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

Faith, Hope, and Love.

As you can see, I'm starting to do a little updating with my blog. I'll probably play around with it a lot in the next few weeks, so if somethings seems off, it'll be fixed in the near future.

Now, regarding my little cryptic post from last week, I got the guts to do it. Yesterday, I got a tattoo. Now, anyone who knows me, my family, or my extended family, knows this is quite a big deal. My dad has always been against us doing anything to ourselves to mess with our "natural beauty" (okay, when I say "us" I mean me. Sorry, Jimmy, no natural beauty for you!). And as far as I am aware, no one on his side of my family has ever gotten one. My grandfather was extremely against him, so everyone always kept to those standards. Guess I'm the black sheep. I don't think he will mind since I'm sure he's looking down on me and knows why I got it and it's meaning. I'm surprised how little it hurt and how quickly it was done. The girl did think I was a little boring since it is small, plain, and only one color. But it is my little constant reminder that everything is in God's hands, and to remember my favorite Bible verse: "And these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love." So, say what you will, I love it and all I care about is the personal meaning.

And many of you know, this week has been a little crazy for me. A lot of stuff has been going on, nothing I would change for an instant. It has brought me closer to my old friends and even given me a few new ones. Two specifically have really helped me through this week. I can't believe how much they have put up with and still manage to talk to me. Friend number one has managed to keep a smile on my face and a positive attitude. Plus, they are one of the most amazing people I have ever met. Friend two has managed to keep me occupied and gave me the advice "Live well." This person really gets my outlook on life, and it's really helpful to have someone who has simliar views (well, most of the time) as I do. I really want to thank them, and anyone else who has helped me out this week. It means more than any of you will ever know.

Now, unfortunately, I am getting ready to head back to school tomorrow. I'm excited to see quite a few people, but hate that I will be coming back home in just 4 days! But, I'd rather be coming home than not so that isn't too much of a bummer! Have a wonderful day!!

xoxo

Risky Business

I am not a risk taker. Nor do I ever do anything spontaneous. I am a very straight edged, by the book, everything planned out a month ahead of time at least kinda girl. But I am (hopefully) planning to do something out of the ordinary, just for me very soon. I don't know if it'll happen as soon as tomorrow or in a few days, but I'm hoping it works out. And if it's a mistake, well, I don't feel like I make too many huge mistakes on a daily basis so one won't kill me. I'm not giving any hints as to what it is yet, but feel free to guess! If/when it happens, I will, if you're lucky, write an awesome post about it!!


xoxo

Boys Will Be Boys

This weekend, I finally got to see Patrick after almost 2 months (we have been truly blessed in that last semester, we saw each other about every 3 weeks, so this was the longest we had gone during the school year). I drove down Friday after my calc exam and we hung out with Patrick's sponsor family after he made some delicious pizza for dinner. We hung around until it was time for Patrick to head back to the Academy. He had practice bright and early Saturday morning. He was done his 7am practice a  little earlier than normal. We went out to breakfast at the double T diner. It was delicious!! Well, I don't know how truly good it was, but they had cannolis which gave them extra bonus points. We headed back to his sponsors to hang around until his second practice. While Patrick was on the water, I hung out with Jenn. We went to Whole Foods to get a delicious lunch, then we headed back to DTA to eat. It got a little chilly so we ate inside on the yard. We had the intentions of going shopping but we ended up just sitting and talking and lost track of time. Patrick finished up and we went out to get delicious crepes from Sofis! After that, we watched the Lady Mids (?) beat Holy Cross in the Patriot League championship basketball game! They definitely are not the lady blue hens, but the game was fun. Jenn left after the game and we went to a house that one of Patrick's friends' parents rented for the crew team for the week. They had an amazing dinner set up and the house was gorgeous! Liam's mom was absolutely amazing and I thought it was adorable that Liam, his mom, and his dad all were wearing blue and white. They matched perfectly! (sorry Liam).

The highlight of my WHOLE trip was getting to spend time with some truly important people. My readers really mean a lot to me and I know I've kept these particular readers on the edge of their seats waiting for my next post. I thought I would dedicate a section of this post to these wonderful, upstanding young fellows.

