December 14, 2009

The strongest principle of growth lies in human choice.  - George Eliot.



Finals week had arrived at Oklahoma State University this time last week. Long hours of studying, little sleep, and stress accompany this period of exams each semester. Some semesters are better than others, this semester, however, might have posed the hardest finals schedule I have yet encountered. Mainly due to the days the tests were scheduled, last week was quite stressful for me. When all was said and done though, everything went well. When I completed my finals on Thursday, I felt like the world had been lifted off of my shoulders!

Wednesday served as a much needed break point in between the beginning portion of my finals and my remaining one on Thursday. I was extremely honored to be invited to a lunch at Mike and Anne Greenwood's home. Anne had prepared a wonderful afternoon for a few guests that were fortunate enough to view her extraordinary Christmas decorations! With the numerous beautiful and meaningful Christmas trees, and warm wassail, I don't know who wouldn't feel right at home It was a very pleasant afternoon and I was so grateful that I was able to enjoy it with such wonderful people!

The rest of the day, continuing into the night was spent studying for my remaining final - Art History. I was so relieved to be finished on Thursday. Although I was a bit on the tired side I was happy to fulfill a commitment that evening that I had made a few weeks prior. A friend had asked if I would help cater an event in Oklahoma City on Thursday evening. I knew I would be done with finals, and a little extra money is always needed; it turned out to be fun, I'm glad I had that opportunity! We left at 4pm and returned to Stillwater at 11pm - I definitely slept well that night!

I had been looking forward to Friday all week because my good friend from Texas A&M was coming to spend the weekend with me! We've known each other for a long time so it's always great to reminisce over old times and make new ones! Saturday night, we spent in Bricktown with another friend and I left from there to go back to Weatherford!

Seeing my family and my puppy is always wonderful, but this break I have something else to look forward to! I was fortunate enough to get a job for the length of Christmas break, which I wasn't sure was possible. Some may not find that appealing, but I'm always looking for a change of pace or something new and challenging! I'm working at a local home décor shop in Weatherford, I start the 14th, so I'm not quite sure what my duties will entail but I'm really looking forward to the job! I found out for the first time last Christmas break that a month is a very long time to not have a steady schedule and I enjoy staying busy. So I'll be sure to update on how it goes, I'm sure it will be great.

Another sensational semester at OSU has come to an end. It seems like just yesterday I was composing my first blog!

December 7, 2009

Well, where to begin with this past week? I definitely don’t understand why it’s known as “dead week.” I’m quite sure it’s one of the busiest weeks I’ve had in awhile, haha. Keeping the end in mind, knowing that this was the last leg of the race, of this semester anyway, I kept my motivation high. Although I would’ve liked to accomplish a little more on the studying side, it was an overall productive week!

Tuesday evening was the last Merchandise and Apparel Design Association meeting of the semester at the Beadery, downtown. These meetings are always a lot of fun because it gives the members a chance to socialize and browse around a really great boutique. Not to mention, the owner generously offers a discount to all members who attend! After catching up with a few people I had to meet with my 3D Foundations group to finish our final project. Needless to say, we didn’t leave the Visual Art Annex until the middle of the night. The project counted as our final though, and we were very pleased with the outcome.

After a full day of classes on Thursday, I changed into my tacky Christmas sweater and reindeer antler headband and made my way to the OSU Student Foundation Christmas tree decorating party! Tables were set up for the Adopt-a-Family gifts that members had signed up to bring, dozens of orange and black ornaments and presents, and another that was full of food Christmas cheer was definitely in the atmosphere! The Greenwoods, who are such avid supporters of STUFU, generously donated a new Christmas tree to the Foundation last year and they are always there to help decorate it as well! Here are a few pictures from the party.

It’s hard to believe that the semester has come to a close, but I’m more than ready! Finals and Christmas break, here I come!

GO POKES!

November 30, 2009

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of the year; I love spending time with family, and the large amounts of delicious food certainly doesn't hurt I had only been home once since summer, so Tuesday couldn't come soon enough!

Monday, my Nutrition test that I had been worried about for weeks prior was finally out of the way! A final paper for that class was also due. So after my classes on Tuesday, I packed and was on the road, headed home!

