I apologize to all my readers for slacking off as of lately. These past few weeks and next few have been extremely busy with. Let's do a quick recap of some of the great things that have been going on at Simpson in the past few days or so.
1. Students got together to write over 10,000 letters to help raise money for St. Jude Children's hospital. Also the Hawk, country radio station from Des Moines, came to help broadcast the event.
2. A ghost hunter came to campus on Halloween to investigate the strange happenings in College Hall where Mildred fell down the stairs back in 1935. Unfortunately there was nothing too out of the ordinary that happened.
3. The Art Department hosted Chrysilis, which is a day for high school art students to visit Simpson. There is also an art show of the student's work, and acceptance to the day is based on the quality of one's artwork. I had the awesome experience of helping the students with workshops throughout the day.
4. My sorority (Delta Delta Delta) went trick or treating to raise money for St. Jude's Children's Hospital. It was so much fun to dress up in costume and raise some money. There were quite a few odd stares, but after they realized it was for St. Jude's it was alright.
5. HILLARY CLINTON was on campus! Probably the most exciting news since OBAMA was here back in May. I helped the Simpson College Democrats and others welcome her to campus.
6. There was initiation of all my new Tri Delta sisters.
7. Meg Allison (country singer/songwriter) was on campus and gave an awesome performance. She was previously on the tv show Nashville.
8. I attended one of the fraternity's fall parties and the theme was famous couples. It was a great time to get away from campus for a bit, and stay at the Embassy Suites hotel.
9. Helped make some amazing cards for Veterans Day!
10. And that brings me to today...well I'm just here living the life of the student with never ending homework.
So in case any readers are wondering if there is enough to be involved in at Simpson. Look at my list of things above. I'd say there's something different on there for just about anyone. The opportunities are endless.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
Fall Break
After about two months of classes there comes this extremely wonderful thing in the semester called Fall Break. Just after midterms have finished and you feel like you barely lived through the tests...then there's a relief. Although Fall Break isn't nearly as long as Spring Break, its an excellent time to catch up numerous things.
My Fall Break was so conveniently planned by my mother. lol...Well at least I came home thinking I had four days of absolute freedom...wrong. Guess I had to come home and get all the essentials done like dentist and doctor appointments...yuck. Such appointments can never be enjoyable when you have someone poking and proding at you to make sure 'everything looks ok'. If it looks ok, is it really ok? Let's hope doctors know what they are talking about.
On a lighter note...I did spend my break catching up with high school friends, and even stopping by my high school to say hi to some of my favorite teachers. Its pretty amazing though when you go back to your hometown, nothing ever really changes. For the most part the school still looks the same, with the same teachers, and the same old classes. Its nice to have that to come back to. Its especially funny to drive down main street once again, and realize that everything seems much smaller (Kind of like the Rascal Flatts song 'Take Me There'. I guess that's what happens when you leave for awhile and come back.
I loved having a few days of a much slower paced life, and reliving old memories, but by Sunday I was ready to be back. I was more than excited to be back at Simpson with activities to plan and people to catch up with. The best thing about coming back from Fall Break may just be that the semester is half over and its getting closer to Christmas!
Take Care!
My Fall Break was so conveniently planned by my mother. lol...Well at least I came home thinking I had four days of absolute freedom...wrong. Guess I had to come home and get all the essentials done like dentist and doctor appointments...yuck. Such appointments can never be enjoyable when you have someone poking and proding at you to make sure 'everything looks ok'. If it looks ok, is it really ok? Let's hope doctors know what they are talking about.
On a lighter note...I did spend my break catching up with high school friends, and even stopping by my high school to say hi to some of my favorite teachers. Its pretty amazing though when you go back to your hometown, nothing ever really changes. For the most part the school still looks the same, with the same teachers, and the same old classes. Its nice to have that to come back to. Its especially funny to drive down main street once again, and realize that everything seems much smaller (Kind of like the Rascal Flatts song 'Take Me There'. I guess that's what happens when you leave for awhile and come back.
