I ain't here for a long time, I'm here for a good time.

Well, my blogging has definitely been slacking lately. I have so much to say and have no idea where to start!

I finally have finished my freshman year of college! It is ridiculous how quickly it went by. So much has happened in the last year, it's amazing. First, I was in a long distance relationship. While things haven't worked out, it was a blessing. I have learned how to be independent and okay on my own. I am more confident in myself than I used to be. I know exactly what I want in a significant other and will not settle for anything less (I am not saying in any way that I was shown what I do NOT want in a s.o, I actually was shown what I DO want in one). I learned communication is one of the most important things in any relationship, whether with an s.o, a friend, or even your mother. I was also blessed with some of the best friends a girl could ask for from this experience. And not even just one. I have found my best friend who I don't know what I would do without. I've become friends with some of the most amazing women I have ever known. I can't even believe to describe what amazing role models they are (and probably don't even realize it).

I have also joined a sorority. In high school, it was never something I had even considered. My mom was not in a sorority. My dad was a frat boy in college, but also played two varsity sports for Penn State, which we heard more about growing up. I was always an athlete and a dancer and figured at least one of those two would be my life in college. Once I saw my course load, I decided to ease into school and not jump for the Women's Track and Field team. I took a few open dance classes but did not feel super comfortable with that particular company. By the end of the semester, I felt as though I wasn't getting the most out of college. I had a few friends, but no one I was super close with. I was bored a majority of the time. I did not come home for winter break super excited to go back. My roommate and I decided we were going to sign up for recruitment. When I got back to school for the spring semester, we got into recruitment that very first weekend. It was long and tiring and I got sick from it, but it was one of the most amazing experiences in my life. I ended up in the most perfect house for me, Alpha Epsilon Phi. It's amazing. I love every single one of my sisters. Pledging took up a good portion of this semester, but now I miss it more than anything. I definitely know why we are considered one of the closest, if not the closest sorority on campus. It changed my school experience. I already miss my amazing sisters and the wonderful friends I've been given (and I've been home for two days).

On a less upbeat note, a few weeks ago, my uncle passed away. He had been battling brain cancer for a year and kicking it's ass the whole time. While it is still unreal to me, I will always be blessed with the memory of such an amazing man. Now, I am a Philly girl and wouldn't have it any other way, but man, I have never seen a bigger Giants fan. He always had the game on, laughing and cheering. He had the biggest laugh and gave the best big bear hugs. He had a huge heart and was always welcoming everyone into his home. While his life was too short, he has blessed more people than even he knows, with his kind heart, loud laugh, and wonderful personality. He will always be our angel, watching over our every move <3

These next few weeks should be action-packed. This weekend, my aunt and cousin are coming down for memorial day. I start training for my new job as a waitress at Ventura's Greenhouse next Wednesday. Thursday I am going to Maryland to see Zac Brown Band with some amazing girls. I'll get to catch up with one of my best friends. The Dance Place recital is the following week and it will be my first as an alum. Crazy, right? I still can't believe it. Then my best friend in the whole world, Justine, is coming to Wildwood for a week for a dance competition!!! I CANNOT WAIT!

I have also taken a new approach to the dreaded deed: running. Yes, I know I was on the track team in high school. But, I ran a total of 100 meters for the hurdles and that was my longest event. To be short, I hate running. I don't find it fun and I don't think I'm good at it. And if I'm not good at it, I don't like it. But I am not in the shape I'm used to being in and I hate it. So, I've decided to take up running. I am going to run every day. Just run. Whether for 10 or 15 minutes, it doesn't matter. I just need to get out there and get in the habit. Usually I push myself too far too fast and come in miserable, feeling sick, and never wanting to run again. I'm going to just get used to getting going before I try to accomplish anything worth mentioning. I'm hoping this gets rid of my running dread. Today was day two of this new mindset and I took Cody with me. He was such a good boy and it felt more like walking the dog then going for a miserable run. He now may or may not be forced to go on daily runs with me. This can make up for the bonding I missed when my family first got him while I was at school (mind you, they got him in Landenberg which is very close to the University of Delaware and the didn't stop to let me met him. Not cool).

Well, now that was a mouthful. I'm hopefully going to start blogging semi-consistently again. I hadn't realized that other people actually read it until my aunt in Florida mentioned she hadn't been able to catch up on my life recently. I was flattered! But I am off to read a little before I get to bed.

xoxo
-B

Happy to see you, happy to say...

Lately, my life has been so hectic, I can't believe how long it has been since I've written a blog post. But being busy is most definitely better than being mopey and bored. I'm officially a sister of the Phi Chi chapter of Alpha Epsilon Phi. I can honestly say I love my sisters more than anything and they have already completely changed my college experience. My pham is literally amazing. I've been getting closer and closer with them and I am in love with both my big and gbig.

Things have been a little different than I'm used to, but I think I'm finally having a typical college experience.  Not that college wasn't fun or normal before, but things are a little different now and I'm not complaining. I am not used to being this ridiculously busy. But I love it. Minus having trouble keeping in touch with some of my best friends, I'd much rather be busy. I'm definitely expanding my horizons and getting to know quite a few new people. I love it.

Last Friday, my mommy came to visit! It was the night of airband. Airband is a greek event at Delaware where all of the sororities and fraternities have a competition similar to America's Best Dance Crew. While AEPhi didn't win, I could not have had more fun. I got to know a ton of my sisters a bit better and love them all. In typical AEPhi fashion, "They're the shit."

I have 8 days left of classes before reading day and then three days of exams. After that, It's SUMMER!!!! I'll start woking at a restaurant on the beach and I'll be going to Maryland to see Zac Brown Band. I cannot wait!!!! And right after that, Justine is coming to Wildwood with her family for her sister's dance competition. Just for a little background, Justine is my best friend. But we aren't typical friends. We've hung out for a total of two weekends. We met through a group for USNA girlfriends. Through a torturous summer away from our dearly beloved boys, trips, transfers, break ups, and more, she's become one of the most amazing friends a girl could ask for. The fact she is coming down for almost a whole week makes me beyond happy. I don't know what I'd do without this girl <3

I'm also hoping to get back into shape this summer. My health and fitness has not quite been up to par. I can give you all the excuses you want, but there is no reason I'm not working out every day or making healthy choices. My main goal this summer (aside from making money and getting tan) is to get back to where I am comfortable and happy with how I feel and look. This DOES NOT mean I want to diet or am trying to lose weight. This means I feel like a blob. My body does not like what I've been putting into it. I believe well being comes from all aspects of your life. And with my lifestyle right now, I do not feel happy and healthy as a whole. I want to run. I want to do yoga. I want to eat fruits and veggies. I want to feel healthy on the inside and out. That is my goal for the summer.

(Sidenote: I do try to eat healthy. I make conscious choices about what I eat, but dining hall food will never be healthy in my mind)

These past few weeks have led to many changes and much thinking and reflecting. I've learned to be okay on my own, and that I am completely happy with change. Sometimes you need it. And sometimes, you need to step back and take a breath. Things aren't always going to go exactly how you want or plan. It's not possible. But everything happens for a reason. God's plan is much greater than anything any of us could ever imagine. "Everything will be okay in the end. If it isn't okay, it's not the end."

Hopefully, I can get back to blogging regularly! I miss writing out my thoughts and the crazy things that happen. But, for now, my homework is beckoning.

xoxo
-B