#8--Travel via Plane Alone

On May 22nd, I flew alone from Norfolk, VA to New York City, and from there went on to Salt Lake City for the wedding of two friends. I had a lovely time there, and then flew back (through Atlanta) in time to go back to work. It was awesome to finally fly alone. On the way there, I sat next to a boy my age who was taking the same flights to SLC. We ended up talking and becoming friends, spending the many-hour layover together. We didn't exchange information or anything, so I have no idea what he's up to now, but it was really cool to make a new friend on my first solo flight!


Here's a picture of me with the happy couple I went to go see!

#1--Have a Steady Pen-Pal

Sorry about the lack of updates--I've been working on my list, I just keep forgetting to write about it! I'm going to date them as completed on the day that they were done, not the day I updated, though. Anyway!

Since January of 2008, I've been keeping in touch with a soldier named Scott. We started writing when he was in boot camp, and we still talk now that he's deployed in Iraq. I was lucky enough to get to meet him when he was on R&R in early May. I'd say that I've checked this one off, finally :)

#83--Keep My Room Clean and Organized for a Month

This actually goes from 7/15/08-8/15/08. I was able to do this because I moved into my new place, set it up the way I wanted, and kept it nice and clean all month. I was working absurd hours, so I was almost never home. Maybe that's a little bit of cheating. Whatever, I completed my task!

Pictures :)

#46--Be Published in a Journal/Magazine

Well, I've already done this. Yes, back in January, I was "published" in the Wall Street Journal. I've outdone myself, thank goodness.

Published on page 17 of the Undergraduate Leadership Review.

Together with Hilary and Bess, we came up with a theory, wrote it up, and submitted it for publishing. A few revisions later, and here we are, shiny and published. At age 19, barely into my junior year of college, and I'm proud to say that I'm officially published (...again).

Feel free to cite me ;)

#80--Model In A Photoshoot

I had the privilege and opportunity to model with Van White, one of the photographers that CNU hires on a regular basis for events (Captain's Ball, etc.) and publicity (of the Ferguson Center/DSU). We took some pictures at Point Plaza, and had a really good time. I asked him if we could do a photoshoot involving a fire engine (yes, I'm a dork), and he said absolutely.

I think this is my favorite of the whole day, and it's one of the last ones he took.

Check out his photos at http://www.vansphotos.com

#43--Go On A Road Trip With Friends

On June 15th, a friend, her brother and I went from Norfolk, VA to Baltimore, MD (well, Towson, really) to see The Spill Canvas in concert. It took us way longer than it should have, thanks to a major accident on I-64, but we got there in time to be almost-first in line!

Notice the nice use of the seat-belt!


We left at 12pm, got there at 5pm, left around 1am, and got home at 5am. It was a very long night, but it was completely worth it. Why, you ask?


I got to meet the guys of The Spill Canvas! It was so great, I could hardly believe it. I also got to meet their Stage/Guitar Manager, Ace, who was probably the coolest person ever. I just regret not getting a picture with him :(

In any event, it was a lot of fun and I enjoyed it. But I definitely want to take a much more long-distance road trip with 3 or 4 friends sometime soon! I think that would be fun. Maybe New York? Who knows!

#55--Spend A Weekend Alone

This happened more by force than choice. Living by myself in a place where I don't know anyone leaves me sort of pressed for things to do. I'd drive the 40 minutes back to my school's town to hang out with friends there, but the gas just isn't worth it.

So this weekend I've spent alone. Honestly, I've been alone since Thursday evening, and I won't be seeing anyone until Monday at 10 for an interview. It's okay, though, it helps me accomplish this goal.

I've made Easy Mac and Ramen, I made myself brinner (breakfast for dinner), I've watched Home Improvement on Nick at Nite's Summer Improvement Week. I've read pages and pages in Paramedic by Peter Canning, and I've cross stitched a ton. I write blog entries and I talk on the phone. I listen to music and take long baths. I've sat on the balcony drinking tea during sunrise. I even walked down to the grocery store and just wandered through the aisles, picking things up and looking at them and checking out the people who were there too. It's boring. But the coolest part has been lying on the couch going in and out of consciousness at random times during the day, because I have nowhere to go and no one to impress.

But I'm tired of it. I guess I thought of a lot of free time as being a mini-vacation. In some ways it is, but in others...well, vacations are usually spent with other people. I don't really feel safe walking down the streets downtown by myself, so I haven't really met...uh...anyone. It's okay, though, this is what I wanted to do, and now I've done it. I feel a sense of accomplishment, but I look forward to starting my job and interacting with people on a daily basis.