I loved having a few days of a much slower paced life, and reliving old memories, but by Sunday I was ready to be back. I was more than excited to be back at Simpson with activities to plan and people to catch up with. The best thing about coming back from Fall Break may just be that the semester is half over and its getting closer to Christmas!
Take Care!
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Hump Day Ha's
Hump Day. Wednesday. Ha's (laughing). Why do these have anything to do with Simpson College? Hump Day Ha's are the comedy line up on Wednesday nights. Just when you are getting bogged down with homework and need a study break...there's a comedian to listen to on Wednesday nights. Past comedians have been Eric O'Shea, Daniel Tosh, and Kira Soltanovich. All the comedians essentially have to comment on that odd wrestling singlet in The Grill, but its fun to see them all put their own twist on Simpson. Comedians are probably one of the biggest hits on our CAB (Campus Activities Board) lineups. Perhaps we just may get Dane Cook before I graduate? lol...Alright...well we can surely work on it.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
#1!!!
Now that Homecoming is over with...I can finally take a breath. Homecoming Week this year at Simpson was probably one of the most exciting weeks yet at Simpson. There was events going on everyday from the Medallion Hunt to Street Painting. The Medallion Hunt was a new event and it got the whole campus involved. A cash prize of $250 was given to the student who read the daily clues and found the medallion hidden anywhere on campus. I thought so many times I had it figured out, but apparently not because I don't have $250 cash in my pocket. :)
However, I designed the street painting design for my sorority house. My house (Tri Delta) took first in street painting, so I was pretty proud of all my hardwork. My sorority ended up placing first for the entire week. I was so proud of all my sisters working hard to pull of the top spot.
The football game Saturday was pretty intense. Simpson almost won, and it came down to the last few minutes. It was awesome to see the guys playing great.
So here's to loving Simpson and Homecoming 2007!
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Its Alright
Ever heard any of those college horror stories about staying up all night to read a book and then write a paper on it...all in one night. It happens. Trust me, as much as I hate procrasinaters its impossible to not be guilty of it once in your life. I was guilty of procrasinating last night because this paper was only a 1-2 page paper over a 500 page book. Now honestly, isn't it a little bit ridiculous to read that much and only write 1-2 pages.
Between reading 500 pages and writing my paper I got approximately 2 hours of sleep last night. Its amazing though the thoughts and ideas that flow through your mind at 4 in the morning. I enjoyed reading the book, but the assignment was too short to put all one's thoughts together. That's part of college though...writing papers on things you may not want to, but in the end you feel smarter by some of the key concepts you remembered from reading.
Needless to say I took a nap today for about an hour. It was greatly appreciated. Perhaps there was other things I should have been doing, but sometimes you just have to relax and take some time for yourself. Set priorities and take care of yourself once in awhile.
Between reading 500 pages and writing my paper I got approximately 2 hours of sleep last night. Its amazing though the thoughts and ideas that flow through your mind at 4 in the morning. I enjoyed reading the book, but the assignment was too short to put all one's thoughts together. That's part of college though...writing papers on things you may not want to, but in the end you feel smarter by some of the key concepts you remembered from reading.
Needless to say I took a nap today for about an hour. It was greatly appreciated. Perhaps there was other things I should have been doing, but sometimes you just have to relax and take some time for yourself. Set priorities and take care of yourself once in awhile.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Recruitment
Greek Life...often times people want to stereotype Greeks as soon as they heard the word. To be honest I also had negative view about Greek life as a freshman in college. I was unsure of what sororities or fraternities had to offer. Did my hair have to be blonde to become a member? Did I have to participate in some crazy midnight activity to become a member? So I went through Greek formal recruitment at Simpson to find out.
Soon enough I realized the girls in the sororities were real. They weren't a fake mold of girls you see in most sororities. These were the girls who were very involved on campus, and the girls I could look to for advice throughout my college years. Joining a sorority was something I never could have imagined, but now I couldn't live without it.
