To fly or not to fly
Monday, February 21st, 2011 | Uncategorized | No Comments
I can smell salty ocean air. I don’t really know why but I can practically feel warm breezes and sunshine warming my shoulders. It’s so ugly out right now, but last week the weather was BEAUTIFUL. It’s a happy time: Mubarek recently stepped down from power in Egypt, the economy in the U.S. is rebounding, and yesterday I watched video of a man in Norway belly-flop 35 feet into 1 foot of water.
Yes, I feel positive right now. I’m confident in my ability to find a job- at some point- and I’m just enjoying my last few months of my childhood. I know I’ve pulled that phrase out so many times (senior year, beginning of college, first day of my first internship..etc.) but now it really is ending. I won’t be a kid anymore when I finally get that first job.
Sooo, in reflection of my weekend, I should say that last night we had a progressive dinner in our section of Fry apartments, which I got roped into helping with because my friend and RA had to go home for family issue. I put a bunch of icebreaker questions into a bag and had each person answer one. I had the traditional questions like “if you could have any superpower what would it be?” Somebody said they would choose “rewinding.” I never thought about that..what if I could rewind time and fix all the stupid things I’ve done? I’d fix the huge mistakes, like our senior prank that we almost got caught doing in high school…on second thought, that actually turned out kind of cool even though I had severe anxiety issues because of it. Well, I could always go back and erase those stupid little things I say, like when I tell my friend I hate wheat pancakes right after she slaved over chocolate chip pancakes with whole grain batter. Yep. I’m a good friend.
But maybe, in reality, I wouldn’t change much. Maybe those little mistakes are what makes us who we are. Maybe those huge mistakes are what teaches us about who we want to become. Maybe, just maybe, if I could have any superpower I want, I’d still choose flying.
Singles Awareness Day
Monday, February 14th, 2011 | Uncategorized | No Comments
“There you have it, folks. Young love. Full of promise, full of hope, ignorant of reality.”
Ugh doesn’t the thought just make you want to barf? I don’t think there could possibly be a more commercial or cheesy holiday than Valentine’s Day. In a society were we strive for individuality, why do we waste time buying the same typical lame gifts every year (read teddy bears, jewelery and chocolate) and going out for dinner to sit in some pink and red covered restaurant when couples all over the country are doing the exact same thing? Whoo-hoo, yay for spontaneity! Can you tell I’m cynical? Ha.
I remembered today how I last February I found myself in a movie theater watching the movie Valentine’s Day and the critically acclaimed performance of Taylor Swift (not). I actually really enjoyed the movie, but I can’t understand how the men and women in the movie are so focused on finding someone to spend Valentine’s Day with. We should use the day to show the people in your life how much you really love them, rather than try to find a new relationship to add drama and stress to your already bulging schedule. Because that makes sense. (Drip, drip. Oh, I’m sorry, did my sarcasm drip on you?) And really, sarcasm is just more fun than sugary sweet yuckiness on a day like today.
These are my tips to remember on this red and pink day:
- Tell your best friends/family you love them. I hugged all my roommates this morning because they are my family. They’re my best friends and they stick with me through everything.
- Don’t wear valentiney colors, but do wear bright fun things that give off a positive vibe.
-Tell a funny joke. I love a good guffaw at something really heinous.
- Eat whatever you want. Because, hey, why do you care?
- Be happy. True happiness depends only on you. You can’t rely on anyone else for that. Find a reason why today is beautiful. (Um, hey it’s GORGEOUS outside right now. Like 55 degrees in February!)
And in the meantime, you always have your best friend, chocolate. I think I’ll be doing a little karaoke tonight, and maybe a little Wii dancing with my roommates and eating all the chocolate I can find. It’s gonna be a good day!
Happy #1
Thursday, February 3rd, 2011 | Uncategorized | No Comments
Yesterday was Groundhog’s Day, which is my#1 favorite holiday only because it means we are that much closer to spring! I love spring at Messiah. You’ll be walking through campus one day and notice that suddenly there are beautiful flowers that were not there the day before. And there are all sorts of fun things like take place like service day, Relay for Life, duct tape wars..etc.
Even though I really want spring, it was pretty cool to walk around campus yesterday after the ice storm and see the ice melting off the trees. It sounded like it was raining but it was only the ice melting. And I still have yet to sled down Cemetery Hill…which has to happen sometime before the snow melts.
The other night my roommates sat in our one bedroom and talked about our futures and our lives. It’s funny how rare it is to have us all together at the same time! I can feel my life getting busier and busier as I take syllabus after syllabus from my professors. But our lives would be busy without classes too- we have so much going on with our other activities. I’m trying to enjoy the little time I have left to be a kid. The real world is calling!
Ugh and so is lunch- I’m starving! Peace.