I was greeted with open arms, a super excited dog, and a home cooked meal! I honestly think I forgot what real food tasted like, haha. My grandma spoils me so much with her wonderful cooking. This Thanksgiving happened to be quieter than most years, with 5 of the family members whom are normally a part of the festivities unable to make it to Weatherford. The amount of food seemed to be the same, however, which meant a lot of leftovers!! You can't beat a turkey sandwich on a homemade roll. Saturday morning, I went over to my grandparents house to help put up her beautiful Christmas tree that has about 11 layers of branches, but the finished product is aways worth it! Here is a picture of our amazing Thanksgiving feast and of the Christmas tree - without the ornaments.

And this doesn't include dessert!

As we were finishing up the tree, the Bedlam game was about to begin!! I will say that my hopes were very high for this year’s rival match-up. Obviously the outcome was far from what many of us expected, but I don't feel that that changes anything about the successful season the Cowboys have achieved. One thing that did surprise me was all of the extreme comments about the game from the Oklahoma State fans in regard to how our team performed. I feel that a true fan is proud of their team - win or lose. Personally, I am thankful to the coaching staff for all they have done this season and to the players for their hard work when faced with adversity and injured teammates. Regardless of their Win-Loss record as a football team, I will always cheer them on as a proud Oklahoma State Cowboy.

Cotton Bowl here we come!

Here's an action shot from the game!

Photo courtesy of Newsok

GO POKES!

November 23, 2009

Those words seemed to replay over and over in my thoughts and were reflected in my actions throughout this entire week. I have enjoyed my nutrition course, and have truly learned a lot; however, to be honest, I feel like I'm majoring in nutrition this semester, haha. The last test is this upcoming Monday and I have been attempting to study as much as possible throughout the week. Although, I had to take my focus off of nutrition in the middle of the week to prepare for my Art History test that was Thursday. My involvement in activities continued as normal, which although filling my schedule, always keeps me going!

Tuesday there was an OSU Student Foundation general meeting, scheduled on an alternate week due to Thanksgiving break. Cowboy Spirit, which will be February 12, is definitely fast approaching! There is so much involved in planning this event, but I'm so thankful to be a part of a group that truly has been working together toward raising funds to support students’ futures! The OSU Foundation itself has been so helpful as well. I don't know how the marketing/design team produces all that we may need on top of their other duties. I am sure this exciting battle of the bands will be here before we know it; it's a night you won't want to miss!

Due to the Thursday night game, my Circle K International executive meeting was on Wednesday night. We are also planning numerous upcoming events which include decorating for Christmas at a nursing home and ringing bells for the Salvation Army. Our major district event of the year, CKI District Convention, is the last weekend in February. It happens to be in San Marcos, Texas, this year, which unfortunately isn't exactly in economic driving distance from Stillwater. We're trying to figure out flight prices, etc. Luckily with club funds and an extremely supportive Kiwanis club, the price for the members attending should be significantly lower than the actual cost.

Thursday, the Cowboys faced Colorado in a very exciting game! It was a little “too close for comfort” for me, haha, but with the teamwork and leadership that are present on our team, OSU came through victorious! The adversity that the Cowboys have overcome this year is truly incredible! I'm so proud to be a student at Oklahoma State and to cheer on the team every week! Here's a pic of the Cowboys in their special black uniforms from the CO game.



OSU Student Foundation twice in one week?! “Yes please.” Also due to the game, our Thursday evening executive meeting was moved to Friday afternoon....in the Murphy House!! It was the first time that the exec team had gotten a chance to see the newly renovated space across from the Foundation! The board room was perfect for our meeting and we continued planning and preparation for Cowboy Spirit, as well as upcoming Christmas themed events!

On Saturday morning, Kiwanis was hosting a Flapjack breakfast at Applebee's that I was more than happy to attend. Kiwanis, as mentioned so frequently, supports our CKI chapter in so many ways! So we try to help in any way that we can to express our gratitude! It was a great morning, the Kiwanians are always so extremely sweet and cheerful . The pancakes were delicious too! Here's a picture from the event!



After the breakfast that morning, I planned on visiting the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art in Shawnee to obtain my last two possible extra credit points for Art History. Unfortunately, when analyzing how much studying and drawing I had to accomplish that day and the next, I felt like I couldn't afford that time commitment. So the remainder of the weekend consisted of lots of studying...and daydreaming about turkey

GO POKES!

