The Last Hoorah...

Today was the last day of my Creative Writing class. We turned in our portfolios, which are a culmination of our entire semester's work, and had some cookies before saying goodbye to that class for good. It's too bad, really. That was my favorite class :( I'll miss it, but not to worry- I'm taking a creative writing workshop class next semester!!!

Tonight I also have my last meeting as the mentor of Professor Mockridge's FYS class. Again, it's sad to say goodbye to that class. Still, the beautiful thing about Ripon is that even if I don't have class with these people anymore I still get to see them around campus.

Last night was Joyce to the World and Christy, Lindsey, and I had our own little cookie decorating contest...I didn't win :( Oh well, it was still tasty!! There were also performances by the band and one of the choirs, crafts, and stories read by President Joyce. Oh, and a bunch of people wore their pajamas!! Pretty sweet, huh?

~Jess

Joyce to the World!!

In true Ripon fashion, tonight is Joyce to the World! For those who may be wondering why it is that I keep spelling "joy" incorrectly, allow me to enlighten you. Joyce to the World is a Ripon College tradition that takes place every year. President Joyce reads Christmas stories in Great Hall while students sit/lay/lounge with blankets and pillows, enjoying a fully decorated Christmas tree, cookies, and the sweet sounds of Christmas stories!!! What could be finer!?! I love Ripon College!!

In other news, tonight is the big Innertube Waterpolo Championship game!!! We play once in the semi-finals and then comes the big show-down.... Wish me luck!!!

~Jess

Live Music in the Pub!

Yesterday I was so busy talking about my weekend I totally forgot about my lunch I spent being serenaded by singer/songwriter Julie Moffitt. It was freaking awesome!

As if the day could get any better, yesterday was Ripon College student appreciation day at Domino's Pizza which meant a small pizza was only $2.99! What a deal! After my Innertube Water Polo game- which was the first playoff game AND we won!!! Hooray!- I got to unwind with friends, a pizza, and an episode of Scrubs. College life is the life for me :)

Now for today... let's see. It's snowing again, yay! Also, it was the culmination of the FYS class at Golden Hour this morning so all the first-year students were presenting their group projects. Also, I have apparently been published in the Ripon Magazine driving the team of horses at the stable during our Equestrian Club kick-off. How exciting! (And it's good publicity for the club, too!!)

I think that's it for exciting (or unexciting) news!!

~Jess

Jamaica, Here I Come!

I just found out that I was chosen as one of the 15 people to travel to Jamaica on a Maymester trip this year and I'm so excited!!

I'm also excited because IT SNOWED THIS WEEKEND!!! Yay! And not just a dusting, either- we're talking some serious accumulation! I already went sledding!! :) Also, this weekend was an "ugly sweater" party where everyone wore ridiculously gaudy sweaters, AND this weekend was Dickens of a Christmas! I went downtown for the living windows and was sure to check out the "Enchanted Forest" (a display of a bunch of Christmas trees decorated by different community organizations) and also the International Gift Market. What an awesome weekend!! I love Christmastime!!! :)

~Jess

Have I menta

Creative Writing: Revamped

Today's Creative writing class was actually more of a creative reading exercise. We got together with both sections of the class and shared a piece of our writing by reading it in front of the class. I must say (granted I'm kinda a nerd for these kind of things) I really loved it! It was so amazing to hear everyone share their pieces- some very powerful and personal, others light-hearted and funny. It was a wonderful way to spend an afternoon and now I find myself viewing my life as an author might. I don't mean to get all "english major"-y on you, but that happens from time to time...my mind just starts writing stories that attempt to make my pretty average life seem legitimately striking. Wait a minute...isn't that what I'm doing right now??? Hmmm... ;)

~Jess

It's almost December!!

Wow, I'm once again struck by how quickly time passes! Classes are already gearing up for finals (happening in two weeks) and Christmas is right around the corner. It has definitely gotten colder, but thankfully the sun is still shining! Tonight we have an Innertube Water Polo game, and both of our teams are undefeated...so I like to refer to tonight as "The Showdown of the Century." Wish us luck!!

~Jess

Christmas, here I come!!!

