NAS: A Typical Day

~ Laura ~ 6 Comments

Joining back in the fun with Jen and Morgan! If you’re not familiar with this series, go check out their blogs to find out more.

This week we’re talking about: Let’s get back in the swing by sharing what our typical day is like! Tell us however you like, minute by minute or a blurb about your day! Be sure to answer these questions:

– What is your favorite part of your day?
– What is your least favorite part of your day?
– Are you making any changes to your daily routine now that the new year has begun?

Since it’s still technically break, here’s what a typical good day at school would look like:

Mornings – Get up at 6 (beating the sun feels like a boss), most of the time say a morning offering as I get up. Work out for 45ish minutes. Shower. Breakfast. Sometimes I’d do something quick in my dorm, but sometimes I meet people in the cafeteria which is lots of fun.

More morning – The real work begins at 9am with classes or work depending on the day. Either way, my morning is packed until noon when I eat lunch, check emails, do social media, and wonder where two hours went. Seriously. I could never figure out how my class at 2 came so quickly.

Afternoon – More classes. Depending on the day, I’ll be done around 3 or 4. Then time for dinner. Sometimes it’s in the cafeteria. Sometimes we have a spontaneous Taco Bell run. Sometimes we make things. It depends.

Evening – Sometimes meetings, sometimes mass, more emails, social media, homework, fun events, dance parties, microwave cookies, reading, and whatever else comes up . . . as in the occasional staying up until the wee hours of the morning/night because conversations are just THAT awesome.

Bed – Is any explanation necessary here? I go to bed, not usually at a decent time. Before midnight is an accomplishment. The best nights are when I’ve worked so hard and enjoyed the day so fully that I fall asleep so quickly my hamster wheel brain doesn’t have a chance to get started.

My favorite part of the day, contrary to many other people, is getting up. It’s quite a struggle bus when I went to bed too late. But I do not hit snooze. It’s up and at ’em, even if I made the dumb decision to deprive myself of sleep. Seeing the sun rise and thinking about the potential of each day is just so epic! And slaying my desire to sleep longer makes me feel like a boss. Sometimes I blast a song or kickbox as I brush my teeth because who knows what you need to be prepared for during any given day?

My least favorite part of the day is having to do things like homework. Not all homework is bad, but I’d much rather be chatting by the fire, reading, or planning how to take over the world.

Do I want to make changes to my routine? OH YES! See the awkward lunch break? I have GOT to figure out how to best use that time so it doesn’t disappear. I am determined to get off social media more so I have time for other things. I also am determined to force myself to do a solid hour of homework without getting distracted in the afternoon before letting myself do fun things. That’s partially because at night it would be nice to have time to do more with people instead of having to do homework, partially because it’s something I should be doing anyway.

Also! If you do daily mass readings, do you have a favorite way to read them? I forget to read them if they’re digital and love having a book, but don’t know the most economical way to go about that. Magnificat is awesome, and I’ve read a couple others. Any ideas? That would be nice to add into the morning. I’ll be adding in set prayer and exercise times, and am hoping to be able to block off free time to be available to meet up with people and have wiggle room for spontaneity.

That’s about it. Things are not set in stone or regular since classes get cancelled every once in a while and there are always random events. It’s nice being able to enjoy adventures at this time in my life, so thanks for being along for the ride!

To Life,

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Moving and shaking: Hello, 2015!

~ Laura ~ 5 Comments

I’d like to think I’m a mover and shaker of sorts. Maybe because I’m stubborn and passionate about what I do. Maybe it’s because I really do want to do great things with all I’ve been given. Who knows. Making goals (and sharing them) has always helped me focus on what is most important, so I present to you . . .

My Master Plan for Greatness in 2015

 

This fall has seen great improvement in self-discipline and diligence. Now it seems important to continue those practices and challenge myself with new, specific goals for this year. Why? Because I’ve been gifted with the ability and grace to do some marvelous deed nobody else can accomplish. So have you. It’s our responsibility to respond to our call with gratitude and graciousness because after all, we hardly deserve everything we have access to in life.

This year I want to focus on revealing the greatness of God through the witness my life is to people around me. I want to be thoroughly done with anything that takes me away from greatness and run after whatever God has in store for me with reckless abandon. I want to live differently than the world in quiet but powerful defiance of the status quo society prescribes. In short, I want to work on becoming a saint.

A word that keeps coming up is “abandon”. I first saw this in action during my trip working with Mother Teresa’s sisters, and I am not kidding you. The word just keep coming up. You know how people choose a word for their theme each year? Last year I chose “peace”. And looking back, I can see how I have come to be at peace with whatever God has in store. Of course I have my moments. We all do. That’s what dance parties and adoration are for. But internally, I do feel an sense of unshakable peace.

