Chapter 6: My First Summer Camp

So I just got back today from camp with the junior highers from my church. It was an incredible experience. They were amazing kids, and it was so encouraging to see the way that junior high students can act when they are raised well and when they are high on God instead of drugs. But seriously, I had an awesome time and feel really good about the fact that I got to be a part of that. I knew I would be fulfilled by going, but I was dreading the kids a little bit, to be honest. I didn't know any of them, and while I would have been excited to go hang out with high school kids for a week (great experience for the future, etc.), when I think Jr. High I think "awkward" or "trouble." I was proven wrong throughout the week as I watched the students grow together and individually in their faith. As it turns out, I got so much out of a camp that was meant for 14 year olds. There was an amazing group of chaperones that went along, and I know we all felt so lucky to be there with the kids this past week. Waking up at 6:45 wasn't really my cup of tea, as I am sure you all know. But it was absolutely worth it. I met some great people, learned a lot about myself, and spent a week doing something that I know God wanted me to do-- it doesn't get any better than that!
I'm looking forward to being back in Gville in a couple of weeks... can't wait to be back with all my girls! Love you guys and talk to you soon.

Chapter 5: Reflections on the Past... and the Future

How about those sweet chapters on Europe!? That was an exciting time! I can't believe I did all of that nor can I believe the amount fun that I had over there- it should really be illegal to have that much fun. We officially took the greatest trip of all time. Now I am home for the summer before grad school starts in August. I gotta say I am really excited about these upcoming semesters, but it is nice to be home for awhile now just hanging out with the family and Stu-Man. I know this last year in Gainesville is going to be incredible... and then I will be a high school teacher. As long as I have been planning it, it's still weird/exciting/crazy to think that it will be happening so soon... So here's a preview.

Student: (hand raised) Ms. Edmonds?
Me: yes, Sean.
Student: Can I have a hall pass?
Me: I'm sure you "can." And yes, you MAY.

Heading home in less than 12 hours...

Not a lot of time left here in Europe. We are getting ready to go to dinner and then we are going to hang out with the cool hostel people for a little while, but we will be sleeping early tonight. We have to leave our hostel at 4am to get to the airport in time for our flights home. I am going to be really tired when I get home, but I am excited to see everyone and tell you all about the incredible trip this has been. I am bringing prizes!!! I think if I was leaving Europe from Italy I would be crying about it, but Athens wasn't my favorite. The Parthenon was really neat to see, but I am ready to leave Greece. I am happy to be coming home though, Mom. And I cannot wait to see you guys! I love you all very very much. I will call you all tomorrow during my trek homeward to the States!!!

My Big Fat Greek Vacation

Now we are in Athens. Our hostel is literally less than a five minute walk from the Acropolis. We are going to do some more sightseeing tomorrow. Due to technical difficulty and an unexpected trip to Naples, we got here pretty late and now we are all tired. We did have our first Greek dinner though at a place just down the street from our hostel. The owner looked like Albert Einstein, which I thought was really cute. Anyways, I can't say that I know a whole lot about this city yet, so I will have to write about it after tomorrow. The Parthenon is all lit up at night and looks amazing though. I cannot believe we are here! Thank you, Mom and Dad- this is the best graduation present I could ask for. I love you all!!!!

Our Last Night in Florence

Tonight is our last night in Florence. This morning we went to the highest point to San Minioto and looked at the city from up there. That climb was tough... I think we worked off all the pasta and pizza we have been eating over here. It was truly breathtaking from up there and I took a lot of pictures... good thing we bought that extra memory stick right before I left because it will definitely be full when I get finished over here. This evening we hurried to the Uffizi Museum to see some of Michaelangelo's and Boticelli's paintings. We had to skip the David because it was at a separate museum and we felt it was more important to see more. They closed at 6:30 and aren't open on Mondays. I think it was the only sacrifice we have made all trip though, so I guess it was bound to happen. We have seen the copy of the David in one of the piazzas every day that we have been here though, so that makes us feel a little better about it. I love all of you very very much! We leave for Venice tomorrow, and I will try to write from there! Ciao!

