Goodbye, Illinois

Over the past three months, Ian and I have been living in central Illinois visiting family and friends. We decided last year we were going to save up and come home during this transition period to spend time with loved ones over the holiday season. The past few months have flown by, and we have absolutely loved every minute of it!

In October we visited Shenadoah National Park, New River Gorge National Park, Cuyahoga National Park and Dunes National Park. My family participated in our first 5K together where Ian took 6th place. Our friends Kitty and Garrett got married, Ian's mom hosted a cookout at her place. My friend Haley married her lovely husband and Ian and I joined my dad and brother in Colorado and Utah to visit some family members. It was a great first month home!

November slowed down a bit. We had dinner with friends and visited with college roommates. It's really nice having a home away from home with them. Ian and I headed to Arkansas to stay with his grandpa and grandma. We stayed for two weeks and helped then with things around the house, including building a patio. One of the weekends we were down there, we held a celebration of life for Ian's great-grandpa, Pappy. He lived to be 99 years old! It was wonderful to see family and spend some time with everyone.

December picked back up. I scheduled all my doctor's appointments for this time. We celebrated Wyatt's (cousin) 3rd birthday and Andy's (friend) 26th with parties. I was able to see one of my favorite Christmas shows, the Nutcracker, with my mom. It was absolutely lovey. Ian had his wisdom teeth removed this month. Luckly everything was fine, and he had a quick recovery. I was able to be with my grandma, mom and aunt as we remembered the life of my uncle Tom who passed away 39 years ago. He is still near and dear to us all. Dad, Ian and I then went and saw Spider-Man: No Way Home. Needless to say, it is now my all-time favorite movie! I spent the day with my grandma and aunt babysitting my little cousins. It was really great getting some one-on-one time with them. We all live so far away from each other. Christmas was spent going to different family's homes. Ian and I haven't seen everyone since last year and the time spent with them was much needed. 

This last week spent in Illinois has consisted of saying our goodbyes, packing and applying for new jobs. I am pleased to say Ian and I are doing well in the job department. I'll post more on them when things become more official. We leave tomorrow morning for this new adventure. We really don't know what's in store for us, but we are hopeful. We have always wanted to lie in Colorado and hike its beautiful mountains. We are truly blessed with the lives we've been given.

Thank you to everyone we have seen and who have supported us these past three months. We are truly grateful for your love and kindness. We will keep you updated and share what we can. We love you dearly.

xoxo,

Polly 

We're Moving!

 For the past 3.5 years, Ian and I have been living in Black Mountian, North Carolina. To say this place has shaped us would be an understatement. Black Mountian has allowed for us to find ourselves; people we thought we could never become. We are whole. The community and loved ones we have gained will be hard to top. We have truly found some of our best friends while living here. 

My journey here began the summer of 2016 working a summer collegiate program at YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly. The following summer Ian joined me here and things started to fall into place. We began our lives here together the summer of 2018. We shared our first home, met amazing people, jumped into new hobbies, tried new adventures, went on many hikes and learned how to live during a pandemic. Needless to say, many memories were made. There is no doubt that I love him and the life we have created. 

We have said our goodbyes and we are finishing up at work. The house is empty of items but seems to grow in love. I will forever be grateful to this home and the parties and gatherings, life lessons, quite moments and guests we had. Ian and I became a family in these walls. We began our adult journey. The ones we hold dear know this goodbye is hard and we will see them soon enough. I cannot begin to put into words how much this chapter of my life has meant to me...

On Friday, October 1 we will be leaving. Although my heart is heavy, I am excited for this new adventure. We have always wanted to live in Colorado, and the time is now! We will be going on a road trip to visit Shenadoah National Park, New River Gorge National Park, Cuyahoga National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park* (with a stop to see our friend Anthony in Ohio). We will be with family and friends in the Illinois/St. Louis area for the holiday season. In January 2022 we will finally call Colorado home if/when the next adventure calls. 

Thank you dearly to our family for your endless support and love as we grow into adulthood. We are learning as we go and your support means everything to us. To our Illinois friends, thank you for your endless facetime calls and trips to come see us. We are so excited to spend some quality time with you again! Thank you to aunt Mary Ellen and uncle Dave who are allowing our dream to live in Colorado to become a reality. And, thank you to our North Carolina people. You have shown us true kindness and friendship, and that is hard to come by. You will be missed dearly but forever in our heats. We are excited to come back and visit as time goes on. Who knows. We may even be back some day...

That's all for now. I will try my best to post more blogs for family and friends to read and keep up with our lives. Social media can be a really cool thing if we use it for good. 

My heart is full <3

xoxo,

PK 

*We are aware of the feelings National Parks may bring. Please feel free to reach out to see how we keep safe while hiking in the parks.

