It seems the time is flying just as quickly this year as it did the last.

That being said, January was a loooong month. Not long in terms of how it felt, but in terms of how much really went on. I wish I could say I came out of the month as good as I did going in, but it's kind of a crap time at the moment.

I started the semester, and I'm happy with how my classes are going. There's only one that is really painful-- compared to all of them last semester. I certainly count that a win. I feel challenged, and that's the way I prefer it. The book total for this semester, however, was not quite as satisfying. I had more trouble with books this time around than I ever have, and they totaled close to $400...

Things with the BF are a bit shaky at the moment. I was very close to calling it quits-- even packed up a bunch of clothes and went to mom's for a few days. Things are a bit better now, though, and I feel like we'll be able to push through. The last few days have been rough, more because I haven't felt well physically than emotionally, but I know it's all intertwined and stress is just getting to me at the moment.

Speaking of the physical, I did work out 2 times last week, and will be back on track this week (meaning 3 times) with my exercise, as well as my eating habits- which were also crap this week. Because I wasn't really at home last weekend, we had no groceries here and I spent a bit too much out at restaurants and on fast food. Not this week.

I'm really just hoping to find a bit more normalcy in my life this week. I have a lot going on academically and with work, so I think I'll be able to get back on track if I can find a way to focus. That's been difficult this week. Perhaps I need to employ a few yoga techniques, and just take a bit of time every night to chill and not worry. Perhaps read.

BF and I sat down to discuss all of the traveling we wanted to do this year. It's exciting to think about, but when I sorted out the tentative prices for everything, it was a bit disheartening. For him (with his fancy job paying over $50k) it's not so difficult to pull a few thousand dollars together, but for me it's quite. He says he'll help me out a bit, but I feel strange taking on charity, so we'll see. I know I need to start paring down the budget a little bit... and actually STICKING to the budget. There are some expenses that are pretty unavoidable right now, though. Like a new pair of glasses (very much overdue) and (finally) figuring out why it is my check engine light has been on for almost 5 months...

I'm trying not to let things get me down. I'm usually an incredibly optimistic, energetic person. This stressed, sad state is rather foreign and frustrating for me. I keep telling myself it will all work out alright, and I know that's true... I just need a vacation! lol. Given that I just returned from vacation I feel a bit silly saying that, but in my defense, that vacation was far from relaxing, or even entirely enjoyable.

In good news, however, I located and purchased a fabulous deal from LivingSocial.com for a night in a 4-star Chicago hotel. I've never been, and I'm taking a girlfriend of mine for a true girl's night on the town. It's pretty much the most exciting thing in my life right now, so I'm incredibly pumped. I'm in desperate need.

I'll stop rambling now, but I hope you are all doing well! Hope you have a great week!