Last Post of Freshman Year

I wrote this yesterday, right before dad came to get me:

me with my Springsteen ticket

Well, it’s been a really long time!  I have just been SO BUSY!  But, now it’s time for the last update on this particular blog.  So, get ready, it’s about to be a long ride! 

College life has been really busy since Easter break because finals were fast approaching and Greek week was two weeks ago as well, and then final papers were due and finals week!  So, that means that the first week back from break was spent with a lot of practicing for Greek week, and the following week was spent with Greek week events every night; last week was the last week of classes, so there was a lot to do, and this past week was finals week! 

Hardly anything happened the first week back except for classes and a lot of Greek Week Practices.  My first weekend back; however, was exciting; it was induction for Chi Omega.  So, I’m officially an initiated sister, now!

Mum and I at the Springsteen concert

Greek Week was busier than the previous week.  Between classes and all of my homework, Greek Week events were every night except Tuesday; Tuesday was special (but, I’ll get to that in a little bit).  :-)  On Monday night, all the Greeks played basketball; I missed Tuesday; Wednesday was Football; Thursday was the Greek Olympics (There was an eating contest, an obstacle course (of which I was a part), a jousting competition, a 5-legged race, and a chariot race.); and Friday was Sing and Sync (This is the event for which we spent hours and hours practicing.  For the sync, all the sororities and frats come up with a dance that involves the members of the sorority doing the same moves in sync; for the sing, all the sororities and frats change the words to several songs to make them fit that particular sorority or frat.).  We came in 4^th overall out of 4 sororities.

Dad and I at the Springsteen concert

Although all that was fun, Tuesday held the major event for the week.  Mum, dad, and I went to a Bruce Springsteen concert in Ohio!  It was GREAT!!!!  Springsteen played a total for 25 songs. J  That was Springsteen concert number 3 for me!

The week before finals (also the week after Greek Week, or the third week after break), was really really busy, but I got through it and began my second finals week (one last semester, and then one this semester. 

Oh, yea, after classes on the final day of classes, the college hosted a farewell festival: they had white shirts and tye-dye stuff, lots of YUMMY food (walking tacos, gelato, funnel cakes, cotton candy,

one of my friends -- Molly

Luckily, I only had three finals to take (although I took five classes, I didn’t have to take my Scriptures final because my professor said that if you had an A before the final, you didn’t have to take it.  I also didn’t have to take an OWE II final because Dr. Hall counts our final paper and final presentation as our finals.  So, Monday of finals week, I took a Calculus II final.  Then, Wednesday, I took a Western Humanities II final… at 8 am, and today, I took another 8 am final in Physics.

My grades for this semester stand as follows:

Calculus II: B

Western Humanities II: A

Physics: A+

OWE II: A

Scriptures: A

tye-dyed shirts from the Farewell Festival

So, other than Calculus II, I’m pretty pleased.  Well, it’s time for me to go; dad just called and said that he was stuck waiting for the train to pass in Greenville.  That means that he will be here in about two minutes.  (I’ve been packing up and cleaning my room all day; now it’s time to load the car!).  I’ll be home in 4-5 hrs depending on how long it takes to load the truck.  Then, once I get home, I am going to turn around again to go see The Avengers at midnight with some of my friends.  I’m excited!  (and I’m also excited to read some books that aren’t textbooks!!!!!!!)

Michelle, the girl I will be rooming with next year

Well, have a great summer!  I hope you all survive without my blog until next school year!

New York and Easter

the best pic of NYC that I got

The last I left you, I was preparing to leave for NY.  Well, NY turned out to be a ton of fun!  Thiel took two charter buses (both were nearly full of students) to NYC.  I spent the day with two other people, Molly and a girl in my Calc II class who's named Katelyn.  We spent the entire day shopping, and I spent about $275, but I bought a lot, too.  I got shoes, a dress, a swimsuit, a bra, a bag of blue M&Ms for my mum, a bag of green M&Ms for me, a Build-a-Bear bunny, and a bunch of other things. :-)  I do wish that I could have gone to see a Broadway play (or even an Off-Broadway one), but mum and I might be going back to NYC after school lets out, so if we do that, I'll get to see one, then.  I also wish I could have taken more pics, but for one, the people I was with wouldn't have really liked that, and, two, the sky was really white, and not blue, so it wasn't good for pics, anyway.

