Pull Me Outta the Swamp!

Dang it! Really. I apologize profusely for neglecting my blog and everyone else that I normally comment and read up on. Third week into school, and I am swamped with work. My Public Affairs class is ridiculous, I have to bring my textbook home everynight for my college English course, cross-country takes up a ton of energy, and my whining is endless! Wednesdays we have off for practice, so I just wanted to update quickly ... so much for going to bed early. Anyways, I hope all your lives are going well. What has everyone been up to? Feel free to e-mail me and chat, I can check those at school during my study halls but not Blogger because it's blocked >.<
The picture above is from a Senior grill-out that was coordinated for lunch in the school parking lot. A good proportion of my classmates came, and we had a faabulous time! Even with all this pressure, I'm trying to make the most of my time. I miss you all :]

Peace&love,

nicole.

Life's a cruise, soak it all in.

The cruise was paradise! The Gulf of Mexico had endless sun and surreal blue ocean in every shade fathomable. Of course I didn't want to come back, although I was missing my friends. I ate my weight's worth in food, made friends with some amazing kids from all over the country, and I had my sea legs for a few days afterwards. Kind of miserable on my part, I worked so hard to lose weight this summer. =:| The only consolation is knowing that it actually is two pounds of bliss from the trip, hahaha.

I came back from the holiday Thursday night and it's been hectic ever since. I finally found out my school schedule and the darn building has been locked so I haven't put any my supplies, let alone found my locker. After being in the same spot since 9th grade, I've upgrade to the big lockers in the 'senior' hallway. Ohhh boy. I didn't do any legit back-to-school clothes shopping either. It just wasn't necessary! Well ,at the outlet mall yesterday I bought a red tank top at Old Navy that I'll wear on the first day. Which is tomorrow, by the way. For those of you back at school, I do hope you've adjusted nicely to the groove of things! I guess I should be stoked because it's the famed Senior Year (class of 2010, whooo!) ... yet I honestly feel worried about all the work/stress that's to come.

Stop actin' a fool, Nicole. You've been through this before.
It's going to be a fantastic year! I need to just keep telling myself that.

Ahhhh, I have so much to do in preparation for tomorrow! I have to watch Greek at 8 o'clock as well. My first cross-country meet, ever, is Thursday! In the meantime I'm hoping for sporadic blogging, so thank you for reading :]

Doing: Facebook. I'm being tagged in so many peoples' summer and cruise albums!

The Best Decision

I know I've been terrible about blogging the last few weeks, and I bring more news to tell you that it's probably going to continue :\. I'm leaving tomorrow morning at 5 AM for a Carnival Cruise to Cozumel, Mexico and the Grand Caymans until September 3rd. Then, I will continue having practice and try to jam everything in with my friends before I start school September 8th.

There is not enough summer left!

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Last night my friend Megan had her 17th birthday party. Her family owns an organic food store, and much of the produce is grown in their greenhouse (I may have to steal some bok choy :P). I had no idea how incredible figs were [see photo]! And in addition to the veggie chips, there were plenty of cookies, mega marshmallows, and Kombucha tea to overdose on. We reveled next to the bonfire during another unseasonably chilly New York night, and took a 'nature hike' through the back trails that ended up being a fight for our lives when the Earth decided to devour us :P. Hahaha my friend Brad was stuck a least a foot into the mud.
Today for cross-country, we did a team building exercise by spending the day rock climbing! It was difficult as heck, trying to defy gravity and all, yet also exhiliarating. With calloused hands, I can proudly state that I am a belay-ing champ :). There was also a High Ropes course consisting of wooden planks and cables strung near the ceiling that I went through. I am not a fan of heights, but I went for it anyway because the risk was worth taking. I don't think I conquered that fear -- I was quivering and sweating, wanting to break down and cry when I crossed this telephone pole -- yet I made it across. My team helped me do it. All the unwavering encouragement and cheers they gave, not just to me, but to everyone, is outstanding; I don't think I have ever felt this at home with a team. It's clear to me that joining cross-country has been one of the best decisions ever.

A two story death walk :\

Hahaha.. how attentive.

My new family :]

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The week flew by oncemore, as it probably will when I'm on my cruise. Martina isn't going because we booked the tickets before we even knew about hosting, so she's staying with her Rotary counselor. When I return, August '09 will be a thing of the past, and autumn will be upon us. I truly hope that all of you had an exciting, memorable summer. Although it's coming to a dejecting close, try not to wallow in melancholy -- invigorate your spirit! New season, new beginnings.