Final farewell from Wenham, MA

Well, this will be my last entry from the east coast. It's been a full year, and now...it's high time for a break. Goodbye bipolar weather...HELLO CALIFORNIA!!!

The Home Stretch!

It still seems weird to think that I will be home in 4 DAYS! I can't believe it. I am so excited to get into summer, and what better way to start it off than a trip to Hawai'i? I can work on my tan before I hop into the black swimsuit for work. This semester seems very long, but looking back it went by pretty quickly. I got to do so many fun things this year. I got a new job which I enjoy and will be waiting for me in the fall, and I got to be involved in Gordon Theatre which was a wonderful experience for me. I forgot how much I missed being on the stage. I also declared a history minor, which I am really looking forward to, since I love to incorporate true events into my novels. I am taking a seminar next year called "Christian Resistance during Nazi reign," which sounds so interesting. I can't wait to start.

Next year will see many changes though. Our coach, Elissa, is leaving because her husband got a job as head coach of the Wheaton men's basketball team. So if anyone is looking to coach college volleyball, check out Gordon. I feel like I'm cursed. I haven't had one coach who stayed with me more than a year since freshman year in high school. Oh well, maybe we can get one to stick around for the two years I have left. Also, I'm really hoping to study abroad in the spring in my home away from home, St. Andrews. Pray that Gordon will be in the right position to accept a good amount of non-approved programs so that I can have another wonderful educational experience in Scotland! I would love to study Scottish History, and fulfill some of my minor requirements. I will also be living in an apartment with my current roommates and two girls on my volleyball team, which I am really looking forward to. It will be one heck of a party!

Who knows? Next year is going to be full of new things, but for now I am excited to be getting ready for summer and have a few months to relax and enjoy the wonderful California weather. One more final and then I'm home free! Cross your fingers, and let the countdown begin!


P.S. My recent obsession has been Le Roi Soleil (The Sun King) which is a French musical comedy about the life of Louis XIV. Of course, the entire thing is in French, so I couldn't understand a word, but the music, stage and costumes is absolutely fantastic! And leave it to the French to get their own history right. I learned some things about Louis XIV and rumors about events in his life that I had never heard before. I was absolutely fascinated! So if I talk about it a lot, I'm sorry. But you will still have to sit through listening to the music. It will win you over without even seeing the show! Plus: The guy who plays Louis is absolutely gorgeous, and his voice will make you melt!

CRAZY TIMES!

Well, I can say that if I found a moment breath in these past few days, it was one of very few. This whole week as been pretty insane. After spending the weekend with my friend Sasha for Easter break, I headed back to school early for work and the first of many long run through rehearsals. Joyful Noise is coming along very well. It seems so crazy that we open tomorrow night! It has gone so fast! We have added everything from elaborate lacy costumes to lemon snapple iced teas for my tea scenes. As each rehearsal goes by, things just continue to come together and look better than the night before. We have a preview tonight so that we can rehearse with an audience (just to get ourselves in the zone). Mrs. Pendarves continues to get more eccentric by the night, played by yours truly. It can only get better.
Every time we're in the dressing room getting hair, make-up, and costumes on, our lovely production staff keeps saying they wished they lived in the time of corsets and lace. But of course, Hannah, Kelsie and I are thinking "you wouldn't be saying that if you had to wear a corset for the past two months (or in my case, two corsets). But I think it is going to be a great run. The story is so fascinating, and has an excellent message to it. We've even been asked to perform a specific scene in chapel the Monday after we close! Well, who knows...I have had some great experiences and made a great group of friends these past several weeks. I forgot how much I missed being a part of theatre. Who know? Maybe I'll try out for another one sometime...I appear to have broken the norm for Gordon College. No varsity athlete has ever done theatre before, but I'm starting a trend, and after seeing the show, Coach was ready to set me up on a date with one of his basketball players! Weird...

Ah, accepted students day

Well, even though I never experienced this day myself as a high school senior, I have found myself quite involved, almost more than I would want to. There are over 400 accepted students here today. Look out! It's been a pretty crazy weekend, and the work is piling up slightly, but it will start to slow down in a few days. Easter break this weekend; I can't wait! I'm going home with a friend of mine on the volleyball team, so that will be fun. The show is really picking up. My dress has changed twice already, but from what Ashley tells me, the one coming in from Minnesota is beautiful! I can't wait to see it. I know it's been a long time since i last wrote, but I will catch you up on more when I have a bigger chunk of time. Talk to you soon!

P.S. Mom and Dad, I will see you in a few weeks!

SNOW DAY!

