January 27: HSLC!!

Every January, Auburn SGA hosts High School Leadership Conference where 300ish high school students come from all over the Southeast to experience Auburn and learn about how to develop their own leadership skills so that they can better serve their schools.  I was so blessed to be chosen as a counselor for the conference this year, and so today and tomorrow my partner and I will be hanging out with our group of 11 students, leading discussions on their leadership skills and playing team building games like this Auburn scavenger hunt that we played today.  This is my group "Striking a pose in front of Samford Hall" looking super crazy and cute at the same time.  I have had so much fun with these kids and I feel so blessed to be able hopefully to be an encouragement and mentor to them for this conference.

January 26: Toby got an upgrade!

Parking is a big deal at Auburn.  Especially for freshman, if you don't win the "parking lottery," your car ends up in the overflow lot which is a mile away from my dorm on the Hill.  Last semester, my little Honda CRV Toby being that far away was usually not that big of a deal, but having to take the bus to get to my car to get to Walmart or strategically planning where to leave the car Thursday night and when to move it Friday morning to avoid a ticket before going somewhere for the weekend were hassles to say the least.  

But this semester, I won the lottery!  At first, I wasn't even sure if I wanted it - more money spent of gas, food, and random shopping trips that I don't really need just because of the easy access.  But, after having this magic little tag for only 3 days, it has already made my life so much easier from not having to walk in the cold to chapter to being able to get dinner in the Village on a Monday night.  I l.o.v.e. my RH hang tag and having Toby around more than once a month!  Life is good with lottery on the Hill!

January 25: Defense

You may have looked at this picture and said, "Wow, McCamy must have had absolutely NOTHING to write about today."  FALSE.  It's not that I had nothing to write about, it's just that I LOVE this VitaminWater a little too much.  Raspberry-apple defense is impossibly hard to find.  I first had it a couple years ago when VitaminWater was getting big, but since then I had only found it a handful of times.  I scoured every grocery and convenient store in Augusta without luck UNTIL I came to Auburn. Every so often in Terrell, defense it stocked up, and when they stock up, I stock up!  We have been known to have 4-8 bottles of it in a the fridge at any time.  It is just pure wonderfulness, and after forever of never being able to find it, I do not take it for granted anymore.  So, no, it was not that I had nothing to write about today, but that this stuff is just that good! 

January 24: Closet Drama

Did you know that a closet could explode?  Because that was the first thing I learned upon returning to Auburn this semester.  As I was unpacking that Sunday night and putting clothes, shoes, etc into the closet, I had this brilliant idea to put this 25ish pound bag of shoes I had for a shoe drive on top of my closet shelf.  Backfire does not even begin to describe. 

I did know that those wire shelves in the dorm room closets don't like lots of weight on top of them.  However, for some whatever it did not occur to me that under the weight of all those shoes, the shelf might rebel against me and totally rip out of the wall.

When I called maintenance to fix the shelf, they skillfully balanced the shelf back on top of the broken braces. Not exactly the repair job I had in mind.  We were practically making bets in our room on how long it would take to fall again.

Well...Monday, the closet exploded again. I tried to walk through the door after lab, but the door wouldn't open because all the contents of my closet were on the floor in front of it.  Once I got in to find the shelf of my closet on the ground, I began unloading all the closet, shoes, bags, boxes, (and other random stuff I didn't even remember was in there) into other parts of the room. And so Voila! we have all of my clothes piled up on top of our desk chairs for the majority of the afternoon.

Very thankfully, after another "balance fix" three visits from maintenance and finally brand new holes and brackets in the wall, the shelf was permanently fixed and everything slowly made it's way back in.

Stressful first Monday of class? YES!  Closet better than brand new with a clean-out to boot? Yes, too...so I guess I can't complain. Thanks AU Maintenance! 

January 23: Lost and Found

So Erin and I have a problem with losing things in the car.

