Summer felt a lot like limbo and not being so sure as to what to do with my time. August, being my favorite month, of course, always blinks past while fall sneaks around the corner. I have to say, being in lockdown has had its benefits. One being, I'm not overly anxious going back to school. Partially because I know I'll be home for awhile until I can move back into the city, but also because I just cannot wait for cozy nights in and Harry Potter marathons with Cooper snuggled up after a long day of online learning. I will miss football season actually. Even though DePaul doesn't have a team, it's the spirit that brings out the true fall feelings, amirite? 

It was really easy to just stay home when we were told to stay home, but me and so many others are itching to get out and take advantage of the summer time there is left. However, I feel like things are slightly shifting to a new "busy normal," with many schools already back in session and peaks of falling leaves and cooler evenings approaching. So, here is my monthly roundup:

01. Begin planning for my senior year. Now that moving is out of the question, I've been getting acquainted with my professors and their way-to-early syllabus postings that I cannot ignore because I'm Type A and need to prepare, as you know. This year will be different, but I'm going into it with an open mind, more excitement than anxiety, and ready to enjoy my last year of college. I've been so uptight and structured these past three years, so I am ready to manifest a go-with-the-flow mentality—as quarantine has taught me so well. I have two internships already under my belt, so I am ready to take on my next professional journey come winter or spring. 

02. Taking my camera out more. I will be fully honest—I have failed at being more creative with my photography skills. For one thing, iPhones are great for photography, so whenever I think I need my camera, I opt for my phone instead because it's easy to use and is always on me. Being at home has been uninspiring to say the least, and I'm kicking myself for not bringing it to Oregon last week (yes, I had a fun getaway out there!). Maybe it's the limited number of lenses I own or lack of motivation to switch up my style. I mean, photography takes. time. I want to start doing more creative flat lays, possibly interior themed posts, and find a new style that I like shooting. 

03. Start a running goal. I quit my yoga membership recently due to the pandemic and haven't been inspired to start it back up again. I feel at my most healthiest and motivated when I actually want to be doing yoga, but it has felt repetitive, so I got into running on the treadmill and around my neighborhood to switch things up a bit. I found out that a vibing playlist does wonders for people who get bored while they run like me. I get up early and make a goal to run at least a mile straight to boost my energy and usually my mood is set for the day. For a while, I felt like I was in an inactive funk, but I think my body just craved something else, and that's okay! 

04. Thrifting, thrifting, thrifting! My sister Melissa and I have been super into thrifting this summer (socially distanced, of course) and there's something about the thrill of the hunt. Not only is it exciting, it's also sustainable! Usually, I'm not looking for anything in particular, but big blue mason jars have been at the top of my list. You can find me in the knick knack section going through all of the picture frames, that are far too overpriced regularly, or at the book section. Clothes can be tricky, but I just found a pair of Sorel boots, which I am actually selling on Poshmark, and you can check out here! 

That's my month for you all! Pretty laid back before classes start. It's hard to look even a week ahead nowadays, does anyone else feel that way? How does your September look? 

The end of summer has come a bit unexpected. The days feel longer, but the weeks seem to just pass by as I wonder what it was like back in March when everything felt so uncertain and summer plans were put on hold. It goes to show just how fast your life breezes by when you're planning your days out long enough until you can finely just breathe. 

This summer for me has been quite the eventful one. With my advertising internship at FCB Chicago coming to a close, I was positive that going into my senior year (virtually) will reveal the same opportunities—maybe even better ones. All we can do is hope for the best, but sometimes you have to absorb the current moment for it to reveal its beauty. I spent a lot of my time at the beginning of this year waiting and waiting for things to become known and set for my future. I dwelled on it so much that it consumed me and what I truly wanted to be doing. Whether it be spending much needed time with family or taking a pause, this summer has been quite the road to recovery from what had been a very frightful spring. 

Since summer has been different, to say the least, my family and I have been continuing to take precaution when we leave the house. I think it's valid to say that after all of that staying at home, many of us have felt like we've needed an excuse to get out. Even to the grocery store. On occasion, my mom and I will hit up some stores, but we're still really weary of where we're going and if it is even necessary to go there.