Distractions Aren't All Bad...

Hello everyone, hope you have all had a great week and weekend! Now that I've finally sat down to write this, I've realized that it's already been another week. I don't know where the time has been going. I wish there were more hours in the day. Last week was a bit disappointing to put it simply. I got some grades I wasn't happy with, and I had a number of assignments that stressed me out. But I made it to the weekend! I caught up with a friend on Friday and then got to cheer the Spartans to victory at Saturday's game. Sunday was homework day...somehow I wasn't as productive as I'd hoped to be but my roommate keeps telling me that I expect too much. She's probably right. It doesn't help to burn yourself out...

I'm typically a pretty motivated person, but I have to acknowledge when I need a break. I do my best to set weekly goals to keep me working hard. It's so much easier with something to look forward to in the future. Turning in my Study Abroad application was one way to keep me motivated. Even though it meant actually finishing the application, it doesn't seem like such a chore when I remind myself that it means I get to spend four weeks in Brussels this summer! I've also set times to go to the gym. I finally kicked the cold I had, so I can enjoy an escape from studying and work at our awesome Intramural building down the road.

Another interesting aspect of my week was the reception I went to last night. JMC is awesome about holding speakers and discussions. Last night we had a James Madison Alumni, Lawrence Scott Sheets, come back and talk to us about his new book, 8 Pieces of Empire: A 20-Year Journey Through the Soviet Collapse. He talked to us about his book but also his life after graduating from Madison and MSU. It was really interesting, and I can't wait to read the book! Here's a link to the book, if you're interested!

But tonight it's back to business. The small distractions have helped, and now I'm ready to buckle down again. I'm meeting my French study group soon to review once more for our exam tomorrow. Wish me luck! Bonne nuit! (Good night)