My Spring Break > Yours

Hanging out on the sand bar!

I have one sentence written for my religion paper, which is due in three days. But here’s the thing? I don’t care enough to write it right now, because my mind is in Gulf Shores, Alabama with my 30 other friends on the beach. Did you catch that? I don’t care. (Sorry, Mom..)

For seven days I lived in the land of no worries with my amazing friends. It was the most fun time of my life. I was sad to be without the entire rest of my family, yes, but I honestly could not have asked for a better week. And here’s why…

DAD’S SUBURBAN.

Seven girls with a lot of belongings in one vehicle for 18 hours is a lot to handle. BUT holy cow it was fun and we took shifts to drive straight through. Lots of snacks, fleece blankets, iPod playlists, delirious stories, and the occasional shot of 5 Hour Energy proved to be a wonderful way of bonding.

Ready to leave Ames and head to Alabama! 

OUR COMPLEX.

We had a group of around 18 fraternity gentlemen and 14 sorority beauties head down south, which means we required a lot of beds (or blankets for the floor). Renting out two of the three houses 1.5 blocks from the ocean was a very good decision on our part. Our houses were crazy nice for college kids and included our own pool, sand volleyball court, 20 or so bicycles (on any given day), an outdoor living space, three hammocks, and three cabanas each equipped with a different gaming system. I mean, WHOAAAAA.

Our sand volleyball court! 

DELTA BAMA.

When we left Greekland in our vehicles, we had 9 Chi Omegas, 4 Sigma Kappas, and 1 beautiful Gamma Phi Beta. When we left Alabama, we had founded our own sorority complete with traditions, hand signs, and officers – Delta BAMA. :) I overheard one of the girls on the trip saying, “I left Ames with strangers and came back with best friends,” and I wholeheartedly agree. I have been without them for almost two nights and I feel like I’m going through sisterly withdrawal.

Missing two sisters, but these are my beautiful roomies!

Throwing up the first draft of our hand sign...

DON’T CARE.

The trip’s motto became “Don’t Care” very quickly. One of our SigEp men coined the term and soon our girls house became infatuated with the song “I Love It” by Icona Pop…lyrics are I don’t care, I love it! I. Don’t. Care. Can you blame us for loving that line? Anytime anyone said anything mildly negative, confrontational, or stressful it got an immediate shutdown by anyone nearby. We didn’t need any pressure/stress/school/obligations in Gulf Shores. We needed fun (and we got it).

 

We didn't care when we found our statue buried...

OUR COUCH.

To be honest with you, we napped a lot on spring break because why wouldn’t we? We laid in the sun, we ate lunch, and then we napped inside. Not only was our couch wonderful for napping, but also for chatty cathy sessions. In case you’re not aware, all girls do is talk…and our couch could hold enough of us to have hours worth of conversation. J AND of course a “Bad Girls Club” marathon, which I don’t recommend unless you’re with a dozen other fun twenty-somethings.

A little TV time with my Delta Bama sisters! 

ALTER EGOS.

I became “Cassie” to anyone from other schools, which meant all but 30 people in the whole area. Our neighbors from Kansas State called me “Cass” when I climbed into the suburban at the end of the trip… SUCCESS!!! I lasted a week as the carefree, sassy, alternative Anna named Cassie and my goodness do I miss her already. Other names included Brad, Cinnamon, Dom, Hazel, Lance, Travis, Brittany, etc. It’s a challenge to remember other names for people you already have both real names and nicknames for…

Cinnamon with her Mac 'N Cheese, naturally.

WAFFLE HOUSE.

I don’t know if you guys know this, but I am absolutely obsessed with anything edible that’s both cheap and greasy. It’s a rough life, I know. The great thing about Gulf Shores (besides it’s people, weather, beach, etc.) is that it accommodates tourists with a local Waffle House complete with grits and southern hospitality. I made my sisters go multiple times. And I never regretted letting the grease drip off my delicious strips of bacon. ;)

The Friday morning Waffle House crew!

THE WEDDING.

To change things up a bit, we put together a wedding between one handsome SigEp gentleman and one gorgeous Delta Bama sister. Festivities included a candle passing, bachelor/bachelorette parties, a ceremony complete with sentimental vows and rings made out of plastic straws, and a reception featuring the song “Wagon Wheel” by Old Crow Medicine Show (of course). Needless to say, it was a huge success.            **Did I mention those two people aren’t even dating? #YOLO

The happy newlyweds!