This year “abandon” is the word. It’s not something that means a whole lot to pick, except that it’s been coming up a lot. So I feel like it’s time to work on getting rid of any pride I might have and allowing room for God’s plan – thus “abandoning” myself to his providence and timing.

We’ll see how that goes.

To kick off the year of abandonment, enjoy reading my somewhat ambitious hopes of future accomplishments.

2015AbandonTheme

Discipline

  1. Make it a habit to read 30 minutes/day from books that will challenge and inspire.
  2. Finish at least 12 good books.
  3. Complete 1 solid hour of homework during the day (when needed) before starting less necessary activities.
  4. Write down events and meetings in my planner and check it in the morning so nothing is forgotten.
  5. Intentionally track and record income and spending. This includes making a budget, not splurging often, and planning trips to the store.
  6. Have accountability meetings weekly.

Writing

  1. Submit an average of 4 posts/month to Live Action News (about one/week).
  2. Post an average of at least one non-link-up article a week.
  3. Continue brainstorming book ideas.
  4. “Give people a reason for my hope” by exploring deeper topics in my writing.
  5. Share an update on goals at the beginning of each month.

Media Usage

  1. Allow myself to check emails up to 3 times/day.
  2. Allow myself to check Facebook 1 time/day.
  3. Remember to ask for prayer intentions every Sunday.
  4. Share inspiring quotes and positive news, not so much on negative stuff.
  5. Go one day each week completely technology free (unless homework requires it).

Exercise

  1. Complete at least 2 5k’s.
  2. Get my 5k time under 30 minutes.
  3. Schedule time to work out 5 times/week.
  4. Research and consider participating in a triathalon.

Prayer/Spiritual Life

  1. Schedule 30 minutes/day for silent prayer or journaling.
  2. Read daily readings over breakfast each morning.
  3. Print examen to reflect on each evening.
  4. Say the litany of humility more often, and consciously work on putting others before myself.
  5. Spend at least 3 hours/week in adoration.
  6. Go to confession 1 time each month.

That’s a wrap. Who knows what this year will bring, but I have a feeling there are great things in store. Each month I’ll share where I am with you, and I’d love to hear about what your goals are for the year. I’m so excited to share this year with you!

If you have any suggestions or questions, fire away. May your year be filled with adventures and joy as God writes our stories. I look forward to being here more often to share my thoughts with you and create a conversation and community or sorts as we work on becoming the people God made us to be.

To Life,

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Looking back, pushing forward: Goodbye, 2014!

~ Laura ~ Leave a comment

Ah, the end of the year – time to reflect on the past and look ahead!

2014 was a good year full of growing. I have learned so much, lived a lot, gotten to know some incredible people, and generally enjoyed becoming more fully who God created me to be. It’s too much to put into one post, so read on for a recap of sorts summarized in 12 of my favorite pictures from the year. Find more photo summaries over at Dwija’s!

January

I talked about why I marched for life, thanked difficult people, and challenged people with 10 ways to put our beliefs into action after marching.

February

Did you know it’s possible to toast bread using a hairdryer? Apparently it is. Because that’s what I did in February. I also participated in a blog everyday sort of challenge, apologized to feminists for missing out on the awesomeness of babies, gave you my laundry detergent recipe, and shared a lesson learned the hard way which starts with “Once upon a time I was in that blasted macroeconomics class . . .”

March

Excuse me for a moment if I become a Catholic fangirl talking about Mother Teresa, but I love her so much. Leading a mission trip serving the poor over spring break was an incredibly moving experience.

April

Springtime! I shared 5 things 21st century ladies need to hear, and reflected on why I have hope around Easter.

May

As sophomore year ended, I brought my teenage years to a close, shared what the year taught me, gave a shout out to graduating people, and celebrated the first wedding in my immediate family. It was a busy and joy-filled month!

June

This month found me berry picking with the family, working a lot, and talking about getting to heaven, adoration, and the “not everyone is beautiful” articles going around.

July

Summer at it’s finest, this month saw by far the highest traffic around these parts. I enjoyed family time (not pictured for privacy), and wrote about: girls who like boy things aren’t necessarily transgender, encountering the messy beauty of children, and why I’m Catholic.

P.S. Bonus picture of the last day of work!

August

This month saw the beginning of a new chapter: junior year! I talked about life lately including my trip to the D.C. area for training as part of the Wilberforce Leadership Fellowship, did some research on embryonic stem cell research, and got pretty honest about changing my approach.

September

College adventures continued with the Tsunami 1.0 of Elizabeth Hall which took place precisely in my shower when it decided to flood half our suite in a matter of minutes. I talked about how the time is now, and kicking September’s behind. It was a pretty epic month proving to myself what I am capable of.

October

I lost my voice for one day. Then I talked about conquering things by choice, and suffering.

November

Getting up early reminds me to put a spring in my step and smile because life is beautiful! This picture was after working out early in the morning, which I continued. I went on an adventure to Colorado for Thanksgiving and talked about the world losing something beautiful, and being a big ol’ bossy pants.

