Have you seen my anthology?

I'm back! I am slowly crawling out of my homework/pledging cave and am beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Being the great bloggees that you are I know you will understand. After being almost done with my first semester as an Aztec I have learned a great deal. My learning experience is far from over though. This week I have had to tackle Love Library. Oh my goodness. This has not been an easy task. So, I have to write a research paper on Polynesian Dance. Sounds fun right? Well I didn't realize how difficult it was to find books on classical Polynesian dance. That was an obstacle in itself. The SDSU library website makes things everything way more difficult. I'm not bitter or anything though.
So Tuesday I finally worked up enough courage to go searching for the book I needed. I had no idea where to begin so I just picked a random place and headed there. I ended up taking some hidden elevator to the special reserves. When I saw that all the books looked really old and were locked away I figured I was in the wrong place. So, I put on my sweetest smile and said, "I'm really lost." The nice lady pointed me in the right direction. However, as I'm about to get into the secret elevator a creepy guy gets in it. Being in an elevator with you someone you don't know is super sketch and awkward. I pulled the typical girl excuse, pretended I had to go the bathroom, and booked it out of there so I didn't have to go with him. Then another guy came so I was basically standing in the bathroom waiting till I could go in the secret elevator by myself. That shouldn't be so difficult! After going to two more wrong places it began to feel like the college version of "Are you my mother?"
"Have you seen my anthology???" I eventually found my anthology right next to the same place I go on the computers everday at lunch. I didn't care though. I had it in my hands finally and there were no more creepy elevators to go through.
Today was the sequel. "Have you seen my video of polynesian dancers?" I'm getting really good at smiling and asking for help. I'm pretty sure that is a skill I will use throughout the rest of my directionally-challenged life. To top things off though I had to ask where to plug my headphones in after I eventually found my video. The guy at the desk had his headphones on though so I had to say it three times and wave at him before he realized I was talking to him. Meanwhile the guy in the room behind him was just watching and laughing. You laugh Mr. Media Center Guy this Aztec has conquered Love Library against all odds!!

Alphabets and Bananas

Tomorrow is Friday and that is a reason to celebrate. I really wanted to write a blog for all you bloggees, but I am having a hard time developing any one thought well enough to be blog worthy. So instead of depriving you of a blog and myself of the fun of creating one for you, I will share with you some of the random things I think you need to know. Prepare to take a journey into... the brain of a teenage girl! (Shriek!! Ahh run away!!!) Just kidding please stay. 
Alright, well finals are in just a few short weeks. My classes have been going pretty well. In SLHS we are learning about how language and our brain interact. It is so interesting! I just love it. We are reading Freud in Lit. That guy is crazy. It is super interesting especially when you realize he coined the terms like "repression" and "death wish". However, he makes you feel just a little bit insane yourself. Also, why that is considered to be some of the greatest World Literature from the nineteenth century I have no idea. Nothing super exciting is going on in my other classes. I realized that only a 95+ is considered an A and worth 4.0. If you have a 90-95 it is an A- and it brings your GPA down. Who made that rule??? An A should be an A! 
Being a sorority girl actually does make you more intelligent. I just realized that the word "Alphabet" comes from the first two Greek letters: alpha and beta. How cool is that? If you ever go on Jeopardy and they ask you that question I get a cut k? 
Last week my car hit 77,777 miles. My redID has three 7's in it. My future apartment number also has three 7's in it. There are seven of us pledge sisters. The number of completion. I think God's presence is all over this semester. 
Please check out the company the BF is helping to start. Like it on Facebook and you might win a free lanyard!! Seriesof4
I'm attempting to be gluten free this week. I never realized how much pasta and Goldfish I eat. So far I haven't noticed any benefits and I just find myself being hungry all the time. On the bright side, I discovered protein style at In N Out is messy and delicious.
Need a laugh? Here you go!!! 

Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.

