Galentine's Day

Happy Tuesday!

I'm finally finished with both tests I had this week.. phew! All I've been doing the last few days is studying, so I'm allowing myself to take a break (but only for a couple hours, of course). 

Something I'm looking forward to this week (besides a break from nonstop studying) is Galentine's Day. My closest girlfriends (hence "Galentine's") and I are having brunch on Saturday morning, complete with all kinds of yummy food. I've been designated the caffeinator, what with me owning an espresso machine and all. Plus, Nordstrom inspired me to paint my own nails like this!

Wishing everyone a great week and Valentine's Day!

Gina

Running Playlist

After hitting the gym consistently for the last 3 weeks, I'm so amazed with the strides (literally) I've made in my lifestyle to get healthy and prepare for a half-marathon.

I've mentioned this previously, but I've never been a runner. I used to despise running. But now, something inside of me has changed and I actually look forward to running. There are so many advantages to it: it's a chance to clear your mind, pump your body with endorphins, and catch up on the latest tunes.

Is it even possible to run without a good playlist?! I doubt it... so here are my favorite songs on my iPod shuffle when I run!

Sugar -- Maroon 5

Hurts Like Heaven -- Coldplay

The Walker -- Fitz and the Tantrums

Uptown Funk -- Bruno Mars

Bounce With Me -- Kreesha Turner

Give A Little More -- Maroon 5

1983 -- Neon Trees

1901 -- Phoenix

King of Anything -- Sara Bareilles

Giving Up The Gun -- Vampire Weekend

Keep Your Head -- The Ting Tings

Sail Into The Sun -- Gentlemen Hall

Any songs I must add to my playlist? I'd love some recommendations!

Gina

Snow Day

Classes were delayed this morning (the second time this week!) so I've allowed myself an extra hour to get ready, eat breakfast, and watch the snow fall. Oh, and blog of course!

My morning routine always involves making myself a cappuccino. After studying abroad in Italy, I came back hooked not only on caffeine, but on the rich taste of a cappuccino. Regular coffee just doesn't do it for me; I need my espresso!

So, the DeLonghi semi-automatic espresso machine came into my life.

I really don't know what I would do without this lil' buddy each morning. It took a little getting used to, but now I know exactly how to tamp and froth (thank you, YouTube videos)!

I use Lavazza Crema e Gusto, which goes perfectly in my Lavazza cappuccino cups I splurged on at Eataly during my internship in New York.

Well, now that I've finished my cappuccino, it's time for me to get off to the library (oh homework...), but I'm definitely hoping the skies clear up so we can have another beautiful Omaha day like this one!

Gina

Book Review: The Giver

After finishing "The Giver" last week, I immediately wanted to march into my middle school and tell them what a mistake they made not having us read it!

Disclaimer: I have not seen the movie, so going into this book, I really had no idea what to expect.

A quick preview:

Jonas lives in a society that strives for its people to live a life of no fear, pain, or worry. At a special ceremony, 12-year-old Jonas is chosen to be the future Receiver, one of the most revered jobs in his community. But as he spends more time with The Giver, Jonas learns things that change him forever.

I'm a sucker for a good plot, so I can pretty much read any book and enjoy it. However, this book contained a philosophical component that I couldn't get over. Maybe the philosophy class I'm currently in inspired me, but while reading I kept thinking about Aristotle and his belief in accepting an intelligent superhuman to save society from our flaws (I swear Lowry must have known about those beliefs Aristotle held).

While there are many dystopian novels out there, this one takes a unique perspective on the concept. Instead of the main character trying to "save" his/her society, Lowry's character learns about the community he lives in and how it became like that. He only takes action at the very end, but his decisions don't exactly affect everyone else.

I've only ever heard great things about this novel, and I'm so glad I read it! Even though middle school children are reading this throughout the country, I believe adults can actually get more out of "The Giver" and understand the philosophical aspects beyond the plot.

Gina

P.S. I'm already 100 pages through "The Book Thief" and have really enjoyed the unique writing style; I can't wait to get further into Liesel's adventures! (Again, haven't seen this movie either)

Changing Your View on a Class You Dislike

We are officially 2.5 weeks into school here at Creighton and the first round of exams is approaching (say it isn't so!). By now, I have developed certain expectations for the six classes I'm taking this semester. The subject material ranges widely, from reading the works of great poets like Plato and Aristotle in philosophy to observing animals in my animal behavior lab.

But, there's always that one class you really dislike. 

All my friends could clearly tell you which class this semester I truly dislike. I complain about it all the time. There's too much work, the teacher grades to hard, the class doesn't interest me, etc etc (honestly, I could continue on).

I've found myself in a pretty negative mood recently, and I honestly think the class is the reason.

So how do I get myself out of this funk? Here are some tips I've come up with to try and get me through the class with a more positive outlook!

***

Understand there's a reason this class is a requirement for my major.

As a biology course, this class is at the core of the field. And while I'm interested in other topics within biology, I know that the point of my major isn't to focus in on one aspect of biology. I'm supposed to come away with a degree and a diverse background in the field.

Stay on top of readings and study a little every day.

Doing this will make the course seem less daunting and less work if I'm staying on track and devoting an hour or two to the class a few times each week.

Feel confident; this is one of my last upper level biology courses, while it's the first for most in the class!

Everyone always dreads this class. But most students who take it are sophomores. I'm a senior and have a lot more background not only in biology, but also in knowing how to study for an upper level course.

Do you have any other tips or words of encouragement to push me through? I'd love to hear them!

Gina

Half-Marathon Update!

Originally, my dad and I were planning on running a half-marathon in Liverpool. Since our plans have changed a little, we will instead be running it...

... on the Isle of Skye in Scotland!

The course is quite hilly (as you can probably imagine from the picture), but boasts some of the best views of the Scottish countryside.

Here's a picture of the town that the race starts and ends in.

Now I just have to get through this semester... and train I guess ;)

Gina

Training Progress

I've officially been training for my half-marathon for a week! Managing to stick to a schedule has been a huge plus. Not only am I learning to make more time to run, but it's become a lot more enjoyable and I seem to be able to run 3 miles pretty easily now.

While I'm not one of those people with a ton of cool or nice workout gear, I do value my Mizuno running shoes. They're extra comfortable, and I've been a big fan of Mizuno brand anything from all my years of playing volleyball!

Mine are an older version of these and are turquoise and purple (two of my favorite colors!).

This weekend was so busy that all I want to do tonight is exactly what this French bulldog is doing below...

Wishing everyone a great week!

Gina