Firenze=Paradiso

So I am in Florence now and I cannot believe how right Stu was about this place. It is without a doubt the most beautiful city I have ever seen. We just finished what we swear will be our only day of shopping. Spent some time on the Ponte Vecchio and some other interesting little shops. Mom, if you are reading this tell Dad that yes, my money is holding up. So far, so good. I went to Dante's house today. That was exciting for me. I have been taking lots and lots of pictures. The sad thing is that most of our pictures only have 4 of us in them because someone has to play photographer for us each time. We should have hired a photographer to follow us around because we really are having such a wonderful time here. I am so glad that we have four days in Florence because it is allowing us to relax a little more than we did in Rome. It is also great to have a room to ourselves. We actually have two rooms because they are each only for three people. I am rooming with Lisa and Chelsea, while Kitty and Gabby are just down the hall from us. The view from our room is really nice and the people who own the hotel are very sweet. I am looking forward to three more nights here and then it is on to Greece!!!! I LOVE YOU ALL VERY VERY VERY MUCH and I will keep you updated whenever I can! Ciao!

When In Rome...

Just want to let everyone know that we are alive and well... very well. The past two days in Rome have been ridiculously fun and we have seen some beautiful things. Pictures will not do them justice, but I cannot wait to show them to you anyways. We leave today for Florence! While we were here, we did as the Romans do-- I think. I don't really know what that means exactly. We ate a lot of pasta, if that counts. Yesterday we walked for a total of 13 hours and covered the Vatican, San Antonio Castle, the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and several cathedrals that we wandered into. Today we are going to the Colosseum and that surrounding area before catching a train to Florence. I miss you all, and can't wait to be able to tell you about everything in more detail. Right now I have to pack because check out is at 10 at this hostel. Our next two stops are hotels, not hostels, and we will be in rooms without strangers... so that will be nice. But this really wasn't too bad, and Rome was definitely worth it!!! I'll write again when I get a chance. I love you all! Ciao!

Chapter 4: Graduation?! We're old.

Huh!? It's the week of Graduation! What???? It's only 4 days away (I graduate on Sunday morning.) This is so weird, I gotta say. I really can't believe four years have slipped by so quickly. I remember my high school graduation like it was yesterday. How in the world did we get here? Well, however we got here I'm glad that we did. And I am glad we got here together. I can't imagine a greater group of people to spend this time with. I was really dreading this whole graduation thing. With all the avoiding that we have done it is strange to say, but I am really excited to be a UF Graduate. Today Lisa said that we would all be together for our 23rd birthdays--- Ew! Then I remembered... it's just another 21st birthday. In fact it will be our "3rd annual 21st birthdays." Nothing wrong with that. I don't mind that we're getting old, because we are doing it together-- besides however old I get, Kitty will always be 5 months older, right?

Chapter 3: A Little Bit of Relief, an Eye Problem, and a Lot of Confusion

So I found out today that when I show up to classes next year at the College of Education, I will actually be able to get credits for it. My letter from grad school came in the mail today... YAY! So after signing a lease, planning my life around an extra year here, and basically refusing to believe that I could do anything other than stay here with you all-- I can plan on actually getting my Masters Degree.
My other news today is that I may have to become a pirate. My right eye is either terribly infected or scratched and either way, keeping it open is a struggle. Driving today was especially fun, but it had to be done. The funny thing is that my eye is escpecially sensitive to light... imagine this if you will: I had to wear my glasses because obviously my contacts were not an option. However, I also needed to wear sunglasses. So I wore both. That's right, sunglasses right over my glasses- It looked cool. I must say it is feeling better than it was earlier today... but the idea of becoming a pirate and wearing an eyepatch is still an option (really, even if my eye gets completely better it would still be cool.)
So now I have to give you guys something serious to read. There isn't anything to say, but it has to be mentioned. What happened at Virginia Tech is ridiculous and is really weighing on my mind. As soon as I stop thinking about it, I turn the TV on or someone randomly makes a comment about the event. I just cannot imagine what would make a person do this, and yet it keeps happening. The things that we have seen happen in our generation is something new to this world... and it is something scary. The fact that someone our age would want to end the lives of other people and his own life absolutely blows my mind. After Columbine I remember being shocked... and now this. It is always people right around our age. It scares me to think of what will be happening when we are all grown up and running the world. Something is obviously wrong with these kids... and what if it is getting worse? What about our kids? What is the world going to be like for them??? It's terrifying and there is nothing I can do but pray for those people and try to focus on the good things in the world. That isn't always easy. And this week it is hard to focus on anything except for the darkness of some peoples' hearts and minds. I am praying for everyone involved and for our generation as a whole- we have already seen too much.

