Semester Two, Let's Go

Semester 2 is well on it's way now. It's like every single time I go on uni breaks and then it's time to go back to uni, I forget how much work there really is and how fast time goes (all my fellow uni/college students out there I am positive you can agree with me on this one).

It's already the third week (well my week is over because I only need to attend uni on Tuesday's and Wednesday's) and I thought I would share a little bit about how I feel this semester is already going (classes, timetable, friends and free time).

So for those of you who are new to my blog or just perhaps have forgotten since the last time I spoke about uni, I study Commerce and I am majoring in Marketing and Human Resources. (The most interesting/deepest question I have ever really gotten about this revolved around why I actually want to do this. If I can ever come up with an answer better than I'm interested in it/I'm good at it/ plenty of job opportunities I will definitely make a post about that. But for now...)

This semester I am taking two core units relating to my Human Resources major (I have finished all of the marketing components until third year classes) and two electives (needed to fill up the credit points to earn my degree).

This semester I am taking:

- Introduction to Global Business (elective)

- Organisational Behaviour (core HR unit)

- Entrepreneurship and New Venture Management (elective)

- Human Resource Management- Recruitment and Selection (my online class which is a core HR unit- surprise!)

So far I think i am liking my online class the most (just kidding, but I find it the most convenient because I do the work at my own pace, which surprisingly I have been going week to week with as a regular unit). Least favourite is global business. Probably because I don't really have any previous knowledge on the subject and I feel really pressured to do well and learn all of the concepts. I will manage though, the downfall again is a lot of group work. 

Timetables are always so stressful for me. If I want a good timetable, I panic so much trying to make one and then I feel like I can never get it just right. I attend uni Tuesday mornings 9am-12pm and Wednesday mornings 10am-1pm. This isn't including the two lectures I can;t attend because they are at crappy times (4pm Thursday and 8am Friday [yeah right]).But I have it pretty good. 

One of my favourite things about a new semester at university and just being at uni in general is the opportunity to make new friends. This is the time that I really wish I wasn't a shy person and that I had a more outgoing personality. I tell a lot of people when I get talking to them that I am rely shy and most people don't even believe me. It really is a struggle to put myself out there and fake the confidence, but (and I am pretty sure that I have said this before) fake it until you make it. I don't think there's anything wrong with that and I really think it's helped me over the last year and a bit. 

In high school I was terrified of talking in front of people and couldn't manage without turning into a tomato and having a panic attack. Now, I am a lot more confident, I can make presentations and speeches. Of course I am still freaking out on the inside, but most of that sheer horror at speaking in front of anyone is kept on the inside and I am pretty proud of myself for that!

I have a love/hate relationship with uni! I think I love the opportunities that it gives me (both now and for the future), but I am just trying to make the best out of my life because I have the power to decide what I am g0ing to make of it.

Nothing (and no one) will hold me back.

As a side note I would love to mention that I was talking to my best uni friend about being an exchange student and how much I would love it. I wish I would get the opportunity but I unfortunately don't see it happening. Oh well, a girl can dream. And what would my blog be (forever dreaming) without all of these dreams.

Until next time my beautiful followers, 

Kristelle xx

Instagram: @krristelley

Is it a holiday?

I feel like I'm going crazy here. Everyone thinks that attending University is the biggest 'bludge' ever. You get to go to uni 2 or 3 times a week for a few hours each day. Do some assignments. Sit a test at the end of 12 or 13 weeks, twice a year. Doesn't add up to much does it? 

And that means plenty of time for holidays. But honestly, it's anything except a holiday for me. I'm busy all the time. I have barely had any time to myself to relax at all. Instead of studying and working, now I'm just doing more working. Working my job, babysitting and keeping on top (not even) with housework. Can I tell you it's bloody insane how quickly mountains of washing need to be done. There's barely time to sit down and relax or sleep. 

I will say though I am so thankful for the time that I have had to myself because I have gotten the chance to love Orange is the New Black and attend a couple of 'gatherings' with my friends and watch football. 

But of course, like usual when I try to have everything (work, friends, chores, TV time) I end up with no sleep. I'm tired. I'm tired of being tired. 

It's not a holiday, it's not even time away. Just a different reality for a little while and in all honesty I don't know which one stresses me out and wears me down more (okay I think I do but depending on my mood that day, my answer can change really quickly). 

My Happiness

This is going to be cheesy. And sappy. But hopefully come out in a sweet romantic way that it won't even matter. 

It's currently 12:47am and I'm laying down trying to sleep because I have work tomorrow. I had a good night. BBQ with my boyfriend and friends. I ate so much. I'm happy and I'm full of some good BBQ foods. I watch the rest of season one of Orange is the New Black. 

But I'm laying here and I can't sleep. Probably because my boyfriend is next to me snoring his head off. And yet I'm laying here smiling but sort of crying too. It's hard to believe sometimes that I am lucky enough to know this boy. I'd rather be with his loud, annoying, obnoxious snoring self than be without him. I would be so lucky to be able to spend the rest of my life with him and that's exactly what I hope is going to happen. 

Everyone deserves to feel love like this on their life. The kind of love that "even if it's almost 1am and you've had a busy shit week working your ass off and now you're just tired as hell and want to sleep, yet you can't even bring yourself to wake him up to stop the snoring because you love him that much" kind of love. 

I'm tired and I'm crying, but I'm happy. I'm happy and I'm so in love. 

I hope everyone gets to know this feeling at least once in their life. 

What if...

So today for some reason I am just feeling down. I have so much motivation in my mind to do everything I need to do- workout, cook meals, study & do my uni work and go to work, but there's just a dark grey cloud hanging over my head questioning everything today.

I know I need to do all of these things, plus more (aka clean my room lol) but today is just one of those days where I question everything.

Why should I workout? Because I want to be fit, healthy and have an amazing body.

