Same Me, New URL

I'm making a change. Same me, but a new blog: http://sarahmwaller.tumblr.com.

Look forward to seeing you there.

Today, I learned how to fly

Since I have come home from college, I really have not had a lazy moment. Yesterday, I spent the day with old friends, and today, the family celebrated my Dad's 50th birthday with the best idea my mom has ever had - North Georgia Canopy Tours. Basically, we went zip lining for 3 hours this afternoon! It was the 6 of us, plus these 2 hilarious ladies.

Having never gone zip lining before, I was hopeful that my fear wouldn't get the best of me. When we got there, we did a practice run on a run that was 6 feet off the group. Easy. No sweat. They promised the tour started off "low and slow" and built up to "high and fast." Looking at the first one made me nervous about my future, but I quickly learned that there was nothing to it. The guides securely clip you in, you put your weight in the harness, lean back, and fly.

We were told there would be one point where we would have to repel - again, something I have never done before. And yes, when we reached that point of the tour, fear almost over took me. It's simply not rational. You want me to step off the edge and trust this rope can hold me. But, I swallowed that fear, and surprising, it was as easy as the zip lining.

I loved today because for the first time in years, I experienced a family outing that was pure fun. There was no fighting, no awkward exchanges, and no sadness. Dad, Mom, Kyle, Liz, Todd, and I - we talked, we laughed, and we simply had fun. It's a memory I will be able to look back on and not remember one negative thing, which seems to be rare lately. We even came home and had a wonderful dinner with Grandma and Bill (her new boyfriend, of sorts). Today was a day full of so much love.

It was the best gift we gave Dad. He didn't want a party. He didn't want to make it a big deal. He told us he wanted to spend his birthday with his family - I think we were able to provide a pretty good birthday gift.

Hey Dad - Happy 50th Birthday!

Finals Week: Day 3

Basically, I feel like I am experiencing a information overload. Since my class did not have a CP midterm, the amount of texts that could possibly appear on this final is quite large. It is 11:50 and I still have 11 more text to look over. I would like to go to bed early since the exam starts and 8 freaking AM. (insert large, deep sign).

I know it could be worse, but I'm stressing. CP, I will not miss you.

Finals Week: Birthday

I woke up this morning to 29 facebook notifications. 29! I took a screen shot since I knew this would probably never occur again. Throughout the day, the number steadily increased. Today is my 19th birthday, and I have a discovered a renewed love for facebook. I read through every single comment, and though some are from people I don't know very well, I was still overwhelmed by all the love.

Every year, I tend to set low expectations for my birthday. It probably alines with some underlying issue of rejection, but with my birthday falling on finals week, I really did set my expectations low. I would probably study for most of the day (which I did) and so would other people. But my friends surprised me with how wonderful they were. Christin, my roommate, started the celebration at midnight. I heard her watch alarm go off and the next thing I knew she was busting into the room with balloons. (A birthday is never complete without them). We were already a little hyper (result of too much studying) so the celebration was very successful. Meghan, my neighbor, happens to be my twin, so we took our celebration into her room. It took me a hour to finally settle down, and by that time I was exhausted.

I did end up studying most of the day, but it really wasn't that bad. Maybe because it was my birthday, everything just seemed to go right today. My French exam wasn't too difficult. Family friends had flowers delivered to my house (my parents sent me pictures - these people know me so well). And I even received a medal in my mailbox today for having good grades. Tonight my friends and I went to Qdoba like every Tuesday and afterwards I went to my friend's room down the hall to watch Lost. When I walked in, they had surprised me with a mini birthday cake. It was the only thing my day was missing. And Rachael had even gone to Publix and picked out my favorite kind (yellow cake with strawberry filling!) Lost was amazing, and surprising full of answers.

