I have so much work to do between now and Thanksgiving break. My workload is making me feel really anxious and stressed out. I'm trying to take everything day by day, and it helps to map what I need to do even hour by hour. It makes my workload seem less daunting. I also find that leaving sticky notes on my desk for what I have to do this week makes my workload manageable.

I bought my first Christmas tree a few days ago, and I set it up in my room today, next to my giant reindeer that wears a vest that counts down the days until Christmas. I know it's a little early to set them up, but the holidays always make me feel better, and I'm really excited that they're just around the corner. I love being able to spend time with my family and loved ones during the holidays, and curling up in front of the tv, watching a movie while sipping hot chocolate. I also love when it snows. I find it to be really relaxing, just watching the snow drift down.

I'm trying to stay mindful and present during this time of the semester. Although I'm stressed, I find myself to be coping with it better. I have a lot of work to do, but I know that I can get it all done!

This week and next are two of the most stressful weeks of this semester (apart from finals week, of course). Although we're a little more thank halfway through this semester, I'm taking a really important midterm tomorrow and I have a psych test next week. I always get really anxious about taking tests because I never feel as though as I am prepared enough, even though I spend days preparing for them. I just have to learn to let things go, because even as badly as I think I'll do, I usually never end up getting less than a B. Sometimes it's just really hard for me to let things go, but I'm trying to be more optimistic about schoolwork

This semester, I've been much less stressed than normal. My eczema, which would have normally flared up by now, has not inflamed my hands, causing painful cuts. This semester, however, I find myself to be coping with my workload better than normal. Before, I would always be upset by getting anything lower than an A or A-, but this semester, I've been trying to put things in perspective. Even if I get a lower grade than I would like, I am still doing well in all of my classes. I am trying to live in the moment more and trying to enjoy my last year of college. 

When I was home over fall break, I took a walk at the reservoir after some sort of race, and there was chalk writing inscribed on the asphalt. They were inspirational things written to motivate the runners to finish the race, but I found it to motivate me as well. Phrases like "love your body" and "I believe in you!" were scrawled on the pavement in large font. It motivated me to enjoy my surroundings more. Those phrases were inspirational in that they motivated the passerby to notice and appreciate things that they might have previously taken for granted. I know that I take a lot of things for granted, that I normally don't have to worry about. But it's important to take a few minutes out of your day to just be mindful and appreciative of the moment and all that you can be thankful for. For example, I'm thankful for my family, my girlfriend, my friends, my dogs and my good health. I am doing the best I can with what I've been given, and that's all I can do! As my mom always says, "try your best, and forget the rest!"

Last month, I decided to volunteer at the Humane Society once a week nearby my school and it has been a really great experience. I'm a dog walker, so I get to spend two hours on Friday's playing with them in the enclosed areas outside or hiking with them in the woody areas behind their building. I've met a lot of great dogs and cats while at the Humane, but since I'm there only once a week, I always see new faces. Animals get adopted quickly there, and it's really great for the animals, but I've formed bonds with some of the dogs, and it's difficult to see them leave. I already have two great dogs of my own, but I wish I could take my favorite dogs at the Humane home, too! This week, I fell in love with Chancey, a 7 month old boxer mix who, despite his 40 pound frame, thinks he is a lap-dog, and tries to sit on me every chance he could get. It's just really relaxing to be able to spend time outdoors, because I'm usually cooped up at school, with great animals. Animals are a great way to relieve stress and since I can't go home as often as I would like, it allows me a chance to play with some dogs