Wednesday, September 21, 2011

empo livin'

The Math Empo is one of my favorite places at Virginia Tech, as lame as that sounds. You can accomplish so many things at one time! Not only do you have a HUGE desk to spread out and complete your work, you can also visit O-Pass to get a delicious Bubble Tea, you can find your friends at the Empo and take a "social break" as I like to call it, and you can get your work done - all at the same time! You can also have two computers, your laptop and the huge Mac at each desk, which is amazing.

Oh, the Empo - what a place.

Here's to another night, this one is currently being spent at 2C1, quality.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

jumping back on the blogging train

I have fell off the blogging train - I admit it. But there is one thing that I can do, and that is hop right back on again and continue to discuss my day-to-day life of my last year of college...scary.

I remember when I started this blog, I guess it was my sophomore year during winter break and I wanted something fun to do, so I started a blog. At first it was just a little thing here and there when I had something fun to say, but then it became this sort of comfort blanket when I needed it. I was trying to figure out what I would most likely be blogging about in the next few months and here is what I came up with:

1. Homecoming. I am on homecoming court this year alongside some absolutely wonderful people and could NOT be more excited! I want to have a great time surrounded by my friends and peers and have the time of my life, one that I will look back on in 20 years and think "Gosh, I don't remember ever having that great of a time in college!" - so that is my goal.

2. The GRE. The dreaded graduate school entrance exam that any student wishing to apply to graduate school needs to take. I am taking it on October 8 in Roanoke, so I am constantly tweeting/FB status updating/stressing about that.

3. Applying to Grad School. Oh applications, how I love them (but really I do). Although when it comes to Grad school applications, I am dreading them. I am excited about grad school and ready for a change/something new, but part of me just wants to put the applications off as long as I possibly can.

So those are the three most exciting things going on in my life at this moment. Besides going to class, working at the Collegiate Times, continuing work as Hokie Effect Director, and random other activities, grad school and homecoming will be my life for a while.

Stay tuned, bloggies. There is more to come!

For now,
Kelsey

Monday, August 1, 2011

good people have three things in life

After a few months of discovering something new about myself on a weekly basis, to losing someone I will never love so much again, to regaining my strength and picking up the pieces, I have learned this: that good people have three solid things in life.

1. Good people have people who love them, and if you are so fortunate enough, you have enough to make up lots and lots of time in your day.
2. Good people have health, happiness and another day to look forward to knowing that they can overcome obstacles.
and 3. Good people have something to look forward to. They have joyous people who love them, surroundings that are breathtaking, family who loves them, and their independence and individuality that makes them who they are.

That is what good people have. And you who are reading this, whoever you are, are a good person, I just know it. Remember how important each day is, and that every person is fighting their own battle in some way shape or form, even if they put on a happy face and wear a bow in their hair, deep down, the struggle, the hurt is there.

So be kind, be forgiving, and most of all, show others that you love them and will always be there for them.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

summer in the country

*(I haven't blogged in several months...so here we go.)

The difference between summer 2010 and summer 2011 could not be more distinct. I spent summer 2010 as an independent Washington D.C. intern, living the life I had always dreamed about. I loved every single second of my internship and never wanted to leave - I cried on my way home after my last day, that is how much I was in love with the city and everything it had to offer.

Summer 2011 is a very different beast. Working three jobs in Blacksburg, living without the chaos that school brings, and having a limited, but still great, social circle, creates a completely different atmosphere than D.C. Last summer my concerns ranged from making sure I didn't get stuck on the metro in any way that would lead me to be late for work all the way to making sure I always completed my tasks at work for the day. This summer my biggest concern is if I will get a parking spot in the Squires lot at 9 a.m. when I go into work. The difference is huge, and it isn't a good or bad different, it is just different.

This summer is a different kind of independent than last summer was, which is interesting. I like it most of the time, but others I definitely don't - so we will see how this lasts.

I have been looking/applying/searching for jobs over the past month, which I know is ridiculous and it is way too early to be doing so - but honestly, I don't care what anyone says. I want to feel the security of already applying to jobs and knowing that my resume is out there, so that is what I'm doing.

Honestly, if I could graduate right now, get a job in D.C. and move somewhere like Arlington, I would. I would miss the comfort of Tech, all of my friends, etc., but I would do it. I am ready for the "real world" and I cannot wait to see what the next chapter of my life brings.

Anyway, back to the present. My summer has so far consisted of the following: getting a library card at the public library, joining a gym that the locals go to, crafting, buying nail polish, working, laying outside, etc. So far so good, no complaints.

Here's to summer 2011, wherever you all might be, enjoy it, soak in each moment.

Sunday, April 3, 2011

39 days

39 days until summer. It is right around the corner and is a bittersweet feeling. I love what the school year brings and what it represents to me, but at the same time, I wish I had a little more time to work on the essentials like sleep, the gym, etc., but that will come soon enough.

I am currently sitting in the Empo, a semi-usual event for me, listening to Pandora, writing this while I should be studying for my Public Advocacy test. I am taking a break and sitting by myself, alone, at a time, just doing what I need to do. I am a total introvert, and sometimes I forget that and force myself to be around people at all times. Then I get upset and uncomfortable and cannot figure out why - which happened yesterday evening. It was lots of people, for a long time, and all I really needed was a break.