My Granny

"The reality is that you will grieve forever.  You will not get over the loss of a loved one.  You will learn to live with it.  You will heal and you will rebuild yourself around the loss you have suffered.  You will be whole again but you will never be the same.  Nor should you be the same.  Nor would you want to." - Elizabeth Kubler-Ross & John Kessler

Jerusalem: Week One

Hello World!

What an adventure I have had.  I have been home from Jerusalem for exactly one week.  I miss it terribly, especially the people.  The purpose of these next three blogs will be for me to better explain why I was there, places I went, and lessons I learned.  I hope you enjoy!  Please pass this information on to anyone who is young and ready to help non-profit companies grow and make connections.  This trip was a dream opportunity, and I will forever be grateful for the YMCA and what it's done for me and many others.

I left for Israel on Sunday, August 12th and arrived on August 13th.  I was so tired when I arrived.  the first friend I made was Hassan.  He was the one who picked me up from the airport.  I tried so hard to stay awake on the ride to the Y, but I did end up sleeping a little.  When we arrived, Hassan made sure I entered through the front so I could see the Y and all it's glory.  I was amazed!  The Jerusalem International YMCE (JIY) was the most beautiful building I had seen in a very long time.  It was huge and felt so welcoming.  There is so much history that comes along with it.  I was just speechless.

The next day I was asked to sit in on a Development meeting.  I was nervous to jump right in but eager to learn.  I was very surprised to see that everyone spoke English and there were people who had grown up in the US!  I felt a lot better about being in that meeting after I made that connections with some women.  What really blew my mind was how kind everyone was.  They weren't being polite to be because I was there was YMCA Blue Ridge, but they actually wanted to know me and make sure I was adjusting.  I could feel how much they cared even though we had all just met.  It was in that meeting that I knew I was going to be okay...

Later that week I was foraminate enough to work with a youth summer camp.  I had a blast with that.  The kids seemed to be around middle school aged.  I say that because they spoke Aerobic and I speak English.  I tried my best to study body language and keep up.  I took a Zumba class with them and played basketball.  I then was able to watch them perform dubke.  I loved working with this group of kids.  They were so welcoming and loved having me.  They would invite me to play and reassure me with a sweet smile.  I will always remember them.  They had the most amazing time at the Y.  They touched my heart...  

I remember I was really jet lagged the first week.  I felt really bad because I wanted to seem alert and ready, but I was so tired.  Everyday I would fight it.  I wasn't about to let it take time from my experience.

I met Raed my first full day there.  I like to think of him as the "Bruno" of JIY, in the way that he took care of me coming there.  He was so great.  He was excited to have me and wanted to make sure I had the most amazing time.  He was the one in charge of my scheduling and outings.  I will forever be grateful for all he did for me.  He helped make my trip unbelievable and I will miss him dearly.  I was even able to meet his wonderful family.  He works very hard to make sure the hotel, 3 Arches Hotel, connected to the JIY is perfect.  And let me tell you, 5 stars.  If you ever get the chance to visit Jerusalem, stay at this hotel.

JIY has a kindergarten and summer camp program that's non-profit.  They also have a hotel and restaurant, 3 Arches Hotel.  They are located in the center of the city and have a huge tower you are able to go up in.  There is a 360 view and I would highly recommend going up (Hassan took me).  It was the coolest thing!  I saw all of the city and then some.  I would go back in a heart beat.

I worked almost every morning as their checker.  I would great the guests at breakfast and make sure their stay was going well.  I really liked doing this because I go to interact with the guests.  It forced me to learn new words and phrases.

Another friend I had while there was Afif.  He is their event planner, and I got to work an event while I was there.  I was also lucky enough to meet up with Lina!  We came to Blue Ridge last summer and we became friends.  I was so so happy to see her again.

My first Saturday there, Hassan, Afif, and Lina took me to the Dead Sea!  That has always been a bucket list item for me.  Before we got there, I was able to ride a camel! It was so cool!  What I didn't know was that there was a pool area before the sea for people could cool off from the hot sun.  It was cool to see.  We ate lunch and swam in the pool for a bit.  When we went down to the Dead Sea, I was speechless.  I was beautiful.  I couldn't believe I was really there.  The sand was extremely hot so we kept our sandals on.  When I first stepped into the sea, I was shocked.  It was hot! I was not expecting that at all.  The water was hot and thick from all the sand.  Hassan told me to sit on the water, and I did just that.  All of a sudden I was floating.  I didn't have a care in the world at that point.  I was floating in the Dead Sea.  Afif found some salt crystals and I brought one home for JT (my brother).  Lina also was eager to cover me in the mud!  I actually hadn't heard of that before.  She painted the sea's mud all over my body.  It felt amazing.  My skin was so soft and smooth and felt so clean.  I am so glad she forced me to take pictures so I could remember that day...

