Thanksgiving Thoughts

I’m thankful for break and a chance to come home for the first time in 4 months. But saying it was a break, doesn’t necessarily mean it was relaxing.

We did all of the traditional things:

• Woke up and had a grand breakfast.
• Watched the parade.
• Started some cooking.
• Watched the football game. Go Lions!
• Finished the cooking
• Set the table
• Eat our Thanksgiving Meal.
• Sleep.
• Eat desert.
• Watch a movie, and Ender’s Game was a good one to pick.
• Fall asleep and start a new day.

Being together with the family is fun though even on a tight schedule. The best part for me is how it takes my mind off things that are happening directly in my life back at school.

The best way I can relieve stress is by focusing on other tasks, and my task of choice is playing games. Playing Scrabble with my family is always a great time and for some reason this year just seemed so much better than most. We played my first day back and are still referring to jokes and words played 2 days later. I even got the boys to play a game of Pictionary, and the better yet, a few rounds of Taboo.

This gave me the bright idea that I should assign mandatory game nights in my apartment next year with my roommates and other competitors. Unfortunately, this reminded me of my new apartment, bringing me back to reality.

How am I going to rearrange my room with a bigger bed? Which reminds me that I need to buy or build a bed frame, and outside of my room we need dishes for the kitchen and maybe to invest in a sofa, and definitely a television. Which then brings me to Black Friday shopping and how I should maybe try to find real deals, not just misleading advertisements. Bringing me to the conclusion that I can’t because I’m broke. A broke college kid… a college kid going into finals week, and the assignments I’m running out of time to finish.  Which brings me back to the age old question of what the heck I’m going to even end up choosing as my career, so Nichole, feel free to stop thinking at anytime.

Oh boy. Did I mention yet that I have a lot of little things running through my head, and I am having trouble trying not to feel stressed.

Thanksgiving was nice to remind me of what I have and motivate me to keep making strides in the right direction for it will be time to return to those commitments again soon.

P.S. All suggestions welcome.

Find Your Dreams and Follow Them

Watching people give everything they have to achieve their dreams is the most amazing thing. To have that kind of drive to commit every day and every moment to one goal, to have the talent to make it possible and the vision to know what you desire is rare. Most of the time these stories and accomplishments are just witnessed by me through television or articles and a lot of the time, from YouTube clips.

Last year though, I met the most inspiring man I will probably ever come across. I continue to look up to him for his dedication and his consistently positive attitude. After not seeing him for a few months, I was finally able to visit him at a swim meet.

We met by chance at school through some mutual friends. His football career was cut short by an unfortunate injury and left him with much free time to reevaluate his life, which he was no longer content with. He was a born athlete, good at pretty much every sport and loved to stay active. Since his knee was the spot of his injury he wasn’t left much hope for playing sports at a college level any longer so he kept in shape by swimming laps at the pool.

I often joked with him about the rigorous routine he put himself through, by choice, as we sat and watched multiple movies together, since I craved the life of relaxation outside of season. The more I learned about his love for superhero movies and Batman, the more realistic his dream of swimming at the Olympics seemed to me. For now, he is currently working to continue to improve his times and swim for a college.

Granted he had only began swimming a few weeks prior, but the way he talked, it all seemed so real and possible. He changed my outlook on every challenge and task I came across. For awhile anything seemed possible and the future seemed so full of opportunities and wonderful experiences. Having that attitude last spring is the reason I believe that we all can make our own happiness, because that was the happiest I have ever been.

He left school to go back home, join a team and pursue his dreams. I was the last one to say good bye to him and we both teared up a little, one of us a little more than the other. We talked about all of the fun times we had in such a short period of time of knowing each other, and I told him to never give up and he told me to never change. Little did he know, he has changed me.

I stayed back at school, went home for the summer and worked at a movie theater, just waiting to return to my regular college routine. Unfortunately, I have since then forgot what he had told me over the last few months. It’s the end of the semester and I don’t know if its the pressure of upcoming finals, or boredom of being stuck in my room for so long, but I regret wasting so much time sitting on my bed in between classes and dinners. After soccer ended, I find myself getting caught up in some drama and lying around watching TV too much when I could be doing things that actually matter, activities that I’m passionate about.