Now I am in my room studying for my CP exam on Thursday. I was able to Skype with Liz, which simply brightened my day. Last week, it seemed weird that I was going to turn 19. Now that the day has come (and is almost over), I happily embraced my new age. I'm almost done with my first year of college. 19 seems to be the perfect number. And just how I enjoyed every moment being 18, I'm excited about what this 19th year is going to bring me.

If you are reading this, thank you for all the birthday love. You have made it one of the best birthdays I have ever had.

Finals Week: Day 1

For the amount of free time I have to study, it is surprising to me how much of it I use to mess around. I discovered stumbleupon.com last night. Mistake. And then this morning, I received a birthday package from Mom and Dad containing an new iPod. I was so pleasantly surprised! And basically I played with it for most of the morning. I mean, the controls are on the headphones. Who wouldn't get distracted.

I am getting some studying done. I did not have a test today. So I've been trying to stayed focused this afternoon. French is tomorrow at 3:30 then CP on Thursday. (JMC is a presentation so there is nothing to study).

My biggest weekend this week is all the food. My gosh, I feel like everyone keeps offering me sweets. Yesterday, my friend offered my caramel cake right when I was walking to the bathroom after a major power nap. I felt like I was sleep walking and it took me a minute to two (after I had taken a few bits) to realize that I really should not be eating this. Though on the up side, ResLife has put out theses awesome coffee/tea makers in the lobby that make individuals cup. Christin and I just got back from there. I probably will be making multiple trips throughout the week. Of course, when we get back Christin brought out a chocolate pie her mother brought last week. We both had a slice. I am so weak. When this week is over, it's back to fruits and vegetables for me.

It has begun to rain hard outside. I want to go to the gym today, to use my new iPod and maybe burn off the chocolate pie. But with our window slightly opening, the gentle sound of the falling rain is telling me to stay inside. Maybe take a nap.

Or maybe just some more studying. Back to the grind

With Summer in Sight

I am in the final stretch. My classes for the semester are finally over and now two exams and one presentation stand in between me and summer. But Samford sure does make it difficult to leave. Our final SAC event was on Thursday with the last Harry's Coffeehouse. I have grown to love Harry's this semester. I never went until I joined SAC. I went to help out, but I stayed for the great atmosphere.

Anyways, so Harry's finale was on Thursday and the headliner was The Civil Wars. When the Harry co-chairs announced they were going to come, I found a free CD download online and quickly became obsessed. Though, when this last week came around, I was not aware that everyone else here was obsessed too. We expected a huge crowd. Over 300 people RSVP on the facebook event we created. So on Thursday, we arranged the room to hold the most people as possible. Throughout sound check, people started to line up at the doors. Of course, we on SAC claimed the prime seats early on. (Just a perk of the job). When we finally opened up the doors, people rushed in and within seconds, 100 people plus were in the room. By the time the openers took the stage, there had to be 250 people plus, and when The Civil Wars took the

stage, there had to be 300 or more. The crowd was insane and so was the heat. Harry's AC was not meant to accommodate that many people.

The Civil Wars put on an amazing show, probably the best I have ever experienced. The chemistry was there. When they talked in between songs, it was tit-for-tat. They fed off each others' energy and it was never awkward (which I just hate). They played for the full hour, though the intense heat. And afterwards, the hung out to talk to everyone who came. They were so humble and kind. Some people, they just stood there and talked with for like 20 minutes. The concert ended at 9, and they didn't even start packing up until 11:30.

For me, I didn't leave until 11:45. Hanging out after Harry's is one of my favorite things about SAC. Sure, I built up a sweat putting the room back together (being so hot already), but it feels worth it.

I find that Harry's is a part of Samford the most people discredit. I know I did last semester. It occurred to me that I could spend my evenings there, but I made excuses. Now, I find a sense of peace when I go to Harry's. It's layback; it's friendly. Most nights, I bring homework and work while I sit in those comfy leather seats and listen to the band. It's a time where I can simply forget about the worries of the moment. I can just relax.

