Lessons Learned Freshmen Year

Wow I can’t believe this is my last weekend of college before finals. Time has gone by so fast! It feels like I just moved into my room and made it my own. I have so many great memories over the past nine months. And I have learned a lot! Here is a list of some of the things I have learned during my freshmen year:

1.    Minot is not as scary as it seems. But still don’t go to Walmart by yourself.

2.    In the fall and spring seasons, always carry an umbrella. You don’t stay in one building anymore.

3.    Plan what outfits you are going to take home over break. You really don’t need to pack as much as you think.

4.    It was a smart idea to invest in a rug.

5.    Invest in a full-length mirror. I seriously don’t know how I’ve gone all year without one!

6.    Yoga is good for your body and your mind. I am going to try to this more throughout the week.

7.    When in doubt in the cafeteria, get a grilled cheese.

8.    Take time to relax every week. Whether that means watching an episode of How I Met Your Mother or painting your nails.

9.    Nothing is as big or as dramatic as you think. Take a step back and breathe.

10.                  It is possible to NOT gain your freshmen 15. It is actually possible to lose weight! I chose this for #10 because I have actually lost 10lbs at college! I am so proud of myself and I know I can reach my goals.

11.                  You will be able to hear everything you’re neighbors say, buy earplugs!

12.                  Try to resist all the sweets. I have the biggest sweet tooth ever and this has been a challenge for me. I need to work on this some more.

13.                  Getting a tattoo doesn’t hurt nearly as bad as you thought it would.

14.                  You don’t have to go out every weekend but do try to do something on the weekends.

15.                  Don’t be afraid to come out of your shell. I have really become less of a wallflower and I am happy to see how far I have come. I’m not so afraid to speak my mind or just be who I am. I have my funny, weird, creative friends to thank for that!

This is a picture of my inspiration board from this past year. It has tokens from some great memories, cards from my bible study group, Resident Life events, and a few inspiring words too. I honestly don’t know how my freshmen year at Minot State University went by so fast! I’m so excited for next year and see how I continue to grow. Before I get too far ahead of myself, I’m going to make the most of this summer. I’ll try to post more and to put more pictures up. Now I have to finish packing up my room. Wish me luck!

P.S. Happy Mother's Day this Sunday. Show your mom how much you love her! 

My First Tattoo!

Yesterday I did something pretty crazy. Well, crazy for me. I finally got my first tattoo! I couldn't be happier with it and more proud of myself. I have always enjoyed looking at tattoos on other people, seeing how creative the design is, finding out the meaning behind the tattoo. I have thought about getting a tattoo before but I was always on the fence about it. But in October, I finally knew what I wanted as my first tattoo. I wanted my dad's handwriting on my side. Nothing long or detailed, but something sweet and simple. Which is exactly what I got. My tattoo says "Love you, your father." 

The reason I wanted to get my dad's handwriting as a tattoo is a pretty emotional story but also a happy one. Two years ago my dad had a stroke. He was rushed to the hospital immediately where he was treated and he had to stay overnight. I wasn't home thankfully but I was at work. When my mom called me to tell me the news, I started bawling instantly in our break room. My boss told me I could go home but I didn't want to go home and I didn't want to go to the hospital. So I stayed at work until we closed at 5 pm. 

From there I went to my friend's house where I continued to bawl my eyes out. I am so thankful and blessed to have a friend as great as mine. I would have suffered a lot worse if she hadn't been there for me. My dad hadn't lost any memories or anything like that, Thank God. He lost his ability to speak for some hours but that came back quickly. That was literally the worst day of my life. 

Since then, my dad has gotten a lot better. He works out every day and we watch his diet much closer now. My dad and I have gotten closer too because of his stroke. Sometimes I get really mad at him when I see him eating something really unhealthy or stuff like that. But I got my tattoo to remind me of that day and how much I love my dad. And now I will have some small part of him with me for the rest of my life which is so comforting. 

I love my dad and I think dedicating my first tattoo to him is a great way to represent that in some small way. 

21 before 21

The past week was so good. I went home for Easter Break so it was like a second Spring Break. I ate way too much candy and food in general. But it was nice to be home and be with family. And my family met my sister’s boyfriend for the first time (we all approve).  Being home also made me start thinking about the future. I mean as close as three weeks and as far away as three years! I’ll be done with my freshmen year(!) in three weeks so I’m starting to pack up my room. As for the three years part, I’m just excited about all of it. So I made a list of 21 things I want to do before my 21^st birthday. It’s the same concept as 101 in 1001, I just don’t think I can think of 101 things or accomplish them in 1001 days. So here’s my 21 before 21 list!

21 Before 21

1.       Go to a Frat party- just to say I’ve been.

2.    Go to a midnight premiere.

3.   Kiss at midnight on New Year’s.

4.   Ride on the Eye of London.

5.    Spend the whole day in a library or bookstore reading.

6.    Make a meal for my friends or family or both.

7.    Treat myself to a date night.

8.    Try a new restaurant every weekend.

9.    Give a 100% tip.

10.  Start a blog.

11.     Run another 5K or a 10K.

12.  Learn how to work Photoshop or Photoshop like product.

13.  Get a tattoo.

14. Learn how to cook at least 5 different meals.

15.  Learn to crochet-to relax.

16.  Finish Cloud Atlas, Anna Karenina and East of Eden. (I like big booksJ)

17.   Learn to surf.

18.  Meet Josh Dumal. (Since I live in Minot and he’s from here…)

19.   Go skinny-dipping.

20.                 Have my makeup professionally done. (Either for a special event or just because.)

21.  Ask a guy to go on a date. (I think this is really empowering!)

As you can see, I've crossed some things off already (like starting this blog!). I'll be crossing off #13 on May 2nd. Wish me luck! Oh, and happy Earth Week!