In March 2017 I turned 30, started my next class (packaging design), took photos and tried to kickstart the old ‘study brain’. I have also been renovating my mum’s bedroom (I swear I will get the house completed eventually).
I am trying to be kind to myself, and do small things that incite positive vibes. It can’t be smooth sailing all the time and you can learn a lot about yourself when the waters get a little choppy.
🎂 Turning 30
Turning 30 wasn’t a big deal for me. There is some small part of me, that wishes a younger me held the same perspective I do now. If that was the case, I wouldn’t have been able to learn the same things and would likely be very different. Older me will be thinking the same thing! Haha.
🎓 Packaging Design
I completed my third week in my next University class, which focusses on Packaging Design. It’s quite a big area, with packaging playing a monumental role in our everyday lives. We have a lot of activities to complete each week, but I am enjoying it. Even if there hasn’t been a lot of input from others. `-`
📷 Photography
I have continued to use my snazzy macro lens to take photos. At the moment most of the photographs have all been nature based. I would like to try exploring the use of objects as well. Below are some of my latest shots. You can view more on my Flickr.
😵 Where art thou study brain??
I have been feeling a bit tired and less motivated than normal. I am hoping that my study brain will kick back in and I can shuffle out of holiday mode. I am trying to be kind to myself, and do small things that incite positive vibes. It can’t be smooth sailing all the time and you can learn a lot about yourself when the waters get a little choppy.
🏠 Home Renovations
If you have been following my blog for a while, you may be aware that I have (slowly) been renovating my parent’s house. I did my room first, the kitchen and my mums office. I am now onto her bedroom. I have sanded the floor and need to do some sanding on the walls (where a wardrobe was removed). In the previous rooms, I had used a board sander. But it was so annoying because it would overheat all the time. This time I used a small hand (mouse) sander. I finished it in a much shorter time. When I was buying more sanding pads, a man at Bunnings was so surprised I had done a whole floor with a small sander. If it works! 🙃
💬 Questions
- What did you do in March?
- Have any plans for April?
- What do you do if you’re feeling a bit tired and unmotivated?
54 Responses
Sounds like March was a great month full of positivity! I love how you’ve been telling yourself to be kind to yourself, we all need to do this often with so many doubts that cast our minds on an everyday basis. Keep reminding yourself how awesome you are Kya <3
I think everyone thinks like that, I know when I look back, I wish I was a bit more confident and ambitious when I was younger but it comes with time – you realise a lot and it's just part of growing up!
I love your photos – thanks for sharing! I've been trying to improve my photo-taking skills especially when I went away, I'll start using Flickr to upload them 😀
"I am trying to be kind to myself, and do small things that incite positive vibes. It can’t be smooth sailing all the time and you can learn a lot about yourself when the waters get a little choppy." This is SO true. I find motivation everytime I think of why I started in the first place, why I joined in the first place! 🙂
Thank you so much. :love:
March sounded like a busy month for you. Huzzah for turning thirty 🙂
Packaging design . . . ? Are we talking about how people design a package for a product? I didn’t think there would be an entire class on that. Do share what you learn in that class! Your macro photography turned out lovely! The lens is really working out 🙂
It’s hard to get into the study/work mode after a vacation. I’m at the point where I’m just ready for a vacation, so I’ve been not feeling very motiviated at work. I’m also more frustrated than usual.
Good on you for continuing the home renovations! You’ve made a great progress since you first started. Hope you will have a better April and will feel less tired and more motivated ^^
Packaging design is a huge industry. I think honestly they would need two classes to cover everything properly. I have been learning so much and will hopefully share a post soon. 😀
Quite the busy month for you!
I really love those photos. They look amazing!
What did you do in March?: Honestly not much. Mostly the same old stuff.
Have any plans for April?: To continue to get into better habits!
What do you do if you’re feeling a bit tired and unmotivated?: Sometimes I try to make myself do stuff anyone. I usually feel better after!
Thank you! ;D
Your macro photos look great! A macro lens is on my next lens to buy list as I need it for jewelry shots at weddings, but I think I will mostly be taking nature photos in my own time!
March sounded like the busy one for you, and happy 30th birthday 🙂
March was busy for me as well. I work full time and last month I interviewed for a new role within my company and was successful, so preparing for those interviews took some time. I photographed a family session and I tried to work on my business website in my free time. I also finished moving house… I’ve moved house twice in the last 6 months and I’m so over it. I don’t want to move again until I buy a house!
