Easter. College Style.

In other news this is how you do Easter college style when you have a four day break.

yes. i used all three. when you use college washing machines the persistent fear of getting your clothes stuck in the washer makes you do some interesting things. and no, this is not the first time i've done laundry this semester.

when you're really good friends with me i let you shell my pistachios that my family keeps giving me.

PS: be on the lookout for a new facelift for the blog, it's coming soon(er or later).

Hungry (for movies)

On Thursday night my friends and I decided to be reckless, we went to a midnight premier at the theaters. I know, we're such rebels. But mostly because we saw this movie....

Okay, I lied. That movie isn't even out yet. But you have to admit, it would have been kind of funny. There was nothing funny about the movie that we saw however, it was serious. No games. 

(That's also kind of a joke because we saw "The Hunger Games".)

However, the movie was actually serious and extremely good - well, we all enjoyed it... along with hordes of junior high girls.

Overall the movie was well done. For those of you who don't know this movie was based off of a book written a few years ago, and no, it was not originally written to become a teenage fan craze. Or at least in my opinion it wasn't. However, it has become one, which is unfortunate as there are actually some deep themes in these books (it's a trilogy). 

Regardless of hype however, I did enjoy the movie. Immensely. You see, ever since I read these books - BEFORE they were mainstream, and in fact when they first came out... just for the record people - since I read these books I've been waiting for the movie. In fact, WHILE I was reading them I was thinking how great the movie would be if it existed. And now it does! So that is basically fantastic.

My friend Kellyn's awesome earrings (which are vaguely Hunger Games inspired).

And how cool can I get? Since I'm no longer in high school I have to bring homework to movie theaters.  With my headlamp. Because there's no other way, obviously. 

Also, here they don't make you wait outside theaters for midnight premiers! Probably because the movie theater is inside the indoor mall... repeat INDOOR. Take a hint SB - no sitting on sidewalks in the freezing cold. I guess to their credit however is does actually reach below zero here. Dang it. Also, their theater had like 30+ screens which is also crazy. It was like a hallway of mirrors - only theaters. The place was huge people. 

One last note - as weird as you all might think that I look there were BY FAR much crazier outfits than my getup. The plot line revolves around craziness essentially so there were people with bright pink hair, bows and arrows strapped to their backs, eyelashes out to here, and painted beards. It was kind of weird, not going to lie. 

One last (other) note - in terms of the movie: The movie was actually done fairly well. I didn't have high expectation because movies based on books are usually cheesy and not that great. However, the effects, the costuming, and the camera work was phenomenal. Okay, maybe not completely phenomenal but it WAS very well done. The acting was a little less well done but overall, especially since it mostly stayed true to the books, this is a movie you should see. 

**Unless you are under a certain age because this movie was certainly NOT PG13, it was very graphic and gory and did not hold back in anyway. I'm still trying to figure out how they got away with rating it PG13** 

All in all, a good night that college should have more of. Next year.... next year....

Fat Fridays

Fridays are for being fat and lazy I've decided. That's why I'm comfortably sitting in bed watching funny shows and painting my nails. That is also why I had 3 pancakes after dinner. Yum, I've missed pancakes.

Fact: Did you know that every 'weight-loss' regime encourages people to take one day a week to eat whatever they want with no restrictions?

Not that I'm trying to loose weight or anything but I feel like this "fact" justifies the concept of Fat Fridays. Yes! Justification to be lazy and slack off all day, minus work of course.

For the record, this is what last Friday did to me...

Stress = not pretty. I made up for it with "Slack-off Saturday" however.

And, so I didn't feel like a total lazy college kid, my friends and I made ourselves presentable for church on Sunday. It's all about modifications in college and going with the flow. That and learning how to be satisfied with what you have and enjoying every experience to its fullest.

Carpe Diem.

Gordon Globes

Have I talked about Gordon Globes before? I have a hunch the answer is no... In that case, I will explain. Think "Gordon Globes," what comes to mind? Another famous awards show with the word 'globe' in it? Good. You have the basic premise. The catch is that there are no famous people, the movies are student made and mediocre, and dresses and suits probably (hopefully?) do not cost millions. They are also not designed by famous designers and we do not have red carpet coverage by funny TV personalities.

Regardless, the whole event is still pretty great for those of us who are not Hollywood A-listers.

Taking pictures after like all the cool kids do because we were too busy getting ready to take pictures beforehand. Thankfully there was no physical activity involved at this awards show so we still look pretty great.

PS: Did I forget to mention that I had work before this? Hence the time crunch. Also, don't girls just take forever to get ready? The answer is a definitive yes. Regardless, I had a fantastic time.

My gorgeous dress was borrowed from a friend who has attended multiple proms - Thank you God for friends with great taste (even if the dress is falling off...)

Of course we took pictures on stage by this fantastic sign that I can only assume GCSA made. Would you expect anything less? This was a classy event people, there was even a live band and a humorous plot running throughout this whole evening.

