Ohhhhh, The Lib

Hi. I'm in the process of studying for my second Gateway to Health Services Administration (HADM 3000 if you care) test. Naturally, I keep getting distracted... So I decided to take a tiny break and blog.

What's on my mind, you ask? The library. Auburn's Ralph Brown Draughon (RBD) Library is one of my favorite and least favorite places on campus. Here's my reasons:

Why I don't like it:
1) The 3rd Floor. I mean... Come on, people. There's no reason to be THAT loud. Seriously, it's almost as loud as Jordan-Hare Stadium on any given Saturday. Slight exaggeration, but you get my point. Yeahhhh it's fun to sit with your friends and talk to them and stuff but for some reason I just can't step foot on the 3rd floor without getting kind of mad. Wow, I sound like a terrible person and I'm definitely complaining too much about something that's not really that bad. Anyways, I'm not a fan of the 3rd floor.

2) Food Options. Specifically Caribou Coffee Because That's All They Have. Let's face it, Caribou is NO Starbuck's. We all know that it's just not the same and it would be better if we had a Starbuck's in the lib. Ok, I'll be fine with Caribou for now. BUT, the food in there is some of the most unappetizing stuff I've ever laid eyes on. The bread is wet, the grapes are brown and always have stems, and usually they're out of the kind of chips that I want. Also, they charge you $.65 for a cup of ice. Plus the line is always, always, always out the door and around the corner during prime study hours. If there were more (even just one more) "restaurants," that would be a massive improvement.

3) Parking. Well, this is a problem everywhere on campus so I won't go into detail because we all know about it. I guess it's kinda hard to build a 10-story parking deck, or add on to a parking lot when there's absolute no more room. I figured I'd throw it in here anyways.

4) Study Room Rental Policies. This one isn't THAT much of a problem, but here's what I have to say. I've only rented a study room (a group one) once. It was going so smoothly, we were getting lots of studying done, and it was just perfect, UNTIL.... our four hours were up and we had to return our key and wait 15 minutes before we could sign up for another one. Ok, ok, ok... I understand the reasoning behind this policy. During exam weeks, I'm sure people used to take up the study rooms for hours and hours, or even days at a time, leaving people to wait and never get one. So, they implemented this wait list thing. It's ok, I guess, but this wasn't a busy library day and it was just very annoying to have to pack everything up, leave them room, turn in our key, get settled somewhere else for like, 30 minutes, then move to another room. Then repeat the same thing four hours later. I just realized that it sounds strange that I was in the library for over 8 hours that day.... It was 13 to be exact. To sum it up, I just wish that when it's not exam week in December or May, the policy could be adjusted. Not gonna happen, though.

Well, that's all of my complaints. Now for the things that I loovveeeeee!

Why I do like it:
1) The 4th Floor. I think I could stay up here for a week straight. It's so quiet and peaceful and I just love it. Aside from right now, I always get tons of work done up here. It's seems like time stops and everybody is in "study world" and forgets that life actually goes on outside of these walls. That kind of sounds horrible but I like it so much. If only there was a Zoe's up here or something... Then it would be perfect. Or a dessert store. The "Newspaper Reading Room" on the 1st floor is great too. It can get loud at times, but it's perfect if you're listening to music. Y'all should check it out sometime.

2) Seeing Friends (Except on the 3rd Floor). It's always exciting to run into someone you know, even if it's only a 3-second convo or a wave from down the hall. Let's just not distract the rest of RBD by screaming.

3) I Am Productive Here. I truly do get so much done in the library. When I'm in my room, I'm tempted to watch TV, sleep (usually), hang out in someone else's room, or even clean. Here, none of that is really a possibility, so my productivity level is through the roof. I love that feeling of, "Well, I studied as much as I could, so I'm sure I'll get a good grade!" Thanks RBD for helping me make my way through college.

Although I have more "hate" than "love" reasons, I really do like the library so much. Just wanted you all to know!

It's Been A While

Well, since the last time I posted, I started my JUNIOR year of college. Gosh... My first post was freshman year! Time fliesssss. I've been telling myself that I'm going to blog about our most recent South Africa/Malawi trip like every day. That obviously hasn't happened yet. I'm gonna have to make that a good one, so it may take some time to put together! Here's a couple pictures from the trip for now.

Ahhhh looking at these pictures makes me want to go back!! I love Africa so much. It was such a blessing to have my whole family with me this time. I really enjoyed that!

Different subject. I switched my major from Math Education to Health Services (Hospital) Administration back in the Spring. So far, I'm loving it! I only have one HADM class but it's extremely interesting to me. This is a very good sign.

