Day Two-Hundred and Fifty-One

Today was a very difficult day. I didn't go to bed until after 2am and had work at 7:45am. While at work, I realized that my blog was off by a day. Back on Day Two-Hundred and Thirty-One, I skipped Saturday and started writing about Sunday. That means that every day since then has been one day off. Days Two-Hundred and Forty -Seven and -Eight are actually written about the same day to fix the problem. I was going to write about Saturday and shift everything forward, but Firefox crashed on me and I lost everything that I had written. It was frustrating.

After I got off work, I had a chapel announcement to make. I had a minor panic attack standing on the stage in front of 1,200 people. I was shaking uncontrollably and felt shaky for a while after that. Chaplain Carl made a joke that there were paramedics off-stage for me... there weren't though. I had a stomach ache all day after that, not to mention I was grumpy.

Tonight was much better though! I spent some time with the girls on our floor. It was our last night of EO sadly, but I had a good time!

Day Two-Hundred and Fifty

They say everyone has a twin. It's kind of funny to think about that though. During my first semester at LeTourneau, another girl on my floor, Janelle, was often confused for me. People always thought I was her and it frustrated me. A girl on the second floor, Abby (one of three on G2), also looks very similar to me. A secretary on campus even called me Kristi once, so I guess I'm more like a quadruplet not a twin.

Today, Abby and I decided to embrace it. Janelle decided the pants didn't fit and she opted out of being triplets. Abby wore my shorts, socks, and shoes; we both had the same shirt already. We don't look as similar as some people, but we have enough in common that people always confuse us. Several people did double takes today, it was great!

Day Two-Hundred and Forty-Nine

Extended Orientation (EO) is generally a fun things for girls. We started our EO tonight and had a great time letting people know "Who are we?!"  "G1!!"

Guys floors don't always have as fun of an experience. While hazing is prohibited, the things they do would still not fly in my book. Our brother floor, 2A, had several guys dancing in the back of a truck around SAGA. Carly Rae Jepsen's Call Me Maybe and Macarena were the songs of choice for their experience. It was very entertaining!

I would tell you about our EO, but I can't. What I will say is this, cleaning it up, I almost threw up!

Day Two-Hundred and Forty-Eight

...Relationships...

Okay, I just wanted to throw that out there. It looks like nothing exploded, so I will continue.

There are several types of relationships: family, acquaintances, friends, partners, mentors, etc. and even enemies. I don't really know how they work.I try to love people, but I mess up daily.

I love my dad, but I wouldn't say we are super close. Not as close as I am to my mom anyways. I love my sister, but our personalities just don't click like some sisters.

I try to be polite to acquaintances and learn their names. Most of the time, they don't ask for much more than that. Sometimes, my overwhelming personality scares them away...

The thing about friends is, ...well I am not sure what the thing is. I have been trying to figure that one out for a while now. I try to give them everything I can, sometimes I run myself into the ground for nothing. Other times, I do something and immediately regret it.  (God, please give my friends patience for me.) Tonight someone made a joke that kinda hurt. 

Me: "I still wonder how I made friends freshman year!"
Person: "You found someone more desperate than you."

Partner relationships are probably the most complex. Since I'm single, I would say I know nothing about these. Obviously nothing has worked out thus far. I wouldn't mind trying my hand at it again....

Mentors are awesome...if you are humble enough to listen and heed their advice and criticisms. When you don't submit, there is no point in it.

Enemies are probably the worst and easiest to have. I don't know what qualifies as an enemy. I avoid a guy as much as I can and when forced to talk, I am stern about my non-interest in him. Is that an enemy? What about the girl who is awkward with her boyfriend and gives an evil death glare when anyone questions her.

There are so many people out there who are awesome, I think it's a shame we can't all be the best of friends!

Day Two-Hundred and Forty-Seven

Sometimes I wonder, "Why did I pick Gilbert Hall?" On days when the shower leaks or the A/C is broken, I wish I could live in South Hall. It's a nice new building; of course Gilbert once was, too. On days when I am hanging with a group of friends I met in Gilbert, I cherish the fact I live there. I previewed on the second floor and was disappointed to live on the first floor, but I know God had a better plan than me!

