{First Day of School photo, as promised. This isn’t what I wore; I forgot to take the photo that morning before work, so this photo was taken after class and about a twelve-hour day.}
It’s been over a week since I last posted. I’m sure you’re all dying to know how I’m doing.
In a word? Exhausted.
This week, I managed to follow everything on my schedule. Except I didn’t cook last night. And I missed not only one, but two workouts. I stayed up until 2am two nights in a row, and haven’t gone to bed before midnight any night this week. This is the first time I’ve blogged all week.
So…yeah.
But I’m still learning and adjusting. I’m realizing just how much I am doing, and am trying to focus on that, instead of all I’m not getting done. The grades I’ve gotten back have been really good. I’m loving the material I’m reading and the things I’m learning in my classes. I feel that I’ve been given an amazing opportunity to go back to school and I don’t want to take it for granted or not enjoy it, even if I feel like I’m perpetually half asleep.
Caffeine is basically what is keeping me alive right now. Go Girl was kind enough to send me a can of each of their flavors, of which I have consumed 2 during the aforementioned 2am nights. I am hoarding them away for emergencies, but can’t wait to try the other flavors. I have a feeling I will be ordering more in the future!
My mom decided that the best gift she could give me at this point was a brand new coffee pot. Since I haven’t been a coffee drinker until recently, we owned a French Press, but not a coffee pot. Now, the first thing I do in the morning when I stumble, bleary-eyed, into the kitchen, is turn on this baby. A hot cup of coffee with a little fat-free caramel vanilla creamer works wonders when I’m tired and cranky. Emphasis on the cranky.
My mom also bought me some school supplies, because IS THERE ANYTHING BETTER THAN NEW SCHOOL SUPPLIES? Also, is it wrong to be 25 and in graduate school and for your mother to still be buying your school supplies? Because if it is, I don’t wanna be right.
So there’s a peek into my life right now. Really full, really caffeinated…much like this cup of coffee I’m sipping guzzling right now. I’m ready for a weekend of sweatpants + studying, lots of coffee, and possibly some sleeping in. Monday will be the start of a new week, which means another chance to get everything on my schedule accomplished.
And even if I don’t, I’ll still be okay. As long as I have my coffee. Just give me my coffee.
Comments on An update on the life of a (very caffeinated) grad student.
From Molly:
<3
From Erin @ The Speckled Palate:
I think it’s super sweet that your mom got you school supplies! I’d be excited about that, too.
And while it sounds like it’s been a whirlwind of a start, I hope the caffeine is getting you through!
From Liz:
I love that you are digging Go Girls. My favourite is the Pom Blueberry and of course the original. But I’ll drink them all any day. <3 you.
From Liz:
ps; 17th Grade hahahahaha
From Mandy:
Lauren
I wanted to encourage you on your journey! I just recently finished my masters in counseling and after 2 years and 60 graduate hours I am finished. It flew by and I remember that my fist semester was the most challenging. It will get better and I’m sure you will do quite well!! Good luck in your journey!
From Sarah:
Aren’t you so happy we have a little coffee maker in the office, too? I think you’re doing great – just stay HYDRATED!
From Randi:
Lady! I’m so proud of you :) Two things; one- don’t worry so much about getting everything done just because it’s on a to-do list. Do what you can do and breathe- you got this! Two: for a special treat try the new CoffeeMate Bliss coffee creamer- it’s all natural and not fat free, but it’s really so dreamy and it’s a lovely indulgence! :) Oh and a third thing…..I have an unhealthy love for school supplies. My friend David just went back to school and I asked him if I could go pick out his school supplies. He said no.
From Marlena:
Love that you’re in 17th grade! I have a question though…I kind-of am back in 14th grade though I’ve completed 18th grade. So REALLY, what grade am I in? 16th, part two or 19th? This grown up math is really tough!
Also, nice highlighters! I may have bought pink and purple 1″ binders the other day…because they did not sell those colors when I was in high school. They only sold navy blue and black (blech) – the colors of bruises. This is probably why high school was rough. We needed more color in our lives.
From Meg:
One of the many reasons I am going to grad school to become a teacher is that my love of school supplies isn’t frowned upon. In fact, these people share my lust for THE PERFECT PEN. How it smoothly writes according to my scrawl…. *drool.
You should see my desk. It’s scary.
From Heather:
Sounds fun!! Just think all this lack of sleep is preparing you for when you become a mommy someday. You think you’re tired now? GAaaaa Bahahaha! Ok. I’ll pick myself up from the floor now.
Seriously enjoy this wonderful time in your life!!
From Abigail @ Skywaitress:
Ha, 17th grade. That’s awesome. Things will get easier eventually, just keep doing what you’re doing and focusing on how much you’re getting done.
From CookinwVictoria:
No there is nothing better than receiving a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils from someone. :) It is a-okay that your sweet mother bought you school supplies, that is very sweet and I am sure Joe Fox and Kathleen Kelly would be very happy! :) There is nothing better than receiving a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils from someone. :)
From Honeycutt:
haha, you’re 25. i’ll be there in a year.
also: are go-girls the new four loko?