Finals Week 1: Conquered!

To say that I am feeling immensely relieved does not even begin to cover it! This semester has been chock-full of ups and downs, challenging not only my academic abilities, but who I am and who I want to be as a person. Suffice to say, I am not that excited to be packing up to leave my new home and friends for a few weeks, but I am feeling pretty awesome now that I realize that despite whatever my Final grades turn out to be (Grrr, none of them have been posted!), I know I gave everything my best effort. Here's a video I found this morning scrolling down my Facebook timeline and I just couldn't make myself scroll past - it's sure to put a smile on your face!

xx
Catch you next time

Suite Love!

From the BRC's Paint War event at the beginning of the semester!

Lately I've been reminded that the friends you make and surround yourself with are the ones who really do help you shape into who you're becoming. A couple weeks ago, I was really stressed and my suitemate did something that seems small but meant a lot! A little while ago she went through something upsetting as well so I decided to try to return the favor and help her smile, even if only for a moment. We both kept our respective presents on our mirror to always remind ourselves to smile! 

Friends, memories, smiles: they are all very precious things that we need to remember to actively appreciate. When you actively appreciate these things, you not only show your gratitude to the people around you, but you also know that you're living your life. What are some of the things you've done to help someone smile?

xx
Catch you next time

Talk About A Busy Weekend

I'm neither the first nor the last person to attest to the fact that time seems to be flying so quickly, especially lately considering it is officially Finals Week down here in the Great Southwest.

Friday was a lot of fun because not only did I get to take an extra credit exam for Calculus, but I also had the wonderful opportunity to play with puppies, eat my first Twinkie (deep fried, at that!), go to my first RoseBall, and make gingerbread houses with my floormates. 

Finals Week is here, but hey if it means I get to cuddle puppies then it might be okay.

Photo credit to the beautiful Ana of Could've, Would've, Should've!

My Pledge Mom loves bow ties and has a black belt, don't mess with him!

A picture with my favorite Greek Seniors.

Loved these wine glasses and centerpieces for RoseBall!

Came back home to the dorm just in time to make gingerbread houses!

On Saturday, I slept-in just a bit, did some studying, and then surprised Theatre Geek at one of his performances! I dragged Em along with me to see the show and she loved it!

Ready to see Hale Centre Theatre's "A Christmas Carol"!

Surprising my best friend at his new job was such a great decision. It makes me so happy to see my best friend working at something he is so deeply passionate about. I know he is going to go so far in life, and I am just deeply appreciative and blessed that I have been a part of his life.

Meet Young Scrooge/Narrator of BOTH casts!

Sunday afternoon was spent eating chocolate chip Sparky waffles, watching Landon Donovan's last game before retirement (YAY, congrats LA Galaxy!), and attending a Fraternity event to say goodbye to our graduating seniors. Later the same evening, my building put on a Winter Wonderland event with free Dutch Brothers hot cocoa, stocking decorating, Christmas card writing, pictures with Santa, and sugar cookie decorating! It was a lot of fun, but to top the night off, Ana, E, and I hung out, studied more for Finals, and then proceeded to make grilled cheese sandwiches with E's quesadilla-maker.

#WafflesForTheWin

Galaxy and New England both started off the game with high energy!

Walkin' in Agave Wonderland!

Protip: Quesadilla-makers can be used for more than just making quesadillas.

I know I say this a lot, but it's only because it is so true: life can move so quickly when you get busy and/or begun having fun. The secret to not losing yourself is to remember who you are and hold on to to all of the memories you make. How was your weekend? Did you make any memories?

xx

Catch you next time

Suns vs. Pacers

Tuesday night, the Leaders Academy APPLEs treated some of us to meet with members of the Phoenix Suns' Marketing team AND stay to watch the Suns and Pacers game! It was a lot of fun for my first professional basketball game and it was nice to bond with one of my new brothers!

Soo exciting!

Just warming up!

Katie and I!

Had a lot of fun bonding with one of my new brothers!

Have you ever been to a professional basketball game? I really want to go see the Oklahoma City Thunder when they come to play the Suns in a few months!

xx
Catch you next time

An Attempt at Being Crafty: Holiday Cheer

Well, it's officially December! Though I've admittedly been listening to Christmas music since Halloween ended, now I can even more outwardly express my love for the Yuletide season!

I am most definitely not a crafty person. Crafty meaning person who is good at crafts. I love trying! Try as I may, sometimes things turn out half-decent. Here's my attempt at decorating my dorm hall door!

How do you like to decorate? Have you decorated your door for a holiday before? I'd love to see pictures of what y'all have done!

xx
Catch you next time