	Dennis Rudasill, last year's Scholar Blogger, excited about contacting donors!

This was a pretty crazy week as far as school goes. My six-week Drawing I portfolio was due, I had a Philosophy test, and a six-page paper for Art History, but adequate sleep or not, haha, everything seems to work out in the end.

Thursday, Circle K International was fortunate to have Detective Kyle Bruce from the Stillwater Police Department as the guest speaker at our meeting. He discussed his job and many other important situations that involve college students and the police. Detective Bruce is a part of the Special Projects Investigation Team, or SPIT. His discussion was very informative and down to earth. Here's a pic from the meeting.



When the weekend finally rolled around, and people were filing into Stillwater for the Texas Tech game, it was time for one of my very favorite events. The President's Club Event is one of the few times that OSU has the opportunity to thank such a large number of donors at once. Eleven hundred donors RSVP'd to this year’s event! I am so thankful that I was given the chance to interact with so many kind-hearted people that truly love OSU. Participating in events similar to this one through STUFU honestly makes me so proud to be a Cowboy; I can't wait until I can give back too! Being in a room as large as this, one completely overflowing with orange pride, is really awesome, and I'm glad I got to be a small part of that. Kirk Jewell, the president and CEO of the OSU Foundation, and Burns Hargis, our university's president, delivered inspirational words that made the Cowboy spirit in the room grow even more! Here are a couple pictures from the President's Club event.

Getting everything set up for the event!	STUFU members anxiously awaiting the donors’ arrival.

After this event, everyone was pumped up to go watch the Cowboys play Texas Tech. As always, Boone Pickens Stadium was packed and we cheered our team on to victory! That definitely wrapped up another great week at Oklahoma State University!

Go Pokes!

November 9, 2009

If you find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere. - Frank A. Clark

This week presented me with a fairly large barrier. It's hard to understand sometimes why events occur in the way that they do, but I try to remember that obstacles are a part of any successful journey. The most important thing is how you deal with those deterrences and continue to strive toward your final destination. In the end, someone who has had to make decisions or persevere through rough times is most likely going to be stronger from overcoming such hurdles.

Monday started off with a deadline for a major project in my 3D Foundations class. After lots of out-of-class effort, I was glad to have this project completed.

Tuesday there was a Merchandise and Apparel Design Association meeting! The manager of The Buckle clothing store in Stillwater came to give a denim fitting demonstration and discuss the company's career options. As always, the meeting was extremely informative. I had been to the denim demonstration at the Buckle last year with MADA but all the career information was so interesting. She discussed their intern opportunities and an intern was actually a student present at the meeting. Since one of the options is interning part-time while going to school, the girl that is interning with the Buckle currently, shared a lot of personal insight and experience about what her position entails. The program that they offer is great! The company has not only survived the economic downturn, but continued to flourish throughout it. And of course, the manager brought the most amazing jeans to help her demonstrate appropriate sizes for body types! Did you know The Buckle will set up jean fitting/ personal shopping appointments for you?

I've had chronic headaches and occasional migraines since I was in grade school, but through lots of searching over the years I have found relief for my daily headaches and can usually keep my migraines under control if I don't let them get too bad. Wednesday morning I had a bad headache, went to my morning lab and my nutrition discussion, but I knew if I didn't take my migraine medicine that things would get worse. Unfortunately for the medicine to be effective, I have to sleep after taking it - not exactly convenient in the middle of a school day. But it's better than the alternative. When I woke up, late afternoon, however, there was little/no change in the headache.

So to summarize everything, it lasted through Thursday and then started to progressively get worse. My mom came from home - I have such a wonderful mom! - and I got through Thursday night, but when my migraines get to that level and have lasted multiple days we've found that only one thing can break the cycle. So Friday morning I went to University Health Services and got a pain injection that knocks me out. Migraines are definitely an obstacle in my life, I feel that they limit what I can do sometimes, but as I mentioned before; it's all how you approach the situation. I am so grateful for all I am blessed with, and for my good health - most of the time, haha. So many people perform the tasks that we do everyday suffering conditions so much worse.

Due to the events of Friday, sadly I did have to miss participating in the Library Event with OSU Student Foundation and Into the Streets on Saturday morning with Circle K International.

