The Usual

Ohhh, the possibilities of things to blog about... I'll just throw it all in!

This past Friday night, Brook asked me to go back to the Trinity football game with her. Naturally, I accepted this invitation whole-heartedly! There's just nothing like going back to the best high school ever and getting to see and talk to some great people! Shout out to everybody who went to or goes to TPS.... We all know it's the best! I miss it a whole lot, but I do love Auburn so much. Gotta move on sometime!

[TPS Game! Love You All!]

(Me, Weston, Andy, Elisabeth)

We drove back Friday night right after the game so that we could wake up in Auburn for the 2:30 game vs. Arkansas. Man, I'm sure glad I didn't miss this one! I literally was speechless throughout the 4th quarter, and I loved it. The thing about the games this season that makes them SO great is that we (or at least I) start out not being too confident about winning, but so far, it always turns out that we do! I'm super excited about the LSU game this weekend.. Ahhh! Okay, I could talk about Auburn all day, but I'll try to restrain myself. War Cam Eagle.

[Some Friends at the Game.]

(Emily, Virginia, Caroline, Annie, Me)

(Ali, Hunter, Jessica, Payton)

[Virginia, Annie, and I :)]

[We WON!! I am clearly the most excited.]

(Virginia, Annie, Me, Hunter, Jessica, Payton.... and Caroline back there)

[A couple more game day shots.

Team prayer, and my favorite sign ever.]

Annie, Virginia, and I went to church on Sunday morning, and guess who was there? Yep, you're right. Cam. (I think we can be on a first name basis now. Everybody knows who he is by this point.) It was a little difficult to focus on the message with the most beautiful person in the world in our presence, but somehow we were able to. The message was about being "All In" for Jesus. Pretty applicable, I must say!

I would have loved to tell you that I had a lazy Sunday afternoon, but studying for my World History test really got in the way. It took up half of my Monday too, but I survived. No worries. 

It seems like these past couple days have been unnaturally busy. I'm not really sure why though because I haven't had anything big going on. Oh well. Random thought.

I got a text from my little brother Phillip tonight (Yes, he has a cell phone and he's 10. *almost 11 ahhh*) that said: "I love u so much"..... I almost cried! I haven't been home or seen him in 3 weeks. I know that doesn't seem like a long time, but me and Phil have never been away from each other for that long that I can remember. I miss him!! We always have so much fun together. If I ever need someone to run to WalMart or Ulta or anywhere with, he's there for me! We both love Panera and Chick fil A and Cali Kraze. He loves Harry Potter and so do I. We just have a special bond and I love it. His birthday is on Thursday so I'm going home to go to dinner and do whatever he wants! He said he wants the family to go bowling, so I'm super pumped! Bowling is the one semi-athletic thing that I am SOMEWHAT good at. I'll let you all know what the outcome is.

[Phil and I]

Anyways, the main reason I am blogging right now is because I don't want to get started on my English paper that's due Thursday. Typical. I'll get it done at some point.

Well that's all for now, friends! I love you all and hope you have a wonderful, amazing, fantastic week!

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." - Philippians 4:8-9

A Little Note From Chizik

Here's an email I received today. If you go to Auburn, you have already read this. If not, read away.

Dear Auburn Students,

This weekend, we will face our most difficult challenge so far this season when the 12th-ranked Arkansas Razorbacks visit Jordan-Hare Stadium. Just like our football team, you as students have risen to every challenge we’ve put in front of you.

It’s difficult to quantify how valuable our student section and fans are, but in my mind, it’s a two-touchdown advantage. If not for your energy and excitement, we may not have been able to capture victories against Clemson and South Carolina.

I want to challenge you again this Saturday. We need you in Jordan-Hare Stadium early and for you to be loud and energetic the entire game. Arkansas has the top-ranked passing offense in the Southeastern Conference and nothing is more difficult on a passing team than a loud crowd. Student gates will open 45 minutes earlier than normal, starting at 11:45 a.m. Come early, and stay late!

As you know, the game will be the marquee matchup in the SEC this weekend and will air before a national audience on CBS.  Let’s show college football fans across the country and everyone in Jordan-Hare Stadium that Auburn has the loudest and most energetic students in the nation.

I also want you to know how much I appreciate the class and sportsmanship that you demonstrate each and every week. Auburn is a special place, and we need you to help us keep it that way.

