It's a bittersweet symphony, this life.

Well, I promised Sara Beth that I would blog everyday as soon as summer started, and I am going to try my very best to uphold that promise. Starting...NOW!

My first day of summer was somewhat lackluster. I woke up at 8, took a run to the storage unit, packed my car, cleaned my room, met with my dad, went to lunch at Ruby Tuesday, took a nap at the hotel, went to dinner with Leila and her mom, watched a movie, and now I am writing this blog.

So yeah. My dad is down at the hotel bar right now, being chatty with some App State fellow. Traitor.

I'll probably just continue watching the SVU marathon on USA. Take a shower. Go to bed early. Or not so early...we'll see.

Needless to say, I hope my summer gets a bit more exciting.

We're our own brat pack, we're always kickin' back...

So this is what it feels like. To be done with your first year of college. It feels almost as surreal as the day I came.

I am sitting in my dorm room packing. No one else is on the hall, or no one I care about at least. My dad is coming tomorrow afternoon. And I am in awe of the amount of things that managed to fit into my room. Where did I get all these clothes?! I kind of like packing...finding things you forgot you had. Remembering special moments. That has been happening to me a lot tonight. I keep finding clothes or other little trinkets that bring back things that meant a lot to me this year. I'll go ahead and list some of them for you.

O-Week T-shirt: Packing up my Toy Story shirt, memories of O-week flood into my mind. I remember sitting in a circle in Daniel Lounge our first night playing ice-breaking games. At that point, Colleen was my only friend and we were cracking little personal jokes. I remember the dynamic of our hall during that first week and how different it is now. I admit, I didn't speak much during o-week. Just ask Tori or Katie. But I do look back on it rather fondly. It wasn't really fun, but it is the beginning of what has developed into one of the best years of my life.

River Sweatshirt: I was so jealous of Colleen's first semester. I thought it was awesome. Then her mom got me one over winter break. I love it! It's so soft and snuggly. Whenever I wear that sweatshirt I will think of our times together, Colleen. I know we weren't necessarily best friends, and we grew apart a little bit second semester, but I couldn't have done it without you. We must have some sleepovers next year for old time's sake!

Class of 2013 Water Bottle and Picture: At the beginning of the year, I didn't know anyone. I came from a different state and an introverted personality. But in the short 8 months I have been here I have made some of the best friends of my life. That picture and water bottle are so dorky, but I'm proud of my class.

"Peace, Love, and Togetherness" T-Shirt: Sara Beth, this one is for you. We are so dorky. But I love it. It's little things like this that make you so awesome! Whenever I wear that shirt I am going to think of our adventures, our heart to hearts, our friendship. I will think of you taking 300 pictures in a matter of hours, watching Parenthood each week, Glee and American Idol. You're hilarious and I love you!

Nerdy Fake Glasses: HAHAHA! I love these soooo much! Katie, I know Tori made fun of us, but we for sure rock them. They make me think of Sonic, harassing our waiter 3 bajillion times. My ever so embarrassing photoshoot. And I still stand by the fact that they help me concentrate. We are wearing them all the time next year.

Those are just a few of the things, but there are so many good times that I associate with my things now. I had this sensation as I was packing to leave for college too. Making my photo albums and filling my frames. I never thought I would be able to find friends in college, let alone ones I practically think of as family. I still love my friends from high school sooooo much! But I feel so blessed to get to have even more people in my life who care about me so much. I love each and every one of my friends so much, past and present, and no one can ever replace any of them.

Well, my clothes are calling me. I think it's time to finish up with this whole packing nonsense and get ready to embark on the next 3.5 months. Ugh...I don't even want to think about it.

Here is a song that I would like to dedicate to all of my friends, past, present, and future:

Deutschland! Um den Sieg.

Translation: Germany! For the win.

Leila may be disappointed...I told her I was going to write this blog post in German and then translate it at the end. I just don't have the mental capacity to do that right now. Maybe I'll throw in some random German phrases every now and then though.

Erste, you may be wondering how I decided about to write about Deutschland and its wonderful inhabitants. Well, it all began with iTunes. I was browsing through my expansive list of superb music when I noticed the radio button. I had never payed attention to it before, so naturally I clicked on it. BEST. DISCOVERY. EVER. It is hundredsss of radio stations playing any kind of music you can imagine! Including German.