December

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There are so many festive pictures from this month, but they will have to remain in your imagination and my computer because I’m not comfortable sharing family pictures here. Instead, take a look at what I wrote on sometimes failing, a quick hello, and the awesomeness of almighty God packed into an itty-bitty Jesus.

It’s time to put a wrap on 2014, and ring in the glory of another year of life we’ve been gifted with. It’s been a fabulous year, full of lots of things I’ve shared and not shared. This blog has been a place to share my thoughts and process things all while creating a community of sorts with you. And for that I am thankful.

Join me in ringing in the new year with some resolutions goals for greatness! I’m not a resolution person, but goals are an important way of checking where I am in life. So I’m creating a master plan for greatness in 2015. Check back soon for what I plan to do so we can challenge each other to rise to the occasion. And may your end of 2014 be filled with celebration of another year of a life well lived.

To Life,

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Q & A: Hello There!

~ Laura ~ 3 Comments

Getting back into this blogging thing, I figured it would fun to get to know each other a little more. Then Bek nominated me to answer these questions, so viola! Here’s everything  you never needed to know. Just like those notes that used to go around on Facebook.

1. Four names people call me other than Laura:

– Lala

– Lals

– Pancake

– The Radio

2. Four jobs that I’ve had: 

– Contributor at Live Action News

– Business Analyst for a medical pregnancy center

– Babysitter extraordinaire

– Spreader of smiles at my campus mailroom (Who doesn’t like getting mail?)

3. Four movies that I have watched more than once:

– The Passion

– High School Musical

– Princess Diaries

– The Blind Side

4. Four places I’ve lived:

– California

– Kansas

– Florida

– Since those are the only states I’ve lived in, I guess you’ll have to count a family vacation to Hawaii as another place I’ve “lived”, even though it was a short time.

5. Four places I’ve visited:

– Hawaii (Ha! Now it counts.)

– D.C.

– Colorado Springs

– Grand Canyon

6. Four places I would rather be right now:

– Reading a book on a hammock on a tropical beach

– Getting to know people better on a cozy couch by a fireplace

– Cooking up something

– Babysitting little kids

7. Four things I won’t eat:

– Escargot

– Pig feet

– Fish eyeballs

– Super spicy peppers

8. Four of my favorite foods:

– Chinese Chicken Salad (family recipe!)

– Avocados

– Homemade soups

– Fresh, homemade bread

9. Four tv shows I watch:

Well, since I’m not a fan of following tv shows, here are some I’ve watched in the past.

– The Sing Off

– Biggest Loser (a long time ago, it’s gotten lame since then)

Aaaand now I’m drawing a blank.

10. Four things I am looking forward to this year:

– Being done with finals

– Coming home!

– Spending time with family

– Ignoring the internet once I get home

11. Four expressions I always use:

– Dagnabit

– Oh my gosh

– “To Life” (in my signature)

– ??? I can’t think of anything I use frequently enough to go here.

12. Four people I’m asking to participate in this Q & A:

– The four people who read this. Ha! Must mean you. Comment with your answers or post them on your blog. Ready? Go!

To Life,

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7 Quick Takes – Vol. 57: Coffee, mentors, and advent

~ Laura ~ 1 Comment

— 1 —

Hello world! There hasn’t been much going on here lately because finals.

And papers. And coffee.

— 2 — 

But I am slowly coming back! This semester, while it has not been incredibly challenging academically, has been a time of growth for sure. I’ll share more once finals are over! I’ve gotten back to writing for Live Action News with two articles: one about birth control, and an open letter to abortion clinic clients. Would love to hear your thoughts on them!

— 3 —

Have you been hearing about the CIA torture report? I haven’t read the source document (525 pages . . .) but have been reading about it a lot. People have differing opinions on it, some of which are disturbing to me, but here’s a great report from the USCCB on the topic. I don’t know enough about it to tell you exactly the points that are important to know, but I do know that if we respect life, we should respect ALL life. Also, why do we call it “enhanced interrogation techniques” now?

— 4 —

Need a lighter topic? Check out these Christmas picture outtakes!

— 5 —

Something cool going on this semester? Continuing being part of the Wilberforce Leadership Fellowship! Being mentored by Peggy (President of Heartbeat International) has been such a valuable experience for me, and I’ve learned a lot from her. I’ll have to share more on that! Many of us in the program had a video call last week, which was also lots of fun.

— 6 —

Feeling festive? Here’s a beautiful Christmas video!

— 7 —

And for my last take, a question: how is your advent going? Do you have traditions for the season? Do share! Here’s a post I wrote on advent the other day. It’s about Jesus as our king, coming as a baby. Enjoy! And let’s chat about your advent!

For more Quick Takes, visit Kelly!