the bunny that I stuffed at Build-a-Bear

Angel (my cousin), my Aunt Connie,  and I

This past school week was a short week, too.  My last day of classes was Wednesday, but Monday and Tuesday were really busy because I had a presentation for OWE II (Oral and Written Expression) on Wednesday and a test in Western Humanities II also on Wednesday.  I think that both went well. I also won a picture contest where you had to take a picture of your dorm room for the school website (I won a $15 gift card for Sheetz and my picture is on the Thiel page for housing (http://www.thiel.edu/reslife/default.htm).  My Aunt Connie also ordered me an awesome bathing suit! :-)  And I did a fair amount of picture taking during this week and the one before it

one of the pictures I took over the past two weeks

a pic I took over the past two weeks

my Aunt Connie and I

another pic I took over the past two weeks

my OWE II class

the pic I took for the contest (I put my camera on a tripod and on a timer so I could take it)

the swimsuit my aunt bought me :-)

Right now, I'm sitting in my bed at home because it's currently still Easter Break.  Tomorrow I go back to school, and classes start on Tuesday.  Over Easter, I didn't do too much.  I got back LATE Wednesday night, and most of Thursday was spent in Altoona at the library and then in Bedford at karate.  After karate, I went to my cousin MJ (Mackenzie)'s house to help her build a mousetrap car for school.  On Friday, I went to Altoona to hang out with Coleman, and I did some more shopping.  Saturday was reserved for Easter dinner with the Lehmans (my mum's side of the family), and I spent most of today (Sunday) watching Lost.

Well, school starts in two days and I have a Physics test on Friday.  Wish me luck!!

A Short Blurb for an Uneventful Week

It's a little over a week until Easter Break, and a few hours over three days before I leave for NYC.  That's right; I said it: NEW YORK CITY!  Every spring, the college takes students to NYC for the day, and that day just happens to be this Saturday!  So, I'm going with two of my friends: Molly and Katlyn.  We just started talking today about where all we are going and what all we are doing, but I can tell you that it will involve a lot of SHOPPING!!!!  More on that after the trip

the quality isn't that, great, but I'm holding one of the papers that I designed

Not a whole lot has happened since I've been back.  The paper comes out this Friday, though, so I've been pretty busy with that (for those of you who don't know, I'm the Layout and Design Editor of the Thielensian (our school paper)).  Not only do I write articles for every paper, but I am also that one that compiles everyone else's articles into what it the Thielensian.  This particular issue contains four of my articles:  "Meteors Prepare to Enter Earth's Atmosphere" (or something like that, I don't remember exactly what it's called, but it's about meteor showers), "Thiel Hires New Coach" (it's about the newly hired shooting coach), "Recycling Project Receives Grant" (about a grant the environmental club received), and "Act 101 at Thiel" (about the Act 101 program here at Thiel).

Other than the paper, well... I got cookies in the mail today; I got officially signed up to live in the WING house next year (NOT in a dorm =D ); and Molly and I gave a presentation to Dr. VanAkin toady (yea, I know before I said that it would be presenting it last Thursday, but there was a mix-up with the dates, and we ended up presenting today).  The presentation was about the necessity for an update to the Science Building.  Overall, I think that it went well, and he seemed really receptive to the idea.  Other than that, I haven't done anything out of the ordinary during the past week; but, after NYC, I'm sure I'll have some pics and stories!!!!


(if the link to the Thielensian page doesn't work, here is the URL: http://www.thiel.edu/Thielensian/index.htm)

Spring Break

Duck Tape Rose

Well, I've been back to school for a few days, now (about two and a half, to be exact).  I haven't really done too much; Molly and I worked more on the speech that we will be presenting to Dr. VanAkin (the president of the college) later this week, I went to class, and I made two Duck Tape roses for two of my friends.  Now that I've filled you in on my boring two days, ...well, you'll just have to read on and see.

Aunt Kim, Grandma Jeanne, mum, and me

MJ (my cousin, Mackenzie), mum, and me

The last I spoke to you, I was in Ohio at a place called Camp Fredrick.  I was supposed to be there for the whole week, but plans changed (but we'll get there in a little bit).  On Monday, I spent about three hours building a ladder with some of the other people who were on the trip with me.  I worked on some homework, watched a TV show, and played Spider Solitaire and Minesweeper (which I JUST found out is actually MINEsweeper and not MINDsweeper) for the remainder of the day.  On Tuesday, I woke up at 7:00 to be at a nursing home at 8:00.  There, we spent two hours sweeping the floors and wiping off tables.  For lunch, we were served sloppy joes (which I couldn't eat because I gave up meet for lent) and cookies (yay, lunch).  Then, later that afternoon, Dad came to pick me up to take me home.