War Eagle!

Gene Chizik

I just love Auburn. I know people might not think I really do since I chose Alabama in the first place, but that was just a "learning period" so to speak. Without a doubt, I'm all Auburn. I'm so glad we have a coach who cares about and truly appreciates the students. Chiz is the best. Can't wait to get to our weekly "family reunion" and cheer our team to a victory! Cheesy? Maybe... Do I care? Nahhhh. 


War Eagle Guys.

Two Posts One Day = Good Day!

So, I was planning on waiting for a while to update again, but a good friend introduced me to something that I just HAD to share with my (few) readers! I absolutely love listening to music and hearing people who have beautiful voices sing.

This guy you're about to hear is beyond amazing! Maybe everyone has listened to him and I'm just now hearing about his songs, but who cares. I want to listen to each song but there's just so many! Ahhh! Without a doubt, the greatest part about this man is that his passion for the LORD outshines his incredible voice. It's so encouraging to see people use their God-given talents to the BEST of their ability!

Thanks a ton Andy for sharing this with me! You're the best ever and always know how to brighten my day!

Here ya go guys. It took me a while to decide which one to put on here. I figured "Open the Eyes of My Heart" was a good way to go. Listen for yourself and see what you think! Then listen to some more.

Here's the link to the rest of his videos.

Math, Math, Math... And A Sweet Video

[WARNING! This one's got a whole lot of writing.]

As most of you probably know, I really, really, really love math. You might have asked me for some help throughout our high school years (sorry if I told you the wrong answer) or called me from hours away in Tuscaloosa (Zach) to help you out on your homework and quizzes. Last year, my love for numbers and my love for people led me to change my major to Secondary Math Education. I am super excited about becoming a teacher! Being around students all day and helping them understand a subject that is without a doubt loved hated by pretty much everyone sounds like so much fun to me!

With all that said, right now there is just one tiny thing standing in the way of me and my dream job... That would be... Calculus II. (Oh yes. I am aware that I have circa 34802 Math courses left to take before I graduate, so I'm sure there'll be much more complaining in the future!) I just don't even know how to explain how I feel about this class. I honestly enjoy doing the math and figuring out the answers, but the problem is that getting an answer correct is a rare occurrence. I try! I really do! I always complete my homework, write problems on the board whenever my teacher calls on me, and I have been to his office more times that I can count to get extra help. But WHY do I always do so bad on the tests?!? I am most confident that I am in the major that God wants me to be in, but why does it have to be so hard? I know He has a plan for it in the end, though. Gotta keep focused on that!

The whole point of that little spill on my Cal II drama was to give you a background of what my Tuesday (before the test Wednesday) was like: 

To sum it up in one (hyphenated) word, my Tuesday was mind-numbing. ALL I did was go to class, eat, and study Calculus. The hours seemed to drag on and on, while at the same time, I don't know where they all went. Learning how to tell if a series converges or diverges and memorizing endless amounts of theorems all day can make ya crazy! I'm just glad I have Virginia to experience it all with me. 

Math Education majors unite!

[A True Life Saver]

I just read over this post a couple times and realized that it could not be more uninteresting. So, I'll add a little something that's not boring in the least bit. My Jesus Calling devotion that I read this morning couldn't have been better for this hectic time of anxiously studying. Sarah Young wrote:

"Take time to be still in My Presence. The more hassled you feel, 

the more you need this sacred space of communion with Me. 

Breathe slowly and deeply. Relax in My holy Presence while 

My Face shines upon you. This is how you receive My Peace, 

which I always proffer to you.

Imagine the pain I feel when My children tie themselves up in 

anxious knots, ignoring My gift of Peace. I died a criminal's 

death to secure this blessing for you. Receive it gratefully; 

hide it in your heart. My Peace is an inner treasure, growing within 

you as you trust in Me. Therefore, circumstances cannot touch it. 

Be still, enjoying Peace in My Presence."

Jesus went through all of that torture and brutality for us - He went through it so that we would never have to worry about a thing when we submit ourselves to Him. Why is this such a hard concept for me to grasp sometimes? God is literally handing me peace and a free chance to relax and not stress about mundane things, yet I focus my time and energy on all of this earthly stuff when it should be directed towards Him. God comes first, and the rest comes after.

[Okay, last thing. I PROMISE!]