With another beautiful Thanksgiving complete, it's now time to let loose with the Christmas cheer! Christy and I are decorating our room tonight with everything from garland, to lights, to Christmas trees (that's right- treeS)...even some singing snowmen!! I can't wait...we're going to crank the Christmas tunes and make ourselves a winter wonderland!!! Wahoo!! :)

I LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR!!!!
~Jess

One More Day Until Break!!! Yahoo!!

I can NOT wait until Thanksgiving!! Turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy....mmm, I drool just thinking about it :) Plus, everyone's always in a good mood at Thanksgiving...well most of the time. It's sort of become a family tradition for either my sister or I (sometimes both) to get sick every year at Thanksgiving time. This year must be my year, because my throat's already getting a little scratchy :-/

In other news, I just found out I got chosen to be the Mentor Coordinator/Center Manager for Ripon College's Collaborative Learning Center next full. It's a mouthful, but it's quite an honor to be chosen and I'm very excited!! :)

Also, today I watched student music recitals during Golden Hour and they were all spectacular!! For those who may not know, Golden Hour is a one hour time period on Tuesday mornings when no classes are scheduled so there's an opportunity for campus-wide gatherings.

That's all for me today!

~Jess

Knock, Knock...

I went to a camp this weekend as a chaperone to the Confirmation kids at my church and it was called "Knock, Knock." The Bible verse theme was Revelation 3:20 and the camp was truly amazing!

I left Friday night and didn't get back until Sunday at a little before noon. Then came brunch, the Packer game (another win WOHOO!!!!), and some homework time. Next it was off to watch a movie with Kent. And not just any movie, but probably one of the best movies ever made... Planes, Trains, and Automobiles with Steve Martin and John Candy. I LOVE that movie!!

This week is only a three day week here on campus, thanks to Turkey Day!! Before I know it I'll be shoving in the mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie! I can't wait :)

~Jess

Dickens of a Christmas!! :)

Last night the comedian Jay Black came to campus and he was hilarious!! I haven't laughed that hard in awhile!! I also had a church meeting last night to discuss the Christmas Pageant and other youth group activities. On November 30th we're going to head downtown for "Dickens of a Christmas." In case you've never heard of Dickens, it's probably the coolest holiday tradition I've ever experienced! The whole downtown is decorated with white lights (as it is for the entire winter season). Then there are people in all of the windows of the shops downtown dressed up in costumes and acting out scenes from Dickens' Christmas Carol. The actors include everyone from college students, to the mayor of Ripon, to little kids from the community! Inside the shops there are cookies and hot chocolate, and there's a sleigh going up and down main street giving rides. It's simply amazing! I loved it last year and I'm so excited for it this year!! :)

~Jess

Prairie Walk!!

Yesterday was so beautiful! It was in the 50's! In November! Kent and I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to take a nice walk through the prairie. Last night I also finished another paper. I'm on a roll, baby!

Tonight Colette and I are going to decide which kids get which roles in the Christmas Pageant this year, so that should be exciting! Aside from that, it'll just be homework for me tonight...and maybe a movie with the ladies.... We'll see :) I love college!

~Jess

Guys, Dolls, and Electrical Fires

This weekend my high school put on the musical "Guys and Dolls." However, when I got an email Friday morning saying there had been an electrical fire in my high school's basement I questioned whether they would be able to perform, but the old saying "the show must go on" certainly held true! They got everything fixed and the musical was amazing!!

Saturday was spent relaxing and playing board games with the fam. I'm beginning to think we're the only family who actually plays board games together....oh well, it's a great time!! :)

Sunday was a children's service at church, and all the kids did a great job in the service! I'm so proud!! Then came a lovely Sunday afternoon nap, followed by a highly productive "library party." I've begun calling them "parties" in an effort to make myself excited for them. The bad news is it rarely works, but the good news is last night's LP yielded a 6 page philosophy paper!

~Jess

Men in Tights...

The FYS class that I am the Mentor for is preparing for a mock trial in class tomorrow. They are using evidence from one of the novels we read to prepare arguments to either defend or convict Giovanni, the main character on trial in the book. The class is divided into two teams- the prosecution and the defense. Today they got to try on their costumes, time-period correct, of course. It was a hoot! A couple of the guys had long shirts and spandex tight things...the looks on their faces were priceless! Tomorrow's trial should be a blast!

