Crazy. It’s absolutely crazy how much can change in a month. October has been jam-packed and, honestly, not my favorite. But just as the sun never fails to rise, a new month awaits to refresh and to renew. Although I’m looking forward to a fresh start (and the holidays!!), I want to reflect on some highlights from this month:
I wouldn’t call myself a super fan, but I’ve had Taylor Swift on my playlists throughout the years. And while I respect her evolution as an artist, I often miss her raw, real songs from her first several albums. I love car dancing to “Shake It Off” just as much as the next gal, but people don’t accuse me of staying out too late or going on too many dates. While I love jamming to “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” I can’t relate to an ex writing an “indie record much cooler than mine.”
But her most recent release “Gorgeous” from her album Reputation carries a different tone. Swift unravels the rollercoaster of emotions every girl feels over a crush: happy, exhilarated, sad, furious, mad. Not only does she allude to her cats, but she also details the sheer elation of seeing his face and the intense nerves preventing her from approaching him. I instantly saved her latest release to my playlist for its quick beat and relatable perspective.
2. New Frenchie top
Coming back to Missouri after a summer in France was an adjustment, but I love finding little tidbits of my love for this European country. I spotted a cute top with the words “Ooh la la” on it at Old Navy. Forgive me for wearing something with incorrect French, but it was cute and on sale. (The correct phrase should read oh là là.)
I pulled out the money to pay and handed it to the cashier. “Ma’am, I think this is a five-cent coin… I think it might be European.” I felt so posh in this little mixup; I hadn’t taken out my European money from this summer. My friend Cate rolled her eyes at my acquired snob status from a summer in Europe.
3. Jazzercise
I can’t take the name of this exercise seriously for one major reason. In Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas with Jim Carrey, the Grinch runs through his schedule in one scene: “4:00, wallow in self-pity; 4:30, stare into the abyss; 5:00, solve world hunger, tell no one; 5:30, Jazzercise; 6:30, dinner with me—I can’t cancel that again; 7:00, wrestle with my self-loathing… I’m booked.”
But when a friend invited me to join her at a Jazzercise class, I heartily agreed and thoroughly enjoyed it. I have a membership card (#status), and I’m looking forward to another good sweat.
4. Halloween costume
I thought Halloween was exciting as a kid, but coming to college, I’ve found it is a sacred holiday in a college town. Costume parties and friend time are some of my favorite things, and this year I dressed up as Deb from Napoleon Dynamite—side ponytail, “Vote for Pedro” shirt and all.
5. Self-care is essential
This month was extremely stressful, taxing and just sucky. And it took a toll on my mental health. I ate a pint of Blue Bunny for multiple meals this month. I’m no TV-watcher, but I watched several movies and started How I Met Your Mother on Hulu. In difficult times, it’s oh-so important to acknowledge the pain and to take necessary precautions. This meant extra quality one-on-one time with gal pals and extra sleep. Life is hard, but it’s moments like these that force us to take care of ourselves.
From a new exercise craze to wardrobe choices, life is constantly changing. Change isn’t always fun or enjoyable, but I choose to accept it and to move forward with a head held high.
