{Top Five} Friday

Here's that post that was supposed to post this morning...but I'm not complaining, at least it wasn't lost forever!

Well, I'm off marching in my cap and gown in an adult pretend game of Hogwarts, hoping I don't trip (it is Friday the 13th, afterall).

So, I leave you with my

{Top Five} Things I Learned From College:

1. Judging People is a Waste of Time. 

You have no idea what they've come from and what they're dealing with.

I attribute this knowledge to my major/related elective classes (Family and Human Development+Sociology) and the opportunity I had to make acquaintances with an array of people I normally wouldn't have interacted with. That's what college does--mixes you in with people from all walks of life; It's pretty amazing like that.

2. High School Drama Doesn't Matter.

I loved high school. I had the greatest friends ever, and I will always look back at it with fondness, but along with the joys of High School seem to come the catty girls you thought you'd loath forever more.

 Turns out, after high school, you never really think about it again, and you realize none of it really mattered.

3. College Goes by Insanely Fast.

Make sure to take it all in. 

Sign up for those crazy classes you might not need, but will make you a more interesting person. 

College opens up so many opportunities you may never have access to again. Take advantage of it! 

My favorite classes were my crazy ones--Argentine Tango, Acting, Ballet, and Costuming. Sure, I probably could have graduated early had I skipped out on those, but what's the rush?!

4. Critical Thinking is Critical in Life.

"If there's only one thing you learn in my class this semester, may it be to think critically." 

If you go to university, you may have heard this from more than one of your professors--it seemed to be the main goal at mine, and for good reason. Growing up we're taught to fall in line, and we tend to accept whatever we see, hear, or read, but in a world where anyone can write anything, we've got to learn to question things and find out truth for ourselves. I've always felt like a good critical thinker, but college has refined that skill in me and I hold that it as one of my most prized.

5. Rate My Professor is a Lifesaver & University Bookstores Rip You Off.

There are few things worse than having to spend an entire semester with a horribly {mean, obnoxious, boring} professor, when you don't absolutely have to. So check out what other's have to say about them before you sign up for a class. The professor makes a huge difference, and thanks to this handy dandy website, I had so many amazing ones!

If you're lazy and/or rich, then you should buy your books at the University Bookstore. Otherwise, you should buy/rent your books online. I can't tell you how much money I saved using a website called BIGWORDS. It searches all the textbook sellers online and shows you their prices. Then you get to choose the best deal. This semester alone I saved around $230.

Do you like how I slipped two into number 5? I make my own rules 'round these parts...

The way my mind works and how I see and interact with people has completely transformed (for the better, I think) thanks to my time at ASU and I'm seriously so grateful I did it!

Now, feel free to send me flowers, and gifts, and direct deposits--I'll even accept a cruise if you so desire...;)

p.s. I was featured over here this week. I'd love it if you'd go an see.

Sundevil.

I had a lovely post all written out about my {Top Five} Things I Learned and Loved about College, but stinkin' blogger has been having some serious issues for the past for days and the scheduled draft is gone...

(are they ever coming back???)

Maybe later I'll re-write it.

Until then, I'm going to lounge around in my new ASU maroon welovecolors leggings--which happen to be the best leggings ever! 

Mmm, I may just be living in these for the next few days...

Here are pictures from graduation:

Commencement Night:

dotted tights c/o We Love Colors

Ladies and Gentlemen, you are witnessing pure, genuine magic right there. 

I would simply tap my foot, and **Vwalah**, my robe would appear! It really kept the crowds entertained.

Until the fireworks show caught a nearby mountain on fire--then my attentive crowds were lost...Crazy night.

Found out I graduated Summa Cum Laude.

Which basically just makes me feel cool, because, um, did you read that title outloud? 

It's just cool.

Turns out moving your tassel from the right to the left after your degree is conferred upon you feels pretty awesome. I love traditions like that.

Convocation Morning:

I woke up to the most awesomely decorated car ever! 

My big sister wasn't able to come to the ceremony, but she showed her support via car art. It was amazing. and yes, that does say 'chizarts.'

This dress was my mom's in the 80s. 

I'm in love with it, and it happens to be one of my school colors.

So, naturally, it was my graduation dress of choice.

It was a great last few days. I feel so good--and I strongly endorse graduating! :)

A-S-U,

A-S-U!

Scenes from the AZ Weekend

I finally made one.

A hex-nut bracelet that is.

When I got these salt and pepper shakers c/o Modcloth, I died a little bit.

Took a stroll around my old stomping grounds.

Man, I miss this place. I seriously loved ASU Tempe campus!

Picked up my grad tassels :)

My mom had a serious 80s silk flower problem in the house. Once she left for her mission, I took care of the problem. If you're in the market, you can find them at the DI.

Marcus got back from the Ranch. I was seriously so excited to see him again. 

I'm pretty sure he was too.

Date night with Stel and Leis.

Sushi Ave.=My favorite sushi place in AZ.

I'd recommend the Crunch California.

 Somebody asked me why I never wear my wedding ring. 

I do. Everyday. 

This is my wedding ring. It was custom made. I didn't want a stone. I couldn't love it more than I do.

 My newest nephew, Levi, can't really decide if he's a baby or an old man. 

Oooo I love him!

Ma Nielson made this cake for Easter Dinner. Could it be any more lovely?

I hope your weekend was lovely and your Easter more than refreshing!

{Tunes} on Tuesday

Today I am in the library. 

I opened my e-mail to find out that I completely spaced an Advanced Marriage and Family Exam that was due this weekend.

 If you didn't already realize this, 
that is very bad for my grade. 


My big brother once told me that while he was dating his now-wife he got the worst grades of his life; once he married her, his fate changed and straight A's filled his report card.


I was wondering why this was not the case for me. 
I used to be a straight A student,
 for 3 years I saw nothing but A+, A- and just plain old A on my grade sheet. 
Then, my last year of college, I got married.
 Now I am getting...well not A's. 


I blame it on the extra laundry. 
Or perhaps the fact that playing house is way more interesting to me than 
Technology and Society or Women and Health. 
Sorry, ASU, but it is.


So, while I mourn the downward spiral of my GPA and intend to pay closer attention to future "Due Dates"
I am comforted in knowing that I am learning. A lot. 
...maybe they're just not the things ASU thinks are important. 


So, here is a song I like to listen to. 
It gets my mind off my forgotten test.
 Enjoy.

If I Give You A Dollar Will You Get Something To Eat, 
My Skinny Friend?


Do You Think {Tunes} on Tuesday 
is a Good Idea?


Have You Entered the Giveaway Yet?

Oh, Deer!

Today I was supposed to be reading two very extensive chapters about Technology, Science & Society and then writing an insightful and opinionated discussion post on whether technology affects/controls how our society progresses or society controls how technology affects us. Gripping, I know. Instead I did this:

Isn't my bedspread darling?

I'm sure the discussion board would have been truly stimulating and yet, I'm almost positive I enjoyed listening to Whitney Houston (The Guardian Soundtrack) and painting kindly creatures found in my backyard even more.


In other news, my dad's surgery went "perfectly." He is very sore, but doing well.


May your day be glorious and your weekend even better. Go do something creative--it feels good!