{Curious}...Food for Thought

Question: Would you go to dinner with a professor? If it was paid for by an outside third party? 

My college sponsors an event every semester called Food for Thought which invites students to take a professor to dinner. It allows the faculty and students to get to know each other outside the classroom, or just as an individual, which can be tricky at a Big Ten University sometimes. Last year I went and it was awkward, so this year I was super hesitant . . . after all, you know how office hours can go. 

But it was great! I went with my English professor, and although I had tons of back up questions to ask in case dinner did get weird, I never used them! We chatted about books, movies, films, different cities around the states. Initially I thought that taking my professor would make class with him perpetually strange and tense, but I think not now. 

So, would you do it? 

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{Curious}...Roommate Duties

One of my roommates had a concert last night. Her parents even drove here to see her! How sweet? I didn't have a lot of work to do and I had been looking forward to a relaxing evening with no pressing chores all day. As McKenna was leaving, bassoon strapped to her back, Abby and I cheerfully waved her off, telling her how gorgeous she looked in her band dress and wool coat.

But once the door closed and the lock was turned, Abby and I glanced at each other asking, "Are we supposed to go to her concert?". Were we expected as roommates, as friends, to attend her concert?

When your roommate has a big test, do you act as their study moderator quizzing them?
If she has a game, do you go to cheer her on?
You're doing laundry while on a cleaning frenzy, do you throw in some of her things as well?

What do you think? What are some of your basic roomie guidelines? Do you have any suggestions for me? I'd love your feedback and thoughts on roommate duties! 

Photograph by Joe Scherschel via art.com

{Curious}...Study Habits

In an attempt to get ahead of my studies for a weekend home with the family, I've become exceedingly aware of my study habits....

While I like to study in a peaceful environment, I need to be stimulated by something other than the subject I'm studying. Libraries filled with people typing & chit-chatting is a nice balance. Coffee shops are similarly conducive to studying; it's warm, smells good, there is a relaxed sense of calm, yet has a bustling vibe that is contagious. 

Along with being perfectly populous, coffee shops and cafés have possible the most important element. Food and drink. It's very difficult for me to study without having a snack or cup of coffee. I've heard some people have a reward system established; they eat a Skittle for every page they finish. That would be torturous. Nibbling helps me stay focused, energized, and content.

And sometimes, I just need solitude. If I'm going to sit down with a novel accompanied with literary theory, I settle into a cozy chair totally alone and read. For hours. This is possibly one of my most enjoyable parts of studying. Being able to only experience the story is fascinating.

I also find that I often chew on my pens, prop my face up with my left hand, listen to music, hum, take copious notes (more than necessary), wear my glasses (my eyes get tired), and tap/bounce my feet absentmindedly. What are your study habits?

P.S. How do you stay organized? A good book/computer bag. Do you go to office hours?

{Curious}...Interview Prep

Today I have my very first legit interview. Sure, I applied and interviewed for my part time sales associate job at a retail store, but I've never interviewed for a serious job that was really important to me. In case you're curious, it's a real writing job. Really! Although a part time job on campus, I would still be getting paid to write and edit. How thrilling is that? 

So I'm curious...do you have any tips? How do you psych yourself up? Do you wear your lucky undies? Do you have a ritual the morning of? How do you get yourself feeling superb and qualified? I'm wearing this blazer in purple to look professional while allowing my personality to shine through. I'd love some tips before I go in! Wish me luck and keep your fingers crossed!

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{Curious}...Flower Girl

Would you buy yourself flowers? I love nothing more than seeing a beautiful bouquet (or even a single flower in a vase) on the table. Is it just a girl thing to love flowers? I'm fascinated by them. Abby took a plant propagation class last year, which was incredible. We have a farmer's market on campus, and there are usually really cool seasonal sprigs. I wouldn't feel weird getting myself some. Would you?

P.S. Aren't flowers gorgeous during the peak between life and death? 

Are flowers strictly a romantic/get well, etc. gift? Do you get yourself flowers just because they're pretty?