Friday night's dinner :-P

We managed to arrive home JUST in time for me to go in town for the late class of karate.  So, of course, I did; I surprised everyone there (no one thought that I was coming home until Easter).  The next day, I went to visit Grandma Criswell.  Other than that, I stayed home and cleaned.  On Thursday, I went to Visit Grandma Criswell again.  After that, I went golfing with one of my friends (but we only got to hole 7 before it began POURING), and spent two hours reminding myself that I could be a decent golfer if only I could putt ("If only, if only the woodpecker sighed..."  (did you get the reference?  If you didn't, you should go read the book Holes because it's a great book)).  Then, I went home to make cupcakes for karate later that night (We were having one of our baking days (Every now and then, when I'm at karate, my friends and I take turns baking goodies (This time, I was making cupcakes and PJ was making cookies.  YUM!).).). 

the cake I made for mum

I spent much of Friday baking a cake for my mother's surprise party that evening (she finished her radiation treatments that day).  I also took the time to go visit Grandma Jeanne for a bit.  When mum got home, dad, Camden, mum, and I sat down for a very yummy lobster-tail dinner (are you jealous?).  Then, some of the family came over for cake and ice cream, and we finished off the evening by watching a family movie (Jack and Jill)





Saturday, I went shopping in Altoona and then to my cousin's wedding shower.  Then, on Sunday, I came back to school.  And I'm pretty sure that covers everything.  As always, have a great week!

Oops... I got a little behind

Hello all,

just a pic a took during the past few weeks

As most of you are aware, it has been a few weeks since I have updated this (three to be exact).  I have just been so busy with classes, homework, the Thielensian, and Sorority stuff.  Now, let’s see… the last time I updated my blog was… the weekend after Valentine’s Day (but you can all figure that out by looking at my previous post.  Anyway, time for an update on my Life as a College Freshman. 

another pic I took during the last few weeks

The week after Valentine’s Day was relatively uneventful.  I had homework and classes and study groups.  About the only thing interesting that happened was on Monday, when Audrey wasn’t on campus and she asked me to run the Thielensian meeting, but even that wasn’t very exciting; it was a pretty “by-the-book” type of meeting: I assigned articles and then everybody left.  And that was pretty much my week.

a pic of Bess and Sean during our presentations

The week after that was a really busy one with schoolwork; I had three tests.  The week began on Sunday (duh!); the Chi Omega’s had a “Member Retreat” (where members hung out with each other all day), but I missed most of it because I was studying for my Calc II test.  Also on Sunday, Coleman (my boyfriend at the time) and I broke up.  Then, on Monday, I took my Calc II Test (And I did not do very well on it; Calc II is really difficult.).  I spent Tuesday studying for my Scriptures midterm, which was scheduled for Wednesday (I received an A on it).  Wednesday night and Thursday were reserved for studying Western Humanities; I had my test in that class on Friday (and I also earned an A on it).

the Bunny Family on Big-Little day

The following week began on Sunday with Big-Little Day (A Big is like a big sister; they act as a mentor).  My big is named Ellie and I am now part of the Bunny Family.  The next day, Molly and I had a co-authored paper due in OWE, and the remainder of my week was devoted to studying physics and watching Monk, The Big Bang Theory, Switched at Birth, and Pretty Little Liars.  Spring break began that Friday, and my parents and brother came to Greenville to see me, since I was staying on campus until today (Sunday), when I left with the Habitat for Humanity group to go to Ohio.  Camden stayed in my room Friday and Saturday night, and during the day on Saturday, the four of us went shopping at the Outlets and then went to Hosse’s for dinner.  (I got some new clothes and such.)  I had a lot of fun, and I think they did, too.

Mum and I at Hosse's

Currently, I am sitting in Ohio.  Tomorrow, we start working on different areas of the camp.  I’ll have to let everyone know how my week goes!

