Hugs, Lungs, and Animal Crackers

I love hugs. LOVE THEM. I grew up in a big, loving family that likes to hug a lot. Bad day! Hug. You made an A, yay! Hug. You just brushed your teeth! Hug. Are you catching what I'm throwing, peeps? The Van Ackers/Cacibaudas are all about hugging it out. Maybe it's because we like each other, or maybe it's just because it makes it easier to secretly stick something to someone's back. Who knows, but due to this hugging obsession, hugs play a vital role in my life. They are #3 on my list of life's necessities, right under oxygen and pickles. When I lived at home, I was too lazy to walk downstairs for food/water/school binder/anything, but I would go down there just to hug my mom without even thinking about it.

Anyway, the point of this ridiculous tangent is that hugs are different when you get to college. I don't always hug people goodbye, because I'm probably going to see them in a few hours! You get hugs at church, but they are just the quick .253 second hugs. You don't get a really awesome hug often, and you certainly don't get any mommy hugs. But I can always count on my Critz girls for a good hug. It's normal for me to walk across the hall into Stephanie's room, hold out my arms, and say, "Hold meeee!" I think I need to start hugging people all the time again. Did you know you need 4 hugs a day to survive, 8 to function, and 12 to grow? Eat your veggies and get your hugs, people!

Remember that list of life's necessities I mentioned earlier? Well, I'm short on hugs, there aren't pickles in my fridge, and my lungs are crapping out on me this week. It's only a matter of time before my short little life ends! So tragic. The cold I caught from my infected friends has worked its way up to a nice little upper respiratory infection, just like I figured it would. I'm such a pro at being sick. I go to the doctor and tell them what's wrong with me, what I have, and the medicine I need. If only I could write my own prescriptions. Just think of all the money I could save!

Due to my mama llama lung drama, I never feel like walking up the steep hill to get to the Union/Perry to eat dinner, so lately my dinner has consisted of a nice, healthy bowl of animal crackers and peanut butter. Tonight I might even spice it up and throw in a fruit cup and Capri Sun! You're jealous. You would much rather eat my dinner than your nice, home-cooked meal. I know.

If you need to get your good deed out of the way for this week, I'm looking for a new pair of lungs. I'll even buy you dinner first! No old, black, smoker lungs, please.

Reunions and Rain

Well. I've been here for a little over a month now. I haven't been arrested or kicked out, and I've managed to avoid being raped/attacked/stabbed/kidnapped, so these are all good things.. right?

Things have been quite eventful around here lately. I like keeping myself busy, but lately I've just felt like being lazy. Too bad I never have time to be lazy! I should start putting "be super lazy" on my to-do list every day. I had three tests last week, so being lazy wasn't really an option. I have my physics test this Thursday. Gag. I will gladly accept prayers, chocolate, and/or a noose.

Anyway! Last weekend, Jen and I took a road trip to Auburn for the Auburn/State game! We left State at 5 am, and met up with two of my friends from home, Sebastian and Jill. Then we drove back later that night after the game. It was a LONG day, but it was so much fun! Seeing Sebastian and Jill made me so happy. :)

Then it was test week. :( I survived my geography and psychology tests on Monday, and aced (read: I MADE A FREAKING 100!!!) my math test on Wednesday. We had Cowbell Yell (a pep rally thingy) on Wednesday night to get everyone pumped for our first home game on Thursday. I went with my sweet little Critz family! Have I mentioned how much I love them?

Stephanie, Audra, and myself at Cowbell Yell! They live on my hall. :)

Ready to hear the best part? Since ESPN and LSU fans invaded Starkville on Thursday for the game, classes were cancelled. Terrible Thursday was NONEXISTENT! The weather was super nice, and college football games are really fun! It was weird being at a football game and not being in a band uniform. I had lots of good times in band, but this was so different! I loved every second of it. Also, I don't care what kind of jokes are made about our cowbells, ringing those things are FUN. And painful. But still fun. :) Along with getting to watch a football game and make lots of noise with a cowbell, there are a few bonuses that are thrown in there that no one mentions. You know, like being slammed into by obnoxious boys and getting alcoholic drinks spilled on my clothes.

My roomie :)

Drue :) She lives on my hall and is Stephanie's roommate!

   
 














Then, the very best thing happened on Friday! I was reunited with two of my very bestest friends from home! We hadn't all been together since summer, so saying we were excited is an understatement! Courtney came up Wednesday night, and Ashley got here Friday. Ridiculous things always happen when we're together. I don't know how, it just happens! I'm pretty sure my mom was saying a prayer for every person in Starkville when she found out the three of us would be together all weekend.

