Let's Talk About Retirement

 Well, I'm officially one week into my speech retirement. As I had imagined, I finally have had some relaxation time. I've been able to spend time getting my life back in order piece by piece. I've had the chance to spend time with friends on the weekend, go to the Bradley 125 Gala with my BFF, and even watch TV for the first time in months (Love is Blind was so crazy this season)! However, being gone for so long with speech means I have a lot of responsibilities waiting for me. 

Making Up School Work 

    To be totally honest, I have been completely overwhelmed by homework and makeup assignments, but I'm knocking them out one at a time. My best advice for anyone who finds themselves in need of an academic comeback - find a coffee shop or place that isn't your home and go sit there for hours. Make a checklist with all the tasks you need to get done on it and just take them one by one. Even if you start with all the easy tasks, that's okay, at least something is getting done! Give yourself grace and breaks. Some of my friends like the Pomodoro Method (work for 30 minutes, break for 5 minutes). However, for me, I just need a well-lit coffee shop (Zion in Peoria is my fav) and I kick it into gear. 

Housework 

    Now to be real, real with you - I am terrible about unpacking. My NFA suitcase is still sitting fully packed in my living room. This is a task that is so easy to put off, but today (April 25) enough, is enough. I am going to fully unpack and put my suitcase back in the closet (EMPTY)! Unpacking for me is such an un-fun task because it reminds you how the trip or event or tournament is really over. 

    Another un-fun task now that I'm back is grocery shopping. Being gone for such long periods makes my grocery shopping schedule... non-existent. But, today I planned a meal calendar for the next 2 weeks and am going to do my big shopping trip tomorrow so I can be fully stocked for the rest of the semester. 

Reflections

    Relaxing is only truly relaxing if you know your checklist is all marked off and your house/life is back in order. I'm excited to finally mark off all of these tasks and be able to really enjoy the last two weeks of college life. I am floored that the end of my academic career is staring me in the face!! I don't think it will feel real until I'm walking across the stage. So thankful for Bradley and everything it has given me!

Talk Soon <3