~Jess

Nothing like a nice, warm cup of coffee to start the day out right :)

This morning I met my pastor for coffee and we had a nice theological conversation :) After coffee, my day kicked in in full force: an interview, class, lunch, class, class, now work, then volunteering, Equestrian Club meeting, then IM water polo tonight!! Whew!

Life is a blur, but I love every second of it!!
~Jess

Author S.L. Wisenberg comes to campus!!!

Sheesh! At least there wasn't enough of it to accumulate, but it was still windy and cold!!! I managed to stay warm, though, don't you worry. Last night dinner in the Commons was especially good- a warm bowl of soup to shake the chill of the air and warm, soft buns with butter!! Mmmm! There were tons of other options too- wraps, pizza, tacos, pasta, burgers....-but it was definitely a soup day yesterday! Today's looking like it may be a soup day too... we'll see.

Today in my Creative Writing class we're having an author sit in and talk to us. Her name is S.L. Wisenberg and we've read a lot of her work in class. She's very talented, and I look forward to chatting with her during class and also listening to her fiction reading tonight at the Caestecker art gallery on campus.

Too cool!
~Jess

Save-a-Lot Field Trip

As a college student, I know the splendor of a deal...and cheap food has to be one of the best deals there are! Last night I took my youth group to Save-a-lot to buy food for the local food pantry, and let me tell you- we got a ton of food!

In other news, THE PACKERS WON yesterday!!!! Woohoo!! Also, the Patriots/Colts game was a thriller, although I would've preferred that the Colts had won....but oh well.

Today is Monday Music Madness on campus in the Pub. The first Monday of every month, SMAC brings in live music so we get to enjoy being serenaded while we eat. Good deal :) I'm heading over there at noon... a half hour and counting....

~Jess

The Countdown Toward Napping Begins!

Usually I book my weekends pretty full, but this weekend what I'm "planning" is RELAXATION!! I'm going to sleep late, sit around in my pajamas, and get some work done.

I can't wait!
~Jess

Happy November :)

I know I say this all the time, but time just flies by! I can't believe it's already November! The good news is, the leaves are still green, the sky is still blue, and I still love Ripon College!

I just scheduled my classes for next semester and declared one of my majors, English. Just thinking about the future is so exciting!

~Jess

Happy Halloween!!!

I can not even believe that tomorrow is November! No way. This year is going too fast.

In honor of Halloween I have already shoved my face with more candy than I'd care to admit to (although that's not particularly unusual....) and tonight is another Halloween party on campus! This one probably won't last very long as we all have classes tomorrow, but it'll still be a blast!!

I love Halloween!!

~Jess

And speaking of angels....

This past weekend was a "Heaven and Hell" themed costume party hosted by one of the fraternities on campus. You could either go with the theme or just wear any old costume. My roommate and I went with the theme. I'll let you guess who's who... ;)

Hark the Herald Angels Sing

I don't know about you, but everytime I hear or read the words "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" the song gets stuck in my head for forever!! I bring this up because yesterday I was planning the Christmas pageant for my Sunday School kids and that song was in it....therefore it has been in my head for almost 24 hours now. Good grief.

In other news, the play Much Ado About Nothing opens tomorrow and shows until Sunday. I'm so excited to go see it! The productions here are always really awesome and the tickets are always free! My kind of entertainment :)

Also, SMAC is sponsoring a trip to Madison this Friday to watch a Badgers hockey game and I'm thinking of going- that would be a blast! I LOVE watching hockey!!

Anyway, I've got to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather!

Toodles!
~Jess

Ask me if I ate two dinners last night...

Oh, yea! I sure did.

I went to dinner at the commons with two of my girlfriends at 5. Nothing unusual there. However, then at 6:45 my roommate surprised me with a dinner at Roadhouse pizza and invited a bunch of our friends along too. The food was amazing, and the company was even better. I'm such a lucky girl.

Anyway, enough with the mushy stuff...tonight I'm going bowling! There's an OC (Orientation Committee) reunion tonight at the bowling alley and I'm very excited to get out there!! Tomorrow I'm helping out with a haunted trail designed for kids that's being hosted at the stable where the Equestrian Club rides. It should be a good time! I just have to find a way to make myself look scary... I think I can manage ;)

~Jess

Wisconsin Days!

