I began December with an outstanding trip to Indianapolis, Indiana for the Big 10 Championship. I was proud and honored to have been able to watch my Hawkeyes. The atmosphere surrounding the game was unreal. Hawkeye fans out numbered Spartan fans 4 to 1 which was evident in the stadium. Even though we did not win the game, the support and Hawkeye pride could not have been out matched.
As soon as I returned from Indianapolis, it was time to cram for finals. Though this is generally the most stressful time of the semester, I have taught myself many ways to relax and not have a panic attack during studying. My favorite way to relax is to color! That's right! I buy myself a coloring book and engage my imagination. I find coloring is a fabulous way to calm and center my mind during the strenuous time. So the next time you feel stressed, grab some colors and take an adventure into your childhood.
Christmas was a family affair. My family stuck with tradition this year. We attended mass Christmas Eve and waited for Santa to tell us if we were naughty or nice. Christmas day was full of the typical hustle and bustle. My Aunt Susie, Uncle Chris, cousin Will, Alex, and Andrea as well as my brother JT, sister-in-law Michelle, niece Charlotte, and nephew Camden arrived at our house. We opened gifts, feasted, and enjoyed each others company for a day and a half. Overall, It gives light and a reminder as to why this is the most joyous time of year.
My parents and I spent our New Years in California for the Rose Bowl. Once again cheering on our Iowa Hawkeyes. There is just something about Hawkeye football that makes the Lange gang travel. We arrived on Tuesday where we traveled to Long Beach to see the USS Iowa, a very eye-opening experience. We even made the KWWL news! We finished our first day at California Adventure where my mother and I went on the BEST rolla coster ever, California Screamin'.
Wednesday we went to the President's Tailgate in downtown Los Angeles. Afterward, we traveled to Hollywood Boulevard and saw the walk of stars. On our way back to the hotel, we were stuck in traffic for two hours!! Talk about a nightmare.
On Thursday, we woke up bright and early to travel to Catalina Island. Catalina is absolutely gorgeous. The sights were breath taking which were enhanced further when my mother and I zip lined through the canon. We drove a golf cart around the island in order to take in all of the views and ate a little seafood bistro right on the ocean. All in all, a fabulous and long day.
Finally, New Years Day arrived and it was time for the football game. We started our morning at the Rose Bowl Parade. The floats were extraordinary with thousands upon thousands of flowers used to decorate them. After the parade, we made our way down to the Rose Bowl stadium for a pre-game alumni tailgate and the game. Although the game did not turn out how everyone wanted, the day surrounding the Rose Bowl was an experience in itself.
December has treated me well. I look forward to the next month and the opportunities that it brings. Tonight I want to talk about motivation. Motivation is what drives us all. It gives us the courage to do things we may not have thought we could. Where does motivation come from? Where do we find it? Motivation comes from everything that surrounds us and what makes us happy. Whether that be your favorite team winning or your family, motivation is all around us. We find our motivation in the "little" victories each day. Even if that victory is choosing an apple instead of a cookie. Celebrate those. They give you the motivation to continue to push toward your goals whether they be long term or short term. Have a fabulous January!
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