Why should I cook meals? Well I need to eat.

Why should I do my uni work and study? Because I want to get good marks, so I can finish my degree, graduate and get a good job.

Why should I go to work? To earn money to save for the future and so I can have the things I want now and live my life the way I want to without having to depend on anyone for anything I need or want. 

It all seems to be very straightforward and obvious. There is a clear answer as to why I need to do all of these things. It just isn't an option (for me) to stay in bed all day and not do my uni work or not have a job. Some people may be content with that (lol) but not me. 

I just don't know what goes through my head sometimes. I want to do everything. I want to concur the world. 

I just have something in my mind that stops me and says what's the point? 

What if you're not good enough?

What if you're wrong with what you think life will be?

What if you ruin your chance to get something you want because you lacked initiative?

What if you can't achieve what you want in life? 

What if all the goals you have set for yourself just fall apart and you never reach them? 

What happens if you can't do anything?

What happens if you try so hard for something and you still fail?

...

what if...? 

Life is full of what's if's, but I know I need to focus on the bigger picture. Even if I am stressed out, tired and don't really know how to make sense of what is going on in my mind right now, I know things are going to be okay. I believe everything happens for a reason, so I am going to focus on that to get me through each day. 

How to Save Money

Hey everyone. So today I thought I would make a post on how to effectively save money. These days I think way too many young people have no idea how to save their money. I have way too many friends and know too many people who are always complaining that they only have $20 left in their accounts and "can not wait until their next pay so they can go and spend their money". I'll give you a brief overview of my working life & savings habits and then share some of my best money saving tips I have! 

Working Life Overview

• Pre-working life (under 14 years old): 
• Typically got money off my mum every now and then when I asked to go to the movies or something
• Other than that the money I got came from birthdays, christmas and doing chores for my mum or my aunty. 
• I used to always try and go by the "save half and spend half" rule
• First job (14-15 years old):
• Worked at McDonald's
• Wasn't very good at saving lots of money
• Would save for short term goals, i.e. concert tickets
• Mum used to make me save at least $20 each week from my pay into a savings account
• Having a key card was a bad idea: I didn't pay attention to what I would spend
• 16-17-start of being 18/the remainder of high school
• Didn't do 'formal' work
• Money came from babysitting over the years
• Saved all of that money to spend at schoolies (didn't spend it all- bonus)
• Post-high school/uni student life
• Became a workaholic
• Focused on the future
• Saves more money than I spend
• Got a job straight from school and have worked there ever since
• Each summer holidays I get an extra job (e.g. Christmas casual job and a seasonal theme park job)
• Work as much as possible during all holiday breaks so I can ease off a bit during uni time to study and focus on the uni work

So that (in very basic terms) sums up my life to do revolving around working and saving habits!

Easter 2015

Hey everyone. It's been a little bit since my last post because nothing overly cool or fun has happened and I haven't been inspired. Today I thought I would take a moment out of the day to wish everyone a Happy Easter and that everyone (who celebrates) had an amazing weekend just like I did!

Honestly, I would have been over the moon with this as an Easter present. I love bunnies and I want another one (I have one currently)

Good Friday

Long weekends are my favourite. Not that they mean much to me because I don't work full time and get them as holidays, but because the people I love get the break they deserve and I can spend time with them. Friday was a lazy day to start. Kieran and I slept in until around 11am, I made breakfast and we watched the Simpsons. Best part of our day was going and watching Fast and Furious 7 (no spoilers here because I would have cried if I read spoilers before I watched it) but I loved it and I did cry. 100% recommend everyone to go and watch this movie! 

Afterwards we went and hung out at one of Kieran's friends houses and it was nice. Nothing fancy, just pizza (for them) and talking. Then I'm pretty sure we came home and went to bed #oldpeople

Easter Saturday

What a great day to go shopping- for everyone else. Bonus: holiday pay for us retail workers. I started work at 8am and worked a few hours. Then came home and watched movies with Kieran (who had only just woken up when I got back). Then I had another shift in the afternoon (split shifts kill my life, but it was a public holiday sooo who would turn down the money???).

Night time, my bestfriend was having an 'Easter' party. Whatever it was, it was fun. I cheated at Kings Cup (fake drinking) and laughed at everyone being drunken messes. 

Fun facts from Saturday night:

1. if you drink anything from a red cup, people will assume it is alcohol (I don't/can't drink anymore and I knew people would question it if they knew, so hey why not make some fun out of it by cheating at a drinking game, FYI I would say I won because I got the best laughs out of it)

2. Don't mess with Dani and her music, she will get angry

3. Apparently matching tracksuits are cool??

4. Kieran's biggest wish when he is drunk and hungry at 1am will be a steak, chips and gravy

5. He will give up on that and ask for Maccas instead

6. He will tell you that you are the best wife for getting him Maccas and paying for it

7. There is nothing better than going home to your own bed and being able to drive home because you haven't consumed any alcohol

Easter Sunday

Ugh. I am not religious. I respect it all and everything, but I don't want to hear about it. Or have it shoved in my face. And that's what Easter seems to be. People bragging about going to church and people going on about God (please see Easter Monday for more about this). I get that to many people it is a religious holiday, but to me it is literally a bunch of days that some people get off work and that other people (aka. me) get paid a lot of extra $$$ to work. Oh and you spend time with family. And most people eat a lot of chocolate (once again, not me). Easter just annoys me. That's all.

Today we went to an Easter lunch with Kieran's family. Hmm, not the most fun thing I have ever done. But hey, it makes the grown ups happy we pretend to care about Easter and spend time with them. It probably wasn't that bad, I was just super tired, hungry and felt sick all day. Night time wasn't much better, we came home to my house and watched a movie and went to bed at 9:30pm. It was a long day.