Today and tomorrow are "Wisconsin Days" here at Ripon College. It's a chance for prospective students to see the campus in full force- attend a class, see students in action, and get a real flavor for the atmosphere here at Ripon. Plus, they get to miss school for a day! ;)

Life is still busy, busy, busy for me! I'm not complaining though, I like being kept busy. And if I really put my mind to it I can make myself some free time. For example, last night I got some time to update my resume, take a nice long shower and just curl up with a book. It's been awhile since I've read for fun...I missed it!

The leaves are beautiful shades of orange, the wind is whistling, and the sun is shining...not more you can ask for in a fall day! :)

~Jess

Smoothie and a Movie = Success!

My living group's activity last night went really well! We made up a bunch of delicious smoothies and watched "What Women Want"... it was a nice break! :)

Today has been pretty ordinary. I did, however, stop into the Student Support Services office and pick up some information on internships for the summer, so I'm pretty excited to get my resume updated and everything started! There are so many amazing opportunities out there!

~Jess

Road trip anyone?

Last night Kent and I took an impromptu road trip to his house in Chicago for the night to see the 8 week old chocolate lab puppy his parents just got. I could tell you how cute it is, but I'm sure you can just imagine!! It was quite a drive, but totally worth it!

Today is simply beautiful outside! I'm thinking a walk through the prairie may be in order :) Also, tonight my living group is sponsoring a "smoothie and a movie night"... sounds like a good time to me!!

~Jess

Nine days are over already?

This past week of Fall Break just flew by! Still, I managed to catch up on some sleep, spend some time with the fam, and even carve a pumpkin or two! It rained almost non-stop the whole week, but I didn't let a little precipitation stop my fun! Kent came up to stay with me and my parents this past weekend, and as soon as he came it got sunny and beautiful. Mighty convenient! It was an awesome break- rain or shine!

Still, as great as it was to just relax, it's also great to be back and into the swing of things again. I can't believe this year is already a quarter over! Yikes!

In any event, play time is over and school is back in session! Speaking of which, I have some homework to do...

~Jess

No!! The Flu Bug Stung Me :(

I can't believe my luck! I held out so long from sickness, and then the day before my break starts I get sick. Only me. :(

The good news is I only have one more big midterm! As of 4:00 tomorrow I'm on vacation, and I can't wait!!

~Jess

Whew!

Today I had a big midterm and I think it went well :) What a relief!! I only have one big one left before break and then I'm free for a week!! Woohoo!!

I can't wait to just do nothing!!

Tonight my plans include a leisurely dinner and a walk through the beautiful fall leaves before it gets dark! Once the dark sets in I'll settle in and get some homework done, but until then I'm all about relaxation :)

~Jess

Is it a bad thing that I can't really feel my left hand?

I don't how many of you are "rollers," but I sure am. For those who may be unfamiliar with the term, a "roller" is a person who tosses and turns a lot in their sleep. On a fairly regular basis I wake up to find that I've been laying on my arm and it has therefore fallen asleep. I just pull it out from under myself with the other arm and all is good within a few minutes. Today, however, my hand fell asleep and it still hasn't retained full feeling...4 hours later!! I'm no doctor, but I'd say that can't be a good thing.

On a lighter note, the fall weather finally has returned! 64 degrees, sunny, and breezy; just how I like it! Today is going to be another busy one! I'm volunteering at Culvers from 3:45-9:00 to help out for a fundraiser to benefit the group of us going down to Panama to help dig a well over Spring Break.

After that, I have an Equestrian Club meeting at 9:30 to talk about our plans for the rest of the semester, and then it's time to study for my midterms!

~Jess

I hereby move that weekends should be 3 days long...

I don't know how this happens every weekend, but the days just seem to slip away and I'm left out of breath and right back in the swing of things! At least this weekend I got caught up on some sleep! Friday night I went out to dinner with Kent and some of our friends and it was delicious! We spent the next hour or so digesting and then planned to head over to the Reggae concert that one of the fraternities was sponsoring as a fundraiser to benefit the people of Jamaica who were affected by the hurricanes.

