Day Fifty-two

One. More. Day.

Everything I own is packed up and ready to be moved home when Mom and Dad get here tomorrow. I have a crazy day tomorrow, but it all ends with hopefully Chinese Takeout with my family. I have so missed those casual nights with my family this summer and I am not wasting anytime in making them up. Also, of all the good food in Iowa City, I have yet to find a truly delicious Chinese restaurant. Even for delivery and takeout I think that it's something Iowa City is lacking. I am looking forward to sleeping easier this weekend knowing that I don't have classes the following day. No more 8 am classes. Well.. until next semester of course (which is in 3 weeks..)

I did it ladies and gentlemen. If there was any doubt that this summer would come crashing down on top of me, it was in my mind. Being completely honest, I didn't think I would enjoy this summer at all. We rode the roller coaster together and there were definitely plenty of dropped stomachs and screaming for mercy, but all in all, it was okay. It was never so bad that I climbed on a Megabus to go home (although I thought about it.) Living alone is weird and I hope that I don't have to do it again for a very long time, but it was a good.

Home is going to feel so good tomorrow!

Day Fifty-one

Ladies and Gentlemen, I am going to miss this place. I've lived here long enough to know where the floor creeks are and what the strange noises outside are and it will be weird not living here anymore. Yesterday afternoon, I spent a lot of time packing up my stuff and I always get nostalgic when I do that. Most of my belongings are sitting in a giant pile in the main room and I am so excited for the next two weeks at home and the next year at my sorority house with my roommate, Rachel, but this place served me well. I will miss it.

Yesterday was spent, aside from the packing, going to class and studying. Sounds downright amazing right? I thought so. I have in front of me my last 12-hour day for the summer. Up at seven and my last scheduled event is done at seven. I'm already tired! Hopefully I'll be awake to blog about today!

Day Fifty

I am going to keep this short. Summer colds=no fun. Summer school=no fun.

My summer cold is winning. I'm trying very hard to just barrel through the congestion and just move on with my day, but the cold is slowly taking over. The human body is truly amazing and I am entirely thankful for that. However, why does it pick the most inopportune times to come down with a cold?

Summer school. It is branded into children's heads at a very early age that summer is meant for relaxing. Well, summer school is not relaxing. I am so glad I made the decisions I did in regards to this summer, but wow, I'm so burnt out. The next two weeks at home are going to be spent on the couch watching the Olympics. I can predict my mom telling me to get of my butt and go do something productive, but I have a lot of couch time to catch up on. I need to fill my quota for TV time for the whole summer in only two weeks, so here it goes.

I also made another observation about children. All throughout elementary school and middle school, the last week of school is a blast. It usually consists of picnic day, yearbook day, field day, clean the classroom day, and my personal favorite, movie day. Somewhat in high school, but mostly in college, the last week of school is hell. As children, we are programmed to relax when the semester winds down, but that is the exact opposite of what we should be doing! Finals and exams and packing and tying up other loose ends cannot be done efficiently when it is stamped in our head that field day is tomorrow and no homework will be assigned for the last two weeks. Come on elementary teachers! Help a sister out!

Day Forty-nine

Summer colds should be illegal or impossible or fixable. My sinuses are stuffed, my ears or clogged, and my throat hurts. Yes, it is more likely to get sick when stressed or run-down, which I am, but I feel like my body always opts for the worst time to get sick. Couldn't this have waited until next week? Anyways, my day today has consisted of class, Kleenex, and cough drops. I did, however, discover a delicious drink at Teaspoons today! It's called a steamer and it is basically steamed milk with flavoring in it. I chose the mint flavoring and although it was 90 degrees outside while I was drinking, it was so delicious and it felt so soothing on my throat!

The packing has begun and as I always do, I'm getting a little bit nostalgic. I am at the time in my life where permanent residence is slim to none. I have been and will continue to move a lot in the next decade or so and it's a new feeling. I am very used to living in the same bedroom for almost 20 years or my life and it's different now. I will never see this apartment again after this week and it just feels so strange because it was home for two whole months.

My type A personality supports the fact that I actually really enjoy packing. I think I'm the only person in the world that likes packing, but it's a bit soothing to me. Usually, I'm packing for something exciting or a break or vacation, so packing just increases the excitement. Unpacking, however, is dreadful. I hate it. Because I'm moving around so often, I don't stay anywhere long and settling in doesn't really exist. I haven't decided how much I'm going to unpack when I get home this weekend because I'm turning right back around in two weeks for fall semester! :)

Day Forty-seven and Forty-eight

Alright ladies and gentlemen, we have closed in on less than a week until I'm home and done with summer classes for good!! I go home on Friday and at this point, I wish it was today! I had an amazing weekend with amazing friends to close out the summer! My sorority sister, Haley, drove into Iowa City on Friday night and we hung out in my apartment with red velvet cupcakes and wine and a funny movie! It was the exact night that I was hoping for and it was so great to catch up with her! We were up early on Saturday and we treated ourselves to a delicious Hamburg Inn breakfast! We both headed back up to Cedar Rapids and my friend Sarah picked me up later on and we went to her house. Laying on the couch and watching stupid TV shows and funny movies completed the perfect afternoon. I have never loved cable television so much in my life.

Sarah's good friend from high school, Brea, came over and it was so nice to meet some of Sarah's friends from home. We enjoyed a late, but extremely delicious, dinner and a bonfire before we resided to the basement for a good ole late night sleepover. So fun! I, however, am coming down with a cold. Perfect timing, right? 3 exams and packing and of course my body choses the last week to get sick!

Sunday consisted of sleeping in and pancakes and homework and the Bachelorette, of course! I felt that I must watch the finale live and Sarah and I went to Emily and Haley's apartment for burgers and bachelorette! It was fun to watch with friends this time! And of course... Jef got the final rose! He was so adorable the entire show! I did feel a little bad for Arie, but I feel like he will survive. Jemily were so cute and at the After the Final Rose show, they couldn't keep their hands off of each other! So, so cute!

Day Forty-five and Forty-six

The past two days have been an absolute blur. My mom came Wednesday night and we ran some errands and enjoyed a lovely dinner at Monica's in Coralville. My nerves for the PCAT were growing once we got home, but we just hung out until it was time for bed. Speaking of the PCAT, it's a mind game. Candidates are not allowed anything on their bodies, they're required to wear sound-blocking headphones and they place you in a tiny little cubicle with video and audio recording. Not fun. I hope I never have to go to prison because this was a bit uncomfortable. I didn't do stellar on the exam, but there were a lot of factors playing into that score. I will be taking it again in exactly two months and I am determined to earn a better score.

Yesterday was quite an emotional day because.... I bought this moped.

Cute, right? I thought so. It was probably the largest purchase I've ever made myself and it really did feel like the right decision. I got an incredible deal and a free helmet! Moped U was so helpful and they gave me a little riding lesson to be sure that I don't look like a fool. No one wants that! And quite frankly, whoever said shopping therapy was a bust, had it all wrong! A few purchases will turn any down mood back around! I have proof! 