Tonight I was especially grateful that I live in Gilbert! South Hall is sufficiently too loud and busy for me to get much done. I was attempting to read, which I am already slow at, in a room crowded with people, most of whom were not doing homework. I needed some help and wanted a buddy with whom I could study Revelation. What a long day/late night it has been!

Day Two-Hundred and Forty-Six

The first Monday of September is Labor Day. The thing that I find ironic about it is that we are celebrating all of the hard work that got us to where we are today by taking off work. It is Labor day and we don't labor.  While banks, USPS, other schools, NORMAL PEOPLE, got today off, LeTourneau had classes! I shouldn't complain, I only have two on Mondays. But I just think it's silly.

The first class, Revelation wasn't bad. The second course, Cost Management, was different. About an hour, maybe later, into the class, the power went out. I tried to suggest that it was a sign from God that we should just go home, but Mr. Foy didn't want to cheat us out of our money. I actually pay $0.75 per minute for that class. How crazy is that?! Another person who isn't taking 18 hours pays even more! I guess that I shouldn't ask to get out early, 75 cents is a load of laundry!

Day Two-Hundred and Forty-Five

God likes to teach us lessons sometimes. The lesson I learned today was humility. I am sure He will try to teach me again, but this was quite a pride crusher.

My former roommate's parents serve dinner the first Sunday night of the month. This allows poor college students to have food and fellowship. You would think that with $4,470, LeTourneau wouldn't have to skip out on Sunday dinners. But whatever, yay for free food from sweet people! So I drove out to their house in my pickup. 6 people in the cab and 6 people in the bed. We were late arriving and I wanted to back into a small spot in the yard. I had them all climb out before I tried this.

Have I mentioned that we are in East Texas? Lots of pine trees makes for lots of pine needles. Pine needles don't provide much traction and I was stuck. *Deep breath* "You are going to have to accept help Jamee." *Deeper breath* "Oh great, here comes 7 people to help me." *Holds head in hands* "Holy cow, where did 25 guys come from?!" *Holds back tears* "Thank you guys!" *Sits in truck trying to laugh instead of cry*

There were so many guys willing to help me out when I did something stupid and that felt great. It felt awful to have that many guys see me mess up though. Thanks 2A, Amp, and Mac!

Day Two-Hundred and Forty-Four

As I child, I was allergic to milk. Even after I outgrew it, I still never acquired a taste for it. Part of this is simply the thickness. I drank rice milk instead and it is watery. People were always grossed out by my rice milk, but I liked it. Actually, I haven't had any in over a year at this point, maybe even two or three! Not sure why though.

Do you know what Chai is? It's spiced, milky tea. If I don't like milk, why would I try this?! Someone once insisted I try it, and eventually I did. It was horrible! I have never tried any since then, but I try to always go to Chai Parties at the Burklin's house. They usually have brownies and good fellowship. I had a really good time tonight talking with a friend. I am still not sure what was running in the shadows around us though. We are just going to say it was a bunny.

Day Two-Hundred and Forty-Three

The beauty of being an upperclassman is often an amazing schedule. I had absolutely no classes today! After work this morning, I went to help the Yellowjacket Activities Counsel (YAC) set up for STOMP. We thought that Isaac might rain on us, so we set everything up inside of the gym. It proved to be an excellent idea, not because of rain, but because it was extremely too hot outside.

I attempted to help with the cotton candy machine, but I was ultimately too short to effectively do it. Amp was tall enough, but not skilled enough. Mac ended up working it most of the time. We were such a mess after that! I am very excited about the new year and the activities ahead!

I got my YAC shirt, my GameDay shirt, and, most importantly, my YAC card! Woohoo! A good day indeed!

Day Two-Hundred and Forty-Two

LeTourneau has quirks. We are in fact made up of a large quantity of nerds. Some have called it LeNERDeau. Whatever you call them, nerds, geeks, dorks, creeps, etc. They can have some rare occasions when they seem normal. A very large group of young men went around campus tonight to "Serenade" each of the girl floors. I have never seem them before, but they were really great! It is a part of their yearly tradition of E.O. (extended orientation).