Friday afternoon thoughts
Friday, January 14th, 2011 | Uncategorized | No Comments
Halfway through J-term! Crazy how fast this year is going. I’m really enjoying writing my story about Donald Miller’s “Through Painted Deserts” for the spring Bridge. I’ve gone through like 10 versions already because I want to make sure I do the book justice- it’s amazing! I read it while studying in Greece and I connected with so many of Miller’s experiences as he traveled through the western part of America. He made me want to see the whole world and never go home! There are so many quote that sound like they are straight out of my journal, too. I feel like I could write so many things, but I want to write about the book, and not just my experience…but they seem so hand in hand! Anyway, I’ve enjoyed writing it and I hope it turns out well.
I’m excited for the next few weeks: a bridal shower for one of my best friends, the unveiling of Forgotten Voices International’s TREE KOISK (woot woot) designed by our PR campaign class, and the return of several of my friends from abroad! So excited to hear about their travels!!
J is for J-term
Wednesday, January 5th, 2011 | Uncategorized | No Comments
Ah, J-term. The beautiful time of year when students are jarred out of their food induced comas and forced to sit in class for 4+ hours a day. And I love it. Before, I could never understand the upperclassmen’s infatuation with this seemingly ridiculous tradition. As a freshman, I had barely adjusted to my Christmas break at home when suddenly it was January, and I had to return to Messiah. How funny that seems now, because although I would have loved more time stuffing my face in front of the TV, I absolutely could not stand one more day waiting tables. I actually had barely any time in front of the TV, although I did find time to indulge in every traditional food in the name of holiday celebration. I have never been that ready to leave.
So, I’m back and today was our first day of classes. I’m taking a graphic design class that I think I’ll really like it if I can ever get over being such a perfectionist. It would be a good thing, but we have to move pretty fast with our projects, and I usually spend too much time on the wrong aspect of the project- haha. J-term is usually a lot of fun because students have a lot of free time, so hopefully I’ll be able to relax and ease into the spring semester. I’m hoping for a big snow. Last year was so fun sledding down Cemetery Hill!
And yes, it’s a good time to begin the dreaded (gah) job search. Hopefully I’ll find a place to put this wonderful education to work. May’s gonna get here pretty fast…
Christmas > presents
Thursday, December 9th, 2010 | Uncategorized | No Comments
This time of year just makes me happy. It’s all covered in red and green and gold and sparkly glittery things. If the mall wasn’t so full of crazy people racking up their credit card debt, I’d really enjoy being there. I really think I want to teach my kids about how beautiful Christmas can be when you aren’t overloaded with presents. i don’t want my kids to have closets full of junk. I really hate junk. My mom has trouble letting things go- she has a box full of my 3rd grade math worksheets, which clearly, should not still be in the attic. So, it’s times like these, especially in my current financial state, where I just hate seeing people buy gifts which the receiver will never use. We all know great Aunt Martha is really not going to ever change her perfume. And Grandpa probably can’t figure out how to use that camera. Plus, that random office Bath and Bodyworks gift will probably be re-gifted. So. Is it really the thought that counts? Or should people just start saying, “hey, I know we are supposed to give gifts, but I think you have everything you need. I donated X amount of money to Forgotten Voices International in your name.” Or, “I worked X amount of hours at the local shelter in your honor this Christmas.” Maybe invite the person to help serve with you. If we spent nearly as much time focusing on others this Christmas instead of buying pointless gifts, we probably wouldn’t be facing the economic downturn or be subject to the current administration’s “solutions.” As much as I love the fantastic gray boots I picked out for this Christmas, or as much as I need a giftcard to buy business attire, I think the world just needs more of me. More of my time, more of my generosity and compassion. Maybe if we helped other then the government wouldn’t feel like they need to do it. Maybe if we gave more in other ways, we just might see that Christmas is about so much more than presents.
Open Doors
Tuesday, December 7th, 2010 | Uncategorized | No Comments
Know what else I love? When someone holds the door for you. I don’t care if you’re a guy or girl, or whatever it is SO NICE when someone bothers to hold the door for the person behind them or the person in front of them. Seriously, my opinion of you as a person skyrockets when you hold a door- haha.
Anyway, several people held the door for me today! I feel a bit frazzled because all of our public relations campaign content is going to press (that just sounds cool!) on Thursday!! Egad. Shoutout to mah girl Heather Murphy and all our long nights brainstorming together! Everyone has worked really hard this semester. I’m excited to see the final product of PR campaign- sometimes it was hard to see the forest through the trees, but I think we have a great project. I just hope I make it to see Christmas!
Here at work I’ve been doing some reflecting on my trip abroad to Greece. I studied there for 3 months (check out old posts to see pics!) and I LOVED IT! I got to write about using the language and talk about my favorite memories..oh man I just want to go back right now. And then I spent some time reflecting about all Messiah offers- for real kids, this place is awesome. I’m so happy with my experience here. And so eternally grateful that I was able to experience living in another country and learning from the people there. Talk about an open door. Changed me forever.
