F-I-N-I-S-H-E-D!

Thousands of hours studying.
Hundreds of note cards used.
Tens of pages of papers written.
3 finals completed.
One very happy girl.

My second year of college is officially finished. I handed in my last final this morning and promptly loaded my belongings into the car and headed back home. Never has the five hour car ride home went so good. I didn't have to think about the next paper, assignment, or test. All I did was jam to some old school songs while my dad listened and laughed. It was exactly what I needed after the craziness of the past two weeks. For anyone who has ever experienced a finals week, you understand. The lack of sleep starts to make you crabby. The different materials you're studying start to blend together. You don't really leave your room except for the necessary food, coffee, and/or energy drink that will assist in keeping you up longer.

After all that work, I could use a serious vacation. Instead of heading someplace warm to hang out on a beach and get a tan, I am having my own little vacation here in my city. I plan on attending several track meets. One of the main things I miss about high school. I love seeing the competition with kids just going all out just to help their team win. There is no money earned, just the satisfaction of knowing you finished and accomplished a goal. Another item on my to-do list is spending a day just hanging out around town. Whether it's walking at the outdoor mall or taking pictures down by the lake, it will be very nice to simply enjoy the little things I have missed. But I can't forget about the food. Oh I have so many restaurants that are just calling my name. I am probably going to gain like 10 pounds in the next two weeks with all the food I plan on consuming. Don't get me wrong, I will enjoy every minute of it. Last thing I need to do is shop. I am in serious need of a shopping spree and I plan on doing just that. I may attend school near one VERY large mall, but I enjoy hitting the same spots I did in high school. Plus I can find my way around that mall with my eyes closed. The Mall of America, not so much.

Now that summer is here, that means work. But you gotta work if you want that apartment. That's what I will keep repeating to myself as my boss, coworkers, and hotel guests all scream different things at me. As much as I may complain about the job, it really is fun to see people's faces as they experience the park for the first time. I know it's something they will never forget.

And in 111 days I will be back to having my head buried in a book. Another thing I can't believe, I am a junior in college. I remember being a junior in high school like it was yesterday. Guess it's really true that time flies when you're having fun. I just wish it would slow down so I can have a longer summer vacation. Until next time, "There is no finish line."

-AJ

Countdown to Home

Ahhh, finals week is coming. Nothing like the pressure of exams, papers, and final projects to drive a whole college campus batty. I have had a countdown going since I returned from Spring Break. As of today, I have 11 days until I hand in that last scantron sheet and pack up my insane amount of clothes to go home. I fully intend on being certifiably insane by then, so I wanted to post my wish list of the things I plan on doing once I get home. In honor of the 11 days I have left, here are the 11 things I am most looking forward to once I get home.

1. See and hang out with my family, especially my little sister. I miss seeing her daily.

2. Cuddle with my dogs. They can misbehave and destroy things all they want as long as they come cuddle with me after.

3. Go to my church for my favorite Sunday service. Nothing beats listing to my pastor deliver a powerful message.

4. Sleep in my own bed/ wake up whenever I want instead of when my alarm clock goes off.

5. Go shopping! Weird, because I happen to go to school so close to the largest mall in America.

6. Take a walk on the beach by the lake with my some friends. One of the best things to do while living by the lake, enjoying the breeze and sand under my feet.

7. Get a smoothe from my favorite little food shack. They are so much better than Jamba and Orange Julius.

8. Have dinner at my grandparents house. I only eat ribs when my grandma makes them so I can't wait to indulge.

9. Watch some high school athletic events, particularly going to track meets. I love the sport and being at a meet brings back so many great memories.

10. Return to my high school to watch my cousin graduate. It stills feels like yesterday that I was there graduating. Man, two years has gone by fast!

11. Be lazy. Yes, my life is not as stressful as some. However, after the craziness of the last month and all that has happened, doing nothing will do my body some good. Maybe I will even get a much needed mani/pedi.

If you can't tell, I am excited to be home. I love where I go to school, but nothing beats going home.

~AJ

"There is no finish line."~Nike.