Christmas Update and My Day at the Beach

Happy Early New Year!
I hope everyone had an amazing Christmas, I know I sure did! To all of my amazing Belk (and 4th floor Clinton-ers): My closet will be well stocked upon my return to PC. Get ready to attack. :)
Me, my mom, and my sister all 3 scored matching Patagonias! Why is this so significant you ask? Well, it's awesome for 2 reasons. 1) Me and Baker have not matched since we were 10. 2) The company that Santa ordered them from sent her 3 Patagonias for the price of 1. Yepp, thank you, faulty processing!I also got a pretty awesome monogrammed Snuggie that matches my sister and my baby cousins'. Yeah..be jealous. May I add that this is Snuggie number 3?
Spending time with my family and Chad has been absolutely amazing! I've gotten to catch up with old friends and get to spend my New Years with them as well. Break has been awesome, but I must say..I'm quite ready to get back to PC. Can't wait to see/rage with you all!

Okay, on another note, Chad and I went to the beach today! Why? Well...why the heck not?! Broadway was still decorated for Christmas! We walked around for a while, ate at Key West Grille, and went and saw the Polar Express in 3D! Totally made my day! Why? Well, Polar Express is absolutely (well...on top of Elf) my favorite Christmas movie. Anyone that's been around me in the past two breaks knows that Elf very rarely leaves my DVD player during the holiday season. hah. Hokay, so I've attached some pictures of the day. We got to hang out with an ole Crab and wear some pretty sweet glasses at the IMax theater.


I just have to say something else. SNOW. Why do you go everywhere else except in my near area? Greenville...check. Easley...check. Darlington/Florence/Hartsville...NEGATIVE! So while waltzing around Broadway today I bought a sweet pack of Fake Snow. I come home full of excitement and I must say I am less than impressed. The picture doesn't really do it much justice but its like white icee with all of the juice sucked out. It doesn't even feel like ice! Well, God, if you're listening (well, of course you are!) PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE bless me with snow soon!

Happy New Years, Everyone, and remember Be Safe!
Much Love,
Emma

Let's Rewind a Bit...

Okay, so everyone has that one memory that they always associate Christmas with, right? I was thinking about this yesterday when I was babysitting a little boy, age 8, in the first grade. After picking him up from school, I look in my rear view mirror only to see him giggling to himself with the biggest smile on his face. My imagination got the best of me, causing me to eventually break down and curiously ask him what was so funny. Man, oh, man I did not prepare myself for his answer. Our conversation went a little something like this..
Me: "Campbell. What is so funny back there?"
Campbell: (Grinning while looking into a big red bag) "...nothin."
Me: "Okay, well, what's in your bag? Did you have a Christmas party today at school?"
Campbell: "No, I made something for my elves. I'll show you when I get home. It's going to be so much fun!"

Okay, so one can only imagine what I began to think after this. First of all, what in the world is an elf and why does he feel the need to make things for it? For the remainder of the ride home, I got a 8-year olds' explanation of what exactly an elf is. You see, apparantly, and geniously, they're these stuffed elves that apparantly come "alive" at night and are supposed to keep watch over the kids and report back to Santa. Well, Campbell had deceivingly come up with a plan to write them letters every night and ask them to complete a task. You know, to prove that they're real.
Campbell's master plan began to fall into place the moment we got home. The suspense was killing me. What in the WORLD was in that red bag?! You'll never guess. I walk into the living room only to see Campbell spreading chips and paper and anything else you can think of around the living room. Attached to said mess? A note. : "Dear Elves...if you're real. clean this up. haha. love, Campbell"
I'm not even kidding. So, this little "challenge" provided me with quite the challenge myself. What do I do? Do I clean it up so that his parents dont wring my neck when they get home? Or do I simply play along and leave the mess for them to clean up? I sneakily snuck to the bathroom and texted his mom. Luckily for me, she said to leave the mess. We can't crush the kids spirit this close to Christmas, right? (PS: look below for a picture of the little fella)

That whole experience really made me stop and think about my past Christmas' and my experiences with such. I didn't have magical elves or flying spying reindeer, but my Mom had her own special tool for behavior control. The magic spoons. Some of you may know what I'm talking about. The wooden spoons with the holes in them. Hurt like fire when you were spanked and made you think twice before commiting any sort of criminal act again...okay, maybe not CRIMINAL, but it sure felt like it. It got to the point, that, around Christmas time, all Mom had to do was OPEN the magic spoon drawer, and any noise or bickering upstairs would quickly die down. Looking back on it, my Mom was a genius, and her master plan worked. As a little "ha-ha" moment last year, Baker and I gave everyone in our family there own wooden spoons with their names on them. Lucky for us they haven't been used...yet. There's still plenty more Christmas' before I move out!

I've survived!