You see, every year a group of students from the college goes on a "Maymester" trip to Jamaica to help them build whatever they need and to learn more about other cultures. However, the hurricane that came through just recently destroyed all of the work last year's participants put in, so the concert was a way to raise money to re-do everything that was undone. Speaking of Maymesters, I've been thinking more and more about going abroad next spring and I think the London/Florence program in the Arts is the one for me! Maymesters are trips that last for a few weeks after the end of second semester in which students can choose from a variety of locations and are able to spend time abroad experiencing something new and exciting without the time committment of a full semester over seas. There are Maymester programs ranging anywhere from Madrid to whale-watching in Washington. The possibilities are endless!

The semester-long abroad program also offers TONS of destinations and makes for a longer immersion into a different culture. That's why I'm leaning toward a whole semester abroad...why not take advantage of the opportunity to the fullest extent?! The best part is that all of your financial aid from Ripon College follows you overseas to any Ripon College approved program (which are many!). That means I can travel around Europe and study in London for the same price I would pay to go here for a semester! It seems too good to be true, but it's for real!

~Jess

Oh, how I love Fridays!! :)

Today was a pretty crazy day! This morning I gave a presentation about the Equestrian Club to the Board of Trustees which was pretty exciting! Then I had lunch with a prospective student named Maggie who was SO much fun! She was into horses too, so we definitely had plenty to talk about! :)

This weekend I'm going to try to relax a little. Emphasis on "try." I might head out to the driving range and hit a couple buckets of balls on Saturday, and most definitely catch up on some sleep! Tonight I'm going out to dinner with my boyfriend and some friends at Big Stellas, one of the local restaurants which has amazing food and a really fun atmosphere! I'm excited already :) Mmmm! After that I don't really know what's on the agenda...it's Friday, I don't need itineraries! My girlfriends and I talked about a bowling excursion... who knows!

~Jess

If I had one wish...

It would be that fall would last forever! Well, maybe not...but if I had thirteen wishes...

This week has continued at its crazy pace! And even though life is whizzing by, I'm loving every second of it! Yesterday was my first golf practice and it was so much fun! We got to play nine holes at a beautiful course, on a beautiful day, and best of all- it was free!! What more could a girl ask for? After one practice I've already improved and all of the girls on the team are awesome! They're heading down to the Midwest Conference Championship tournament today. I wish I could have gone with them, but I have too many commitments here that I couldn't free up the time. :( Next year, though! I'll be there!

~Jess

My, what a week this has turned out to be!

It is only Wednesday, but it feels like this week has been going on for forever! I've made room for some hanging out time, but that means that the rest of my days have been busy, busy, busy! On Monday two exciting things happened (1) I got that 8 page paper back...the one I wrote the night before it was due...and I got an A!! Woohoo! It worked out this time, but I certainly don't plan on saving a paper until the last minute anymore! Also (2) a bunch of my friends and I went out to celebrate my friend Peter's birthday on Monday night. We went to a local restaurant that serves all-you-can-eat chicken wings on Monday nights and I chowed down 18 or so...and then felt a little sick. Gee, I wonder why.

Yesterday I also packed in quite a bit. I had to take an afternoon break and take a nap, though because my recent lack of sleep was really catching up with me. I felt tons better and was able to then get my homework done and still sneak in a round of bowling with some friends before heading to bed. On the way home from the bowling alley we saw the Men's Soccer team getting home from a game. They're doing really well this year!!

Enough chit chat, I have tons of stuff to do!
~Jess

Happy October!!

This weekend flew by...as usual. Friday night a bunch of us went to see the comedian who was on campus. His name was Rob Parovonian and he was HILARIOUS!! After the show SMAC sponsored a fireworks display which was amazing! It was far better than the fireworks display my town puts on for the Fourth of July!

On Saturday my parents came down to visit and went went to Oshkosh to have dinner with my great aunt Rachel. It was a nice change of pace and it was great to be with my family again! Saturday night was a movie night and it was the perfect end to a tiring day.

On Sunday my parents and great aunt came to church with me to hear me give my children's sermon and then we all went out to brunch with my boyfriend, Kent. We hit up Red Apple Family Restaurant, which has the best brunch in town by far! MmmMmm! Then it was time for some grocery shopping and tidying up of my room. My parents brought down all my winter clothes when they came and it was no easy task getting them all wedged into my closet! At 3:00 I headed out to the stable to help lead a trail ride sponsored by the Equestrian Club. Next came a quick dinner and then I was off to lead Youth Group from 6:30-8:30.