This problem started Labor Day weekend, when our roommate's car literally ate Erin's phone.  Apparently, BMW convertibles have air conditioning ducts the exact dimensions of the iPhone 4. Who knew?  After a long stressful night of repeatedly calling the phone (my first time hearing Ben Rector's song "Moving Backwards" on Erin's ringtone quickly turned into the 27th time listening to the chorus), tearing apart the car, and calling boys and eventually our roommate's dad (because really this was a problem only a dad could fix), the phone was finally back in Erin's hands.

That story leads up to a similarly stressful situation today...this morning, running out the door to church, I grabbed my Nana's David Yurman earrings and necklace that my Poppop gave to me for my 16th birthday.  I put on the earrings while driving, but when I got to church I realized I had never put on the necklace.  Assuming I had put it in the cup holder (because somehow I do lots of things without realizing at all what I'm doing), I figured I would find it later.  After church and lunch and walking around downtown Auburn, Erin and started tearing apart my car looking for this necklace.  We figured it had to be in the car, but after looking absolutely everywhere, we set off on a last resort trip all the way back to Opelika to scour the parking lot.  Skeptical me thought there was no way the necklace could have survived in the parking lot from 9:45 to 2:45 and that it was probably in the tiny air conditioning ducts we found under my driver's seat, but lo and behold when we pulled up there was something sparkly lying on the ground.  I slammed on breaks and practically jumped out of the car before it had stopped moving, and there it was!  Needless to say Erin and I both ran around the parking lot jumping up and down (and of course stopping to pose for a picture for the blog - see the little thing on the ground right below her knees?) for a good five minutes.  

I completely consider this God's little miracle for me for today!  I hope He smiled when we were dancing and screaming in the parking lot in the middle of downtown Opelika.

January 22: Party in the AUB

Today, Auburn continued to celebrate our National Championship victory(!!!!) by gathering in Jordan Hare to welcome the team and the coaches back to the stadium.  The students got the once in a lifetime chances to stand on the field to watch the ceremonies while close to 70,000 other fans almost completely filled up the stands.  The whole stadium was completely electric, and today was just as much about the Auburn family as it was about the team.  We love the 2010 football team but in several years they won't be "the football players" anymore, they'll just be alumni and members of the Auburn family just like me. It is so cool to me the realize this connection between all Auburn students past, present, and future that can only truly be verbalized by the words "War Eagle!"  I know it sounds corny and like it's not legit, but I promise it is.

January 21: God loves Auburn

This is the view from my bathroom window at 5:07 tonight.  Another beautiful perk of the Hill is the sunsets we get to see every night.  Back in the fall when maintenance decided to turn the heat in the dorms on while the temperature was still reaching 80 degrees every day, we would lie on our beds with our heads out the open window and watch the gorgeous sunset.  The tricky thing about these Auburn sunsets is that they are always blue mixed with orange. Never reds or purples, always blue and orange.  Whether you see them from a dorm room window, walking around campus, or from the stadium during an afternoon game (my personal favorite), the only thing you can ever think to say is, "Wow! God loves Auburn!"  And He does. And so do I!

Jan 20: Superstitions, anyone?

There's a myth that goes with the infamous Auburn seal in front of Langdon Hall.  If you step on it, you 1) will not graduate from Auburn on time and/or 2) will not find our true love.  But my question is, how would some unsuspecting high school senior strolling around campus for her first time know this?  Because, you see, little McCamy was not aware during her first visit to campus that stepping on the seal was a bad thing.  In fact, while I was walking toward Samford Hall that morning with my parents, seeing the seal and having a random five-year-old moment, I purposefully not only walked over the seal, but jumped on it with two feet like a little kid jumping in puddles or on the cracks in the sidewalk.  It was not until an hour later when we came to the same spot on the tour and the student recruiter said, "Now careful everyone! Make sure you don't get anywhere near that seal!" did I realize what I had done. 