April is another busy one 🙁 I photograph two weddings, one I have to travel for Adelaide for, visit my family a few hours away for Easter, a bunch of doctor appointments and I start my new role at work. Exhausted just thinking about it all, lol!
I have been having huge issues with motivation and tiredness recently. And I think it’s because I’m simply doing too much. I’ve had a doctors appointment and another one today due to constant fatigue and I have low blood pressure right now. I’ve started to make the effort to step back now, I am happy with my full time role at work but I’m going to accept less photography jobs and probably hire a cleaner to help me out. So I get to actually enjoy my days off!
Wow, you have been really busy! It sounds like you might need to cut down on the commitments you have. :wub:
What an eventful March! I’d say congratulations to turning 30. I know most people don’t celebrate getting older once they pass a certain age, but really, I think it’s good to remind ourselves that not everyone makes it so far. We should celebrate each year we survive this crazy world of ours, because there sure as heck some people out there who would’ve loved to turn 30 but never did. (Wow, that all took a somewhat deep and dark turn, apologies. My mind rambles sometimes…)
I love the photography you shared! One of my friends online just got a macro lens and it’s so interesting to see the world in detail as a result. I don’t know why I never appreciated such lens in the past.
Sorry to hear you’re feeling a bit tired and unmotivated. I definitely think being kind to yourself is the best thing to do. It may not help you get things done, but boy does it suck when you beat yourself up over things.
I’ve found the best thing to work motivation-wise for me is having a buddy. If I have a friend who wants to accomplish something similar and we say “Okay, at this time we’re going to both spend a hour working on this”, it really pumps me up. We may not say more than a sentence or two in that entire time, but just knowing that other person is there holds me accountable and is great for when I need feedback. I don’t know if you have a classmate who would be up for it, but even if not, you may be able to find another friend who can do it. Just agree on a day/time you both can motivate each other to get stuff done and then do it!
(Of course, that’s just me so it may not actually work for you, haha.)
Anyways, nothing really exciting happened for me during March, but even if it did I wouldn’t remember because my mind is so consumed by April: my fiancé is flying over next weekend to spend two weeks here catching up and planning our wedding. We’ve been in a long-distance relationship for most of our 5 1/2 years together and it’s been seven months since our last reunion so I’m SO excited to see him! 🖤
Thank you so much. It’s a great suggestion about having a friend or buddy to help with motivation. It really is a brilliant idea. :love:
Sounds like you had an eventful month! It’s good that you took turning 30 in a good way. As we age, we adopt a more mature perspective (and wished our younger selves would have it as well) – but that’s how we got to where we are in the first place. I’ve heard one of my roommates talking about packing design before. The design of packages is the first thing that the customer sees so companies gotta impress them!
The pictures you took with the macro lens look so cool! It makes me want to buy one someday XD. From what you’ve been posting, your house sounds really cool XD.
When you start to learn about packaging design it’s amazing how many things come into play. I never considered how the actual shape of the packaging can send a message or how all the visual elements (such as colour, texture, typography and illustration or photography) all combine to target a specific market. Normally it only takes a few seconds for a customer to decide if they like something or not, so you have to get it right.
Still have a bit of work on the house, but getting there. :love:
Looks like you had an eventful month! 🙂 Your photos look lovely and I think you really have a good, artistic eye! 😀
Ugh, I know what you mean about not having the motivation… I’m experiencing the same thing right now. I just can’t get into my study mood even though midterm week is approaching. Must be because of all the holidays we’re getting right now.
What did you do in March?
– I think the highlight of my March was my decision to join the university chorus, after so many months of debating whether I should go with it or not. The past month was a blur to be honest 🙁
Have any plans for April?
– Well, midterm week is approaching so I really need to exert more effort into my studies. I will also start reading books for my final paper due in June.
What do you do if you’re feeling a bit tired and unmotivated?
– Well, I think of all the things I can do after I finish everything! I often have lots of fun and relaxing plans so that I have something to look forward to after finishing a major project or a tough semester 😀
I hope you are able to get into the study mood and do well with your midterms! That sounds really cool to join the University chorus! 😀
Seems like you had a busy March! I’m glad you were so productive :blush:
Packaging Design sounds interesting. My best friend was an art student and she had it as an elective one time and I was so amazed at her designs. I’d love to see yours too!