Day Forty-four

Mom comes today! :) Okay, Mom coming means that I have to take the PCAT tomorrow and that is scaring me. Every thought I'm thinking right now is whether I studied enough or how well will I do or what if I don't do well? I can't find the pause button. But! That's why Mom is coming, right? Moms are always good at calming their children down. We're going to go out for a nice dinner and relax and I'm going to have a panic attack and I'm going to study a little bit. Just a usual night in the world of Meagan!

I did watch the Bachelorette Men Tell All yesterday afternoon and I found myself clicking through so I didn't have to watch certain parts. There were some men on this season that made me incredibly uncomfortable and I simply didn't want to hear what they had to say. Kalon and Ryan were two people that didn't deserve to even come because they were so awful to Emily and I can only imagine how they are in their everyday lives. Rudeness is one thing, but saying things that are absolutely awful and thinking they're acceptable is another. And no, Ryan, you will not be the next Bachelor.

As for the final show, I hope it doesn't come crashing down in Emily's face. She should pick someone and move on. I feel like she does a lot of things because she doesn't want people in the public and in her private life to treat her differently or judge her, but she's ultimately hurting herself. We shall see on Sunday who she picks or rather, who she doesn't pick and according to Chris Harrison, "you don't want to miss the most dramatic live TV event of the summer!" da da daaaaaaaa.

Day Forty-three

Forty-three of anything is a lot. $43. 43 people. 43 pencils. 43 days is no exception. I have been on my own for 43 days and it seems strange to imagine living with so many people when I'm so used to being on my own. I honestly think my voice is loving living alone because so fewer words are said. I can go hours in silence and be completely fine. Yes, I do occasionally talk to myself or Skype, but in reality, I don't say a lot. When I move into my sorority house, it is going to be a big change because I am sure I will talk exponentially more. I am thoroughly a people person, so sometimes the silence bothers me, but  I've gotten used to it in these 43 days. I honestly cannot fathom the fact that this summer is quickly wrapping up. I had a conversation about moving out of my apartment today. What? No way. The cliche statements like, "you're stronger than you think you are," "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger," and "you can survive anything if you put your mind to it," have proven to be true in my case. I don't think I will be coming out of this summer with the most stellar grades, but I survived. I learned a lot about myself and the type of person that I am and hope to become in the future and I can only thank this experience. It was far from perfect, messy even, but it was an experience nonetheless.

I told some friends this weekend that I would recommend living alone at least once in a lifetime and they all stared at me like I was crazy. If I wasn't a huge fan, then why was I suggesting it to other people? Well, it may not be my thing, but it was totally worth the fight and the struggle. I feel so grateful to have been thrown into this situation because I truly understand myself so much better and feel that I am better prepared for what is ahead of me. Why wouldn't I recommend that to someone else?

Day Forty through Forty-two

Once again, an amazing weekend has come and gone. Abbie and Chelsie and Kristin arrived around 1 o'clock on Friday and we joined some friends at Olive Garden for lunch! I am fairly certain we were that annoyingly loud table in the corner, but you hate to be actually annoyed because they're having an amazing time. Lunch was full of laughs and stories and it felt so good to be back together with some amazing friends. The four of us came back to apartment and naturally painted nails and chatted the rest of the afternoon away. It was as if we hadn't spend several months apart, but rather a few hours. We decided to go downtown Friday night and in the world of Abbie and Chelsie, getting ready for that is an extensive process. Also, my apartment only has one very small mirror in the bathroom. This presented an issue when four girls needed to do hair and makeup, but somehow, we managed.

After a crazy night downtown, we came back and crashed. To be honest, it looked like a tornado hit my apartment when I woke up on Saturday. All of us were moving rather slow on Saturday, but we finally got out of bed for some cereal and toast. Chelsie wasn't feeling very good, so she stayed home, but Kristin, Abbie and I went out the mall for some much needed shopping. I would say that Good Deals was the theme of the day! Wedges for $40 and shorts for $11. I'm usually the person that completely misses the sales, but not this weekend! 

Saturday night was a quite night, but exactly what I was hoping for. I made dinner for the four of us and it felt great to eat some healthy food! My Big Fat Greek Wedding was put in the DVD player and ice cream was served. It felt like we were back in our dorm rooms on a Tuesday night just watching a movie like normal. It was perfect. 

Today is my day to play a little bit of catch up. Laundry and dishes and homework are all on the list and my motivation is no where to be found. It's gone. All I want to do is lay in bed and watch some crappy TV. Hopefully that will happen eventually!

Day Thirty-nine

That feeling you get when something you never expected to actually come, is already here, it's weird. I've been planning and planning for things all summer,  and I'm realizing that it's almost over. The PCAT, for example, over a year ago at my summer orientation, I knew that I was going to be taking the PCAT this summer. Yeah, it's next week. What? No way! I really do attempt to enjoy and take in all of the pleasures around me everyday, but I cannot believe that I only have 2 weeks left of my summer classes. 2 WEEKS! I remember saying goodbye to my mom and that aching stomach that accompanied and I serious cannot believe that it's almost over. Yes, I am entirely burnt out, as my last post suggested, and I'm not sure if I could survive more than 2 more weeks, but sometimes you can do things and survive events that you never thought possible. I am getting very inspirational today, but somedays should be inspirational.

My younger brother was cleared by his orthopedic surgeon yesterday to go back to gymnastics full time. It's been about 10 months of a battle between my brother and his shoulders. He had surgery on his left shoulder and then about 2 weeks after recovery was over, he did the same thing to the right shoulder. Some people would call this bad luck. No, it was exactly what my brother needed. He needed to feel the push. He needed to learn that some things are worth working for. Most people cannot say that they have been out of competitive gymnastics for almost a year and still have extensive plans to compete at the college level. He does. Yeah, my younger brother is going to be a college athlete. Who woulda thunk? Not me. His drive and motivation has been intensified since his injuries have set in. Now that he's back, I have no doubt that his work ethic will be that of Batman. He has no choice but to work hard, and I have faith in him. Love you, buddy.

Day Thirty-eight

Alrighty, I've decided that 8 exams, the PCAT, 2 lab reports, and 3 labs a week is a lot. Up until, I've pretended to be used to the hectic schedule, but c'mon. This is crazy. The feeling that will overcome me when the sun sets on July 27th will be complete and utter joy. Summer school is not normal. Studying and doing homework when the weather is gorgeous and most people aren't studying is a bit tortuous. I only have 4 more exams, including tonight's, 4 more labs, the PCAT and THEN I'M DONE. I'm burnt out. I am ready to enjoy the short summer that I have when I move back home and then join my friends back in Iowa City. I never knew how much I loved 18 week semesters until I was in an 8 week semester. Syllabus week, I love it. An exam a month instead of 2, love it. An entire week to complete a pre-lab activity, my favorite. Maybe that's what I was supposed to get out of this summer. I was supposed to learn to appreciate the regular academic semester by surviving an 8 week semester. If it wasn't what I was supposed to learn, I learned it anyway.