A Good Apple

Last night Kaleigh and I went to whole foods to wonder around. She bought some ice cream, and I purchased one apple. It was $1.50, so basically the most expensive apple I've ever bought - but hey, it was organic!

Today is the first Saturday since Step Sing that I haven't had to go into work. Yet I still woken up by a phone call. A girl I worked with called me and think she wanted me to come and unlock the store because she left her key, but the call cut off before she could ask. So I texted her some numbers I knew and rolled over and went back to sleep. What? I can't be responsible all the ti

me.

So I have a free slate for the day. Woke about twenty minutes ago. Probably will take a shower soon and get some lunch. And though I would love to walk around and explore Birmingham, the fact is I'll probably be the mac lab working on my efolio. It needs a lot of work. I badly need a hair cut. It has gotten so long, but I just don't see that happening today.

Here is a picture Liz took from the Mat Kearney concert.

It just warms my heart!

Under the Stars

It was a perfect night for an outdoor concert. The sky was clear, the moon was full, and the temperature was low enough to wear flannel (aka the best clothing material ever!) but warm enough that I needed to roll up my sleeves. As a part of Spring Fling, Samford hosted Mat Kearney in concert. As a member of SAC, we work hard to put on the show, but we get to enjoy the perks too. For example, we got to meet Mat Kearney. Though it was awkward in how structured it was (his manger asked us to line up and we walked up to him one by one while asking questions and telling stories), he was nice and seemed pretty funny.

He was rather awkward on stage when he wasn't singing. He liked to shout "Samford"... then sing another song. I swear, he shouted Samford like 6 or 7 times. So by the end of the concert, I was kind-of getting sick of him - the music was good, but I could do without his side commentary. His redeeming grace was his final song. He started to play and it occurred to me - this sounds like Dancing in the Dark. And it was!! Such a great finale. And yes, I did do some dancing in the dark. Favorite song of the night; though sadly, it was not one of his.

Tears

There are moments when life catches up to you. When you tell yourself you are not going to cry as the tears start to roll down your face. I had that moment today - thankfully in a setting that made it less awkward and more freeing. Life is tough. Maybe my life is a little tougher than others. I don't know, but it just felt good to say the words that have haunted my heart.

My brother has addictions problems. It has been like this for my entire teenage life. So when it is time for prayer requests, I usually don't raise my hand and share. The story is long and so complicated that I find people just don't understand. That's why when I do share what is going on (even the tiniest of parts), I feel like I scare people. I can see it in their faces. I don't think people know these things about me. It's my own fault really; I don't share many private aspects of my life.

The tears flowed today because I love my brother too much. Too much - and I'm scared for him. Scared that his life is just a spiral, leading him further and further into a pit. I find that I am forced to trust that someone in this world will intervene. I cannot reach him. My parents cannot reach him. It will by the grace of God, not man, that he will ever be saved.

The tears flowed because of my pain. Because of my parents' pain. Because of the pain he causes himself.

I do not cry because my mask has been discovered. I do hold my emotions in, but at the same time, I don't wear a mask to cover them up. I am genuinely happy. I am so pumped about this summer. And I excited about the final weeks of school. This will always be a part of my life, but it will never be who I am.

Exhaustion

College can be exhausting at times. Looking at the syllabuses that hang on my wall, one would think I would have all this free time, but it's all a lie. I even believe it at times, but the fact of the matter is, I have a lot to do between now and May 13th. All day I have been checking my email constantly. I'm writing a story for Entre Nous, so I emailing this person and that, waiting for their responses. Then I'm working on Homecoming - trying to book a band for the bonfire. (And it looks like it's going to be a lot more than we hoped.) And with a normal amount of homework for CP and French, I also have this stupid e-folio I have to build for JMC. Dreamweaver is just frustrating! I've finally feel like I have made some headway on the design, but I am not super happy with my content.

Honestly, I could just rant on and on. I guess that's the power of a blog. When you are able to type faster than you can write, it makes it a lot easier to get everything out. But I digress...

