One of the themes in Disney’s movie “The Haunted Mansion” revolved around the idea that nothing takes just twenty minutes to complete. We’ve only been back in school for a week, and, looking at the schedule, things don’t appear to be terrible. I, for one, am lucky enough to have the ultimate luxury of only having class four days a week. Yes, you read that correctly – I don’t have to be on campus on Fridays. This weekend, because of the MLK holiday, I had four days off. After just getting back in to the swing of school, I was looking forward to having a relatively-relaxing weekend. I thought that this weekend would be a breath of fresh air after the hectic return to school, studying, and homework.
Needless to say, I was wrong. It literally took me seven hours to read through the material for Molecular Techniques Lab, and it took me umpteen hours to read through my biochemistry textbook and work through the corresponding problems. It seems as though Christmas break – which, for me, was full of relaxation, working at the Science Center, and catching up on missed television and movies – is a far-off memory instead of an occurrence that took place a mere week ago.
Even so, I’m happy to say that I’m looking forward to my classes because I think they will really prepare me for what I want to do with my life, which is laboratory research. In Molecular Techniques Lab, I will learn the basis behind some of the most prominent techniques used in research today, and biochemistry will strengthen my understanding of the reactions that make those techniques possible. Add in physics (which essentially explains the universe), evolution (which explains why life is how it is), and neuroanatomy (which is just cool in general), and I think I’ll have a fun – albeit challenging, demanding, and just plain stressful – semester.
So what did I learn from this weekend? In addition to learning in-depth information about chromosomal inheritance, genetic pedigree analyses, and the pH scale, I learned that Eddie Murphy’s character’s kids were correct – we should never say, “Twenty minutes tops.”
Tagged as:
Biochemistry,
Biology,
Christmas Break,
Molecular Techniques Lab
The first semester of the school year is almost over! I can hardly believe it, partly because I have too many tests and projects to complete in the next week and a half. I’m not sure if it’s even possible to do as much as I have to, but I’m sure every other college student feels this same way this time of year. I’m not going to complain. I’m just going to buckle down and get it done because after all the tests and projects are finished it’s Christmas break!
I am so looking forward to this break. Getting so much time off can be somewhat of a bad thing because after a month of being out of school I find myself not wanting to go back, but other than that Christmas break is wonderful! I will be spending some time on campus and some time back at home this break. The Griffin Girls do not rest, and are continuing to practice throughout break so I will be experiencing some of the holiday season at Fontbonne. I am excited to be home and spend quality time with my family, friends, and others I have not really seen since the school year began. I will be spoiling my cats with cat treats daily, making sure they receive lots of love because I absolutely adore them!
Christmas is my favorite time of year. I cannot wait to get a tree to decorate and do all that Christmas shopping I have yet to start! I love the cold, and hope that we do see some snow this season. Snow on Christmas is delightful. I have a positive outlook on this holiday season, and I hope it does not disappoint!
Wishing you a Happy Holidays (and luck finishing this semester)!
Until next time…
Tagged as:
cats,
Christmas Break,
Family and Friends,
Final Projects,
Griffin Girls,
Happy Holidays
Well, now that Thanksgiving is behind us, it’s time to focus our attention on the most important part of December. It may be a bit stressful to think about, but if you’re well prepared it won’t be a problem. The main thing is to go in with a game plan, stay positive, and don’t be afraid if things require a little bit of compromise and flexibility. Whether you love it or hate it, it’s time for…… CHRISTMAS SHOPPING!! (And Final Exams, which the prior advice is also applicable to.)
So how does the president of the Environmental Club approach Christmas gifting? Two ways: 1. Secondhand, and 2. Handmade.
First of all, you would be surprised at the gems you can find at the antique store or thrift shop. Beautiful jewelry (much cheaper than the mall, too!), vases, figurines, lovely containers, clothing, furniture, dishes – and it’s all unique and one of a kind. Check out the mall first, if you must, but then head down to your nearest secondhand shop (there are some great antique stores on Big Bend, by the way) and see how the selection compares! I love to buy secondhand things for myself, too, because it’s an easy way to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle!
My other gift of choice is something handmade. In the past I’ve made soup mixes, granola, body scrubs, candles, baking kits, blankets – the list goes on. And if you think you have to be super crafty to make this stuff, you’re wrong. Anyone who has a Pinterest account knows that there is a abundance of ideas out there to take advantage of, and most things won’t break your budget, either! Plus, you can take the care to know exactly what’s in your gifts – no weird chemicals or artificial ingredients. Giving someone a handmade gift shows that you care enough to spend a little extra time on them – and sometimes a little extra time is what people appreciate most. Happy Holidays!!
Tagged as:
Antique stores,
Christmas Break,
DIY gifts,
Gift-giving,
handmade,
Secondhand