Vitameatavegamin

Do you poop out of parties? Are you unpopular? I have something better than vitameatavegamin. This week has been surprisingly refreshing for the most part. Don't get me wrong, it has been the same amount of crazy as normal, but God has given me an extra dose of inner sunshine. At the end of spring break I was having a hard time remembering why the heck I am putting myself through all the craziness. I was finding myself treating everything as a chore. It was really weighing on me because I really wanted to have the bright and shiny attitude I started the semester with. So I asked for some reminders of why I am doing what I'm doing. Knowing that you have healthy and God-centered intentions or motivations help so much when you are driving home at 1:00 and know you have a test early the next morning or when you realize how long it has been since you have had a hug from your favorite people back home. 
Matthew 21:22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer. 
How many times have we found this to be true? God does not let us down. Instead, He will send us those little reminders to build us up. These tidbits of motivation may be an email from your SLHS teacher asking you to be a research assistant next year or maybe laughing until you cry with your pledge sisters (cough Romeo and lola cough). Where is your heart this week? Don't go through another week thinking the grass is greener on the other side. Ask God for some green tinted glasses and dance your way through work, school, and even play. Above all, if you are glorifying God you will be satisfied and He will delight in watching you. That is more powerful than anything this life could throw at you. 


P.S. I prayed that God would send me a lot of money at the casino on Saturday because it was my first time. Not that He is a fan of gambling or anything but I won $200 on the first penny slot I paid. I cashed out and that was the end of my gambling. Taylor Swift here I come!!!

The Youtube

As promised, a lighthearted blog typed up just for you!! Okay, so this is how it all went down. A few weeks ago, I find myself sitting in my Dance in World Cultures like any other Tuesday or Thursday. By the way, this class is not as exciting as I expected. Anyways, I'm sitting there minding my own business and watching the janky videos of clog dancers from the 90s. All of a sudden, the dancers start doing the jerk like professional gangsters. Yes, they were wearing dorky costumes. No, they did not realize how cool they were being... and to my dismay no gangsta rap took over the lone piano on stage. Despite all that, it was still amazing and entertained most of the class. We were all giggling when all of a sudden he looks up. He looks straight at me and says, "What's so funny?" I hate being the center of attention and I'm not one who thinks super quickly when put on the spot. So, like the eloquent individual that I am I say, "Umm they were jerking." Like I said earlier he is the farthest thing from hip so his reply was, "I know it is jerky. It was hard to film." The kind soul next to me can't just let it go and has to say no that's not what I meant. Let him think that's what I meant! How do you explan the jerk to an old dance teacher? He asks for more explanation and all I can say is, "Uhh they were doing the jerk. You know?"
"You mean their dance movements are jerky?" Thankfully, the girl next to me finally speaks up and explains that it is a dance that young kids do. He then goes on about how he has to get on "the Youtube" more often and maybe then he will know what his students are talking about. We continue on with the video and I get out of class the second he stops talking. Now that I have written all this out I realize it was probably even less exciting when it actually happened haha. I'm glad I could share with you one of my daily interactions with the (old)natives here at State. "You're a jerk!"
"I know. It was hard to film." :D

"You Ain't Nothin but a gold digga" does not apply to God

As finals and the end of pledging are getting closer and closer it does seem as though I may never make it out alive. If I have learned anything this semester though it is, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." I can talk to people I don't know, I can find my classes even if they are in the creepy corner of Peterson Gymnasium, I can be tired without dying, and yes I can get through things that are hard, scary, or just plain unappealing. Through Christ I can also learn more about myself, meet some of my true soul sisters, strengthen my faith, and be humbled more and more each day. One major lesson God has been teaching me this particular week is the importance of spending time with Him (coco how crazy is it that you have been thinking about the same thing???). This is something I always felt like I excelled at. I mean reading your Bible real fast every night before bed is good enough yea? That is definitely an excellent way to start. Why settle for that though? This week I made a valiant effort to not only spend more time at night reading through: Today In The Word (Look into it. I am not joking it will change your bible reading habits) but I also spent just a few minutes when I woke up before the chaos of the day took over. If I say I have a relationship with God shouldn't I at least spend as much time with Him as I spend on my other relationships? God is never a debtor. Sorry Justin Bieber, but this is a say "never" situation. He isn't a gold digger and being in love with Him is pretty cheap since it requires nothing but faith. If I could think of any other pop songs that talk about selfish significant others than I would probably make a joke about those too. Luckily for you I'm all out of ideas. End of tangent. Miraculously, I was more productive and on time this week than I have been the rest of the semester. Don't knock it till you try it. I can guarantee He will bless you more than we can bless Him through this small act. 
I realize that my blogs have been quite serious and important. I'm not going to apologize for that because when it comes down to it, God is the best thing going on in my life right now. However, Becoming An Aztec does come with some crazy antics... so tune in Tuesday for a reenactment of my conversation with my not-so-hip teacher about the "jerk". I think all you bloggees are simply wonderful!! Now my new favorite song by Switchfoot. Even the name is so beautiful it makes me smile. ;)

