An Outdoorsy Event

   This past weekend was probably one of the more adventurous things I've done in a long time.  It all started a few weeks ago whenever I was looking for a roommate and I was over at a friend's apartment asking them if they knew of anyone I could room with... it hadn't worked out with like 5 other people at that point and I was starting to get a little antsy.  One of them suggested that they had a lab partner that maybe needed an extra roommate!  I had met her once before but hadn't really gotten the chance to talk.  The friend gave me her number but because I felt a little weird texting someone that probably didn't even remember me, I didn't text her.  Probably a day later, she texted me and we discussed her needing an extra roommate for the next year!  I came over to her apartment to check it out and see if I'd like it there because at that time we were pretty sure I could live with them.  I stayed over there for a few hours chatting with Calley-Taylor and we were kind of like instant friends!  She brought up that her church was going to make a camping trip to the beach and invited me to go.  I was so excited!  We didn't end up getting to room with each other, but I still have something great that came out of it... a new friend :) So this past weekend, I went camping with Calley-Taylor and some of the people from Wesley in Auburn.  Our car was the last of the group's to leave Auburn at around 5:30 on Friday afternoon with Calley, Adam, and Louis in our car.  Louis is a very fearless driver... let me just tell you!  Calley and I were praying for dear life!  On our way, Louis needed to stop in Mobile to get his kayak from his parent's house... His mom was scared to death because the poor thing didn't know that he was stopping by.  She was delighted to see him and we were instantly welcomed into her house and chatted away while Louis and Adam strapped the kayak to the car and looked at maps.  On the rest of the trip to Perdido Bay, Calley and I told our different stories and the point of pretty much all of them was how we were tired of guys being little sissies and how they need to man up... but then we also talked about what we want in a relationship yada yada, you know, basic girl talk :) Now that I think about it, some of my friends and I all sent each other a list of qualifications about what we want in a guy.  Which is a great idea, because if one of us starts to like someone we can remind each other of what we want and if he meets that.  I mean, of course physical qualities on the lists we won't hold each other accountable for (even though we may ask if they have these qualities ;)) such as "Amazing clavicle bone", "Plays guitar", "Has good arms", "Can cook" BUT we will hold each other accountable of the really essential things like  "Is God number one in his life?" "Is he respectful?" "Does he encourage you?" "Is he honest?"  "Is he a good listener?"Anyways, y'all may think that is silly but sometimes you just need good friends in your life to remind you to look at the big picture of what's good for you. 

     We finally arrived at the campsite at 11, and went exploring with a few people.  While exploring, a girl walked through the bushes and asked us if we were crying?  It was strange.  I think she mistook our laughter for crying.  The other groups already had tents set up so we all talked for a little while and then went to sleep late.  We were supposed to wake up to watch the sunrise, but that didn't happen.  We loaded up all of our stuff and headed to our next destination- Port St. Joe (well, some of us... some decided to stop in Panama City)  Which ended up taking us about 5 hours.  But it was still a lot of fun!  We grabbed something to eat once we got there, and then we headed towards the beach!  There were hardly any people on the beach- it was super nice.  Later it took forever to get a fire started because of the wind, and we ended up eating bacon and hotdogs!  The next day Calley and I chased sea gulls, tried to save a distressed and dying catfish, and almost touched a pelican while the rest of the people went kayaking!  I had a great time. 

Yay for bacon!!!

     I'd say that this camping trip was very much a success and way better than my last camping trip when I was nine... let's just say that it involved thunder and lightning and my brother Andrew eating way too many hot dogs. 

    As for now, my roommate and I have officially signed our lease!  I have also registered for classes this year.  I'm going to take Nutrition, Lifespan and Human development, Beginning Spanish II, World History I, and Marching Band (If i make it again).  I may even take another class if I decide what major I want before the fall classes begin. 

