The college experience is yet to come..

Yesterday, my grandma and I drove to Boone so I could register for college classes. Me... Registering for college classes. Everything is starting to hit me like a ton of bricks. In August, I will be out of the house, living in college dorms, taking college classes, and living the college life. I will be officially be starting over from everything I've built my high school lofe up to be. I'll be back at square one. I'm gonna be quite frank here. I didn't even make a decision about where I was going to college until a week before graduation, just to give you a hint of how indecisive and informed I need to before actually making a decision but ANYWAY! The college I settled on was actually a partnership program between Des Moines Area Community College and Iowa State University. I take my classes at the DMACC Hunziker Center in Ames, but have the luxury of having an ISU ID as well as a DMACC ID. I'll be living in the ISU dorms, and will be able to get into all the buildings, clubs, things like that. It'll be cheaper and it'll make transitioning from high school to college a little bit easier, which is what I was looking for. Eventually, I'll be a full-time ISU student because that's what the APP program allows me to do. Pretty cool, huh? Community college classes with the university feel. Spent all of junior and senior year coming up with that, but don't be quick to judge. There's a lot of things you have to... or at least should think about before deciding on a college. Tuition for classes, meal plan, dorm fees, book fees, scholarships, financial aid, whether the college has the right feel, is right for you, size of campus, student to professor ratio, how many kids are on campus, etc. It's a big decision and you really do have a lot to think about. Another thing I had to think about as well was my family. Both sides are HUGE Iowa Hawkeye fans, and the Iowa State Cyclones are kind of their rivals. No, I didn't choose State over Iowa just to piss my family off. I chose State over Iowa because I didn't want to go to Iowa because my family expected me to and if i went to iowa, I'd never know if it was for them or me. I also chose Iowa State for it's beautiful campus, and because it felt right being there. When you know, you know. It's kinda like falling in love, but with college. I fell in love with Iowa State. It just clicked for me so when you're doing campus visits, try to find that feeling. I'm super duper happy with my decision and hope to have an awesome time on campus next school year. Maybs see you on campus(es)?

Of course I'm showing my support towards Cy and Iowa State! ... And DMACC above.

... My family would kill me if I didn't put Hurkey somewhere in the blog...

Graduating and such..

As of May 20, 2012, I am officially out of high school. It's the best and possibly one of the scariest things ever. Graduating high schools means a few things; I'm done with one chapter in my life, and can start another, but it also means it's time to grow up. Like Peter Pan, I don't know if i'm ready to grow up just yet. I don't know if I'm ready to leave everyone. I've gone to school with most of these kids since pre-school, and next fall, most of them will be gone. As much as I didn't agree with a lot of them, I'll miss them a lot. Don't you remember being in elementary school and think, "Gee, I can't wait till I'm all grown up!" Little did we know what we'd have to go through and how scary it would be when it actually got here. Being little, we didn't think about all the hard work, drama, happiness, pain, or awkward moments leading up to graduation day. I am guessing I speak for most when I say I'll be missing the luxury of home, at least a little. I mean come on. Not always having to pay for things, seeing your friends whenever, givin' some love to the animals, using your own shower, blah blah blah. Most people are going away for college so therefore, parents won't be easily accessible. For a select few, their parents are their best friends, so college will be extra difficult... Poor souls. Personally, college is what I need right now. Some time off to mend relationships with my family, and some time for those relationships to keep growing. Growing up and leaving is scary, but I know it's something I need to do. Graduating high school took a long time. Don't forget the people and the memories. And most importantly, do what's best for you and don't forget the important people at home. Here's to the Class of 2012! Good luck guys!

P.S. Sorry for the randomness of sentences and such of this blog. I had a lot to fit in and didn't want to write a novel.

And the family keeps growing

First and foremost, sorry I've been absent in the past few weeks. A lot has gone on, so I'll spend the next few days catching you up. The first thing I want to tell you about is on May 26, 2012, I got a new aunt. My Uncle Don got married. Eep! My Aunt Genevieve (cool name, right?) is everything and more I could ask for as the woman my uncle could marry. Since my uncle is handicapped, she is so acccomodating to him, family loves her, and she is just plain amazing.

 I absolutely love the above picture. My uncle is wheeling his new bride down the isle. The look on Gen's face is absolutely perfect. You can tell how truly happy she is.

 The wedding ceremony and reception was held in a hotel in Coralville, Iowa. The whole wedding was beautifully coordinated. The wedding colors were white, black, and teal and the theme was demask chic. Gen and Don were out dancing and socializing all night. :)

This is an amazing photo taken of Don and Gen at my grandpa's house. Both of them are huge Iowa Hawkeye fans, so the black and gold brick wall in the background is extemely appropriate for them. Best wishes to Don and Genevieve. Love you both!

...And another new addition that will be coming to the family is a new baby cousin in August. Uncle Scott and Aunt Jean are waiting to find out the gender of the unborn baby. Stinkers;)

          My Uncle Scott and little cousin Rhys at a town festival!

                                Aunt Jean and Rhys!

And finally, here's a picture of my unborn baby cousin. Due in August! I'm praying for a girl:)