I plan on lots of time tomorrow to just sit and do my homework. Maybe I just need a day by myself. I don't know if other people ever need that, but sometimes I just do. Tomorrow also starts the compassion diet, which I have started today so that I can end on Friday instead of Saturday. Rice and beans for the next 4 days it is! Today is was very difficult, but I have a feeling that it will get easier with the people around me who went to Nicaragua. I have already had several questions about why I am doing it, and I love that.

Back to studying. There are my random thoughts of the night. I hope your night is productive and relaxing, as we all need a chance to keep calm and live our life.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

60 things to make your life better


1.     Don’t try to read other people’s minds.  Don’t make other people try to read yours.  Communicate.

2.     Be polite, but don’t try to be friends with everyone around you.  Instead, spend time nurturing your relationships with the people who matter most to you.
3.     Your health is your life, keep up with it.  Get an annual physical check-up.
4.     Live below your means.  Don’t buy stuff you don’t need.  Always sleep on big purchases.  Create a budget and savings plan and stick to both of them.
5.     Get enough sleep every night.  An exhausted mind is rarely productive.
6.      Get up 30 minutes earlier so you don’t have to rush around like a mad man.  That 30 minutes will help you avoid speeding tickets, tardiness, and other unnecessary headaches.
7.     Get off your high horse, talk it out, shake hands or hug, and move on.
8.     Don’t waste your time on jealously.  The only person you’re competing against is yourself.
9.     Surround yourself with people who fill your gaps.  Let them do the stuff they’re better at so you can do the stuff you’re better at.
10.   Organize your living space and working space. 
11.   Get rid of stuff you don’t use.
12.   Ask someone if you aren’t sure.
13.   Spend a little time now learning a time-saving trick or shortcut that you can use over and over again in the future.
14.   Don’t try to please everyone.  Just do what you know is right.
15.   Don’t drink alcohol or consume recreational drugs when you’re mad or sad.  Take a jog instead.
16.   Be sure to pay your bills on time.
17.   Fill up your gas tank on the way home, not in the morning when you’re in a hurry.
18.   Use technology to automate tasks.
19.   Handle important two-minute tasks immediately.
20.   Relocate closer to your place of employment.
21.   Don’t steal.
22.   Always be honest with yourself and others.
23.   Say “I love you” to your loved ones as often as possible.
24.   Single-task.  Do one thing at a time and give it all you got.
25.   Finish one project before you start another.
26.   Be yourself.
27.   When traveling, pack light.  Don’t bring it unless you absolutely must.
28.   Clean up after yourself.  Don’t put it off until later.
29.   Learn to cook, and cook.
30.   Make a weekly (healthy) menu, and shop for only the items you need.
31.   Consider buying and cooking food in bulk.  If you make a large portion of something on Sunday, you can eat leftovers several times during the week without spending more time cooking.
32.   Stay out of other people’s drama.  And don’t needlessly create your own.
33.   Buy things with cash.
34.   Maintain your car, home, and other personal belongings you rely on.
35.   Smile often, even to complete strangers.
36.   If you hate doing it, stop it.
37.   Treat everyone with the same level of respect you would give to your grandfather and the same level of patience you would have with your baby brother.
38.   Apologize when you should.
39.   Write things down.
40.   Be curious.  Don’t be scared to learn something new.
41.   Explore new ideas and opportunities often.
42.   Don’t be shy.  Network with people.  Meet new people.
43.   Don’t worry too much about what other people think about you.
44.   Spend time with nice people who are smart, driven, and likeminded.
45.   Don’t text and drive.  Don’t drink and drive.
46.   Drink water when you’re thirsty.
47.   Don’t eat when you’re bored.  Eat when you’re hungry.
48.   Exercise every day. 
49.   Let go of things you can’t change.  Concentrate on things you can.
50.   Find hard work you actually enjoy doing.
51.   Realize that the harder you work, the luckier you will become.
52.   Follow your heart.  Don’t waste your life fulfilling someone else’s dreams and desires.
53.   Set priorities for yourself and act accordingly.
54.   Take it slow and add up all your small victories.
55.   However good or bad a situation is now, it will change.  Accept this simple fact.
56.   Excel at what you do.  Otherwise you’ll just frustrate yourself.
57.   Mature, but don’t grow up too fast.
58.   Realize that you’re never quite as right as you think you are.
59.   Build something or do something that makes you proud.
60.   Make mistakes, learn from them, laugh about them, and move along.

Saturday, March 12, 2011

life-changing moments

Today it has been exactly two months since I last blogged. I always wonder why I never do - but then I seem to get distracted by something else, someone else, some meeting, or the fact that I am too tired to sit and write all of my thoughts out.

I have been journaling religiously for the past week while I was in Nicaragua on a missions trip through the Virginia Tech Nicaraguan Orphan Fund over our spring break. I didn't want to spend my time on a cruise, or sitting on a beach or at home - I wanted to spend my week in a third world country where the people have nothing to give except love and many lessons to teach us.