Knee Deep in the Water Somewhere

     Am I dreaming or did I really just have spring break this past week?  It went by like the blink of an eye.  A few days before spring break my roommate for next year and I went apartment hunting and we narrowed it down between two.  I decided that I really wanted my parents to come look, and see what they thought.  I'm sooo excited about the one that we ended up picking! The downstairs has a living room, a half bath, and kitchen.  The upstairs has the two bedrooms and two bathrooms.  It's very cozy and cute :) As much as I'm going to enjoy living in an apartment, I'm really going to miss living with Leigh Ellen.  I just know my freshman year wouldn't have been the same without her!  Yes we do disagree but we're kind of like sisters, ya know?  But I'm sure that she'll come over all the time  (she betta ;)) I met my new roommate, Courtney,  through my small group bible study leader, Emily.  Emily is a great influence and sweet person, so I know that if she recommended Courtney then she would be great!  Sure enough, Courtney is soo sweet!  I know that we're going to get along just great, and I'm looking forward to living with her this upcoming year.  Speaking of the upcoming year... school ends in 6 weeks!  I can't believe it :(

     On the Friday starting spring break, I drove home to Andalusia to see my family and friends.  Saturday I went to Sarah Catherine Short's Wedding and it was wonderful!!  She was beautiful as always and I loved her dress!  I saw alot of familiar faces and got to hang out with Catherine Grace and Hunter :) After that I went out to eat with Callie, Shelby, and Haley just like the good old times.  Then we watched 13 Going on 30.  I miss them already.  On Monday I spent the day with my Grandmother and my cousin Abby dropped off her daughter Kylie so I could get to see her!  She is a mess!  For 30 minutes we looked all around Grandmama's porch trying to find lizards.

On Monday I also went to a bible study called "Sistachicks" at FBC of Andalusia.  Mrs. Stroud taught us how to arrange flowers!  We were definitely learning from the best.

On Tuesday, I went to visit my Meme!  We went out to eat and then from then on out we looked at old pictures :)  I really enjoyed getting to spend some time with her.  Hope you enjoy looking at a blast from the past!

 Mom in about the 3rd Grade

 Mom at about 16

 Mom and I :)

Mom and Dad!  Loving Mom's 'fro

 Andrew and I

          On Tuesday, Haley and I went walking around Open Pond.  I wish we could make that a regular thing!!  Seeing my friends makes me realize how much I've missed them.  Later in the day I went to zumba with my mom and Holly came as well!  Let me tell y'all something- My mom knows how to get down ;)  and so does Holly!  (I like to make sure she stays embarrassed :))

     On Wednesday around noon, I let Roxy outside and started packing up my things so that I could go to the beach with Leigh Ellen.  About 30 minutes later I realized I had forgotten to let Roxy back in, so I shouted for her.  I didn't see her anywhere.  I knew that something wasn't right so I hopped in my car and drove just a little way until I saw Roxy laying in the middle of the gravel road.  I stuck my head out the window and yelled, "Roxy!" but she lifted her head up and just layed there.  This is how I knew that something was wrong.  Roxy never sits still.. she is always hyper and bouncy and never calm.  I went to her and picked her up... she was shaking.  I loaded her into her pet carrier and off to the Vet's office we went.  She couldn't even walk.   The Vet's office couldn't quite tell what had gotten a hold of her.  They think it was a snake.  My parents went and got her that afternoon and brought her back home... whenever I got there her neck was swollen up and she still wouldn't move.  We finally got her to drink and eat by holding water and food in the palm of our hands.  It was hard to watch her like that.  We ended up taking her to the vet's office again... but finally she is getting better.  They had to shave around her neck and it looks like she swallowed a golf ball.  I'm just glad that she's gonna be okay... it will take her a little while to get back to her old self! This is what Roxy normally looks like in case you haven't seen her before!