Before Easter lunch with Kieran and his family

Easter Monday

Another fun day for shopping- while I'm working. Started at 8am again but this time got to work straight until 2pm. It was alright for the first few hours, then it was insane. Why do people go crazy when the shops are shut for a day? I don't understand. Other than work, I was pretty lazy. The weather was awful today and it made me sad and reminded me how sick I feel. Kieran and I took a trip this afternoon to N2 Extreme Gelato and it was amazing (I didn't get a photo because we were both literally too keen to eat it). The night is ending (it's currently 8:46pm) with me searching for the new Grey's Anatomy episode & Teen Mom OG to watch, listening to workout playlists (without actually working out), writing this post and probably about to drink a cup of tea. I feel crappy but I think it's a hormone thing right now.

Thanks for reading about my Easter (if you managed to get to the end). I hope you all had a wonderful long weekend and I will be back with another post soon!

On a side note- it is uni holidays and I am so happy.

Stelle xx

7 days in 15 minutes

Hey everyone! The last week of my life hasn't been overly exciting but I have done a bit and I thought I would share, along with some thoughts I have (it's 12:15am as I start to write this and I should probably sleep as it is Monday aka uni day, but oh well).

The week started dull, Monday (because I don't even remember the last weekend right now). Monday = uni day. This particular Monday was test day in my IT class and group debate day in Human Resources. Worst 5 minutes of the day was when I did my speech in the debate. Yeah, public speaking ain't my thing. Anxiety levels were truly peaking today, all over a little speech, it left me feeling awful all day leading up to and after it was over. Worked out with my mum and it made me feel a little calmer. I also had to work. Bummer

Tuesday, no better. Grocery shopping, cooking and then work. Got to see my boyfriend for half an hour after work. Complete highlight of the day.

Wednesday. Ah the first day of death. Woke up with the worst cold/flu/sore throat thing in a long time. Did assignments and watched Pretty Little Liars. *side note: just tell me why 'A' is 'A'. I don't get it. I've spent so much time reading up on theories in the past years. I got the reveal and the major clue, but I still don't get it.* Oh and I also worked.

Thursday, another uni day. Long day, made worse by feeling crappy with the sickness. Home time was good, spending time with Kieran was even better. We had dinner and he slept over. Falling asleep in his arms was the best part of my week. Note- I was extra happy today because I didn't have to work! I also made jelly shots for Saturday. I regretted not making alcohol free because soon enough I craved jelly. 

Friday, TGIF am I right? Wrong. No one cares it's Friday if they know they have to work on the weekend. Spent the day again doing homework, worked out, watched Greys Anatomy. I used to be so in love with Derek and Meredith and their happiness but I just don't know anymore. She's so independent and he doesn't fit. But their characters showed me what love could do and I will ship them forever. I worked tonight again as well. 

Saturday. The absolute longest day of my week. I had to wake up early to vote (sigh, people shoving their beliefs in my face and 'encouraging' me to follow along and vote for them is not my thing either). Photoshoot was next (I will post about this probably in the next week or so). It was for uni and it was so much fun. I was basically just the boss. Not the model, not the photographer, just the boss. I am good at being the boss. Work was next (again, yes 5th time this week trust me I know). Then clubbing adventures with Kieran after work! This was a messed up night and I was sick, tired and verbally (almost physically) abused by a bunch of guys. Not fun. I left early with Kieran and cried half the way home on the train (about 30 minutes). Kieran then fell asleep on my shoulder and my little sister picked us up from the station. I fell asleep as little spoon with him so it made my night a bit better. 

The week definitely ended better than it started. Sunday. My favourite day. Not sure why, because I don't always get to be lazy. Today though, I slept in and then made myself, Kieran, my sister and her friend a big breakfast. I worked AGAIN (6 out of 7 days, solid). Went out to dinner with Kieran again and ended up laying in bed perfecting assignments and writing this post. 

Saturday night shenanigans. I think we can all appreciate just how much we clearly love each other ;)

Kieran and I spent the weekend pretending we are married (I'm not sure why, it's just funny) and I have extreme baby fever tonight (thought I would share as I'm feeling honest and now sort of tired).

I don't know if anyone cared and I'm sorry for the lame post, but thanks for reading! Also everyone keep your fingers crossed (or whatever it is that you do in this sort of situation) and hope that Kieran gets better and no more bad news. I may have to wrap this boy in bubble wrap to protect him.

Stelle xx

It's a Crazy Life

Hey everyone! So for some reason I seem to still have time to make a quick post even though I am crazy busy with everything right now (hence the title of the post).

I've noticed I have had a lot of new readers recently so I would like to quickly share a little bit about who I am and what I do for those of you out there to get to know me a bit better (my last post is so outdated and I'm not even sure I am the same person anymore!) So alas, here are some quick facts about me!

- My name is Kristelle and I am 19 years old, turning 20 in just over 6 months

- I have the sweetest boyfriend named Kieran and we have been dating for 4 and a half years (we are high school sweethearts)

- I am a uni student at Macquarie University and am studying a Bachelor of Commerce with a double major in Marketing & Human Resources (I enjoy both and want to keep my options open)

- I usually work about 3-4 shifts a week at work

- I love the people I work with because they are all so friendly (when I actually get to work with people and I'm not rostered on by myself lol)

- I spend approximately 5 hours on a Tuesday cooking for my boyfriend (I am his personal meal prep chef and I actually enjoy it because I love cooking so much)

- I am 100% a BBG girl! I love Kayla Itsines and I believe she has changed my lifestyle for good. I used to be really into drinking all the time, eating nasty take away several times a week (Maccas was literally my life) and I didn't really do much exercise (other then when I would play netball). Now I haven't eaten McDonalds in over 2 months, I exercise regularly and have a healthy diet. I do eat some 'unhealthy' foods but I limit my intake and choose the 'healthier option'. E.g. nights at Wenty I will still eat my chicken snitzel and chips, but I'll get the smaller meal and add a side salad. It's what works for me

- The beach will always be my go to place when I want something to do 

- I have one tattoo (hoping to make that two soon) and double piercings in each ear + my bellybutton pierced

- I love to go on adventures and I have 3 big adventures set up for this year (you'll find out the first two soon and the third is the biggest because it is overseas!)

