As the first semester wraps up, I look back on all my class and think to myself that I am really glad I went to Wartburg. Everyone is so nice and very willing to help anyone in need. I really feel welcome here and I don't think anywhere else would be better. I love how small the class sizes are because you can actually have one on one with the teachers and connect with the other students. I thought the debate that we had in IS class was really fun and the fact that we are able to do that is amazing.

Over the last couple of weeks, I have been very stressed. I have just found out that I have to work ten hours a week in order to meet my financial aid requirements. It doesn't seem like all of hours, but because I have so much going on in my classes and in track, it's really hard for me to grasp the idea of working ten hours. I finally decided that I would have to work over Christmas break. Now, I am working at the local Hy-Vee in order to meet my requirements.

Today I had an experience that I will never forget. As a team, we all went to the track coaches house for a brunch. Coach and his wife made wonderful egg dishes and bought a lot of different kinds of bagels from Pannara. After we ate and all of the coaches got to say a few words, coach Newsome started handing out Christmas presents. We all got new hats and a lanyard we could keep. I really feel like this is my second family. I love the family aspect I get in any kind of team. Wartburg track is so inviting.  

Over Thanksgiving break I went to Florida. Because I am always cold I still thought 60 degrees was chilly. There was only one day that we were able to go out in the sun and spend the day on the beach. I still had a lot of fun with my family and was glad  I had that experience. On Thanksgiving day, instead of making a turkey, we made a dish called bubble pizza. We thought because we weren't doing a regular Thanksgiving, that we wouldn't do a regular meal. Even though it was a long trip to Florida, I had a great time!

One of my favorite people to be with is Ellie Seward. She is my boyfriends sister and is three years younger then I am. Ellie is a very spunky girl and is very outgoing. I think this is why we get along so well. We both have the same personality. Ellie is really laid back and is pretty much okay with everything. She could turn even the saddest moment into the best memory you have ever had. Ellie also ran track with me. She was a great sport and could always make me laugh when I was freaking out about a track meet. God places just the right people in your life sometimes.

Honestly I have numerous pet peeves. One of my biggest pet peeve is when people chew with their mouths open. It is almost like nail on a chalk board to me. Just the sound of the food smacking between their teeth makes me cringe. Most of the time the person I get the most annoyed with is my sister. She is twelve years old and should know that it is rude to chew with your mouth open. Whenever she does this, I can't help but just stare at her when she does it. I really try to control it when it is someone I do not know.

How do I describe summer? I describe summer by saying it's the best season there is. I love the warm weather. A perfect summer say in my eyes is spending it floating down the river with all my friends. There is something about the cool river water and the hot summer heat that makes me feel so relaxed. Summer is like a big vacation. Sure I still have to work, but after work I can go out side and just lay out under the stars and listen to music. Also bonfires make summer amazing too. There is nothing better than roasting marshmallows over a hot fire. Summer is my get away season.