Today I'm leaving my little Hampton Bubble to go an hour north to the Westminster Bubble after five weeks of Christmas break. Now that I've been in school for five months now, it's not uncommon for me to refer to my dorm as my "home." There's this one bumper sticker on facebook (and I can't believe I'm actually using it as a source) that says, "You leave your family to come to college and then you leave your family to go home" and it's true. While my house in Hampton will ALWAYS be my home, I've got a second place full of a million family members.
In hind sight, it seems as though break didn't occur at all. We all expected five weeks to go by agonizingly slow. Or that we'd do sooo many things and get so much done. I know I had the assumption that five weeks meant spending time with the Physics Brigade almost every day and doing everything on the list that Amy and I put together right before break. I guess that was a bit unrealistic, as I soon realized with Christmas and New Years and family and then before we knew it, Amy left for North Carolina and the rest of the brigade went back to high school. Christmas, like usual, came and went so quickly that it always seems like you don't get to relish in the holiday before it slips out of your fingers and you're stuck packing up the ornaments and decoration. It's like you plan for the holiday for so very long and then it's like it never even happened. The week of Christmas was spent visiting and spending time with famiJust the other day marked five months of me being in college, and yet that whole last month I wasn't even on campus!ly, which was simultaneously wonderful and exhausting. Soon after, New Years was on its way. Last time I blogged, I had seventeen days left of break. Now I only have a few hours.
While it all seems like it has passed so very quickly, it also seems as though last semester was simply ages ago. Remember Christmas vespers and making gingerbread houses and finals and even celebrating the New Year? It feels so long ago. It almost makes you want to step back and wonder, "Woah. What just happened to me? Were the past five months a dream? Did all of these changes really occur?" But then it quickly dawns on you that YES, you're about to embark on your second semester of college. How fast things happen. And how easily things change. It's a weird feeling.
I'm going to campus today with such a feeling of excitement. I'm excited for so much about this semester. I have an incredibleeeeeeeeeee boyfriend, an amazing group of friends (both at school and at home), formal recruitment this week, Seussical rehearsals starting up, a Snow ball in a few weeks, and so much more. But with all that excitement brings a bit of anxiety and nervousness. Back in high school, when I anticipated a time of being really busy, I got this feeling of dread because I knew how stressful and tiring it could be. I balanced school with drama club and musical and a million church things and band and friends and family and I often wonder how I even did it. So when I see that even this first week back is going to be so hectic and crazy, I feel that anxiety tugging at me and it's slightly unsettling. I don't want to feel that way again. However, I believe this time it will be different. I've learned from being so busy in high school how to handle it. And I know it won't be as busy as it has been in the past, and that brings me much comfort. At least, I really hope this is the case.
I am leaving home with a bit of sadness too, of course. I didn't get to spend the time with my friends at home like I had hoped. Keeping tabs on each other and investing time in each other's lives is difficult and it takes a lot of effort. Sometimes I forget that...we all do. It's a natural thing. But I want to make that a priority because it is so important to keep these friendships alive and strong. People at home are the rocks of my being, no matter what. I'm also really sad about leaving my family, specifically my mom. This past week, really these past few days, she has finally opened up to me, really getting used to me being home. I felt like for some time there was this distance between us, like I would look at her and though we'd always talk, I'd think that there was a multitude of things left unsaid going through her or my mind. But this past week, I think we finally became that mother/daughter pair that we always were. But unfortunately, now we're going to be separated again. But I have hopes that we'll keep this up throughout the semester.
Well, I am off to finish packing up my things and getting ready. Spring semester, let's make it a good one.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Friday, January 2, 2009
Seventeen More Days
It's the second day of 2009. Weirdddd. It doesn't feel like any sort of dramatic change has occurred....not that it ever really does. But usually I feel a sense of change or a shift or a new attitude, but nope, not this time really. That's okay though. If 2009 is anything like 2008, then I am in luck.