Let It Shine

So, I have had an idea tumbling around in my head for a few weeks. It is something very important that I have recently discovered. I have tried several times to put it down in words for you bloggees, but it just hasn't felt right. Tonight, I have decided that I will conquer this thought and share it with you. I have been a Christian since the moment I could make up my own mind. Being a "strong willed child" this was rather early. Obviously through the years I have slowly grasped a more complete knowledge of what that truly looks like. However, from the beginning the concept that I accepted Jesus and he forgave me of all my sins was pretty basic. Growing up in a Christian home has been a huge blessing. Like everything though it does have some downfalls. Obedience came pretty naturally to me because it is easy to be obedient when you are constantly reminded not only of your parents love but also His ultimate love, which is a great motivator. Because of this, I really struggle with remembering that I'm not perfect nor will I ever be. I have always known that this was a "flaw" of mine, Recently, God has been giving me a lot of motivation to actually work on that. I think I wrote about this a little in one of my first blogs. No one wants to be friends with someone who thinks they are perfect. That's no fun at all!! He has been humbling me and teaching me what that looks like. Now for the next step! 
With my pride and feeling of perfection came a very judgmental and unforgiving spirit. I couldn't understand why people just didn't do what was right and wise. In my pledge Bible study (one of my favorite times of the week!!!!! love love) we are reading a book called Cast of Characters. If you have never heard of it, seriously look into it. Anyways, one of the chapters talks about the woman who washed Jesus' feet. Simon the pharisee is like, "Psshh he's no prophet! A prostitute is washing his feet and he doesn't even know it." Then Jesus pulls a David Blaine act, reads his mind, and explains to him how very wrong he is. He says: 
Luke 7:47
"For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little."
This basically means that unless we understand how much we have been forgiven and how much we are loved, we will never be able to genuinely forgive or love those around us. God is love. He is our perfect example of grace and forgiveness. I can't remember if forgiveness is a real word. Either way, you get my point. This totally blew my mind because in that story I would not be the woman washing His feet. I would be the pharisee. It dawned on me that unless I realize how imperfect I am and how much I need Him, I will never be able to love those around me as I should. The author gave an analogy of trying to write a check from a bank account that has nothing in it. It is so ironic. Only when I understand how imperfect I am can His perfect love shine through me. You all know how much I love to shine. I'm sorry if this blog was a little heavy and serious, I really feel as though this is a concept many of us have never heard. I hope you all take it to heart and shine!

Sunshine!

1,000 hits! Holy cow. When I started this blog I had no idea what I was really getting into. I can't believe that so many of you actually read this. I have continually been praying that God is able to use this to speak his love into your life. He has blessed me so much through this. It is incredible to actually see myself change and grow through this experience. I can honestly say that I know who I want to be and feel confident about the direction I am heading in life. I hope all you lovely bloggees out there get an opportunity like this sometime in your life. 
So... I am taking the time to write during my spring break because tonight my dad told me I was "slack-a-lackin". My response was, "I'm on spring break, nothing exciting has happened." He told me I should write anyways. This is for you dad. 
If you couldn't tell from my last blog, I had reached the point of exhaustion. Motivation and optimism were no longer in my vocabulary. Thankfully this week has put the spring back into my step. Maybe that's why it is called "spring" break! I apologize for the corny joke. I couldn't resist. The highlight to my week has been the glorious sunshine. I'm not lying when I say that I have legitimately prayed for the sun everyday the past month. Thanks God! Today I got to do pilates and I even got sunburned! I have never been so happy to have a sunburn. My massage therapist got sick and the only other available massage therapist was Rico... no thanks! So I went and got some fresh strawberries with the BF instead. I would say it was an equal trade off. After that I played house and went grocery shopping, made cookies, and had dinner on the table by the time everyone was done with work. I would gladly do that everyday if I could somehow make money doing it. Alas, I am stuck at some super awesome university in San Diego learning about something I'm super interested in so that I can get an ideal job... sigh. I guess it is just my lot in life. I will turn the drama off now. 
I hope this blog thrilled your socks right off. I vow to have something way more interesting when I go back to school. For now I will fulfill my promise of "treasuring my foundations" and soak in every minute of this break. 

A joyful heart is like a sunshine of God’s love, the hope of eternal happiness, a burning flame of God…..And if we pray, we will become that sunshine of God’s love-in our own home, the place where we live, and in the world at large.