Happy Valentine's Day! (a few day's late)

 Happy Valentine's Day! (a few day's late)

the Chi Omega new members with their first letter shirts

This week was one that wasn't particularly busy as far as schoolwork; the main thing that I had to do all week was present a speech with Molly on Friday. Because we had just received assignments the Friday before, we didn't have a lot of time to write our speech, make a PowerPoint and handout and practice the speech.  So, most of my free-time went towards that.  This coming week, I have two papers to write, two tests (Calc II and scriptures) for which to begin studying.

the fabric that I used on my first letters

Other than schoolwork, my week was also fairly uneventful.  On Sunday, I went to church with my parents and then they left and I went to one of my new member meeting for Chi omega. That means that I had to dress up (one of the only things you have to do for Chi Omega as a new member is dress up for the hour-long meetings on Sunday; Chi Omega requires their new members to do the least out of all the sororities, which is nice.).  But, because it was snowing and I was so comfy in my sweats, I wore sweats to the meeting room and then went to the bathroom to change and then I changed right back to sweats after the meeting, lol.

more of the fabric that I used on my first letters

Then, on Thursday, an exciting thing happened and I got to make my first Chi Omega letter shirt!  It's really cool and I'm really excited about it.  All the new members got together with three of the initiated members to learn how to make the shirts.

As you all know, this week was also Valentine's Day.  Due to this, I got a lot of boxes this week, lol.  On Monday, I got a box of muffins and skittles (my favorite candy) from Grandma Jeanne.  Another box came in for me on Monday, but the lady who was working couldn't find it so she told me to come back for it the following day (but I was still nervous because I was worried that it was lost).

The Valentines that I received on Monday, instead of Tuesday.

Then, Tuesday (Valentine's Day) came.  That day, I got FOUR BOXES in the mail, and three of them were pretty large!  I had to get Sean (a friend of mine) to help me carry them.  One of my boxes was from the church (It contained cookies, brownies, pudding, and a ton of other foods.); another box was from my mum and dad (They gave me a really nice camera bag so that I can carry around my camera and both of the lenses that I have for it.  It's really convenient.); a third box (this one was a small one), from Aunt Connie, carried a little stuffed red-and-gold (Chi O' colors) owl (the Chi O' symbol)

The Valentine presents from Coleman and Aunt Connie

(The owl even had Chi Omega stitched onto it.  His name is Owlett and he is really cute; my sisters all really liked him, too.); the last box was from Coleman (He sent me a Winnie-the-Pooh Bear, another little stuffed bear, a singing card, a box of those chocolates that you don't know what are inside (He remembered that I like those a lot =D), and two boxes of Chewey Jolly Ranchers (one of my favorite candies).). Oh, and I also got to eat a lobster dinner on Tuesday, complete with grilled veggies and a cheesy biscuit. =D

my Valentine's Dinner

I just got home from Jubilee today.  Jubilee a Christian conference in Pittsburgh.  It's a conference for college students and people go to a bunch of lectures while they are there.  Some of them are boring, but a few have been pretty interesting.  The conference didn't allow for a lot of free time, which was disappointing and stressful because I have a lot of work to do.  I actually ended up sitting in the back of several of the lectures and studied calculus.  I also purchased two books: a devotional and one called "The Gospel According to Harry Potter" (It's about the relationship between Harry Potter and the bible.).

So, overall, I had a fun week.  Now, it's time to leave you to go do schoolwork and laundry (Yes, it's a laundry day (which means $6 or $7 spent on washing clothes *ugh*).).  Try to have a good week, everyone, while you are awaiting my next post.

The Oddball at the Black-and-White Ball

Daddy and I

The Oddball at the Black-and-White Ball

             This past week was kind-of an easy one as far as academics.  About the only thing I had to worry about all week was a physics test.  It was nice to be able to focus my time on one test, and I think I did really well on that test as a result.  The paper also came out this week, which means that I worked most of the day on Sunday and most of the day on Monday; but, the paper turned out really well.  I’m really pleased with it.

Yummy!!!!! (Lobster-tail, crab legs, shrimp...)

            Friday night, I went with one of my friends to a dance party at the K∑ house.  It was fun, but I didn’t stay late because I needed to wake up the next morning to do nails before my family arrived.

            Saturday morning, my mother, father, and Camden came to visit.  They took me out to eat at Red Lobster in Hermitage.  Then, they took me shopping.

I set up a tripod so that I could take pictures of myself

            At the moment, I am sitting here typing this while I am having my hair curled for the dance (although this will not be posted until tomorrow when I receive the pictures of me in my dress that my father took (I want to be able to post them when I post this blog).  Although the theme of the ball is “black and white,” my dress is pink and gold.  Why?  Because I really really really really like this dress so I’m going to wear it!  Lol, I’m ever the oddball!

Other than my funny face and the fact that it is off-center, I really like this pic. :-)