- I love to read and write & my all time favourite book series will always be Harry Potter, all time favourite book is Looking For Alaska and my current favourite books are the Paradise series by Simone Elkeles 

That is all I can think of from the top of my head!

Here is an old photo from September 2012 of Kieran and I at my Year 12 formal (we weren't allowed +1's that's why he is only in a T-Shirt).

I just want to say that I have been kind of struggling lately trying to balance everything in my life. I know it comes super easy to some people but it is hard for others. It's hard for me to balance going to uni, studying + homework + assignments, working, exercising, spending time with my boyfriend, going out with my friends, spending time with my family, having alone time. I don't want to miss out anything and I am not happy to ever have to sacrifice one thing for the other. I can't even tell you which of these is my number 1 priority because I feel like they all are. I have a planner and I write everything down I need to do, sometimes it makes things easier! If you have any tips on balancing life, please let me know!

Thanks for reading,

Stelle xx

Being an adult is exhausting

I think my title is pretty self-explanatory, being an adult is exhausting. But today for some reason, after I've woken up from a nap on my couch due to the background noise from watching Man vs Wild (before I fell asleep) I think I am going expand on the phrase "being an adult is exhausting".

My mum and sister have left me for a large chunk of Summer to enjoy the usual holiday by the beach. I, of course, was invited but alas the duties of being an adult stood in my way of having a holiday for more than 5 days (where as they get to enjoy 3 full weeks of it). I have been left to carry out all the mundane adult activities that everyone experiences when they grow up and move out of home. I'll give you a little description of everything I find utterly boring to do, yet for some reason seems to take the life out of me each day.

1. Working- probably the most important thing on this list. Because clearly how can one survive without money? Which essentially we all have to work for in some way or another. Working every single day, switching it up between two jobs (and sometimes both jobs in one day) has left me completely exhausted when I get home from the day of working. It sucks, but everyone does it (sort of) so I'll leave this one here...
2.  Grocery Shopping- I used to enjoy grocery shopping for the family. But I've now come to realise that was only because my mum gave me her credit card, told me to buy whatever was necessary and just try not to spend too much money doing so. Now it's a different story. Feeding myself for over two weeks is a lot harder than it sounds. I have a tight budget and can't enjoy all the luxury foods I love so much (mum you give me an easy life when it comes to food and for that I thank you and I am sorry for every time I have ever complained you cooked something for dinner that I didn't like- which brings me to my next point)
3. Cooking- I enjoy cooking. On occasion. When I have energy. I don't know how my mum comes home from work and sometimes the gym most days and cooks dinner. I have discovered this is literally the last thing I want to do when I come home because I am just so tired. And even worse than this is actually thinking of meals that I can cook myself. Some nights I have had to previously meal prep because I had to work the nigh shift and needed to take dinner with me. This ties in largely with the grocery shopping on a budget and not being able to enjoy the steaks and wonderful stir-frys I otherwise love (because umm hello, vegetables and meat are so expensive????) I have taken mum's advice and eaten everything left in the cupboards and freezer first (yes again mum you were right, there is always food in the house)
4. Doing the washing- ugh. So time consuming, it rains every time I need to wash and I always forget I need clean work shirts until an hour before I want to go to bed the night before (and no I don't have a dryer so it makes life so much harder to get my clothes dry). Folding the washing is more irritating than doing it and I have a mountain to still get through (remains of washed clothes from my holidays I still haven't touched)
5. Doing the dishes- Can. not. stand. I have tried to put literally everything I can in he dishwasher and I will wash up the pots and pans when it is absolutely necessary. Which also means I have been using the bare minimum when it comes to cooking because I just don't want to clean up my mess. 
6. Cleaning the house- why oh why do things have to get so dirty? And who has time for housework? Why do I need to vacuum the floor and dust things and clean the bathrooms? Why can't everything just remain clean without any effort. This is the part of being an adult that I despise the most
7. Not wasting money on everything I want because there are actually necessities- But I wanted to go out for dinner and go bowling, but oops I can't because I have to work or I have to save my money for stuff I would rather not pay for (phone bill anyone??)
8. Lonely- This was something I never expected. It doesn't really tie into the list but I think I needed to mention it. Right now it has been really hard for me and I have bee feeling quite lonely. My go to friends are on holidays (my best friend is even out of the country for 3 weeks) and my boyfriend works in the days like me and when I work both days and nights sometimes I don't speak to anyone (that I want to talk to). I drove to my family's holiday destination last night because I genuinely missed talking to my mum and sister. That surprised me above everything. 

I have come to the conclusion that if I were to live by myself full time I would probably spend all my evenings at home so my mum can cook me food (I am so lazy) and then go hang out with either them or my friends because I need people to speak to. Living with my boyfriend with help me with being lonely but not much else (sorry babe you only take the rubbish out without me asking and unpack the dishwasher when I nag). I am a pretty shitty adult but hey, I am still soldering on. Definitely have a new found respect for how much my mother actually does (okay I already new this, but I am appreciating it more and more everyday.)

Thanks for reading,
Stelle xx

University Life Lessons

So for those of you who don't know me or are unaware, I am currently a first year university student at the lovely Macquarie University here in Australia. I have completed my first semester and last week I have just started back for my second semester. I am studying a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Marketing and I am pretty confident in saying that I enjoy what I do. I thought I would make this blog post to share some of my first hand experience, advice, fears, things I have learnt and other random facts about university life that I have learnt from my time at uni so far. 