Mother Teresa

If by the grace of God...

Well, I had another very important first this week. I reserved my very first apartment! I'm still in shock. It is ideal. A cute one bedroom with a kitchen!! A kitchen to fill with teapots and pot holders. My roomie is coco a.k.a. my God send of a pledgee friend. Thanks God. It is right across the street from the ADX house so if we become active(by the grace of God) we will be able to take part in all the fun. If you can't tell, I am pretty excited about it. After we signed the papers I said, "coco what am I doing getting an apartment? I'm still a baby!" If someone told me six months ago that this is where I would be now I would have been scared to death. God has given me so much courage in the past couple of months. I know this is precisely where He wanted me to be. It is a glorious feeling being under His plan and not my own. As far as what I was freaking out about on my last blog... well I'm still kind of freaking out. Everyday I feel more and more secure and safe. I'm starting to believe that He knows best, rather than just knowing it in my head. Sometimes it still sucks though. I'm pretty sure my plan would be a lot more fun every now and then. 
In others news... I learned how to play the spoons in one of my classes. State is kicking some basketball booty. I am developing major Aztec pride. Pledging is hard but really good. This is that point in the semester when you feel like you have been in school(and pledging) forever and the end isn't quite close enough to be motivating. Spring break couldn't be here fast enough. Some rejuvenation is definitely needed. I hope you all find time to rest in God in the midst of all your chaos. Love love love!


Psalm 127:2
 It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives sleep to his beloved.

That "Really God??" Moment

Has He ever asked you to give up something you really don't want to? Don't you hate those moments when you have the opportunity to walk out everything you say you believe in and you find it is harder than you thought? This year God has taken a lot of things out of my life. Relationships have changed, plans have changed, and even dreams have changed. Some of it was easier to let go than others. For the most part though, it was easy for me to trust that He knows better. I trusted that He knew best when I got into State. I learned to trust that He knew best when my car was totaled. I even leaned on Him when life shattering tragedy struck from out of nowhere. Having such confidence in Him is comforting. However, I began to feel prideful as if it was something I had under control. Lean on Him? Check! I so have that one down. Well, you know what they say... Pride comes before a fall. One thing I have been learning while going through the whole pledging process is that I'm not good at not being perfect. I am even good at making my faults sound like a positive thing. Meeting with so many girls and hearing their amazing, crazy stories I realized that being perfect is neither exciting nor endearing. So, I asked to be humbled. Ask and it shall be given to you. At first, the whole humbling process was totally doable for me. It was basically like being blessed so much that you begin to feel like you don't deserve it. So many blessings have been poured out on me in the past month. But now comes the true test... He is asking me to give up something that in reality is already His. I know in my head that I'm not in control. I know that He works for the good of those who love Him. And yet, everything inside me wars against relinquishing my plan. That's where I'm stuck for now, and I'm not sure what else to say. I'm not into the whole sharing every emotion and detail of your life on the internet; therefore, this is all terribly vague. However, I don't want anyone to think I'm doing anything bad or that I'm going to do something insane. So, if you are like me and curiosity runs through your veins just ask and I would be glad to share with you what is going on. If not, then I hope that whoever reads this can relate and finds comfort in knowing that we are all equally as clueless. My ultimate wish is that this blog points all you faithful bloggees directly to Him. 

Guess Who's Back

My faithful bloggees! I am so so so sorry for being so neglectful. I fail as a blogger. My mom just told me that people have been asking why I stopped. If that was you, I love you. You have inspired me!
The past couple of weeks have been absolutely insane and wonderful. My pledge sisters and I are completely inseparable now. God has really blessed our friendship. We all work so well together and the love and support blows my mind every time I am with them. I got a big sis!! I'm so in love. Yet again God had his hand in that one as well. She is such an amazing Godly woman. I survived my midterms. My birthday was last week too. I'm finally 18!! How many times have I dreamt about this day? I have spent countless hours wondering what it would be like to be in college with friends and freedom. It is so much better than I ever imagined. These days I am completely in awe of how blessed I am. Surprisingly, it is so humbling. I guess it is true that when you reach the limit of yourself that is when He steps in and lets everything fall into place. I have never been so tired or busy, but I have also never been so excited. 
I promised you a driving blog and a driving blog you will get. Okay, when I decided that I was going to stay home and be a commuter I was totally dreading the drive. I drove like a granny. I never drove over 70, and cutting through traffic never even crossed my mind. That lasted for about a week. I must say that for the most part, people on the 15 really know how to drive. However, there is also that one that has to go and screw everything. I have a great thing going with Mr. Ford Ranger; we are going fast enough and there is no tailgating or crazy stuff going on. Then Mr. Honda Accord has to squeeze himself in between and ruin the great thing we had. He's tailgating Mr. Ranger and breaking in front of me. That is a drive ruiner right there. I know you all know exactly what I'm talking about too. The 78 is totally a different story. Everyone suddenly forgets how to drive as soon as they get onto the 78. It is ridiculous. However, I must sincerely apologize because I'm pretty sure I used to be that slow driver that messed everything up. I have abandoned my granny ways and have now graduated to a true commuter. 
Once again, I love all you bloggees out there. I solemnly vow to be a better blogger. 

