Sunday, July 28, 2013

July Shenanigans!

What a month! Can you say {fun}?

Starting the month off, my family had their annual Reunion/Picnic! We had my maternal grandparents and uncle stay with us, and had lots of fun! We managed to have enough bananas for the entire time, finish breakfast at a good hour, and have a fantastic time catching up with everyone at the reunion. Family from all over came to the little picnic grove, with no incidents this year! I was very happy to spend some much needed time with family in from Florida, and everyone else I don't get to see very often.  Unfortunately, I had to work that night, but it was a good beginning to my shift!






The day before the picnic, I took my grandparents back to college to talk to my counselor at Hilbert, and was able to show them around campus!  I think they're as excited as I am! {Which is a LOT!} I had just taken my placement exam a few days before, and was scheduled to come in and register for my classes two days after they left.  {Can you say exciting and nerve wracking all in one?} 

And then, this past week, I cannot say enough good things about. My cousin from Poland came to the US for the first time and stayed with us for a week! He did an internship down in Kentucky for a few weeks, then came up here for a week to meet the family.  I can honestly say that when he left, I cried. I balled. It felt like my brother was leaving.  You learn a lot about a person living with them for a week! So far, life hasn't been the same since he left.  I miss him already and it's been a little over 24 hours! 


His first full day in town, I took him to Niagara Falls and the Aquarium! It was so much fun seeing him take pictures and enjoy the states! 


With both of us loving horses, I took him on a trail ride! It was his first time on a western saddle, and I can say that he loved it! He was on Casey, and I was on Sassy.  It was a wonderful trail ride through the creek, woods, and fields.  There is no such thing as a perfect view unless it is on horseback.  <3 
For myself, it was like meeting myself in a horse's body.  Sassy was the perfect mount, avoided getting stuck in the mud, avoided low rise branches, and trotted happily uphill to keep up with everyone.  She definitely fits her name! Miss Sassy! 


From country to dinner dressy, we went to Pano's for a dinner with some family for him to meet.  It was a lot of fun, complete with Skyping his parents in Poland and my Grandparents in NYC!  It was a wonderful dinner, and a great opportunity for him to meet family.  The night ended with walking up the tower at the Marina and taking pictures of the waterfront and the city at night.  


His last night in town, we took him to the Anchor Bar to meet up with some family for a night of Buffalo Wings and good jazz music! 

Some other things that we did that week:
Went swimming at my cabin for a few hours, talking about everything, from being mermaids and dinosaurs to our futures.  
Amish Country!
Basilica
Had Iced Cappuccinos!
Skyped family!
Had a {TON} of fun!



Thank you Remik, for always greeting me every morning with a smile and a hug, enjoying the smaller things with me, taking the day as it came, and always being up for some fun.  You turned into my best friend for the week you were here, and I cannot wait to have you and your family here next year! Our family really is the best! I hope that the rest of your journey home is quick and safe, and that you were able to get some much needed rest after a fun filled week! 
{<3}


More news coming later this week, will update! 

How was your month of July?!??

Hope to hear from you!! 

Something to leave you with:




xoxoxo







Saturday, July 20, 2013

Back to School!

September 3rd, I get to go back to College! 
There is so much I hope to accomplish! 
I have orientation the 30 of August to find out more specifics of the College, hopefully find my rooms, and find out how I can get some help should I need it! I've already registered for classes and know my schedule, rooms, and teachers.  I was thinking about visiting before then to explore, and find the rooms myself so I'm not completely lost my first day! Ordering all the books, buying supplies, it's all making me more and more excited!

I'm going to be going back as an English Major, and although I know I have a lot of work ahead of me, I know that no matter what I've done all my life, I somehow manage to make my way to the English Arts, whether it is reading, writing, or researching.  

Heading back, I'm making myself a goals list to accomplish within the first 2 years:

1.  Keep my GPA above a 3.0
Ways to reach this:
Use tutoring, and don't be afraid to ask for help!
Do my homework
Keep attendance up! (Some take a whole letter grade off if you miss too many classes)
Stay organized, using my planner, and binders for respective classes
Stay at the college in between my classes to do homework and ask for more help.  
Have a teacher/tutor specifically for reading my papers

2.  Take my core classes within the first 2 years, and work on my "major" classes the latter 2. 
Take the advice of my advisors!

3.  At the end of the 2 years, make sure I am eligible for Sigma Tau Delta

http://www.english.org/sigmatd/



4.  Enjoy the whole college experience!



Things I've learned about the College so far:
They are all about checks and balances: When I went in to register for classes, I went to the Student Academics Services Center and was introduced to my Freshman advisor.  I was able to schedule my classes, have questions answered, etc.  On the way back to the Admin Building, I ran into my transfer counselor who was on her way out to give a tour of the campus, but asked me to stay to talk to her.  While she did that, I was able to go to the bookstore, find out about my books, and turn my forms in.  When I came back, my counselor was concerned about keeping checks and balances:  asking how everything was, if I had any questions, how I liked everything so far, etc.  Everyone I meet is genuinely interested in seeing the students succeed. 

While it is a small campus, it makes for a personable environment.  Average class sizes are around 15. I'll have that small town school feel that I'm so used to, compared to the big universities in the area!

I am determined to do my best, I know that my future depends on how I do now.  

GO HAWKS!!!