It's okay for one of your main goals at the start of your university life to be "I want to make friends"-

Hell this was all I wanted when I started university. I was fresh out of the worst years of my life aka high school and I had left (well the same way I had started and lived through most of high school) with basically no friends. Uni was a fresh start and a way to show myself as the new person I am (more mature and just an all round nicer, happier person) and make new friends.

But on the same note, it's totally okay not to have friends everywhere you turn and not to become friends with everyone you speak to- 

This one was a big thing for me to come to terms with. Though all I wanted was to make new friends that I could hang out with on weekends and have coffee with at uni, I have made very few of these "proper" friends. I have one amazing friend that I see all the time outside of uni and a handful that I am happy to hang out with at uni when we are there together and make good conversation. However I've learnt that it's okay not to have friends in every single class you take and know everyone around you (considering my degree is massive and there are literally thousands upon thousands of us it would be a bit odd if I did know everyone). Also not everyone you speak to is going to be a good friend to you or be suitable to be your friend. You need to get to know people and figure out if you're compatible and remember that not everyone may be as nice as you are.  

You're still going to be figuring yourself out- 

Although you may believe you've enrolled in a university course and you're a legal adult (most of us are 18 when we enter uni) that we should have our lives sorted and know who we are and know this is what we want to do. Wrong. From my experiences university is the whole process of getting to completely understand who you are as a person and figure out where you want your life to take you. Sure, the whole time isn't for figuring out what you want to study (otherwise you'd never get anywhere) but it is for figuring out what you want to do after you study and the person that you want to be!

University classes and expectations are literally nothing like what you experience at high school- 

Ahh the joys of being thrown into the unknown. And not the shallow kiddies pool (because we are not children anymore in education that we are being forced to have *sigh*) but thrown with full force in the deepest part of the Ocean with the sharks (well so to speak anyway). There is no "easing" into the subjects or hand holding when you don't know what to do. You want to know how to do something (now depending on your tutors and lecturers help may vary) you have to go out of your way and schedule time to ask questions or send emails that may not always give detailed responses. Then when you get the answer you can still have no idea what you're doing. Hands up to anyone who can relate to this? Because I know this is exactly how I have felt starting each subject even this semester. 

It's okay to fail a class-

This one hits hard. At the start of university I was so convinced I would could not fail anything because "it's a lot of money" and it's a "waste of time to do it if I fail" and that "I wouldn't get anywhere in life if I fail a class" (okay the last one is a tad dramatic, but in all honesty it is how you can feel). But let me tell you something now from personal experience, it's okay to fail a class. Life does go on. The sun will still come out everyday and you will be okay. Of course it is a horrible feeling when you get your results after studying like crazy (or not so crazy for some classes in my case- which may I point out is why I failed) and you look down the list and see that big fat F. It's not a good feeling, but you didn't take away nothing from failing that class did you? You will still have learnt course material (more than you may think) and most importantly you've learnt where you went wrong and what you have to do better next time to ensure success.

*Side note- if you fail a class twice, life will still go on and you will still be okay. You just may need to identify the areas that you go wrong and get that extra help to pass the class*

Ignoring your friends/family/relationship and only focusing on University is a horrible idea-

Well, I know many of us can be culprits to this. There's a lot that can affect us ignoring people around us that we care about (I know the main factors for me are stress and anxiety), but it's important to not get overwhelmed by the workload. Make time to have lunch with your friends and hang out with your family. Spend an hour studying and then take the rest of the night off to go see a movie with your boyfriend. You need to make time for the important people in your life just as much as you need to finish your assignments and study for that test. But I promise you, the world isn't going to end if you take a few hours off doing assignments or studying to catch up with your friends and have some social interaction. We all need that and it's one of my regrets during the first semester of uni because I felt like I had to stay home all the time instead of being social because I put myself under a lot of stress. I missed out on a lot of things and I'm happy now I can finally start making up that time with my beautiful friends that I drifted from at the start of the year. 

It is absolutely vital for you to have 'me time'-

I am a major culprit of not making any 'me time'. I was always so busy focusing on homework and assignments, spending time with my family, working and spending all of my free time with my boyfriend (I rarely saw my friends as mentioned above) that I didn't have any time to myself. And trust me, it takes a toll on you and people will notice. You are treating your mind with the education, but you need to remember to treat your body and your soul as well. Read a book, go for a walk, take a yoga class, fly a kite, jump in your car and drive somewhere you love by yourself while listening to your favourite music. Whatever it is just do something for you. You won't regret it, trust me.

Coffee will essentially save your life most days-

When you've had two hours sleep because you thought it was a good idea to go out all night when you had 2 assignments due the next day, that you then had to pull an all-nighter for (probably not the best idea)... Coffee will save you when you feel like death the next day

Buy second hand textbooks (when possible)-

Trust me on this one, you will save a small fortune. Most of the time the previous editions of the textbook for your classes will work just as well as the brand new edition and you are able to source them on the Internet or from flyers around your uni for a fraction of the price. If you're like me and doing a Commerce degree, you will know that on average a textbook costs around the $150 mark. As well as buying them second hand, once you've finished the course if you no longer need them, re-sell them to other students in need and you will have some extra cash handy to help purchase your next round of textbooks (or if you're like me it will be used for alcohol the night your exams finish to party and forget about everything you've just done).

So that is all I can think of right now that I have personally experienced or learnt. Of course there are other things I should have learnt like

1. Don't procrastinate
2. Listen to the recommended 10 hours per subject study time a week
3. Trying to park at uni and drive in peak hour traffic is the worst idea I'll ever have

well I'm sure you get the general idea. BUT I haven't managed to fully comprehend these things yet, so it would be a lie to put them as part of my advice and lessons learnt. 

Thank you for reading!

