On Homecoming and Racing

This weekend was homecoming for UNI. It also happened to be our first home game, which made it very interesting to be a freshman. I'm glad I have another three years here, because other circumstances made it hard for me to be excited about everything that was going on. Still, I had a lot of fun!

I'm looking forward to Campaniling in the future. It is a homecoming tradition that has been around for a very long time here. On Friday at midnight, the Campanile bells ring, and people kiss. I decided not to go this year, because the thought of kissing a random guy (the goal is to have a date, but there are plenty of people who spontaneously pair up), especially one who might possibly be drunk, isn't exactly appealing.

I did attend the game, and I have discovered I really enjoy college football games. The marching band is the best part. Composed of 330 members, they are the biggest university marching band in the nation. For being a non-audition group, they look AMAZING. I'm excited to see them perform again.

Saturday morning, I ran my first race since I had surgery. I'm part of the running group here, and they put on a 5K every year at homecoming. It's a cross country style race, which makes it even more fun. I was so thrilled to spike up and run- I've missed racing very much. It was challenging, for sure, but I can push my body harder than I used to (I've put it through everything in the past few months). Much to my surprise, I finished with a time that placed me 3rd overall for women and 1st in my age division! It's very encouraging to see that after having to take 2 months off. I'm excited to see where this takes me :)

Yay for running!

On College Thoughts

Two weeks ago, I began a new chapter in my life. I packed up my belongings and moved 2 hours away from my family so I could start school at the University of Northern Iowa. Little did I know how much of an impact this would have on my life. But it's been a good one. I decided it was time to begin a new blog with said chapter, but if you're interested in my old, less mature high school life, you can click here.

Just a few updates about the cool things I'm getting to do here- I live in an honors community with lots of girls like me. I'm happy to report the roommate relationship is working out quite well, and I have lots of friends on my floor. My dietician has created an awesome meal plan for me (there's only so much you can eat when you can't chew!), and the Wellness Recreation Center (WRC, you'll probably hear me talk about it a lot) has anything and everything I could ever wish to use in my training. I applied for a Residential Hall Advisory (RHA) representative position and got it! Now I am an executive board member of Campbell Hall (my dorm) Senate!

I find myself constantly reflecting here. Reflecting, but not overanalyzing (yet?). This is good. In fact, I think I can safely say this is the healthiest I've been- in terms of my state of mind, my physical condition, and just my general well-being. I thought I'd share some of these thoughts. Some have been humorous and made me laugh at inappropriate times; others are more serious. It's no wonder college is the best 4 years of your life- and the time you mature the most. With that, here are some thoughts and unspoken rules from the first few weeks of school:

As much as they tell you it prepares you for college, high school is nothing like it.

Study strategies are actually useful in college, so start getting used to them in high school.

Studying in the library is fun. Studying in the house lounge is fun. Studying on the floor in your room is fun. Studying in bed is not a good idea.

College professors do what they want.

College professors tell you on the first day of class there is another textbook/workbook you need to have and you'll have to go to the bookstore/bring $70 cash to the next class (see above).

College professors let you out early from class for no reason (see two above).

Shaving your legs in a dorm shower is a necessary skill, but not one that is easily acquired

Showers can be the best (or the worst) part of your day.

Whoever gets to the showers first gets to play their choice of music (thank goodness there aren't too many country fans on my floor).

It's really hard to make a lofted bed.

Not making your bed is acceptable (see above).

Going to bed at 10:00 is respected on my floor.

I get up later and go to bed earlier than I did in high school and I'm still 10x more tired.

Ice cream once a day is a must.