The weekend was still full of excitement though! Saturday I went to both the Philbrook Museum of Art and the Gilcrease Museum of the Americas. Talk about a beautiful day to go to two gorgeous estates! I needed to visit both in order to fulfill a particular assignment for my art history class, and I was glad. They were both unique and charming in their own ways. It would be difficult to discuss the breadth of art that I had the pleasure of viewing that day; both museums have extensive collections. The Philbrook Museum, which used to be an actual home, really appealed to me in that the interior spaces correlated with the art that was exhibited in that particular location. It seemed to evoke a stronger mood from the artwork because of the surrounding environment. Almost as enjoyable as seeing the numerous incredible works of art, was spending time outside both museums. Each had captivating landscapes that truly made my experience on Saturday a great one! Here are a just a few pictures, I took a lot

The Gilcrease Museum!

The Philbrook Museum!

Two wins for the Cowboys this weekend and I was fortunate enough to attend one of them!! Saturday night when I got back from the museums, OSU was playing UCO at Gallagher Iba Arena. Thanks to STUFU I got to attend. I had never been to a basketball game at Oklahoma State before so it was a big treat for me! Not to mention that the seats were practically on the court; it was really great. Also, we got to cheer on the Cowboys with Mike and Anne Greenwood! Here's an action shot from the game.



GO POKES!

November 2, 2009

The weeks are definitely becoming busier and busier as this semester comes closer to an end. Thankfully, I am able to participate in events throughout the week and on weekends with the organizations I am a part of that keep my spirits high and my determination strong. The opportunities that I'm allowed through the few organizations I'm in are the experiences that have made college at OSU such a blast! It's just hard to pick and choose what organizations to be involved in on a campus that has as many philanthropic activities as Oklahoma State.

There's a lot going on in OSU Student Foundation right now, so Tuesday's meeting was full of brainstorming and planning. We're really kicking things off with Cowboy Spirit, which is a large-scale process that involves every member in some way. “Students raising scholarships for students!” it doesn't get much better than that . I love STUFU.

Thursday, OSU was lucky to have a representative from Prismacolor give a presentation. As each person entered the room a variety of pens and pencils were offered to us - for free! I was truly thrilled with the video and explanation given of all prismacolors products and their uses. We watched a video about how the colored pencil is made, starting at the pigment fragments, until it is in the pencil and must go through a series of color tests. Next, we viewed a slide show of all their products and examples of corresponding art work. I have used and loved prismacolor colored pencils for a long time, but I was unaware of the company Sanford's large breadth of art products. I learned a lot about the marketing process of their products, as well as manufacturing. At the end there was a very generous prize drawing of the prismacolor products we had just been educated on! Also, the representative had all the products and lots of art work with her. She offered everyone the opportunity to try out these great tools! Unfortunately I was running late for my 7 o'clock meeting, but I gained a lot from attending!

At the Circle K International meeting we worked on two small-scale service projects after we went over the general meeting information. We made more linus blankets to add to the collection we plan to give to the local Police Department and the second project was an idea we brought back from the Fall Retreat. We took old t-shirts, cut them into strips, took three strips, tied a knot at one end, braided the fabric, and tied another knot. Then voila! you have a perfectly good dog toy. They are simple and easy to make and are great for donations to animal shelters.

Halloween spirit was present at OSU on Friday at the Student Union Atrium! The annual Halloween Carnival is always a great time for community members to come and have a safe place to bring their kids for fun and games! Since both CKI and MADA (Merchandise and Apparel Design Association) had booths at the carnival, I worked one booth half of the time and one the other half. It's actually more fun for me that way because I got to draw fake wounds on kids with lipstick and eyeliner, and I got to help kids color miniature pumpkins - all in one night, haha!



Saturday was a big day in Stillwater, Oklahoma, with two shades of orange visible throughout the campus; I was looking forward to helping at a STUFU donor event before the game. The National Campaign Committee meeting was held at the newly renovated Architecture building. Eight Student Foundation members helped by either greeting the attendees and handing out name tags, or passing out water, etc. It was a wonderful event, and I had never been inside the architecture building since the renovations; it was extraordinary!