Living Together: Work and Study = Exhaustion

Hey everyone!

Sorry I didn't really keep up with posting every other day about this little experience of living with my boyfriend. When I left off it was Monday morning (last thing I wrote about was the weekend) and ever since then I have been so busy and life has just gotten so full on. Not that many interesting things have happened over this week of living together, but let me just fill you in on what I/we have been up to since Monday.

Monday
My first day back at University. Early starts for both me and my boyfriend this day. I had work to do already when I got home, basically just getting myself organised for the classes next week. Mondays consist of Market Research lectures and tutorials and Consumer Behaviour lectures and tutorials. Thank goodness I didn't have tutorials this week because it would have just been too full on for me. Kieran worked really late so I had dinner at home with my family and then I went over his house when he got home (I think it was about 9pm). We watched TV for a bit together and then fell asleep.

Tuesday
Second day back at uni, but I didn't have to be there until about 2pm because I only had a lecture that day because none of my tutorials run the first week. Tuesday's at uni for me are dedicated to Accounting For Decision Making, aka the Accounting class that is required for all Commerce students to take but for all of us who don't care/don't want to be an accountant.

I got up early in the morning anyway though to help Kieran get ready for work, I packed his lunch and then said bye to him. When he left, I went back to sleep for an hour or so. I then did the washing up, cleaned up my make up in the bathroom after a shower and made the bed. I don't mind cleaning up after both of us, because I know he has hard and long days at work. I drove to uni today because I didn't have to be there for long and I went to my own house afterwards. Kieran didn't finish too late tonight, so we went grocery shopping together and he cooked dinner and I cleaned up. As he said "we are the perfect team". We then watched Fired Up! but like usual he fell asleep about 30 minutes into the movie.

Wednesday
Last day of Uni for the week for me. Had a 12pm lecture, but I was catching public transport today so I had to get up and ready the same time Kieran was leaving for work, otherwise I wouldn't get out of bed at all. Wednesday's at uni are dedicated to Microeconomics (sigh) but at least I have lots of friends in my classes (about time). After class, my friend Jess and I went to El Jannah on our way home (the greatest food ever) but the trains stuffed us around and we got home really late. I went to my house and got ready for work because I decided to pick up and extra shift. Work was boring and afterwards I went to Kieran's house and just went straight to bed. It was about 12:30am when I got home and he had been asleep since about 9pm but that's alright.

Thursday
I seriously thought it was the end of the week by now. I can feel how tired I'm gonna be after 3 days in a row at uni. Last semester I went Monday, Thursday and Friday so it was the end of the week when I finished. Now it feels like the week should be over by Wednesday. I had a job interview today for a second job at Wet n Wild Sydney (feels like a pretty cool job to me) and other than that I took some time to myself to do some things I hadn't really had time to do lately (watch some TV and take a nap). I woke up really not feeling well and by the end of the day I had a horrid migraine and sore throat. Kieran came to my house for dinner because my mum was cooking and then we went back to his house.

Friday 
Ahh, finally the end of the week. It's just after 1pm and I'm writing this post as I wait for this load of washing to finish before I can hang it out. I got an email today regarding the job interview I went for yesterday and I got the job! so that's pretty cool! So far today I have done some washing, caught up on the latest Teen Mom 2 episode and cleaned up (again) around Kieran's house before coming home (my house has wifi and his doesn't- which is the main reason I got out of bed to come here). My plan for the rest of the day is to finish off the washing, do my accounting homework and then tonight I have work. Not too sure if I'll go back to Kieran's, but I probably will.

Thanks for reading everyone, even though my life is thoroughly uninteresting right now, I thought I'd post because I said I would. And even though I have literally no plans for the weekend (other than selling a textbook and playing netball) I couldn't be more thankful that it's Saturday tomorrow.
Until next time!
♡ Stelle

Living Together and Sharing?

Hey everyone,

So I've lived through day two and day three (today) of 'living with my boyfriend'. Still not really able to spend an excessive amount of time with my boyfriend because he works full time. But I think that's a good thing. He works in the day and I do my own thing (whether it be see friends or soon to be university again etc.) then we hang out at night together and on the weekends (apart from when I have to work). We do everything together which is something I love.

Day 2
I did my own thing all day while Kieran was working, I didn't really accomplish much during the day except for showering (which is pretty impressive I must say) and then giving myself half a spray tan. Half way through my spray tan I realised I can't spray tan the back of my body. Shocking discovery made by myself, only after I'd done my legs and stomach (oh well I can't see my back).

It was one of my bestfriend's birthday today (she turned 19 so shoutout to you hehe) and she was having a bunch of friends together at the local leagues club for drinks in the night around 8pm. Kieran and I both knew I didn't feel like cooking and he clearly wasn't going to cook so we made a plan to go to the leagues club earlier together and have dinner and then meet my friends for drinks. Of course this plan didn't happen. Kieran had to work late (he normally finished just after 4pm and he ended up working until about 8:15pm) so I just went and met up with my friends and then he came and met up with us later. 

We all had a really good night, talking and laughing and drinking (obviously). Birthday girl kept trying to buy a round of drinks but c'mon, everyone knows you aren't meant to shout drinks on your birthday. As it was a Thursday night, it was open mic night at the leagues club but unfortunately no one could be tricked into getting up and singing this time. One of the girls did however organise for a special happy birthday (sung Marilyn Monroe style) to be sung with a shoutout to our birthday girl. It was pretty impressive even though he sung extremely sexually we got a good laugh out of it trying to embarrass the birthday girl a bit. 

Birthday drinks for Renee's 19th! (Amy left, me middle and Renee right)

We all had a really good night, enjoyed several rounds of cocktails because we were living on the fancier side of life (cosmopolitans and long island ice teas anyone?) and my poor boyfriend drank coke because he was designated driver this time. 