So that's what sparked the idea. I love Germany. And Germans. And German culture. Basically, if it involves Germany, I like it.

I suppose this whole fascination began 4 years ago (has it really been that long?) when I went on a mini-exchange trip to Weimar, Germany for 3 weeks. Hands down, best experience of my life. It's just so much different there. I have never met more fun loving, laid back people. It's as though they don't have a care in the world. They don't seem as rushed. And it's so much more beautiful there.

Naechste, I shall leave you with a sample of my favorite German band. Well, there are two. One of them you've probably heard of. Tokio Hotel:


Saw them in concert last year. Blew my mind. Don't knock it 'til you've tried it.

Und Sportfreunde Stiller:



I am sure there is much more I could tell you about Germany and the people who live there, but unfortunately finals start tomorrow. So maybe I should be productive? We'll see how that goes...

Every rose has its thorn...

...except Bret Michaels.

Bret Michaels is my not-so-guilty obsession. As is "Rock of Love," his klassy reality dating show. I don't know why Bret Michaels consumes so many of my thoughts and dreams, but he just seems so real to me. He comes off as a decent guy, but he's straight when it comes to partying and having a good time. One of my life goals is to be on "Rock of Love." I am convinced that Bret and I are soulmates...he just doesn't know it yet.

Recently, however, Bret was admitted into a hospital and was in critical condition. He apparently had a brain hemorrhage at the base of his brain stem. I am severely worried...what am I going to do if one of my biggest idols dies? I might just have to crawl into a corner and cry. But I am hoping for the best, and news was just released that he is stable and talking. Bret's a figher; I'm sure he'll pull through.

So in conclusion, I guess what I am trying to accomplish with this post is Bret somehow finding this in cyberspace and showing up at my doorstep saying we are meant to be. Don't worry, I am not delusional. I realize that I have a better chance of being attacked by gorillas than I do of Bret Michaels requiting my love, but a girl can dream.

So this one's for you, Bret.
Because "I want action tonight, satisfaction all night. You've got the love I need tonight."

A Poem

That last post was a bit random...but I felt it was necessary.

I like Leila. Despite her odd taste in music.

We are sitting in the library, about to commit suicide. So I thought I would write a poem about our exploits.

Getting It On With James B. Duke

There is a library named James B. Duke,
We have become rather intimate a time or two.
It has a knack of sucking the life,
out of all that enter it during the day or the night.
We sit here for hours not getting enough done,
then feeling as if we've never had a bit of fun.
There are some strange characters that wander its halls,
they provide entertainment, the ones that have balls.
I sit and I stare into the abyss,
of what feels like a huge pit of nothingness.
Katie sits across from me in her Tri-Delta shirt,
and Leila is next to me about ready to burst.
Finally our time is coming to an end,
but I know this will not be the last time with my dear friend.
So this poem that I'm writing is dedicated to Jim,
we would all have much fuller lives if it wasn't for him.

Wangster.

This is Leila:

She is currently listening to Jay-Z. Please notice the color of her skin.

Just thought I'd put that out there.

I don't think you're ready for this, Chelly.

Chelly (I have officially decided it is to be spelled with a "y"). Apparently that's my name, so don't wear it out. Recently, Chelly has become part of my identity, so I thought why not dedicate an entire blog post to it? Honestly, I don't know how this name has become so popular so fast. It started when Sarah was in my room, and she casually asked me, "Chelsea, do you mind if I call you Chelly?"

"Of course not!" I replied.

After that Colleen began calling me Chelly. Then Mary Jordan, Caroline, Marchie, and the rest of their clan. Then Leila thought it was funny, so she began calling me that too. She was soon followed by Katie and Sara Beth. The name spread like wild fire! So basically, all my friends here call me Chelly. It's even gotten to the point where I accidentally introduced myself as Chelly.

I like it though. It makes me feel...cooooool. Suave. Hip. Trendy. What have you. I've never really had a nickname before. But this one seems like the perfect fit. I think it is a good representation of my time at college too. It shows a different side of me that hasn't been let out before. I've changed a lot over the past 8 months, and it only seems fitting to have a new name to show that. So I guess you could consider this post as my "coming out" party. Not out of the closet, Leila. But coming out into the world as this new, and I like to think improved, version of myself. Chelly.