Joining a sorority has given me opportunities to be a leader and hold office, along with participate in the perks of Greek Life. Perks such as Greek Week (similiar to Homecoming style events), fall parties, spring formals, and national conventions for my sorority. The networking through a sorority is also amazing. I can be wearing my letters almost anywhere in the United States, and I'll meet an alum of my sorority.
This past week has been formal recruitment here at Simpson (yes folks that's why I haven't written...sad day in the world of blogging). I loved being on the other side of formal recruitment this year. This year I got the chance to meet all the first years and encourage them to go through recruitment. I got to meet the awesome new students and see what these girls can add to my house. It was probably one of the best weeks, and I can't wait to get to know my new sisters.
"From the outside looking in, you can't understand it. From the inside looking out, you can't explain it"
Soon enough I realized the girls in the sororities were real. They weren't a fake mold of girls you see in most sororities. These were the girls who were very involved on campus, and the girls I could look to for advice throughout my college years. Joining a sorority was something I never could have imagined, but now I couldn't live without it.
Joining a sorority has given me opportunities to be a leader and hold office, along with participate in the perks of Greek Life. Perks such as Greek Week (similiar to Homecoming style events), fall parties, spring formals, and national conventions for my sorority. The networking through a sorority is also amazing. I can be wearing my letters almost anywhere in the United States, and I'll meet an alum of my sorority.
This past week has been formal recruitment here at Simpson (yes folks that's why I haven't written...sad day in the world of blogging). I loved being on the other side of formal recruitment this year. This year I got the chance to meet all the first years and encourage them to go through recruitment. I got to meet the awesome new students and see what these girls can add to my house. It was probably one of the best weeks, and I can't wait to get to know my new sisters.
"From the outside looking in, you can't understand it. From the inside looking out, you can't explain it"
Friday, September 14, 2007
Its Back in Full Swing
The school year seems to be back in full swing. Its only the third week of school and the homework already seems to be endless. That's what we do as college students though. I suppose its our job to read and write papers, before we enter the 'real world' in a few short years. Somehow we all seem to manage though.
Besides class in full swing, all the campus organizations seem to be getting excited for upcoming events. I am on the executive board for Up 'Til Dawn, and we are busy finalizing plans for our big event. What is Up 'Til Dawn you ask?
Up 'Til Dawn is an annual letter writing event on campus. Students form teams and write letters to friends and family to help raise money for St. Jude Children's Hospital. Last year we raised $38,000 for St. Jude's. That means we saved the lives of many kids facing childhood cancer. It costs over $1.2 million a day to keep St. Judes open, so we are opening to raise even more this year. We'll stay up 'til dawn writing letters because cancer doesn't sleep and neither do we. And did you know that the survival rate for kids with acute lymphoblastic leukemia was only 4% in 1962 when St. Judes opened, but the survival rate is now 94%. Now you can't say that isn't amazing!
After all the letters are written to raise money for St. Judes there is a huge finale party to say thanks for everyone who participated. The word on the street is we have a radio station sponsoring our Up 'Til Dawn program, and the radio station will host a free concert here at Simpson for the finale party. I'll keep you posted on the details.
Another amazing thing going on with some of our campus organizations is the Harkin Steak Fry this Sunday. The Simpson College Democrats are helping out with the annual event. Tom Harkin, our democratic senator, is hosting a steak fry where all the 2008 presidential candidates will be present. I'm pumped to help with the set up and registrations, and even more for the opportunity to meet the candidates. If I get a picture with any of them, I'll be sure to post it.
One last thing, tonight the Simpson College Democrats are showing the movie 'United 93' in remembrance of September 11th. So lets pay tribute to those involved with September 11th, and remember them during this week. God bless.
Besides class in full swing, all the campus organizations seem to be getting excited for upcoming events. I am on the executive board for Up 'Til Dawn, and we are busy finalizing plans for our big event. What is Up 'Til Dawn you ask?