After all this was over, Kieran took my drunken butt home. Now the concept I want to touch on for this night together (at home) is sharing. I know in my mind that sharing is the proper thing to do (and I do share) but for some weird reason, I REALLY HATE SHARING! I feel like this is the first child problem (Kieran and I are both the older siblings) and even though we share everything, I can honestly say neither of us are overly thrilled at the thought of sharing with each other all the time. Some very good examples of this are:

• He doesn't want to share his bed (his space) with me- I sleep there (probably in the most annoying way) anyway
• Neither of us are too keen on sharing our food- we eat off each other's plates and steal each other's food (and I always drink his drink when we go out to lunch/dinner oops)
• I hate "sharing" my personal space- he will basically sit on top of me on the couch anyway

Those are some of the top things I know we hate about sharing. But I suppose they really do mean that sharing is caring? I've even had to borrow his toothbrush because I forgot mine and he didn't have a spare (I think that's pretty gross, but hey I had to brush my teeth somehow and it was funny hearing him say it was 'so yuck').

Day 3
We had to wake up early (6:30am) because it is only Friday and my lovely boyfriend had to go to work. Now let me just say, I am not a morning person. Waking up is the worst thing to happen to me everyday (so I suppose I'm pretty lucky that's the worst I go through on a daily basis). We got up and got ready for the day (me dressing in last nights clothes because my handbag was left in my car back at the leagues club that I was clearly very incapable of driving home the previous night) and him showering and getting ready for work. 

Another thing I noticed I actually find incredibly annoying about living with him. Well two things actually. The first is that he doesn't close the door when he goes to the toilet. So freaking annoying I can not stress this enough. I don't know why it bothers me so much, but like is it that complicated to close the door? The second thing is that if I'm in the bathroom (whether I'm using the toilet, showering, brushing my teeth or just any bathroom activity) he will walk right in and do what he needs to do. If I'm in the shower, please don't come in and use the toilet. Bathroom time is my alone time and he ruins it (it's funny writing this down but it is just so so true).

After we got ready for the morning, we went to get a lovely Maccas breakfast (second day in a row for me oops) and then quickly ate together before I returned to my car and he headed off to work. I came home and actually got ready for my day then eventually made my way to the shops to buy a bunch of stuff. Finally got around to getting my 'back to uni' supplies, more spray tan (no I will not give it up now, I'm finally tanning again), presents for previously mentioned birthday girl and food for dinner. 

I watched Teen Mom 2 and Pretty Little Liars when I got home and now I'm chilling writing this post waiting for my boyfriend to finish work. It's about 6pm and of course he is working late again. The plan tonight is for me to cook us steak, bacon and egg sandwiches when he gets home and have a movie night in bed. I know he will be tired (which means he won't watch more than 40 minutes of the movie anyway). 

So that was the last two days on living with my boyfriend and when I come to write these posts I actually realise we might actually be pretty boring (to other people) because we don't do overly much. Anyway we have fun so who cares?

Thanks for reading!
♡ Stelle

Is religion right or wrong?

Hey everyone,

Yes my title was simply to catch your attention because I know reading that would anger many people for different reasons and well as spark a burning curiosity. I don't think there's an answer to is it right or wrong because it simply shouldn't be a question. Everyone has their own beliefs and I honestly don't think people should make such a big deal or fuss about what other people believe in. 

It has always been known that religion is one of the most controversial topics to discuss, and for good reason. Everyone has different beliefs and even those who identify themselves as a particular religion, I'm sure all show their 'faith' and practise their beliefs in different ways. 

I want to first make it clear that I do not believe in any form of God. I believe in science and I believe in karma. I don't believe I need to justify why, but if you need to know I'm happy to answer any questions. To follow this statement I believe I also need to say that I do not in any way ridicule or shame those who do believe in a form of God or are religious. 

I'm simply making this post to share with you my views and an experience that it had last night at work that has made me extremely angry. I'll start by telling you all what happened at work last night: 

It was break time and myself, two other girls who are similar in age to me, a lady in her early 30's and a manager (I think she's in her late 30's) were all sitting in the tea room at about 10pm last night. For some reason (no idea how it came up honestly, we were sitting there eating popcorn and lollies), my manager and the older one of the ladies started talking about the Gaza/Isreal/ Palestine situation. Now I can say I in no way believe I am well informed of this situation because I know the media is one sided and they write/portray on TV the side and viewpoint they want to and that they think will get the views and high ratings. I only know information from what I've read and no matter what, my view is simply that war (or fighting, whatever it may be) is absolutely stupid and there's no reason good enough that children and innocent people should lose their lives simply because there are people in the world who want to be 'in control' and by these acts of violence think they're going to get what they want. My view is quite simple if you think about it. I don't need more depth or information to come to that conclusion. 

I don't remember exactly what was being said but I know the lady in her 30's had a similar viewpoint to me that all violence is disgusting and she spoke about a video on the Internet she saw of a group of the (bad people- I don't really know how to phrase that but the story makes me view them as disgusting people) who were Muslim and told a Christain man that he could either convert to Muslim or die. So anyway he converted (or whatever you call it) then the 'bad people' announced he was with them, he was safe blah blah, then the next second they slit this mans throat. Now I don't understand that and the worst part was I don't understand why that filth is on the Internet, but anyway. 

One of the younger girls at the table, identified herself as Muslim (I swear she said another word as there is different 'kinds' but again I don't know because it's not me) and got super almost defensive about the situation. My manager and the other young girl identified themselves as Catholic and argued the point that the difference in religions (i.e the Muslims wanting everyone to be Muslim and not Christian etc.) was a source of the violence. 