Wow, what a weekend!
~Jess

Hello, weekend!!!

I am officially done with classes for the weekend, now just an hour more of work and I'm free!!

Tonight there will be a comedian coming to campus who I've heard really good things about! I'm pumped to see him! AND after the show there are going to be fireworks on Lower Sadoff Field...how awesome is that!?!

Tomorrow afternoon my parents are coming down to visit!! I haven't seen them for almost a month, so it'll be great to catch up with them! I also got asked to ride a horse in a parade tomorrow...so maybe I'll squeeze that in there, too! We'll see!

~Jess

What a productive morning!

Already this morning I have written three papers! Granted they were short, only two or three pages each, but I'm still counting it as a success!

Yesterday afternoon I headed over to Oshkosh and got my golf shoes! They are SOO spiffy! And as long as I was there, I bought myself a new glove, too. Now I'll certainly look the part... I just have to make my game good enough to match...

This afternoon I'm heading out to the stable with a couple of the members of the Equestrian Club to get some pictures taken for the yearbook! It's a beautiful day to be riding! Life is good :)

~Jess

Just my luck...

So I was up until 2:30am putting the finishing touches on my paper, which I think actually turned out really well! I was so proud of it and left it on my desk, ready for my class at 10:10. Of course when this morning rolls around and I wake up and look at my clock...it was 10:12. That would happen to me! Today of all days I chose to sleep through my alarm!?! Argh!! Nice start to the day.

Fortunately, things picked up from there. I got a lot of odds and ends kind of things finished and the weather is AMAZING! Tonight I'm heading to Oshkosh (only about a 20 minute drive) to get myself some new golf shoes! I got recruited for the Ripon College Women's Golf Team and I'm so excited to play!! :)

~Jess

Drowning my pain in Starburst juice

Note to self: Don't wait until the day before it's due to start writing an 8 page paper.

Sure, it seems logical. But with life going a million miles a minute and sleep in such short supply, it's very easy to let a little thing called "procrastination" run your life. I wouldn't consider myself to be an extreme procrastinator, mostly just a person who benefits from knowing that I HAVE to get something done...which may be the same thing... :) I've never really had a problem with my procrastination up until this point, so hopefully history proves true tonight!

I'll be happy when it's tomorrow, that's for sure!
~Jess

Wagonride...Take two!

I have definitely been enjoying the fall weather! I planned my church's fall family night and guess where I chose...that's right, Cedar Ridge Ranch. We had almost 50 people attend a wagonride and bonfire/s'mores cookout which was a wonderful turn out, and judging by the smiles on the kids' faces, I'd say everyone had a good time!

In other news, I did a pretty large scale re-design of my half of my dorm room. I moved my couch and TV around to allow better viewing while also allowing more room by my closet. It looks great, and more importantly it works really well! Once I was on a roll I also spiffed up my closet organization, cleaned off the top of my desk, updated my picture frames, and even washed some dishes. My room just sparkles!!

I can hardly wait to get back there and study... ;)

~Jess

Wagonride Today!!

Today is our kickoff event for the Equestrian Club! We're doing a wagonride and BBQ and I'm really excited!! The weather looks like it's going to cooperate... so I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that everything goes without a hitch!!

~Jess

UPDATE: The Wagonride was awesome!! We had a crowd of 20-25 people, I bet. We all got a chance to help harness the horses and even drive them by hand (see picture). Believe it or not, David has never driven a team of horses before! He did an awesome job!

Do you like movies???

Tonight, like every night, there are a half a dozen different activities going on. Everything from a meeting of Cinemaniacs (a campus groups for people who enjoy movies) to a girls soccer game is happening tonight!!

For me, tonight is going to start with dinner, then some homework, and finally a Board of Christian Ed meeting tonight at church. I'm also hoping to work in some time to clean up my room a bit, and maybe even get to bed early! We'll see!

~Jess

A Flashback to Summer!

Just when I thought it was time to put my shorts and flip flops away the temps rise into the eighties and the sun is shining like everything! Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, I love the weather, I was just a little surprised! I intend to take full advantage of it, too! My boyfriend and I are having a picnic at a park for dinner and then I'm going to take my homework outside to work on it!! I have some studying to do for an exam tomorrow, and also a couple odds and ends to catch up on. I also have to make the final preparations for the Equestrian Club kickoff event on Thursday. I hope the weather is this great then!!