Wait… WHY did we come back to Iowa and snow again? I don’t have a logical answer besides that our parents told us to start driving to beat the “giant snowstorm” tearing through the Midwest…. Riiiiiighhtt. Until next year, Gulf Shores! XOXO We’ll miss you dearly!

**If you’re looking for some entertainment, search #Bubba on twitter to live through our Gulf Shores fun from the last week. ;) 

SUCH a fun weekend in Ames!

I had the greatest weekend. And I feel like there’s caffeine in my veins I am just so happy! It’s always fun in this here town of Ames. J

On Friday night, I got to spend my time with my two favorite college freshmen – my littles! Those two pretty little things told me all about their lives and interrogated me about every male I’ve ever made contact with. It was awesome. And Applebee’s flavored lemonades really hit the spot! (Tip: Ask for Kiwi Strawberry) After dinner, little Anna and I found ourselves drinking coffee and swaying to a David Gray song at 9:30PM on a Friday night. When I realized how pathetic we were, I laughed because Anna never complained once. Soulmates?

My littles, Anna and Jamie, at Applebee's. 

I got the chance to see “Argo” for free at Cyclone Cinema Friday night, as well! I bought my sleepy little Hannie some popcorn and proceeded to squirm uncomfortably for the next two hours (Very stressful film). At one particularly tense point, Anna, Hannah, and myself were all in contorted in different positions and a guy in front of us turned around and started laughing… At least we entertained someone? I, as always, attempted the round of applause when the credits began to roll and as always only about three people joined in on the fun.

Waiting for Argo to start on campus! 

When Hannah and I returned home to the Chi, she halfheartedly mentioned building a snowman. After much persuasion, the two of us headed to the fraternity across the street (at midnight) only to find that it definitely was not packing snow. The next hour of our lives was spent in an intense snow fight with some friends and a significant amount of snowballs. SO FUN.

Saturday was bound to be stressful from the start. I had to be up early and at the MU, so I got my day started off at about 8:30AM. By 10:45 I had two loads of laundry going (#productive). My partner-in-life Kyle and I spent the day going from Starbucks to WalMart to Target to WalMart to JoAnn’s Fabric to Hobby Lobby and finally to HyVee in search of Varieties costumes and coffee/food, of course. Although it was stressful, I love getting to spend every waking moment with my girl, Kyle. J Especially when I’m introducing her to HyVee Chinese!

My dear friend Kyle and I. :)

Saturday night was the most fun night everrrr. I went to a bus party called Saddle ‘n Gun with my hilarious friend and had a blast. We were proud when people called us the “Alcohol Bandits” and when we showed up all the other couples with our sweet dance moves. I went to sleep with visions of Taylor Swift and plastic rifles dancing around in my head. Isn’t life fun in cowgirl boots? (Until the morning, when you find blisters….ouch)

My TSwift-obsessed date!

This morning, I pulled myself together and went to church with Hannah and her entertaining dad. All the praise songs were amazing and it was nice, like always, to get my week started off on the right foot. After church we picked up Hannah’s sister and headed off to brunch at The Café. It was fun pretending to be a Wilson for a few hours. AND I learned about the history of the book of Exodus, some background information on the Mormon values, and where Hannah got her strong jaw and bursts of laughter from, all from her father.

My weekend is ending with my thinking about starting my homework, but really just wanting to nap after a two hour Varieties practice. I am feeling so blessed and upbeat, yet I realize I’m in need of some sleep. Staying up and having fun can wear a cowgirl out, ya hear?

Hope your weekend was as exceptionally stellar as mine was and thanks for checking in!

  

#SingleProbs

Most of the time it's great to be single.......

If you know me, you are probably quite familiar with the term “boyfriend moment.” I throw it around mainly because I like to believe I’m capable of surviving without someone permanently attached to me as a sophomore in college, but I also use it because those moments in life really do exist.

These boyfriend moments usually occur during one of the following times: sickness, when you’re at home (away from school), exhaustion, formal month, boredom, tight-with-money days, and the worst of all….holidays.

Photo Credit: Hannah Wilson

This seems like the perfect opportunity to address BOYFRIEND SEASON. When it becomes about the time that major holidays roll around, everyone gets a little antsy. Well, by everyone, I mean all my single ladies, I suppose. Why is this? Because everyone wants to feel like when they go home, 1. Someone will miss them and send a cute little text message reminding them how much they truly do, and 2. Relatives, family friends, and anyone you’ve ever known that you’ll see during breaks. 