At this point I'm still sitting there listening to their point of views and arguments as I didn't feel well informed enough to have an opinion on the matter (which I think is the actual educated thing to do in this situation) because their opinions were simply that- opinions. It got heated and as there were different religions in the room it was getting to be an intense argument. The topic of discussion moved from Gaza, to simply 'discussing' religion. Now this is where I know to keep my mouth shut. My mother always taught me if I don't have anything nice to say then say nothing. This wasn't entirely applicable because I didn't exactly have anything rude to say. But she also taught me that topics of discussion that never end well are

1. Religion 

2. Politics 

So I kept my mouth shut. 

These 4 girls/women spoke about their own religion and beliefs (which is whatever I wasn't really paying attention simply because I don't believe in it) but the phrase that caught my attention again was well what do atheists believe in then? Now everyone's definition of atheism that I've come across in my life has been different. There's the usual they don't believe in God, heaven and hell (which is what I "believe") but I've heard more extremists views such as no God, heaven or hell, but they don't believe in love or karma or anything else either. Now I was okay they were questioning it as a form of curiosity perhaps but what set me off and made me incredibly angry was after I answered "oh well they can believe in science or simply that there is no God" (just pointing out at this point I have not once stated my beliefs) and the manager sat there and laughed. She then proceeded to ridicule science claiming it was all "so stupid" that anyone can believe we came from monkeys or just appeared on this Earth. The others joined in agreeing it was "dumb" at that stuff doesn't just "appear". 

Well this is where I interjected that "coming from monkeys" is Charles Darwins Theory of Evolution and that "the Earth just appearing" is The Big Bang Theory. I got several looks after this and stated simply Science is looking at the facts and gaining supporting evidence. I'm so offended that these people from three different religious backgrounds can sit there mocking science, but are so convinced that what they believe is the only thing that matters (which by the way is all clearly different so not only were they arguing me, they were arguing against each other too. Only difference with me is I completely don't believe in God so I'm the most "wrong" in all of their eyes). I don't care that people believe in God, but to me there's no proof any of it is true. They mock the Theory of Evolution that creatures have evolved over millions of years based on environmental conditions (amongst man other conditions), yet they are "totally correct" in saying "oh God made this and put it there". I didn't voice my opinion mocking their religions pointing out faults and telling them I believe it's dumb, yet they so easily did that to me. 

Now that is what gets me angry. I think religion is what causes fights. Everyone is so convinced that what they believe is the only way to go about things that as soon as anybody with a different opinion or belief voices it to them, they are instantly wrong and scrutinised for it. If people could just accept the fact that their God or their belief is not the only "correct" way out there, I believe we could solve a lot of problems. 

Living with my Boyfriend

Hey everyone!

So for those of you who don't know, I'm 18 years old and have been in a serious relationship for nearly four years (well as serious as it could have been for two 15 year olds anyway). His name is Kieran and it took me nearly 2 years to notice that we have the same initials (KM). My boyfriend and I are the same age and he works full time, I am a full time student and work part time. We both live at home with our parents and we hope that in the near future we will be able to get a place of our own (not for a few years though). 

So now you know a little more about us, the point of this 'series' of posts is to document my experience living with my boyfriend while his family are on an overseas holidays- he got left behind (not really he just couldn't get time off work to go). I'm living with him for 10 days, starting today and I'm genuinely curious if we are going to come out of this alive, because even though we spend a lot of our time together we drive each other crazy and I'm pretty sure there are times I wouldn't mind stabbing myself in the eyeball because he is that annoying and I know the feelings can be quite mutual. 

Living together is a very serious and 'grown up' step in a relationship, especially because you have to do everything for yourself. The closest we have ever come to that, is going away for a long weekend. Doing the dishes and cooking every meal is annoying enough, I'm curious whether we could survive it any longer. I'll post each day (hopefully I will be able to) and I hope you all have a good read (and probably a good laugh). 

Day 1

• Had to wake up at 6:30am to follow Kieran to the mechanic to get his car fixed (not clear on the details exactly because honestly I don't know a thing about cars, that's his area of expertise) 
• Took Kieran to work from the mechanics
• Realised it was only 8am and I had nothing to do and was hungry so I went and got McDonalds breakfast ($3 bacon and egg mcmuffin with a hash brown anyone??)
• Got home (to my house) and went back to bed for a couple of hours. I went to my house because honestly his house is so boring with nobody home. HE DOESN'T HAVE WIFI and being alone all day honestly what the hell was I going to do???
• I cleaned my own bedroom and started writing blog posts (none of which I have published because they are all half written), played that stupid Kim Kardashian game (why am I still playing it? I made the A list and isn't that the point of the game?)
• Basically wasted the day away doing nothing
• Got to 4:20pm, went to the post office to pick up my package (yay for swimwear) and then drove to pick Kieran up from work
• More driving around, again to the mechanic so he could pick up his car
• Then I had to go grocery shopping to get a few ingredients for dinner
• Cooked chicken, potato bake and made a salad for our dinner
• My turn to go to work now (at 7pm) while my boyfriend gets to stay home and watch TV and play games on his phone.
• He texted me that he was bored so I suggested that he come and visit me at work, he said nah he couldn't be bothered
• Asked him if he cleaned up anything from dinner, the answer was no
• Now I'm home from work (writing this post) but I didn't even stay over at his to sleep because I'd just have to wake up early like today to get him ready for work, like he is a child incapable of anything. He is capable he is just so used to everyone doing stuff for him. I do things for him because it frustrates me watching him 'struggle' to do simple tasks like butter bread. I think he does this on purpose though, because he knows I'll just do it for him. 

First day and no, I'm not sick of him, but I also didn't sleepover and I worked, so we didn't have much time together. I won't see him until tomorrow after he finishes work, but I will write about tomorrow, well tomorrow after it happens. 

Today was standard, apart from me driving him around for work and his car, as well as cooking him dinner (well I do that sometimes) and me asking if he cleaned anything. 

Until tomorrow, 
Thanks for reading
♡ Stelle