There's No Place Like Ames

I love Ames.  I love Iowa State.  I love Kappa at Iowa State.  Ames has a very special place in my heart.  Today, I read that Ames was voted the number two Best College Town in America (read the full article here).  Ithaca College in New York came in first; The University of Iowa in Iowa City came in fourth.  I'm proud to say I'm part of the proud group of Iowa State alumni.  And I'm happy to learn Iowa City isn't as trashy of a town as I once thought (it is still the current #2 party school according to Princeton Review)...until about six months ago...

(source)

And here are some fun facts about Ames (taken directly from here):
Population: 89,575
Student concentration: 285.4 (per 1,000 people)
2-bedroom apartment: $740/month

Earning Potential: $35,426

Colleges: Iowa State University

Read more here.

A Time to Remember

Seven years ago today, one of my dear college friends passed away in a tragic car accident.  He was on his way home from a class at DMACC in Boone, driving back to Ames to his fraternity.  Three other fraternity brothers were in the car when the accident happened.  It was a horrific scene (from what they told me).  I can't imagine being there.  I was devastated when I learned about his passing, especially since we had just celebrated the Iowa State win against Iowa three days before that.  The weekend before that, we had gone camping together as part of a leadership retreat (we'd done it for two years at that point).  We had talked about his upcoming 21st birthday (on September 25), and he was already making plans for my 21st birthday party celebration (on October 9).  He was one of the best guys I've ever met and I'll always miss him...especially on September 13.

Andy was a genuine guy with a heart of gold who always had a smile on his face.  When I first met him, I was pretty intimidated to lead a committee with him since he was so tall (which can be scary to this short girl) and I'd never met him before we took over the committee.  Our year as Freshmen Council Fundraising Committee Co-Chairs was wonderful.  I thank Andy for encouraging me to be more outgoing (I used to be super shy), to try new things (Panda Express was our lunch choice for our weekly office hours), and to let loose every once in a while (he was always inviting me over to his fraternity to socialize).  Andy, wherever you are, I hope you're smiling down knowing once again, it's a Cyclone State.

Rest in peace, my friend

Andrew Arden Albright

September 25, 1984 - September 13, 2005

The Big Football Game: Iowa v. Iowa State

This past weekend was a legendary Iowa weekend:  the Iowa v. Iowa State football game (read more about the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series here).  The state of Iowa is divided between the two universities.  Obviously, Josh and I always side with Iowa State (all the smart kids do, really).  Since Josh is a student at Iowa, he purchased season football tickets, and we managed (read: Josh negotiated like crazy) to purchase a ticket for me to attend the game with him.  During undergrad, I never went to Iowa City because I was afraid I'd get arrested or something crazy (I've heard lots of horror stories about Iowa City).  This was my first home Iowa football game, and it ended up pretty well.

We started the morning off at a law school fraternity tailgate.  Then, we wandered over to the tailgates near the stadium to meet up with some of Josh's high school friends.  It was fun catching up with them, playing flippy cup, and snapping a few pictures.

The football game was a lot of fun.  Kinnick Stadium was quite impressive.  The Iowa State win (9-6) was more impressive.  It's a Cyclone State for the next year.

Loss of a Legend

This morning, a fellow Iowa State journalism graduate posted about the passing of professor Barbara Mack.  She was a legend in the journalism program.  Every journalism student had to take journalism law, and she was one of the two professors (when I was a journalism student, that is).  I had her my senior year.  She was a tough cookie.  So much so, that with my apprenticeship, involvement with my sorority and on campus, and two other side jobs, I didn't think I could handle her class...so I dropped it (and had to take it the next semester with a different professor).  Anyway, when I told her I needed to drop it because I was over-committed and couldn't invest enough of myself in the class, she was kind and understanding (a complete surprise to me, and the first time I saw her kind heart).  I hate admitting I can't do everything.  I dropped two classes in undergrad:  chemistry (my first semester when I came to the realization that I'm not cut out to be a doctor) and journalism law.  I regret dropping chemistry...however, technically I didn't drop it (long story...).  I don't regret dropping journalism law.  I took it the next semester and got an A.  I felt like I owed it to her to do well in it.