Liam, Evan, Austin, Jack, Jordan, Patrick, Conor, and Danny

These fine young gentlemen make up with Freshman lightweight 1st boat. They enjoy long walks on the yard, erging, and reading blogs. Perrier is the beverage of choice for these lovely midshipman. They will graduate in 4 years from the United States Naval Academy and have some very big plans for the future (ask Austin, he has some very well thought out plans). I don't know where my blog would be today without these 7 readers. Thank you for reading and enlightening me to some lovely dinner conversation, boys!

With that said, I have one more picture to upload, thanks to Jack!

He's always looking out for me!

I have so much more to write about but I am exhausted!

Surprise, surprise!

This weekend was the second weekend of recruitment. Friday night, I found out the 5 sororities I would get to see this weekend. I was pretty happy with the ones I got asked back to, especially because it included a few of my favorites. Recruitment is amazing because I really do believe everything happens for a reason and I'll end up where I end up because that's where I'm truly meant to be.

Saturday morning I had to be up at 10 for recruitment because I had to be at Clayton hall at 10:45. I got a good morning text from Patrick at 7:45. I responded with "It's Saturday! I can sleep more!" he responded and I asked why It was time to wake up. I was told I should be up because he was awake. To that, I said "well I will text you back when my alarm goes off at 10". At 8:26, my phone rang "Come get the door." WHAT?!?!?!?! I ran out of my room and there was Patrick, standing at the door. I wanted to cry and scream and jump on him all at once (I did not end up crying though). He was heading home for the weekend to see his brother and sister for their birthday. His mom graciously took the longer way home and let him stop by:) I was the happiest person EVER! I wasn't expecting to see him for at least three more weeks! Being completely surprised was on my bucketlist. I am not the most awake person in the morning so I didn't think how weird it was for him to be texting me that early in the morning. After I jumped on him, his mom and friend came inside. His mom checked her email while his friend called his parents. I was just in utter shock. I couldn't stop hugging him and smiling that he was actually there. While we were still standing at the door, he handed me a little gold box I hadn't noticed. Inside, it had the most beautiful bracelet!

With the background, you can't really tell, but it's beaded pink, my favorite color! Our Valentine's day was a little different than most this year, because we both truly surprised each other, but I wouldn't change anything for the world!!! I am the luckiest girl out there!

Tomorrow, I will most likely be writing another post, so I will stop here! Can't wait to see what bid night brings!

A day to Celebrate Love

I've been slacking on my posts. I've just been sooo busy lately! It is crazy! This past weekend started recruitment. It has been a whirlwind and the most amazing experience. It continues this weekend and Friday we start with up to 5 houses. I've been more outgoing, more confident, and happier than I've been in awhile. Friday, I did get extremely sick from recruitment. My head, my nose, my throat, all were ready to explode. I slept ALL day yesterday. And that is not an exaggeration. I can't wait to write my blog post about bid night and where I end up!!

Last weekend, we also go our pictures!! Megan's computer happened to die on her right after our session. If you are ever in the Annapolis area (or wherever she gets moved next!), I definitely suggest megancable.com . You will not be disappointed.

Today happens to be Valentines day. It was spent in class, waiting for class, eating, waiting to eat, nothing fun. One of my good friend's boyfriend asked me to do him a huge favor. He asked me to hand deliver a Valentines day present to her. They both really needed this and I am so happy that I can help make someone else's day. (Oh, and my mommy is coming to visit me on Friday for Valentine's day:)

I also was a part of another little surprise. My boyfriend is the most amazing guy I have ever met. Patrick is my best friend. He will do absolutely anything for anyone. I have never met anyone who can make me nearly as happy, feel nearly as special, or that I can trust with anything at all. He is the absolutely perfect person for me. I am truly blessed to say he is my boyfriend. I can't imagine ever being with anyone else. So, I figured a little V-day present might be nice. Patrick tends to be the hardest person to get a present for because he honestly wants NOTHING (its nice but not when you're the kind of person who LOVES doing things for others). So, being a boy who loves to eat, I ordered food for him. His awesome roommate, Patterson, helped me carry out my little plan. And it was carried out flawlessly (as far as I know). And I have no reason to suspect Patrick had any idea. I love doing little things (or big things) to brighten up peoples' day. It's what I live for. I only wish I was more creative and able to do more things more often!

Finally, I want to give a shout out to my most loyal readers: Austin, Jordan, Liam, Conor, Danny, and all of you other boys who can't get enough of this blog. I wouldn't be anything without you. You guys are what makes me excited for my next blog post! So thank you for reading so religiously!