Going Insane, Going Maaaad

Today's post title is brought to you by the musical RENT!

I am so tired of sitting around my apartment, just trying to come up with something to pass the time (yesterday I honestly spent all day watching The Big Bang Theory. How exciting.)

All of my friends are either working or travelling, so I'm basically all on my own for the moment. Which I do not like one bit.

I hate being alone. Yes, I like my alone time, but I like my alone time to be brief, like those 20 minutes right before bed; not eternal. I love to be around people, so when I'm not I get a little stir-crazy.

I'm already caught up on Game of Thrones, I've finished 2 (almost 3) books, my apartment is (almost) spotless, and every time I try and go to the pool it's insanely crowded; What am I to do?

I would take a walk around Charlotte, but...what fun is that alone? If I had my puppy, I could walk him but sadly, he's with my parents (maybe I'll steal him way when I visit this weekend!)

So I'm just sitting in my apartment, trying to figure out ways to entertain myself, and I have to say: it is a lot more difficult than I initially anticipated.

So help a girl out!!

Does anyone have any tips for what to do when you're bored? Anything will help, honestly.
I'm going to go insane if I don't find some way to occupy my time soon!!

Dream Life

I don't know about you, but Carly over at The College Prepster basically lives my dream life.

I mean a perfect job, an adorable apartment, and an even more adorable dog? (I mean, LOOK AT HIM!)
Definitely living my dream.

Her whole life just inspires me, really.

If I could up and move to New York right now, I definitely would.
If only I had money. Or a job. You know, those silly things.

But that is certainly in my life plan.
I honestly don't plan on staying in SC for more than 5 years (if I even have to stay that long)
I'm hoping to build some experience in my field, save some money, and then make my way to the Big Apple.
It'll be sad to move away from my family and friends, but I also can't wait for the possible opportunities.

It's always been my dream to move to New York (and perform on Broadway, but that one is a little less likely) and seeing someone who has actually made it happen is so exciting for me.
And it gives me hope!

I know I'm not ready to move quite yet, but I dream every day and night about the day that I one day make my dream move to the big city!

If anyone has any tips for moving the NYC or preparing to do so, I would greatly appreciate it!

Passing the Time

I actually went running today, guys!
Since I've planning on starting that for, y'know, 4 days, I'm really proud of myself for actually getting out there and doing it today.

And, okay, I didn't actually get out to run, really. It was raining again, so I journeyed over to the complex gym and hopped on a treadmill. (Let's not even talk about the interesting characters that I encountered)

And if I'm being completely honest, I didn't run the whole time.
Like I mentioned in my well woman post, I downloaded the Couch-to-5k app, and I did the first day's workout today. Basically, I walked for 5 minutes and then alternated between running and walking for 20 minutes.
Which means I exercised for 25 minutes today! Woo! Slowly making my way to being almost healthy. Almost.

And tomorrow I'm going to the Riverwalk with one of my friends to run (walk) some more!
We're both pretty out of shape, so we know neither one of us will feel inferior during our run (walk) haha

And River Walk is so beautiful.
It's an "outdoor community" that recently opened--and by recently, I mean like a year ago--but I haven't actually had a chance to go!
My roommate has taken her dog there and talks about how great it is, so I cannot wait to go tomorrow!

I'm probably going to try and take tons of pictures, so I'll have those to show you. Pictures of the beautiful scenery of course, not my friend and me; I don't want to scare you away with my post-workout redface.

Post-Grad Stress

It is driving my absolutely crazy.

I'm in the awkward limbo between graduating and finding a job and I am about to die of anxiety and boredom!
I hate being bored, so I've been having to find things to entertain myself.
Well, maybe it's more things to occupy my time rather than to entertain myself.
Yesterday I actually reorganized my bathroom.
I mean WHAT?
It's a bathroom, what could I possibly reorganize? Apparently ever single item in every single drawer and cabinet. Which I did.

And let's not even talk about how many hours I spend worrying about the fact that I don't have a job yet.
I never had any issues getting an internship, so now the fact that none of the places I've applied are calling me back is really freaking me out.

But I just need to realize that there are a lot of potential employees on the market right now and that when the perfect job for my current situation comes along, it'll well...come along.

But that doesn't help deal with my seemingly eternal boredom!
My go-to time waster is to go to IKEA or Concord Mills, and my wallet really doesn't appreciate it--especially since I'm currently unemployed! I need to worry about saving for my future rent, not spending for my current wants! It's just so hard when I don't know how else to spend my time.

I've been trying to get into some new hobbies, but those cost money too!
So basically, I'm just trying to occupy myself in my apartment with books and television which, honestly, is not very thrilling, but it's working. For now!
I'm just a little afraid about what's going to happen when I run out of books to read and shows to watch!

I've actually been thinking maybe I'll start taking strolls around my university or even Charlotte (kind of inspired by all of Carly's beautiful pictures from her walks that she posts up on The College Prepster.)
I mean, I'm not in New York City, but I'm sure I could make some great finds!

What do you think? I'm thinking casual strolls through the city might actually entertain me more than organizing my bathroom.

Change of Plans

Okay, so I still didn't get to go to the pool today.

It is nice and clear, but it's only 65 degrees. That is entirely too cold to be laying out by the pool, if you ask me. I'm actually a little chilly in the outfit I picked out today.