So that sums up my first week at the YMCA.  I will be writing about the next two weeks later.  I hope this has helped give you a better understanding of my adventure.  If you have any questions, please feel free to ask(:

xoxo,
Polly Keen
#LiveLifeLikeLucas    

College is Coming to a Close...

It's wild to think about college coming to an end.  I remember touring my dorm room for the first time and moving into my freshman dorm.  This time last year, if you would have asked me about graduating I would have told you i was scared and never wanted to leave.  However, has senior year comes to a close I find myself excited to close this chapter and start a new one.  I have a secure job until August, and with prayers I will be in a more solid position very soon (:

I have learned this year to take chances with life, and I have learned that it's okay to not have an answer when someone asks, "What is your plan after school?"  I use to hate this question and it made me so anxious.  Now, I feel confident when asked and, even if I don't have an answer, I say it proudly!  I owe everything to my family and know I am blessed because of where I have come from.  

I graduate May 13, 2018 at 1:00 PM.  Thank you to everyone who has helped me and supported me along my journey.  I really like the woman I am becoming, and I am excited to see where God takes me...

-PK

#livelifelikelucas 

Living my Dreams

Hey Everyone,

This past semester has been flying by.  From classes, working, and finishing up my year with Phips, I have not had a lot of time to myself.  I am currently planning our Family Day and Greek Week.  Ian and I just celebrated our two years yesterday. He took me to West of Wise Winery in Petersburg, IL.  It was so cute and the wine was soooo good. I am thankful for him everyday.  

          

                                        *photo by Shawgo Studios*

I have a little less than two months left on the hill top.  I am excited to be starting a new chapter in my life.  I think I will miss living with my best friends the most.  We are all going in different directions and that can be scary.  I just ordered my cap and gown, so it's getting real.

Now for the more exciting new.  I will be heading back to Blue Ridge this summer.  I have landed the job as their Summer Staff Coordinator! I am so excited for this opportunity.  I will also be traveling to Jerusalem for them in August!  I will be going to the YMCA over there to observe and see how they work compared to Blue Ridge.   My dream as always been to travel for my job.  I am 21 and this dream has come true.  I am so blessed and so lucky to have this in my life. And, to top it off Trees, Water, & People have started their mission to plant 1,000,000 tress in honor of Lucas Wolf.  I feel him always...

To end this blog, "remember to feel the transition and spread that sunshine." #LiveLifeLikeLucas   

-PK

 

Blogging Again...

Hello World,
   It has been a while since I have posted on this blog.  I honestly just haven't been in the mood to blog and my laptop wasn't working the best but I have gotten a new one, and I am hoping that 2018 is a better year for blogging!  I have a lot of really cool events coming up this year, and I would love to share that with all of you.  
   So far, this month has been quite.  I start my final semester of my undergrad on Tuesday!  It will be nice to get back into a routine and keep myself busy.  I am hoping to blog once a week like I use to do so be looking out for those.  Until then, I will be working a lot at IC's bookstore and Twyford's BBQ. 
-PK

My Trip to Park City

   There are only five weeks left of the semester and so much to do.  I am working on multiple projects but what's knew.  I am just at that point where I'm ready for summer. 
   I went to Utah to visit family over my spring break.  I had the best time.  It was warm and sunny and I got to spend every second with Granny Polly.  I also got to see Natalie, Ritchie, and David while I was there.  It was so nice getting to catch up.  I got to see where granny's senior center is.  Honestly, that was pretty cool.  She talks so much about it and it's nice to be able to visualize where she spends her time.  I got to see Natalie's new house.  It's a cute, little yellow house.  Granny and I also walked on Main Street one day.  We went to Java Cow and got coffee ice cream!  I highly recommend if you are ever in Park City to hit up Java Cow.  It is such a fun place.  Natalie introduced us to some family friends and we went to their son's hockey game.  I had never been to one before and really enjoyed it.  The game is so aggressive and moves quickly.  Granny was very concerned that the players were going to get hurt (hahaha).  One thing granny and I did was watch "Victoria" on PBS.  It is wonderful! It is a series that follows Queen Victoria's reign.  It was pretty accurate, too.  It is very well done and it pulls you into her story and what she went through being the youngest women to ever take over the crown.  Many people doubted her but she fought back because she was the queen.  Granny also introduced me to "The Crown" on Netflix.  This follows Queen Elizabeth II and her reign.  She and granny were both born in 1928 and granny gets a kick out of that.  Queen Elizabeth is the longest reigning queen (or king) in England.  Her back story is very interesting to say the least.  Highly recommended as well.

