Tag Archives: College

30-day writing challenge: Day 27

28 Sunday Jun 2015

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Day 27: Conversely, write about something that’s kicking ass right now.

Anytime my parents leave town, instead of being a stereotypical college student living off ramen and frozen dinners, I cook for myself like a “real” adult. I’ve mastered a lemon garlic with rosemary roasted chicken, made up my own mashed redskin potato recipe and didn’t give myself food poisoning when cooking myself a full Thanksgiving dinner.

Since November my parents have gone on three trips, one of which lasted a month, and each time I’ve survived off my 22-year-old’s skills in the kitchen. I’ve never minded trying new things mostly because no one else was here to see my possible failure. The things that turned out well I would make for my parents when they got home admittedly to show off.

The croque monsieur I just made tonight.

The croque monsieur I just made tonight.

Beginning in May, I was on summer break from school! Being home more meant I wanted to do something constantly, like knitting or writing challenges, so I’ve began cooking more instead of my parents doing it. I’m not saying I do most of it but I’m definitely doing more than I used to.

And I’m freaking loving it.

Just an hour ago I made my dad and I some croque monsieur for dinner. The other day I made amazing wraps from left over chicken breast, avocado, Gouda cheese, roma tomatoes and green onions. I also made a colorful and delicious pasta primavera last week that I could have eaten until I burst it was so good.

I’ve essentially become the college equivalent of an untrained, unqualified chef.

One of my favorite things to make is the above-mentioned roasted chicken which I stuff full of garlic, lemon wedges and rosemary then sprinkle garlic and rosemary olive oil on top. I usually pair it with either lemon garlic redskin potatoes or string beans with slivered almonds.

The beginning stages of my lemon garlic redskin potatoes.

The beginning stages of my lemon garlic redskin potatoes.

It’s all easier than it sounds too. I started my recipe folder with Googling things I wanted to make or some healthier options I wanted to stash away. I keep them in a three-ring binder and have everything separated by category. I highly suggest anyone does this whether they cook or plan to in the future that way you have a reference at the ready instead of searching through the Internet looking for something to cook.

Seriously, go look for stuff to cook and save them!

30-day writing challenge: Day 24

25 Thursday Jun 2015

Posted by in Challenge, College, Life, Uncategorized

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Day 24: Write about a lesson you learned the hard way

You always hear adults say “enjoy it while you can” as you’re “struggling” through high school. The first taste of real life is choosing which college you’ll attend when you graduate. I don’t know that I really took the time to enjoy those days as I should have.

I hated high school. It’s not exactly as if I had a stereotypical misfit story but it was close enough. I wasn’t sporty because I have no coordination and trip over my feet walking. I didn’t dress like every body else because I hate bright colors and I listening to the type of music that is best played at an eardrum rupturing level. I was in the “smart” crowd and most teachers liked me because they never had to keep and eye on me.

Now? I started working a week before my freshmen year of college started and have been going like the Energizer Bunny ever since. The first semester of college was rough and I remember sinking onto the couch on my few days of no school or work and passing out mid-text to my boyfriend at the time. I did well that semester and the ones to follow but there are times, oh there are times, when I feel like my head will explode from the amount of school work that’s piles up. I’ve found I function best with roughly four hours of sleep.

Andy Bernard, "The Office."

Andy Bernard, “The Office.”

I wish I could go back to those simpler days and enjoy having time. Now when I want to catch up on a television I’ve missed a few episodes of I have to plan it carefully around an essay’s due date or an exam. If I want to hang out with friends the situation becomes a play-offs style game of phone hockey where the victory is finally finding a day, two weeks later, when everybody is off from school and work.

I guess learning things the hard way is what makes you appreciate those things so much more. Now all I have to do is figure out when the good old days are happening so I enjoy them while I’m still there.

30-day writing challenge: Day 12

13 Saturday Jun 2015

Posted by in College, Family, Life, Literature, Uncategorized

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Day 12: Write about five blessings in your life

These are the things I am truly grateful for and couldn’t imagine my life without them.

My parents
Behind every nerdy, weird and well-awarded student is a strong support at home. I know if I leave a sticky note on our Keurig asking my dad to wake me when he gets up and 4 a.m. because I’m napping on the couch in an attempt to survive my all-nighter. I know if I rant to my mom she’ll listen and try to make me laugh to relieve the stress. I adore the two of them and couldn’t imagine where I would be without the two of them.

My nephew and I shortly after he was born.

My nephew and I shortly after he was born.

My nephew
Though I am usually left highly annoyed by his antics, I couldn’t imagine not having the little hellion around. He came in the winter “storm of the century” in February 2011 (jokes on us, February 2015 was way worse) and has provided endless mischief. Should I also mention I used to get him to smile when no one else could and he’s repaid me with blaming me for the smallest of things?

Jules
Though I no longer have her, she was one of the greatest things in my life. Right before my sophomore year of high school, we rescued an eight-year-old shih tzu that became my partner in crime, my shadow and my snuggle buddy. She was mine and I was hers. Ultimately, the worst decision of my life was deciding when to let go and giving the go-ahead for my mom to make the appointment that I wouldn’t be taking her home from.

Jules in her comfort zone, my lap, less than a week before we said goodbye.

Jules in her comfort zone, my lap, less than a week before we said goodbye.

My education
I think our education is often overlooked when people think about the things they are grateful for. I’m not only lucky to have had access to a K-12 education but am also lucky to have received a scholarship to Wayne State University, a research institution on par with the University of Michigan. I’ve spent the last four years working hard at a degree and with my recently added minor I still have a bit to go before I’ve conquered college.

My dreams
I guess sometimes you need to have something you want to reach for but won’t put yourself down when you figure out it’s an inch passed your fingertips. I have many dreams, some of which evolve and others fizzle, and I’ve always been happy to be the type that has them. I feel dreams are linked to drive seeing as everything starts as a dream you wish to accomplish and must possess the drive to do so.