the Hunger Games movie... that is if I can finish reading it. I know, i know, I said this weekend for sure. That's why I need to get back to work so I can finish and get back to reading.

Draw Something.

Looks just like the real thing, right?!

So it's 11:11 AM and I have yet to do anything at all work related today. On a positive note, I have cleared quite a few games of "Draw Something" from my list (if you want to play, my name is krisc231). Not to toot my own horn, but I managed to draw a pretty sweet picture of Pacman! I think that if I had a more fulfilling job, with a boss that wasn't such a spaz, I might actually feel motivated to do something productive with my time at work. However, when you call me in to your office to help you with something, but wont let me offer suggestions or even try to fix it, I tend to not want to help you anymore. Just sayin'. Now I know Social Work/Sociology is not the most glamorous field, but it will be better than what I do know. So I just keep telling myself, 2 weeks... I will be graduated in 2 weeks! Then I can look for a job that I feel actually has some importance and use and hopefully more rewarding. I love (most of) the people I work with now and it's going to be sad if I have to leave Detroit, especially the areas I'm in now. It has a lot to offer, from delicious lunch outing at the DIA to the wonderful summertime farmer's markets, but hopefully I will find something that clicks with me just as much.
Side note: I have a lot of exciting things coming up... and I am definitely going through with ALL of them! I can't wait. I have studying to do for graduation, running tonight to train for my 5k in June, and 2 (yes TWO) party bus celebrations within the next month and a half. So many exciting things to look forward too, guess it does pay to be motivated sometimes :) And completely unrelated... I saw someone go crazy, try to break a window, and then get handcuffed and put in a cop car yesterday after quite the struggle! SO GOOD!

Kryptonite

Dora and Kitty

There are some things in life that seem to make it harder to NOT procrastinate. My kryptonite: Dora and Kitty. I have two of the most cuddle-buggy (yes, I think that is an acceptable phrase) animals and when they curl up next to you, it takes twice as much effort to get motivated to do... well anything beside curl up with them. 

However, I was proud of myself yesterday. I managed to have a decently productive day. Not only did I finish typing my paper (granted it was due ant 9PM and I submitted it at 8:58PM. Still counts.) But I also did laundry, ran for my upcoming 5k, and got a little further in reading The Hunger Games, which I am hoping to finish by this weekend. Yes, I do realize I have been saying that for the last 2 weeks, but THIS is the weekend for sure! :) 

Side note: Sometimes procrastination pays off. I have been too lazy to put away my winter clothes now that it is Spring and the weather here has been gorgeous, and today, I was glad about it. It was snowing when I woke up and I was extra grateful for warm fuzzy socks, mittens and a winter coat! Okay, I have been putting off actual work to write up this post, as well as look up pictures to post on the F:drive. There is nothing I enjoy more than putting off work, but this blog wont pay my bills, so back I go.

Constant Rotation.

An awesome co-worker sent this to me on what we like to call "The F:drive" today. I think it does a great of job summing up my reasoning for starting this blog. I'm tired of feeling like I am in constant rotation of doing nothing and feeling panicked about what the future holds. I graduate in less than a month and I have decided, it's time to step my game up! On that note, it's time to get out of here, go running when I get home, and then write a paper (So I can actually graduate) :) 

(Side note: Thanks to my wonderful work friend for the blog help and this wonderful picture... you know who you are... obviously!)

Trying my hand at a new art form.

Procrastination. The pure art of putting off until tomorrow, what could (usually easily) be done today. This is where most of my artistic talent lies. However, I have slowly begun to realize, as what I like to refer to as "real life" approaches, that I need to become more productive. This sadly means that I will need to practice the art of procrastination less and begin to try my hand at other forms of expression such as organization, follow through, MOTIVATION perhaps! But I don't want to get ahead of myself here, so I am going to start small... by blogging about it. My hope is that through this blog I will be able to motivate myself (and if you too need some inspiration, maybe this will help you as well) to actually complete some of the projects that I am so often ecstatic to start and then never finish. So, here we go....

(On a side note, I am starting this blog at work. I am putting off both actual work and school work that I need to do in order to start this. Now this may NOT seem like such a great start to an anti-procrastination blog, but in my defense, starting a blog is something I had also been wanting to do, but put off for quite some time. You win some, you lose some.)