It's that time of the semester again...

Midterms.

Ew.

That's all for now.

Cleaner Closet, Happier Self

Yesterday I began going through my closet and clearing things out. It was pretty insane how many things I had that I literally hadn't worn in a couple of years. I did one sweep and started feeling good, but knew that I could give up more things. So, I did another sweep and now my closet and mind are feeling a lot less cluttered.

All of the things left in my closet are things that I a) REALLY like b) actually wear and c) actually fit properly. It was really tough to give up some things. I put a lot of sentimental value in clothing and have always loved clothes. However, I'm training myself to focus of quality instead of quantity. I can have fewer items of clothing and still be just as stylish and "Alison". I don't have to spend all of my extra money on cheap clothes at Forever 21 that don't fit properly and will stretch out after three wears.

Goodness, I think I'm growing up!

This is just one step to living a more simple life. I can already tell that it's making a difference.

RPTS 201, Teaching me more than expected

My RPTS 201 class, Intro to Parks and Leisure, is a gift from God. I was supposed to take the class last spring, but it didn't fit into my schedule. Last semester it didn't work out either due to time conflicts. Both of those semesters the professor for the class was deemed "horrible" by students. It was a class that I was dreading because of all of the bad press!

However, things changed when the class was turned over to a new professor. The class is exactly what I need in my life right now. We have readings for every class and I actually look forward to them! The class is focused on us learning to ENJOY life through leisure and recreation, the consequences of living a hurried and overworked life, and the benefits or relaaaaaaxing.

Gosh, it's refreshing.

I just read this article from the New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/08/business/08consume.html?_r=1) and sent it to Jon. I really want to work on simplifying my life and possessions. I've had an addiction to clothes as long as I can remember. It has also been something that I've dealt with, the overflowing dresser, the stuffed closet, the mountain of shoes... but, do I really need ALL of that?

I'm beginning to realize that I don't.

This summer I will be studying abroad in China for ten weeks. I think that this will be a great learning experience for me in so many ways. Besides the obvious (Mandarin language, Chinese culture and customs, etc.), I see myself learning how to live simply. I can't take all of my clothes to China... or shoes... or accessories. I will have to live with what I can fit in my suitcase and carry-on.

I'm smiling now just thinking about the adventure ahead.