Tuesday, January 8, 2013

The Honeymoon phase

I am so in love and don't believe that I could be any happier than I am right now. I am most definitely in the honeymoon phase of my relationship with Athens!! I've already done so much and know that I'm going to get an experience far better than I'd even bargained for!

For starters, I visited Athens Church on Sunday and it was so great. I knew all the songs and I also believe there's something great about going to a new church by yourself and having nothing to distract you. Yesterday was my first day of studies at UGA. I was terrified, but I used the bus system, got my dream schedule, AND found every single one of my classes. I was pretty proud of myself. The campus is large, but I can manage the small section in which I will spend my time. My favorite class of the day ended up being Public Relations, but that's mostly because I met two very nice and welcoming people (Ali and Bryan)! My art history classes were amazing as well. One of my professors says "Ja" a lot as his space filler and it makes me laugh. Later yesterday night I also discovered some new music (Frank + Derol), they're awesome, check em out!

Today also proved to be an exciting day. I only had one class which was Dress and Culture. I met two other awesome people (Lisa and Colleen) and  I already know that I am 100% going to love this class. It mainly focuses around a research paper, but I dig writing (obviously) so that seems so great to me. I'd rather write a paper than take a math test any day and I really get an amazing opportunity to research more about my museum interests. So. happy! In the meantime I've been finding and applying for scholarships, playing guitar, and job hunting. Wish me luck!


Friday, December 28, 2012

Athens Bucket List

I leave for the Peach Tree State in under 24 hours and there are way too many feelings going through my body that I cannot possibly describe them all. As I've started packing up my little Iowa life I realize how small I am and how much of the world there is out there and I'm only traveling across a few states. I just can't fathom what life is going to be like in Georgia, but I know I'm excited for it. In the meantime, I hope to shape my experience (at least a little bit) by making a bucket list of things to complete while I'm there. So here are a few of the ones that came to me recently.

1) Take the obligatory "school" picture by either the Bulldog, the Bell, or the Arches. (Or all three!)

2) Complete my "Wreck this Journal." This is a Christmas gift I received from one of my best friends and he wants me to finish it and bring it back so he can see. The entirety of it is absolutely hilarious and I aim to finish it!

3) The Workout regimen...this excites me because everyone back home won't see me for five (maybe more) months, so if I work on running and strengthening my body I could come back a changed person.

4) Buy an owl. Okay, this one needs some explaining. No, I don't mean a real owl. But if you know me personally, I have a strange fascination with these winged creatures, so much in fact, that I have a mini collection of figurines. I would like to find one to represent my time studying at UGA so that I can add it to the mix.

5) Make art and appreciate art. I love art history and that has decided my future of wanting to eventually work in a museum setting. I aim to make things and learn to crochet, knit, etc and also go to museums!

6) Make genuine friends. I cannot, cannot, cannot wait to meet new people! This will not only be a blast, but will truly help me grow as a person. Meeting new people always does. :)

And that concludes your sneak peek! I'll add as more come to mind!

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Short and Sweet

Today is the day that I officially decided to make the switch from my "Cyclone" lanyard to the "Bulldogs" one that has been sitting in my desk drawer, anxiously awaiting this day. I've been cleaning and packing up since last week and decided to start loading my car. I found the lanyard and figured it was the perfect time to switch them out! It seems unreal. Pretty soon Athens is going to be my home!


Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Time Flies...

Ladies and Gents,

It's coming down to the wire. I leave for Georgia in TWENTY-FOUR days. That notion gives me a weird sensation that's both wonderful and terrifying, to say the least. I literally have no idea what is going on. I feel that life is moving way too fast, almost beyond my comprehension, but in a good way. I know Georgia is going to be a great experience, but I am starting to get the jitters. It's sinking in that I'm leaving on the 29th of this year. How is this even real? I used to be chatting about Georgia and how God got me here and it would seem so far away, because it was far away, almost like a dream and now it's practically upon me. I can't believe it, really. I'm going to blink and it'll be here tomorrow.

Despite the initial shock, I am beyond excited. This is real, this is happening. I'm going to meet new people, make new friends, go to a new church, be somewhere completely different. It's going to be great, I know it is. I'm there for a purpose, because it certainly wasn't by chance and that IS something that I need to remember. God has gotten me this far and He will continue to work in my life as this new season progresses. I can't wait.

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Geekin'

So I know this blog is entitled, "Peachy Keen in Athens, Georgia," but I'm starting to think I can be peachy anywhere in Georgia. And I may or may not have had a geek out, (slightly beyond peachy) moment last night.

My family was downtown exploring Atlanta when we accidentally stumbled upon...take a wild guess...

DID YOU GUESS??

<3 <3 <3

A MAROON 5 and BON JOVI concert, I kid you not. We couldn't see much, a little bit of the large screens and some large white tents, but the sound was phenomenal! It was a private event for Microsoft salespeople, but I was completely content enjoying it from the outside. Both bands were fantastic live and I was impressed with their sound quality. It was a pretty exciting night to say the least.




Thursday, July 19, 2012

First Visit to Athens

For our family vacation this year my family decided to travel to Atlanta, Georgia so we would be able to visit The University of Georgia and the Athens area. Today was the official UGA visit and it was a blast! The first stop was the visitor's center where we met two guys who were pretty much the equivalent to ISU Cyclone Aides. Not only were they cute (I can't help it, I'm a girl) but they were a huge help, answering our questions and giving my family restaurant recommendations for lunch. (Thanks Zach and Peter!)

After lunch we got a tour of campus. Even though I felt like a freshman again it was interesting and provided a sufficient look at the huge campus (WAY bigger than ISU). During the tour I got to hear about UGA traditions like the arch (which you don't walk under until you graduate) and the church bell (which is rung when someone has a personal achievement or during a football game win, UGA is all about their football) When the tour finished we found our way to Dawson Hall where I met with Emily Blalock, the Textiles, Merchandising, and Interiors Internship Coordinator/Instructor. We hit it off right away and she talked about her involvement in other countries and her numerous connections. She will definitely be an asset when I start looking for internships at art museums. I wasn't originally supposed to meet Ms. Blalock that day, but it all fell into place perfectly.

As soon as we were finished chatting with Emily we drove to visit the church I plan to attend called Athens Church. The church is fairly large and looks very promising. It's smaller than the one I attend while at school (Cornerstone) but I've watched a few of their sermons online and I'm excited to visit a service. Once we were finished we stopped at the Goodwill (which is right across the street) HOLLA! I'm a thrifter at heart and to know there is a giant Goodwill excites my shopping soul. I ended up buying two dresses, and they're both name brand. It was a great day.

Later we explored historic downtown Athens and ate at Clocked, a local burger joint. Another fact that I learned during the tour was that most of the restaurants in Athens are Mom and Pop places (there are only about 6 chain restaurants in the entire area). Clocked turned out to have one of the best burgers I had ever had. It had some very interesting burgers on the menu, like the peanut butter and bacon burger. My Dad was even adventurous enough to try it, although he wasn't a huge fan like some of the locals. When dinner was over we headed back to Atlanta. All in all it was a great visit. I am even more excited to attend! I know that God is going to do great things and that I'm going to have an extraordinary time!