   That is all I have for this week. Until next time...
-PK 
      

Upcoming Adventures

Can you believe that I am half way through my second semester of junior year? Ya, me either...
   Tomorrow afternoon I am finally flying out to Utah! I am so excited to see my family, especially Granny Polly.  I am nervous to fly alone but God is good.  Spring Break begins today so I will be spending the entire week out there.  It hopefully won't be too cold.  I have been checking the weather and it will at least be sunny while I'm there.  I am pretty sure I will have some down time so I will be working on a paper that I have due later in the semester.  I am writing an essay for my History 300 class.  It is on Dr. G. V. Black.  He is from Jacksonville, IL and is known as the "Father of Modern Dentistry."  How cool is that?!  This town is actually pretty cool after you do a little digging.  His son, Carl, actually helped with IC's medical school after it first opened in Beecher Hall (here on campus).  It was the first medical in the entire state of Illinois.  I am kind of nerding out about this essay.  It is so interesting to me and easy to research since I am so interested in it.
   I also have some very exciting news to share.  Myself and three of my friends will be living in a house next year! I have signed my first lease and we will be renting for the first time.  It is exiting to learn about this system and actually be able to experience this with great people.  I will have my own room and it is a nice size house for college students.  I think I am just super excited for the experience.  I am lucky that my parents have been so cool and supportive with it all.  The girls and I have already started a list of things we have to bring.  It is going to be one cute house!
   The book I am reading right now isn't all that fun but I am enjoying it.  It is a biography about Dr. Black written by his son.  I find it very interesting.  I have been reading a lot for school this semester and haven't really gotten to choose what books I read. 
   Ian and I will have been dating an entire year on March 18th.  I honestly can't believe that.  Looking back, it has been a wonderful year with him.  We have learned so much about one another, met and spent time with each other's family, have not had any arguments, and have fallen in love.  I knew freshman year that one day he was going to be mine.  We will be heading down to St. Louis, MO on the 18th for the day.  We want to go to the art museum and find a good sushi place.  He will also be heading out to North Carolina with me this summer. I think this is a big step for us and I am excited to see what comes from it.  He is such an outdoors person and easy to get along with.  I know he will have a great time.    
   I think that is all I have for now.  Hopefully I will be able to post at least once while I am in Utah.  Thanks for reading!
-PK
 

Exciting Times

   I've officially finished my first week of second semester for my junior year.  It's crazy to think that this time next year I will be starting my final semester here at IC.  Classes are going well.  I think I will enjoy them.  Homework consist mostly of reading.  Nothing to bad.  I will, however, have to write a large paper for my history class, but I am excited to write it (as nerdy as that sounds).  I get to choose my topic and research it and write on it.  I guess that's why I'm a history major.  I love it all.
   Speaking of history... it's hard to believe that we are now on President number forty-five.  I'll be honest and say I did not vote for Trump.  This election was a big deal for me.  It was the first time I was able to vote in a presidential race.  I wanted to be able to understand what the candidates were offering/promising.  I wanted to be able to understand politics a little better and sound (somewhat) educated if asked about the race.  With help from friends, I feel like I understood enough to cast my vote.  This election will go down in history for many reasons though.  The man who won has no political experience, we had a women run and win the popular vote when a little over 100 years ago women couldn't even vote, there are thousands of people protesting our new President, and we said good bye to our first black President and his family.  And I got to witness it first hand! One day, kids could be reading about this in their history classes and I can say that I was there! I voted and I had an opinion.  I watched it live on YouTube (because of work).  Regardless of everything, Americans will make these next four years great.  No matter where you stand, America as been through worse.  For example, we are not on the verge of Civil War.  We as Americans can get through anything the world throws at us and we have proved this time and time again.  I am praying that President Trump proves me wrong in the end.  Honestly, I am.  I hope that he does well in office.    
   Anyway,  on to a more fun subject.  I applied to work at Blue Ridge again this summer.  I had multiple phones calls with the staff there now, and I am excited to announce I have accepted a job in their Outdoors Programs! I am so excited to be spending another summer in the mountains.  I knew I needed to go back about a couple months ago.  My time is not up at Blue Ridge.  I miss the people and the experiences I was given.  If you or someone you know is interested, PLEASE contact me.  I would love to help introduce Blue Ridge to you! It has done great things for me.

