So… I get a phone call on Friday. “Hey, Sarah, we need to talk about your cell phone bill.” Now, I, like many people in our age group have most definitely gone over with my texting in the past and I’ve most definitely gotten one or two (or more) of these phone calls before. And these phone calls usually meant that I had $20 in texting fees above my normal bill. (I’ll call that an oops moment.) However, this cell phone bill was more like an “Oh crap!” moment. See below:
Yes. I went over my normal bill by like $530.00. Advice moment #1: Fair warning to all first years (and upperclassmen) who may be talking to family or significant others often… know your cell phone plan, keep track of your minutes, and keep a real close eye on rollover, because even if you’ve had them for years… they will eventually disappear! : ) Basically, avoid the “Oh crap!” moment, because it is not pleasant. If you plan to be talking more than your cellular plan will allow, look into Skype or plug in a room phone and have people call you there. (It’s worked for me so far!)
Anyway, moving on. Life since the last time I updated you has progressed as follows:
(1) Visit to Eagle Lake, MS (2) Visit Stephen in North Carolina (3) RA training
1st… I didn’t see my family much this summer, so before I headed to North Carolina, I drove down to Vicksburg (Eagle Lake) to spend a few days basking in the sun, playing in the water… you know, the stuff that we all wish we could do for the entire summer sans work. We had a great first day at the Lake House. My step mom and I got a kick out of riding the tube and my 5 year old sister was the spotter, but didn’t really want to actually get on the tube. It was a funny reversal of roles– the grown ups were having a blast playing and being silly and Logan was loving being the responsible one.
Then came the night. I was laying in bed when I noticed that the house was moving. Initially, I chalked it up to someone walking around. Until the house really started swaying. Then the power flickered- once, twice, thrice and then out. With my blackout curtains, I had no idea what could have been going on so I grabbed the flashlight next to my bed, and stumbled around the room to get out in the hallway…. It was storming. I couldn’t see the lake except for when it would lightening, but the water was fierce. The next morning, I was greeted by an extraordinarily warm house, no power, and a damaged boat. The neighbors porch roof was actually on top of their house. Pretty wild.
Anyway, long story short- my trip was cut short due to no power and a forecasted high of 100+ degrees!
2nd… came North Carolina. Another piece of advice: www.studentuniverse.com. Cheap plane tickets for college students. They don’t always have the best deals, but for this trip, the ticket was $100 cheaper than anything I could find elsewhere!
My visit was wonderful. I expected this to be the quintessential “meeting the parents” trip, but it was far from it. There were no embarrassing or awkward moments (outside of my usual awkwardness) and I felt like part of the family from the very first night. Advice #3: Don’t be afraid or worried to meet the parents. Just be yourself. Chances are your significant other has already filled them in on your personality and quirks and they will just be happy to see their child happy!
Cool places to visit if your ever in NC: the zoo, Carowinds, UNC campus, (I didn’t go to the Duke campus, but just to satisify the Duke fans) the Duke campus, Charlotte in general… There are more, but this post is getting long!
Here’s a great picture of Stephen and I at the NC zoo! We had a great time and really cherished every moment that we had together. Just 93 days til I see him at Thanksgiving!
3rd: RA Training. RA training was well-planned and implemented, but as a third-year RA, it was tough. At times it felt repetitive and I had a very hard time getting myself pumped up for sessions. However, I made it through and had a really great time getting to know the new RAs! They seem like a really wonderful bunch and I really cannot wait to see the pictures we took before move-in, because I think they will be fun!
Now, its time to end this business! Here are some of my favorite pictures that I have taken in the last few weeks. I am attempting to really give myself some time to get back into the hobby of photography, so expect to see more in the coming months!
Until next time!
Sarah
Yaay!! I’m glad you’re passing along all of your wisdom, and I’m glad you had a good time visiting me. Talk to you later!