Abbie and Chelsie and Krisitn will be in Iowa City is just over 24 hours and I am so excited! I wish they could be standing outside MacBride Hall when my exam was over tonight, but tomorrow will definitely do!

Here are some pictures of Abbie and Chelsie and me again!

Day Thirty-Seven

Evenings are so much better when dinner is delicious! Tonight I put a chicken breast in a plastic bag with some garlic and teriyaki sauce and I microwaved some frozen corn. Absolutely delicious. I might have indulged in a glass of wine, so dinner was perfect. I wish I didn't have to go back to my homework and studying, but not everything is perfect right?

Today was a great day. I gave a tour this afternoon that was just normal. Now that I've been giving tours pretty regularly now, they are all starting to run together! Today's tour, was pretty run-of-the-mill though. As usual, I came home and unwound while watching the Bachelorette. Because I'm always 24 hours off, I always somehow find out who goes home. I'd rather watch is live, but oh well. To be completely honest, Sean wasn't right. I of all people should be rooting for him until the end, but I could tell that Emily just wasn't as attracted to him as she was to Arie and Jef. Speaking of Jef, I surely hope it's him in the end. I truly feel that Jef and Emily have what it takes to make it through the tough stuff, whereas, Arie and Emily need to be together to create memories. During the six months between the show and airing, Arie and Emily cannot always be together. Their best time together is when they're kissing, not talking and getting to know each other. Jef and Emily have the friendship that can last through those hard months when phone conversations are more common than face to face interactions. Next week is the Men Tell All Special and I very curious to see how Ryan, Sean, and Kalon are in front of Emily. Those three men have been the biggest throughout the season, so we shall see how they react to Emily and how Emily reacts to them.

I tried to keep my Bachelorette raving to a minimum (you're welcome Dad). Tomorrow is a long day of class and lab (that requires pants :() and most likely a long night of studying for my Chemisty Exam on Thursday. The fact that Abbie and Chelsie and Krisitn are coming on Friday is what is keeping me going!!

Day Thirty-six

After being home this weekend in a crazy, loud, active house, it felt great to have some quiet. I know, I've said that I am not a fan of living alone, but it's a nice balance to a house that had extra people and dogs inside this weekend. Some quiet was definitely nice this afternoon. I watched some old Grey's Anatomy re-runs to unwind from my day of classes. For dinner, I concocted a delicious quesadilla. I had some bell peppers in the fridge that I decided to chop up and throw in. It was absolutely delicious. I love making truly delicious meals with only a few ingredients and my quesadilla only took about 5 minutes on my George Foreman grill. Perfection.

A lot of grades came in this afternoon, and I'm doing just fine. I like to freak out and then calm down a lot when the grades are posted. My mental health would probably benefit from fewer panics and freak outs, but I can't help it. I have 3 weeks to raise my grades a smidgin and then I'll be happy with the turnout of this summer. 

Personal Hygiene is obviously a necessity, but I'm dreading taking a shower because the shower at home was so nice. My shower in Iowa City is laking some serious water pressure and I didn't realize it until I stood in the shower at home. I will overcome this dread, of course, but it's taking some extra effort this evening. Oh well. It is truly the little things in life that cause the most pleasure. 

Day Thirty-Two through Thirty-Five

This weekend has been a whirlwind! No time for blogging when you're having so much fun!

Thursday late morning began with my mom and brother, Connor coming to Iowa City. This was the first I had seen any family since I moved to Iowa City and I was so excited to finally get to see them! We started off the weekend right with pizza and nachos as Airliner. Connor came with my mom because he was visiting the school and meeting with the gymnastics coach. Oh yeah, and to see me! Connor and my mom went over to the Field House for the gymnastics practice while I gave a tour in the splintering heat. Connor has several friends on the gymnastics team at Iowa and he decided to spend the night with them catching up and hanging out. This gave my mom and I some quality time to hang out and chat, and of course, to have some well deserved gluten. We went into town for dinner and indulged in some delicious pasta. To overcome our food comas, showers, and My Fair Lady followed. We embarrassingly crashed around 10 o'clock. Oops.

The only downer to Friday was that I had class. Not the ideal way to start a Friday morning, but it was over soon enough. Connor had his scheduled visit with the University of Iowa on Friday morning. I ended up being his tour guide, which I have to admit was awkward for me in the beginning, but it was actually okay. They got to see my work and I, to their surprise, presented some information that they didn't know. Friday, unfortunately, was scorching hot. Giving tours in that heat isn't fun for anyone, including the bug that landed in my hair while I was standing in front of my tour group talking. We stopped for a quick lunch following the tour at Buffalo Wild Wings for some refreshment, air conditioning, water, and the infamous Pro/Con lists on Connor's part. College decisions can be so difficult, but I think everyone knows where I'm hoping he goes! ;)

Through my year at Iowa and Andrew going to Nebraska, my family has definitely become very familiar with I80. Friday afternoon was no exception. The drive home wasn't too bad, but I was just very excited for some Jimano's Pizza, friends and some quality shower pressure. My cousin Lindsay and her husband Brian came over Friday night to prepare for Saturday's Porkapolooza, so our house was full of friends and family, which is how it's supposed to be in my mind!

The third annual Porkapolooza began very early on Saturday morning when Brian set up the smoker and delicately placed 3 pork shoulders and baked beans inside to cook all day. After a very inappropriate trip to the grocery store, cooking and the occasional drink began around noon. My other cousin Jake and his wife Jen joined the fun shortly after when Mother Nature decided to give us the most perfect weather for our day in the backyard. After the heat of last week, low 80's felt like heaven. It was the perfect day! Family and food and fun. What else could I have asked for this weekend?

The only thing that made the day better was the pulled pork that came from the smoker. To. Die. For. Everyone soon entered a food coma and the gathering got much quieter. It's just so hard to stop eating when it's absolutely delicious! In addition to the perfect food, there were five dogs at my house. Yes, five. All of them were adorable and indulged in the sneak attack on the food here and there.

I am now back in Iowa City, thanks to my parents who are loving I80East this afternoon. I have a very busy three weeks ahead of me, but I think I'm ready. I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel of this summer and it saddens me and makes me so excited for what comes next. Right now, I would give anything to have a week off of tests and homework and lab reports, but it's all worth it. Completely worth it.

Day Thirty-one

Happy Fourth of July!!
Fourth of July is such a wonderful holiday! Corn on the cob and fireworks and BBQ's. Who wouldn't love a holiday like that? Haley and I head to Bettendorf yesterday afternoon to meet up with some friends for dinner and the fireworks. I was so glad to get out of Iowa City for a little while and so glad that I was able to see some amazing friends. My friend and future roommate, Rachel, had us over at her house where Haley and I met a few of her high school friends and went out to dinner. Fireworks were perfect and mosquito-free (the best part about the fireworks in my mind). I also feel that work and or summer school should not be allowed the day after the fourth. It felt like such a Saturday to me and getting up for class this morning was dreadful. Sleep was calling my name but I had to ignore it! Mom and Connor arrived today and it is so great seeing them!

Here are a few pictures from the 4th of July!!

Day Thirty

Thirty! Thirty days!! Wooooo!

Alright, here's the Bachelorette dish. I'm just going to jump right in it.

Jef... so sweet! Fell in love with him and Emily this episode. I can absolutely see Emily and Ricky slipping right into his life and their lifestyles completely meshing. I wish she could have met his parents but lots of siblings will have to do! I think Jef really showed Emily that there is much more to him than his skateboard and skinny jeans. His family has a ranch and he can shoot a gun. He really is just a great mix of city and country. The letter that he read her at the end of the date made me cry. It was so sweet and completely genuine. I hope Emily saw how amazing he was!

Sean's hometown date was interesting. I cannot seem to figure out why I didn't love him as much this episode. He was so sweet and his dogs were adorable!! Love them! His family was very welcoming and I enjoyed the small practical jokes that they played on Emily. Telling a women that you still live at home when you're 28 can be a giant red flag and I think Emily realized that. She was definitely playing the part in front of him and his family when he told her that he did. Unfortunately for Sean's family, they didn't really understand the concept of a punch line. Jokes are way funnier when the punchline is dramatic, not a casual slip that Sean doesn't live at home or that they aren't actually eating armadillo for dinner. Come on! Give the joke some justice! I'm interested to see how next week goes for Sean. I'm pulling for Sean because I really do like him! Go Sean!!

Arie. Wa waaaa. I was so disappointed with Arie. I don't know if it was because his parents were so rude to talk in Dutch in front Emily ABOUT Emily. Clearly she cannot understand them and I thought that was so incredibly disrespectful! Arie's family was otherwise very welcoming, but in my opinion not a huge fan of the Bachelor(ette) process. I think the other men have caught up to the relationship that Arie and Emily have so they don't sparkle so much anymore. We shall see!

I'm so excited for next weeks episode! These are my top three guys and I cannot wait for a show without immature emotions and men that shouldn't be on the show! Good luck Emily!

Day Twenty-nine

Whew. It was hot today! I was lucky enough to spend most of my day in air-conditioned buildings, but to anyone who wasn't given that opportunity, my heart aches. The University of Iowa is undergoing immense amounts of construction this summer and to those construction workers, the heat must be unbearable. There's such thing as an ice day or a snow day, what about a hot day? Come on, when it is over 95 degrees outside, everyone is miserable. The only person I know that "claims" to like these high temperatures is my brother, but he complains about it when he's in it, so I don't think anyone really enjoys this weather. I think a nice day inside air conditioning while the world pauses would be marvelous. A day to relax or catch up or read 3 books. Either way, it would be marvelous!

I am dying to watch the Bachelorette tomorrow!! I was so hoping that I was going to be able to watch it tonight at the rec maybe, but I was too swamped with homework. I will be the crazy girl tomorrow afternoon who is sprinting up the hill to my apartment and racing in for a popsicle, some nail polish and my computer! I promised myself that I would stay off twitter tonight because twitter is Bachelorette heaven. At least my feed is. My friend Amanda is a continuous episode tweeter and Ashely Hebert and her fiancé J.P. tweet back and forth about their opinions, so in order to keep my mind a blank slate, I try to stay away. Notice the try. It's nearly impossible and so so tempting. All is know is that someone lives at home with his parents and he's 28. eek! That's a bit of a turn off. Sorry Emily, we all have to go through more bad than good in order to discover the amazing! I'm sure I will rant or rave about the episode on tomorrow's blog!

Day Twenty-eight

Yesterday was about as lazy it could have been. Laundry, homework, dishes, Grey's Anatomy re-runs. I had a very relaxing day and I'm so glad! I had the opportunity to Skype with Abbie and Chelsie and it felt like we were back in their room gossiping about our day! I continue to realize how much I miss them in my everyday life! I cannot wait to be living in the same house as them in less than 40 days!!

This is a pretty relaxing and exciting week. I do not have Chemistry Case Study or Lab this week and my Chemistry professor emailed us saying that class was starting earlier than usual because there is no class Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday! Woot! Biology, however, is still kicking. I have class everyday, but the fourth, I have an exam tomorrow morning at 7:00 am and then a lab quiz and a lab all on Tuesday! Whew. The day off on Wednesday will be a nice break!

Day Twenty-seven

Here it is! The halfway mark! Four weeks done and four weeks to go! I still have 5 more exams, 1 more lab report, the PCAT, and lot of tours to give, but I'm glad I can say that I officially made it halfway! Halfway certainly does not mean done, but it feels better than the start!

Yesterday turned into quite an awesome day! I woke up (without a hangover from Friday I might add) and turned on the Pandora and started my day. I picked up my apartment, cleaned, did the dishes, worked on my homework and eventually went to the CRWC for a great workout. (My abs are sore today! Best feeling ever after a workout!) Upon returning from working out, I found someone to go to Jazz Fest with me. Iowa City partakes in the Summer of the Arts every year. The weekend I moved to Iowa City was the Iowa Arts Festival and this weekend was the Jazz Festival! It had basically taken over the Pentacrest and the surrounding blocks with several stages, food booths and wonderful music. I got a little dolled up and walked into town to meet my friend Emma! I am a little bit obsessed with kettle corn when it comes to outdoor fairs and festivals because it's just so darn good when it's freshly popped, so I made sure to get my serving of kettle corn before I headed home! I ended the night with some Grey's Anatomy and decided to refrain from setting an alarm this morning. I rolled over to look at the clock and it read 11:01 am. Apparently, I needed some extra hours of sleep so I wasn't even mad at myself. I have another full day of studying today, so I better get started!

I cannot wait to see my family in person on Thursday! Connor and my mom are coming for Connor's college visit and to take me home for the weekend! :)))))

Day Twenty-six

Well folks, yesterday started off as one of those not so amazing days. On top of waking up for 8 am lecture and giving two tours in very high humidity, I did very poorly on my chemistry exam, one of my favorite restaurants in Iowa City is now closed, and my friend Haley was unable to make it to Iowa City for the night. When a day starts off semi-bad and rolls down hill from there, it can be a very rough feeling. To be honest, I've come to expected crappy days. I need to just realized that everyday is not going to be full of rainbows and butterflies and somedays storm clouds will hang over my head (literally, did anyone see that storm last night?). I can do my best to prevent sucky days, but once they're slapping me in the face, I just have to take it and know that tomorrow will be a new day.

I was able to get out of my apartment last night, however. Some friends of my picked me up and we went to a friend's apartment for a while. It felt great to not be thinking about textbooks or flashcards or highlighters for a little while. Steam was definitely let loose and I enjoyed myself!

Here are a few pictures from last night:

This is my friend Haley. I met her in Marching Band last year!

This is Emily, Haley's roommate!

Day Twenty-five

Yesterday I had the opportunity to dissect a frog in biology lab. Yeah I know it's gross, but I thought it was really cool! We were specifically interested in the heart of the frog yesterday, but I will spare the details. I don't mind going to lab when it's a little bit fun! After lab I walked on over to the Old Capitol and sat myself down against one of the giant pillars in the shade. I always see people studying there and such, but I myself have never had the opportunity to eat or study up there. I was perfect. In the heat of yesterday, I sat in the shade and enjoyed my lunch in peace. The best part about my new favorite spot is that there's Wifi! Yay University of Iowa for putting Wifi on the green spaces. When classes were over for the day, I headed back home and got a quick study session in before my test at 5:00. I happily indulged in a Peach and Mango Smoothie, which was perfect for yesterday's high temperatures. While I was walking to my exam, I felt a sense of doom. The professor plays off exams as just the concepts and "if you know the concepts, you'll be fine." Not exactly true. I've discovered that he likes to put questions on the exams that are just out of our reach or knowledge level to see if we can figure them out. As a professor, that's an amazing technique. As a student, it is not fun at all. Some friends of mine met up at Whitey's Ice Cream later and it was the perfect comfort for my crazy long day and hanging out with friends isn't too bad either.

Day Twenty-three and Twenty-four

That feeling when you roll over in bed and glance at the clock just to check the time and realize that you still have an entire hour of sleep left before you have to wake up is magical. The feeling when you realize it's 30 minutes after when you should have gotten up is disastrous. I hate that feeling. That was me this morning. I jumped out of bed and rushed around my apartment to make sure I had everything I needed for the day. I don't like to be rushed and I certainly hate being late, so this morning was interesting. A contributing factor to my extra sleepiness was most likely the lingering headache that decided to take residence in the back of my neck. NOT FUN. All I wanted to do this morning is sleep and sleep and sleep some more, but instead, I learned about hormone production and and built buffers in chemistry lab. Overall, a satisfying day once my headache subsided. I have a Chemistry Exam tomorrow afternoon, so tonight will definitely be full of studying!

I didn't blog yesterday, so I wasn't able to do by usual Tuesday Bachelorette blog, but I'll make up for it now:

The Bachelorette was amazing this week. I found myself laughing out loud and smiling while watching the entire episode. The minor drama with Arie and his past relationship with a producer wasn't handled correctly in my opinion. Yes, the show needs to make money and have lots of viewers, but just because the show has no major drama this season, doesn't mean it needs to be created. Chris Harrison got all official with the viewers and they made it seem like a huge issue that could change the relationship between Arie and Emily. It didn't. They're fine and it wasn't a big deal. My motto: don't create drama where there isn't any.

Secondly, Sean is the best! He handled his emotions so maturely this week. While Chris was sitting on the couch pouting when John returned from his date with Emily, Sean went to find her. DUH! Smart move on his part. He searched the streets of Prague, (kind of romantic in my mind) just to spend some time with her because he knew he was on the group date. I was smiling the entire time, and quite frankly, so was Emily. Sean on the "group date," was again strides ahead of Chris in terms of maturity. Chris claims that him being 25 doesn't mean much because he's mature and all grown up, but seriously dude? Grow up. I wish he would get the hint that she didn't want to have a one-on-one date with him and move on. I was so glad that Emily decided to send Doug home during the group date, because keeping him all the way to the rose ceremony would really be cruel considering half of his DNA is sitting at home waiting for his dad to come home.

Jef. sigh. That was the most adorable date ever. He was kind and funny and sweet and overall, the best. He was cracking jokes like it was his job while they were in the library, but then he turned right around and was talking serious things with Emily. He came right out and asked her about their future and kids and parenting styles, etc. I just found Jef to be very confident and perfect throughout the entire date! He's growing on my and fast, but I still think his hair needs to go! :)

Lastly, Arie. I do not know why, but something about him just isn't right. I'm not sure if I don't like him or if something isn't right with him and Emily. Obviously that have a very strong connection and they're both crazy about each other, but I just don't feel that Arie is going to be the last man standing. We shall see.

My order is...
- Sean and Jef are tied
- Arie
- Chris (who shouldn't have stayed. He should wait a few years for his emotions to mature and then come back)

Day Twenty-three

I discovered motivation today! For the past week I've been having some serious issues getting my to-do list done and sitting in bed on YouTube or Pinterest or reading an entire novel in an evening. Tonight, however, BAM! Motivation! I came home from class and immediately started working on my Lab Report. It's amazing how fast these things get done when I'm not distracted and I don't give up every few hours. As of right now, my lab report is waiting to be proofread and printed! I'm actually a little proud of it. I really feel like I did a great job!

With some convincing from my mom, I pulled some pork chops out of the freezer and marinated them in olive oil and some general seasonings. I also made some frozen corn to add a little color to my dinner. It was a delicious and healthy dinner! It didn't last long, though, as I was quickly back to work.

Maybe I should start a list of household chores that I've learned and completed this summer! :)
-Replaced the overhead lightbulb (harder than it sounds)
-Made and successfully executed a homemade fruitfly trap.
-Unclogged the shower with Drano (note to self: that stuff smells bad!)

We shall see how much more is added to this list by the end of the summer! :)

Day Twenty-two

Three weeks is a long time and I've made it. If feels so good to be able to say that I'm almost halfway done. I know I need to be taking in every moment instead of wishing them away, but these classes are killing me! Anyways, I woke up early this morning to work on some homework before Leah came over. Biology Lab Reports are probably the most awful assignment I have ever encountered. I do not enjoy writing it at all. It's due at 9am on Tuesday morning, so I definitely need to get a move on!

Leah finished with her dance team requirements are two o'clock and we met up and got some late lunch downtown. I kept telling her that it felt surreal that she was here! After indulging in some much needed Whitey's Ice Cream, we came back to my apartment and chatted for a while. It felt so great to catch up just like old times! Leah was nice enough to chauffeur me to the grocery store for some much needed replenishments for the kitchen! A glass of wine and a few Oreos later, we were skyping with out friends Abbie and Chelsie! I realized when we were talking how much I missed their beautiful faces. Hopefully we will see each other in person soon!

Day Twenty and Twenty-one

While giving my campus tours yesterday, I had the chance to meet some great families. I really love hearing the stories of where they are from and their interests and passions. The satisfaction I get when a prospective student tells me that they love it here and they're so glad I was their tour guide is so refreshing. I am so lucky to have such an impact on many future college decisions.