   That's all I have for now.  Thank you for reading (:
-PK 
 

Home Again

Hello World,
   I am officially home for Christmas.  It's a nice feeling being home.  It has also snowed over night, and that just adds to the Christmas fun.  I stayed an extra day at school to work.  I have really enjoyed working at IC's bookstore.  It's a lot more fun than my last job.  My boss has recently gotten married and is soon to be retiring at the end of this month.  I have really enjoyed working with her and will miss her.  I wish her nothing but luck with her retirement!
   I was told last night that Katie and her family are safely home.  I am so excited to see them soon.  I know they are having a great time in Switzerland but I do miss them.  Grandma Mary, JT, and I will be visiting them this summer.  It really cannot come fast enough.  I just really am grateful for this trip.  I would love to see where the girls have been living and show me where they have been going to school and the parks that they play at. 
   I have recently been chosen to be Sigma Phi Epsilon's Vice President next semester.  I really wanted this position.  I have really loved being in Phips these past years and wanted to do something big for it.  I am nervous and still have to work some things out before the new semester, but I am positive I can do my absolute best. 

   I am hoping that over break that I will be able to re-read some Harry Potter.  I really loved growing up and having daddy keen read them to me.  I have re-read them before but I would love to do it again.  They are just such cool stories.  Shannon actually got me a necklace with Harry's glasses and scar and a coffee mug that turns into the Marauder's Map (kind of geeked out #sorrynotsorry). 
   That's all I have for now.  Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed (:
-PK

Getting Back into It

Hello World!
   Being back at school, I find myself writing less and less.  I do not like the habit I have gotten myself into.  I love blogging and I love when people tell me they read it and enjoyed it.  I want desperately to get back to posting every Sunday. 
   About a week ago I officially ended my role as rush captain for my society.  It was the best position I have held, and probably ever will hold.  Getting to introduce girls to Phips and getting them excited about it was amazing.  We ended up gaining wonderful, smart, beautiful women.  I almost cried on Bid Day because I was so happy it was over and we had the best run home.  I will never forget that moment, and I am so thankful my sisters allowed me to be the face of Phips. 

   This weekend I am going home to vote early.  I think it's important to vote because it is a right not given to many.  Also, I am going to JT's playoff game!  It's a home game, and there's only two left before state. Fingers crossed that they go all the way!!!
                  *Kitty Justice says "hi world!"* 
   That's all for now.  Thanks for reading.
-PK

'Cause You Gotta Be a Phip

Hello World,
   It has been almost two months since I last wrote a blog post.  This is so uncommon for me.  I love to post every week.  It helps me put all my thoughts down into one place, and it helps get me ready for my upcoming week.  I guess the reason I am writing now is because I have a lot on my mind...
   I have been back at Illinois College for about six weeks.  These six weeks have consisted of adjusting to apartment life, settling into new classes, and making sure I can hold a successful rush season.  It almost seems like rush and class work are on my mind 24/7.  It can be overwhelming.  However, it is also helping me with time management.  It leaves me very little time for myself.  I often have to remind myself why I am putting myself through all this.
   I have been able to keep up with classes.  I do not feel as if I am behind in anyway.  I also make sure I am putting that before anything.  So far, so good.
   Being the rush captain this year has allowed me to grow in many ways.  I am more organized because if I am not, it would eat me alive.  I have learn how to communicate better with others because without that, no one would be where they needed to be.  I have fallen even more in love with Sigma Phi Epsilon Literary Society, and I could not be more grateful for that.  Looking around and getting a behind the scenes look at Greek life, has opened my eyes as to why I rushed Phips and why others should too.  I should never feel embarrassed or silenced about why I am a Phip.  Being a Phip means you are classy, smart, beautiful, caring, social, forgiving, ect.  No one can compare, so why not brag a little about my society and my sisters.  
   Sigma Phi Epsilon holds the Female Literary Society GPA Award.  My sisters work hard for that.  We know that before we can go have fun, our homework and grades better be up to Phips standers.  We hold the Love Cup Award.  This award is given to the society with the best Literary Productions.  My sisters spend countless hours writing, memorizing, and studying their pieces before a production.  We hold ourselves to very high standers because we expect nothing less from each other.  I know I have personally benefited from giving production pieces.  I am so much more confident in presenting a speech, and it's really amazing.  We also hold the Service Award.  We clock the most hours of service year after year.  We know service is important not only for us, but especially for the ones we are helping.  I am proud to be apart of something so much bigger than myself. 

                             * PC '15 * 
   With that being said, we do hold many more awards as well.  I personally like to strive for these three because we stand for "Knowledge, Love, and Service" and we always are able to uphold that.  I know that after 100 years our founders would be proud of what we are able to accomplish each year.  We stand out.  We love each other. We help not only sisters, but our sounding communities.  We are the women of Sigma Phi Epsilon.
   SO for those of you rushing this fall, find your home.  Find your sisters.  Branch out and join something that will not only change your life but ones around it.  Go see what each society has to offer, but know I love my society above all else.  Let me help you find your home somewhere in Smith House.
SPL,
Miss Polly Keen     