I do have so many blessings in my life. My sociology class is a breeze, and since I've gotten A's on both tests, I can exempt the exam if I keep coming to class. I bought the supplies today to make banana pudding. (it's the little things that make me happy). And I am loving my job at church. Sadly, I'm taking a break this summer, just when I finally started to know everyone's names. I hope they remember me when I come back in the fall. It took them so long to remember my name in the first place.

Well, I'm going to go to the gym. I need to do something to help wake me up or I won't last much longer.

Waiting Outside of Pittman

Twenty days ago, I wrote a blog post titled "A Renewed Energy." Sadly, that energy did not seem to last long. My apologies for such a lapse. To make up for it, I've changed my look and started again with a new title: Waiting Outside of Pittman.

The last title (True Life: I live in Pittman) just didn't seem to fit. I don't really live in Pittman, but I do spend a good of time waiting outside of Pittman waiting for someone to let me in. If my life was novel filled with symbolism and irony, one could argue that this waiting around is some kind of metaphor. I think of the dorky kid wanting to be invited to the "cool" party. I don't know - it's just where my mind goes. But my life isn't a novel, and the fact is, I wait outside of Pittman because inside are people that are like my family. It took time, but without Pittman, I would not have the friends I have today. The friends that go with me to Qdoba every Tuesday, that let me sit on their beds and the ever-so-confortable rewards chair, and of course, make me laugh eberyday! Pittman is the house where these friends live, so I visit... constantly. Life would be so much simpler if Samford would just give me a key, but oh well, I don't mind waiting to be let in.

Sweet Dreams

I wish the guy from Harry's, you know the one that was dressed up like a pirate, could come and see me the song about Romeo and Juliet. "I take thee at your word: Call me but love, and I'll be new baptized" My heart melted.

Hope for such sweet dreams.

A Week Well Done

My week is done. I was so wise when I gave myself only one class on Friday (and made it Sociology no less) because every week my weekend start once French is out on Thursday. No I can sit play, listen to music, and put everything I need to do. Last night I rediscovered my "Pickin' on John Mayer" CD by David West. I'm currently obsessed; I've been listening to it all morning. I never gave it much thought when my brother gave it to me back in middle school. Now I find it to be the perfect music to do nothing to.

School is seeming to wind down a little. I still have assignments and homework that keep me busy, but for the most part, everyone is starting to realize the little time we have left. It is strange to think how fast freshman year has gone by. And with this school year coming to an end, I wonder how much I have actually grow since that day I moved in back in August. I am about to turn 19, yet I don't feel wiser or more mature. My mom like to tell me that I am, but nothing inside of me feels different. Maybe this is how growing up will be from now on. No longer will it feel radical, no growth spurts and major revelations. Growing up will be simpler and less easy to detect.

But let's us not get in too deep. It is only the early afternoon, after all. For now, I'll continue to listen to music and hopefully get some lunch soon. Wait for me in the mean time.

My Mood

Just spent the evening reading Evolution's Captain for CP. I've learned that Darwin at times would barely journal about his day, and instead simply write "Nothing to say" or "Went into Town." I understand his mood.

Nothing much to say. Back at Samford.

The End.

A Renewed Energy

Obviously, I have not been the most dedicated when it comes to this blog. Yes, it is the first week in April, and yes, my last post was back in February, but with today begin Easter, I feel it is an appropriate time for a fresh start. I traveled home this weekend to celebrate Easter with my family. It has been the perfect weekend to just relax (even though tomorrow I have a lot of work to d0) And with spring comes a taste of summer. On Saturday, my mom and I just laid out on the dock as my dad went here and there. Of course, the temperature is mild compared to what it will be, but it is such a wonderful feeling to just be outside all day. And of course, a weekend home would not be complete without a comical fishing trip with my dad and several late afternoon cruises. The lake is beautiful this year. With having the lake being so low in years past, it is amazing to see how glorious it is at full pool. Everything looks so alive (and not so dried out as it has been). I have such high expectations for summer 2010. Hopefully, it will be able to live up to them.