Your photos using macro lens are beautiful! I love how up close you can get with nature with that lens :love:
I mostly waited for the job I wanted in March but it was worth it because I got it. And I learned how important it is to be patient n’D
My plans this April is to start work and get busy because I feel like I’ve been slacking on life itself after being unemployed for three months :’D
If I’m feeling tired and unmotivated, I usually spend some alone time and do what I want at that moment (read or watch a movie, etc.) and reflect on why I’m tired or unmotivated, and go to sleep. The next day I’ll feel renewed and I’ll remember what is my goal/purpose and keep going at it! It’s important to just keep going even if the going gets tough 🙂
That’s really great you were able to get the job! 😀
Your lens is helping you take such amazing photos! 😁👍
It’s a shame other people are not giving much input in your class! I hope they pick up their game. In group projects, it can be really difficult if someone is not contributing. D:
I think it’s awesome that you were able to use a small sander and achieve a better result in a shorter amount of time. I’m also impressed. 🙂 I know you have been working on the house for a long time but I think you have been doing amazingly, and judging by the photos you have shared along the way, you are doing a great job. Renovating the house takes a long time. My parents want to renovate the house before I get married, I will leave the ideas up to them though… since I’ll be moving soon 😆
I’m going to a few concerts in April and going to Queensland to see some of Nick’s family 🙂
Thank you. 😀 Thankfully I have not had to do many group projects and the ones I have had, people that worked hard. That was a big relief. Sounds like they want to renovate before you leave to have that extra help. n’D
Hope you had/have a great April. :love:
What a positive month you had! Happy belated birthday! 30 is an interesting year to turn. You feel mature and aged but yet still so young and unsure. I just turned 30 in July and I’m still learning the ropes of this whole 30-thing. Your photography is beautiful. I wish I could have the artistic eye like you do to take photographs like yours. Great job! Happy March and may April bring you wonderful things too!
Thank you! :love:
Yay for shared birthday months! I’m glad turning 30 wasn’t a big deal for you. I think a lot of people make a Big Deal out of 30, but I feel it’s just another decade to work through in the end.
Your pictures are so lovely! It makes me want to get my camera out again, but I know it would be a short-lived hobby. :’D I hope you share more photography with your new lens!
I didn’t do much (but stress a lot) in March, and I don’t have any significant plans for April, but we’ll see! I’m finishing up my 2nd year of college this month and it’s kind of wild to be halfway done already. In regards to motivation: I always try and find things that motivated me before. It helps a LOT.
Thank you! 😀 I do plan to share more photography soon. Hopefully, April won’t be as stressful for you. :*3
Being 30 feels no different than being in my 20s, honestly. Maybe it won’t hit me until I turn 31 next month? Haha.
Those photos are amazing. I have a macro lens for my 📱 but I barely use it. LOL
I never tried a macro lens for my phone. I thought about it but never got one. u_u
Celebrated anniversaries in March and now celebrating my husband’s birthday tomorrow on the 5th. Amazing how it goes. I am going to be 28 this year and it still hasn’t hit me about my age.
Q-Q
You’re making me want to go out and take pictures with my camera again. I really need too, the poor thing is probably collecting dust. orz
I never felt much from turning 30 either. However, the longer you are 30 the more you get the You’re 30?! comment from ppl who think you are still in your 20s and it really starts to sink in. Not necessarily in a bad way though.
When I’m tired and unmotivated… hum, well I try to force myself to do something small. Being tired I can’t do much so I look for a small project even if I think I don’t want to. It makes coming back home or going back to the TV feel not as bad and then I start to feel a bit better about myself for actually doing something even if it didn’t take much time or effort. After awhile you can gradually do more and I try not to let my bad days ruin my mood or set me back. One day at a time is my motto.
You should try and use the camera. 😀 It can be hard to know what to take photos of sometimes. Those days I just wander around outside and see what I discover.
That is a great tip. Starting off and even doing something small is a good start. 🙂
OHH belated happy birthday, Kya!!!! 🙂
Thank you! :love:
You seem to have had such an eventful month :3 These photos are very lovely by the way – the colors are amazing.
Thank you very much. ou3uo
“I am trying to be kind to myself, and do small things that incite positive vibes. It can’t be smooth sailing all the time and you can learn a lot about yourself when the waters get a little choppy.” — I LOVE this. I’ve been trying to do this myself, as well. I totally get that it can be hard but one step at a time, eh?
Glad to hear you’re enjoying your Packaging Design class! I like when there’s lots to do because then I feel more productive.
Beautiful photos, btw!