What's with the stank face?

Prime example of why you should check the weather before leaving your apartment, ladies!

So instead of the pool, I'm spending time at my favorite cafe/bakery!!

It's called Amelie's and I used to have to go all the way to NoDa in Charlotte to enjoy my favorite treat, but just this past December they built one near my university and, in turn, near my apartment! It's an adorable little "French Bakery" with a fabulous atmosphere. I haven't been to France in about 8 years, so I couldn't tell you how accurate it is--but it's so good!

This is good and bad--good for indulging my sweet tooth; bad for my wallet.

I almost always get the same thing: Chocolate Petit Gateaux. It's a delicious little chocolate cake with chocolate ganache. Mmmmm.
This time I paired it with an iced lavender mocha, which is probably the most delicious coffee I've ever had in my life. And I love coffee, so that's pretty impressive. The hot version is also delicious, but the iced one seemed a bit "springier" to me! This was my first time trying it iced, and it was most definitely a success. I will be getting it again!

So, I'm sitting at this adorable little table with my delicious treat and working on my blog, reading, and looking into some jobs!

It's not an afternoon by the pool, but it's still a great way to unwind on a Friday afternoon. 

If you ever stop by Rock Hill or Charlotte, you just have to visit Amelie's. 

Rain, Rain, Go Away

It's raining.
And it has been all. Day. Long.

Now, I'm not usually one to bash the rain. A rainy day is the perfect opportunity to curl up and read a good book or catch up on some of my shows (I'm 3 episodes behind on Game of Thrones!)

But I had so much I had planned to do outside today, and I didn't get to do any of it because there was a storm! And let's not even talk about the power outage. Life gets especially difficult when the only light you have to read by is a tiny little book-light and that is dying.

Thankfully, the power came back on before I lost my sanity. (And before my book-light died!)

But I'm still upset at all of the things I missed. I was supposed to start my plan to become a "well woman" today! I was supposed to run (ahem, walk) a mile! And I, my friends, am certainly not doing that while there is thunder and lightning outside. It's enough of a struggle to get me to run when the weather is clear.
I've been trying to figure out an indoor activity to do today instead, but I haven't found anything that really suits me yet.

And the pool.

I didn't get to go to the pool! The pool at my apartment just opened for the summer this past weekend, but I haven't been able to go because of graduation, Mother's Day, interviews, cleaning, etc, etc. And now because of the rain.

Yes, curling up reading a book on my bed is nice.
But reading a book while laying out by the pool so much better.
Not that I would know, since the lovely storm ruined my plans.

I spent all day lounging around, reading a book (Shopaholic Takes Manhattan, if you're wondering) and playing QuizUp on my bed.

I am an ADULT. That is not how I should be spending my time on a rainy day!! 

(In all honesty, I should be working. But I have two interviews coming up, so hopefully that'll be remedied quickly!)

I should be lounging by the pool, enjoying my mindless novel and sipping something fruity while I try and develop some sort of tan.

See that white blanket on my bed? Yeah, it might be darker than I am right now. It's that bad.

Tomorrow the weather is supposed to be nice a clear, with just a few clouds, so hopefully I'll just be able to enjoy myself tomorrow.
And I have an interview tomorrow morning, so already I'm excited!

I'll enjoy a nice run (walk) in the morning, go to my interview, treat myself to lunch, and then spend the rest of the day (or until I feel myself turning in Sebastian) by the pool! Sounds perfect.

Be a "Well Woman"

In case you haven't heard, this week is the National Women's Health Week!

It's almost over, but it's never too late to make a pledge to yourself to become healthier!

I myself have pledged 2 things:

1. Pay attention to my mental health
2. Get active

I hope to pay more attention to my mental health by getting more sleep and by trying to better manage my stress. 

The sleep one is probably going to be especially difficult for me, since I've got moderate insomnia and usually only get about 4.5 hours a night. Sleeping more is going to really throw off my schedule. But that should, in the end, help with the managing stress thing!

I'm also going to be constantly reminding myself that I cannot possible do everything and that is okay. I'm going to make a manageable to do list and if, somehow it does not get done, I will remind myself that it is not the end of the world!

As for the get active part, that's going to be quite a struggle. I'm not going to lie to you: I'm pretty lazy. I used to do at least 10 minutes of blogilates every morning, but it's been a while. And I tried to running thing, but I'm not really a fan.

But I'm going to try it again (okay, maybe I'm going to try walking first.)

I've downloaded the Couch-to-5k app from RunDouble, I have my alarm set for my usual 5am, and I am more motivated than ever! 

I want to look good in my bikini for my cruise in July (Eeek, so excited!) and so I'd like to lose at least 5 pounds. I have 2 months and some determination, so I know that I can DO THIS! 

And the two pledges/goals will apparently help each other out, too!

I've been told that getting regular exercise actual reduces stress levels AND can help you sleep better, so I'm excited! And sleeping obviously helps build energy for exercise, so there's that.

Let's just say that I am super excited about these pledges I've made and the changes I am making in my life! I can't wait to see what I can do and the person I can become. 

Has anyone else made a pledge for Women's Health Week? Or just a general goal you've set for yourself? I'd love to hear about it, and it would be absolutely fabulous to get some inspiration!!