All of these thoughts about striving to putting God first led me to visit the "I Am Second" website. I am sure you all have watched a few of these videos before, or at least heard of them. (Click on this to read about their mission) The video that made the biggest impact on me was that of Bailee Madison. Bailee is a 10-year-old actress living out her dreams in Hollywood. She's been in a bunch of movies that you have probably seen.

I can't even find the words to describe how much I love this video. She knows who she's living for and why she's living for Him. Watch it for yourself, and see how clearly the Lord's love is shown through this precious little girl. 

Try not to cry like I did. :)

Night Clubs and Buffalo Dip

This weekend was different than any other weekend I've had in Auburn so far... Maybe the BEST!! (Shout out to Carroll Anna Troy who is sitting next to me right now, giving me great inspiration for this post.)

1.  To start off the weekend, I skipped my music class. :) hehe I'm so bad. Just kidding. I felt terrible because my teacher, Mr. King, is the sweetest man to ever walk the planet. He has such a kind heart and cares for each of his students so much! I just had to skip though... too much of a time crunch! I used this extra hour to shower and get read in the room of some cool friends, Virginia, Annie, Katherine, and Christa. Poor Virg had to be on campus from 8 until 2, so being ready by 3 was tough for her, but she did it!

2.  Once everybody was primped and dressed to the nine's, we met the boys downstairs in the chapter room for a couple pictures. You know I loved this part. We got some good ones! My date was Wes Carter. Hey Wes... You better be reading this! Jess took Estes of course, Virginia went with Clay Johnson, one of our Samford friends, and Annie took John Stuart Yow, a fellow "Trinite." Go Cats.

[Some Sweet Friends]

(Cameron, Kaitlin, Elizabeth, Annie, Jessica, Me)

(Katherine, Leigh Ellen, Jessica, Molly, Virginia)

[Wes and I Just Posing]

3.  We were told to meet at the old Bruno's parking lot around 3:30 and that we WOULD BE PULLING OUT OF THE PARKING LOT BY 4:00 PM SHARP!!! Yeah, that didn't happen. We left a little before 5, but it happens. The bus was hot but not as hot as it was outside. Actually they were about even.

[Our Little Group]

(Wes, Me, Clay, Virginia, Estes, Jessica, John Stuart, Annie)

4.  I think we asked Wes (he's from Atlanta) how far away were were approximately 75 times. We also asked him what Club Opera was like...... I still find it strange that you've been like 4 times, but it's okay. We know Flipflops is your place! And we will definitely be coming to stay with you so you can take us around to the cool Atlanta night clubs sometime very very soon! Hunter Wallace, you entertained us all more than you will ever know... You funny boy.

5.  Club Opera was real cool. The atmosphere was unlike any place I've ever been, and I know we all loved it there! I'm still kinda bitter that they took the dancing poles down but I guess we can't always get what we want. The food was great, and the band was even better.

6.  After the short but super fun dancing, we were told it was time to go. We took some time (and some free shirley temples and waters and other drinks) but finally made it back on the bus.  This ride was much shorter in my opinion.... But the fact that we were all absolutely STARVING made me really ready to be back in Aubs.

7.  Okay. I apologize to Jessica, Estes, Clay, Annie, and John Stuart for "making" us go to IHOP instead of Waffle House. I admit, Waffle House tastes SO good and there's nothing like it, but IHOP is bigger and we were more comfortable than we would have been if we were squished in a tiny plastic booth at the other place. End of discussion. Thanks for wanting IHOP too Wes.

[Clay making everyone wait on him to eat his extra pancakes.]

8.  Enough about formal..... On to Saturday! Alabama lost..... enough said. Auburn barely won, but a win's a win! We hung out by the awesome Creekside pool and soaked up some sun for part of the afternoon, then Estes, Jessica, Katherine, and I went to the store to get some TAILGATE FOOD!! Yeeee I love football games and cooking and eating with friends! We watched the game at Clayton's and had a good old time.

[FOOOOD]

[The girls at Clayton's]

(Annie, Jessica, Molly, Me, Mallory, Katherine)

(Kathleen, Christian, Virginia)

9.  Everybody kept hazing me on Saturday night since it was my last night as a pledge!! I should have reported them but it was just so out of hand that I decided to leave it alone. I dealt with it and overcame my obstacles.

