December 2015

Another unplanned blogging hiatus. But it's been a busy month.

Thanksgiving 2015

Thanksgiving break feels like a deep breath before the plunge into studying, a calm before the storm of exams.

Typical Monday Thoughts

So last night, as I was drifting off to sleep, I was suddenly bombarded with a list of everything due before the end of school scrolling through my brain. I shoved those thoughts aside, tired and eager to just sleep. But even sleep wasn't extraordinarily restful. I literally remembered in a dream that my school is an hour ahead of me and that I would have to leave earlier than planned in order to be on time.

Oh, Mondays.... 

Another Birthday

It's hard to believe that I have officially left my teens behind. Seems like yesterday that I was an awkward thirteen year-old with braces and frizzy hair. Now I'm an awkward twenty year-old with straight teeth and slightly more controlled frizzy hair :)

Last year, I compiled several pictures to show the year in this post, and that was a lot of fun. So I thought I'd do it again this year. I just scrolled through the pictures on my iPhone, so that's why some might be poor quality or weird sizes. Fortunately for me, I'm a bit of a picture hoarder, so I still have pictures from this past year.

Our first finals week! It was long and crazy, full of naps and coffee
and laughter. I'm glad that I had these girls around me to eat pancakes
in the middle of the night and "break" into greenhouses to pet fluffy cats.

Over Christmas break, we got a new puppy :) Molly is Dad's favorite, but she's pretty cute, so she's kinda everyone's
favorite. (Although that first night when she was in a box by my bed and cried all night, sleep was my favorite)

My two sisters and I went ice skating. They both did
wonderfully. I, on the other hand, wobbled around the
entire 90 minutes. In this picture, I'm holding tightly
to their coats so I wouldn't fall :)

Back at college for spring semester! I remember that my suitemate and I had just spent a good hour debating the best food
delivery options when we heard girls on the hall start yelling that it was snowing. So we grabbed coats and boots and ran out in the middle of the night to make snow angels and have a snowball fight.

I met Olan Rogers for the first time! I look chill in this picture, but I was
pretty much shaking with excitement. 

Ah yes, the Great Ice Storm of 2015 that gave me my first snow days!
And I spent all two of them well: sledding on trashcan lids, eating waffles,
and teaching my Southerner friends how to efficiently walk up icy hills. 

After a long, hard process of applications, essays, and even an interview, some of my best friends and I got accepted into the
school's nursing program! We my have done some squealing when we found out :) 

Spring semester was a time of hosting for my roommate and I! These girls stayed with us one weekend for a college tour...

...and one of my roommate's friends came over another weekend for a visit, and we got to meet
Olan Rogers again!

My best friend had a birthday, and we celebrated in our traditional way: we dressed up, went to a favorite Mexican restaurant, and then had our annual photo shoot. 

Last Sunday of the spring semester. We struggled through another finals week and ate lots of junk food together. I had no idea
when this picture was taken that I would be transferring to a new school before our sophomore year started. I was more concerned with my Anatomy & Physiology final, how to pack up all of my stuff, and soaking up the last hours of the semester with my suite. I'm so glad for all the hours that we spent laughing at goats, hanging out in the ENO, and all of those breakfasts when we complained about how sleepy we were and laughed about whatever was on the TVs. 

I took a week off from work to spend with a fabulous group of Bible
quizzers at their national meet. I got to quizmaster, which was great
and all, but we all know that the main event was going to The Parlor
(the best ice cream shop in all the land.) That was a great time.

These were taken on the long ride home from nationals, but they're pretty applicable to any
time my sister and I are together. One of the best parts of this whole commuting-to-a-new-school
is that I get to hang out with her more. We share the same kind of weird, dozens of inside jokes,
and often a bowl of popcorn :)

Late summer and early autumn brought about lots of festivals. My brother
and I went to one celebrating pork, and my sisters and I went to one we go
to yearly. We pretty much just go for the food. 

19 was a great year, and it has so many more memories than what can be included in this post. Over and over, God has provided: jobs, free coffee, a car, acceptance into two good nursing programs, and the strength to make it through even the longest days. It seems like this time of my life is one of many transitions. I went from college to home to college to back home to working an office job to a new school and a new job. As I look ahead to this next year of life, I don't know what it will bring. Life is crazy and busy and full and good.

It's Been A While

Like, nearly two months. Maybe all of two months? I don't know. But here's an update (you're welcome, Mom and sis)

Big Changes

If you haven't heard, this past month has been a month of stress and decisions for me. The end result of all of that is that I will be transferring to a different college this fall. This is kinda out of the blue, so here's the story behind such a huge decision.

College Packing Stuff

Yeah. So this is going to be a long post. But it also kinda doubles as my packing list. Multitasking and all. Maybe it only applies to freshmen girls, but maybe not?

The Room

 -Lofted Bed. 