Barbara Mack was rigid.  She expected a high standard of excellence from her students (and probably everyone, really).  She demanded respect.  And I'm glad I had the opportunity to experience her teaching.  I wish her family all the best in this difficult time.  I hope they know she left behind a legacy that may never be matched.  She was a legend in herself and will be missed dearly.  The Iowa State journalism program will never be the same.  And, for everyone who knew her, we will never be the same.

Barbara Mack, you will be missed.

Back to School

Josh is officially back at school.  Orientation started on Sunday, and he's been busy all week with his intro to law school class, random activities for school, and reading.  Before orientation started on Sunday, we bought his books.  I forgot how expensive books are.  When I was in graduate school at Drake, I had two to three classes a semester, and books were typically $300 or less a semester.  Josh's books were more than that.  I had to take a picture of the total amount on the register.  Seriously, I don't know why books cost this much.

$729.75 for a semester worth of books

Josh enjoyed using the free Internet at the law building before orientation

First day of law school orientation

On Saturday, we spent the day moving Josh's things, and then went out to dinner at Stella.  The restaurant is less than five minutes from Josh's apartment, and offers sufficient g-free options for me.  The ambiance was amazing out on the patio - the weather was in the high 80s with a light breeze.  I had jambalaya with a Sutliff hard cider (made in Iowa!).  Josh  had the Italian pizza.  I have a feeling we'll be going back to Stella to eat again.

Jambalaya and Sutliff hard cider

 
Then, after dinner, we had a chance to relax and watch the Olympics.  By 10 o'clock, we were exhausted...and went to bed.  Only to be woken up at 2 AM by his neighbors.  Oh, the joy of apartment living in a college town...

We're turning into Bev and Gene Haugo (and enjoying their old recliners!)

Kappa Convention 2012: A Review (Part 1)

From Wednesday to Sunday last week, I was at Kappa Convention in Jacksonville, Florida, with about 1,000 other Kappas.  It was amazing.  I loved the feeling of unity and a being a part of a large, smart, powerful organization.  I caught up with some friends I met at Leadership Academy four years ago, met new friends, and bonded with old friends.  Overall, I had a spectacular experience.  I'll post my nice photos from my camera later (when I'm not at the hospital), but here are some I took on my phone.

Black and Gold

As of August, Josh will be sporting black and gold instead of cardinal and gold.  Last week, we went to Iowa City and toured apartments for Josh.  We found lots of gross options, and a few great ones.  In the process, we also met a potential roommate, Alec, while eating lunch.  Josh's cousin, Brittany, met us for lunch, and then again before we left for drinks.  We also had a lovely dinner with Kai, Josh's BFF.  Brittany just finished her undergrad at Iowa in journalism and Spanish;  Kai just finished his PhD in math.  They're both pretty smart.  Anyway, we're happy with the progress we made, and it was really nice to spend a day in the town in which Josh will live for the next three to four years.

The sculpture of Jean de Fiennes by Auguste Rodin.

Josh in front of the Boyd Law Building.

Brittany and Josh - cousins at Iowa!

Kai and Josh

Josh and I in front of the old Iowa Capitol building.

Things that make me smile

This past week was hectic.  I don't really remember why.  Probably because I haven't had a weekend home without any major events in about a month, and the build-up of not having clean laundry and a clean house in addition to the stress of a photo shoot in the studio this past Friday, and prepping for a photo shoot at my house this upcoming week...ok, now I remember why it was hectic.  My garage, kitchen, and dining room are still looking very patriotic from the items I shot on Friday.  Today, I should probably clean out the garage and hem the curtains we're using for the photo shoot in my dining room this coming Wednesday.

Anyway, one major highlight of my week was making this purchase at Costco.  I love Sharpies, and colorful Sharpies make everything happier!