Oh, my, I could get used to this. Only two days of school this week? Friday was a cruel trick played by the Northeast weather. It was so warm and sunny. It got all the way up to 58 (that's warm out here, my California friends) and I was walking around in shorts. I loved it! And then what does it do? It decides to snow all day on Sunday. I could not wait to get home. But I must say the Lord works in mysterious ways. We got a snow day on Monday! I absolutely loved it. Except for the fact that I felt like somewhat of a nerd. My only class that day was going to be a review session for my exam on Wednesday, and I was actually disappointed that it got canceled. But other than that, I loved it! I did my swim workout with Meredith again, and while we were walking to lunch, my hair froze once again (as the picture on my phone can attest to)! Everything was canceled, from classes to rehearsal (except of course for work, which I don't mind, since it's slow and I get paid to do it, but there has to be a better way to let people know that we're open instead of a million phone calls in one shift!) But anyway, I'm gearing up for a busy last few days before...SPRING BREAK! The warm sunny weather is calling me from afar. I get to start off my Thursday by waking up at 5 am to open Bennett, work for six hours, do some final packing, and then get on a plane and fly home! I can't wait to see you all very soon! Wow, it sure has snuck up on me...See you all Thursday night!

P.S. I'd like to let you all know that I saw yet another surfer this morning, right after a huge snow fall. You'd think people would go snowboarding or something after a storm...oh no, surfing is the thing to do after a huge Nor'easter. Go figure. I wanted to take another picture to put up, but I'm afraid I might be getting a little too staukerish. But it was too funny. He has on a full winter wetsuit, snow boots, and a logger's hat. I had to hold it in as I walked by.

I would just like you all to know that in exactly one week, I'M COMING HOME!

QUARANTINE!

Yes, Gordon is a swamp. It also happens to be the birthplace of what I like to call the Gordon Death (you know, like the Black Death?...) Something is going around Gordon, and I have never heard more people cough around me during convocation (and it actually was a good one!). It was like everyone was having a coughing war to see who could be the loudest. I am just glad that I have had the Gordon Death and can be immune officially. Lindi has been sick all week, and I was going to host a volleyball recruit, but I don't think she wants to go home diseased...

It has been biting cold again! It started to rain last night, then turned into snow, add a little wind...and it's FREEZING! I've just gotten used to the heat wave we had last week, and now it's back to the cold. It's like it is taunting me! AHHHH! Ha ha, well, as I am writing this, I am sitting in Gillies because I don't want to brave the cold quite yet to go back to my room. Call me a pansy, but you come back here and brave it out. Good luck.

I had my first rehearsal last night at Jeff's house. He and his wife made dinner for us, and we read through the entire show. I am so excited to be starting, and I really think that I have the most fun character in the show. I can't wait! We talked about costumes, and we are holding nothing back! The costume designer is really getting into our gowns, and is making each of them unique to our characters and our perspectives in the play. She is literally sewing in lines from the script that encompasses the thoughts and feelings of our character. Subtly of course, but when you look up close, you can see the actual words. We will be wearing rehearsal skirts to practice lifting and sitting in them, and the guys get the fun job of wearing harnesses during rehearsal to practice standing up straight! I'm already having fun, and we have only just begun. Everyone in the cast and crew is very nice and welcoming, and I am so thrilled to be back in a show again. And a professional one at that! No more thousands of extras, lame costumes, and ridiculous scenes. Jeff also gave us a bit of the back history as we went through the show, and it is so interesting! I hope it is put in the program somewhere so that you can read it! The story is absolutely fascinating! The picture above is one of the only original portraits of Susannah Maria Cibber still in existence. I would have put up a picture of Mary Pendarves, my character, but the only picture they had of me was an old lady, and I am definetely not that in the show! (in face, the script, describes Mary as beautiful, well dressed, and kind) Thank you, thank you very much.

Can't wait to talk to you soon, and see you sooner!

Hello from the swamp!

So, the snow if finally melting! And...with that comes the thing we like to call the Gordon Swamp. It started to snow last night, then turned into a strong rain, and by the time I woke up this morning, I was already pulling out my wellies.

Things are really starting to get busy around here. There are three volleyball recruits coming to Gordon this weekend, one of whom is staying with me tonight and tomorrow. While I love seeing 6'2'' girls coming to visit from California (my sisters!) I am already feeling the weight of jumping from one right into the next. It should be interesting because Carmen is also having someone stay with her tonight. Shows you how much we talk...just kidding. Sort of.

I have my first rehearsal tonight. We're having dinner at Jeff's house and doing a read through. I'm excited and nervous at the same time, and ready to be underway with this.

Meredith and I are still keeping up with our workout. We're determined to be in great shape before spring season. My favorite day is when we swim on Thursdays. Meredith may be able to beat me in sprinting, but I kick her butt in the pool. Ha ha.

Violin is coming along as well. I have learned three songs, and two keys, and while I'm still far from violin glory, I'm really enjoying it.

I'll keep you all updated on how rehearsals and volleyball are going, as well as classes and everything else that goes into being a college student!

P.S. Our last men's basketball home game was the most amazing game ever! They beat the only team undefeated in their league, UNE. Needless, to say, I was so excited!

You thought the Pacific was cold?

Okay, so I just saw this and absolutely had to post something about it. I never want to hear another complaint about how cold the water is when you surf in the winter. Throw in some snow, lower the water temperature by about 25 degrees and the air temperature about 50, and you've got a whole new ballgame! Talk about a passion for surfing! I have seen a few people with surfboards before, but never in the dead of winter right after a heavy 24 hour snow fall when it is 20 degrees outside. Props to those guys for being so dedicated.