Finally a look at my hair. Yes, I am a girl who takes pictures of my hairstyles. Yes, I was in fact in yearbook for 3 years where the motto was "10 pictures of everything isn't enough!"

All in all, a magical night where people get to dress up like fairy princesses <3

Feelin' the Love

Happy Valentines Day Everyone! I'm feeling the love (from my family people!) with this awesome dancing flower....

... these fantastic quotes and inside jokes of all my best friends...

... and more packages from home. Yum. 

Okay, to be honest, I had bigger hopes for this blog post. I was going to be all cute - as I have many more photos depicting my life - and collage them all into one, artsy, hipster photo block like all the cool kids on blog world do. I didn't have the time. Disappointment, I know. I am terribly sorry, as much for you as for me. Excuse me as I go read the longest book in the New Testament now, take a shower, and wake up before 7am to make it to my 8am. It's happening. To say I'm excited would be a lie. Nevertheless, I would understand if you were excited for me. Have I mentioned Tuesdays are my busiest days? Gah! Bleh! Yikes!

Skills, Food, & Traveling

I know, it's an unusual title for a blog post. 

But guess who learned how to make pizza this Friday at work? It's so much fun, and I learned that I really like the smell of fermenting dough - or at least that's what I'm calling it.  My coworker was great, she taught me all the inside tips and tricks so now I can even do this...

... make fancy crust! It takes more time, but really, it's not like the deli where you always need to cater to someone. It's pretty great stuff, especially when you're allowed to make your own pizza for after work. A whole pizza?! No, I didn't eat all of it... only 1/2 of it! It was delicious and the perfect starter to the weekend.

To give you a little preview to my next post, THIS is where I spent my Saturday. Along with 8 hours on a bus. So worth it, stay tuned.

When I came back I found this outside my door. I can only assume that it was meant for me. And yes commentators, this haiku is winning and I do like it.

So that was basically my weekend rolled in a very condensed blog post because I'm finding it harder and harder to make time to update the interweb on my life. But more on that later.

Other than that I also consumed more healthy food last night by road tripping it to Sonic... and guess who had their Sonic gift card and got free tater tots?! This girl. It was great, but unfortunately I don't have pictures of this feast or the friends that came with it - so I guess you'll just have to take my word for it.

In other news it's Single Awareness Day tomorrow. Please go enjoy some chocolate while I break into an early morning snack of homemade fudge. Don't be jealous, I've been up since 6am so I think this is justified.

Scarves and Family

Guess who finally finished their Harry Potter Scarf? Yes. That's right, me. And by finished I mean I finished the crocheting part of the scarf - still have to tie in all the loose ends but that's okay, that's the easy part.

Looks good right? Despite the bad picture quality. :) For those who are counting, that makes 2 Harry Potter Scarves for me, reference here.

And don't judge, I know that the Ravenclaw one is better. Also don't judge, I really don't like Harry Potter. I just think that JK Rowling has excellent color combinations. Now for a Slytherin and Hufflepuff scarf. (To be honest, I'm not even sure that's how you spell any of those things)

Anyways, because Harry Potter isn't really that exciting and family members who send you great things are...

I'm moving on to that. For the record, this places those who live in Bend in 1st place. Just saying, you know, for anyone who might want to change those results...

I'm just kidding, but it really does make a day to get a thoughtful package full of wonderful things :) Notably, these...

A circle scarf! I've been wanting one forever - no lie! And it's a fantastic color and warm and comfy and soft :) So it's pretty great. And I wore it today and it made me look pretty great. (Well, after my 8am psych test that is. For reference, I wore sweats for the first time to class today and I can see why people do it every day. Regardless, I'm wasn't proud. So I immediately came back to my room and changed.)

Also these are pretty fantastic. No explanation needed, if you don't know what it is you're missing out on life. Sorry that your life is terrible and you don't even know it. My personal favorite is the Annihilator one - I think I am allowed to try this now because I'm in college, and when you come to college you automatically become a good coffee drinker. Okay, so that's a lie. I never drink coffee here. 

Have a good weekend! I'm off to serve food with a smile :)

Being Sick is Boring.

Sorry for the lack of updates my committed readers, but nothing of monumental excitement has been going on here recently... at least for me. If you will recall I have not been feeling good, and when you don't feel good, it kind of puts a damper on activities planned.

Fortunately, my sickness struck after I vacuumed and did laundry. How convenient.

I also changed the posters on my wall! Improvement right? They also don't fall down and hit me in the middle of the night like all of my photographs did when they were held up by (non)sticky tack. I like it.

Anyways, I feel mostly better now. I'm attributing this to copious amounts of sleep that were entirely necessary and my Asian friends and their drugs. NOT REAL DRUGS - don't worry family! Just yummy vitamin C which I probably took too much of and special Asian tea which is reportedly supposed to 'clear everything up.' 

Whatever they were... they worked. I feel a lot better. Great, just in time to study for this major Psych test that I haven't studied for at all... Hello College.

