Craziness.

So...I didn't blog in October...that in itself can testify to how busy the month was.......yet it's still a bad excuse. My apologies. Again. Maybe I'll be a consistent blogger someday...maybe...

:-)

Because it will take five hundred years (give or take a couple) to go through every detail of the UIS happenings since October 1st, here's a quick run-through:

October started off with Homecoming Week. There was a Parade, Bonfire, Pep Rally, Block Party, Dance, Game, Parents Weekend...simply tons of stuff. Thanks goes to the 2West residents who decorated our lounge! We had an 80s theme (see the pics). Also, a few brave souls (it was a BIG job) decorated Hickory River Smokehouse on North Dirksen. Thanks to Michael Madigan, the restuarant's owner, for letting us paint windows for our Homecoming! Friday night was the big dance, but I opted out because I didn't feel like buying a dress and getting all snazzed up. Ironically, I had to buy three dresses within the following 2 weeks for weddings, award ceremonies, and such. I wish I would have known earlier! Hindsight's always 20/20...




Our Residence Hall played Assassins the week of October 9th...I was "killed" within a few hours of joining the game. Stupid Doug. J/k...kinda.

Midterms came and went... I had 3 exams. Although I didn't study much, things turned out okay. I could have done better, but I could have done a LOT worse. I have yet to put forth my full effort in any class... I know, I should really work on that... I'm still trying to find balance between RA stuff and academics and personal things...you'd think I'd have this figured out by now (considering the semester is half-way over!). I wouldn't say I'm content...being mediocre isn't my style...but I guess I'm...here.

On October 15th, I took a few students (mainly service residents from our wing) to Lincoln Memorial Garden. It was the annual Indian Summer Festival and we helped out with the children's activities. We had a great time making nature art, birdfeeders, and tie-dyed leaves.



I left Monday, October 16th for the Campus Compact Award Ceremony in downtown Chicago!! I went with several of the staff from the Office of Student Volunteers and Service Learning. We had a great time!!! Monday night was the Gala, where First Lady Rosalynn Carter and President Mary Robinson, former president of Ireland, were in attendance. The keynote speaker was Jonathan Alter, Senior Editor of Newsweek. Needless to say, the ceremony was amazing. As the staff members spent Tuesday in training and meetings, I roamed the Windy City, eating the ever-amazing Chicago pizza and relaxing with a book at Millennium Park. Ahhh....I loved it.




The Sand Volleyball Tourney ended on October 22. Finally. Don't play in sand when it's 40 degress outside. Cold sand = mad feet = unhappy and worthless players. We didn't win. No big shocker there. :-) It was still fun though!

As part of the Lincoln Legacy Lecture Series, our school hosted two guest professors to speak on Abraham Lincoln and America's faith. Before the large lecture, one of the guests, Dr. Mark Noll, a history professor from Notre Dame, met with members of Christian Student Fellowship and others to discuss Christians and Acadamia. His comments were fantastic! I wish I could have spent another hour listening to him!

I spent October 28th in Indianapolis for the annual National FFA Convention. An amazing friend and fellow state-officer "has-been", Miss Kacy Baugher, was elected the 2006-2007 National FFA Secretary. It was a beautiful day. I'm so proud of her!!!!!

Halloween celebrations started at UIS on Sunday (29th) with Monster Bash. I dressed as wealthy as I could and Kyle, my partner in crime, dressed in a suit. We each wore name tags, mine said "Republican" and his "Big Business." We told everyone we were sleeping together. ;-)



On October 30th, the East Campus RAs created a Haunted Trail in the UIS woods. Not gonna lie, I screamed.



Joseph and the Technicolor DreamCoat came to Sangamon Auditorium the following night. I went with two friends...both of which had seen the show before. Neither told me about the RANDOMNESS in the musical. HAHAHA...it was such a shock!! I couldn't stop laughing!!! The show was FANTABULOUS!

In the midst of all these events, I've somehow managed to attend class, hold service meetings, do homework when necessary, make time for myself, maintain and create friendships, and attempt to be a good RA. Whew. ....I'm ready for Thankgiving Break.

To end, here are a few random photos I've taken in the last few weeks (click on the photo for more information):