They sang L.O.V.E. by Louis Armstrong and then a totally random song I had never heard before. Something about walking 500 miles and 500 more just to be the man who walked 1000 miles to fall down at your door. I recorded them and it was awesome! I turned into a groupie and followed them to two more floors where they sang. It was the best thing I have seen a floor do in a while! Thank you 41

Day Two Hundred and Forty-One

For hundreds of years, people have been exchanging things. Chickens for wheat or dinner for work. Nowadays, we trade money for food or work. Some jobs seem overpaid (lawyers) and some seem underpaid (teachers). Either way, the person has agreed to pay or work at that rate.

I have had a lovely job at the library for two full years now. I was paid to preform minimal tasks and was free to study when nothing needed to be done. I enjoyed the ability to lower my homework load while getting paid to help the few patrons who came into the library. Since I am taking 18 hours, I saw my 16.25 hours at the library this semester as a great opportunity to study!

Lo and behold, the library has a new director. This new director is here to change the library and bring us up to speed! The things that we have or haven't been doing that got us to this place are going to change. We have projects and tasks to preform. I must admit that I was very disappointed to hear that the rules had been changed and I would now need to work for my money.

My parents brought me up right, so I am a hard worker and don't mind actually working. However, what I do mind is when I plan my schedule around something and then that thing is completely altered. I will make do though. It really makes me happy to have the new director, she has so much vision for the library! All in all, it's been a good day!

Day Two-Hundred and Forty

The first day of classes is usually not bad. You go over the syllabus and leave...in most classes! The one professor who decides that he is going to skip the syllabus, do a full lesson, and assign homework ruins "Syllabus Day." In my first class, he assigns a 2-pg paper due 2 days later! The same thing happened in my third class! The relief came in my last class, a 3-hour evening class, that lasted less than 35 minutes!

I can't really gauge the semester right now, but I feel like it is going to be very difficult. 18 hours of difficult classes, 16.25 hours of work, and still trying to maintain a social life so I don't get depressed. Pray for sanity!

Day Two-Hundred and Thirty-Nine

Last year, my floor wanted to wear our capes for the yearbook and have a different "theme." I wanted to be a nerdy superhero. The photographers wouldn't let me wear non-prescription glasses though and there was a small incident. Couches might have been thrown.... I had to talk to the director of something about the whole thing. I claimed temporary insanity due to chemical imbalance from not taking some vitamins I had taken religiously before, but not that morning. It was quite a learning experience, please don't bring it up when you see me though.

This year was much different. I got up, did my hair, put on a nice blouse, and went over to take my picture. Things went very well for me, but not everyone remembered that it was picture day. I grabbed a selection of dress shirts and walked over to bring my offerings to an unprepared friend. I think my shirt looked way better on her!

Day Two-Hundred and Thirty-Eight

Tonight was the first Prayer and Praise of the semester! I really love Prayer and Praise! The first week is always super packed with new students. You can watch through the semester how people stop coming because the level of homework is increasing. I will admit, it does become harder to give up an hour of study time some times.

When we went to Hope Fellowship in Cedar Hill many years ago, I ran the overhead projector for the songs. In high school, I ran the powerpoint on Wednesday nights. Now, I run the overhead projector at Prayer and Praise. The only problem is that my prayer group takes a long time and I always miss at least part of the first song. Thankfully, the front row covers for me and usually no one is upset.

Day Two-Hundred and Thirty-Seven

Where to start? The beginning is as good a place as any, huh?

I was told, "lead the group to their room and then leave." An hour before I was supposed to do that, Jenni tells me I am now leading a Small Group. Did I mention it's the oldest group of transfer students? It went well though. They only thought I was semi-crazy.

The church fair was this afternoon. I always want to invite people to my church, but they don't come to the fair. I think it may be because we don't have a college program. I need to talk to Matt or Garrett about starting something.