Introducing daisy

Warning: The following blog was written after the cancellation of a class so it is obnoxiously peppy.

Dear bloggees,
I'm so sorry I have left you in suspense for a whole week. As I'm sure you realized from my last blog, saying I'm busy is an understatement. I have realized pledging is a full time job... except you get paid with love and a developing character instead of money. I apologize for being so cheesy. I'm pretty sure I have devoted more time to pledging than all of my classes combined. It is so worth it. I'm loving every second. Oh my goodness I have great news. Drum roll please!!!!!! I got my pledge name! Can I get a woot woot? It is daisy... as in Marc Jacobs daisy... as in the perfume I wear everyday... as in MARC JACOBS the only man I would ever leave the BF for, but he is gay so there's no chance. If you can't tell I am so excited about it is ridiculous. My pledge sisters are coco, lola, london, viva, chance, and poppy. So perfect.
I had my first test today. It was shocking. I didn't finish first. I always finish first. It might sound strange, but it is taking some adjustment for me to realize that I'm at a school with a bunch of other really smart people. I won't be able to just be the best without really trying. That is a good thing, and I do love a challenge every now and then. However, it isn't something I am used to. 
I know I promised a blog about commuting and all that it entails... but I must admit I'm all out of inspiration for today. I will use my drive home tonight as my muse and will deliver you a fresh and funny blog before the end of the week.  Now I must bid you adieu and assure you that I am,
Your most humble, obedient blogger,
daisy

Conversation-Making Queen

It turns out that the whole pledging process is one huge secret. I love secrets and surprises so I'm very excited. I'm sure you all are heart broken that I can't fill you in on each and every detail... Right? However, I can say that my wish of not having to eat lunch alone anymore has certainly been answered. Us pledges have the opportunity to get to know all of the ADX actives individually. This means that for the next 2 weeks I am one busy girl. So far, I am loving it! I am only the first day in and I have already learned a lot about myself. It is amazing how much of yourself is revealed when you take the time to get to know someone else. I have always been super sure of myself, but I am discovering how I can best portray that. After this, I will be a conversation-making queen. In other news... Happy belated Valentine's Day! Or as my valentine says, "Valentime's Day!" I hope yours was filled with lots and lots of love. It is my absolute favorite holiday. Who doesn't want to spend a whole being told how much they are loved and loving right back?? My Valentine's Day was probably the best I've ever had. I was rather ambitious this year. Renee(I can't figure out how to do the accent!) you would be proud. I made this:
Heart Cake

It actually turned out! Yay!! I know this really has nothing to do with becoming an Aztec so I will end my tangent. Now for some studying... maybe my next blog will discuss the thrilling experience of commuting to San Diego. I know you just can't wait for that. 


P.S. Since writing blogs makes me a blogger, does that mean you are my bloggees? I love all you bloggees out there.

