A whole ton of awesome.

I don't mean to brag, but my life is awesome.  My friends here at college are some of the coolest, funniest people I've ever met.  Not to take away what friends back home have to offer, but these incredible people have become an integral part of my flesh and soul.  They've inspired me, challenged me, and most of all, accepted me. I feel I belong and second semester in, I still don't regret my choice to move a thousand miles away from home.

A few weeks ago (insert obligatory comment about time passing too quickly), I went and saw a club women's hockey game between my college and some older ladies from the community.  It was the first time we won the entire season so I think I was the good luck charm.  Before that, though, I walked around for a couple of hours in the freezing cold with Dan.  We exchanged life stories and ended our long yet enlightening journey by sharing a malt.  He's a good friend.  (He recently shaved his beard and looks like an entirely different person, in case you were wondering.)

Two Saturdays ago, Nicole and I ventured to a local public library.  By bus, it only took us about ten minutes and a short walk.  (I cannot express to you how great it is to walk places.  It is something that just doesn't happen in Florida.)  We were both eager to raid the CD selection and left with at least 11 each to our name.  We were seriously giddy. Of course to check them out, I had to obtain a library card.  I am in love with its gorgeous design and the power it gives me.  Cue that amazing song from Arthur.

This Friday set an amazing tone for the rest of the weekend.  I attended the college's current theater production, Hip Hop Hopes, with my former FYC classmates and professor.  It was definitely a reunion of sorts and it was extra cool because we got to support our classmate Kevin as he busted moves.  We got Thai food afterward and engaged in hilarious conversation.  I was super hyper and happy.  When I come back to my room, there were friends already over and talking.  After a little while of just conversing, Tyler (above) decided to bring back his violin and guitar.  He was an endless source of entertainment.  Nicole brought her harmonica and recorder so it actually became an impromptu jam session.  People kept entering and leaving our room, meaning at one point there were at least 15 people, and I'm not exaggerating, that decided to hang out.  Depending on how you see it, this could be the greatest perk of living in a quad or it could be the greatest downfall.  On Friday it was certainly a perk, though.

On Saturday I volunteered three hours of my time to be a buddy at the International KidsFest.  I was assigned to accompany Hannah (on left) and Amara (right), who were both well behaved and downright cute.  Essentially I escorted them around to the various cultural activities.  Each country we could visit was staffed by an international student from that country which was pretty awesome. And while this might seem boring or tiresome for hours, I throughly enjoyed it.  It made me realize how much I miss volunteering, and working with kids in particular, so I hope to get involved more next semester.  I know there's opportunities, I just need to seize them.

Last but not least, this Sunday Nicole and I ate at Izzy's.  Well, we tried to go to a different library but neglected the fact that it'd be closed on a Sunday.  So instead we made the small trek to the homemade ice cream shop.  An excellent decision on our part.  I got salted caramel with a Norwegian chai Izzy, an Izzy being a smaller scoop that goes perfectly on top. and I was transported to another dimension.  As any true hipster/blogger, I took Instagram pictures of the event.  What you wouldn't see elsewhere, however, was the most adorable little girl looking at me through the window. 

I promise to post more.  Have a great day/evening/life!  And don't forget to be awesome.