I did it! My first semester of college is OVER! And guess who finished with a 3.3? :)
Ya know, I'm not usually one to talk about my good qualities but I can't help but to feel a little proud of myself. I mean, yeah, it's not a 3.5 or a 4.0, but with all of my challenges and obstacles this semester, it shows that I've survived it all. Not only do I get to keep all of my scholarship money, but now i'm eligible for even more. It feels good to do well, and I can't help but to pray that I continue to pull out good grades for the next 3 and a half years.
Hard Work Pays Off...Right?
For those of you still taking exams, good luck! Can't wait for all of you to be home!
Much Love,
Emma

Something a Little Deeper

Alright guys, time for me to get deep and philosophical. I just went and saw "The Blind Side" and I am feeling like a pretty, well, for lack of a better word, crappy person. I've been having this feeling for a long time, but the movie has brought these feelings toward the front of my brain, and although it may be a hard reality to face, it's time to face it. I'm lost. I'll admit it, already! I feel that, although I have grown SO much as a person this semester, I have lost something. What is it, you ask? I've gained so much, what could it possibly be, right? I have new friends, old friends, a wonderful education, decent grades, a car, a home, and, most importantly a family. What in the world am I lacking? One word.
God.
I had SUCH an amazing bond with him when I got to school, but, with all of the hustle and bustle of new friends, classes, and my social life, I've finally come to terms that I've put him after all of it. I can't tell you the last time I went to church. Partly, because I don't belong at my church at home due to past issues, but I know that this is no excuse. So, call it an early New Years Resolution, if you will, but I have just made one. This year, I'm reaffirming my relationship with the Lord. I'm not perfect. He knows this. However, I have for SO incredibly long put him at the back of my mind and ignored the fact that he is still with me. I dont know, maybe if I don't think about all the wrong things I'm doing he won't see them, right? Especially if I don't think about them...right? WRONG.
I guess you can call this an epiphany, but whatever it is, it's something I needed. This Holiday Season, I'm making it my goal to find myself and figure out my relationship with Christ. He's missing and it's time to open my heart to him again.
He has just done SO much for me, ya know? (Note: I know I'm ranting...sorry.) Who am I to just assume that it's okay?! What in the world am I thinking? He doesn't have to love me. He didn't have to send his son to die for MY sins! But guess what? He did. And I have been nothing but ungrateful and unappreciative. How have I shown him my thanks? By going out to the houses, being selfish, and not going to church? Wow, great job, Emma.
But ya know what? After all of this...all of this..SIN, he still loves me. And he's going to forgive me. Again. Once more have I messed up, and once more is he going to clean up my mess. This time, I'm doing things differently. There's a new Emma going back to PC next semester, and she's focused on what's most important to her. The Lord.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Don't forget what it's all about.
Much Love,
Emma

In the Name of all that is Chex Mix...

Imagine this scenario:
You're a poor, hungry college student. It's exam week and its 11:00 pm the night before your Biology exam. You've been studying all day, and all you want is food. Unfortunately, your wallet is on the third floor of the building you're in...and you're on the first. Do you man up and climb the flights to your room?....absolutely not. You do what Katherine Wade does...you attack the vending machine. What else was she supposed to do? It was one of those events where the pack of chex mix got stuck and was simply dangling there. Free food! All you have to do is give a little push and just like that it's all yours! With the help of our dear friend, Carolyne, Katherine successfully gains her Chex Mix and continues to study for her Biology exam until way early the next morning.
Oh, In the name of chex mix. Here's to you, Katherine Wade...and you're free pack of Chex Mix.
PS: I just witnessed the following conversation:
Katherine: "Man, that was good Chex Mix! Should I go try for a drink now?!"
Carolyne: "Girl, shutup!"
gotta love 'em!

Stick a Fork in Me...I'm Done!

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Wait...what? That's not right. Let's try this again.
It's the most "pull my hair out because I've been studying all night with no sleep" time of year!
Yes...that sounds much more accurate. Oh, exam week...how you are dreaded by every student on the Presbyterian College campus, including myself. Especially including myself. These past 4 days have all seemed to blend together, but I'll do what I can to get this right.
First and foremost can I just say that I absultely cannot believe that my first semester of college is already OVER?! Didn't I just move in two days ago? Surely 4 months of class has not already passed by...right? Wrong. It's December. Already. I've learned so many valuable lessons this semester on the grounds of everything from working out, eating, socializing, and studying. I know you're just dying to get some insight on this advice so (thanks for the idea, sarah derrick) I present to you, the top 10 things I've learned my first semester of college:
1) It's completely acceptable to schedule a class because all of your friends are in it...and you have no idea what the class is until the first day.
2) You don't always have to take your advisors advice. (For example: advising me to take linguistics next semester? i.e. the hardest class available for English majors?..not happenin)
3) Never EVER take your shower at home for granted. EVER.
4) Privacy is a priveledge. One you aren't blessed with very often.
5) Don't buy your books until after the first day of class. For some of your classes, you won't EVER open the book. Waste of money. (i.e. Basic Wellness)
6) 8am classes are a lot earlier than you think..especially on Fridays.
7) Go into classes with an open mind. You might just figure out that you're not meant to be a Bio major..or what have you.
8) Time Management: you need it. (Credit to Townley for this one.)
9) That not so long walk TO the houses is a LOT longer coming back at 4am...call the pondo shuttle. or Officer Woody.
10) The hill beside the library is a lot steeper than you think it is after a night of studying at 5am.
...and just for the heck of it
11) Avoid the Freshman Fifteen at all costs. Even if it means avoiding the ice cream in GDH...well, maybe.