Seeing him again has reminded me to stay motivated and actively pursuing dreams, even the smallest ones. Which is exactly what I’ve been needed.  I really need to work on not letting myself lose this attitude a second time.

It might have been a few years since I’ve watched this movie and the clip might be a little cheesy, but I love it and Hillary Duff.

Friends Come First

I love meeting new people and hearing about their experiences. I don’t know if it’s because my life can be quite boring at times, but any chance I get to hear a good, original story I’m there. I’m not one to say no to an adventure, or just any invitation out that I receive, even if I’m exhausted or have homework to do, you can count on me being there.

Not because I have that silly scared to miss out syndrome – FOMO, or whatever the kids are calling it these days, but because I genuinely enjoy experiencing new things and have conversations constantly about ideas and possibilities.

The only drawback with meeting new people, to make room, its less time you get to spend with your older friends, and that can be sad. It’s a careful balance between not hurting feelings and maintaining healthy relationships. The perfect friendship is one that no matter how much time has passed, you feel like you haven’t missed a minute.

I’ve found a few of these people at my time in college and cherish every minute with them.

With good people and good conversation, going to the same restaurant every Saturday can be an enjoyable time. Especially with a diverse group of friends, I always learn something new or get an interesting take. I love having my own thoughts and opinions challenged.

Just the other night I sat on a futon with 6 other people in the room for 3 hours, no TV or music, just us hanging out. We talked about things from card games to food to the benefits and drawbacks of recycling and what type of options there are for changing the voices on a pronunciation website. We found ourselves on that because we were debating on the proper way to pronounce the word turbine.

They are my Ferris Family and I couldn’t imagine a day here without seeing any of them. When I go home for break I miss them more than anything. They are the ones I call after any little insignificant thing happens in my life. Even the guys chip in on how I should paint my nails for the upcoming week. I can truly be myself around them, and they are the type of friends that when I take a step back I know they are who I have to keep in my life. 

Caught in the CrossFit

I signed up for CrossFit tonight. Go me! It’s hard. I have respect for anyone that does CrossFit on the regular and at a high level. I was sweating and exhausted.

My first workout is below for anyone who wants to give it a try but may be too scared or nervous to make a commitment quite yet.

Warm Up

• 400 meter run
• 30 second rest
• 5 push ups
• 10 sit ups
• 15 air squats

3 Reps

Bench Press

• 70% max – 5 reps
• 80% max – 5 reps
• 90% max – as many reps as you can

Stretch while you aren’t benching (make sure there is a spotter still!)

Cardio

• 1500 meter rowing
• 600 meter run
• 75 double jump rope
• 75 push up (hands up)
• 60 burpees

In any order, even split them up, just finish as fast as you can.

Abs (with a partner)

• 30 yard wheelbarrows, switch halfway
• 40 bicycles
• 20 leg throws, switching from side to side.
• 50 penguins, shoulders up and feet together.

3 Reps

Cool Down 

• 400 meter slow jog
• Stretch well and slow

GOOD LUCK!!

Trick or Meet

I’m a holiday lover. Birthdays, Christmas, and of course Halloween.

All the talk about Halloween at my age is costumes. Seriously, I think I started hearing costume ideas around August. The weekend after Halloween is like the weekend after Homecoming for high schoolers. Just instead of looking at who has the best style and spent the most time getting ready its who is the most creative with the smallest budget.

Quickly to cover the best three I saw:

The annoying piece of gum stuck to the bottom of your shoe: A girl wearing a pink tank, tu-tu, and knee high socks with a shoe attached to the top of her head.

A beaten pinata: A black dress with colorful tissue paper and candy glued on. Black eye make up to match.

Where’s Waldo: Now this isn’t creative or new, but I loved it because at one point there were seven of them in one room, it was overwhelming but hilarious.

Personally, I chose to be a One Direction fan or a fourth grader and it was up to the viewer to decide. I had my 1D shirt on with a nice pleaded tan skirt, high socks, light up shoes, and a back pack. I was also passing out kool-aid (the good ones with twisty tops) to whomever asked.

But to the more important issue of the holiday, a time where people gather and make connections. Now regardless if its for the love of candy or partying it still works just the same.

I met some crazy cool cats last night, not actually dressed like cats.