24 colorful options!

This past Wednesday, we found out Josh received a full academic scholarship to the University of Iowa's Law School.  I'm really proud of him.  In the next few months, things will certainly be changing a lot around here.  We had to cancel our Florida vacation (that I had just reserved on Tuesday) since it was scheduled August 16-23 and classes begin on August 20.  However, his aunt was sweet as always and offered the condo to us whenever we could fit it into Josh's new academic schedule.  In an attempt to process all the life-changing news on Wednesday, we took Sophie on a little walk.  She was very happy about it (she loves walks!), yet confused as we went a different route than we usually go.  I can't get enough of her sweet smile and trust it will help make the transition into next chapter in our life a bit more manageable.

Sweetest Mini Schnauzer ever!

Catching Up

Tonight was pretty wonderful.  Michaun and I were supposed to have dinner with some other Chicago-area Kappas, but things fell through at the last minute, and we had an intimate dinner with just the two of us.  It was amazing.  She took me to Farmhouse (no, Emily, not the fraternity we stayed at the summer between sophomore and junior year of college).

The rustic touches and mouth-watering meals make me want to return.

Michaun had the following: Half Roasted Amish Chicken, Baby Cumin Carrots, Roasted Forest Mushrooms, Cracked Pepper Spaetzle and Rosemary Jus.  I had this tasty dish:  Tender Boneless Beef Short Ribs, Horseradish Whipped Potatoes, Brussel Sprouts, Crispy Buttermilk Onions, Natural Braising Jus.  Actually, this is from their menu online, which I'm noticing is a little out-of-date.  Michaun had chicken and I had the short ribs.  The sides were something else.  Detour...  Anyway, being the good Midwestern girls we are, we cleaned our plates.  Ok, I did.  Michaun was polite.

Catching up was fantastic.  The food was amazing, but the conversation was even better.  I may not have all my besties living in the same state, but it sure is nice to visit!  I guess this makes every moment together even more special.  Can't wait to visit again this summer and go on a super cool river cruise!

Tradeshow Fun

Every year since I started working, I've been lucky enough to attend the National Kitchen & Bath Industry Show.  This year, I'm back in Chicago (it's my third time here), and I'm really looking forward to the next few days.  I love Chicago, especially when it's not raining, super cold, or super windy. 

This week, I think I'm in luck.  The weather should be in the 50s and 60s with no rain (although it says nothing about wind, which is likely in the Windy City).  I'm staying at the amazing Hotel Monaco, and for the first time, I'm on the 12th floor.  I have an amazing window seat with a fabulous view of the Chicago River.

The pictured window seat is where I'm sitting right now.  It's perfectly normal to be jealous.

This is my view.  It's pretty spectacular!

Also, tonight, I'm having dinner with a few college friends.  One of which, is my dear friend Michaun.  I love her.  She's pretty great.  Not that my other friends aren't - they're all wonderful in their own way.  Michaun is one of the nicest people I know.  She's probably a tie with wonderful Joanna.  Spending any amount of time with Michaun is refreshing...even if she's hungover like she was this past December when I was visiting Chicago.  She's just so easy to talk to and makes everyone feel better (which is probably why she's so good working in HR).  So, I like spending time with her and I can't wait to see her later.  I have a framed picture of us in my living room.  It's from our first week as freshmen at Iowa State.  We were wearing our Kappa shirts and eating watermelon at Watermelon Fest, the welcome fest for all the new Greek members.  I made her hold up her slice of watermelon in the photo...and, of course, made sure it made the frame crop.  Below is my most recent picture with Michaun.  It's from this past February when we went to visit Heather and Baby T in St. Louis (and Emily joined us from Minneapolis).  She's my Mexican friend who is married to a Filipino.  I was born in the Philippines, so I feel an even greater bond with her now that she married Rod.

Emily, me (holding Alison), Heather (holding Baby T), and Michaun

I hope to have more updates later this week.  I already learned how to upload photos from my iphone to my computer.  It's the little things in life...