"If it doesn't work out there will never be any doubt that the pleasure was worth all the pain."

"Douglas: Will you keep out all the sadness?
Max: I have a sadness shield that keeps out all the sadness, and it's big enough for all of us."

This is from the movie "Where the Wild Things Are" when Max has just been appointed the Wild Things' king.

In so many ways I wish this were possible. To never have to hurt or ache again. To be pleased all the time. Life would be so much easier. But I think that's the point. We're not supposed to be happy 100% of the time. Without sorrow and pain, the pleasant, happy, and enjoyable moments wouldn't be as pleasant, happy, and enjoyable. Without sadness everything would be dull and unimportant.

Recently, I have been struggling with some sadness. I am sad to leave my friends for 3 months. I am sad about relationships that have dwindled or disappeared this year. But for all the sadness that is in my life, there is a hundred times more happiness. Sure, I have those days when I just want to crawl in a hole and die. But the weekends spent adventuring around the city with Sara Beth, Katie, and Lyle are so much better because of it.

Without sadness, there is no happiness. God didn't put us on this earth to go through life without any feelings and to just go through the motions. He wanted us to be joyful! A sadness shield might sound nice, but how are we supposed to take advantage of the blissful and "on top of the world" moments if we don't know what it is like to be sorrowful and heartbroken?

Your love is my drug.

Two posts in one day. Bold move. I know. But Leila inspired me, so I decided to steal her idea and tell everyone how much they mean to me considering summer is quickly approaching and I won't see them for 3 long months. Please don't think of me as a copycat (although, I suppose I am. But remember that imitation is the most sincere form of flattery).

Lyle, because I stole this from you I figure I should start with you. It's hard to believe that HES is almost over. We've had some...times. I remember last semester you and Colleen were in the same Calculus class, and I was so jealous of your inside jokes. I wanted so desperately to be your friend, almost as bad as I want to be friends with the improv kids. And now we are friends. And it is everything I could ever have imagined. What are we going to do next year without REP and Ryan? AND JEFF! I'm gonna miss that kid. I know we've really only been friends for 2 or 3 months, but to me it feels like it's been forever. You are one of the funniest people I know, and you have such a kind heart. I can't wait to see what kind of shenanigans occur next year!!

ROOMZ! You are quite literally the best roommate I could have asked for my freshman year of college. From the moments our parents met, I knew we were going to be best friends fo life! I have never met anyone who attracts the police like you do, or someone as willing to laugh at any situation that is thrown at them. I admire that so much about you. Please promise that we will still talk and eat lunch or something together from time to time next year. No one makes me laugh as hard as you do. You are so full of life, and I think your ugly dolls would agree. Keep it classy!

Katie, my future roomie. You can take any situation and make it a positive one no matter what. You are one of the best people I know at giving advice and consoling people. You are also super stylish. Never forget about our chin videos and stalking people at meal times. I am more than excited to live with you next year!! I know in some ways it has been kind of a tough year for you, and I want you to know that you are one of the kindest, most giving, most loving, and most caring people I have ever met. Don't let anyone tell you that you aren't good enough, because you are. You can do anything. You are such an awesome person and I have soooo much respect for you! I look up to you so much.

Sara Beth, you're crazy. I have never met anyone that I can do absolutely nothing with, but somehow still have the time of my life. You can always cheer me up, and you always know exactly what to say. You love everyone for who they are. In so many ways I wish I could be more like you. I wish I could be as free as you. As giving as you. As loving as you. What am I going to do all summer without our adventures? They've become such a regular occurence on the weekends. I hope you have a fabulous time in Hungary in summer and don't forget to blog EVERY SINGLE DAY! I am for sure coming to visit and you better be prepared. I know I am not exactly the best Christian, but you have helped me get in touch with God a lot this year, and I think that has really helped me. So butter my butt, and call me a biscuit!