Back to Reality

Hello World,
 Everything is back to normal.  I'm home and getting use to my normal routine.  Not a whole lot has happened this week.  I has able to get together with family and get some things ready for school.  I'm ready to get back.  I want to move in just so I can get everything organized and ready for first semester.  I did however get time to read the new Harry Potter book! I really enjoyed it.  I think my favorite part was being back with the characters and read about new adventures they had to face.  It took me back to being a child and reading them for the first time with daddy keen and wishing I could live in that world.  For me, reading Harry Potter is just pure joy.
 Last Thursday, my family and I went out to Springfield Muni Opera and saw "Nice Work If You Can Get It."  It was such a great show, so to all those involved, CONGRATS!  I loved seeing a new show.  It was funny, the music and sining was wonderful, and the dancing just blew me away.  I hope I get to see more shows that give me that joy again.

                *Autumn and I after the show. She was wonderful!*
 To top this blog off, I would just like to say congratulateions to Ryan Held and the rest of the 4 x 100 relay team for bring the gold home to the USA! It was so cool and surreal to see that all happen.  I wish nothing but the best for Ryan and his future with swimming and life.  He was such a kind and smart friend who always walked the halls with a smile and said "hello."  I got to see him race a few times in high school and I thought he was fast then, but seeing his last night blew my mind.  The coolest thing was honestly seeing the pure happiness on his face.  Just really awesome. (:
 Until next week,
-PK 

P.S. I cannot wait to see the Stringer girls (and Chris) this week!!!

My Summer at Blue Ridge

Hello World,
 When I look back at my summer at Blue Ridge, I know I did it right.  I love the people I met, my working environment was fun, and I went on great adventures that Illinois cannot give me.  It's so surreal to think I am already home.  I remember telling my family last Thanksgiving that I as applying, and right after New Years I did just that.  So thank you to Jordan Domin for hiring me! There is no other way I would have wanted to spend my summer.  I feel like working at Blue Ridge has also brought me closer to family members who I don't get to see vey often (because of distance).  I have loved talking to them about their time in the mountains and sharing stories. 
 Last Wednesday I was able to go white water rafting with USA Raft.  It was such a great time! Our guide, Tori, was awesome and the views were beautiful!  I really wish I was able to do it more often.  I think it is becoming one of my favorite things to do.  I was in the very front of the boat, and I think that's the most fun part.  I loved paddling and getting splashed by the river.  I kept wishing there was some way for me to take pictures.  Maybe I need to invest in a water proof camera.  There's nothing that compares.  
 My dad and brother came and picked me up.  They stayed a few days on the mountains, so on Friday we went to Biltmore Estate.  Let me tell you, if you ever have the chance to visit please do!  It was my second time going and I am even more in love with it.  The history behind it is amazing, and the details put into the house are so cool.  The things they were able to accomplish during that time was mind blowing.  It was built by George Vanderbilt II in the late 1800s and remains the largest privately owned home in the United States.  Everything in the house comes from some other part of the world.  George went around and brought things back that he thought would work well in his home.  It was also one of the first homes to have electricity.  I could get lost for hours just looking and reading and asking questions, but hopefully you will be able to experience it one day.

                                        *dad and I in front on their observing ramp*
  One of the big jokes in the office this summer was me trying to see a Black Bear.  I kept an eye out all summer.  There were two or three families of bears that were living on the campuse. It seemed liked everyone else was able to spot them but me.  I would go on truck rides at night to try to see one and people would even try to race me back to the spot where they had just seen one.  I'm disappointed to say that I never saw one.  I just wanted to be able to say I saw the bear in it's home.  I think that would have been the coolest thing ever.  I guess that just means I have to go back soon and look some more!
 My last night there I stayed up until 3:00am and just talked about my summer.  I had to be in the car by 6:00am but it was so worth it.  I loved looking over the summer with my new friends; friends who I know I will have with me forever.  I didn't expect to connect with the staff like I did.  The memories I have with them will always be on the mind.  Muhammed made fun of me when I tried to learn Turkish (which is one of the hardest languages I have come across), Egor won't tell me every day how I have the best and softest hair he has ever seen, Zoradia won't come walking in with the cutest outfits all the time, Travis tried so hard to help me understand how the Pokémon game worked (which I am getting better at), I won't get to lay on Alyssa's bed listening to her awesome music with Olivia, Kadie won't be making fun of Andrew and get me laughing harder than I needed to, and Leah won't be giving me anymore massages for a long time... These moments will stay with me.  Their faces will forever be in my head.  I am so lucky to have social media to keep up with them.  I am also hoping that my roommate, Tew, will be able to write to me once she is home.  I know everyone is where they need to be tough.  I think that's why I haven't sob yet.  I wish more than anything that I will be able to not only visit my American friends but those in Turkey and Spain and Russia and so on... It has sparked a fire in me that I need to help build.  So thank you to everyone on the mountain for giving me the most amazing summer. I hope to see you soon.