Right after work yesterday, I rushed home, sunburnt shoulders and all, to pack for my night in Cedar Rapids with Sarah. She had some family in town and it was great to meet everyone. Her family was so welcoming and really made me feel at home. There was homemade marinara sauce and pasta for dinner and it was so great to have a home cooked meal not made by me. Dessert was to be a delicious Monkey Bread, but after overlooking the smoking oven, the house turned into a very smoky house because there was some of the syrup from the bread burning on the bottom of the oven. Despite the issues with dessert, it turned out to taste perfect.

Today, we all went to the Hadley's favorite local bar for a late lunch. Sarah's family is of a Czech background and this bar is heavily Czech-influenced. I indulged in Polish Kielbasa with some sweet potato fries! It was absolutely scrumptious. I am now home for the night buried under a large pile of homework and studying. I cannot wait for tomorrow and some quality time with Leah. It has been so long since we've had the opportunity to catch up. I think it will be a great afternoon and night!

Day Eighteen and Nineteen

The past two days have been a whirlwind. Shadowing at the hospital was such an experience. It was great to see what a regular day being a pharmacist was like! I thoroughly enjoyed the time, but I wish I was able to go when the teams were making rounds. Unfortunately, my schedule makes that impossible, but the time I was able to spend at the hospital were great.

I'm quickly learning that I will learn to be a better cook for the sake of my taste buds. I made myself a cheeseburger for dinner tonight and I totally overcooked it. I can cook okay, but grilling and most meat has always been taken care of by the men in my family. Grilling has never been my speciality and I learned my lesson the hard way at dinner tonight. I ate it anyway and next time, I'm sure it will be scrumptious.

The next few days, however, are going to be amazing! One of my very best friends from Iowa is coming to Iowa City this weekend and I cannot wait to see her! She is on the Iowa Dance Team and is here for practice and rehearsal, so we're meeting up for lunch tomorrow and then she's staying with my on Sunday. I'm also planning on going to CR (Cedar Rapids) tomorrow afternoon with my friend Sarah to stay the night at her house. I'm imagining that it will be nice to be in a real house for a little while, rather than an apartment. I am overcome with excitement for this weekend and the friends that I get to see!

Here are some pictures of me and Leah from Freshmen Year!

Day Seventeen

Similar to last Tuesday, I watched the Bachelorette this afternoon. Usually, there is a solid front runner or a clear indication of who the Bachelorette really likes at this point in the season, but I am just lost. I am so glad that Ryan and Travis weren't given roses. Something seriously wrong happened to Ryan, or someone gave him some very false information. I think that he truly believes that women want to be trophy wives and that's what their role in the marriage is. As a woman, I find that statement very offensive. He completely disregards a female's intelligence and her own life goals and inserts his own and believes that to be okay. That, however, is not okay. Bye, bye Ryan. With the remaining men, I am baffled. Emily really does have different relationships with each of the remaining six bachelors and, because I do not personally know her, I cannot tell what type of relationship she prefers. I am still routing for Sean, but I am not as confident in that decision as I was last week. He is still great with Emily, but he was so competitive this week and it came off arrogant at some points, which isn't very attractive. It seems as though the drama will pick up next week with Arie and a past girlfriend (that happens to be a producer). Uh-oh.. we shall see how that unravels.

Anyway, I won't go into to detail about my day today because it was rather routine and boring. Class. TV time, homework, dinner, workout, PCAT studying, shower, and reading a stupid romance novel. I job shadow a pharmacy resident tomorrow and I'M SO EXCITED! I cannot wait to go through this experience and I know it will only reassure me how much I will love my future career.

Day Sixteen

While sitting my classes today, I observed that my generation lacks many positive qualities seen by other generations. Specifically, I noticed that there is a major lack of respect for elders or authority figures. Both of my professors are slightly out of the ordinary and to my classmates, that means that they are inept and unable to function in our highly civilized society when not talking about science. Some of my classmates are blatantly rude to my professors because they believe that their time is being wasted. There is no patience at all. Yes, it may take them slightly longer to work something out on the computer, but they didn't grow up with technology like we did. I am not trying to impose that I am not part of this issue at all. I am simply noticing this trend, and praying that I never act the way that some of my classmates believe is acceptable. Every answer is not going to be spoon fed and every procedure is not going to be written out. I feel that we have been so trained to always follow directions and get good grades that we are blinded to the reality. The reality is that there is no instruction manual for life and our careers. Some things we just have to figure out on our own without a teacher peering over our shoulder telling us that what we are doing is correct or perfect. I think this is going to be something to work on for me. I hope that I can treat adults with respect and learn to have more patience. Some things do not need to be rush.

Well, that's it for my social observations and ranting for today. Other than my eureka moment of society, today was rather routine. Both my chemistry class and biology class are presenting a lot of overlap and I am forgetting where I learned things. I am also studying for the PCAT which is majorly a chemistry and biology exam so sometimes, I feel like my head is going to explode. I hope it doesn't! I need my brain and definitely its contents. This is what I felt like while I was studying for my biology exam tomorrow:

I guess the lesson for today is with a little patience, no ones head will explode. :)

Day Fifteen

Each week I survive is one more milestone in my mind. I am a quarter of the way through my summer here in Iowa City and I'm learning to deal with the fact that living alone most likely isn't my thing, instead of pretending that I love it. I had the opportunity to Skype with my family today while they enjoyed what looked to be an amazing Fathers' Day Dinner! I have to say that I was very jealous that they were there and I was here. It just isn't the same when a computer sits at my dinner spot instead of me! It was great to see all of them though and I'm counting down the days until Fourth of July weekend when I get to hang out with everyone!

Today, other than dinner skyping, was full of homework and studying and printing my handouts for the week. Sundays aren't the dreamed about fun day, but it's just one day and I survive. A small achievement that I recently realized that I have accomplished is my crazy typing speed. I know that seems a little ridiculous, but after being in college a year now, I CAN TYPE REALLY FAST! Yes, I know it's minor, but an achievement nonetheless.

That sandwich bread that I was so excited to try definitely lived up to it's delicious smell. I made a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on it for a late dinner and mmmmm it was perfect. I think I'm going to be hitting up the Amish Bakery's booth at the Farmers' Market every week now!

The week ahead of me is daunting, but I keep repeating that I will get through it if I just take it one day at a time. With two quizzes, a seven am exam, and my first experience job shadowing, I'm sure this week will present its challenges and I hope to overcome them! Cheers to another week!

Day Fourteen

I woke up yesterday determined and motivated to get my day started. I took waking up on my own at 7:30 as a sign that it was going to be a great day. I got dressed and ate breakfast and walked down to the Iowa City Farmers Market. I bought an absolutely delicious loaf of Wheat Bread! I cannot wait to have a sandwich on it! I walked right over to the co-op grocery store and picked up a few things that I was running low on. After that whole endeavor, however, I hit a slump. My day seemed like an empty abyss and filling it with something to do seemed impossible. After a Skype session with my parents and a minor cry, I put the fear behind me and moved on. I walked into downtown and decided that I should go into all the shops and boutiques that I pass everyday and always wanted to explore. I ended up finding a great dress that I need for my Sorority's Recruitment Process. With a little shopping therapy my happier mood was restored. Something I truly miss about home is just laying on the couch and watching dumb TV. Because I don't have any cable hookup here, I have to go looking for any television that I want to watch. I did, however, find the Big Bang Theory online and enjoyed that while I painted my nails.

