Great Expectations

People always have great stories from college. All I ever heard in high school was how much better college would be. This is my fourth week of school and I'm still not sure what's so great about it. I keep making all these excuses, like "It will get better when I meet more people," or "When I start working on my major, school will be more interesting." Yes, these things are true, and yes, enjoying yourself is a state of mind, but the external things in your life influence your state of mind, right? By building all these expectations, I feel as though I'm setting myself up for disappointment. Don't get me wrong. I'm happy to be going to college. I'm happy that soon I'll be studying what interests me and I will be moving forward with my life. In this moment, however, I'm wondering what's so great about college. I'm not a partier. I don't plan on joining a sorority. I'm not a hugely social person, which is probably part of my problem. I don't know. Maybe after eight weeks, I'll feel differently.

My Day and My Dorm

Today was nice. It started with some Starbucks and light reading before class.

And then there was math homework and Good & Plenty's between classes.

After class, I was pleasantly surprised to open my mailbox and find mail.

After lunch, I changed into my swim suit to go swim some laps at the gym.

Later today, I have Bible study and maybe a Skype call with a friend back home. I also finally got around to taking some pics of my lovely dorm room for all of you to see.

My side of the room.

My cute little desk.

Underneath my bed, and my fridge.

And the beautiful view outside my window. It's not a bad set up and I actually really like living on campus. It's pretty nice not having to drive to school. 

Loves

Oh...I almost forgot. I'm seriously considering buying extensions an I was wondering if you had any input as to what the best type to buy would be. I've never done it before, so here are the ones I'm looking at. This set or this set. They are two different kinds of extension, so what would be easier and what would last longer? Thanks so much!

Things I Want, But Don't Need and Can't Pay For

So, I'm in college now, which means I have very little spending money. So here's a list of things I've been admiring, because everyone knows that when you have no money to spend you look at things that cost money. So here it is.

How cute is this? A nose stud that looks like a rose? I'm in love.

Another rose. I have an obsession, can you tell?

I would love a hair extension like this, but I would need someone to show me how to put it in.

So that is what I do when I should be doing homework. I look at all the pretty things on Etsy that I want to buy. Definitely a productive use of my time.

Loves

College

So I never actually got around to organizing pictures or anything productive for that matter. My last month of summer was spent with friends and family. I am living on campus now, my mom has left and classes begin tomorrow. I'm excited to get into a routine. I enjoy waking up and not knowing what the day will bring, but after an extended period of time, getting back into a fixed schedule is a welcome change. My roommate is nice and I've met a few people around campus.  I went to church with my mom this morning. I think I can say that I've settled in nicely and now I'm just waiting for college life to really start.
Loves

Homeward Bound

I am currently posting this from Phoenix International Airport. My next flight leaves at 2:40 and then I'll be back home! As fun as my trip was, home sounds so good right now. I stayed an extra day to catch some good weather in the Florida pan-handle and it was totally worth it. I have a horrible sun burn that hurts like crazy, but I loved every minute of my long day in the sun yesterday. We were in Orlando earlier in the week (I'll be posting pictures in the next few days) and then we drove back up to the pan-handle where my family lives. We ate sea food, had really good snow-cones and had a blast riding jet skis in the sound. The water in the Gulf of Mexico makes you think of the Caribbean and the sand makes the hills look covered in snow. I'm so thankful to have gotten to take this trip and spend time with my extended family. I am also very thankful that my travel has gone smoothly today. Flying stand-by can be very stressful, but today it has been effortless. Once I get my pictures organized, I'll post some for you.
Loves

My Camp Experience

Of all the years I've been going to summer camp, this year was probably one of the best. Being a counselor is much more fun and fulfilling than being a camper. My girls and I had an excellent week and I can't wait to do it again next year. I didn't take a ton of pictures, but I will have pictures in my next post because I'M GOING TO FLORIDA! I am so excited. I'll be at Universal Studios in Orlando for three days and then back to my cousin's house, which is right on the beach in the Gulf of Mexico. I can't wait. I leave tomorrow, and I'll be back on the 18th, hopefully. I'm taking my computer on this trip, so I'll keep you posted. This is what summer is all about. Fun trips and enjoying the company of people you love. This is probably my last free summer for a long time, since I will probably have to get a job next summer, so I am going to enjoy every minute of it. Are you all enjoying summer as much as I am? I really hope so.
Loves

One Busy Bee

So, I'm here to say hi, but then say goodbye right after. This week has been crazy busy, and the busy-ness continues! My mom and I left for New Mexico early Monday morning. Tuesday and Wednesday, I was at the university getting oriented and registering for classes. I found out who my roommate is and got her contact information, so things are moving along nicely on that front. I'm getting more and more excited for college! I think it's going to be a great four years. (Because I WILL graduate in four years. People keep saying that it takes five nowadays, but I refuse to be in school longer than I need to be, unless something happens...) We came home late on Wednesday, and then I spent Thursday with a friend and yesterday I took my siblings to see Transformers 3. (Excellent movie, by the way. So amazingly epic. I loved it.) I'm leaving again tomorrow for camp. I am going to be a counselor for the junior high kids at my church. It should be a fun/interesting experience. Have an amazing 4th of July! God Bless America!
Loves