Good luck with the rest of the renovation! I am sure it’ll turn out great 🙂
I didn’t do a lot in March actually, but my April is shaping up to be busy with tons of writing projects – so I am super excited 😀
If I’m feeling tired and unmotivated then I literally allow myself a time out and I write down a to-do list and go from there. It’s hard sometimes, though, but sometimes I just have to push myself.
Hope you did have a great April with all of the writing! 😀 Timeouts and to do lists are a great suggestion, thank you! :love:
I feel the same way about aging. When I was younger, my age mattered so much to me, but now I don’t think it’s a big deal either! That sounds really interesting to have a class about packaging design. It’s something we frequently interact with, yet we probably don’t realize the work and effort behind it.
Your macro lens photography is looking great! That’s so cool to be able to capture such small details.
That sucks that you haven’t been as motivated lately. I get in those lulls once in a while, but fortunately they usually pass. I hope yours will too! I feel like it’s my brain’s way of telling me to take a break once a while.
I’m still amazed that you do these home renovations yourself! Good luck on finishing your mom’s bedroom!
Thank you! :love: ou3uo
I have a macro lens too and I love to use it to take flowers. Unfortunately, I didn’t get much time to go out to take photos… 🙁
That’s really cool you have a macro as well. I am sure you will be able to at some point. :wub:
Happy (belated) Birthday! :cake: <3
I've been busy lately and didn't have much time to read blogs, but I wanted to see how you are.
I like your photos very much and Packaging Design sounds interesting!
I hope April is a great month!!! :*3
Things happen and you can’t comment on blogs all the time. I appreciate the checking in! :love:
You’ve got so far on the renovating! This is amazing 😀 And I absolutely love your photography.
March was a weird one, I think I did things but I don’t quite remember them. April has taken over.
Thank you! ou3uo
Hope you had a great birthday, Kya! I know quite a lot of people who are daunted by turning 30, but I don’t think I’ll really be that bothered. It’s only another age, after all!
I love your photography. I’ve always wished I could take great photos, but I get so frustrated trying to arrange things and get the angles right. It’s so much harder than it looks! Your pictures are so perfect!
I hope you feel more motivated soon! I switch between being super-motivated and not doing much at all, which can be frustrating. Usually I split things into tiny tasks if that’s the case.
The highlight of March for me was going to comic con. I didn’t really do anything other than that! And I don’t have many plans for April either!
I think it just takes time, learning and practice to improve photography. I kind of use natural instincts at the moment, but plan to spend more time in the future improving the technical aspects. The more you know!
Goodluck on your studies! 🙂 I really liked what you said here, “It can’t be smooth sailing all the time and you can learn a lot about yourself when the waters get a little choppy.” It applies to my current situation right now so it feels like an advice. Thank you. 🙂
And I am excited with the home renovation! Maybe you could do a home/room tour? 🙂
I am glad that my words and situation could be related to your situation. I hope that you will be able to break from those feelings very soon.
A room tour is a great idea! 😀
March was a busy month for you! And, as a student you’re always busy. Good luck with the new course, which I suppose has started a long time ago.
30 is a nice age. I’m feeling years pass by too fast although I don’t feel that old (I’m 43).
April has been incredibly busy for me, work of different sorts, also lots of leisure stuff planned, nice things but they still require planning and preparations.
When I feel tired and unmotivated I try to do something completely different. If it’s about computer stuff I try to sit down to play an instrument instead or something else unrelated.
That is a really great tip. Taking your mind away from certain things can be helpful. :blush:
I forgot to say that I think your photos are fantastic!!! Very well done, yours are so much better than mine!
Thank you! I am sure they are not! :camera: :wub:
I always love your photos. ❤
I’m so behind on everyone’s blogs, so I’m going to have to start playing catch-up soon. 😅 You’ve done a lot of renovating since I last did my rounds. 😮
My March was disappointing. My birthday was equally so, as I realised something about my family. 😣 This April has been slow. We’re having a garage sale this weekend, though, so the only thing keeping me motivated right now is being able to rid myself of a lot of crap that’s just been taking up precious space in my room (and the money I hope to get from selling it 😏). 😂
Don’t worry about it! I have been a bit behind on reading and commenting on blogs. We do it when we can. :*3
Agh. And happy belated birthday to you! That was gonna be the first thing I said, but of course I forgot it as soon as I got here (to the comment box). 😖
Haha, don’t worry. Thank you. :love: