Alt Break Series: Weekend Break

The next chapter in my Alt Break series was written when I went with a bunch of my friends to the Kansas Neurological Institute on a Weekend Alt Break. For just a few hours, I was able to make thank you cards and place mats with some truly wonderful ladies and visit a place that I could easily see myself coming back to volunteer again. The staff and regular volunteers made us feel very welcome and comfortable as well and, like all volunteering, it was such an easy thing to do for just a few hours of my time that (I hope) made a big difference.

Laura and Janet with Laura's beautiful placemat!

Brian and Carrie!

Kaitlyn and her FABULOUS hand turkeys!

They gave these to everyone who volunteered and you bet that it's now hanging on my wall. (:

MACURH 2014: From a Dream to Reality

Let me tell you the story of how a girl from a small town in Kansas over came everything to make her dream a reality for her and so many others. A dream of hosting a regional conference and bringing it back to KU after 20 years.  A dream that everyone said was too hard, too long, or not worth it. A dream that came true….

This all started a year and a half ago when I returned from NACURH 2012 in Boulder, Colorado. I will never forget having a meeting with my advisor and telling him I wanted to host a conference. He sighed and said, “I knew this was coming… OK. Let’s get started.” And we haven’t stopped moving since.  I researched and began shoulder tapping and bringing people in from AURH and Hall Governments. The next thing I knew, we were at MACURH 2012 watching SLU win the honor of hosting MACURH 2013. I looked at Laura and said, “That’s going to be us next year.”

We have spent the last eight months writing a 56-page bid, recording a wonderful 5-minute video, and perfecting a 25-minute presentation.  It was all worth it. It will always be worth it.

OCTOBER 26, 2014

There is a period of time I will forever know as the 24-Hours-of-Never-Ending Anxiety, aka October 26, 2013.  The Bid Team knew we were presenting first at 8 am, so we all were awake and getting ready at the ungodly hour of 5:45am. We made it to SLU’s campus and were told there were technological difficulties and that we would go in a little bit. It was like waiting for a baby to come: ten members of a family sitting around a waiting room just hoping for good news. Finally, it was time to go in and set up. We had the room to ourselves for five minutes, we did a Prezi check, sound check, and a quick “1, 2, 3, ROCK CHALK!” Our presentation had begun.

I began by welcoming, introducing and thanking various individuals and we all turned to watch our AMAZING video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UB9tCP6oUv4

We all took turns going through our sections of the bid and telling the region how we hoped MACURH 2014 would look like. I was so proud of my team! They were doing amazing in everyway! I, on the other hand, have no memory of speaking coherently. I remember stuttering and slurring my words, but according to my team, this is not true! It must have been the adrenaline. However, about 15 minutes into the presentation, the “timer” held up a number 5. I had no idea what it meant because I knew we had 10 minutes left.  I minute later, we got a 4 and we still had several slides. Laura and I stole a glance of quick panic and silently knew to skip a few slides to try and end it quickly. I have no idea how we understood each other in that moment, but I’m just glad we did. I got up to try and end and in the middle of my words, I hear “STOP.” I. Panicked.

But after a moment, they realized we still had five minutes and we were allowed to continue. I (according to my team) jumped right back in like nothing happened and we went back to our skipped slides.  We ended with this amazing KU video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocflO69t2ZU

After, we were expecting a GRUELING question and answer session from the NCC’s in the region. Shockingly, we only had a record 4 questions before someone moved to end Q&A.

We. Were. Shocked.

We spent the next several minutes decompressing and just celebrating for doing such an amazing job! I was, again, so proud of them and all we had accomplished and I can think of no other individuals that I would rather have gone through this with. We had left everything we could in that boardroom and all we could do now was wait….

As per regional practice, my advisor and I were going to be told before closing ceremonies so that regardless of the decision, we could prepare the bid team and ourselves. I’ve had many people ask me how I reacted when I found out and the best answer I can give is that I “Miss America’ed it” hardcore.  I was, of course, crying and emotional that I finally had an answer! I called my mom and dad, talked with my advisor, and prepared myself to face my team.

They were waiting for me in another room, standing in a circle holding hands. They were clearly waiting for me to join them, but I could wait that long. I walked in, tears still falling and said,

“We won.”

Hugging, more crying, and excited whispers followed with the promise that we could not tell a soul until tonight, including the rest of the KU people.

That night, the bid team had a table to themselves and we were so excited to finally be able to share this incredible news with everyone. I had been actively ignoring text messages all day and I just wanted to scream “KU WON” very, very loudly.

FINALLY, the last award was about to be given out… MACURH 2014. The Bid Team held hands and closed our waiting to finally hear what we had wanted for so long….

“MACURH 2014 will be hosted… at the University of Kansas!”

After I was sworn in, there were pictures, transitional meetings, and information overload… but I loved every minute of it. We were no longer a bid team; we were a conference staff. We have 370 days to plan and execute a regional conference…. but for right now, we are celebrating. We stayed up late watching videos and eating pizza, just being friends. We defied the odds, we ignored the people who told us we couldn’t and that it was too hard…. We did it. And I couldn’t be more proud to be a University of Kansas Jayhawk.

From Bid Team...

TO CONFERENCE STAFF!

And Regional Board Member!!!

KU Delegation!

Being Sworn In

Alt Break Series: Accepted!

I received some wonderful news recently!

I was accepted to go on an Alternative Winter Break to the Colorado Springs Pride Center!

Now let me explain what an Alt Break is: During a week-long AB program, groups of seven KU students travel to locations across the country for a week of service work. Each group focuses on a specific issue; previous topics include environmentalism, education, community organizing, health, sustainability, homelessness, aging, immigration, LGBTQ rights, and disaster relief. We seek to provide KU students with a unique opportunity to volunteer and grow on a personal level. (Taken from the AB website: kualternativebreaks.com)

This was not the first time I have applied for an Alt Break; I applied last winter to go to Give the Kids the World in Florida, and I was not chosen. I was heartbroken, but I knew that I would apply again because I have only ever heard amazing things about going on an Alt Break! I truly wanted that amazing experience where I can help others and travel.

This year, there were five sites that I would have been thrilled to go to, but my first pick was the pride center in Colorado Springs. I wanted to learn new ways to promote equality and learn about other identities that I don't know as much about either because I don't identity myself with that identity or because I haven't been exposed to that identity. While I am learning so much here at KU about diversity and inclusivness, it's time to take it to the field!

I was also drawn to this break because I know that someday, I'll work with a student who needs or wants help, and hopefully this experience will give me some of the tools to do that in the best way.

Plus, this trip is going to be FABULOUS in every sense of the word. (:


http://www.cospride.org/index.php/en/

They're the Millers.

It doesn't seem all that long ago that I was posting about my great friends, Levi and Amanda getting engaged... (Engaged!!) She was posting about it too! (20 and Engaged)


Well... they are no longer engaged... THEY ARE MARRIED!

I was beyond honored when Amanda asked me to be a bridesmaid. It was the most precious way of asking ever!! But it just seemed so far away!! This was at the beginning of my sophomore year, and if I was impatient, I can't imagine how Levi and Amanda felt!

Of course, I said YES!

Levi and Amanda chose September 14, 2013 because that's when they started dating 6 years ago, and after dress shopping, dress trying on, and months of hearing her ideas and visions (and loving every one of them!), August 2013 had rolled into town. And this meant only a little over a month to go.

We had a wonderful time at her bridal shower in August! That was the first time a lot of the bridesmaids had met each other and it really was starting to feel real to all of us.... it was (finally!) happening!

Bridal Shower Maids!

And then suddenly, the Bachelorette party was here! It was a night full of surprises for Amanda as we went to dinner at HuHot, scavenger hunting at Krispy Kreme, and dancing at Club Rodeo! But we were still two weeks out... Hurry up, wedding!

Bachelorette Party!

The weekend before the wedding, I invited Amanda to Lawrence since Levi would be at his bachelor's party and it was the first KU game of the season! It would be a good break, right? Well, it was hot. Really hot. And we were both afraid of getting sunburnt while waiting for the game to start! It turned out ok though, because we just sat their with towels over our faces and nothing got burnt!

KU Game!

I woke up the next Friday morning so excited... I was leaving for Emporia that night!! The rehearsal was that night as well as the bridal party sleepover! The rehearsal went off without a hitch and that night, we all hung out at Amanda's and told stories! It was a blast, but we were so ready for that next day!

After showering, making the center pieces, running errands, and getting ready, it was time for pictures! This meant we were SO CLOSE! A friend of Amanda and I'd from high school took pictures and she did a fabulous job! We passed the time by singing pitch perfect songs, drinking mimosas, and doing whatever Amanda needed (I got to play messenger quite a bit!).

The next we know... it's 4:47.. only a few minutes to go! We line up, whisper a few words to Amanda, and then... the music started. Amanda had the brilliance to not play Here Comes the Bride, so this piece choked everyone up the moment it started.

"A Thousand Years- The Piano Guys"

If you know me, you know I was tearing up. I have known and loved these two for many years and I just could not contain my excitement and joy... but then I looked over at Levi.

Friends, this is how I know true love exists.

He was anxiously waiting for Amanda to come in because they had not seen each other all day (only talked, blind folded) and he was shaking. Smiling, shaking, griping his hands, READY.

And then, there she was.... And there were tears rolling down his face.

After that, there were few dry eyes in the house. Amanda's sister Kayla was crying, the best man was sniffling, Ashley and I were tearing and I couldn't see Amanda's face, but I believe she was too.

I know how much these two love each other, and I know how long they've waited for this.

It was a short and sweet ceremony. Again, Amanda had the brilliance to choose a song she loved for the first walk as Mr. and Mrs. Miller! I loved all her choices for songs, and this was no different.

"Marry Me- Train"

More. Tears.

After more pictures, and a quick "Congrats!", it was dinner time. All the 'maids realized how hungry we were after we saw the chocolate fountain and pasta Levi and Amanda chose. The Maid of Honor and Best Man toasts were hilarious and heart-warming (and a little long, Brian!!) but they were absolutely perfect coming from the two who gave them.

Time to dance! Amanda and Levi's first dance was to Brad Paisely's "Then", (perfect), Levi and his Mom danced to "I Love You This Big" (perfect), and Amanda and her dad... well they didn't do a traditional Father-Daughter dance. It started out that way, and turned into a medley of fun dances, and everyone loved it! It was (perfect.)

It was a beautiful wedding for a beautiful couple. I love you both to the moon and back, and I hope you had a wonderful day. <3>

#haveagoodtimeonyourhoneymooncruise!

PS: To my 'maid ladies, I loved spending the weekend with each and every one of you. Love you all so much, and I will be in EMPO soon!

Stephania and Ashley!!

Time Traveler, Vol 2

Volume 2! Here is the link to the Time Traveler for the Spring and Summer. Some copies are out in the mail, but if you want one, just let me know!

Time Traveler, Vol. 2

Little Blue Envelopes

So, to put it simply, everyone knows I love to read. Well, a year ago, I went to Barnes and Noble in Kansas, City and bought a book just because it looked cute and sounded really intriguing... It's about a girl traveling through Europe by way of her late Aunt's letters. I finished the book in less than five hours...

13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson

It took me a whole year to get around to securing the conclusion sequel. I actively looked for it at bookstores and online, but I never found one that was affordable enough. Finally, I ordered it off a website intending to read it on the way to Seattle. Sadly, it didn't get here in time, so I read it in Mulvane (in just a few hours.... it's such a fast read!). This time she goes back to Europe to continue her journey learning about Europe, herself and her aunt.

The Last Little Blue Envelope by Maureen Johnson

After finishing "Last Little", it took a moment to collect my thoughts and figure out what I thought. First, I loved it, of course, but that is NOT the ending I was expecting. It was such a great journey and she was able to see amazing places in the story, but I just wanted a different ending, the same ending that the main character wanted. But after I continued to think about it... I realized that this ending was exactly right. It wasn't planned, it wasn't what she wanted... but it was SO life. Life never ends up how we think it should or in the path that we think we need to follow, so why should this story have a perfectly wrapped-up, happy ending?

It was very inspirational for me to read this and absorb the message. Life will NOT go the way I plan and it will NOT end up the way I expect.... and that's fine! I just need to keep telling myself that I can't see how my chapter is going to end right now, and I can't worry about it. It will probably end in a cliff hanger, but that's the cool thing of writing my own story: I can decide that for myself.

Summer of Firsts

School is finally here! But that also means I have been neglecting my blog all summer... my bad! I'll slowly catch up over the coming weeks with updates about my newsletter, past events, and future ones!

I'll start with all the cool stuff I did in Lawrence this summer!

I was offered my job from last summer again, and I took it instantly! All the interns lived in GSP Hall and had a great time getting to know each other. We made sure to have a lot of fun while we worked though...

Concerts

I got to see two amazing concerts this summer! The first one was The Goo Goo Dolls and Matchbox 20 in Kansas City with Hadley. I had gotten us tickets for her birthday and it was finally time to use them!! What was really amazing was that a few days later, free Michael Franti and Spearhead and Train tickets were given to me free by a friend... what amazing luck! Both concerts were incredible and easily tie for first in my book.

Hadley!

Goo Goo Dolls!

Matchbox 20!

Drew!

Michael Franti!

Train!

Broadway Shows

My first Broadway show was, of course, The Little Mermaid! I went with my co-workers and it was the coolest experience ever! I was singing "Part of Your World" for days.

Old Settler's Days

I have't had the chance to return to Mulvane during Old Settler's since before I moved to KU. It was a wonderful treat that I got to visit them this time! I didn't get to see everyone I wanted, but it was a great few days home!

My Neverland

We all know the story of Peter Pan... Boy doesn't want to grow up, Boy Meets Girl, Boy tries to get Girl to replace his mother, Girl leaves and they remain friends. Now doesn't that sound familiar?

The story of the boy who never wanted to grow up is a common one among my peers. We are able to relate to it in a way that children and full-blown adults cannot, because we are still in that limbo that allows us to see what we have just left behind, and yet see the green grass on the side of adult hood. Most of the time, students will say they would rather be a kid forever to get out of difficult school work or paying bills, the usual. However, as children, all we wanted to do was to grow up. It couldn't happen fast enough. The adults tell us that we should enjoy being kids, it all disappears soon, and, unfortunately, we can't get it back.

We didn't listen.

Now, as my second year of college is coming to a close, I look back at my last two years with a mixture of pride and curiosity...and yes, a little bit of longing to do it all over again.  I am so proud of my accomplishments in my short time here in Lawrence. I know I do my best work and I hope I inspire others to do their best work. However, I look back and wonder if I had figured out what I wanted sooner, would I have been just as successful? What would my world look like today? Did I do everything I could, and I will I have time to complete the rest?

These kinds of questions just make me want to stop time so that I could have more time to figure out how to answer them. And my favorite fictional place where time stands still? Neverland.

These past few weeks have been rough on me. It's just that time of year where the demand is high and the motivation is low. At times like this, I have found it's best to just get away for a bit and clear my ever-spinning head. So, to kill two birds with one stone, I decided to take a walk Saturday night. I got to spend some personal time with my favorite campus, and I got to enjoy the BEAUTIFUL weather!