~Jess

PS- maybe it was the magician that we had on campus last Friday that made the warm weather come back...I knew he was good, but wow! :)

Back to Business...

I was definitely sad to see this weekend end, but there will be plenty more to come. On Saturday I helped check in students for Open House. After check-in I headed down to the quads to play Frisbee Golf which was SO much fun! It was a beautiful day to spend frisbee golfing, playing sand volleyball, and just hanging out with friends. That night I just stayed in and watched a movie and it was great!! :) I was in bed by 11 and ready to go on Sunday morning.

At church on Sunday I gave my first children's sermon at church and I think it went really well! Next came brunch and then a shopping trip with my roomie! What a great weekend!!

~Jess

It's the weekend!!

Well, not quite yet. Almost there, though!

This weekend is going to be busy and SO much fun! On Saturday morning I'm working registration for Open House. After that I'm off to play Frisbee Golf, an activity sponsored by one of the fraternities to raise money for leukemia.

On Sunday I give my first first children's sermon at church. That afternoon I'm going to do some homework and hopefully spend some time at the stable. If the weather cooperates, maybe I'll even play nine holes of golf at one of the local courses.

~Jess

Girls' Night :)

For all of you girls out there, I'm sure you know what I'm talking about. A girls' night means pajama pants, blankets, kleenexes, and popcorn. It's hanging out with your friends and laughing together, crying together, and talking about how good looking whatever leading man in the movie you are watching is. Last night was a girls' night for me, and it was just what I needed! That's what I love about Ripon...good times and good friends! I love you, girls!!

~Jess

A Cool, Brisk, Autumn Morning :)

On a lovely day like today all I want to do is sit in a cozy armchair wrapped up with a blanket and a good book. However, I don't think my professors would be too crazy about that idea! Today I'm going to head down to the Post Office to apply for my passport which is pretty exciting!! Other than that, just classes and homework for me today!

~Jess

Totally tubular Tuesday

Today is a beautiful fall day!! I have quite a busy agenda, but it's hard to be anything but happy when the wind is blowing and the sun is shining! :)

This afternoon I have a meeting regarding our mission trip to Panama during Spring Break. I have a feeling it's going to come up faster than I think!!

Tonight I'm heading down to watch Christy play volleyball and I'm really excited to see her and her teammates kick some butt! Go Redhawks!!

~Jess

Monday, Monday

This weekend was a blast!! Friday night one of the fraternities sponsored a party where everyone dressed up like gansters. It may sound kinda funny...and it was! :)

On Saturday I got to sleep in for the first time in three long weeks! Woohoo!! I went out to lunch at Red Apple Family Restaurant which may just be one of my favorite eating places of all time! That afternoon I did some homework and finished up the final preparations for the Sunday School kickoff on Sunday. For dinner I went to a restaurant called Gooseblind with my boyfriend, his mom, and some of his friends. I had some of the best pasta I've ever tasted and ate so much I thought I would explode!

Sunday I had to be up at 7am to get to the church early to set up for the Kickoff Sunday festivities which included a water balloon launch, frisbee, croquet, and chalk art. By the time the service was over and fellowship hour had concluded it was almost noon. I headed back to campus and met Christy for brunch in the commons. Then it was nap time....until 4:00. After waking up I went and ate dinner. What a life....eat, sleep, eat, sleep... :) I love college!!! Don't worry, I spent a good chunk of time after dinner doing my homework.

Well, I'm off to start this rainy day!!

~Jess

Let's get naked!!!

Well that caught your attention, didn't it?!

The reason I mention nakedness is that there was a guest speaker last night giving a hilarious talk called "The Naked Roommate." It was about college life, specifically life with a roommate. Last night was also the first meeting of the Equestrian Club and we had a great turn out!! I'm excited to get things started!

This morning I had breakfast at the commons and now I'm off to class!
~Jess

Thursday!

Today is going to be busy! I worked at the CLC from 9-11, then lunch, then work until 1, followed by class from 1-4! After class some of my friends and I are going to head out to Green Lake for some much needed relaxation time (assuming the rain holds off, that is!) Then at 8pm is the first Equestrian Club meeting of the year! I can't wait! Busy, busy, busy!!