                                                   *Tew and I with Muhammed photobombing*
 I want to also say thank you to my mom, dad, and grandma Mary for sending me love packages this summer, and to Shannon and Josh for their letters.  It was fun getting them (:
 It was nice coming home to family though.  I was able to see everyone at once.  My aunt Kathy had her family all together (minus Tommy who was working).  Megan brought her adorable family over to celebrate Vivi's first birthday! She and the twins are getting so big and cute.  Katie is home from Switzerland with her girls.  I have not been able to see them since Christmas and it was so so wonderful to see them! Just playing and hugging on the girls made me so happy.  I know they are where the need to be, but it will so great to finally have them home in a year.  And of course my mom was over the moon happy to have me back.  I know this wasn't easy for her, but it means the world to me that she has been so supportive. 
 I have been able to post and write about my experience at Blue Ridge and I encourage anyone who wants to, to checkout my earlier blogs and my album "Blue Ridge '16" on Facebook.  I tried to capture my summer the best I could.  I know I will spend days going back and reminiscing on my time spent with amazing people.

                                                  *dad, JT, and I on High Top (a hiking trail at Blue Ridge)* 
 I was able to read a lot this summer.  I loved it.  Ian even surprised me by mailing me two of the new books I had my eyes on.  I finished one of them already called All the Missing Girls by Megan Miranda.  This is a great book for anyone who loves mystery novels with a twist.  I am currently reading Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler.  This one is about a girl moving to NYC for the first time.  I am liking it so far, but I may be putting it one hold.  Harry Potter and the Cursed Child came out last night! I will most likely be picking up my copy this week (and also finishing it).  This just brings back memories of daddy keen reading Harry Potter to me every night growing up.  It will Always stick with me...
-PK  

*THANK YOU*

Last Week Best Week

Hello World,
 Sorry this post is a day later.  I had a busy Sunday that left me really tired.  I didn't get a lot of sleep Saturday night because I stayed up and talked to some of the people here.  It was a really fun time.  I had to be up early on Sunday because of group of us went to Dollywood.  I had never been before and wanted to check it out.  I will say this, I had a great time and loved the rollercoasters.  I do wish the park would have been bigger.  It was fun, but I think I am going to stick to Six Flags.  I was very sore and tired when I finally got back to my room so I decided to wait until today to type all this out. 
 It has also hit me that this is my last week here at Blue Ridge.  It's really hard for me to believe that I have spent seven weeks here already.  The time as gone by so quickly.  I love the people I have been able to meet here.  I think that is what I will miss the most about being here.  I sat around a table last night and just smiled at the people I was with.  I truly am going to miss everyone here.  However, I am so ready to get home.  I have a lot I need to do before school, and I'm missing the people back at home.

                                                    *myself, Bekah, and TL* 
 We took an all staff picture last week in front of Eureka Hall.  The picture will hang in the café now, along with all the others.  I think it's really cool how I will now be on the wall with my dad, aunts, and cousins.  I'm sure that I will come back and find the picture and just reminisce on my summer here. 
 That's all I have for this blog.  Thanks for reading and make sure to click the "follow" button to keep up with my blogs (:
-PK   

Moving Fast

Hello World,
 Well I officially have less than two weeks here in the mountains.  It's the strangest feeling knowing that this amazing summer is coming to its end.  I have loved being here and getting to know the people and all the great adventures I have had.  I have a lot planned for the next two weeks!
  I am excited to be home though.  I have a lot to do before I head back to IC.  I want to look into my classes, get ready for Rush, and maybe pick up a few things for the apartment.  I am so excited to move in.  I am also excited for Rush.  I have a lot of ideas swimming around in my head now.  If you want to keep involved with what I and my society is doing, follow us on twitter: @SigPhips and instagram: @phips1916
 Being here gets me excited about possible travels I have in my head.  One of the trips I am hoping to plan is one to Alaska.  I have some family moving there this summer.  I would love to be able to get out there next summer.  Fingers crossed!
 This past week a group of us went out to get some food in Asheville.  We went to White Duck Taco Shop. Literally the best tasting tacos I have ever had; 10/10 would recommend.  I ended up with the fish tacos and I think it is my new favorite thing to eat.  Springfield needs to open one ASAP. I need to go back before I leave for home.

               *found this wall behind the taco shop*
 That's all I have for this week. My next one should be exciting so make sure you read.
-PK

...but it's Saturday?