I met a girl who had a 1D fan twitter account with 15,000 followers, which for me was a huge deal.

A young man and “friend” who my friends and I convinced looked good together and seemed like they really had something between them. Later we saw them making out inside Taco Bell. It was love.

At one point when we were walking I had to use the bathroom so I knocked on a door. When I left I was given a box of unopened store bought cookies. They were delicious and made me a huge hit back at my friends party.

Hopefully everyone’s Halloween experience was full of mystery and surprise like mine! HAPPY HALLOWEEN

All-American’t

This isn’t me bragging, this is me celebrating a great season so far.

For a quick recap of my season last year, I made two starts and tallied 3 goals and 4 assists total, playing 724 minutes. This year however, I’ve already gotten 10 goals and 5 assists, with 13 out of 13 starts playing a total of 1014 minutes. Crazy different and it’s not even the end of season.

The exciting part of this, outside of my progress, is the recognition I am getting. Today I was awarded with being the league’s offensive player of the week. On top of that I am also leading the league in points. Even though this is something that most liking won’t last it’s a statistic I will be proud of forever. It’s remarkable that in one year so much can change with hard work and good team chemistry.

This is the best I’ve ever played and I couldn’t ask for a better team to be playing for. 

The part that I didn’t expect from improving as a player is the pressure. In the past, I would go into a game hoping to score. Now I find myself stepping into the wrong mindset that I should score or have to or need to, because it’s expected. I am more frequently worried about my finishing, and shot percentage. I’m worried about next season and how it will compare, and even the rest of this season for that matter.

Fortunately I have a great support system to keep me grounded and focused. My friends know just how to take all the pressure and attention by joking with me about being an All-American, and calling me Nigoal, and Nichaldo. By making fun of the numerous congratulations I receive and obnoxious stats being thrown in my face, it really brings me back to why I decided to play soccer: to have fun, be a part of a good team, and continuing playing the sport I love. And as for the season is going for me? It’s the best bonus I could ask for.

S/O to baby Josh Hutcherson, grew up to be pretty attractive.

Perks of Being Me

It’s almost my birthday! WHOOOOOO

To celebrate, here are 19 things that I have learned in the past year about myself to mark my yearly growth:

1) I have become a Directioner.. hard core fan in love with Niall Horan

2) I’ve learned to long board

3) I’m more outgoing and can adequately make friends now.

4) I am a more confident soccer player, which benefits me and the team.

5) I learned about the strike 3, still run rule in baseball

6) I’ve learned the importance of weekends.

7) I’ve learned how to keep a long distance relationship.

8) I finally like ketchup… however, I still hate cheese.

9) I could re-paint my nails everyday and have developed a feeling of nakedness if my nails aren’t decorated.

10) The movie Perks of Being a Wallflower has found a special place in my heart.

11) I’m obsessed with baseball/trucker hats.

12) I’m broke now that I don’t have my mom and open house money in my back pocket.

13) I’m monotone and my college friends think I’m mean sometimes.

14) I’ve learned what a good noodie (no hoodie aka a crew neck) can do for you, comfort-wise.

15) I’m killer at cards and if anyone ever wants to play euchre I’ll be there.

16) Childish Gambino and Pentatonix are definitely worth the listen.

17) I will never be able to brag about my speech abilities.

18) I love nicknames and when my friends pronounce the CH in Nichole when getting my attention.

19) No one but me and a select few people will even care about this list.

 

Cheers to the Weekend

I am a scheduling genius. Yes I will take all credit. Today marks the day that my semester just got a whole lot easier.

My Tuesday and Thursday class is over so my weekend starts on Wednesdays. I now have a two day school week and a five day weekend, which for living on campus I think is pretty good.

I’m accepting the fact that the rest of my life schedules are going to seem awful compared to this fall, especially after I graduate and have a real job. Oops, oh well, I’m going to enjoy it well I can ! I don’t know how my future is going to turn out and if college is going to turn out the way I want, none of us do. So I’m going to take this time to make college count.

I spent the first day of my weekend laying in the hall looking at the ceiling playing music out loud with my roommate. Being in the dorms, I understand this is weird. But hey, we are in college and that’s what is awesome, pretty much everything goes. It was actually a very relaxing moment when Royals by Lorde started playing, one of my latest obsessions.