I really like being a Junior. It's kinda cool being an upperclassman, but I don't have all the pressure of being a Senior. I mean it would be cool to go back to Freshman year and have everything be new and exciting, but I like being settled. And I still love Auburn more than I ever thought possible. Seriously, to all you high school kids, come to Auburn. You WILL NOT regret it. Auburn is the greatest town with the best, best, best people you will ever meet. I am so thankful the Lord lead me here!

Finally, in case you haven't jumped on the bandwagon and downloaded Ben Rector or NEEDTOBREATHE's new cd's, go ahead and do it now! Here's a preview of Ben's Album, and a song from "The Reckoning." Guys, for real, listen to them!!

Beachhh

Well, I'm down at the beach with the fam for the week. It seems like it took 10 hours to get down here. The first thing we did was go eat at Graffiti in Baytown. I was just wearing Nike shorts and a tshirt, and had my hair in a gross ponytail with hardly any makeup on.... I felt a little underdressed. But then I realized that the majority of the people there are 15 year old girls that put on WAY too much makeup and have on WAY too short and WAY too tight dresses. Then I felt a little better about how I looked. The food was great, and the fireworks show was fun too!

I'm not gonna lie, it'd be cool if I was here...

Or Here...

But the sand and sea of Destin will do for me!!

I could be here, and would NOT be happy...

Pictures from Pinterest

Good Reminder

Found this on Pinterest too. 

Pinterest Lovin'

I dedicate this post to Pinterest. Haven't heard of it? Well, you might not want to get involved. I can literally spend HOURS on this website every time I click that little bookmark at the top of my screen. Pinterest is pretty much a way to organize cool pictures you see online, or to look at what other people find. Since I got it, my list of places to travel, things to do, wedding ideas, new house decorations, etc. has grown dramatically. Here's some pictures I've found on Pinterest. Let me know if you want an email to join!

[Cute bow!]

[Floating lanterns in Thailand]

[Pretty house]

[Elisabeth, Tucker and I tried this on the 4th.. didn't work.]

[Who wants to take me here?]

[Bible verse calendar]

[Cooooool Alabama.]

[Can't wait to go to Africa in August!!]

In honor of my upcoming trip to South Africa and Malawi, here's one of my current favorite songs. This video is also perfect because of the awesome game the USA women's soccer team just played. And won.

Go America.

One last thing! When people tell me they read my blog, it just makes me so happy. Thanks Trent!!

Be Ye Glad

First thing I said after sitting down: "Hey guys, I'm just gonna have to lay this on the table right now. We're gonna take a picture so I can put it on my blog." Cute Austen.

I learned something tonight. I miss my old Sunday nights. Every Sunday afternoon in high school, I would drive on down to FBC at 5:00. Well, actually, I was late every week, so let's say 5:08. Choir lasted for an hour then after singing at the beginning of the service, I would stay for church. If we didn't have a fellowship after, my friends and I always went to dinner somewhere. Seriously, these were the best days. It sounds so simple and boring, but trust me, it wasn't. I love love love spending time with my church friends. Really, they're my everything friends. When I'm with this group (there is no set group of people, just whoever wants to join in) I always laugh until I'm in pain. That happened a couple times tonight.

After Lifesong (the new name for our little college choir), we stayed for church and heard the Joy Singers. This sweet group of senior adults sang lots of patriotic songs and just melted my heart!! So precious.

I wanted to go to dinner at Sushi Cafe, but the boys wanted Street Cafe because it's more saucy/greasy/buttery/cheap. Anyways, they lucked out and Sush was closed. Sooooo our reenactment of a typical high school Sunday night was complete after a reaaaal filling dinner from Street Cafe.

To Jonathan, Austen, Olivia, Jess, Kristen, and Goodson. I miss being with you all every week. And Austen, darling, it was fun being a couple for an hour. Love you guysss!

Here's some pictures from our weekend at the lake... If you're interested.

P.S. The reason for the title... This is my favorite song that we used to sing in choir. It's in our folders to sing for Lifesong, but we haven't gotten to it yet. I'm waiting anxiously.

$$$

Well, I'm in desperate, and I mean DESPERATE need to make some money. Every job opportunity that I had this summer fell through and it's really starting to bother me. Want to know what my biggest mistake of the summer thus far was? Took some clothes to Plato's Closet. DO NOT DO IT. Biggest rip-off I've ever witnessed. They took 15 shirts, dresses, and skirts and I only got $39 back. Some of those shirts cost around $60 and were worn maybe twice. Yes, I know I let them take the clothes... But I should have stopped myself. Oh well. I deeefffffinitely learned my lesson!