But you know what they say, all good things must come to an end. I don't really like the person that came up with that. I started my Monday with wet hair, no coffee in my system, running on less than two hours of sleep. After my two classes I did some homework in the library, made a careless mistake on my easy cheesy math quiz, and realized I have no idea what I did with my physical science lab work that's due this week. Then I got to walk all the way across campus to my dorm in the pouring rain. And since my sweet mother was nice enough to share her TERRIBLE luck with me (thanks, Mom!), I was walking down what is probably the biggest hill on campus and slipped. And fell. While carrying a 10,000 pound backpack and holding food, a drink, and my keys. Yep. That happened.

If you're gonna do it, do it big.. right?

Fig Newtons and Mass Watchers

I hate Tuesdays and Thursdays. I usually refer to them as Terrible Tuesdays and Terrible Thursdays simply because I despise them so much. I secretly hope it hurts their feelings. (The ONLY good thing about Tuesdays is the CSA $2 Tuesday Night Dinner. Real, delicious food? Yes, please.) Anyway, I start my Tuesdays and Thursdays with an 8 am physical science class that is in the middle of NO WHERE and takes 10-15 minutes to walk to. The best part? The entire walk is uphill. Lucky me! Every Tuesday and Thursday, as I am literally falling out of my lifted bed, I ask myself, "Self, why the HELL would you schedule an 8 am class that's located in East Jesus?" The only response I can think to give myself is, "Because, Self, you are the DUMBEST PERSON EVER." But I will admit that on the days I get up on time, have 3 cups of coffee, and the weather is nice, the walk is somewhat enjoyable. It was 58 degrees when I left my dorm at 7:40 this morning, so I had a nice 15 minutes of coffee/Benjy Davis bonding time on my way to class.

I got to class on time, I didn't have to run, AND my hair was dry because I actually had enough time to use that awesome invention known as the hair dryer. I was feeling pretty accomplished. My naive, sleep deprived self even thought You know what? This Terrible Tuesday might not be so terrible after all. (Did you just laugh, shake your head, and call me stupid? I did, too.) Then my (really cute) teacher started talking and my dreams of a good Terrible Tuesday went down the drain. The same drain my Physical Science grade (and sanity) is going to end up going down.

Physical science is nothing but physics. I don't even know why they call it physical science! On the first day of class my teacher said, "They call this class physical science, but it's basically a physics class. All we are going to do in this class is physics, so I hope you like math." So, being a person with a geeky, intense love for math, I was excited! I LOVE math. I think it's the best thing since sliced bread and the New York Yankees! Sometimes when I'm bored in class or laying in bed at night, I make up equations in my head and solve them. It's something/one of the only things I'm good at. Obviously when Josh Winter said, "I hope you like math," he REALLY meant, "I hope you like a bunch of stupid crap that I'm going to call math, but when I teach it to you it's really going to sound like someone is talking to you in German." I don't understand it. What's even worse is that I don't understand why I don't understand. It just makes NO SENSE!

There are so many stupid words like velocity, inertia, net force, mass, and weight. Then there are confusing things like the fact that mass and weight aren't the same thing. My teacher went on a hilarious rant about the fact that Weight Watchers should be called Mass Watchers, because you're actually trying to lose mass, not weight. Wanna know what mass and weight are to me? Mass is where I go to praise Jesus every Sunday, and weight is what I gain when I go home for Labor Day weekend during a tropical storm and my mom has nothing to do but cook and bake! Also, I hate that stupid Newton guy. The only kind of newton I like is the fig kind. Sigh.

So, there's that. I know this particular post isn't very convincing, but I still love college. A LOT. I love that I love it so much! My other classes are fine, my physical science lab starts this week (gag), and I have my first test in every class next week. Terrified doesn't even begin to explain how I feel about that. But thankfully I have my wonderful friends and my awesome Critz 1st floor girls. We have become a legit little family and I LOVE it! I have no idea what I would do without them. I have to study and do most of my homework in the library, because it's impossible to get anything done at my dorm. We all like each other too much, so it's easy to get distracted. Jen and I are taking a road trip to Auburn this weekend to meet up with our friends Sebastian and Jill for the MSU/Auburn game! I'm so excited. I love road trips!

I can hear my physics homework calling my name, trying to suck my soul. Hanging myself with my computer cord sounds more enjoyable, but I was told it's illegal to tie a noose. Who knew. Do you think eating Fig Newtons while dealing with this physics nonsense will help? :)

PS- This is just one example of the many amusing things that come with community bathrooms. Those RA's are so clever ;)

Panda Express, Plans To FSU, & Class

College. Is. The. Best. Place. EVER! Why didn't anyone tell me?! Oh, wait... :)

A few things have changed since I first got here. Jen and I re-arranged our beds, so now we have more room! It's so nice not being right on top of each other now. The room is still the size of a closet, but it feels homey. My bed is lifted, and Jen's is underneath. I'm so thankful to have a wonderful roommate!

The last week has been awesome. I'm getting to know locations on campus a lot better! I still get lost when I'm driving, but if I'm walking I'm usually okay. I have adjusted to the community showers, and I can now quickly and skillfully shower in the morning. The bathrooms/showers get cleaned every day, but the girls on my hall aren't gross or anything so that's a plus. I did, however, have a lizard that wanted to be friends with me when I was trying to shower before class the other day. Gag. I also met a girl that apparently likes to pretend she's a "black rapper" when she's in the shower. Yes, she actually told me that. Whatever floats her boat, no judgement here. Okay.. maybe just a little. :) In other news, I have spent too much time at the Panda Express they recently put in the Union, but I've also become good friends with the Sanderson Center because that's where the gym is. I'm a friendly person and all, but this girl refuses to be friends with the freshman 15. STAYAWAYFROMME. Speaking of friends, I have REALLY great ones. I'm super blessed. I've also met a few people in particular that are really wonderful and I already know they're going to be really important people in my life. Oh, and I'm getting even closer to some of the really awesome girls on my hall! They make me happy. :)

Parties are fun, people are fun.. but waking up in the morning is NOT fun. I think I've had more new experiences this past week than I've ever had during the last 18 years of my life. I know I have family reading this and my mom's heart rate is probably picking up speed right about now, but no worries. I'm smart and safe.. except on the weekends.

I'm kidding, mom and dad. You can breathe. :)

Don't worry, I'm not throwing away the education that already has me $10,000 in debt. I've been going to class and plan on getting a 4.0 this semester. Fingers crossed. I really like my classes already. I only have one 8 am class, which is physical science (and in MS State East Jesus..yay), but my teacher is cute and he's really good at teaching, so it's totally worth it. My Honors Comp 2 teacher is AUSTRALIAN! Gotta love those accents. That class doesn't even feel like a class. There's only about 15 of us and we sit around a table. Geography, Algebra, and Psychology aren't bad. I have really good teachers, so I'm thankful for that.

I also checked out the church here. I absolutely love it! The priest is really funny, I have a lot of friends that go there, and it feels very welcoming and wonderful. I'm really going to like it there! So don't worry, I'm keeping my faith, brain, and sanity in check. It is only the first week though. Who knows what I'll be like at Christmas time in a few months.

Juuuuuust kidding. :) Love to all my family! I miss you guys, but college is amazing. I'm already having the time of my life!

PS- FSU does not stand for Florida State University, in case you were confused. That is all. :)

I'm A Big Girl Now!

I'm at big girl school! So.. I'm a big girl now, obviously.

They should change move-in day to something more appropriate.. like THE WORST DAY OF YOUR ENTIRE COLLEGE LIFE. Getting up at 3 am, driving 4 hours, moving lots of stuff in hot weather, and not getting to eat much makes for a cranky Alexa. Not to mention I had to say bye to my family. They were all pretty sad because they secretly love me A LOT. I cried like a baby, and then called my older brother and cried like a baby some more before my family was even completely off campus. Not that few tears kind of crying. NOPE. I was melting down like a popsicle in July, forreal. And don't you know that while I was sitting outside crying to my brother on the phone, 5 super cute boys walked by. And waved. And asked if I was okay. I mean.. REALLY?! Can you please talk to me when I'm cuter? Thanks.

But talking to JT made me feel better, because he's just good like that I guess. He said I had to give it more than five minutes.. and you know what? College was much more awesome a few hours later! Here is what I discovered: I get to do WHATEVER I WANT. Don't get me wrong, my parents weren't the psycho, sheltering, made-me-come-home-at-10 pm kind of parents. I had lots of freedom at home, but college is a whole new world! I got back to my dorm a little before 3 last night, and no one was waiting up for me. So weird. And if I feel like going somewhere at 3am, I totally can. How cool/weird is that? Okay, stop laughing at me.