Tomorrow afternoon I'll head back to Samford for the last 5 weeks of school. School is stressful and very, VERY busy, and honestly, if I had the choice, I might choose to stay here and lay out on the lake everyday. But this is life isn't it? When you work hard, play time is simply more rewarding. So 5 weeks - I can totally do it. And I've already planned my reward for a semester well-done - Me, Harry Potter, and many days laying out on the dock. I can't wait!!

In the Season of Step Sing

With it being my first year at Samford, I had no idea Step Sing was such a big deal. Tomorrow is opening night, with a show on Friday and Saturday night as well. The whole campus is talking about; our banners even hang in the Caf. Paizley, Liz, Abby, and I are all members of Freshman Ladies. We have practiced almost everyday since we returned from winter break, and now the weekend is upon us. But we are far from being over. Today is dress rehearsal, and like the on the actual show nights, we have to be ready and lined up at 5. The show starts at 7. Hmm. I have a 3 to 5 o'clock class. So yeah, I'm wearing my costume under my clothes, and yeah, my hair is looking ridiculous. Oh and one more thing - no dinner for me tonight. Show business is tough.

Even though today has been rather annoying and the rest of the weekend isn't going to be convenient. I am so glad I am in Step Sing. We really have a great show. A show, I feel, could finish in the top 5. But whether we win or not, I have made so many great, new friends through this whole process and I've become closer to the ones I already had. Go Team!

Snow Day!

When my alarm clock went off this morning, I instantly scanned outside the window, seeing if the ground was covered in snow as was predicted. Alas, the ground was clear and I got up and went to class. But, it was during Sociology class, when we noticed the snow beginning to fall. About an hour later, the snow was beginning to blanket the campus with white.

Even though I have not been feeling well this week (I think I managed to pick up a stomach flu somewhere), I had to play in the snow. So after getting all bundle up, I headed down to Pittman to gather the team. Of course, we had to go to lunch first, but after lunch, we headed out to the quad for some quality time in the snow. We were some of the first people out there, since some classes were still in (Only classes after 1pm were actually canceled). Becca, Liz, Paizley, and I wandered through the quad, throwing around snowballs and taking a pictures. Eb caught up with us, and we build a snowman, a first for some. He was huge; Liz reports that he was 5 feet tall. There was not much too him. Mainly snow, covered in grass with 2 branches sticking out as his arms. Sadly, he lived a short life. While we were not looking (sledding actually) someone knocked it down.

After an hour or two, we headed inside because we were freezing. (No one really had the correct snow equipment.) We rested, and after an additional, yet short, trip outside again, we came back. We put the movie Stardust in, and Shea made everyone hot chocolate. I was so comfortable! Sadly, Liz, Paizley, and I had to go to Step Sing practice. But because we missed dinner in the caf, we made a trip to Qudoba for a late dinner.

What can I say, it was a wonderful day in the snow. I did not imagine this morning that we would have snow tonight, nor did I ever think we would have so much. But I hope it happens again, and soon. Today was a perfect day!

My Life Seems to Revolve Around the Pitt

I find it funny to think about how much of my day revolves around Pittman. Even though I am a resident of Vail, where I do most of my studying, I still manage to spend a good amount of time in the Pitt each day. Today, for example, I went to my 8 am class then walked over to Pittman to meet up with the team before convo. Then I went to French, followed by an additional trip. I went up to my room to study/run a few errands/eat lunch, but after a few hours, I was in Pittman yet again. Even after Step Sing practice, I made a quick stop to collect some of my things and say goodnight to the team. It's rather ridiculous. They have always joked around that I should be given one of the spare rooms in Pittman. I would be content with an external key.

