Violet, Summer, Little Blue, Princess, Pam, Jim and Jon Snow have not been fed in two days. This has happened more often than not this semester. They are my fish, my escape from dealing with all that life can throw at you in a moment's time. It's not that I forgot they were in the tank that rests on top of my dresser or that I thought that they had been fed already. It's that life has thrown a lot at me lately. I suppose it's probably not wise to have them if I have done this so many times, but I rest assured knowing I'll be better able to take care of them over the long winter break. But then I remembered my credit card balance for the month is also a week overdue and I have to run to class. Crap.

Being a young adult has both its downfalls and its perks. I've only started to learn, manage and juggle them all at the same time while maintaining some composure. One thing I've gotten down to a science thus far is that it is much wiser to do the things you are required to do first and then do the things you would like to do second. For me, winter break is no exception to that. I've also learned that sometimes life doesn't always work that way. Some days I consciously choose to watch a Christmas movie before writing a final paper or take a nap before embarking on a long laundry journey. It's all about picking your battles and balancing each of the pros and cons before making a decision. Last year, I left my off campus apartment and then came back for the rest of the break after Christmas. This year, I plan to stay at my apartment all break and go home for the holidays only.

I used to love going back home to Vermont for the entirety of winter break. The holidays home are special in more ways than one. We live in the northern part of the state, so generally we experience a pristine white Christmas with a generous amount of snow on the ground. With most of my friends and family being local, I always have plenty of people to see when I come back from school. Plus, there are great slopes to ski and snowboard on for the entirety of the break after the holidays end! It's a remarkable time of year and I usually wouldn't want to spend it anywhere else or with anyone else, but then I grew up.

This past semester alone had brought about some new changes. This was my first semester as a senior, a part-time student and as a newlywed. Between completing all of my coursework, attending classes, working, staying current on bills, and taking care of myself, my fish, and on many occasions my husband, I have had little time for anything frivolous. Though it's been harder to manage, I wouldn't want my semester or my life any other way. By having responsibilities pilling up, it's taught me that earning a good grade, money or even an amazing husband is done through hard work (and a little luck).

For me, work and play go hand-in-hand. I've got plenty of "play" planned for the winter break, but I am also taking an online class and internship so that I stay focused throughout my last year of college. The holidays will still be enjoyed with family, but the whole 6-week winter break is definitely too long to stay away from responsibilities. Cleaning my apartment from this past semester's mess, paying bills, and work does not go away when I leave. I hope that by staying at my off campus apartment over the winter break, I will get the most possible done, feed my fish, and at times where I can wonder off to my family's holiday gatherings, I will.