Now, am I normally superstitious? No.  Did I believe on that day last spring that an innocent little hop would ruin my success at Auburn or my love life? Not really.  Did I still regrettingly look at the seal as I walked past it tonight and wish I could take back that rookie mistake?  Pitifully, yes.  

The way to break this "curse" is to jump in the fountain in front of the President's Mansion at midnight on leap day.  Now, I've never felt bad when a black cat has crossed my path or when I've tipped over the salt, but will I be jumping in that fountain February 29, 2012?  I have a bad feeling that on that day tradition and superstition will get the best of me.  

The date's on my calendar already!

January 19: I can explain...

To say the least, my suite is big on inside jokes.  One of these jokes is embodied in our infamous polygamy poster (long story short, it was a public speaking project poster that stemmed from an unusual interest in the TLC show "Sister Wives" and then was put up as a joke but filled the empty space on our wall, so it remains).  We love it because it makes us giggle AND it is the ultimate awkward decoration for making all our visitors (and RAs doing random room checks) feel uncomfortable.  It's been up for so long that I forget about it, and it's only after a couple minutes of a new person sneaking confused glances at the wall that I remember to say, "Oh no, we're not really polygamists!"  Regardless of the controversy and/or confusion it may cause, the poster will remain until May and we will stay proud of it.

P.S. Note the "IDK" to the left of the poster.  It was a cute KD hanging on the wall that Erin decided to flip around and then add sticky notes "I" and "my bff Rose?"  Maybe it's not really that funny, but we think it is.  I love dorm room decorating.

January 18: Paying Attention in Class...

Oh Chemistry.  You used to be my friend in high school.  No more.  The man in this picture may very well be the demise of my efforts to enjoy the academic side of school this semester.  Don't get me wrong - I had him last semester for Chem1030 (and was pleased enough with my grade to attempt 1040), and he is about as considerate and interested in the students as college professors come.  However, his teaching style can only hold my attention for about two minutes at a time.  Hence, today on only the second day of this class, I spent 10-15 minutes trying to get good creeper pictures on my phone instead of paying attention.  

McCamy - 0. Chemistry - 0. Blogging - 1. 

January 17: Rainy, lazy day

Today was the ideal stay inside, don't get dressed day.  Rainy and gloomy, being lazy was debatably a good way to spend a day off when there's nothing to do.  Around 2, Erin and I wandered over to good ole Terrell for some lunch and were very happy to find that everyone else was feeling the same sluggish way we were. A surprising large crowd of sleepy freshmen moseyed around in pajamas and sweats looking like they had no desire to do anything productive all day.  That's my kind of day off!

p.s. This was also my first creeper picture taken from my blackberry.  Combination of weird and sneaky feelings as I took pictures of random strangers while pretending to text with my phone at an unusual angle. Oh dear..

January 16: Just a walk in the park

Day two of this long weekend is the most beautiful day since I've been back in Auburn!  Although it was so tempting to lie inside and be lazy on a Sunday afternoon,  late in the day, I went out to walk my walking/running route that I haven't been able to go on in about two months.  I love the track I walk around campus and college street, and walking it today as the sun was going down and while catching up with Mary Frances was so exhilarating plus just plain beautiful.

January 15: Dinner and a Movie

The first saturday night back in Auburn was quite laid back and refreshingly relaxing.  After seeing Country Strong (quite depressing, I do not recommend it if you're in the mood for a feel good movie), we ran over to McCallister's for a very late dinner.  Why is this remarkable enough for a picture?  Because of this sandwich!  It is a little sad how much joy the McCallister's Club brings me, but sharing this wonderful sandwich with Kristi was so delicious!  Also, great conversation over a good meal like we had tonight - it doesn't get much better than that! Yay for sweet friends and good food!