One game that we play during Orientation helps familiarize new students with the campus and inform them about random things. Find Your Themelios is played by decoding clues, going to that place, finding the Themelios there, and having them sign the correct line of your paper. So, I was staked out in the library tonight!

Afterwards, Erin and I were both very tired from a long day, so McGarvey held our hands and walked us back to the dorm. Missing the Intersociety Block Party didn't bother me too much because it was very loud.

Day Two-Hundred and Thirty-Six

My freshman year, I was assigned to group 8 for orientation. Sophomore year, when I was a Themelios, I was also assigned to group 8. Wanting to keep up the tradition, I asked Jenni to put me in group 8 this year. Even though I am an accounting student and not aviation, I still had a good time with the new students. Out of 16 or so freshman only one was a girl in group 8. LeTourneau has an unequal amount of boys to girls; about 2.5 guys to 1 girl and this statistic changes depending on major.

Tonight was game night. Unfortunately, it rained and we had to do all of the games inside, which made for some very crowded hallways.

The most interesting game we playing had to be the bird game. All of the members of each team line up from one side of the room to the other. Each player is given a clothespin to hold in their mouth and they are not allowed to use hands. Once the whistle is blown the first person must use their beak (clothespin) to dig around in the dirt (oreo crumbs) and find worms (gummy) to pass down to the other end. This means that your faces are getting very close when you pass the gummy worms to the next person's clothespin. For Rachel's sake, I stood between her and the guy she didn't know. Of course it was awkward, but less so for me than her.

Overall, I had a great time with Orientation today!

Day Two-Hundred and Thirty-Five

Today's the day, the sun is shining, the tank is clean, and we are getting out of *gasp* the tank is clean. THE TANK IS CLEAN!! Finding Nemo is one of my favorite movies. Every time I say, "Today's the day," I think of that line. But today really is the day!

Welcome New Students to Orientation 2012!

It's time for the Signs and Packets team's big show! I worked for several hours today taking pictures of the new students for their I.D. cards. Steve told us during training, "You can survey the land, but you can't buy it until after orientation." I may have done quite a bit of surveying. Okay, that was a joke. I didn't survey too much. There were a few that I know our girls will drool over, but honestly, this Junior is not looking for a Freshman!

Day Two-Hundred and Thirty-Four

Today during training, Allen Clipperton, the Associate Vice President for International Admissions and Enrollment Services, came in and spoke to us about the incoming students. This year, the number of incoming students was equal to the number of current students. That means that we basically doubled the international population on campus.

Probably the most notable thing about the incoming group is that there are several students from Saudi Arabia. LeTourneau is a Christian, non-denominational university. We have people from many different backgrounds and denominations. But this is the first time to have Muslims studying here.

This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine! (x3)Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!
Hide it under a bushel? NO! I'm gonna let it shine! (x3)Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!
Don't let satan blow it out, I'm gonna let it shine! (x3)Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!

Day Two-Hundred and Thirty-Three

Day two of training included more games. Wheel of Fortune is difficult to play if you don't have a wheel. But we had a fun time with it. To buy a vowel, the boys sang "I'm a Little Teapot!" I may have recorded it and posted it to Facebook within 5 minutes....

The best and most notable puzzle we solved was, "SAM NEMATI, THE HOTTIE WITH THE NAUGHTY BODY"

Even more entertaining is a game where two teams stand on opposite sides of a sheet and when it is dropped you have to call the name of the person who was sent forward. This is great for learning names, but can also be frustrating when you don't know anyone yet.

Themelios training has been so much fun! Fishies come in on Thursday!!! Woohooo!!!!

Day Two-Hundred and Thirty-Two

Have you ever seen the show "Family Feud?" They survey 100 people and tally the results of what those people said. You guess logical answers and find out how many people answered that during the survey. Vincent did not survey 100 people. He asked 6 and made up the rest. Part of our Themelios training today involved playing that game to learn about how to be good little Themelioses.

I am happy I came to EDGE this summer because I learned a few things about Signs and Packets. The SnP team is a good fit for me I think. I am not creative enough to be on Games again.