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
Friday, March 10, 2017
Friday, January 20, 2017
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
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
Sunday, December 18, 2016
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
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.
That's all I have for now. Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed (:
-PK
Thursday, November 3, 2016
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
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
Monday, October 3, 2016
'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
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.
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
Monday, August 8, 2016
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!!!
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.
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!!!
Monday, August 1, 2016
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
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.
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.
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.
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*
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