A Not-So-Peppy Pep Talk

Okay, so I thought I was officially a pledge. I was wrong! I'm pretty sure it is supposed to be super hush hush secret so I can't tell you what actually happened on Monday. However, I can say that it was amazing, crazy, and a tiny bit nerve wracking. There will be more to come tomorrow as well. Although last week was super tiring, this week seems so boring in comparison. To be honest, I'm in terrible need of a pep talk. College is a lot harder than I thought it would be. The grandness of it all is slowly wearing off as the days go by. When you live in such a small, comfy world it is easy to forget how many people are actually out there. For the first time I am realizing how small I am. I don't mean that in a bad way like, "Oh poor me. I'm so lowly." Not at all... It is more like, "Where the heck do all these people come from!?" I have never seen so many faces in my life. My mind has been racing trying to keep up with all the new faces I see and experiences I'm having. Too many emotions!!!! (mind explodes!!!!)  Truthfully though I am feeling lonely. It is to be expected. I know it won't be like this forever. I am slowly making connections and becoming more comfortable. I am figuring out who I'm going to be. Wouldn't it be nice if life really did have an easy button? One of my girlies that I used to coach came to me crying a few months ago. When asked what was wrong she said, "My mom doesn't believe that there is an easy machine. I tried to tell her it is real and when you use it everything is easy, but she doesn't believe me!!" At the time it was so hard not to laugh because she was so adorable, but right now I can definitely feel her pain. Life isn't pearls and daisies all the time? Dang it. Sigh... Okay, I will stop being dramatic. Now for some encouragement:

Philippians 4:5-7
 ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
AND.....
Philippians 4:12,13
 ¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ¹³ I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Yay! I'm a pledge

I made it through rush week! I am now an ADX pledge. I have the best pledge mom ever! My pledge sisters seem wonderful as well. We are all definitely unique, but I have a good feeling about it. I am so glad I was brave. I know that this will probably end up being one of the best decisions I have ever made. God was really listening when I asked for some friends. My experiences as a pledge will probably be the topic of many blogs to come. I have a feeling it will be a whirlwind of fun and of making lifelong friendships. 
Considering that I'm actually at State to learn, I'm thinking I should fill you in on my academic experience so far. It is different than I expected. For one thing, teachers are way more strict about cell phones. They are not content with vibrate... they want it off. Scary! It has also taken some getting used to the fact that teachers actually encourage students to challenge them. Of course they always shoot them down in a timely manner, but they encourage it nonetheless. All of my teachers have colorful personalities to say the least. My Dance in World Cultures teacher is an old, plump, balding, one-hip-two-knee-replacement sort of fellow. He used to be a ballet/folk dancer. Enough said. My World Lit. teacher is super dramatic and talks like a valley girl who got hold of a dictionary. You can never tell if she is asking a rhetorical question or one that she actually wants us to answer. My SLHS (holler!!) teacher is a man, which is funny seeing how there are four guys and fifty-six ladies in my class. He has an earring and he only uses the names Mitzi, Dillon, and Joelle in his example sentences. I have never met my Dynamics of Biocultural Diversity (it sounds way more interesting that it actually is) teacher because it is an online class. All I know is that she loves giving tons of reading. So far it is harder than I expected, but I am loving it. It feels good to have a challenge. I'm settling in and feeling more and more like an Aztec with each new experience. Yay for the Aztecs and ADX!!!

Show Off

I wrote a nice little blog for you all on my lunch break. Unfortunately, there were some technical difficulties and all of my hard work was for naught. Anyways, Rush week is going fabulously! Since the moment I got up the courage to leave my car and walk into the house on Monday, the girls have been so welcoming and comforting. There has been not one ounce of awkwardness. That is really unusual for me. The best way to describe them all is just by saying they are so nice. They have all gone out of their way to show an interest in and get to know all of us rushees. It is apparent from the beginning that they are all so different and beautiful in their own unconventional ways. There is something in all of them that I could really look up to. I am really quite proud of myself. One of the girls told me to keep being friendly and talkative. Keep being not start being. Yea that's right! No more miss shy girl!! One of my fellow rushees is a new transfer, who just so happens to be my same year and major. This means that starting next Fall we will have every class together. Last night at the decade party (dress up time!) we were totally matching too. God is really such a show off sometimes. Tomorrow I will know if I get to pledge. I sure hope so! I think it is a great match. I'm beyond exhausted and would be perfectly content to never get into my car again. However, it has so been worth it and I can't wait to see what the future holds. Right now, my near future holds some food with my rushee friend. Ciao ciao ciao!

P.S. I can't tell you enough how much I love love love whoever is reading this. Almost 200 hits!! Thank you.

Rushing

Right now I am having one of those “calm before the storm” moments. I thought last week was tiring and action packed, but this week is definitely going to top it. I am rushing with a sorority starting tomorrow. It is a Christian sorority called Alpha Delta Chi. My brothers were part of the brother fraternity. I’m just carrying on the family tradition. I'm pretty sure they call it "rushing" because you will be so busy you will be "rushing" everywhere. Every night this week I will be down there going to a tea party, scavenger hunt, decade party, bonfire, and some special secret event. Ooohhh! I am so excited and so nervous! I know it will be tons of fun, and I will meet a lot of sweet girls who love the Lord. After this week of finding my way through 34,000 people by myself, it will be a very welcome change to know a few faces around campus. Also, every girl knows there is something so thrilling about a whole group of girls having fun and being silly. However... I would definitely be fooling you if I told you I wasn’t freaking out. 