I suppose I should do my annual reflection on the year, as I always do on the New Year. I kind of already did one on facebook, my 2nd annual "picture recap" of the year with some captions. I have been fortunate the past few years to have kept good journals so that I am ABLE to write these reflections and I think I have a good deal of 2008 written down, except for large chunks of time...mostly towards the end of the year. Figures, you know, when those parts of my life are the ones I wish I HAD recorded. But alas, I shall try my best...
It's kind of funny to open my journal from this past year, considering I made it (well, decopaged it) when I was sitting in "the Spot" at Westminster College on my 17th birthday. I remember specifically saying "I would never go here," using the showers as my justification, never really sure why I felt that way. I think I was so set upon being a Grove City girl that I didn't want to consider it. Funny how things worked out.
But anyway, I started the year off at Jill's house with a group of my friends, hanging around, playing karaoke revolution, apples to apples, watching the ball drop, and being loud and obnoxious at midnight. Always a good time. I think it was becoming a little evident to us, however, that things were changing among the friends. It was senior year, after all, and we were all realizing that we were ready for a change...and while it was hard to accept not being so close to everyone, we all had a common understanding between us that it was O.K. and that we'd still be there for each other if needed.
During the next couple of months, I had a lot of fun with my friends, specifically the Physics Brigade (the name of which didn't come about until July of '08). We went to see a ridiculous version of Sweeney Todd at the Benedum, reenacted said movie at one of the 5th quarters, cooked dinner at my house, etc etc. I also went swing dancing for the first time and it was absolutely AMAZING. It was the perfect way to revive my spirits and get me excited for my future because it was with different people and it had me talking to strangers (not in a creepy way) and trying something totally new.
As I was somewhat saying earlier, I was going through this uncertain situation about college up until late March. I had applied to 7 schools...and had heard from all except for Grove City by this point. It was down to Westminster and GCC, pending on acceptance from there. I knew I should visit GCC before the letter came, just to be sure, but for some reason, I never "felt" like making the trip there and I never wanted to sit in on a class or make the extra effort and email someone. The day I got my rejection letter (well, deferral), it became very clear to me that there were so many times that I was pointing towards Westminster. The fact that I applied on the very last day for the Young Presbyterians Scholarship on a whim. That I went and visited on a day when the school was having a two hour delay and my mom somehow actually took the journey even though she normally wouldn't. That people around me were saying they had a feeling that I was going to go there. And most importantly, that I felt comfortable on campus because I had been there before for NWMC. God was annoyed with me since I hadn't picked up on these things and finally gave me the rejection so that I could say yes already! Haha! And thank Him for that!
Anyway, so the spring mostly involved musical. Ah..musical. I've talked about this a million times, so I'll just briefly cover it. Into the Woods was amazing. I can't deny that. It was also a really tough learning experience. I had to learn to accept not getting what I wanted. But I also realized the importance of appreciating what you do have and making the very best of it. I am so thankful I had Megan and Karen because they made the experience that much better. Musical was a hugeee HUGE part of my high school career. It gave me confidence in myself. I learned that I love to perform--to sing and dance and even act a little. Good times.
Wind ensemble had a very busy year as well. I was glad I finally became a part of wind ensemble my senior year. I lucked out, getting the chance to go to PMEA State Conference, even though it was the previous year's band that won us the spot. Rehearsals were intense and it was a lot of work. We did two adjudications, as well. Finally, we went to Hershey for the conference. It was like a mini-band trip. It didn't really hit us how important and how much of an honor it was until we got there. I am so proud to have been a part of that and to have experienced such a wonderful performance. Definitely the highlight of my "clarinet career."Hahaaaa.
