Senior Year: First Week Back

The first week of senior year is officially behind me and I have to say that it was the most overwhelming week I've experienced in my college career. Naturally I'm a worrier, a serious worrier. If I don't have something to worry about I'm worried because I don't have anything to be concerned with, I'll kick this habit one day. There were so many things going on at the same time and it honestly just stressed me out. I've been making lists like a maniac and checking things off as I go, which is a huge stress reliever for me. Things are finally starting to fall into place and I'm finding the groove of a routine which makes me a very happy camper. 

My schedule is awesome and I'm pretty happy with my classes. You really can't complain when you have no Friday classes and nothing too early in the morning.

I promise to document my little apartment which I absolutely adore soon! More like whenever I find the time to clean and take some pictures of it. 

I think I came to realization that I was entering adulthood last week when I was at Walmart buying groceries that included eggs and break. Baby steps for sure! I sent this picture to my Dad, he didn't really care about me becoming an adult he just wanted to know if that went on his card!

 It was so good to get together with some sisters before school started! Izzy came and spent the night with me and we ended up heading out with some others that had moved in early. It was so good to see them all after a long three months apart. 

 

I've also reunited with one of my absolute favorite people, Muff.  College wouldn't be the same without you, I'm forever thankful for our crazy department that united us.

National Dog Day was this week which of course made me miss my girls even more!! They are definitely one of the top things that I miss when I'm not home. There is something about a dog that just makes everything better. I'm having a hard time remembering that when I spill something I actually have to clean it up because I don't have anyone to clean my floor!

Longwood's puts on an event each year called First Friday Back, obviously held on the first Friday. It is pretty much a chance for new students to meet sororities, fraternities, clubs, and other students. It is always a good time with fun little things to do including a water slide....but if we are being honest we all really go for the free cuts.

A little selfie stick action is always a must

Last night was the first night with everyone back together and it was so good! I always miss school when I'm home but you don't realize how much you miss the people until you are reunited, they fill my heart and remind me just how lucky I am.

 And in case anyone was wondering how many people we can fit in a two bedroom apartment...twenty two.

xo

Senior Year

Tomorrow is the last of my firsts. The last first day of college in my undergraduate career and I am honestly really sad. I've tried to push my emotions aside and ignore the pit in my stomach but you can only do that for so long. I'm so thankful for my time so far here at Longwood and am blessed to have finally found a place that has a little piece of my heart. While it is coming to an end I cannot wait to enjoy the next nine months, I have a feeling they will be the best ones yet.

I read this article the other day and it summed up exactly how I was feeling about my situation and my college experience as a whole. Definitely a good read for those entering their Senior year.

__________________

Senior year is beginning, and a whirlwind of emotions is already overwhelming my body. This is the last first everything. Last first day of school. Last first home football game. Last first time this year I will steal my roommates toilet paper (sorry in advance). Is it ridiculous to get this sentimental when the year has only just begun, and graduation is a casual nine months away? Probably. But will I still fight back sobs as I eat my "last first bowl of cereal" in my apartment? Absolutely.

Ok, so I'm being slightly over the top, but is it really that terrible to have loved your college experience so aggressively much that four years just didn't seem like an adequate amount of time? Because I could go for a victory lap... (Mom? Dad? Anyone?) Even though a fifth year of college really isn't in the cards for me, as I will have already finished both my degrees, a girl can dream.

Seriously, though, why are people counting down to graduation? I understand being excited for the future what not, but I'm also a major proponent for putting off the real world for as long as possible. College is just such a unique time in our lives, and I know I'm going to miss absolutely everything about it.

Where else will I be able to come home to roommates who will lay in my bed and ask me about my day? And play with my hair? And bring me food when the day has been too strenuous and a walk to the kitchen would be simply impossible?

College roommates are unlike any other people you will ever have relationships with in life – I'm sure of it. They are a shining beacon of hope when you think you have nothing left. They are your personal cheerleaders, chefs, and therapists. They essentially have every role covered, and there will be a major void when I no longer have them to come home to.

I may be completely alone in this, but I am honestly going to miss going to class *pauses to be boo-ed and ridiculed*. I mean, it's not like I was heading to my 9 am in the freezing temperatures last winter with a smile plastered on my face while wholeheartedly savoring the moment, but I know that there are things about going to class that I will miss. I love my morning coffee and having a schedule and meeting up with friends on campus. It may be the little things, but I think thats what I'll probably end up missing the most.

I know it's entirely too early to get nostalgic and emotional. I have an entire 9 months before that fateful graduation day in May, and who knows, by that time I may be ready. Until then however, I plan to savor and enjoy every moment that senior year has in store for me.

I'll cherish the crazy nights out with my friends, as well as the ones spent on the couch laughing at how scripted and fake The Bachelor is. I'll say "yes" to as many things as possible- clubs, events, new friends, new classes, everything. I refuse to look back and wish I worked harder, took more chances, or lived more freely. This is my last year of college, and I'm not taking a single thing for granted.

 xo

Dog Days of Summer

Julyis officially behind us (plus half of August) and summer is coming to an end. When May rolls around each year I'm always so ready to pack up, come home, and enjoy summertime. Come August I'm always just as ready to head back, there might be a countdown on our refrigerator. About a week ago I realized that this is this last time I will be heading back to Farmville, it is definitely super bittersweet but makes me want to really enjoy this last year. 

July was pretty low key around here, getting some good hours in at work and just enjoying being home. I try to take advantage of seeing people that I don't have the opportunity to see during the school year, you do what you can. 

I've gotten in some good pool time but my tan always fades much faster than I can keep up with it. It reminds me that I'm doing myself a favor and lowering my risk of getting skin cancer.

#teampale

These two got iPhones and will officially kill me when they see this picture! I must say that they caught on extremely quickly and have done really well! It's nice to finally have them in the Apple world. They may or may not be FaceTiming each other in this.

My Dad came for a visit this week, I actually dropped him off at the airport to head home earlier today. It is always so nice to have him home for a little while no matter how short the trip. We packed the week with all types of school related things, whether it be Costco or moving into my apartment. He is always much appreciated, reminds me how much I miss having him close by!

The quote below is one that I found a few weeks ago when I was having a downright rough day. It really opened my eyes to the way I was approaching things. Always remember how blessed you actually are, there are others that are not nearly as fortunate.

We have had a few nasty storms recently, most of them being in the evenings. I made a quick Target run, well as quick as a Target run can be on night and headed home in this. I sat in my car for around 20 minutes in the driveway before the rain finally lightened up to head inside.

I had lunch with my Papa the other day, we keep the tradition strong so you can usually find us at Panera. I guess this is what happens when the older generation mix up the brake and the gas while proceeding to run over the median and the car parked in front. I'm guessing that they had a much worse Wednesday than I did.

Kennedy and I had a little date at Shyndigz and ate cake for dinner. I've wanted to go back every single day since but have found self control deep down inside. This was AMAZING, strawberry buttercream with fresh berries and sauce..I thought about it for days.

 

Things are winding down, I only have two shifts left at work and I'm currently living out of my overnight bag at home.

I head to Farmville for good on Wednesday morning, while we got most of my stuff in this week I still have a little packing and rounding up to do around the house. I'm ready to get there and get settles into a routine. 

More to come on our adorable little apartment later!

xo