A Walk in the Woods

I have found myself very busy this semester. It seems like I have been buried in 'to-do' lists for the past few weeks. While I enjoy my commitments, this past weekend I was ready for something new. It was time to get off campus and do something fun. I have always enjoyed getting out and going for a hike, so I looked in to places in the Columbia area to have such an adventure. After not much research I found Congaree National Park. Last Saturday morning, Emily, Genelle, Pat, Sally, and I loaded into my car and drove down to the park. It was a beautiful day to be outside (which is ironic as it snowed 8 inches the weekend before). We spent 2 and a half hours enjoying the parks trails and boardwalks, and by hiked about four and a half miles. The park is only about a 25 minute drive from campus, so we were even able to make it back to Russell House for lunch. All in all it was a nice break. I look forward to going back more this spring.

Congaree National Park

Multiple Once in a Lifetime Experiences

It has been an exciting past couple of weeks here in Columbia. Starting on Tuesday of last week, I had the opportunity to experience a few once in a lifetime events. The Men's basketball team faced off against Kentucky, the #1 team and the country, and gave them their first loss of the season. This is the kind of thing I watched on television, maybe three or four times in my life, and wished I could have been there to experience it. Well, this time around I had the chance and I took advantage of it. I joined the mob of fans on the court and celebrated the victory with my fellow classmates. 

If that wasn't enough, I found out on Monday afternoon of the next week that John Mayer was practicing for his upcoming tour, at the Coliseum. Even though I'm not a huge fan, this was still something to get pretty excited for. The excitement only grew when I found out the next day that he was giving a free concert for a small group of students. I wasn't able to get one of the 150 tickets, but I waited with a few friends and about two hundred strangers for about an hour and twenty minutes until the security guards finally let us in. The concert was a very cool experience and something that not many people get to see. 

Although these events were awesome and unexpected, there is one event coming up this Saturday that I have been preparing for, for almost a year. On Saturday, February 6, at 8:30 in the morning, on the campus of NC State, I will be participating in the famous Krispy Kreme Challenge. I love to run and I love to eat, so why not combine the two. My task will be to run two miles to the KK, eat a dozen classic glazed doughnuts, and run the two miles back without seeing the doughnuts again and do it in under an hour. Hopefully all goes according to plan. 

Second Semester

It's already February and second semester is going great. With tougher classes, an internship opportunity, and student organizations, I believe that I am more involved this semester. Although there is a lot more work and a tad bit more stress, I think it's all worth it. These experiences will teach me to work better under pressure later on in life. I'm also learning how to multitask this semester. I really should have acquired that skill before I got to college, but better late than never! Aside from academic and extracurricular activities, my social life is fantastic. All of us on the floor still go out together like the big family we are and I absolutely love it!!

Family Dinner

Back again for a second semester and not much has changed in the realm of Pi Kappa 9th floor. Everyone had great breaks but I think it's safe to say we missed our absurd and bizarre occurrences that happen here in Cola Hall and everyone is really happy to be back and doing their own thing again. For me personally I feel like I've picked up on more stuff to start off my second semester, getting more involved at the Daily Gamecock and charity stuff with Alpha Chi. What I really like about this semester though is the new family dinners we have started on sunday nights for residence on the ninth floor.  We kicked off the first week with a delicious pasta meal and following that we had frozen pizza (my weakness). It's a really nice way to kind of kick back and just enjoy yourself with all your friends on the floor. Things are really looking up for a great second semester, and beginning each week with a nice family dinner makes everything that much better. 

Life of a College Freshman

Life has changed dramatically since I arrived to USC in August. I have learned the "in's & out's" of life in the real world, kind of. Although I still look to my mom for money at times, I am still having to provide for myself. I am working and also juggling school work along with a little social life here and there. It's hard to believe that first semester is almost over. After registering for my 2nd semester classes, I can't help but sit here and wonder "where has the time gone?" Finals are approaching and honestly I am scared. I still feel like my study habits are not up to par but I know by next semester I can handle any test thrown my way.
I have truly enjoyed all the different activities I have participated in here at school. Recently I went to see the ballet Dracula with Sally, and I must say, it wasn't that bad. Not saying I would see it again just for the fun of it but still. I will admit though, being here has not only taught me things, but also allowed me to participate in some amazing events.

I love beach music

Yesterday, out of the kindness of my heart, I decided join Bernice and go with her to her Dance Appreciation class. Not that she really needed someone to go with her, but they were learning how to shag dance and Bernice knew I was dying to learn.  So she invited me to come. 

I was big into athletics in high school, but never dance. So learning theses new steps was kind of complicated for me. Bernice laughed at me and helped me through it and I got the hang of it by the end of class.  

Definitely a new experience. Now I'm anxious to get out on the dance floor and shag to some beach music with all the other Southern pros. Except I might need to practice some more first... Yayy for learning new things. College is great. 

No Shave November

Now that it is November, many of the guys on the 9th floor, including myself, have decided to participate in 'No Shave November.' The idea seems simple enough; during the month of November, those of us participating will grow out our facial hair. Once you stop shaving however, it become more complex than it seems. Not looking down on those who display their facial hair year round, but I am personally not a big fan of having facial hair. I can only handle one month out of the year. It comes to a point where it is itchy on your neck, and without trimming the edges of the beard it is messy looking. Not to mention, since I have stopped shaving I have had Emily's hand on my face feeling my facial hair more often than not. Earlier today, some say I 'cracked.' I had to trim the edges of my new grown hair. Though it has only been 10 days, it was starting to look messy. Some say I should be disqualified, but I still have the bulk of the hair growing strong. As November progresses, at least until thanksgiving, I plan to continue to not shave my beard. It should be interesting to how we all look at the end of the month.