Guess what though?!  Some random kid actually came and laid down next to us and recommended some more songs to play. This continued until about seven of us were laying down. Maybe the number kept growing because people could no longer pass and had no choice. Still, I’m going to stick with we were all just listening to music on a Thursday night enjoying one another’s company. It was a beautiful moment. Then we got hungry, went to eat together and became real friends.

So in the first few innings when the Tigers were still tied I had made five new friends. That’s what I would call a pretty successful night. Happy weekend. 🙂

Freshmen at their Finest

This morning I was really feeling my music walking back from class (Hoodie Allen). I was busy concentrating on not making it too obvious that I wanted to start dancing like crazy. I still had about 12 more minutes of walking and was hoping this mood would last since it was a bit chilly.

Just to make the morning a little better when I came to a cross-walk one of my friends was stopped at the stop sign, he waved me in a drove me back to the dorms, which was out of his way. We don’t really talk much and haven’t hung out more than once outside of class, yet he still went out of his way to drop me off.

It’s the little things like this when you see the true character of a person. He was telling me how excited he was to be home and take a nap for like the next four hours, but he was nice enough to take a couple more minutes out of his day. He didn’t have to, I wasn’t expecting it, and I wouldn’t have given it a second thought if I just waved hello as I walked in front of his car.

It’s a good feeling realizing that people can be nice and surprise you by going above and beyond what is expected, not conforming to social standards of sticking to the everyday schedule.

It more amazing when this is seen on a large scale with people I read an article posted on mlive.com about a few students at my high school that was retweeted. Apparently the freshmen class voted two special education students prince and princess. The couple was already planning on going to the dance as best friends, the girl has a high-level form of Down syndrome and the young man has Fragile X. I find this really heartwarming because when I went there, my senior year there was a student from band and a girl that was not the thinnest, and many students were against voting for them because they didn’t “deserve” it. So not only does this show a change in attitude for high school students, even just one, it break the classic stereotype represented in movies and television shows disproving the overwhelming effect of media on young teens.

By voting for this couple the crowning went to two people who would really appreciate and cherish the honor. It wasn’t the two most popular students in the school or the prettiest. Two kids that might often feel left out or excluded they can now smile about the proven level acceptance from the rest of their class.

When it’s no longer a story for the news, that’s when we have made real progress.

Making My Dreams Come True

You know what would be cool? If I could just feel like this all the time

However, today I spend six hours on a bus, not only is that boring in itself, I was headed to Ohio… so yeah.

I can’t say I’ve had a bad day but it’s just really unfortunate that there are only so many days and they can’t all be exhilarating.  I guess if I really wanted I could have just gone somewhere and done something else if I really didn’t want to spend my day on the bus. But I’m not one to ever live life that way.

I need my schedule. And I most definitely need people to at least pretend they care about sticking to it. Insider tip – a pet peeve of mine is when people show up to a scheduled event late… even if it is just for something simple like a lunch date on a lazy afternoon.

Since being in college I do believe I have really learned to enjoy life more.  It’s crazy how different people are in actions and beliefs, and even as low in diversity as my school, it is impossible to ignore.

Just the other day, a young man came over to my lunch table and just sat down! I found out moments later his name was Colton and he had previously met some of the guys we were sitting with at a party once.

He quickly introduced himself, learned and rehearsed our names followed by a compliment; mine was pertaining to how I was wearing my hair that day. He spent the rest of the lunch with all eyes on him, he was full of stories and like no one I had ever met before. I don’t know how often I will see him or if I will ever have the opportunity to have lunch with him again.

During that lunch I was in awe at how natural he seemed. He mentioned that he was sitting alone when he spotted us and felt like having conversation so he just came over! Barely knew anyone, yet he didn’t like his current situation so he changed it.

I am jealous of him for that and someday hope to have that confidence to make my own happiness, no matter how big or little of a situation.

All I can do for now is look at this bus trip and be positive. Maybe it wasn’t the most exciting way to spend my Thursday but I got caught up on my assignments and one heck of a weekend to look forward to so I can definitely say I’m well rested.

Especially if I am going to make the bus ride home a little more like this…