Prom was fun. I went with Craig again and I had the honor of going to his as well! We had fun :)
Oh, the band trip to Indianapolis= sweet. It was a very chill trip, unlike previous trips, but that was nice. I wish we had done a little bit more, since we traveled all that way and we were there and all, but it was still cool. I think it's big flaw was going to lunch one day and then the very next thing on the agenda was to go to Buca de Bepo for our "nice dinner" that we couldn't even eat since we were so full from lunch. Anyway, I've never been a fan of car racing. I always thought it was so dumb. But being there, in the heart of it all, was amazingggggg. It was SO loud and I have never seen so many people in one place. It was awesome. I was pissed we didn't get to watch the very very end, even after we sat there lap after lap for hours. It is kind of funny that it's still entertaining even if it's the same thing over and over, mostly because of the crashes (that all occurred in front of us) and the random fire and HELIO CASTRONOVES. Oh, and seeing Sabrina Bryan and Drew Lachey was a highlight :)
Anddd finally, I graduated! We were all so ready. The last day of senior year was awesome. And on the hottest day quite possibly ever, we finally received our diplomas. You know what the sad thing is, and I'm really admitting my dorkiness here, one thing I'll always remember is walking onto the field to Pomp and Circumstance and being out of step. I couldn't do a hop/skip thing like in band to get back on my left and it just annoyed me the whole way to my seat. HAHAHA what a loser. I'll also never forget that my tassel dropped somewhere after the ceremony (even though I specifically took it off my hat before I threw it) and I was sooo upset and angry that I couldn't enjoy it until my mom stole one off of someone's hat on the ground. hahaha...oh boy. I'm too sentimental for my own good.
Summer involved quiteeee a few things. First, my graduation party which went well. It was somewhat of a reunion of sorts, when Matt and Chris Penco, my old neighbors and first best friends (and Chris is also my first husband) came after not seeing them for like four or five years or so. That was cool. Later on in June, I went on vacation with my family and the Dreese's to Cape May, NJ. It was a greatttt trip and it was there that I started this blog.
Soon after was my last year at Camp Lambec. It was the best year of camp I've ever had. I cannot thank my cabin 8 ladies enough for making it the most memorable and wonderful week. I will always love and cherish the friendships and memories from camp. My summers won't be same without it...my LIFE won't be the same.
On my 18th birthday, I went on a mission trip to New Orleans. As explained in a previous entry, it turned out to be the most amazing and the most awkward trip ever. I didn't realize how awesome it was until I got home, unfortunately. But the awkwardness was evident from the first hours in that van. Hahahaha. Not quite the best birthday I had hoped for (coughFRISBEEcough) but oh well. I can't complain because I was with my best friends. The trip truly helped to make me realize the help that NOLA needs, even now. The hurricane didn't ever affect me, really, not more than just a thought, but now it has real meaning in my heart. I would love to go back and work again.
When I wasn't busy doing all these crazy things, I was working at the good ol' Hampton Pool. I enjoyed it for the most part...it was great to actually interact and talk to people during work, as opposed to Kumon when it was silent most of the time. It's a pretty good gig.
I finally left for band camp at Westminster in mid-August. It proved to be one of the best experiences of my entire life. It was definitely the best decision I have ever made. If I had to give anyone one piece of advice when going into college, it would be to do band or join something right away so that you meet people and you gain friends before school even starts. Most of my closest friends are in band and I loveeeeeee it. When Ali, my amazing roommate, arrived a week later, it was so great to introduce her to people and Fresh Start was more comfortable than if I had arrived with the rest of the freshmen. The orientation week was crazy, but it ended with the absolute most amazing dance of my life: the Reggae dance. So amazing.
Since then, life has kind of been one big whirlwind. I Eta Pi came into play early in the semester and I was soon finding my place at WC. I love it so much and I love the fact that I still have my constants back at home to keep me grounded.
Some of the highlights from the first semester include: the Gateway Clipper Cruise, the BEST Pirates game of my lifeee, band festivals with Darnelle, Halloween (or rather halloqwwn), ELECTION DAY, clarinet bonding, Family Guy, Rochester visit, and Christmas with I Eta Pi.
Break has been going well so far. Christmas was nice, but somewhat tiring with all the visiting and traveling. It always goes by so fast, it's rather a shame. I rang in the New Year at Aaron's house which was wonderful :)
And nowwww I'm ready to go back to school and really start living 2009! I absolutely cannot wait to see what this semester brings! :) :)
I suppose I should do my annual reflection on the year, as I always do on the New Year. I kind of already did one on facebook, my 2nd annual "picture recap" of the year with some captions. I have been fortunate the past few years to have kept good journals so that I am ABLE to write these reflections and I think I have a good deal of 2008 written down, except for large chunks of time...mostly towards the end of the year. Figures, you know, when those parts of my life are the ones I wish I HAD recorded. But alas, I shall try my best...
