New York update

This is my last "I'm super late updating the blog" post. And I'm going to excuse it a little bit because I started it over Christmas break in Memphis, but the Internet at my parents was just too slow to handle all the photos ... then I just got lazy and didn't update it once I got back to Kennesaw.

Way back in September, I realized I had a flight credit (thanks to a canceled flight this past summer) with Southwest that I needed to use fairly soon. I had planned on using it towards my May 2012 summer conference trip, but long story short, that just wasn't going to work. I told Stephen the dilemma, and he said, "You should go to New York for Christmas."

Um, yes of course. Why didn't I think of that?

So, I booked my trip in September and got a deal on tickets. I flew out of Nashville (because Atlanta doesn't get Southwest until February), but that was no big deal. I went a day earlier and stayed with my friend Hannah and her husband Caleb, who graciously watched over my car for the time I was gone. Despite it being 30 degrees, we hit up my favorite Nashville ice cream place — Jeni's. I miss that place! Then when I flew back into New York, I got to spend the night with my Murfreesboro roomie Tara, and visited with Mallory, the Vandy intern. Nashville was a nice bonus in the New York trip.

In New York, I stayed with one of my best friends — Madeline — from high school. She just got her master's from Christie's (you know, the place that just auctioned off all the Elizabeth Taylor collection? Yeah, no big deal), and she's staying in New York job hunting. She is a fabulous hostess, and graciously took me all around the city to do the not-so-touristy things. We ate lots of good food, saw lots of interesting art, did some shopping, did some more eating, you get the idea. I also got to catch up with two friends from journalism school — so great to see them and catch up.

I did take a ton of photos. I don't want this post to be forever long, so here are some highlights:

We saw lots of art. Here's just one of many pieces.

Some galleries were better than others. Yes, those are trash bags filled with aluminum cans. 

Madi said it's a critique of our society, talking about waste and consumption. I get that ... but still.

Madi & her boyfriend threw a fabulous Christmas party. Tacky Christmas 

wear was encouraged — thus my ridiculous fleece hat. 

Us at the Museum of Natural History — origami tree!

Madi had a department Christmas party one night, so I went exploring. 

And this series of photos is what happened that night.

These soldiers were everywhere at Rockefeller Plaza

The light show area at Rockefeller Plaza. 

Rockefeller Center — the ice rink is right below this.

Rockefeller Center in the background — huge!

The most touristy thing I did was visiting Top of the Rock (top of the Rockefeller Center). 

I was SO cold, but it was totally worth it. Best view of the city ... in my humble opinion.

My last night in the city, we went to the New York City Ballet's Nutcracker. 

(This is outside the theater — you can't take photos inside.) It was so wonderful! Plus, a guy 

proposed to his girlfriend during intermission (so sweet to see hundreds of strangers 

cheering and clapping), and Kelly Ripa walked right by us in the lobby after the 

performance. (She's cute and really tiny!)

That's not everything ... but I don't want to bore y'all. So fun to visit Madi (thanks for being a wonderful hostess!), and such a great way to start Christmas break. If you ever get the chance to visit New York at Christmas, do it!

November/December 2010: The illustrated edition

I apologize for the delay/lack of blog posts. As my co-intern reminded me last week, "You haven't blogged since November!" Whoops — and thanks for reminding me, Rob. :)

One of the many new things for me this year was an RUF parents' brunch. Lots of RUFs do a parents' brunch to introduce parents to what RUF believes and why it exists on campus. It can also be a good time to help fundraise. We had a good turnout for our brunch this year, and had our area coordinator John Stone speak, as well as MTSU's campus minister Paul Boyd. One of our seniors shared about how RUF has impacted her life, and the intern crew also got up to do a Q & A with the parents.

John Stone, our area coordinator, speaking to parents.

I hosted a freshman/new student Christmas party at my one-bedroom apartment — and we had 28 people show up! We enjoyed snacks, did a White Elephant swap, and watched "Elf." It was really great to have so many people show up, and we were encouraged to have people inviting their friends.

Part of our freshman crew before the White Elephant swap.

White Elephant gifts!

A family from Trinity Pres graciously hosted RUF's annual Christmas party. We had a tacky Christmas sweater competition and a bake-off!

Intern Rob with three of our freshman guys 

Interns at the Christmas party in our tacky sweaters — sorry for the blurry picture!

Thank you again for your prayers and support throughout this semester. We are excited about what the Lord has in store for us this semester — please continue to pray for us!

The Christmas update

Well, Christmas flew by again this year...but it was great — got to spend lots of time with family and friends. I was initially discouraged about getting laid off at both of my seasonal jobs, but I managed to work a weekend with a caterer (I've worked there since 8th grade and love it - probably the best job I've had) and pulled a couple of babysitting jobs. It's been nice not be so scheduled (even though I love living on a schedule) and to have my nights free to hang out with friends. This year was the first time in four years that I haven't worked on Christmas Eve!

I got my LSAT score back yesterday and did pretty poorly. I didn't have much time to prepare, but this was the lowest I've ever scored (compared to all the practice tests I've taken). I went ahead and signed up for the February test and hope to devote about three hours a day to studying. I've essentially finished my personal statements, resume and essays, but I've got to get my score up to have a decent shot at getting accepted anywhere. I logged on this morning and started reading about how there was a significant curve on the December LSAT (because it was hard) — encouraging and yet very discouraging at the same time. The Lord is faithful and I'm sure He will make His way evident soon...it's just hard because I graduate May 1 and would love to know where He wants me.

My last semester of undergrad begins January 6! That's terribly exciting and scary. I'm happy about being finished with my studies and my job, but I'm nervous about what post-graduation will bring. I'm looking forward to a final semester with only four classes, lots of library/LSAT time, a semi-new staff at the newspaper office, RUF activities and lots more!