Oh, Quiet Time How Much I Value You

I've mentioned in previous posts the constant issues with noise while living with roommates. The times when you most crave the peace and quiet is usually the time when everyone else decides to be their loudest. I know it's never intentional, but at least that's what it seems like. I know I'm not the only one who likes peace and quiet. All university students need a break once and awhile, from homework, paper, studying, working, whatever else they do. And when living with roommates, the times when it is quiet and you can get some peace is the most valuable thing ever.

There's about a two hour gap on Wednesdays when I'm the only one home. The rest of my roommates are at class between four and six. I get home from class at four, check our in and out board to see who's home. I always relish in the fact that my name tag is the only one in the in slot. It's so quiet in the house; it gives me chills, in a good way. Now, mind you, I'm not about to start running around singing and dancing because I have the house to myself. I don't do something crazy when I'm home alone. Usually, and I'm not exaggerating, I lay in bed. I don't sleep, because then my sleep at night gets messed up. I just lay in bed, basking in the golden silence. Sometimes I put on the television, and watch whatever I feel like. Other times, I put on music, my own choice of music that no one can complain about because there's no one around to complain. This is by far my favourite time of the entire week. Sure, once and awhile, I actually do work during my quiet time. I can get a good chunk of an essay done or study in silence. But most of the time, I do nothing.

I know that I'm not the only one who values some personal time. I decided as my little piece of advice today to offer some suggestions of what to do with your own alone time.

1. Read a novel, poem, or anything you've been wanting to catch up on.
2. Listen to music, whatever you choose for your mood.
3. Work on a hobby that you've neglected in the past.
4. Write, call, or email someone you haven't spoken to lately.

5. I also suggest using the time for self-reflection or mediation.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/04/16/is_this_chimp_relaxing_after_an_exh.jpg

I'm Leaving.... On A Via Train

After all the stress of midterms and so many papers to write, we all welcome the reading week break. It's a week off from going to classes and for most waking up early. Yes, there is reading involved and many of us have things due right after the break. I, for one, have a classical rhetoric essay due the second day back. And I admit that I'm behind on readings for most classes, so I welcome the opportunity to catch up. For those of us living on residence, reading week offers us an opportunity to head home and see friends, families, and significant others we have at home waiting for us. I get to home and see my family, celebrate my little brother's birthday, and spend time with my boyfriend. Needless to say, I definitely enjoy going home.

Reading week gives me time to reflect on what's gone in the past few months since returning to school after the Christmas break. I considered how school has gone so far, how well I think I did and if I put enough time and effort into all my classes. I look at how hard I worked at my job, and if I feel rewarded from this. I also look at my relationships. Did I talk to my family enough? Did I update them on the going-ons in my life? I also wonder if I did everything I could to be a good roommate. There's no such thing as a perfect roommate, but we can all try to respect everyone else we live with. Basically, I just look at my life in general and see where everything is. If there's something I feel has to be changed or worked on, reading week gives me time to re-evaluate and reconsider.

This post is relatively short and sweet. I just wanted to share my thoughts on this reading week we are rewarded for working so hard (or so I like to think). Maybe fellow bloggers and readers can take the time to evaluate things in their live, and maybe we can all come back refreshed. I wish everyone a safe and happy break, whether you're traveling somewhere or staying in town. Enjoy well it lasts, because we're right back at it in a week or two.