It's kind of funny to open my journal from this past year, considering I made it (well, decopaged it) when I was sitting in "the Spot" at Westminster College on my 17th birthday. I remember specifically saying "I would never go here," using the showers as my justification, never really sure why I felt that way. I think I was so set upon being a Grove City girl that I didn't want to consider it. Funny how things worked out.
But anyway, I started the year off at Jill's house with a group of my friends, hanging around, playing karaoke revolution, apples to apples, watching the ball drop, and being loud and obnoxious at midnight. Always a good time. I think it was becoming a little evident to us, however, that things were changing among the friends. It was senior year, after all, and we were all realizing that we were ready for a change...and while it was hard to accept not being so close to everyone, we all had a common understanding between us that it was O.K. and that we'd still be there for each other if needed.
During the next couple of months, I had a lot of fun with my friends, specifically the Physics Brigade (the name of which didn't come about until July of '08). We went to see a ridiculous version of Sweeney Todd at the Benedum, reenacted said movie at one of the 5th quarters, cooked dinner at my house, etc etc. I also went swing dancing for the first time and it was absolutely AMAZING. It was the perfect way to revive my spirits and get me excited for my future because it was with different people and it had me talking to strangers (not in a creepy way) and trying something totally new.
As I was somewhat saying earlier, I was going through this uncertain situation about college up until late March. I had applied to 7 schools...and had heard from all except for Grove City by this point. It was down to Westminster and GCC, pending on acceptance from there. I knew I should visit GCC before the letter came, just to be sure, but for some reason, I never "felt" like making the trip there and I never wanted to sit in on a class or make the extra effort and email someone. The day I got my rejection letter (well, deferral), it became very clear to me that there were so many times that I was pointing towards Westminster. The fact that I applied on the very last day for the Young Presbyterians Scholarship on a whim. That I went and visited on a day when the school was having a two hour delay and my mom somehow actually took the journey even though she normally wouldn't. That people around me were saying they had a feeling that I was going to go there. And most importantly, that I felt comfortable on campus because I had been there before for NWMC. God was annoyed with me since I hadn't picked up on these things and finally gave me the rejection so that I could say yes already! Haha! And thank Him for that!
Anyway, so the spring mostly involved musical. Ah..musical. I've talked about this a million times, so I'll just briefly cover it. Into the Woods was amazing. I can't deny that. It was also a really tough learning experience. I had to learn to accept not getting what I wanted. But I also realized the importance of appreciating what you do have and making the very best of it. I am so thankful I had Megan and Karen because they made the experience that much better. Musical was a hugeee HUGE part of my high school career. It gave me confidence in myself. I learned that I love to perform--to sing and dance and even act a little. Good times.
Wind ensemble had a very busy year as well. I was glad I finally became a part of wind ensemble my senior year. I lucked out, getting the chance to go to PMEA State Conference, even though it was the previous year's band that won us the spot. Rehearsals were intense and it was a lot of work. We did two adjudications, as well. Finally, we went to Hershey for the conference. It was like a mini-band trip. It didn't really hit us how important and how much of an honor it was until we got there. I am so proud to have been a part of that and to have experienced such a wonderful performance. Definitely the highlight of my "clarinet career."Hahaaaa.