My next article I’m going to write is about Donald Miller’s “Through Painted Deserts” and my experience reading it in Greece. So, I read this book about taking time to breathe in life, while I’m in Greece where they spend the majority of their day just….breathing. Take a nap here, have some coffee there, quick trip to the beach after class, etc. Those people know how to live! Maybe I’ll be lucky enough to evade this rat race and enjoy more Mediterranean life someday. Okay, that’s all! Gotta go edit my life away- I’ll admit, I love this stuff 
things I love:
Tuesday, November 30th, 2010 | Uncategorized | No Comments
volleyball
animals
sunny days
FROZEN TREATS
baseball
meadows
dreams
journaling
RossRachelChandlerJoeyMonicaPhoebe
Mario Kart
history
word games, mind games, board games, video games, mysteries, hide and seek
piano
a freshly cleaned kitchen
mowing the lawn
summer
taking pictures
fairy tales
a starry sky
bonfires
singing really loud in my car
traveling
new adventures
organizing/planning
new make up
surprises
eggplant parmaesan
Oklahoma!
fun dresses
chex mix
Rascal Flatts
Messiah Women’s Volleyball Team (the others)
the farm
I was thinking about annoying things, and I realized that I am better off focusing on the things I love rather than things I HATE like rainy days, cold weather and boring classes. Sooo, here I am trying to focus on happy thoughts. Cream colored ponies and crisp apple strudel..you know. I’m happy the semester is almost over. I’m not happy it’s my second to last semester. I’m happy it’s almost Christmas. I’m not happy we still have 6 months till summer. I’m happy about the beautiful gray boots I asked for for Christmas. I’m not happy I have zero funds to pay for school or gifts for my family. BUT I’ll be home extra early this year and I can go to the work Christmas party I’m super-pumped for. I’ve never been and it’s supposed to be a pretty good time. I love the people I work with at home- they’re some of the most fun people I’ve ever met. Anyway, the next few days is papers upon papers and then a Greece reunion dinner on Saturday! Can’t wait to see everyone. And our apartment Christmas party- I’ve got to figure out what to get Kristy!
sweet potato casserole
Tuesday, November 23rd, 2010 | Uncategorized | No Comments
I love warm weather in November! Usually “warm” this time of year only means 60 degrees, but I don’t care- it’s fantastic! I remember about 5 years ago Thanksgiving day was so warm and bright and the sky was filled with these big puffy clouds. I’m all about a little summer in the winter.
Speaking of Thanksgiving, it’s right around the corner- literally, I think if I walk outside my door there are students singing Thanksgiving songs and children are throwing candy in the air and turkeys are dressed up as pilgrims. (?) LOL.
This is the first year that fall break does not seem like ages ago. I’ve been busy as ever since then, but I still can’t believe how fast time has flown by. And I’m honestly not dying for a break- I love this. After we get back we only have about 2 weeks of class and then finals. And then the first half of my senior year is over.
Please hold while I scream.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME????? Wait, I just moved in freshman year, I just got back from Greece, I just started my first internship…it can’t all be over so soon!
Make the most of it underclassmen, because it flies. Well, hopefully next year at this time I’ll be flying home for Thanksgiving from some exotic location. Ha, with my luck I’ll be living at home. Ugh there’s an ugly thought. It’s funny how excited I am to never live at home again. And this is coming from the little girl that loved roaming the fields in the summer sunshine and playing make believe in the meadow behind the barn. I didn’t think I’d ever get sick of living there. Even last summer I enjoyed my time at home. Now, living with my parents is getting so old i can’t imagine living one more year in that same house I lived for 22 years. I guess everyone just gets to a certain point where they recognize they need to leave. Trust me, I’m there. Messiah has never felt more like home to me.
Anyway, I’m super-pumped to eat tons of sweet potato casserole and stuffing and play GAMES with my family and get asked for the billionth time by my grandma if I have a boyfriend. Awesome. Bring on the holidays and the family that never leaves. You know you all love it.
Thankful.
Thursday, November 18th, 2010 | Uncategorized | No Comments
Our Kupkakes for Kris Koffeehouse went great on Friday night! We raised over $800 and we aren’t finished yet! We had a great turnout, mostly students from Messiah- thanks to all of them!
This weekend CAC will be baking and delivering pies to Hope Lodge in Hershey, Pa. My roommate and co-chair Ashley will be running a marathon. My volleyball team is having a GAME NIGHT…couldn’t BE more excited! And last but not least, by awesome Kiosk group will be having a footie pajama party…actually that’s not for a little while yet but I’m super pumped for whenever it happens! Lol you guys are the best!
My friends are making my senior year great. I’m gonna miss this place like crazy in a few months. But right now, I’m just thankful that I’m here, and barring anything crazy, I’m gonna graduate from Messiah College soon. I’m thankful for my family and their health, even though it’s been tested lately. I’m thankful for my friends who have become family, and for the amazing food Lottie will be serving up tonight. And I’m thankful for the holidays and the promise that spring and warm weather is always right around the corner. It’s all good here in the burg.