In the fridge, I had some vegetables that needed to be eaten or thrown out, so I decided to cook them! I made a delicious dinner for myself and the leftovers are waiting in the fridge. I took some mini bell peppers and sautéed them in olive oil and garlic on the stove. Meanwhile, I placed two chicken breasts in a plastic bag with some teriyaki sauce and garlic and smooshed it around. I put both chicken breasts on my George Foreman Grill and waiting until they were warm and delicious. I figured that no one would be around to smell my breath so why not use a lot of garlic!! A nice dinner can always lighten any down mood! Happy Cooking!

Day Thirteen

I've said it before and I'll say it again. I love my job! I gave two campus tours today and it was a perfect day. I had early Biology lecture this morning that I followed up with a PCAT study session at Starbucks for a few hours. I gave a tour this morning and cannot consider this a job. Yes, I get paid for it and I went through an interview process, but in my mind it isn't a job at all. The people I have the opportunity to work with are so kind and funny and the prospective students are always new and everyone has different backgrounds. It is such a wonderful opportunity to meet students and their families from all over the country and show them around a place that I absolutely love. I had a great lunch with my friend Sarah in between tours and I rediscovered Iced Tea mixed with Lemonade. For the summer it is the most refreshing drink. Yumm it tastes so fresh and delicious on a hot summer day like today.

Before coming to college I would have never considered myself a napper. I really felt no need to nap on a regular basis, but now that my schedule is totally shifted, napping is bliss. A nice afternoon nap is so rejuvenating! It doesn't have to be a ridiculously long nap, but just a little dirt nap, as my brother Andrew would say. After an early morning and a long day in the heat, a nap was just what I needed this afternoon.

I also wanted to share the smoothie recipe that I am absolutely obsessed with! No matter my mood or the time of day, the smoothie is delicious and cheers me right up.

Peach and Mango Smoothie:
Frozen Peaches
Frozen Mangoes
Peach or Raspberry Kefir
Protein Powder
Sweetener

Because of the added protein powder, this smoothie is super healthy and very filling. I like to used Truvia or Splenda because they sweeten the smoothie without adding all of the extra calories of regular table sugar. I highly recommend trying this smoothie, as it has become my favorite afternoon snack!

Day Twelve

Yesterday was a rather long day for my brain. I was up and moving by seven a.m. and off to Biology lecture, lab and then Chemistry lecture. I did, however, give my very first solo tour yesterday and my trick is to not tell anyone that I'm new at the job. Pretending to be a seasoned tour guide is way easier in my book than apologizing for a few tongue ties. I finished out my school day with my first chemistry exam and lets just say that we're moving on. It probably wasn't one of my best performances, but we'll wait and see until the grade comes out. After that long, twelve hour day, I was in no mood to do anything when I came home so I indulged in a trashy, summer novel and upon finishing, it was already 8:30 p.m. I had already eaten dinner so I popped in a movie and fell asleep. I felt so good to just hang out and do nothing. We all need a personal day (or evening) every now and again!

Day Eleven

We made bouncy balls in Chemistry Lab today! I felt my inner-five-year-old resurfacing. Yes, I did get several judging looks from fellow classmates who were not as impressed, but I was having so much fun! The best part was that we were allowed to keep them. I will always be entertained now because I have my very own trusty bouncy ball.

Other than the fun lab, today was draining. I had a total of five hours of chemistry class today. By the end, I never wanted to look at a molecular mass, or constant value ever again. I was brain dead. Afternoon naps, however, are the perfect cure for chemistry overload! I have my first chemistry exam tomorrow, and I'm not quite sure how I feel about it. The format is very different from past chemistry exams that I've taken, but I will certainly find out how prepared I am very soon. My OCD-ness kicked in when I realized that we were taking the exam in my favorite (yes, I have a favorite) lecture hall. I'm not the only one though. There were a few of us sharing our minor excitement.

Peanut Butter+Nutella=Heavenly
This small, but mighty combination is what got me through studying tonight. It's like a peanut butter cup on a spoon made in your kitchen! My favorite after dinner snack. My dad, however, likes to modify this snack by drizzling chocolate syrup into the peanut butter jar and then eating it out. I haven't succumbed to that level yet, but maybe one day!

Day Ten

Wow. Day 10! That sounds way better than Day 1!

The Bachelor and Bachelorette are simply my favorite guilty pleasures. For two hours, I sit in front of a television and stare. I am legally allowed to gossip about other people's love lives and momentarily play matchmaker. Yes, I realize that very few of the couples from the show have actually gotten married, but it's the hope and fairytale aspect that keeps me watching. I've been watching for so many seasons now that I am fairly certain that I could be Chris Harrison and no one would have to give me a script. "Gentlemen, this is the final rose tonight. So-and-so, when you're ready." *cue dramatic music* You think this is funny, but it's so true. I don't think that job would be too bad! Anyway, I watched Monday's episode of the Bachelorette this afternoon and I am a officially the team captain of Team Sean! I am rooting for the underdog this season. Every girl in America is gushing over Arie, but I see right through him. He is a genuine, kind, and a good looking man, but something doesn't click for me. Jef (with one F as Ashley Hebert calls him) is equally as fitting for Emily, but come on. His hair? Someone needs to consult him on his barber because it is just odd! Sean, however, is perfect. Just wait, he may come out on top and it is now in writing that I called it!

When I wasn't gawking at reality television this afternoon, I wrote my PCAT Study Schedule. I promise you it is as awful as it sounds. I've divided up the material that I need to review and learn over the next twenty days and the remaining ten days with be devoted to general studying. I also found a service that will send me a PCAT-insprired question everyday by email! Cool right? I thought so. July 19th is quickly approaching and my nerves are growing just as fast.

Material for my summer classes is also increasing. This is what I signed up for this summer, (sorry to steal this from Nike), but I just have to do it.

Day Nine

Well, Happy Monday! Today was a great Monday, actually! I spent most of my day in class, but that is to be expected when I'm taking 8 credits in 8 weeks. Studying and homework is definitely picking up and I have my first lab tomorrow. I'm comfortable with Chemistry labs, but Biology labs freak me out a little. I'm a bit nervous, but I was nervous about this summer. I've learned to just jump in the fire and pray that things will fall into place with hard work and some elbow grease.

I discovered an amazing website today when I was deciding what to make for dinner. www.supercook.com is a website where you type in the ingredients you have readily available and it searches main recipe websites and gives you thousands of options of what you can make with those ingredients. I made Mexican Chicken Breasts tonight and they were delicious! I think I am going to bookmark the website and use it often!