Prom was fun. I went with Craig again and I had the honor of going to his as well! We had fun :)
Oh, the band trip to Indianapolis= sweet. It was a very chill trip, unlike previous trips, but that was nice. I wish we had done a little bit more, since we traveled all that way and we were there and all, but it was still cool. I think it's big flaw was going to lunch one day and then the very next thing on the agenda was to go to Buca de Bepo for our "nice dinner" that we couldn't even eat since we were so full from lunch. Anyway, I've never been a fan of car racing. I always thought it was so dumb. But being there, in the heart of it all, was amazingggggg. It was SO loud and I have never seen so many people in one place. It was awesome. I was pissed we didn't get to watch the very very end, even after we sat there lap after lap for hours. It is kind of funny that it's still entertaining even if it's the same thing over and over, mostly because of the crashes (that all occurred in front of us) and the random fire and HELIO CASTRONOVES. Oh, and seeing Sabrina Bryan and Drew Lachey was a highlight :)
Anddd finally, I graduated! We were all so ready. The last day of senior year was awesome. And on the hottest day quite possibly ever, we finally received our diplomas. You know what the sad thing is, and I'm really admitting my dorkiness here, one thing I'll always remember is walking onto the field to Pomp and Circumstance and being out of step. I couldn't do a hop/skip thing like in band to get back on my left and it just annoyed me the whole way to my seat. HAHAHA what a loser. I'll also never forget that my tassel dropped somewhere after the ceremony (even though I specifically took it off my hat before I threw it) and I was sooo upset and angry that I couldn't enjoy it until my mom stole one off of someone's hat on the ground. hahaha...oh boy. I'm too sentimental for my own good.
Summer involved quiteeee a few things. First, my graduation party which went well. It was somewhat of a reunion of sorts, when Matt and Chris Penco, my old neighbors and first best friends (and Chris is also my first husband) came after not seeing them for like four or five years or so. That was cool. Later on in June, I went on vacation with my family and the Dreese's to Cape May, NJ. It was a greatttt trip and it was there that I started this blog.
Soon after was my last year at Camp Lambec. It was the best year of camp I've ever had. I cannot thank my cabin 8 ladies enough for making it the most memorable and wonderful week. I will always love and cherish the friendships and memories from camp. My summers won't be same without it...my LIFE won't be the same.
On my 18th birthday, I went on a mission trip to New Orleans. As explained in a previous entry, it turned out to be the most amazing and the most awkward trip ever. I didn't realize how awesome it was until I got home, unfortunately. But the awkwardness was evident from the first hours in that van. Hahahaha. Not quite the best birthday I had hoped for (coughFRISBEEcough) but oh well. I can't complain because I was with my best friends. The trip truly helped to make me realize the help that NOLA needs, even now. The hurricane didn't ever affect me, really, not more than just a thought, but now it has real meaning in my heart. I would love to go back and work again.
When I wasn't busy doing all these crazy things, I was working at the good ol' Hampton Pool. I enjoyed it for the most part...it was great to actually interact and talk to people during work, as opposed to Kumon when it was silent most of the time. It's a pretty good gig.
I finally left for band camp at Westminster in mid-August. It proved to be one of the best experiences of my entire life. It was definitely the best decision I have ever made. If I had to give anyone one piece of advice when going into college, it would be to do band or join something right away so that you meet people and you gain friends before school even starts. Most of my closest friends are in band and I loveeeeeee it. When Ali, my amazing roommate, arrived a week later, it was so great to introduce her to people and Fresh Start was more comfortable than if I had arrived with the rest of the freshmen. The orientation week was crazy, but it ended with the absolute most amazing dance of my life: the Reggae dance. So amazing.
Since then, life has kind of been one big whirlwind. I Eta Pi came into play early in the semester and I was soon finding my place at WC. I love it so much and I love the fact that I still have my constants back at home to keep me grounded.
Some of the highlights from the first semester include: the Gateway Clipper Cruise, the BEST Pirates game of my lifeee, band festivals with Darnelle, Halloween (or rather halloqwwn), ELECTION DAY, clarinet bonding, Family Guy, Rochester visit, and Christmas with I Eta Pi.
Break has been going well so far. Christmas was nice, but somewhat tiring with all the visiting and traveling. It always goes by so fast, it's rather a shame. I rang in the New Year at Aaron's house which was wonderful :)
And nowwww I'm ready to go back to school and really start living 2009! I absolutely cannot wait to see what this semester brings! :) :)
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