Worker, Worker Bee

Hello friends and family, congratulate me, I have my first (official) job and it's right here at Gordon College. I even get a super cute uniform. That's a little sarcastic. But I'm still really excited to be.... serving food in our cafeteria, Lane. Sounds fun right? Actually I don't think it will be that bad, I'm even a little excited. See?

That is the hat. It's pretty cool right? I hope I get to keep it, even if it is a little big.

It even has our snazzy Gordon College logo on it. Bam!

Reasons for getting myself a job:

1. Mostly so that I can get a job in the summer and put THIS job on my resume.

2. I get paid. Welcome to minimum wage world. Dang it.... if I had a car I could totally make more money babysitting. On the other hand.... kids aren't my thing.

Ok, 3. I only work 2 days a week. Really 1 and 1/2. I work Fridays and every other Saturday - so really, it's not too bad. 

4. I might meet new awesome people who also work in Lane.

5. I GET to work Fridays. Didn't think that would be a reason DID you? Well it's true, then I don't have to stress about homework due the next day. Smart right? I think so.

Those are pretty much my reasons and I think they're pretty good ones. Plus, it's not like the job is hard. And (shhh) I'm pretty sure I get to take free food after as left overs. Score.

Here's a normal picture for the family too even though I've only been away for about a week - but I know you miss my face. :)

Other updates? Nothing really significant. I have been going to the gym and starting to get in a regular routine for my days. I try to go to bed early, I'm making some new friends, and overall this semester has been a lot better than the last, maybe because homework isn't so bad yet? I probably just jinxed that. Or it really could just be because I don't have Philosophy anymore. HA! Take that Philosophy and I'll take that passing grade as I smirk at NEVER having to take that again.

Winter Ball

One last east coast update before I progress to the west coast.

So remember how I talked about a bunch of fun winter activities going on at Gordon? Well, I didn't get to update on most of those. I have bad news for you, I won't be updating on those. It was kind of a whirlwind of activity and, sadly, pictures are not available and my memory is shot. (Is this what college does to you?) On the other hand I do have pictures from one event... winter ball held in the nearby town of Salem in their town hall. Classy.

Winter ball was fun and relaxed and we definitely went to Sonic after the dance so the night wasn't 1/2 bad. Basically just another Friday night - but without our whole floor and in different attire. Obviously.

Kenz, Leah, Kellyn, Jenn, Steph, Ingrid, Me, Elaine, Joy

E1E

Max and Matthew kindly asked us to be their dates - we agreed of course.

It was overall a fun night, though I am not sure how many more Gordon dances are in my future... the music was... lacking.

A Typical Friday Night.

But actually not at all. 

Sorry all that my blog posts have gotten a little less frequent. It is now officially the time for studying for finals and I have been studying like the good college student that I am. Okay, I've been sleeping and crocheting a lot too. 

Last week a prospective student from SB came to visit and check out Gordon. Since her brother goes here I didn't really have to do much but lend her my floor space. Regardless, we had fun during the time that we got to hang out. Also, on Friday, I babysat for the first time in a long while and it was hectic. It also reminded me that I could hold off on having kids for like 20 years... at least. That's kind of a joke. Anyways, babysitting was fun and I got to do it with 2 new friends. And by new I mean from this year. After babysitting we came back and decided, "Hey, who needs sleep?" So we ended up playing the very fun, quickly competitive, game of Twister. Hello, yes I am in college and I play children's board games. Can I just say that Twister is significantly easier when you are under the height of 5 feet? Hmm, hence child's board game....

When you get taller you get to use your friend's backs to support you so you don't fall. Thanks Jenn.

Don't be fooled, it's really a look of pain.

As a side note, to continue on with the Christmas festivities here at Gordon I have:

1) attended the Winter Gala (apparently the largest musical Christmas performance on the North Shore)

2) ate entirely too much at the Gordon special Christmas dinner (hey, don't get between a Vander Ark and their food - we're Dutch)

3) helped decorate a window in Evans hall to spread Christmas spirit

4) made foam snowmen

5) built a 2nd place gingerbread house (chapel) known as the AJ Ginger Chapel

and sadly...

6) had no sighting of snow.

Pictures to come!

Winter at Gordon.

Apparently December and the Christmas season is a big thing here at Gordon. Who knows why because there's no snow on the ground, it's really warm, and... well, I'll admit, the campus looks really nice. I mean, it would look nice with a nice white covering too. I'm just saying...

December 1st kicked off Christmas at Gordon with the 'lighting of the bell.' I'll have to admit, I was a little confused when I walked outside and there was a tractor giving hay rides, but I guess that's the cool thing to do here. Other than that there were s'mores, hot chocolate, a bonfire, and friends. Oh, and then the bell lighting ceremony itself. Not going to lie, a little anticlimactic, but it did look really pretty and was well lit. Also, there was people singing the whole night so it added to the atmosphere what the lack of snow did not.

Sorry for the blurriness!