Day Eight

Well folks, I made it a week. I survived an entire week of new experiences, places, classes, people, and an entirely new environment. My parents neglected to name me Grace, so it wasn't the most graceful, but I did it. I'm an 1/8 of the way through my journey this summer! Woohoo! I already have a quiz tomorrow and an exam on Thursday! Everything is moving so fast.

Today was a pretty lazy day. I was dreading replacing the light bulb that had gone out in the only overhead lamp in my apartment, but I forced myself so fix it first thing this morning. Along with some other dreaded chores, I found myself sitting at my desk studying for most of the day. I finally bent and turned the air conditioning on, as I was sweating just sitting still. That's my boundary. My first solo tour was scheduled for tonight for the Admissions Center, but unfortunately, the group never showed. There were four other tour guides assigned to the group as well, and nope. No tour group to give a tour to. I was a little disappointed, but oh well. I will have plenty of tours in the future!

Tomorrow is a jam packed day of class and hopefully a workout. I have realized that I cannot fall behind on my note-taking because the pacing of summer school is so fast and if I fall behind, I will never catch up. Other than that, this week looks pretty normal. I will have all my classes this week and work and studying, so I imagine I will be loving a relaxing Saturday by the end of this week!

Day Seven

I woke up this morning around 3:00 am to a slight nibbling at my toes and low and behold, a chipmunk was hoping for a midnight snack on my feet. The friend's apartment that I was staying at is a large apartment with 5 rooms and one of the girls happens to have a chipmunk. Needless to say, I was not happy. After the rodent issues were solved, I went back to sleep, barely. :)

Some friends and I also went to the Iowa City Farmer's Market this morning. I indulged in a few tomatoes, cucumbers and a freshly made cinnamon roll. I couldn't pass it up! Having the fresh veggies is so nice and they are just way more fun to cook with! The rest of the afternoon was rather lazy due to the lack of sleep last night. My sorority sister Rachel came into town tonight for a birthday so we celebrated by eating way too much at Texas Roadhouse! Their fresh bread and onion blossom were absolutely delicious and I was full before my meal even came. It was so nice spending the night out of my apartment with a few good friends!

Here are some pictures of last night!

Day Six

I am free for the weekend! :) Although I'm buried in homework and studying this weekend, it still feels cathartic to scream happy weekend to myself! After biology this morning, I had a fabulous workout and the perfect walk home that I have decided is just the right length for me to completely cool down from my workout. While reaching my hand into the freezer for a popsicle, I stopped and made a yummy smoothie instead. I'm sure my neighbors think the world is ending because the blend is so so loud, but the frothy smoothie was worth the noise in my mind. I am meeting my friend Mary Ellen for a late lunch today at a new restaurant in downtown Iowa City. One of my main goals for the summer, besides surviving, is trying new restaurants and not going to the same old ones I've grown comfortable with. My big sis from Theta, Jenny, is coming into town tonight as well, so I am sure there will be some festivities. Overall, Fridays are my quiet, easy days and I am not complaining about that! Hopefully, there will be some more pictures coming soon! Happy Weekend!

Day Four and Five

Yesterday was probably my best day here in Iowa City. I ventured into the kitchen and pushed my way through the new blender for a refreshing peach and mango smoothie for a late breakfast/lunch. My friend Sarah then joined me for dinner and we made some veggies and Spaghetti Mac. I feel much better now that I have been able to explore the kitchen a little more and I plan to continue fostering my cooking skills the rest of the summer. Sarah and I attempted to watch Amadeus, but accidentally put the second half of the movie in first, but oh well. At least we know how the movie ends right? We finished the night with some chatting and we embarrassingly crashed at 10:00, as she works a full time job and I'm up early for classes.

Today, I started my day early and ventured into my Biology lecture. It is my biology professor's last semester teaching this summer, so there are always the occasional tangent and funny story. He is full of knowledge, but I can tell that sometimes, his brain is working faster than his mouth. From Biology, I had some time before I needed to meet with an admissions counselor for my job so I walked to Starbucks, and although it's already 75 degrees outside, I enjoyed a warm cup of hot chocolate. I met with my superior in the admissions office and I am now an official University of Iowa Tour Guide and I have the T-shirt to prove it! :)

I still have one more class today, a Chemistry lecture, but I think most of my afternoon will be spent catching up on homework and my readings for my classes. I still need to put time in studying for my PCAT, so leftovers are on the menu for this evening. My routine is growing more solidified and biking to town has proved to be much easier than walking every time.

Day Three

Yesterday was one of those days that hit me like a ton of bricks. I was sliding along and then, BAM! A good day interrupted. I started my classes and I thoroughly enjoyed my professors. Both my chemistry and biology professors seem a bit out of the ordinary, but I think that's what I need for the summer! I had a great workout at the beautiful Campus Rec. Center when my cell phone decided to poop out. Normally this sort of road block would be easily jumped over, but living alone with no land line telephone presented a problem. I seem to get the most homesick when I cannot reach the people I want to talk to when I prefer to contact them. Hence the minor panic attack yesterday morning when my phone broke. Besides that, however, I enjoyed a great day! My phone will be back in my hands this afternoon thanks to my awesome friend Sarah! We plan on picking up my phone, cooking a delicious dinner and sitting down to one of the many movies left here for me to watch!

Day Two

Today was certainly better than yesterday, a trend that I'm guessing will continue. I am a campus tour guide for the University of Iowa and I gave 2 tours to prospective students. Today completely reassured the fact that I love my job! I have the amazing opportunity to meet and talk with high school seniors from around the country and I find the conversations, although sometimes odd and off topic, usually riveting. Eating lunch outside is also something that I see being rather regular because today was truly bliss. Besides the stain found on my shirt that I am praying isn't bird poop, my lunch hour was completely relaxing and definitely needed. Catching up with a few friends this afternoon was a nice reminder of my past social life and I definitely missed it. During the academic year seeing friends and sorority sisters was common, whereas the last few weeks have been rather dead. Today, however, my social butterfly aspirations are back! Class start tomorrow and because I don't have labs this week, it will be a rather choppy day. Perhaps a nice workout or run will fill the middle of my day! We shall see!

Day One

Strange emotions filled me today when the time came to send my Mom out of my apartment and back on the road. Living alone is a completely new experience for me and I am consumed with emotions cycling in waves. I love it. I hate it. I love it. I hate it. My mind cannot seem to chose a steady feeling. I am responsible for no one but myself and the pile of dishes from dinner can sit and no one with complain. Today was spent in a fictional world of a trashy novel to avoid the boredom I sensed hiding in the corner. Work starts tomorrow and my summer school classes start on Tuesday so I was leaving my sad feelings aside to have a great afternoon and evening. I am trying to avoid turning the air conditioning on because waking up to birds chirping and cars driving by is so soothing and I absolutely love it! I have a somewhat busy day tomorrow that I am sure will be full of ironing out many kinks in my soon-to-be routine.