There is no major breaking news from today. Becca has been sick, and when I walked into Kaleigh and Shea's room, there was a make shift bed on the floor for Courtney, a place where she can avoid the sickness. Paizley, Liz, Abby, and I had Step Sing practice, yet again. Most of it is suppose to be a secret, yet honestly, I would tell you all about it, I'm just too tired to do it now.

So even though I spend most of my day in Pittman, I always end my days in Vail. My mattress is not as comfortable as the one I have at home, but it makes due. Christin (my roommate) and I left our red and white Christmas lights up (since they totally work for Valentine's Day and other spring holidays!) and they make me very happy. Goodnight.

- Sarah

Always There to Lend a Hand

If memory serves me right, it was Liz who began the trend of calling us "team." Obviously, it has hooked on. At times, I find myself thinking a team vote would solve whatever problem is at hand. Today, after a pleasant morning at church, Liz assembled the team to help her make a video resume for her R.A. application. One thing you should know about us, when it comes to making videos, we take the whole thing very seriously. Planning is involved, and we usually have to film multiple takes (due to the large amount of gag reel we film). It is safe to say that there are priceless moments, that, even after watching it multiple times, still make me laugh like the first time I saw it. Everyone played a part; I took the role as director. Stay tune for the video. Liz promised that I could upload the finish project. This just goes to show that with a good group of friends by your side, any idea can because a great idea!

- Sarah

Pittman Goes to the Circus

After a full day at work followed by 2 hours of Step Sing practice, I stood next to Paizley and Liz as they explain to me that they wanted to go to the circus. I didn't know how to respond at first. I was tired, and to be honest, going back to the dorm and watching a movie sounded like a good plan to me. So with uncertainty, we loaded into our cars and headed to Chick-fil-a, because we needed dinner (we were starving)! On the way to Chick-fil-a, Kaleigh called and told us that everyone wanted to go, so it was set, Pittman was going to the circus!

The team piled into 2 cars, and with Liz's directions (and Becca's GPS as a back up plan) we navigated through downtown Birmingham and found the Civic Center. We waited in line, took pictures, and even at one point stacked it up and shouted "team" on 3. A problem arose when we got to the ticket booth. We had to pay together in order to sit together. It was a weird situation. Not everyone had cash, and we were baffled about what we were going to do, when Courtney announced she would pay with her card (and we would pay her back, of course). It was such a loving thing to do. It was obvious that no one wanted to take on the amount of money (14 dollar tickets times 11 people - you can do the math). I don't know if we would have figured it out if Courtney hadn't volunteered. She is such a beautiful person and a wonderful friend!

Our seats we very high up, since we purchased the cheapest seats possible, but the view was good and we were there - that's all that matters. The moment we sat down, the jokes began. And let's face it, there are so many things to make fun of at the circus - Nano, the little person, the lion tamer who spoke gibberish to the lions, and the row of teenagers in front of us who did not look like they were having a very good time. There was a small incident with the Cage of Death, but the crazy motorcycle guys ended up being okay. For a solid 2 and a half hours, the circus lived up to my expectations of what a circus could be like. They had lions and elephants, trapeze artist and tight rope walkers, and goofy clowns and a ring leader in a bead-dazzled outfit.

When I woke up this morning, it never crossed my mind that I would end up going to the circus tonight, but I am so glad this is how the evening played out. What could have been just another night at Samford turned into an amazing night full of memories. Pittman success!

- Sarah

Just to Clarify

The title for this blog is not exactly accurate. I do not actually live in J.D. Pittman Residence Hall at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama (just to be specific), but I find myself here enough that I feel like I do. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the beginning of the Pittman Blog. We are a group of friends who are all connected through this place. Liz, Paizley, Kaleigh, Shea, Brooke, Bethany, Becca, Courtney, Kinley, Ebony, Abby, Julie, Caroline, and myself. We are a family, a very dysfunctional family, and this place provides the backdrop for so many funny memories and eventful afternoons. So we begin our second semester of our freshman year...

- Sarah