I have been going through the Bible from start to finish, and I just recently finished reading Exodus. Being new on this huge campus, I can definitely relate to Israelites who were wandering around in the desert for 40 years. Thankfully SDSU is hardly a desert, I won’t be here for 40 years, they have wonderful restaurants (no manna for this girl), and I am equipped with a very handy map. What I love the most about the story of the Israelites in the desert is that even though they complained and strayed every chance they got, God was literally with them. His presence guided them and made a way for them everywhere they followed. Although His presence was with them, they were still separated from him by their sin. Jesus removed that separation, and now His spirit is there to guide and protect us all when we choose to follow. This takes away so much of the stress and uncertainty of “growing up” and going out into the big ol' world. My goal this week is to remember that although I will be rushing to class, rushing through traffic, and most importantly rushing a sorority I will have that calm Presence with me through the whole storm. That being said... Let’s do this! 

Romans 8:31 “What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?” 

Making Friends

The Aztecs were known for being very fierce and very spiritual. I think it very appropriate that even in the first week of becoming an Aztec myself I have had more courage and prayed more often than I ever have before. The two things that I have prayed the most about are finding parking and... making friends. Making friends does not really come naturally to me. I would say I'm well-liked and well-known. However, besides my family (brothers and sisters are the best kinds of friends), I'm perfectly content with just the BFF and the BF for most of my social needs. Sadly, I can't bring them to school with me so here I am trying to figure out how to go about making friends. It seems as though it is a skill that some are just born with. Others, like myself, have to work really hard. I am nothing if not a hard worker though. My strategy is as follows: I look for someone who looks like someone I would hang out with (this typically means girly and slender with some sort of designer bag), I sit by them in class, and then I  try to be friendly. Foolproof right? So far, I haven't had much success. Miss multiple Louis Vuittons was not too friendly. Miss oversized Betsey Johnson tote seemed confused  and disinterested when asked about the homework. Maybe making friends can't be made into some kind of formula. If it can though, I will definitely be the first one to follow it. For now, I will continue being friendly until someone is friendly back! One thing I know is that God has provided me with the perfect friends at the perfect time. I have confidence that this will be no different. Wish me luck!

Beginnings

Well, Hello there. Fancy meeting you here. I have discovered that starting a blog is actually really awkward and scary. "What if I decide my blog name is stupid in a month? Are these colors really representing who I am? Does this all sound cliche?" I'm guessing that no one will dwell on the name or the color as much as I am right now, so it would be best to just get myself started. First things first... why am I even doing this? To be honest it is mostly for me. Don't get me wrong I totally love whoever is reading this. I truly hope you can identify with my upcoming adventures, or at the very least get a few laughs every now and then. I have just started my first semester at San Diego State University. Go Aztecs!! It is kind of strange because I am starting in the Spring semester (who does that?) as a 17 year old junior. Also, I am still living at home which means I make an hour commute to and from school... and I know literally not one single soul. I'm pretty sure everyone spends their spare time wondering what that would be like. Let me tell you, it is definitely an experience. SDSU was actually my last choice for where I wanted to go. In a twist of fate, or rather by the hand of God, I am here despite whatever plans I made for myself. To sort through all of the overwhelming emotions and new experiences I will be encountering in the next few months I have started this blog. So here we are!
Going to a place where you are completely unknown can be quite scary, especially for those of us who are terrified at the thought of having to call someone or talk to someone you only kind of know. However, I also realize that it is a huge gift. How many chances do you get to be whoever you want to be? I could start calling myself Nancy and become vegetarian.... and nobody would know!! I have been thinking a lot about what I'm going to do with this opportunity. Who do I want to be? There is no one to remind me of any mistakes, regrets, or even good times that I can't go back to. Talk about liberating! I want to be like the girl my dear friends and family love... only braver, nicer, smarter, friendlier, and (I know this is vain) lovelier. 
I just got a card from the BFF, which had a quote by Eleanor Roosevelt that I think goes perfectly with where my heart is right now. It is: "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." Aren't BFFs the best? I'm believing! Here I come future.