Although the outcome of Saturday's game wasn't what we hoped for, I know I was standing in Boone Pickens Stadium until the alma mater played, swaying arm in arm with my friends. Regardless of what the scoreboard displays, OSU's spirit rivals all others!

GO POKES!

October 26, 2009

The highlight of this week began on Wednesday with “Landscape Painting in Tuscany” Information session. Images about what this trip would entail have been running through my head since I first heard about it. Well, those ideas were far exceeded during this meeting led by professor Marty Avrett. The three week long, on site, intensive landscape painting opportunity based in Spannocchia, Italy, promises a truly unique experience. I would earn 3 hours of credit toward my degree, while living on an estate that is home to the Etruscan Foundation. Also, the weekends are considered our free time, which would allow me the chance to tour other parts of Italy! I could continue with many more exciting details; I'm sure my eyes were wide open with enthusiasm as Mr. Avrett spoke. Now, it's obviously not cheap to study abroad, but this program in particular is significantly lower in price than some I've looked into. In order to fund this journey, I am applying for numerous scholarships and on the hunt for more. Unfortunately, I won't know the results of those applications until after I've commited to the class, but I'm hoping it's a risk that will pay off. Nevertheless, I will be returning May 31st, so I will have the remainder of the summer to work. An experience like this, which truly combines everything that I love is something I feel I cannot pass up. I'm going to do what it takes to make it work!

Thursday, the OSU Student Foundation held a Donor Dinner, one of my favorite type of events! We wanted everyone to have an opportunity to get to know two of STUFU's greatest supporters, Mike and Anne Greenwood. I personally learned a lot about some exciting new service opportunities for the organization, and always enjoy the conversation in general, at these events. At the end of the dinner, the Greenwoods made an incredibly exciting announcement: they were going to be Cowboy Spirit's very first donors and they also offered to help with start up costs. If I haven't reiterated this point enough, Mike and Anne are honestly two of the most giving people I've had the pleasure of meeting. They give because they love to help others, but it's more than that; something about their acts of giving, whether small or large, come from their heart, mind, and soul. I know I speak on behalf of STUFU when I say that we are thankful to the Greenwoods for all that they do. Here's a picture of some of the STUFU members that attended.



On Friday after class I was off to Denton, Texas, for the Circle K International Fall Retreat at Camp Copass. Truthfully, in the beginning of the week I was stressed out because of all the projects I have due this next week, and being gone from Friday to Sunday isn't conducive to large amounts of homework. Although, when we got to the camp and I saw so many familiar faces that I rarely see, and started meeting tons of new people, my worries faded. Throughout the weekend we participated in numerous team building workshops, two group service projects, raised over $250 in a contest for the Six Cents Initiative, choreographed an original dance, wrote warm fuzzies, and had a costume party - quite an eventful weekend! There were students from CKI chapters all over Texas and Oklahoma. Now I'm looking forward to District Convention in February so I can reunite with all my new friends! One thing I enjoy the most about these events is the service; it re-inspires my passion for service. I love the excitement that was present during the service projects. Helping others is so much fun and on occasions like this weekend that's what everyone is all about! Here are a few pictures from the weekend

My team at Fall Retreat!	Costume Party! I was OSU's #1 fan. Ok, so I didn't really have to dress up, haha. Kidding. And a fellow OSU CKI'er as a scarecrow!
One of the workshops about the dangers alcohol abuse.

GO POKES! 6-1! Look out Texas, here we come!

October 19, 2009

“Wow, what an orange powered weekend!” Homecoming 2009 didn't fall short of the nation's expectations, delivering once again: spirit, dedication, philanthropy, family, friendship, and football! The week leading up to this annual celebration was filled with preparation and hard work that paid off in every way, as thousands of people flowed into Stillwater Friday to enjoy “walkaround.” Saturday brought a star-studded, victorious football game to all the fans! What more could any Cowboy ask for?

Homecoming week is a wonderful time to be an OSU student! Spirit is abundant all over campus; even the rain couldn't dim the bright orange fountain at Edmon Low Library. Tuesday, I had an OSU Student Foundation meeting, which brought exciting news. People of Stillwater and the surrounding areas, get pumped because Keith Anderson is performing at STUFU's annual Cowboy Spirit this year!! We will still have a battle of the bands, but he will be performing at the end! We are all very thrilled and fortunate that he has agreed to attend. After the meeting, we needed to label all the candy that would be passed out at the parade, but with everyone helping it didn't take long. Here is a pic of a few members labeling candy.