Sooo, what's next? Last night, I had the brilliant idea of selling many of my unwanted items on the good ole' ebay. I've never bought anything, much less sold something, on ebay before, but I had to give it a try. At this point in time, 7 items from my closet are sitting on the internet, waiting for someone to bid on them. An old leather jacket (never worn) and my 10th grade prom dress (worn once) are in the mix. Let's all just pray that someone will snatch them up SOOON!

 

It's pretty! Somebody buy it!!!

I've come to the conclusion that in my early teen years, I was stupid with the clothes I (my parents) purchased. I didn't think wisely before I bought and that's come back to bite me. Now, my closet is FULL of ugly clothes that have either been worn once or never been worn at all. The original tag is still on a bunch of them. My bad. I'm much better now, though. I really think about what I'm buying before I buy it. I guess college has taught me to be frugal.

Well, off to the lake I go. Seeeee you later!

Time away from Montgomery

Phillip, Mom, and I took a quick day trip to Atlanta on Saturday. Even though I LOVE my city, we all know that Montgomery can get real boring. Soooo, the three of us woke up at 6:30, got ready, and headed up I-85.

First, we went to the World of Coke. Yes, I felt like the ultimate tourist, but it was soo worth it. It's weird to think that there is so much history behind this little drink that lots of us have every day.

After that, we ate lunch at Mary Mac's Tea Room. Thanks Jess for the idea! It was reaaaalll good. We had tons and tons of food left over.... I'm pretty sure if we had of sat there long enough we would have ate it, though. Seriously, everything I ate was delicious... Chicken fingers, fried okra, macaroni and cheese, lima beans, rolls, cornbread, cinnamon rolls, pecan pie.... that was just ME.

Okay, now for the rest of the day. We headed over to Turner Field for my second Braves game. Mom got us some amazing seats. There were two rain delays but we just decided to stick it out, and I'm so glad we did! Even though the Brave's lost, we still had a great time at the game. What was the best part you ask??? The Braves (official twitter account) retweeted me. Yes, this is the only cool thing that has ever happened to me, so I'm gonna keep soaking it in. Maybe it's not that big of a deal but I'm just going to pretend like it is.

Here's the picture that was retweeted! Rough, I know.

Well, that was our Atl. day! Can't wait to go back and do some shoppinggg. :)

On Sunday, after the wonderful College Choir practice (tonsss of fun btw), I decided to go up to Birmingham to spend a couple nights with my cousin Lauren and her husband Joey. And their two precious kids, of course! The Epperson's were going to be there also for Weston's orientation at Samford, so it was just the perfect time! Estes has a new house so it was fun to get to go see it. Love it Est!!

Pretty much all I did was eat, hang out with great friends, eat, and hang out with friends some more. Olexa's in Mountain Brook..... Best place ever. Go there if you haven't. Also, we went to Chuy's at the Summit on Sunday night. If you want to get your money's worth, DON'T fill up on chips and salsa!! Last night, Monday night, Jessica, Estes, Sarah, and I picked up our friend Virginia and we went to dinner at Bongiorno for some Italiannnn foooddd.

Lauren needed some help with her blog (check it out) so Jessica, Virg, and I came to the rescue!! Well, I really didn't know how to do anything but I tried. By the way, thanks so much Lauren for letting me stay!! I can't wait to come back!

Weellllll, that's about it for now. I simplified my blog if you didn't notice. I was ready for something a little simpler. So, here ya go.

The FBC youth group recently returned from their annual choir tour. This year, they went to Chicago. Jealous. Choir tour was always SO much fun for me. I developed the best friendships over those 8 days each summer, and will never forget all the fun and sweet memories. During my high school years, we went to Washington, D.C., Canada, Miami, and Vermont. No matter where the tour was, it was a blast.

I'm gonna be honest for a second... Jessica and I always said that we felt so cool being a part of choir tour because people thought that WE could actually sing. Yeahhhhh if only they could hear the noise that was coming from my mouth. When someone would tell us, "You sounded great!!," our little hearts would fill with joy.

Well guys, guess what! We FBC college students are about to have the opportunity to feel like we have angelic voices once more..... Yes, THEY'RE STARTING A COLLEGE CHOIR! It's only going to last until early August, but word on the street is that we'll be having a mini choir tour. To say the least, I'm pumped. Call me cheesy but anything that helps me relive my youth makes me happy. Olivia, Jessica, Claire, Kristen and I are ready to start rehearsals!!

Don't worry, I will be sure to keep each of you posted on the dates of our performances and how many solos I have. I'm thinking 5.

Yeeeeeee can't wait!!

Washington D.C. 2006

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada 2007

Miami, Florida 2008

Barre, Vermont 2009