January 14: Green Thumb in the Dorm

You may know that I'm an Agronomy major and slightly obsessed with plants.  I love them, and they make me happy - I can't explain it, I just accept it.  This semester, I wanted so badly to bring some plants back to my room!  From Augusta I brought a little African violet and a hearty mint plant that is growing fast.  When I got back to Auburn, my awesome suitemate got my mini rose and forget-me-not pots which we planted.  I'm so excited to keep these plants growing over the semester and have them to brighten up the dorm room!  Today, we added Erin's growing carrot to the bunch and set all the plants out on the window sill to do some sunning.  They're looking so pretty sitting by the window right now, and I'm feeling a little nerdy sitting here writing about them.  But this is me and I like my plants!

My boat is floated (:

January 13: The Hill

The "prime" place to live on Auburn's campus as a freshman if you are not in the apartment style Village dorms is the coveted Quad which is conveniently located in the middle of campus.  My suite however was not lucky enough to get Quad placement, so we ended up in the infamous Hill dorms.  However, today as I was walking up the Hill and taking this picture, I was not thinking about how steep this walk is but rather about how much I have liked the Hill this year!  Making this daunting trek up and down Duncan several times a day has been great for me (and my now super-tone calves!), and even though it has made me late to class a few too many times, it is not that bad by any means!  Snaps for exercise and the Hill!!

January 12: Welcome Home!

Today, the first day of class, was also our first chapter meeting of the new semester.  I have not felt like I was truly back to and settled into Auburn for the spring until chapter tonight when I got to see all my sisters for the first time in almost 6 weeks and catch up over traditional dinner at Village Dining after.  ADPi has been such a sweet family to me this year, and I really cannot imagine getting through freshman  year without the sweet friends I have made there!  Even though initially finding my place there was not easy at times, I feel so blessed that God has placed me in this family, and I am so looking forward to how our relationships will continue to grow and become richer over the next few years!

January 11: Fairley thrilled for our National Champions

When I saw this newspaper last night after getting back from welcoming home the team, it hit me how HUGE being National Champions is! THIS IS JUST THE COOLEST THING EVER!! The campus is still electric with excitement, and I know that this hype is not going to wear off soon!  As the celebration here continues, WAR EAGLE is all I have left to say (:

January 10: National Champions!! WAR EAGLE!!

Ok, so give me grace that I have not yet mastered taking night pictures of Toomer's Corner.  But regardless, if you are an Auburn fan you understand that this is one of the most beautiful sights in the world!  Tonight, after Auburn beat Oregon in the BCS National Championship game(!!!!!), Toomer's Corner was a mess of overjoyed Auburn fans from all over and all ages shouting "War Eagle!" and "Yes it's great to be an Auburn Tiger!" for hours after the game ended.  Even though being caught in that crowd may have been one of the most claustrophobic moments of my life, it is so cool to think I will remember tonight for the rest of my life and my freshman year at Auburn we won the National Championship!  So blessed to be here in the middle of my amazing Auburn Family!!

January 9: On the road again

I20West.  Oh what a love hate relationship.  Even though I was pumped to go back to Auburn just in time for the National Championship Game(!!!), it was a difficult day leaving Augusta at the end of a wonderful Christmas break.  I don't know if pulling onto I20W on those Sunday afternoons will ever be easy even when I'm heading back to my wonderful Auburn Family, but at the same time it makes me so thankful for my family and friends there who are so hard to leave because I love them so much!!

January 8: The Best Last Dinner of Christmas Break

The one meal I wanted before leaving Augusta for a whole new semester? Takosushi with mom! Hands down first choice!  On the menu:  Mexican shrimp and crab bisque with green chiles. Amazing.  A simple "Rock-N-Roll" - eel, avocado, and teriyaki. Yumm.  And my favorite:  the "Crazy Caprese Salad" - layers of  fresh mozzarella cheese, tomato slices, avocado, and tuna sashimi on a cucumber salad bed drizzled with pesto-wasabi balsamic vinaigrette. To. Die. For.  A delicious meal (that was also photogenic) with great company. 

Just what I needed tonight!