My dorm is the size of a closet. I promise I'm not kidding. But it's really not bad, I'm already used to it. Although if Jen is at her desk and I need to get to my closet, I have to jump over her bed. And if I'm at my desk and she needs to get to the fridge or sink, she has to jump over my bed. But we just think of it as a game, and that makes it all better! The girls on my hall are so sweet, and people here are just nice in general! And seriously.. the boys are cute. REALLY CUTE. It just makes me happy. My friends that have already been here a few years have been really awesome. I went to dinner with some CSA (catholic student association) people on Thursday night, and I got to eat real food (instead of noodles and apple slices) tonight thanks to the wonderful Brittany Steer! Her and Dianna are the best. Did I mention I got REAL, FREE FOOD?! It's the little things, people. :)

I miss my parents, I REALLY miss my sister, and I miss my bed/shower even more than them. But college is awesome. I'm having so much fun! I feel like I've been here forever though. I'm so ready for classes to start! I need to stop eating and get into a class and gym routine, but I'm loving this free time I have! New friends are awesome, Jen is a wonderful roomie, and I still have money in my bank account! I'm liking this college thing already. :)

Oh, and some of my classes are in MississippiStateEastJesus and on opposite ends of campus. This campus has lots of hills. I have 10-15 minutes between each class. So, I'll either be sprinting to class, or investing in a bike and trying not to run people over. This is what happens when you throw me into a big girl school! Pray for me.. and everyone else on this campus. :) Oh, and if I didn't already mention this, I FREAKING LOVE COLLEGE.

Yankees vs Red Sox

My feelings on the Red Sox. Clearly, the Yankees are the better choice. PS- Do not judge my iPaint skills. That is all. :)

Closing Time

"Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end."

Oh, Semisonic, I just love you. Partially because your song, Closing Time, now reminds me of Justin Timberlake thanks to the movie Friends With Benefits, but also because you throw lines like that at me at appropriate times! My new beginning is almost here! I move up to Starkville August 10th. Next Wednesday. Yep, the Wednesday that is only A WEEK AWAY. I'm insanely excited, but I don't think my tiny brain can wrap itself around the whole college concept. My mom and I had the following conversation during one of my college panic attacks:

Me: MOM. I don't know how I'm supposed to think of this whole college thing! Is it like moving out for good, or more like a realllllly long sleepover?!
Mom: More like a really long sleepover. Or like an extended sleep-away camp!
Me: Oh yeah, because sleep-away camps always worked out SO well for me.

I've only been to one sleep-away camp. I was in 6th grade, it was only for like four nights, and I cried almost every day. BUT, for two summers in a row now, I have been to a summer Catholic convention that was held at Notre Dame and I was fine. So I should be fine for at least a week!

I don't really care about leaving Ocean Springs, and I truly don't care if I never see most of the people I went to high school with again. What I DO care about is leaving the awesome friends I've made through my church activities. All of the many hilarious, exhausting weekends we spent together cutting endless amounts of leaves, working on convention decorations, spirit mover skits, and balloon bash games. The game nights, the parties at the Krause House, and the 18 hour bus ride to ND that turned into a 24 hour bus ride. I'll definitely miss that. I can't wait to do it all again as an adult with my own cyo!

And I really, really, REALLY care about leaving my huge, crazy, amazing family. Why did I have to grow up with such a wonderful, close extended family?! I know I'm only going 4 hours away and can pretty much come home whenever I want, but still. I'm going to miss having midnight cereal dates with my little sister, and making her let me sleep in her room when I watch something scary. I'll miss staying at my Aunt Charlene's just because. Or the random nights when Uncle Dennis, Aunt Rosemary, Andy, Tiffany, and sweet Isabella stop by and we just sit in the living room and talk. Or driving over to see Kellie and baby Layla simply because they only live 10 minutes away. It's the little things, people!

It's not just the little things though, it's also the little-things-that-are-actually-big-things too. Like the fact that I ALWAYS know when Zoe enters/leaves her room because her door sticks and makes a loud noise. Or the fact that I always know when my dad is coming in the door from work because I recognize the sound of his shoes, and what it sounds like when he hangs up his keys. Or the same right-before-bed conversation my mom and I have been having for as long as I can remember. "Good night, Mom." "Good night, babe. Love you." "Love you too."

Now I'm going off to big girl school where things are going to be super different. Super fun, but still different. I know I'll be perfectly fine once I get up there and realize just how much fun it's going to be! Since I'm a Cacibauda, I hate when things change. This is going to be a really awesome, fun change.. but I'm still nervous! Although I'm uncertain about the next 4 years of my life, there are a few things I'm completely certain about; things that I know will never change. For example:

Zoe will always have her mouth open in the majority of our pictures.

When I started pre-school, I thought my brother was the best person in the whole world. Now I've ended high school, and I still secretly think the same thing.

I will always admire my mom more than anyone in the whole world. She can draw, paint, make costumes, sell houses, and pretty much do anything and everything.. but she's always been the best at being a mom. I want to be just like her when I grow up.

My dad will always call me Peas, because he's said I'm his "sweet pea" since I was little. I'm 18, and have to catch myself from turning my head anytime someone says the word peas. ...I'm not a huge fan of the vegetable.

It will always take my mom forever to get a decent Christmas picture.

And I will ALWAYS remember that I was given the best childhood ever.
Time for a new adventure :) Mississippi State, here I come!

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11