Hilary, I don't even know where to begin. I literally pee myself talking to you because you are so freaking funny. I love that you are so comfortable with yourself and don't care what anyone thinks about you. I think it is so funny how you over analyze everything. I will never forget when we were driving back from getting your nails done and you were freaking out about making that phone call. I love your blog as well, but it makes me a bit self-conscious when I read it because it is so flipping good!! You truly live life to the fullest and don't take anyone or anything foregranted. Have an awesome summer and be prepare to tell me some awesome stories when I see you!

Mary Jordina, you are the trendiest person ever to walk the face of the earth.

You guys have all had a major impact on my life this year, and I am amazed how close I have become to each and every one of you in such a short period of time. Three months is going to feel like so long, but I am sure we will pick up right where we left off. You all better stay in touch! I hope you guys have the best summer everrrrrrr and be sure to keep it klassy :)

Sass-hole.

I would like to formally apologize to all those people I was sassy to yesterday.

It was just one of those days.

I know I can win many of them over with a fabulous blog post, however, so that is exactly what I plan on doing. Here is a recap of my weekend.

FRIDAY:

Well it was Furman Engaged Friday, which to me meant no classes. I'm not really sure anyone knows what it was. I derived that it was basically a bunch of people presenting research. In the morning, Lyle and I went to one by the HES department. They were supposed to be doing hydrostatic weighing. I couldn't exactly tell you if they did, though, because they didn't speak to us and we couldn't see crap. We did get to sit outside for 20 minutes due to a fire drill, though. Needless to say, not the best start to the day.

Later that day, we went to some percussion ensemble thing. We all expected it to be like "Drumline." It wasn't. It was by some Alaskan who was trying to make it sound like nature. The musicians moved around and played different things. It felt like I was being initiated into a cult, which is cool I guess?

Relay for Life was that night, so SB, Lyle, and I hung out there for a while. Watched the luminary service, shed a few tears. It was nice. Then we headed back to the dorm where we proceeded to choreograph a full dance routine to the timeless classic "C'est la Vie" by B*Witched. Good times... That took us almost 3 hours and much of our dignity. Around 1, I walked with SB. Then hit the hay.

SATURDAY:

I slept a little late and missed breakfast, but at least the FUtones concert was that day. It was rather splendid. I only wish I could be half as talented as some of those singers. Lyle and I have discussed many a time about how we want to be good at something. Anything. We're not picky. But yeah. It was fun.

We then ordered some Chinese in (DELICIOUS) and watched some Freaks and Geeks (CLASSIC). That night was the final Improv show. It was hilarious...although I'm not so sure everyone else found it as funny as I did. I tend to have a slightly warped sense of humor.

We got back and I had full intentions of going to sleep, but when I turned on the TV "Bring It On Again" was on. How could I resist? So I ended up staying awake until 2:30. Oops.

SUNDAY:

I ate brunch. The rest remains to be seen.



Man...I feel like my posts are starting to go downhill. They'll get better, I promise.

Don't Stop Believin'

So tonight is a big night. GLEE BEGINS! Probably the highlight of my week. And in its honor my friends and I are dressing up as the characters and made some delicious Glee themed goodies. I can't say what they are right now though...it's a surprise.

Also, please look at Sara Beth's blog. She transcribed a nice tale told by my dear friend, Lyle, today. Apparently she's a pro storyteller, which we somehow managed to not find out until this afternoon. BUMMER!

Additionally, may I please just tell you how awkward my life can be sometimes. Katie and I are avid people watchers. We purposefully sit at tables overlooking the fraternities just so we can observe them. Nothing like a good bromance. But for some reason when I am watching these people, it gets into my head that somehow they can't see me. I am constantly caught staring at someone when they look over and give me a dirty look. Mildly uncomfortable, let me tell you. I know some of you guys out there feel what I am going through. In fact, Katie and I talk about this often. I was staring at her the other day through a window, actually. And, once again, I felt invisible. It is times like these that I think an invisibility cloak would be quite handy dandy.

Another thing that will be pretty awk here in the next few weeks is the name of this blog. I am sure you all noticed that it is called "Sorry for Being a Freshman." But freshman year is going to be over here very soon. And I am going to feel so foolish next year when I am a sophomore and I am writing on a blog about a freshman. Story of my life!

