Confessional Friday

Woohoo!! It's finally Friday and a special one at that because I am taking the day to see Josh and visit our undergrad! This Friday is also the last Friday of classes, which means I have exactly one week left until I close my building, my residents leave, and Summer begins. Although Summer still comes with work, two grad classes, and an internship there is something really nice about knowing I have finished a whole year as an RD. So, just like every (or almost every) other Friday here are my five confessions to end the last week of classes with:

I confess... brie and croissants are literally the best dynamic food duo (if you aren't lactose intolerant).  Almost every RD social and get together has brie involved and I am never mad about it. How do I make my brie and croissant appetizer? I wrap the roll of brie in the croissant dough and bake it at 350 degrees for about 10-12 minutes (or until the croissant dough is golden). Serve with wine if you'd like :)

I confess... last week my RAs teamed up with our apartment complex staff (Chris and Evan) and hosted a Condom Carnival. We had over 150 students come out to the carnival and had a lot of different and some questionable stations as well. Overall I'm really proud of all of the work they have done on the event this year.

I confess... rolling coins stinks, but if you have a good attitude about it rolling coins isn't really that bad! Last week I had to roll coins from the donations at Shave this Ship, a fundraiser my students did for the St. Baldrick's Foundation. So, long story short I arrived at the bank and they didn't have a coin counter and boom I sat my butt down and rolled $93 worth of coins. Now, you could argue that I could have gone to coinstar... but, this was way more humbling!

I confess... I just finished the sequel to Me Before You, After You and am totally at a loss! I loved those books and Louisa Clark so much and I am bummed it is over. I really can't wait to see the movie and am totally looking for my next book... so, if you have any suggestions I would love to hear them!

I confess... in less then two weeks I will be moving all over again and am at the stage where I am really ready to pack up... but, I'm struggling to find the motivation. I have moved so many times in the last year and am really not in the mood to do it all over again! Oh well, I can't wait to show off my new place in a few weeks :)

I confess... balloons, sunshine, dresses, and smiles are literally the best medicine. On Sunday, I was feeling really down in the dumps about work... but, nothing some cognitive re-framing couldn't fix. Seriously though a lot of people ask me why I'm "so positive" all the time and I think its because I can really reframe how I'm feeling and put a smile on my face!

Anyways, that's all I have for you today! Have a beautiful day :)

Buy Products with Meaning: Sakari Watch

Hey blog friends! Over the years, I have fallen in love with companies and organizations that have great products that when you purchase they will also give back to a good cause. Some of my favorites include: (RED), TOMS, The Charity Pot, LUSH, and Sakari Watches! The Sakari watch is definitely my most recent charitable find. When you buy a sakari watch you get a premium product with high grade swiss ETA movements as well as helping out horses! 10% of all watch sales are dedicated to rescuing slaughter bound horses.

To read more about the owner's passion behind the cause, visit his page here! Anyways, let's get back to the product. I'm currently on the hunt for a durable and nice watch for Josh. He isn't really a watch type of guy, but maybe with the right watch that is comfortable, durable, and weightless I could convert him... It might even serve as the best graduation present or big-boy job present! 

So, after researching a lot of different watch options, I think I'm going to go with a watch that is personalized and handmade. I like how the maker of Sakari watches has a personal investment in every single watch he has created or restored. I like how there are variety of different band options that you can order. And what I love most is that every 5 watches sold will directly save a horse and the watch maker will send you the details of the horse that you have saved because of your smart purchasing. 

There are a lot of products out there that you can buy that will help a good cause. But, a lot of these products are made in factories all over the world and do not contribute to justice for all parties involved. However, one thing I love about the sakari watch (Valeta Sport Chronograph) is that it is personally made by a small and relatively local business. So, check out the Sakari Watch and purchase one today!

5 Reasons to Date a Res Lifer

Hi lovelies! Hope you all are having a phenomenal day! Today, I'm talking about balancing my work and my personal life (a task that is not easily achieved when you work as an Student Affairs). There are many pros and cons to living on campus and working at a university. For example, a con is on most days I work ALL day. Last night, I had a break from 6PM-9PM and I literally told my DA I didn't know what I was going to do with myself. I ended up throwing frisbee with some residents, but still the all day work life is real. A pro is I literally have no commute... Have a morning meeting? No problem, just put on a pot of coffee and walk downstairs. 

However, I will be honest sometimes my job does affect my personal relationships. Whether its phone calls interrupted, cranky programmed-out Alex, or the inability to to explain work days-- it can be hard to work in Student Affairs (but, more specifically Residence Life).

But, there are a lot of reasons to date a Res Lifer and I've outlined some of them below. Maybe next week I'll get J's opinion on the manner and share with you all. 

Five Reasons to Date a Res Lifer:

(1) We usually get to live in an on campus apartment that comes furnished! My apartment is extremely cozy and J and I absolutely love spending time here!

(2) Food. Food. Food. Almost every program comes with food and that definitely moves mountains with J! Whether its yummy desserts or eating some french fries, there is almost always a snack available. My work also pays for a meal plan, so J and I eat at the dining hall quite frequently!

(3) We get to experience cool things and go to socials that we don't have to plan (most of the time)! Some of the highlights from this year: giant corn hole, arcade games, Photo Booth, etc.

(4) Res Lifers (occasionally) have a crafty side, so we can literally help with any project (home or work related)!

(5) We are very sensitive people and were tremendous listeners! Our jobs call for us to listen to people and help sort out issues. These experiences have helped us build up our social skills, which can be used for listening, advice-giving, and or boosting people's moods.

There are pros and cons to every job, but dating a res lifer definitely comes with more pros then it does cons.