January 27, 2011

Snow Day!

That's right kids, you read correctly! Today, my school received sooo much ice and snow that we were excused from all our classes! My friends and I stayed in, watched movies, and played Mafia.

I really, really love snow. It's always so soft and pretty, and even sparkles in the sun. I love the challenge of hiking through it when you have to go anywhere, and the way it sticks to my hair and eyelashes when I walk. As far as I can tell, the snow is still falling, and I'm anxious to see how much we end up with! So far we have at least 8 inches and I'm hoping for a foot.

The snow has put a bit of a damper on some of my activities, however. My sorority is hosting recruitment events this week, and they will still be continuing, but the poor girls will have to hike across the campus in all of this snow! Hopefully they all dress warm and in sensible shoes-- frostbite is awful! I can't wait for the first night to see all the girls going through and start meeting some future sisters!

Until my next posting, stay warm, stay safe, and drink lots of hot cocoa!!

January 18, 2011

Ten states in ten days

Hello readers!!

So sorry for the gap between postings, but I have been traveling!! As I am on my winter break, my family and I decided to head down south for a week or so, and it was SUCH an amazing trip!

We left Illinois, traveled through Kentucky, Tennessee, and Alabama on day one. Then we went on through Georgia to Tallahassee to visit JJ, my dear younger-older sister. We toured the FSU campus, ate yummy pizza, enjoyed the gorgeous weather, and watched JJ perform (she's an organist!). After departing Tallahassee, we kept heading south, eventually perching in St. Augustine, where I got my first (got that? First!) view of the ocean. Of course, my dad and I had to dip our toes in the water!




It was unbelievably cold, but also unbelievably gorgeous!! The storms north of us created some crashing waves, and the whole beach was made of shells... perfect for a novice beachcomber like myself.

Next, due to massive amounts of snow and ice across most of the south, we re-routed our trip home and headed on to Biloxi, MS. Being the nerd that I am, I chose this part of the trip so that I could visit Beauvoir, the final home of Jefferson Davis. The house was very majestic, and had been restored to its pre-Katrina glory.



From Mississippi, we turned north and headed up to Memphis! I absolutely adore Elvis and so I was thrilled to get the chance to go through Graceland. I took about 600 pictures and just loved walking where The King had stepped. We also tooled down Beale St before leaving-- we couldn't pass it up!



Now, we're finally back home in Illinois. I have to say, I didn't miss the cold weather or the snow one whit! But, I am happy to be back with my family and friends. And I'll NEVER forget this amazing vacation!!

January 9, 2011

How to be my boyfriend

Ok, I confess, I stole this idea from an article I read- here. But, I thought it was just too cute, and I wanted to try it for myself. So, here goes.

Dear possible-boyfriends-to-be,

I want you to pursue me. I know it sounds old-fashioned, and I have asked out several guys in my time (some, more successfully than others), but I like to be wanted. I like knowing that you couldn't stand the idea of me being with anyone else, and as such, you just had to make that first move right then and there.

I want you to surprise me. Dinner and a movie is fun, but a cooking lesson and an outdoor amateur play is even better. I'm not typical, and I don't want you to be either. I want to try new things with you, and know that you'll jump in with two feet, right beside me.

You should be a "nice guy." Opening doors, being polite, carrying the groceries, are all little things that I will remember forever (no kidding, I have a great memory.) But, you don't have to laugh at my jokes. I'm used to getting eye rolls and sighs, and I totally understand. I tell bad jokes.

A few things you should probably know about me- I get really excited about everyday things like detours, parking meters, stopping for trains. You don't have to get excited too, just-- be prepared. Also, I really do like just about everything, except vegetables. I'm very laid back and not very discerning, and I'm learning to be more ok with that fact.

I'd prefer you to be kind, friendly, adventurous, and relaxed. I love a good sense of humor, and a good backrub. The ideal applicant would be able to change a tire and bait a hook, as well as enjoy a quality book.

Finally, I want you to accept the love I can show. I have a lot of love to give, and I'd love to give it to you.

Applicants, feel free to leave your information below : )

But in all seriousness, comment with what you look for in a significant other! I'm curious! Although this is kind of a silly exercise and I'm physically blushing just thinking about people reading it, I think it has helped me to clarify exactly what I'm looking for- which, for me, is a good thing.

January 3, 2011

Turn the calendar page

So, like everyone else in the world, I've spent some time the last few days reflecting on the past year, and looking forward to the year ahead. It's great to have this annual reminder to self-assess and to make goals and plans for the future (I'm all about plans- ask me about my plan G sometime).

2010 was a year of learning. I learned a lot about myself, my friends, and my purpose. As always, some of the learning came the hard way, but for stubborn girls like me, sometimes getting hit over the head with a lesson is the best teacher.

This year:
  • I lost a friend
  • My heart was broken a couple of times
  • I had more than one sleepless night
  • I moved into my sorority house
  • I lived away from home for the whole summer
  • I got closer to several people I had lost contact with
  • I had a summer fling
  • I joined two online dating websites (lots of laughs, and met a few great guys)
  • I turned 21, decided not to drink, and went to a bar for the first time
  • My sister and I ran a 5k together
  • I sang by myself, in front of people, for the first time ever
Overall, a pretty successful year, I would say. I'm really looking forward to this next year and all the excitement it will bring.

Some 2011 highlights to look forward to
  • My last year of college! Ah!
  • Graduation in December
  • Hopefully a summer internship
  • My niece starting kindergarten
  • Getting my first real-person job
  • Apartment-hunting
  • My friend Sam's wedding this summer (and maybe Mario's?)
  • Finishing my JMS project- a published book if all goes as planned
I really can't wait for all these new opportunities! What were some of your high and low times of 2010? And what are you most looking forward to in 2011?