January 7: Deja Vu

Tonight, I got to watch my little sister Julia cheer for the first time!  She did so great at the game, and it took me back to cheering on that basketball court for all those years.  If we weren't 6 years apart, we would practically be twins, and since she started cheerleading this fall, I've had so many people tell me that she reminds them of me as a little 6th grade cheerleader.  I'm so looking forward to watching her grow up through middle school and high school, sometimes "following in my footsteps" and lots of other times growing up into her own amazing person!

January 6: My Harp!

So today, finding a picture was a struggle.  Augusta was rainy and dreary, and errands dominated my day - SO as I'm scrambling for a picture at 11:30, my harp caught my attention.  Unfortunately, I have not played it as much as I wish I had over the break, but for 13 years this Christmas, it has been something I've enjoyed, especially during the holidays!

January 5: A little reminiscing

Today, sweet Alyssa and I took a trip back to the old stomping grounds to visit old friends and special teachers. Maybe for some people, it seems bizarre that we would want to go back and visit our old high school, but to me, it was my home away from home for 13 years and a huge part of the person I am today. I know as time goes on and as more and more classes graduate going back will keep feeling different, but for now saying hello every once in a while to a place and people that are so special to me is something that made today a great day!

Jan 4: My happy place

Bookstores are one of my many happy places and a tested method for making even the gloomiest days better!  I could spend hours and hours any day in any bookstore.  Today, a dear old friend and I hung out in Borders, just browsing through books, enjoying the coziness, and soaking up the nerdiness. Life in the bookstore good, and I'm not ashamed to admit it (:

Jan 3: I whip my hair back and forth!

This may well be the coolest person I know.  Tonight, Mary Frances showed off her incredible Willow Smith impersonation at our traditional Bachelor viewing party.  One of my favorite Augusta activities with some of my most favorite people!  Especially lil miss MFM - Love her to pieces!

January 2: Oh the places you'll go...

A favorite Augusta tradition: Hostage.  Get taken to a random location while blindfolded, get dropped off, race the other team back to the starting point. Sounds sketch, but so much fun, so many adventures, and so many great memories with friends.  Tonight, Aaron, Peter, and I found ourselves dropped off at the intersection of Success Avenue and Career Drive.  After about 15 minutes of running around South Augusta, Jim did finally pick us up at the Augusta Tech campus, but our epic run across the intersection and jump in the car as the light turns green did not win us the round. Next time!

January 1: The New Year is HERE!

Tonight, the decorative "encouragement plate" by our back door caught my eye as I was coming in.  Festively colored, the quote from Revelation 21:5 got me so excited about the coming year, because it reminded me of the amazing new things God has planned for me in 2011!  Praise the Lord who forgives the past and who holds our futures in His hands!

Let the blogging begin!

Late in the night of January 1, 2011, I 'm beginning this "photo journey."  My goal for this year is to take one picture every day to show whoever wants to follow small pieces my day to day life from my point of view.  This goal is, unfortunately, somewhat selfish - I want to be able to look back at the end of this year on 365 pictures that will hopefully in some way tell a kind of story of my life from January 1to December 31 of 2011.  However, I hope that seeing bits and pieces of things that strike me will be interesting to you as well, whether it be some pretty photography or getting to know me through seeing the world through my eyes!  I already know that this blog is going to be a challenge for me - somedays to find something to take a picture of, other days to pick only one photo, and still others, just to remember to pull out my camera at all - but I'm going to try my hardest to be able to call this a successful endeavor (:

Important things to remember about this blog:
1. I do not by any means consider myself a photographer.  I love photography, but as far as any talent of my own...well I guess we'll see.
2. One of my goals is to always show my own point of view in these pictures, and therefore, I will always being the one taking them. No cheating and pulling someone else's picture from the internet - this is all me.
3. Because I'm the one taking these pictures, I'm probably not going to be in any of them. You may see lots of my friends but very little of me!

So here it goes! 2011 begins and the first of many pictures is coming your way!