10.  I'm kidding about #9...... to an extent.... Estes.

11.  Initiation was bright and early on Sunday morning.... So bright and early that I didn't have time to eat breakfast..... Which led to me passing out during the final minutes. Yeah, I completely blacked out and fell over. But once that orange juice was in me, I was good as new! I wasn't the only one who experienced this painful embarrassment. 4 or 5 other girls did as well! Crank up that air next year! P.S. Thanks mom for bringing Mur up there o pin me! You're the best mommy eveerrr!

12.  The good news is..... I'M AN OFFICIAL ALPHA GAMMA DELTA!! Yippieee!! I love my sorority so much! And my friends! And my college! And my family! And War Eagle!

I HAVE A BIG SISSY!!

It's official! Annie Stephens is my Big Sister! I am so excited!! Aaaaand I have a twin.. Jenna Le Heard! She's precious!!

[Me, Annie, and Jenna Le]

 Most of the groups revealed who their Little was by taking off clothes until they had a white t-shirt on with the girl's name. The last group, Annie's, had our names written on boys underwear! Haha it was preeeeetty funny! Hilarious actually! 

[The Reveal!]

[Me, Annie, Jenna Le, Virginia, and her little, Allison]

I feel like all of the fun stuff is over, but really, IT'S JUST BEGINNING! Formal is tomorrow! Eeeeeekk!! It'll be fun for sure. Then we have a break Saturday.... I can already tell I'm going to be super super lazy. Whatever. Finally, initiation on Sunday morning and the Feast of Roses is Sunday night. After all that, I have 2 and a half years of fun fun fun stuff ahead! Be looking for tons of pics to come. If you can't tell, I'm super excited right now! :)

Last night, our pledge class had a progressive dinner with the seniors. We were in 4 groups and rotated between houses that served appetizers, salad, dinner, and desserts. We all know I loved that food! It was so much fun. Progressive dinners are the best!

[My group at the last house... After making smores!]

I have been such a typical college student this past week. I can't even think if I have homework or not, or when I have quizzes and tests... NOT GOOD, but it's okay because I'm having so much Alpha Gam fun! 

Just wanted to write a short and sweet post. I'll be sure to update after the weekend! 

Remember Me?

This one goes out to my mom and Virginia, the only two people who ever tell me I need to update my blog. Hope y'all enjoy it.

So much has happened since my last post. Quick update: I passed all my classes, school got out for summer, I had a super fun/relaxed 3 months, I was a leader at FBC youth camp and had the best time ever, I moved back to Auburn (in the Village... miss good ole' Owen), went through rush for the second time.... YAY I'm an Alpha Gam! Go squirrels!, and that pretty much sums it up.

This year has already started out MUCH different and MUCH better than last. I am finally settled in the place where I am most happy. I hate to always tell people that I didn't like Alabama, but I'm sorry, I didn't. Auburn is the one and only place for me and I am so thankful to be here. It's so weird being a sophomore. I know I'm getting ahead of myself, but I am almost a junior which means I'll be a senior the next year, which means I'll be GRADUATING the next year! Oh my goodness where is the time going?!? Moral of the last sentence: seize the moment! I can't let this time go by without enjoying every second and making the most of every opportunity.

Soooooo, this blog entry is somewhat of the turning of a page. It's time to get out there and make some memories and then come home and blog them! I always feel like I have to write 10 pages in my blogs but that's just plain dumb! A short entry is better than no entry at all!

Ok, this post is getting out of hand. I think I better go to sleep now. It's initiation week, and I'm waiting on my second clue that gives me hint to who my Big is! Yippieee I can't wait until Thursday to find out the mystery! Then formal is on friday, and Initiation early Sunday morning. What a fun week!

I'll end with a few pics of sophomore year so far. Love you all!

[Bid Day Squirrel Pic!]

[My AMAZING Pledge Class on Bid Day.]

[Clemson Pep Rally.]

[Typical, beautiful Auburn sunset. Arkansas State Game.]

[Rave Social.]

[Psychedelic with John Stuart.]

[ESPN GameDay!... We stayed up ALL night.]

[Clemson Game.]

[South Carolina Game.]

[Super excited about the win over South Carolina! And about being on the Jumbotron!]

[Trinity Homecoming. Gotta love it!]

[Alpha Gam Alumni Dinner. Best meal I've had in a while!]