Anywho. That's it? I have so much trouble ending these things...it's kind of like when you're talking to someone on the phone and just saying bye doesn't seem like enough. So then you kinda dance around actually hanging up, and end up talking for another 20 minutes. Or maybe that only happens to me? It's whatever.

Ok. Bye.

Fag-onomics.

I am sitting in my Queer Economics class (Fag-onomics as Lyle, Mary Jordina, and I so fondly renamed it). There are 45 minutes left. And it is killing me. So why not update my blog?

About 3 weeks left of school, and I am nowhere near prepared for it to end. I am ready for classes to be over, I guess. But 3 months away from some of the best people I have ever met is going to be rough. Plus, I am barely going to see some of them for the final weekends here!!

Next weekend is beach weekend, and I decided not to go this year. It's one of the last weekends and many of my friends aren't even going to be here!! Plus with finals coming up, our heads will be so buried in our books that we won't be able to have barely any fun.

At least I got to see everyone this past weekend...not very much, but still. We got ice cream Friday, but then Tri-Delt formal was Saturday. Everyone looked so beautiful!! Lyle and I were pretty jealous. We had an awesome breakfast Sunday, and it was a beautiful day so we could lounge around outside. We kind of attempted to hang a hammock, although we failed miserably.

Eh...I am failing at writing this blog. But a bad update is better than no update.
I'll just stop while I'm behind.

SPRING BREAK 2010

Oh man...I'm embarrassed. It has been wayyyyyy too long. But I'm finally just going to buckle down and spit it all out. There have been so many events, so be prepared to read your life away on this one.

Let's start with spring break:
I went home for spring break, and lucky for me my parents let me fly home. SO MUCH EASIER THAN DRIVING. The flights to get home are a little odd though...I am on a one hour flight then a 15 minute flight. Kind of pointless, but significantly better than the alternative. On my first flight I was lucky enough to secure myself a window seat, and even luckier not to have any one sit next to me. Unfortunately, on my next flight I sat next to a body builder. I had no knowledge of the Arnold Classic Bodybuilding Competition being in town, however I did suffer the consequences. The man I sat next to looked and smelled as though he had just painted himself with orange acryllic paint. His head looked like he had had hair plugs at one point, but backed out, leaving him with odd hair lines around his skull. This man was wearing a shirt that looked like it had been plucked straight out of a 70s disco and jeans that were hugging him in places jeans should never be hugging. Needless to say, this man was quite a character. When I finally got home I wandered around the airport looking for my Dad. He refused to answer his phone, so I wandered aimlessly around the airport for a good 20 minutes before I finally found him.

The next day I left for Washington, DC. Sure, it sounds like LOADS of fun. False. I was heading to DC to be a spectator at my younger sister's competitive cheerleading competition. Now I want you to imagine the cheerleader stereotype. Rude, little, loud, peppy, and for lack of a better word, skanky. Multiply that times 100 and you'll understand what just one of these cheerleaders is like. And there were thousands of them!! I was only there for 3 days, but by the time the trip was over I was about ready to shank a cheerleader.

Other than that, my spring break was fairly uneventful. I didn't have a car, so I didn't see too many people. But it was nice to be home and spend some time with the fam.

I got back to school a week later, and things got pretty rowdy...

I don't know why, but the next two weekends were two of the best weekends of my life. It's not like we did much, but I have some of the best friends ever and they make me pee my pantalones ALL THE TIME! We went putt putting, to Chili's, got ice cream, went to Olive Garden, drove around the city, sketched around campus, and took approximately 500 pictures total. Or I guess I should say Sara Beth took the pictures...:)

And then it was Easter Break.

I went to the ATL with my friend, Katie. WOOTWOOT!! It was awesome. We ate crappy food, spent time with her little brother, got pedicures, did some shopping. And then we came back to school and had two whole days with barely anyone here. It was glorious! We went to P.F. Chang's for Easter dinner...classy. We discussed the sexuality of our waiter. We went on a run around the lake (shocking and mildly embarrassing).