I know that some people don't like the idea of literally climbing into bed after a long, stressful day. But by lofting your bed, you'll give yourself so much more floor space. I loved having a lofted bed. I fit both my dresser and my desk underneath it; I could hang my coat on the frame. I even hung a couple of S-hooks on the underside of the frame to give me a place to keep my backpack and a jacket or two. 

 -Carpet/Rug

If your dorm room is already carpeted, great! If it isn't, I highly recommend finding a big rug or a piece of carpet to bring with you. My parents and I found some that was on sale at Menards? Lowes? or someplace like that. My roommate and I spent hours laying on the carpet and procrastinating/debating theology/telling each other puns. 

(Note: I also suggest bringing a little vacuum cleaner with you to clean the carpet. I have a hand-me-down that was tiny, fit in the corner of my closet, and still managed to pick up most of the dirt.) 

 -Shelving 

My dorm room didn't really have much space for storage. Fortunately, my dad noticed this during orientation and came up with a solution. I brought my own metal shelving, like this: http://m.samsclub.com/ip/alera-wire-shelving-unit-36-x-24-4-shelves-silver/prod2210333

It did take up some room, but it also gave us a place to store food, hang our towers, and keep things like laundry detergent and shampoo 

 -Dog pillow 

I got mixed reactions about this. When my dad found a really cheap dog pillow during a Black Friday sale, I grabbed it. I thought that it'd be nice to have when I sit on the floor to write papers. Sure, it was thin and technically intended from dogs, but I'm not that picky. 

My roommate was (thankfully) thrilled with it. I was too. Half of my friends were skeptical, the other half thought it to be a good idea. After a while, we had to fold it in half to notice any cushion, but it was used daily and had been cheap to start off with 

 -Body pillow/Mattress pad 

Two more cushiony items that I found extremely helpful. I lost quite a bit of rest due to stress, but I would've lost even more if it hadn't been for the priority I made on making my bed comfortable. 

 -Power strip

 -Trashcan 

Not huge, but not tiny either. And don't forget trash bags that fit your trashcan. 

 -Sewing kit 

Granted, I only needed this one time, but it was a very critical one time. 

 -Cleaning supplies/Lysol

While your dorm might provide some things, I found it helpful to have some in the room as well. And Lysol in case someone in your room/suite/yourself gets sick and you have to spray down everything because no one has time to get sick. 

The School Part

 -Pencil Case 

Is this something that public school kids already have? This homeschooled one did not, but then I also had to order a backpack the week before classes started. 

 -Dry-erase markers 

The library at my college has white boards in the study rooms, but they ask that you bring your own markers. I didn't think that I would ever use them, but I found it surprisingly helpful to write out everything on the board while studying. 

(You can also use neon ones to write on mirrors, which my roommate and I did all the time) 

 -Textbooks

Shop around before buying/renting. I used Amazon.com a lot, and I know other people who used Chegg, and still others who just picked up theirs from the bookstore. The more effort you put into finding the best deal, however, the more money you'll save. 

The Kitchen 

 -Microwave

For popcorn, tea, heating up leftovers...

(Note: your dorm might have restrictions on how powerful of a microwave you need, so check those)

 -Coffee maker/coffee filters

 -Fridge 

Some friends gave me a mini fridge that their kids had used in college. It was tiny, but it held our leftovers and water bottles 

 -Water pitcher 

I didn't think of this until summer break, but a water pitcher would've been nice to have last year. We found one on sale a few weeks after spring semester that would fit in my fridge, and it has a filter so I can drink water from the tap and it won't taste like it came from the tap. 

 -Mug/Travel mug 

I drink lots of tea and coffee. So I had a couple of mugs for my room. A good, leakproof travel mug is also good to have 

 -Popcorn 

My go-to snack 

 -Bowl/Plate 

I had a big bowl for my popcorn, a plate for leftovers or whenever I picked up a meal to eat in my room. I also had containers with lids that doubled as smaller bowls. 

 -Plasticware 

Because who knows when you'll need a fork but not want to wash it? 

 -Dish soap/cloth 

The plasticware might be disposable, but the pitcher, mugs, and other things need to be washed. 

Miscellaneous Tips

 -Don't take all of your clothes. Don't even take all of the clothes you think you'll need for a semester. Especially if you live close to home and have a car, only bring a little 

 -Rain boots, or any shoes that will keep you dry in the rain, are essential. 

 -I hate buying shampoo and conditioner, so I usually buy giant pump bottles of each. This is especially handy for girls stuck at college without a car. 

A List: Things I Miss at College

Over these past several weeks of summer vacation, I've been able to appreciate some of the things that I just simply miss while I'm away at school. 

1.  My family. 

Because, well, they're family. 

2. My best friend and her family. 

They crack me up, laugh at my funny jokes, call me out on the lame ones, and give the best hugs. 

3. Bible quizzing. 

The big national meet was last week, and I was able to go and quizmaster (as well as quic quiz, which was a blast even if I didn't know the material :)). While I was able to go to some of the monthly quizzes last school year, nationals reminded me of just how much I miss being an active, regular part of it. 

Plus, Bible quizzers (both current and graduated) are a pretty cool bunch, and I love hanging out with them. 

4. A queen-sized bed. 

I'm tallish, and I like to spread out. A twin-sized one just doesn't cut it for long periods of time. 

5. A kitchen. 

I know, I know. But I actually like kitchens. I like trying out new recipes, tasting the fruit of my labors, and straightening the cereal boxes and chip bags. 

6. Quietness. 

I love my roommate. She is one of my best friends, and she is enough like me that we can sit in quiet and it isn't awkward or anything. But I also live in a dorm at college. As great as it is, it is seldom quiet. I like the quiet to recharge, talk to God, and focus my attention to wherever it needs to be. 

7. Free time. 

I'm working full-time this summer, but I am still shocked at how much free time I have. Yesterday, I not only worked, but I went for a run, picked berries, made a great supper, and watched a movie. 

I could post more (not constantly being in the city, being able to see the sunrise and not just the sunset, having the closet space for all of my heavy sweaters, etc). But I don't want this to get depressing. College is good. It challenges me in so many ways. It's teaching me more and more self-discipline. It's forcing me to grow. 

Bur I also love home. So this is more of an appreciation list than anything else. 

In Case You Want To Know What I Eat At Work

My little sister likes to pull up this blog, shove her iPod in my face, and point out how long it has been since I last posted. As if I have the free time during my summer vacation to write blog posts ;)
So I'm typing this mostly to please my sister. Thus the rambling, random title and post :D

Settling Into Summer

As I type this post about summer vacation, I'm drinking hot coffee and wearing one of my favorite long-sleeve shirts because it is about 50 degrees outside. Summer vacation is certainly off to a blazing start! (haha see what I did there)

End of Freshman Year

Guys, I did it. I survived my first full year of college!

A grainy picture of me at my freshman orientation last June. I knew nobody and was scared
to death about college.

Me on the second-to-last day of college. I am now surrounded my amazing friends. College is still
terrifying, but I am a lot better at faking my way through. 

On day one of finals, I had my three hardest exams. I lived through all of of them, and my roommate and I celebrated by staying up late watching Mr. Bean's Holiday and eating so. much. food. 

On day two, I had zero exams. I slept in, ate chocolate, went eno-ing, and did some studying for my last test. It was a chill day, basically, and it was fun to just be here with friends.  

On day three, I had one 8:00 exam. Then I celebrated with coffee and some of my best friends. 

Iced caramel latte because I am now 1/4 of the way through college. 

Now my suite is packing and cleaning. I've already said goodbye to some of my friends here, and it's crazy to think that I won't see them for another 3? 4? months. 

But I'm also ready to be at home for a while. I haven't seen a bean field for awhile. My skyline here is skyscrapers. Time for the skyline to be trees and cornstalks and farms. :) 

Getting Ready for Finals

Whenever I finish writing a paper, I always feel so intelligent and accomplished.
Then I proofread.

The Countdown has Begun

Only two weeks until finals week. TWO WEEKS. I have so much to do. So much studying to begin. So many words to type. So much coffee and chocolate to consume,

Easter Break 2015

What?? Two posts in less than a week? Weird. But, breaks call for blog posts.

Between Breaks

Just a few weeks ago, I was in the middle of spring break. Now, I'm getting ready for Easter break. April is starting off quite well ;)

Spring Break 2015

So, if you ask me how my spring break was, I'll probably smile and say that it was good. Or that I had food poisoning/stomach bug. Both stories are true, but one sounds somewhat more dramatic than the other :)

Another Unplanned Hiatus

Well, I guess blogging wasn't really at the top of my priority list these past few weeks. Between nursing interviews and Aristotle readings, I have been a little busy. Although, I've also found time to watch a TV series with my roommate (hey, it was only eight episodes) and keep up (and surpass) the reading for book club. So I guess it really does come down to priorities.

Ice Days

Okay, so I am not unaccustomed to snow and ice and freezing temps. I have snow gear and years of sledding experience. Having problems walking up an icy hill? Punch through the ice with your heels first to gain a little more traction. My hair froze between my dorm and the caf this morning, but it didn't even faze me. I'm not from waaaaay north, but when you go to school in the south, you just feel so much more experienced :)

Crazy Busy Week and a Super Nice Weekend {in review}

So, this past week has been really difficult. Between three tests, fighting a cold, applications for the nursing program and scholarships, getting rest, and experiencing spiritual deepening week here on campus, I'm impressed that I've kept up my personal hygiene :)

My Latest Obsessions

So, you would expect new classes and professors with a new semester. But there are also new obsessions. Some have carried over from last year, like eating chicken salad at lunch or mixing coffee with chocolate milk. But there are some new ones. 

Semester Two

I'm back from Christmas break and my unplanned blogging hiatus!
(I know, you're all very excited :))