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Middle photo via

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{Curious}...Flight of Fancy

As you know, I have a desire to travel. In high school I went on a tour of Central Europe with my classmates. It was amazing, and I wanted to go back the minute I came home. Even though it was just for twelve days, I was ready, even itching at points to return to the States. 

Now that I'm in college, I'm strongly encouraged to study abroad. Immediately I think it sounds fantastic. Is there anything more romantic, exciting, and even dreamy about living and learning in a different country? But. It's expensive. I mean, really expensive! Is it truly worth all the money to learn the same material in a different location?

And...it seems like such a long time! Last time I traveled abroad, I was gone for less than two weeks and I was with my sister and classmates. Now I would be gone for at least a month, possibly a semester, even a year. Furthermore, I probably wouldn't be with people I know. I might be totally alone. That's scary, I think.

So I'm wondering what your opinion is. Is study abroad truly worth the sacrifices? The money, loneliness, etc? Did you study abroad, and if so to where did you go? I'd like to try Central Europe, Greece, or the UK. Anyway, let me know what you think! I'd love some sage advice on this one. :)

Photo by Steven P. Wilhite via

{Curious}...On Affection

I'm a really big fan of hugs. There is something so comforting when an dear friend, lovely mom, or adorable niece envelopes you in a sweet embrace. Coming from the midwest, I see lots of people  giving the Minnesotan hug, which is a wimpy one-armed side hug. Boring! I'll admit, I used to be an offender. But I've warmed up. A bit.

Mom sometimes warms me, though, not to be a cold fish. I'll give hugs, but I don't kiss Nick in front of others. Is that strange? I never thought so, but perhaps common culture requires public kisses. Kissing is indeed a more intimate act of affection. I've always been a bit of a stickler when it comes to PDA; I have very little tolerance. 

Despite my dislike for public mating, I've noticed we do live in a world that romanticizes and exploits the concept of love. It's as though we should always be showering our significant others in kisses. All the time. So although we seem to love kisses, I never feel like I get enough hugs. After all, the box office won't boom if Hollywood produces a movie filled with common, heart warming hugs, as opposed to steamy smooches. The old axiom rings true here; sex sells. Although overzealous with the saliva exchange program, our culture, in other respects, seems to be staunchly no touching. 

Humans love a hefty person bubble, though. Even in video games, avatars exhibit similar behaviors when it comes to proxemics. We like our "my space", but advertise intimate sex. It's a little paradoxical. 

So, if my vote counts, more hugs! They're versatile! Anyone can give you a hug and it makes your feel good. (Remember health class? We need ten good touches each day.) What are your thoughts? Do you prefer hugs or kisses? 

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{Curious}...Stuffed Animals: How Long Is Too Long?

As I get older, I am increasingly more curious about the childhood stuffed animal. Throughout my youth I favored various buddies, including Teddy, Purple-Berry, Oatmeal, Employee Bear (weird name, I know), Horsey, etc. Teddy, being my all time favorite, has aged with me, for he has been around since I was born. The others would come and go like transient nomads as my interest would ebb and flow. 

But I have a confession.

I still have my stuffed animals. A few maintain a permanent residence at my parents' (my childhood) home. But I have the others. And... sometimes (almost always) I snuggle up with them. After all this time, I can't seem to rid myself of them. But why?

Some of my theories include: 

It's just like having a companion to sleep with, which is comforting, but they lack body heat. I can't stand being warm when I sleep, so this makes sense. The snuggle without the sizzle. 

Those who cuddle with their childhood animals are yearning for those carefree years. I understand that; it's like a portal to an easy, cozy time. Doesn't the adult world seem to filled with so many worries? 

They're just so darn cute. And soft. 

A less interesting idea, but definitely possible for me... They're squishier than pillows! I swear. Stuffed animals feel better for resting your head than standard pillows. Why? They have limbs, and extra fluff, and they're flexible. Perfect for adjusting your neck and head. 

So I'm curious. Do you still have your buddies from long ago? If so, do they sit in a corner, or do you still cuddle up every once in a while? I've heard of parents who basically ween their child from their stuffed animals. That seems a little harsh to me. What's your opinion? How long is too long? When is time to let go?