Twinkle, twinkle, little star...a different version.

Well, I had my very first official violin lesson today. While I don't completely suck, I am far from the symphony orchestra. The widely accepted belief that everyone starts out with "Hot Cross Buns" is wrong! My first song is Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, so go figure how that came around...
Needless to say, Sarah is a wonderful teacher, and I enjoy her special teaching methods that she uses on her six-year-old students. :) I am so excited to finally be starting on this. I've been waiting for months to be able to have proper lessons and really put myself fully into this. Who knows? Maybe by next year's Soup n' Sing, we'll have piano, flute, and not only bass and cello, but maybe a violin? If Gramma can stand the sound...hehe. Add in a few maracas and we'll be set!
Well, I can't wait to come back over the summer (since I don't think I'll quite have things down by spring break) and play for you! More music in the house...I love it!
And whoever is complaining about life can just come to me, and I'll pull out my violin for you...'cause I really know how to make that thing squeak!!

Oh the Weather Outside is Frightful...

Shout out to all of my family and friends in sunny California! As of right now in the past three days, it has snowed, rained freezing rain, frozen over, melted and become a swamp, and currently the wind is sending the snow that is falling as well as the snow on the ground up in sometimes big snowy tornadoes. But class is not canceled. Oh well.
I am sitting on my bed writing this is sweats, a long sleeved shirt, and a beanie. As you can tell, I like to snuggle up when the weather is nasty. It is the perfect day to settle down with a good book. Of course, mine just so happens to be for school, but hey, it's the thought that counts.
Well, I may not be walking in a winter wonderland, but I sure am looking at it from the safety of my dorm room, pitying all the people who are walking to Bennett or to class.
I just got a nice new throw blanket in the mail from my parents, and proceeded to walk up and down the halls with it wrapped around my shoulders, just to have the snuggled feeling. I know, it sounds weird, but it's what I love.
Hey, guess what's coming up next week...no, not Valentine's Day! It's my dad's birthday!

SNOW DAY!

The storm has officially come in and the college has been closed. I think that is the first time that they have actually closed Gordon, as opposed to giving the professors the option of canceling classes. My very first snow day. It seems kind of funny though, because as of right now, the snow has not been falling that long. I've been looking at pictures in the mid west where ice has frozen around trees and power lines, giving them a sort of deathly beautiful look. We are definitely not at that stage quite yet, but a snow/ice mix is expected later today.

But no classes. Of course, I still had to get up this morning and go to work. But the snow means that it won't be as busy as usual, which is why I happen to be writing this blog from my post behind the front desk. I will admit, I kind of giggled very stupidly when I got the voicemail that Gordon was closed today. I was so excited that I woke up Karmen to tell her. She didn't mind of course, but then she went right back to sleep, and I danced my way through the falling snow to Lane to grab some breakfast before work.

Until next time, God bless...

Back in the Saddle Again...

Well, we are on the verge of a heavy winter storm, and nothing could remind me more that I am back at school. It was 80 degrees when I flew out of Santa Ana, and I was carrying a down jacket on the plane. If I thought 30 degrees was cold when I arrived in Boston, then I was anything but prepared for the below zero weather that was coming. It was a rough welcome back to school, but here I am, after being told several times that I was crazy to go to school on the east coast.

This semester holds several new experiences. Carmen and I have a new roommate, Lindi, and it is very nice to have another person in the room with us. I mean, we like each other and all, but we can only handle so much of the other for so long...just kidding. But it has been fun having a third girl in the room with us again. While I'm not taking as many credits as I would like, I think that it all worked out the way God wanted it to. I am working at the Bennett Center, the athletic facility on campus, which makes going to work out much easier. It saves me trips in the freezing cold, and motivates me, because I have to go anyway! Workouts for the spring volleyball season are going to keep me busy as well, but who knows, I might actually be in shape before getting back into the swing of things again! It will be good to touch a volleyball again, even if that does include sprinting afterward.

I am very excited for something entirely different this semester: I am taking violin lessons with Sarah Skinner, a good friend of the family. While I am the first to admit that I am the beginner of beginners, I am excited to learn a new instrument and finally get at doing something I have been meaning to do for years. Another new experience is that I am in one of the spring shows at Gordon! The show is called Joyful Noise, by Tim Slover, and is based on the story leading up to Handel's famous work, Messiah. Don't be fooled, however, the show is riddled with sex scandal and political unrest, something completely new to me. Look out Calvary! I'm stepping out of the bubble. I am very excited to be involved in another aspect at Gordon and meet new people.

I am currently working on my very first film length screenplay, something I have been looking forward to doing for quite some time. It has not come easily let me tell you, but after these past couple years of writer's block, I am so ready to try my hand at something new. Who knows? It may open up a whole new world to me!

As this is my first post, I am still getting the hang of things, but I hope to keep you all updated on everything from what events have been going on to how cold it's been lately, to whatever else may come up. Until then, God bless you all.