Wednesday I was fortunate to be able to attend the Marching Band Appreciation event, coordinated by incredibly generous OSU donors, Mike and Anne Greenwood. Our band puts in so much time and effort; I'm glad that I was given the chance to tell them thanks! Water, and a wide variety of snacks were provided to the band during an outside practice on a cold, muggy day - they all seemed very grateful! I look up to people like Mike and Anne so much because they're not only ever-present when support is needed, but they also seek out opportunities to help others in any way they can. I feel very lucky to have gotten to know them through the OSU Student Foundation.

Thursday, Circle K International (Kiwanis) had an extra long meeting in order to bake all the food we were going to sell at our booth at walkaround. Although, close to half of what we needed was homemade and brought by Kiwanians; I don't know what we would do without them! So at our meeting that night, we baked cookies, brownies, cupcakes, and wrapped and labeled everything. I don't know if I've seen that many sweets at one time, haha. Here's a pic from the meeting and one at our booth at walkaround!

	All of us waiting for the parade to start

This homecoming, despite the usual, was especially exciting for me because I got to spend the weekend with my brother, Clay! He is a 2008 OSU graduate and is currently a mechanical engineer for 3M. So starting in June of 2008 he moved to Hutchinson, Minnesota, a little far from home . He recently acquired a new position within the company and is moving to Irvine, California. I would be lying if I said I'm not looking forward to visiting him at Hunting Beach!! I'm so proud of my brother, I've always looked up to him. His last day in MN was Thursday, so he was very happy to make to back for homecoming. We had a great time!

Weekends like this make me sure that I will truly be “Branded For Life” - an Oklahoma State Cowboy.
Here are some more pictures from this weekend!

my brother and I

GO POKES!

October 12, 2009

Compared to last week's test schedule, just working steadily on projects throughout the week seemed to provide a little bit of break for me.

Tuesday, was the monthly Merchandise and Apparel Design Association meeting, which are always both informational and fun! We learned how the local bridal and dress shop, Black Velvet, got started and how it developed its own niche within Stillwater. The useful entrepreneurship information that was discussed in the meeting could be helpful to people of any major. Black Velvet not only caters to the bride's dress selection, but they coordinate entire weddings. The meeting was intriguing and inspirational. It's always good to hear from people who have made their dreams come true, especially in the middle of a school week or even a semester. It enables you to take a look at your own goals and keep your determination high, when sometimes we get in a routine and forget about the things that are important to us on a bigger scale. Also, the owner, who attends fashion markets four to five times a year and plans weddings, majored in Aviation at Oklahoma State University. This reiterates something I feel is very important; your degree in no way limits you to what you can do in life. Although it may be beneficial to study what you would like to pursue a career in, I believe if you follow your dreams and have a passion for what you do, anything can be achieved.

A quote that I've always said is, “if it rains on your parade, break out the slip n' slide.” Although that may be figurative, I could have literally had a few slip n' slides out on Thursday, haha. Despite my efforts to keep my belongings dry, quite a few of my things were affected by the downpour, but “it happens.” By mid-day, I was soggy and ready for fall break to start!

Thursday after class, I was on the road, and on my way to Weatherford, OK for the first time since summer! Now, I'm not the type that ever gets homesick, but I am still very close to my family. Needless to say, I was very excited to spend a long weekend at home with family. My mom and my grandparents have been extremely influential throughout my entire life, and continue to be so on a daily basis. Jane, my mother, is a single parent, school teacher, and has raised me to be the person I am today. She, as well as my grandparents have instilled the values and morals that help make up my character. I am truly grateful for everything thing they have given me, from love, to advice, support, and so much more. On the subject of families, I would say I'm the luckiest girl in the world . Did I mention that my grandma is an amazing cook! Yay for homemade food, haha. “Gram” is also a bigger college and pro football fan than any guy I know, so it was a fun-filled Saturday of football. The highlight being the Oklahoma State game; I'm proud of our Cowboys!! It was also wonderful to see my dog, Gretchen. I miss her so much while I'm at school. Fall break went by too fast. Here are some pics from Sunday after church.

GO POKES!