Up 'Til Dawn is an annual letter writing event on campus. Students form teams and write letters to friends and family to help raise money for St. Jude Children's Hospital. Last year we raised $38,000 for St. Jude's. That means we saved the lives of many kids facing childhood cancer. It costs over $1.2 million a day to keep St. Judes open, so we are opening to raise even more this year. We'll stay up 'til dawn writing letters because cancer doesn't sleep and neither do we. And did you know that the survival rate for kids with acute lymphoblastic leukemia was only 4% in 1962 when St. Judes opened, but the survival rate is now 94%. Now you can't say that isn't amazing!
After all the letters are written to raise money for St. Judes there is a huge finale party to say thanks for everyone who participated. The word on the street is we have a radio station sponsoring our Up 'Til Dawn program, and the radio station will host a free concert here at Simpson for the finale party. I'll keep you posted on the details.
Another amazing thing going on with some of our campus organizations is the Harkin Steak Fry this Sunday. The Simpson College Democrats are helping out with the annual event. Tom Harkin, our democratic senator, is hosting a steak fry where all the 2008 presidential candidates will be present. I'm pumped to help with the set up and registrations, and even more for the opportunity to meet the candidates. If I get a picture with any of them, I'll be sure to post it.
One last thing, tonight the Simpson College Democrats are showing the movie 'United 93' in remembrance of September 11th. So lets pay tribute to those involved with September 11th, and remember them during this week. God bless.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
New Major...Activities Involvement?
Ok so I came to a conclusion tonight that we should have a new major at Simpson. This would be called Activities Involvement. Now what would this entail you may ask? Well this would be a great major for all those high school students transitioning into college life. Yes, those high school students that were overly involved and just don't know what to do with their free time. Trust me from my first hand experience, there is always some activity to be a part of here. Just yesterday I had 4 meetings...yes that's right. Don't get me wrong, I love being so busy, but honestly sometimes its hard to find time for that thing called homework. Such a major as Activities Involvement would give students class credit for participating in more than say five activities.
haha...Ok so I'm not serious about this, but sometimes I do feel pretty involved here at Simpson. Almost enough to say I'm majoring in...Simpson. But as we all know from Iowa Private College Week...Adrian Jackson is already doing that. :)
Hope everyone is having a great week so far!
haha...Ok so I'm not serious about this, but sometimes I do feel pretty involved here at Simpson. Almost enough to say I'm majoring in...Simpson. But as we all know from Iowa Private College Week...Adrian Jackson is already doing that. :)
Hope everyone is having a great week so far!
Monday, September 3, 2007
There are some good people left in the world! :)
Labor Day weekend....ah yes, that really long weekend to finalize everything from the summer and get back to reality. The reality of classes and the school year back in full swing. I stayed here at Simpson for part of Labor Day weekend, but I also made my way back home to Humboldt for a few days too.
I saw "The Nanny Diaries" which was absolutely adorable. Wish I could meet a guy like 'Harvard Hottie.' For all the ladies that have seen the movie, come on you have to agree. I rented the movie "Perfect Stranger," and really enjoyed that. The ending was definitely creative and something I didn't see coming. So for as many bad reviews as it got, just rent it and see for yourself.
Let's see...the rest of my Labor Day weekend was filled with fun things like the Dayton Rodeo and seeing some friends back home. Also, my weekend was filled with minor irritations...
1. While sitting in "The Nanny Diaries" about five kids left the movie theater entirely.
Apparently spending $8 for a movie wasn't enough to keep them in their seats.
2. Turning the radio on to my absolute favorite song, just when it happens to be in the last repeat of the chorus. Don't you hate when that happens?
3. I-80 East being under construction...needless to say I missed my exit. Grrr.
4. People who can't seem to understand that the interstate has two lanes. The left one if designed for drivers traveling at higher speeds, while the right lane is for slower drivers. Some people really should pay attention to such things.