Chapter 2: Anxiety

So things are really starting to get down to the wire. If we weren't staying another year, I honestly have no idea what I would do with myself. I feel so weird that after two weekends it will be time to "walk." That term really does sound so doom-filled. I like that our society makes graduating sound like we're heading toward the electric chair-- time to walk. Yeah, we "walk," but then what?... we cross a stage and shake someone's hand. It's not the end of the world. Life actually does go on. But only because we will all be back for another year. What if we had to actually leave? What if we had to "walk" away completely? What if it was 2008? To be honest with you all... it's too hard to think about. As excited as I am about having a classroom of my own and decorating it like a huge homo, it will be nearly impossible for me to leave you all and begin a life away from our swamp. All I can say is... Thank God for Gator football and Saturdays!

(aside): Why everyone locks their doors in Florida

I found this online and had to share it. I want to comment on it, but I don't really know what to say. So I will let the picture speak for itself. If a picture is worth a thousand words, like everyone says... this picture is worth approximately two thousand, three hundred, and fifty-nine words...

enjoy.

Chapter 1: Good Friday

I understand why Good Friday is "good," but that doesn't really make it easier. Easter I can really celebrate, so I am looking forward to that. Knowing that I have three Jewish readers, I am not going to dwell on this in my post, but it is consuming my thoughts today so I figured it was worth writing about...

Anyways, as you all know I am home for the Easter Weekend and have been spending time with my family and, of course, Stu. We went out on his boat last night, which seemed like a good idea. However, going out on a dark lake with bright lights on the boat actually attracts every bug within a 3 mile radius- who knew? The alternative would have been turning the boat lights off and risking another boat crashing into us... so despite my complaints, Stu opted for the bugs- he would. As you can see, I am not going to continue to be "creepy nice" to him anymore (Chelsea). I apologize- I don't know what that was about- I am sorry I worried you. We are doing really well right now though. I think it is because we are seeing each other so often; we always get along better when we are actually together. Unfortunately, the other thing I am having to do this weekend is school work. I am obviously refusing to do it today. Luckily, I can claim "religious reasons" and that makes me feel a little bit better about my procrastination. I really think that getting into the habit of keeping up with this blog is a good idea. I am disappointed to see that only Chelsea has more than one post... and Kitty is really letting me down with her blank page-- that is just RUDE. Anyways, I look forward to reading more from all of you. Even though we talk all the time, it seems that we write things that wouldn't ordinarily come up in conversation- so I don't think this blog is worthless before we are all scattered around the globe-- I think it is wonderful. I LOVE YOU ALL! And I look forward to next weekend when we will all be in Gville... FINALLY :)

Prologue

My first blog! Of course Chelsea had to instruct me on how to even begin this thing. I have trouble turning my computer on sometimes, but if you want I can write you an essay about it. So that's why this will be fun-- it also explains the title of my blog. I already had a slight break down in the technical system... Now everyone is laughing at me. Luckily, I will get a year of training in before I am off on my own without my computer tutor (haha, that rhymes.) I cannot tell you all how happy I am that all the girls are staying in Gainesville for an extra year. That is, of course, assuming that my grad school application is approved. The college of education is a little slow, and my deadline wasn't until June. It's a good thing I was the first one to sign a lease and plan on another year in Gainesville since I still don't have proof that I am staying here. The way I see it, no one can actually make me leave. I will continue to show up for classes and if they don't let me pay or give me credits for them, at least I will be learning. Afterall, we are all here for the education, right? So either way, I look forward to an extra year in the greatest place ever!