Hello World,
   Yes, I know that this is not my normal day to blog.  We have had a lot of trouble with the wifi this week, and I wanted to make sure that I was able to post this weekend.  So for right now I have wifi and I am taking full advantage of it.  Happy Saturday!
   Right now, outside the entrance of Blue Ridge, a tree has fallen in the middle of the road and has taken some power lines with it.  The company working on it is hopeful that it will be fixed by tonight.  As of right now, there is only one building with power, wifi, and AC: Blue Ridge Center (BRC).  It's a busy weekend here.  We had four large groups come in last night.  Also, last night a group of the staff went to Launch Trampoline Park in Asheville.  It was actually so much fun!  I had never been to a trampoline park before and wasn't sure if I would feel "too old" for it.  But being the child at heart that I am, I had a blast.  I would highly recommend going to one.  I even think they are opening one back in Springfield, IL soon...
  This past Monday, as you all realized, was the Fourth of July! A group of us ended up going to a parade in a town over.  We also ended up going paddle boating that afternoon.  I couldn't tell you the last time I was able to do that so it was that much better.  Later that night we went into downtown Black Mountain for the fireworks.  We were even able to find an ice cream shop near by and I got Carmel Ripple in a fresh, handmade waffle cone (talk about heaven).  We ate the ice cream while watching the fireworks.  It was a lot of fun.  I was also able to talk and get to know Maria.  She grew up in Columbia but now lives in Italy with her boyfriend.  She is such a sweet, kind, and intelligent women.  I'm very lucky to call her a friend now. 

   Today I was able to catch up with my cousin Heather.  It was so so wonderful to see her.  She's in Asheville for a visit and asked if we could have lunch.  We just talked and caught up with what we're doing in life.  I haven't seen her in a little over a year and have missed her.  It's so cool that no matter where I go, it always seems to work out that I have some family near by.  I hope I get to sit down with her again soon.  Thank you for a wonderful afternoon Heather!
   I'll leave you with the book I am currently reading.  It's the Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. I have a huge book with all seven in one.  Right now I am on book five, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.  I have been speeding through them!  They just pull me in and are really well written.  I would highly recommend if anyone just wants to read a good "fairy tale," as Lewis refers to them.  However, I think they are so much more than that...
-PK        

Dresses, Face Masks, and the Mountains

Hello World,
   I really don't have a lot to say in this post.  I don't find myself having a lot of inspiration at the moment.  I have been working very late all week and just want to find time to sleep.  Tonight I have showered and put on a nice face mask to help me calm down.  I am putting on The Cornicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe and going to bed.  I am actually in the process of reading all seven of the books and am currently on the third book, The Horse and his Boy.  Today I went on a little hiking adventure.  I didn't get very far up the mountain only because I found a little river and wanted to just listen and take some pictures.  I am hoping that on Tuesday some of us are heading into Asheville for some shopping.  I would really love to pick up some t-shirt dresses. 
   That is really all I have for this week.  I think I am just tired from working so much.  I do love the amount of hours I get, but sometimes I don't think it would be all that bad to have the morning shift.  Anyway, until next week...
-PK

P.S. I would just like to congratulate Ryan Held on making Team USA for swimming.  I'll be praying and cheering you on! #Rio2016    

"Nothing could be finer..."

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY DADDY KEEN!

Hello World!
   I can't believe another week has past here in North Carolina.  The time seems to be going so fast.  One thing I am loving about being here is how I don't hold myself back.  I find myself opening up and doing things I normally wouldn't.  It really is a great feeling.  I am learning that nothing is finer than finding out you aren't limited.  There is a whole world out there with so many things to do and see.  If you have a desire to travel the world, there are options/jobs out there to do so.  If you wish to own your own company or become a leader, there are ways to achieve it.  I think in life we get so caught up in finding that "perfect" job that we lose sight of what else we could do.  We graduate college with a degree in Biology or Communications or English, and we think we have to do something in that field.  Sure there is nothing wrong with that, but do not stress and limit yourself to one thing.  Branch out and learn something new about yourself.  Take that risk and apply for the job out of state or even out of the country! Do something that has nothing to do with your major and reward yourself when you kick butt doing it.  We can literally do ANYTHING, but some times it take some searching...
   Yesterday Alyssa, Olivia, and I found the most interesting food truck.  It is called Juice Box and they sell organic and vegan foods and drinks.  I wanted to find a nice smoothie place and we stumbled upon it.  They even had a chicken coop where they get fresh eggs for some of their meal options.  We only got smoothies yeaterday, but we all really want to do back for breakfast or lunch soon. 
   That is all I really have for this week.  Thursday morning I will be flying home for dad's ordination.  I am excited to be home for a few days to see family (Granny Polly!!!) and Ian and Shannon.  It will be a nice break from work.  Speaking of work, I am working the night shift all week so pray for me LOL
-PK 

p.s. I keep finding myself picking up little gifts to mail off to TD and Shan... I just miss them and can't wait to live with them in the fall!