5. As I was driving back to Simpson, my car suddenly starts making a funny noise. Sounded kinda like something dragging on the ground.
With my car (sounding like it was going to fall apart), I pulled off the interstate and onto the shoulder. I call my dad and tell him my car was literally falling apart but I couldn't see what was the matter with it. (Dad's are always great to complain to when something is broken). My parents were just about on the way to help with my car troubles, when an old man pulls up behind me. He pulls up in his old Buick Lesabre and gets out to lend a hand. That's when he points out there was a rusty piece of metal hanging under my car. Luckily he manages to tear off the piece of metal, and my car is miracously fixed! What would we do without kind people in the world watching out for us.
So over this long Labor Day weekend I learned that perhaps not all people are bad...lol. In fact, there still are good citizens watching out for the good of mankind.
I saw "The Nanny Diaries" which was absolutely adorable. Wish I could meet a guy like 'Harvard Hottie.' For all the ladies that have seen the movie, come on you have to agree. I rented the movie "Perfect Stranger," and really enjoyed that. The ending was definitely creative and something I didn't see coming. So for as many bad reviews as it got, just rent it and see for yourself.
Let's see...the rest of my Labor Day weekend was filled with fun things like the Dayton Rodeo and seeing some friends back home. Also, my weekend was filled with minor irritations...
1. While sitting in "The Nanny Diaries" about five kids left the movie theater entirely.
Apparently spending $8 for a movie wasn't enough to keep them in their seats.
2. Turning the radio on to my absolute favorite song, just when it happens to be in the last repeat of the chorus. Don't you hate when that happens?
3. I-80 East being under construction...needless to say I missed my exit. Grrr.
4. People who can't seem to understand that the interstate has two lanes. The left one if designed for drivers traveling at higher speeds, while the right lane is for slower drivers. Some people really should pay attention to such things.
5. As I was driving back to Simpson, my car suddenly starts making a funny noise. Sounded kinda like something dragging on the ground.
With my car (sounding like it was going to fall apart), I pulled off the interstate and onto the shoulder. I call my dad and tell him my car was literally falling apart but I couldn't see what was the matter with it. (Dad's are always great to complain to when something is broken). My parents were just about on the way to help with my car troubles, when an old man pulls up behind me. He pulls up in his old Buick Lesabre and gets out to lend a hand. That's when he points out there was a rusty piece of metal hanging under my car. Luckily he manages to tear off the piece of metal, and my car is miracously fixed! What would we do without kind people in the world watching out for us.
So over this long Labor Day weekend I learned that perhaps not all people are bad...lol. In fact, there still are good citizens watching out for the good of mankind.
Friday, August 31, 2007
They're Here!
Classes...yes that's right. For probably the first time so far in college, I actually like ALL my classes. Last year, I had some classes I absolutely loved. My favorite was actually my 8:00 am Communications class. Then there was Western Traditions in which I loved the professor, but the content at times didn't spark my interest. However, this semester I am finding relevance in all my classes...*gasp* even my Consumer Chemistry class. Its kinda nice to be calculating answers and measuring things, after so many art classes of looking at still life drawings and analyzing. So I guess this Cornerstone education thing at Simpson is perhaps a good idea, because it adds a little bit a variety every now and then when you need it.
Besides classes starting this week...let's see...there's been a ton of other things going on too. The first year students arrived! I enjoyed moving all the first year students into the residence halls last Saturday. Not only did I get to have an amazing time hanging out with my fellow Greek students, but I enjoyed meeting so many new faces, and of course there are always a few chuckles at the girls who try to fit their whole walk-in closet into a little dorm room. lol...That was me a year ago, and I definitely learned to downsize. One season's worth of clothes at a time is definitely enough. :)
Last Sunday the infamous Stand Around! While it may not compare to last year's with the mechanical bull, perhaps the Tropical Sno and rock climbing wall were just as fun. I thought about joining in the dance off, but that was left up to Drew.