There is no easy way to sum up the trip, but this is what I will say:
It was a trip that opened my eyes to what really matters in life - the people who love you, the food you have to eat, and a warm bed to sleep in. The simple things in life are the best things. If you trust in Him, you will be provided with all that you need....and that is what I learned from the children in Nicaragua. Be kind, be happy, be true to Him and yourself, love your family and you will be the richest person in the world.



Wednesday, January 12, 2011

I am in love...

...with Kappa Kappa Gamma and the ladies of Zeta Mu.

Yes bloggies - it is Recruitment season! I thought I loved these ladies so much already, but my goodness in these short three days (with many more to come!) I have gotten to know my sisters on a more personal and deeper level, and could not think of a better group of women to call my sisters.

I am not going to describe why or how this has happened - because honestly, I don't know, but this is what I do know:

1. I 100%, completely, whole heartedly am in the chapter I am meant to be
2. I have more in common with all of my sisters than I ever imagined possible
3. I literally get along with everyone...how is that even possible? Trust me - somehow it is
4. I am so glad I have another two wonderful years as an active
5. I love every sister for a certain reason, and I would list all of those out - I really would - but that would take SUCH a long time hah


"Oh the owl, they key, the fluer-de-lis, the blue and blue well that's for me..."
LOVE KAPPA.

Saturday, January 8, 2011

back to school: january 2011

I am finally back in Blacksburg. Don't get me wrong, I really do enjoy being home, but there is something about the feeling of Blacksburg that has yet to be beat.

It might be the people, or just the familiarity, the comfort of Blacksburg, I'm not sure. But I do know, that I am so glad to be back.

Here is what I am looking forward to:
-Two weeks with my favorite Kappas
-A new semester of classes
-80 new sisters
-Finding my LITTLE!
-Roommates coming back
-Ring Dance, Formals, Date Party, etc.
-A new outlook

I love the idea of a new year, a new semester, a fresh start to make of it whatever I want. That is what I am looking forward to the most.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

what i know

Have you ever thought about what you really know about yourself? Well, this summer, on June 21 to be exact, I made a little list, here it is:

I read or write whenever I have the chance, sing at the top of my lungs when I drive alone, analyze everything and overplan. I admire people's habits and learn from them, as well as apply those observations to my own life; I understand what it takes to be a good friend, as well as accept good friendship; I want to succeed, I have a drive, a need, to succeed; I criticize myself too often. Sometimes I need to just calm down and take a minute to breathe. I cannot wait to start a career, get married, settle down, and have children. I am neither a dog nor cat person, I love both equally. I think my Grandpa is the best thing since sliced bread. I love fresh vegetables from my mom's garden. I could watch "The Holiday" a million times and never get tired of it.

I can honestly say that none of those qualities/habits have changed. Ever since I wrote that list, I have been making notes here and there, attempting to come up with a more accurate, more descriptive list, and here is what I, Kelsey Heiter, think, right now at 10:30 p.m. on January 4, 2011:

I crack my knuckles before I write anything serious; I go completely silent when I am truly upset; My life, for the most part, is planned out and organized, but my room is always messy; I love bows, the bigger the better; I am afraid to complain too much or show too many emotions; I love, love, love emails; I am afraid of being alone for too long; Old couples who hold hands melt my heart; I cannot help but stare at babies because they are so cute; I am embarrassed when people sing to/at/around me; I am learning to love myself more than I ever have; I have a dream of living in a big house with a wrap around front porch; I don't like salmon; I love the sound of rain.

That is what I am thinking, right here and now as I type this. What do you know about yourself blogosphere?



-k

days like these

Today has been on of those days where you sit and think Oh my goodness, isn't this nice, I can do whatever I would like to today...and so I did.

Here is what I have done (so far) today:

-Woke up around 8:15 a.m.
-Ate a waffle and an apple, while watching Millionaire Matchmaker on the couch, my cat Benson joining me
-Showering, getting ready and venturing out
-Bank to deposit and cash Christmas money/checks
-J.Crew for some retail therapy (I bought a new pair of jeans, which may be my favorite item to shop for, and a cute cardigan)
-Belk for new makeup and jewelry, because I can never have enough makeup and jewelry for some reason
-Tropical Smoothie to get an Island Fever smoothie, my favorite, which I drank a majority of on the way home singing to "Fergalicious" or whatever that song is called...and various songs by Lady Antebellum
-Put on some music, put on my new clothes, felt satisfied and took the tags off
-Got dressed to go the the gym, where I spent two and a half hours working out/talking to people. Now normally I am not one to talk at the gym, I actually really dislike doing that, but today I was in the mood to, and so was everyone I talked to, so it all worked out
-Now I am here writing this. I am going to shower, once again, get dressed and then my Dad and I are going out to get sushi for dinner! It is our last night father/daughter dinner because my Mom gets back from Italy tomorrow so we are back to being a complete family for two days, until I leave on Saturday...


I hope everyone has had a good day, and takes a day in the future to have a day to yourself, doing whatever you like, whenever you like.

-k