     Leigh Ellen and I stayed at the beach until yesterday.  It was so much fun!  We stayed with her Meme and Daddy Toby... they're really nice people.  I like the beach and all but I don't think my skin has quite warmed up to the sun yet.  My back hasn't seen the sun light for a while so I think I have a little sun poisoning and it won't stop itching even though I put 50 spf on!!! By the way, I've been creeping on prom pictures and everyone looked great!  I hope y'all had fun :)

Auburn Tradition > Crime

     I write this sitting in my bed after a tiring day.  I tried to wake up a very sleepy roommate by turning the lights on, but I think I made her a little mad at me.  I'll just let her sleep even though she told me to wake her up :/ I've figured out that the best way to wake her up is play "Booty Work" and sing it to her... and eventually she gets up!  It's a pretty good method.

     I guess the excitement started this week on February 29th.  In Camp War Eagle, they tell you about the tradition that if you step on the seal, it's bad luck and that you won't graduate.  Apparently the only way to be able to graduate once you step on the seal is to swim in the President's fountain at midnight on leap year!  Me, Leigh Ellen, and Anthony decided that we wanted to witness the Auburn tradition even though none of us had stepped on the seal.  So at about 11:45, we walked onto the president's lawn expecting to see alot of people, but instead we only saw three guys swimming in the fountain.  So it was a little awkward.  After they left, I decided to jump onto the concrete of the fountain and feel how cold the water was.  It was freezing.  We found a bench to sit on and waited for the next culprits to arrive.  I kept thinking, "I'm sure there are way more people that have stepped on the seal, why aren't they coming?"  After only sitting there for a little while, a police car pulled up beside us and asked us, "Are y'all supposed to be here?" And we told him that we would leave.  We kind of let Anthony do all the talking... sorry Anthony! haha.  He asked him which direction that the swimmers went.  Quickly, the police man drove off and put his police lights on and joined about 2 other police cars.  We got a move on and passed the swimmers that were now surrounded by cops.  Poor guys!  So... If you swim in the President's fountain, prepare to get in trouble with the law!  haha.  I thought it was a tradition?!?

     Yesterday was kind of a bum day.  I found out that I didn't make as well on my biology test as I thought that I did and I didn't get the summer job that I wanted.  Also, mine and Leigh Ellen's beloved fish died.  Freddie was a good fishy, always minded his own business and lived a good life.  We got him in September so he made it a lot longer than we thought he would! ha.  Now I am no longer going to be able to live with the people that I thought that I was going to live with (this happened like 3 days ago), but luckily I think it is going to work out with someone else... but I have learned to never say, "I'm set" because it has proved me that I am wrong.  I have gone through about 10 people I thought I was going to room with.  It's been a wild goose chase!!  Though I did go look at apartments with this girl, and I think that we'll get along really well!  We are going to look at some more apartments on Monday and Tuesday and then maybe we'll make up our mind.  I will give more details on the situation later, that is after the lease is signed and that I'm positive I'll be living there this next year! I am just SO excited to be living in an apartment this next year!  The dorm experience has been nice, but I'm ready for something that has a little more space.  I'm excited to have my own bathroom, maybe have a pet (something small, like a hamster), have flowers, be able to decorate more, and have a kitchen!!!  Okay, the having flowers and a pet thing may not happen with an apartment, but at least it will be a few steps ahead of a dorm.  I've never really had an urge to cook until this year... maybe it's because I'm tired of eating the same things over and over again and most of them are not even close to being slightly healthy.  Every time I bring up the subject of decorating, cooking, or cleaning... mom says, "Devin, you're turning domestic!!!" which makes me laugh.  Maybe I am, maybe I'm not :) I found the cutest wreath on pinterest and I think it'd be perfect to make for my apartment!

     If you would, please pray for me.  Just for some guidance on what career field I'm supposed to be in :)  Also to keep my sanity this next week and to be focused because my Psychology professor thought it would be cool to make us take a quiz, exam, and cumulative midterm all in the same week.

     This morning I ran a 5k with Leigh Ellen, Anthony, and some of his friends... which actually turned into 4 1/2 miles when we took a wrong turn... I've never ran that far in my life.  It took me about 35 minutes, and my goal was to make it to the finish line which I did :D yippee!!!

Here's a good verse that has stuck with me this past week, telling me that I need to trust God with everything.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight."  Proverbs 3:5-6