Throughout this week I've been busy adjusting class times, reading, and still having time for student activities. Wednesday night was a CAB lecture called Sex Signals. It was a great lecture that started off with the comedy of male/female stereotypes, college life, and dating. Throughout the lecture though it also focused on many points that college students need to be more aware of, kind of like the first year introduction of Risque Business.
By today (Friday), I'm so excited its the end of the week. Off to class at 2 and then its Labor Day weekend. Hmmm...free I-Cubs tickets tonight or a free movie on the square? I'll have to think about that in between my thoughts of World Politics at 2. :)
Besides classes starting this week...let's see...there's been a ton of other things going on too. The first year students arrived! I enjoyed moving all the first year students into the residence halls last Saturday. Not only did I get to have an amazing time hanging out with my fellow Greek students, but I enjoyed meeting so many new faces, and of course there are always a few chuckles at the girls who try to fit their whole walk-in closet into a little dorm room. lol...That was me a year ago, and I definitely learned to downsize. One season's worth of clothes at a time is definitely enough. :)
Last Sunday the infamous Stand Around! While it may not compare to last year's with the mechanical bull, perhaps the Tropical Sno and rock climbing wall were just as fun. I thought about joining in the dance off, but that was left up to Drew.
Throughout this week I've been busy adjusting class times, reading, and still having time for student activities. Wednesday night was a CAB lecture called Sex Signals. It was a great lecture that started off with the comedy of male/female stereotypes, college life, and dating. Throughout the lecture though it also focused on many points that college students need to be more aware of, kind of like the first year introduction of Risque Business.
By today (Friday), I'm so excited its the end of the week. Off to class at 2 and then its Labor Day weekend. Hmmm...free I-Cubs tickets tonight or a free movie on the square? I'll have to think about that in between my thoughts of World Politics at 2. :)
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Tired of the Rain?
So is anybody else tired of all this rain? I know down here in Indianola there isn't too much, except for the rain today. On my way to Wal-Mart today I about got wiped out by a semi that splashed water on my little Grand Prix. I couldn't see out my windows while I was turning the corner. *scary*
Back home (Humboldt, Iowa) my parents are dealing with overwhelming flooding. Its sad to see so many people having to take everything out of their flooded basements. There's pretty much lakes in the streets. Not to mention the Des Moines River flooded its bank in our downtown area. Hopefully the rain stops and starts going down. There's no reason we should have to spend the last few days of summer stuck in the rain. I want to soak up the last of the hot summer sun. Hopefully at my sorority's pool party tomorrow! *fingers crossed* But I guess one good thing about the rain is fun activities like mud sliding. Last night some girls from my sorority house went mudsliding...lol...It made for a pretty interesting time.
The pictures to the left show a little bit of what everyone is going through right now with all the flooding. The first one is a flooded basement, and what most people in Humboldt are waking up to. I hope things get better for my hometown. The second picture used to be a backyard, until a pickup floated into it.
No Longer a First Year
As Saturday, August 25th approaches, I look back on just a year ago. It was me last year as a first year student moving into the unpredictable college life. I don't think anyone can ever quite be 100% prepared for college. I know I was so unsure of things moving in that first day. At times I wanted to turn around and drive right back home to Humboldt. Though quickly throughout the day I started to change my mind. By the end of the day I was so excited to be meeting 412 new first year students, and having my own dorm room.
One word of advice for all those new to college....take advantage of all the opportunities. That's what made my first year of college one of the best experiences ever. Right away within the first few weeks I got elected freshman class president, joined a sorority, gave my first campus tour, helped CAB set up for family weekend, took a Pilates class, and ate ice cream at President Byrd's house. I quickly learned Simpson is a place where everyone can get involved if you just show an ounce of initiative. I wasn't trying hard to get involved, rather I simply felt like getting out of my dorm room. There are so many campus organizations, and always something to be a part of.