This semester has brought me so much happiness and at the same time it's brought me more stress than I ever thought possible. I've overcome so many obstacles and I've grown so much just in these past 4 months, its crazy to even think about. I've experienced the excitement of Rush, the happiness of making my first "A" in a college level class, the joys of hour long dinners in GDH, and coffee breaks at Springs when I've been studying way too long.I've endured rainy pin attire days, "dead week", home sickness, and finals. It's been a wild ride, but it's been great. And the best part? I still have more than 3 years left of this wonderful place called PC.
Happy Studying! Remember, Christmas Break is just around the corner.
Much Love,
Emma

"But what do they do behind the curtain?..."

Guess what I did today?!
I saved three lives! Yepp, I gave blood! Lucky for me my iron was barely high enough to be accepted but hey, i'll take what I can get. (thank you, anemia.) Okay, so my day was pretty productive. Audra and I got out of class at 10 so, instead of doing what I usually do and take a nap, we decided to be super duper productive and go work out. Man, oh man did I need it! After burning close to 400 calories on the treadmill and doing a lot of ab workouts (PS don't make me laugh for a while. it hurts.), we ate a healthy lunch at Springs with Victoria...and lo and behold we found out about the blood drive! I jumped at the chance to give because I don't get to give as often as I'd like..you know, because I'm anemic. We convinced Audra to do it too, because she had never done it before. Yay for saving lives! But boo for new nurses who dig into your veins with a very uncomfortable needle. yikes...poor tamra. (that was my little nurses name. She was obviously new.)
So after giving blood I wasn't feeling so hott. After a 2 hour nap, I hit the books. Oh boy...I am so ready to get out of this Bio for majors class...this exam is going to be a killer. So, overall, today was a productive day, and I must say I'm pretty darn proud! And hey! I got a free T-shirt too! :)
PS: I will be home in exactly ONE WEEK from tomorrow!! I CAN NOT WAIT! Yay for Christmas, monkey bread, and egg nog.
Happy Studying and good luck next week!
Much Love,
Emma

My New Obsession and The Lovely Weather of PC

So, yesterday I may or may not have registered for my own Ebay account. And it may or may not have been a bad thing. Considering that I've spend a good half of my day on Ebay doing random things...this could get ugly. And...can I just say how stressful bidding online is?! Okay, for example. I was bidding on this ADORABLE Lily Skirt. Brand new, with tags and all. And I was SO pumped because I was the highest bidder for like the majority of the auction. Not only was I the highest bidder but wanna know how much my bid was?! ONLY $26.00! May I remind you, Lily Pullitzer is not cheap...this skirt retailed for $178 so I was pretty excited. Okay, back to my story. So, I was patiently awaiting by my computer to win this amazing skirt and all of a sudden..someone out bid me! Just like that! And..unfortunately..I lost. I know, isn't your heart just breaking for me?
Regardless of my frustrating loss, I did pull away with some successful buys. Brand New Polo hats for $8 a piece? I'll take it! So...word to the wise. Unless you want something that takes up way too much of your time and is completely addicting, don't sign up for Ebay. But, of course, you know I'll be keeping mine. Exams are approaching fast and I need as much procrastinating that I can get! (hence why I'm on here and not in the library) :)

Okay, new topic. The weather. here. sucks. Literally, once a week, mother nature decides to bless PC with rain. So, not only was today rainy, but it was worse than it has been in a while. Like literally felt like I was in the middle of a monsoon...Hence another reason I am so not thankful that Campus Police so nicely moved my parking spot across campus. But it'll all be changed after break...yesss. Okay, back to the weather. Apparantly there was a serious tornado warning in Clinton today? Where was I for this, you ask? I was stuck in Wal Mart. Not just like, shopping around "stuck". I was literally stuck in wal mart. They wouldn't let us leave because of the weather and tornado warnings. And all of the poor girls at PC had to go to our basement! Upon my arrival back to my room, I was informed of this...wow. Way to be safe, PC!
So I'm attaching a picture of my door. Our amazing RA, Gracie, is having a hall door decorating contest for Christmas. We have quite a pretty present, eh?
Be safe, everyone and study hard for Exams!
Much Love,
Emma

Let's Say Thanks!

okay guys, this literally takes 5 seconds and could really make the difference in someone's Christmas across seas.
http://www.letssaythanks.com/SendCard.asp