So Blessed

This past weekend reminded me how immensely blessed I am to be at Hillsdale (not just academically, but in terms of friends)

I had a horribly long and busy week and was looking forward to Friday - lo and behold Friday came and it began with an essay that refused to print (making me ten minutes late for class), an equation on my chemistry test that was worth lots of points that I just couldn't figure out, and finally added stress as my Constitution class teacher mentioned we were having midterms this coming week. I went back to my dorm around noon and ran into my friend Allyn who lives in my dorm. She really wanted to hang out with me and so we decided that the two of us would go to the Hillsdale County Fair (I had gone two nights before for the concert but not for the 'fair' part). It ended up being such a day brightener and I even went on a ferris wheel!!

Then, one of my good friends named Ashley asked if we could go for a walk together to Walgreens and just chat - It was so nice to get to spend time with her and she's always inspiring me to be wise and think of others. So it added so much to my afternoon!

Finally, I spent the evening with another girl in my hall named Sarah and we just relaxed in her room and listened to a book on tape, which was soooo nice :) It was like storytime!

Rodney Atkins' Concert!

My friends Anna and Marie coaxed me into going to my very first country concert - and I loved it! Rodney Atkins was performing at the Hillsdale County Fair last Wednesday evening and we ate deep friend oreos, deep fried cookie dough, and corn dogs :)

The group: Anna, Marie, Anna, Linsey, Me

 Anna and I (She has the world's best hugs and brightens my days!)

 Rodney Atkins!!

 The stage - not quite the Grandstand, but still awesome!

The Grotto

I finally managed to get a picture of the Grotto today! If you forgot, the Grotto is the Catholic Women's household where my Saturday Bible Study is held. It's a beautiful old home!

I don't know if you can see, but that is a Papal flag!

New Standards?

It's funny how your standards can change in college - I now use a roll of toilet paper in my room as tissue cause frankly.. why would I spend a dollar on a box of tissue that will last a week? Also, college makes you try new foods (which I'm not totally objected to!) This is my favorite discovery:

This is the best oreo cookie ever! It has nutella and peanut butter on it :)

Downtown Hillsdale

I decided to go for a walk yesterday afternoon and check out downtown Hillsdale - such a beautiful small town!

First picture is downtown and second (above) is "Jitter's Cafe" downtown - my new favorite study spot!

Retreat Picture

This photo was taken on the last day of my retreat last weekend. It's me with all of the members of the "Catholic Society" on campus.

Marie

Meet Marie. She lives in my dorm hall (called "upper right") about three doors down. 

Ever since I came to Hillsdale, I've been trying to find friends that will not only be a lot of fun to hang out with but will also help build me into a strong woman of God. Marie is definitely one of those friends. She is always there to lend a hug (as you can see!), share advice, or just be silly. It's rare to find someone who will actually give good advice to you when you need it and not just say something that "anyone" would say. 

This is a picture of us before our "Garden Party" dance here at the College!