quick update

So i've been REALLY bad at keeping up with our blog... It's been a busy couple of weeks. I started the summer semester last week and it's already killing me. I'm taking a 4 credit hour class that's been condensed to six weeks so I have to go four days a week for over 2 hours. No fun at all. However I am taking a Pilates Reformer class this summer and I LOVE it! It's one of the best workouts I've ever done and one of the hardest. You're doing all of your exercises on a reformer machine, which adds resistance to each of the exercises. I guess I'm really weak because my legs are shaking after the first two exercises.
Steven, on the other hand, is taking the summer off from school. It makes me really jealous.

Today I have the day off from work and school because I am sick. :( I was up all night with an upset stomach and I'm not feeling much better today. All well! I have plans to watch the Scarlett Pimpernel and Harry Potter; which should make it a lovely day afterall. :)

My secrets to taking finals successfully

Well, I just got home from taking my last final! Hurray! To celebrate finals being over I decided that I will share my test taking secrets with all of you.

Step 1: Start studying no later than 7:00 the night before the test (for best results and to avoid an emotional break down, it is better to start studying several days before).

- have some sort of sweet treat on hand to assist in you in your studying. I recommend reeses or these excellent chocolate sandwich cookies from target that Steven and I love.

- it's ok to take a break every 15 minutes or so (however, it does make the studying process take MUCH much longer, but usually helps you maintain sanity).

- keep the TV off. I tried watching Friends and studying at the same time, it really didn't help.

Step 2: Get 8 1/2 - 9 hours of sleep.

- this is probably THE most important part. Don't worry if you didn't finish your studying, Step 4 will help you with that.

Step 3: Do some quick exercise to help wake you up.

- I particularly like 20 minute pilates or jumping jacks if you don't have much time.

Step 4: Eat a good-for-you, big breakfast.

- I start with a bowl of frosted mini-wheats, then moved on to a mandarin orange, and then a couple of reeses (this is my reward to myself for studying and actually getting up to take the test).

- Do any last minute studying you may not have finished the night before while you eat.

Step 5: Leave a little early for your test.

- If breakfast didn't give you enough time to study, this will also help you squeeze in some last minute studying.


I find that taking these steps gives me very good results with taking my finals. I hope that you find these useful and that you all do well on your finals.