Some of my greatest memories from freshman year include all the Orientation activities. The Wesley Woods day turned out to be a lot of fun. I think my LAS group really bonded over all the hassles of trying to do those high ropes courses. Then there was the Stand Around, and of course the weather couldn't have been worse. It was pouring all night, but that didn't stop my hall of girls in Kresge from participating. We were soaked to the bone, but still thought we'd try riding the mechanical bull. haha...It was an amazing night overall.
The awesome college experiences didn't end after Orientation though. They continued throughout the year with things like fundraising at Dickens of a Christmas (on the Indianola square), the CAB national convention in Nashville, my first spring break trip, helping out at Jr. Visit Day, and my first May Term Trip (Washington, D.C.).
I'm actually pretty sad I'll no longer be a freshman. I can't use the excuse of "Well I'm just a freshman!" Now its time to grow up, cause I'm no longer new to this college thing. :) Well I suppose I can still have a little bit of fun.
One word of advice for all those new to college....take advantage of all the opportunities. That's what made my first year of college one of the best experiences ever. Right away within the first few weeks I got elected freshman class president, joined a sorority, gave my first campus tour, helped CAB set up for family weekend, took a Pilates class, and ate ice cream at President Byrd's house. I quickly learned Simpson is a place where everyone can get involved if you just show an ounce of initiative. I wasn't trying hard to get involved, rather I simply felt like getting out of my dorm room. There are so many campus organizations, and always something to be a part of.
Some of my greatest memories from freshman year include all the Orientation activities. The Wesley Woods day turned out to be a lot of fun. I think my LAS group really bonded over all the hassles of trying to do those high ropes courses. Then there was the Stand Around, and of course the weather couldn't have been worse. It was pouring all night, but that didn't stop my hall of girls in Kresge from participating. We were soaked to the bone, but still thought we'd try riding the mechanical bull. haha...It was an amazing night overall.
The awesome college experiences didn't end after Orientation though. They continued throughout the year with things like fundraising at Dickens of a Christmas (on the Indianola square), the CAB national convention in Nashville, my first spring break trip, helping out at Jr. Visit Day, and my first May Term Trip (Washington, D.C.).
I'm actually pretty sad I'll no longer be a freshman. I can't use the excuse of "Well I'm just a freshman!" Now its time to grow up, cause I'm no longer new to this college thing. :) Well I suppose I can still have a little bit of fun.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Why I Love Iowa
The State Fair every year definitely gives me reason enough to love Iowa. I mean where else can you find endless blocks of hundreds of fried foods to try. Fried tenderloins, fried steak, fried Oreos, fried onions...the list goes on. One can never go wrong with funnel cake or an old-fashioned root beer float though. If the food isn't enough to make you love it, then there's always the 4-H exhibits. There definitely are some talented kids with amazing crafts. The art exhibit is always my favorite, especially the paintings and photography. I think next year I might try to enter my own artwork.
After the 4-H exhibits and the artwork, there's always the animal barns. Even though we see a cow or pig every 10 feet or so in Iowa...lol...its still fun to go look at them up close. Some of those cows there are enormous...a little bit scary to be standing next to.
This year at the State Fair I went to the Chris Cagle and Dierks Bentley concert. I don't even think I need to explain how amazing it was. Then again I'm in love with the country music. The performers though were completely down to earth and put on a great show. Dierks Bentley jumped into the crowd a couple of times. Too bad I wasn't in the front section. He also took someone on stage with him, and I must admit I was a little bit jealous at that point. lol. By the end of the night my ears were ringing from singing so loud, and I was still on that concert high.
Gotta love the rush of energy you get from concerts! Perhaps I'll drop out of college and become a groupie...jk. Speaking of college, classes start pretty soon and I move into my sorority house this Saturday. I can't wait to see everyone again and meet all the new faces for incoming first year students.
Only 13 more days 'til class!