~Jess

It is so freaking hot!!

I don't know what the deal is, but it's been a heat wave lately! With temperatures consistently in the 80's all I want to do is lay on the beach! In fact I might do that this afternoon...head over to Green Lake, maybe. Hmm...

Last night I had an IM softball game and we won 10-2! Woohoo! I can't say I was especially influencial in that win, but it was fun anyway :) After that we all went to a special "Dinner in the Quads." Instead of dinner in the commons last night, the food service prepared a picnic for us outside down by the upperclassmen housing. Good food and good times! After that it was off to the library for me! I must say, yesterday made me happy to be at college!

~Jess

The Pub is done!

The Pub, one of Ripon's three eating options, was completely re-done this summer and it is now open for the first time! There are tons of couches and tables as well as billiard tables and a stage! I just had lunch there and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I look forward to many more fine lunches and dinners there! Is it time for supper yet ;)

~Jess

It's great to be back!

My weekend up north was awesome!! On Saturday I just swam and laid out in the sun all day! My older sister came up for the afternoon and it was great to hang out with her again- I hadn't seen her in forever! After some family game time (that's right, our family actually plays family games...talk about nerds :) ...) it was time for bed! I slept like a baby for 11 freaking hours!

Sunday after church my dad and I went golfing at Pinewood Country Club, a public golf course only a few minutes from our cabin. I shot a decent game, but I could've shot a horrible game and enjoyed myself just as much because the weather was beautiful!! After golf we ate lunch and I headed back home to Ripon! My weekend was perfect, but it's always great to get back on campus!

~Jess

TGIF!

Today marks the final day in what may just have been the longest week ever! This weekend I'm heading up north with my parents to our cottage and I can't wait! A weekend of golfing, fishing, laying by the lake, and just relaxing...that's the good stuff :)

Until then, I've got some classes I should get to!
~Jess

It's a great day to be alive!

The weather outside is absolutely beautiful! The grass is all greened out from the rain and the sun is shining like nobody's business!

Yesterday was a busy day! During dinner last night the Student Activities Fair was going on, so I got to look around at all the clubs and what they are planning for the year as well as take my turn sitting at the Equestrian Club booth telling interested students what we're all about. It looks like this year is going to be packed with exciting events!

After dinner I headed over to church and led my first Youth Group time. It was awesome! The kids were great and the snacks weren't too shabby, either! :) When I got home I just did some homework and spent some quality time with the roomie! By 11:00 I was ready for bed!

I'm off to lunch now!
~Jess

Let the Games begin!

Wow! It's been awhile!

Summer was amazing, but I'm so excited to be back at Ripon! We started on August 22nd this year, so we're already in the swing of things! Actually, I was on the Orientation Committee this year, which meant I moved in even earlier to help get the first year students settled in and adjusted to college life.

Last year was awesome for me, and I have high hopes for this year, too! I'm living with Christy Looker, another intern and a very good friend of mine. I'm also a part of a living group which means all of my friends and I get to live in rooms right next to each other and give something back to the campus through events sponsored by our group. Ours is called "Think Pink" and it's meant to promote awareness for women's health issues like fitness and mental well-being as well as support research for breast cancer. And speaking of living conditions, the new campus apartments just got finished this summer and are open to upperclass students for the first time this fall. They are AMAZING! We're talking air conditioning, kitchen, living room, bathroom, 4 bedrooms (one for each resident) and all the other ammenities of apartment living while still maintaining a residential campus and being super handy to classes. They're awesome.

In other news, I've had some exciting new developments in my own life. I was asked to be the Director of Christian Education for one of Ripon's local churches and I happily accepted! I'm so excited to get started! I'm also a Mentor for the Collaborative Learning Center as well as maintaining my place here as an Admissions Office Intern. I wouldn't give up this job for anything! Then there are classes and extra curriculars, too...let's just say I'll certainly stay busy!

Speaking of classes, I should probably get going to mine!

~Jess

PS- The picture I included was from last weekend at the Tuba Dan concert. Every weekend during the summer there is free a concert downtown, and we caught the last one of the season this year. It was so much fun to watch Tuba Dan (who is a local legend, I may add) AND there was free Culvers custard for everyone who came :) Mmmm! I love Ripon!