But now we have finally been reunited with my fav girls!!! And tomorrow is LEILA'S BIRTHDAYYYY!!! And now we only have like 4 more weeks of school...it's INSANE IN THE MEMBRANE; INSANE, GOT NO BRAIN. I am going to miss these girls so much. It makes me so sad just thinking about it. 3 MONTHS AWAY FROM THEM! But it will be nice to get to spend a significant amount of time with some of my friends from home too (CAITLIN SIMMONDS :))

Okay, well I'm going to try and keep you guys updated a little better. Because this was just shameful.

OvEr AnD oUt

Really, Mother Nature?

So for those of you who don't know, my original place of origin is Ohio. That's right. I am a die-hard Buckeye fan, and it pains me greatly that I was not able to attend most of the games this past year. But as I was beginning my college search a couple years back, I knew that I wanted to go to school someplace warmer, and hopefully with little to no snow. I ended up in South Carolina. Little did I know, the weather here is just as fickle as in the O-H. It will be 65 degrees one day, and there will be a winter weather advisory the next day. I just can't keep up! MAKE UP YOUR MIND MOTHER NATURE! How am I supposed to know what laundry to do when one day I'm in shorts and the next I'm wearing long john's under my jeans? Granted, it is significantly better than the 3+ feet of snow Ohio has gotten recently, but I am definitely ready for a more consistent weather pattern.

Sorry for the rant...I just needed to get that off my chest. And I have decided in honor of spring break next week, I will try not to post anything school/work-related. Unless, of course, something REALLY funny or SUPER important happens. Then I will update you.

Because I love y'all so much, and just want to make your week a little happier I am going to leave you with this video. I don't know how many of you watch the Potter Puppet Pals, but I have recently been watching it a lot. Here is one of my and Katie's (shout out!) favorites.

There's still health and P.E. in college?

First, let me just say that I hate Thursdays. I have a butt ton of classes, which is no fun. But it is also just SO CLOSE to being Friday that you don't want to do anything, and that just isn't an option. Anywho...on Thursdays I have HES (health and exercise science). It's basically a health/P.E. class (you would think you would be done with that nonsense in high school...clearly not the case). The teacher is probably the funniest little man ever. He's about 5'5", super fit, glasses, and HILARIOUS. The students in the class are equally as comical as well. Throughout the course of this blog, I will be keeping track of some of his most memorable quotes. To get y'all up to date, here a few particularly memorable ones:

"When you're doing squats, you want to pretend your using the potty in China."

"Stress/Pain are kind of like porn, don't you think? You can't define them, but you know them when you see them."

When asked what body system stress does not effect..."Your arms?"

We had to list benefits of physical exercise. This is what one boy came up with:
Student-"Libido"
Teacher-"I'm not going to use any personal experience on that one, but let me just say that my son was born after I ran a marathon..."

I really hope these aren't those awkward "you had to be there" moments because I peed in my pantalones on all of these occasions, and I think Leila (shout out!) will back me up on that. Don't fret either if you found these as funny as I did...I'll keep you updated on my HES class antics.

Until next time...sorry for being a freshman.

The EPIC first post.

Alright guys, here it is. The first post. One of my friends, who shall remain nameless, has been pestering me to start this for a while now. I finally abided. And it feels so...so...important. There just seems to be so much pressure associated with THE first post. So I guess I'll just start this blog off by telling you guys a little about myself.

My name is Chelsea, aka C-Babs, and I am currently a college freshman. I am 6' tall.

Likes: Hugs (the candy, not the embrace), "The Office" and "LOST," THE Ohio State Buckyeyes, Germans, squirrels, big and comfy couches, Sara Beth (SHOUT OUT!)

Dislikes: Michigan Wolverines, the words "threshold," "cannot," "moist," "chunk(y)," receding hairlines, John Mayer

In this blog, I hope to give some insight into the life of college students, more specifically freshmen. Clearly, there isn't much more school year left, so in a few months (assuming I keep up with it for that long...I tend to lose interest with things fairly quickly) it will be about being a college sophomore. College is supposed to be the best four years of your life. I guess we'll have to just wait and see...

“You have four years to be irresponsible here. Relax. Work is for people with jobs. You'll never remember class time, but you'll remember time you wasted hanging out with your friends. So, stay out late. Go out on a Tuesday with your friends when you have a paper due Wednesday. Spend money you don't have. Drink 'til sunrise. The work never ends, but college does..." - Tom Petty