After the 4-H exhibits and the artwork, there's always the animal barns. Even though we see a cow or pig every 10 feet or so in Iowa...lol...its still fun to go look at them up close. Some of those cows there are enormous...a little bit scary to be standing next to.
This year at the State Fair I went to the Chris Cagle and Dierks Bentley concert. I don't even think I need to explain how amazing it was. Then again I'm in love with the country music. The performers though were completely down to earth and put on a great show. Dierks Bentley jumped into the crowd a couple of times. Too bad I wasn't in the front section. He also took someone on stage with him, and I must admit I was a little bit jealous at that point. lol. By the end of the night my ears were ringing from singing so loud, and I was still on that concert high.
Gotta love the rush of energy you get from concerts! Perhaps I'll drop out of college and become a groupie...jk. Speaking of college, classes start pretty soon and I move into my sorority house this Saturday. I can't wait to see everyone again and meet all the new faces for incoming first year students.
Only 13 more days 'til class!
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
The BIG Country Bash!
Written 6/26/07
This past weekend turned out to be more exciting than I could have imagined. It all started off with the extreme weather on Friday night. I guess the tornado sirens going off in Indianola on Thursday night just weren't enough. There was a tornado warning in effect on Friday evening too.Smart as I am, I was on my way to Des Moines on Friday evening when the tornado warning was in effect. Just as I was almost out of Indianola the sky started getting really dark. I figured it was probably a good idea to pull over, so I proceeded to park in a car wash as the storm passed over.
Let me tell you that sitting in a car wash listening to the National Weather Service noise beeping on the radio is not a calming feeling.I took some pictures though with my digital camera while waiting for the storm to end. Turns out there were two tornadoes that night in Cumming and Norwalk. Pretty scary weather that night.
Saturday and Sunday was filled with almost 24 hours of country music. My roommate and I went to the Big Country Bash at Waterworks Park in Des Moines!
There were around twelve performers at the bash. The lineup was:
Jason Brown (An amazing guy from Iowa),
Bombshel,
Luke Bryan, (picture to the left)
Jamie O'Neal,
Tracy Byrd,
Clay Walker,
Sarah Buxton,
Carolina Rain,
Danielle Peck,
Jake Owen,
Billy Currington,
and Blake Shelton.
This past weekend turned out to be more exciting than I could have imagined. It all started off with the extreme weather on Friday night. I guess the tornado sirens going off in Indianola on Thursday night just weren't enough. There was a tornado warning in effect on Friday evening too.Smart as I am, I was on my way to Des Moines on Friday evening when the tornado warning was in effect. Just as I was almost out of Indianola the sky started getting really dark. I figured it was probably a good idea to pull over, so I proceeded to park in a car wash as the storm passed over.
Let me tell you that sitting in a car wash listening to the National Weather Service noise beeping on the radio is not a calming feeling.I took some pictures though with my digital camera while waiting for the storm to end. Turns out there were two tornadoes that night in Cumming and Norwalk. Pretty scary weather that night.
Saturday and Sunday was filled with almost 24 hours of country music. My roommate and I went to the Big Country Bash at Waterworks Park in Des Moines!
There were around twelve performers at the bash. The lineup was:
Jason Brown (An amazing guy from Iowa),
Bombshel,
Luke Bryan, (picture to the left)
Jamie O'Neal,
Tracy Byrd,
Clay Walker,
Sarah Buxton,
Carolina Rain,
Danielle Peck,
Jake Owen,
Billy Currington,
and Blake Shelton.
I've been to a lot of concerts before, but the Country Bash was something completely different. It was a really fun atmosphere full of country music, cowboy hats, and great food. The time I spent there definitely turned me into a hardcore country fan. I wish the bash would have lasted all week. There's no way I'm missing out on next year! Plus, I didn't realize Jason Brown is a country singer from Iowa. He's pretty good, and not to mention he's going to be at the Warren County Fair. Count me in! :)
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