Families are amazing. Family friends are awesome. Acquaintances? Pretty dece. But all of these people, together, seem to form some kind of interrogating team during the holidays at home. And I swear, there must be some award for who gets the most information. (I’m assuming they’re giving away cars by the amount of times I’ve been asked the same questions…)

Now, I’m not one to criticize those who enjoy asking questions and learning about other people’s lives. I am one of those people. I am speaking of a specific and seemingly general conversation.

(NUMBER ONE QUESTION, EVERY SINGLE TIME)

Got yourself a boyfriend up there at Iowa State?

Nope.

This is a really basic and semi-understandable question. I’m flattered you care enough to ask about my love life, friend. However, you brought this up uncomfortably early in the conversation. I made Dean’s List last semester, man…

Aaannnnnnaaa, are you sure you’re not pulling my leg? (laughs, elbow nudge)

No, really. No boys for me, still. Sorry to disappoint.

Well, now you’ve rubbed it in. Still single. Nope, no prospects. Hilarious joke, though.

Haha, I’m sure there are plenty of young men up there who would love to date you.

I mean, if there was we probably wouldn’t be having this conversation, right?

You’ve now thrown dirt on my open wound and rubbed it in. NO ONE WANTS TO DATE ME. It’s sweet of you to try and comfort me by lying. SO sweet.

Well, I’m sure you’ll find someone just right for you up there, eventually. You’re young, anyways. No rush.

Thanks. I’ll let you know as soon as I find one.

Doubt that. Until next holiday, old friend.

How to make the most of Boyfriend Season:

1. Create a boyfriend for yourself. But, make sure he has at least one flaw. Ex. Texting, which is why you’ve hardly heard from him lately…

2. Go through the list of all the events and life moments you’d miss if you had a boyfriend. Normally, the person will agree with you and be in awe of how much fun you’re having living the single dream.

3. Fake an injury and get the hell out of Dodge. Ex. Dust in eye, extreme muscle cramp, sudden migraine, or lean against literally anything and say, “Ouch! Be back in a minute!” Don’t forget to wince in pain for all of the above.

Hope these tips help you to fight off your relatives this Boyfriend Season! If all else fails, cry in the bathroom and know that they will all receive coal, without a doubt, for making you feel bad. Santa’s watching! Now go refill your wine glass.

MOA Observations

So, I made a visit to this small-town mall this weekend. Maybe you’ve heard of it? The Mall of America? There was a few things I observed there…

1. GIRLS ARE STILL TORTURING THEIR BOYFRIENDS

Time after time, I watched boyfriends follow their ladies around like puppies. Now, I have heard rumors that there are a few men out there who truly just want to spend time with their girlfriends, but these guys are rare. The young men I saw in stores were clearly being pulled along by their leashes… Which has me thinking, WHY are you letting your girlfriend run your life?! You are in FOREVER 21. Rethink your relationship and go watch some football, please.

2. THERE ARE A LOT OF UNREALISTIC STYLES OUT THERE

An example is this picture I took of these cute forms in Urban Outfitters. Did I like these outfits? Absolutely. Luckily, I spent a moment gazing at them, thinking about how the purchase of one of those little “dresses” would benefit my life. My mom would be proud that I realized that you CANNOT actually wear anything that thin, short, and cheap in freezing cold Iowa weather. I hope that one would never expose their legs and only wear that tiny little shirtdress with a parka. Whhhaaaattt? Two different seasons, Urban. Come on now.

Urban Outfitters "dresses."

3. PEOPLE ARE SO CRAZY WEIRD

People watching is truly so much fun, especially in such a diverse and gigantic place. So many crazies running around on Saturday and I was loving it. I even met an employee (at H&M, congrats to them) who was sincerely nice and excited about life! I believe that is the first time I have ever encountered a happy worker in retail. BUT, other people, like the man with an entire bald eagle tattooed on his exposed arm made the trip even better.

4. DICK’S (the restaurant) IS SO GREAT

I never expected to pay for terrible and insulting service, but my goodness do I suggest it. The entire concept of the restaurant is for the customers to be fed and mocked. All of the employees are absolute jerks and spend their time treating people like crap for big tips. What a concept! I ate my cheesesticks happily and enjoyed making my waitress hate me, which resulted in my faulty hat. Don’t complain. ;)

Our insulting hats from Dick's Last Resort. Mine said "Sperm Bank."

I had a great time visiting my friend’s family in Eagan this weekend. And I got to spend some quality time with my two fabulous sisters and next semester, my roommates! Hope you all had a lovely weekend yourselves!

On the way to the mall with Katie (center) and Janie (right).