I walked to Potter Lake to lay out a blanket and soak up the sun and catch up on a new show: Neverland from Sy-Fy (It's on Netflix). After a while, I decided to check out a book from my library and read that in my own personal Neverland on campus. It's this beautiful courtyard in one of the buildings that is practically hidden from the outside world. I could be there for hours reading and I wouldn't see a soul... and I did just that. I curled up and read my newly checked-out library book and was happier than I had been all week. I honestly felt more in touch with my stresses and how to combat them. And I got a beautiful book out of the situation, so I really think this could become a weekend tradition.

I found this while sitting at Potter Lake.. I hope to have one just like it ♥

My Neverland, complete with fountain and flowers. (:

The most beautiful book I have read to date.. have tissues ready..

So the concept of my own personal Neverland is a fun one, because for me, that courtyard, and Potter Lake, and a few of my other hiding spots are places where I can go to suspend my problems and my stresses for a few hours and try to relax and think them through. Time will really stand still for me. And I know I won't be on KU's campus forever, and while the thought distresses me, it also forces me to get my ass in gear and spend as much time with this beauiful place as I can. And understand that I have another Neverland waiting for me out there...Because, no, most days I do not want to grow up. However...
 
"To live would be an awfully big adventure." from Peter Pan

And I am not missing out on finding my Neverland. (:

Spring Breakers 2013

I have some of the best friends in the world. Hands down; no contest.

Becca, Laura, Hadley, Katie, Claire and I

These beautiful women and I just had a fantastic week in Branson getting some R, R &R (rest, relaxation, and recreation). Shopping, Silver Dollar City, and Snow (yes, SNOW!) were the main ideas for this trip, sprinkled with KU Basketball and movie days/nights. I believe we ended up watching no less than 18 movies throughout the week, and I won't lie, that is what I consider to be a good time.

Beautiful deck view  (:

Shopping at the Branson Landing

Just after riding the brand-new ride at SDC!

After doing damage at the Landing... #thinkpink!

#lovelyladies

Last day.. after the snow!

What makes these women so wonderful is the fact that some of them had never met each other or barely knew each other, but were willing to come hang out in Branson with me for part of break and that means the world to me.

Just call me Carrie who is surrounded by a Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte. Although, we are still trying to figure out who the Samantha is...

;)

En Español

I just had to write this blog for Spanish class.. So I figured I would just post it here! Don't laugh... complex thoughts give me a lot of trouble!

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¡Me encanta viajar¡

Me gusta esta fotografía porque fue en Metropolis, Illinois enfrenta de estatua de Superman. Me encanta viajar y ver lugares diversos. Mi amiga, Taylor Mercier, sacó esta fotografía durante vacaciones de invierno en mi primero viaje por carretera. Superman es mi favorito Superhéroe de cómics de DC. Esta fotografía es cómica porque soy llevando calcetines y no llevando zapatos. Algunos lugares visité durante vacaciones de invierno son Tennessee, North Carolina, Illinois y Kentucky. Mi amigos mejor Laura y RJ viajaron conmigo en esta viaje por carretera. Somos todos estudiantes de el Universidad de Kansas. Esta fue el primero viaje de más. Quiero viajar todo sobre el mundo. Tengo nunca salió los estados unidos y quiero ver otro lugares que son más interesante. Me gusta aprender Español porque quiero viajar a Barcelona algún día.  España mira hermosa y la cultura es muy me interesante. Cada nuevo lugar viajo a es importante para mí, pero mi favorito siempre será mi casa en Mulvane, Kansas.

The Time Traveler

I love to talk about myself... If you are reading this blog, then you know that. I also love to write and send letters. So, I decided to combine the two and create a newsletter. Earlier this week, I sent out a hard copy with a message to my family and friends.. Now I am posting it on my blog so that anyone can see it, and it's far more environmentally friendly. I enjoyed writing it, and I hope you enjoy reading it!

The Time Traveler

<3>

Road Trip!

Two weeks ago, I returned home from a week long, cross country road trip! While I could write about a blog post about it, I think this video tells a much better story. (: