Our Humble Abode

From year to year and room to room, the location changes, the view changes, the room number changes, and of course some of the decor, but what I've found to be true is the room becomes your 'home.' I've lived in Vail, a freshmen girls' dorm with over 400 girls. It was one of my favorites and such a treasured memory. Then I lived in Pittman, a freshmen and upperclassmen dorm located in the heart of campus. It was just renovated, and the best located dorm on campus - seconds away from the caf, Ben Brown Plaza, and any classroom around the quad. And lastly, where I moved half way through last year and currently reside is the Chi Omega house, where there is constant laughter, always excitement, and steady community. From 417 and 101 to 215 and 205, my home has been in each. I always have that sad feeling at the end of the year taking the things off the wall and placing them in boxes, where they will sit all summer and wait to yet again, make a different place my home. But starting each year with blank walls seems to be refreshing and a simple metaphor for a clean slate and a new chapter. This year, with a few personalized touches and the right scented candle, 205 has become our 'home' away from home.

 

Labor Day in Dothan

A three-day weekend turned into one of the most memorable weekends of college.

Spontaneity is something I couldn't live without. Decisions and adventures that happen spontaneously make things so much more fun. A lazy Sunday afternoon of napping and Friday Night Lights led to a spontaneous, "Let's go to Dothan!!!!" With the three of us on board, we grabbed a few things and were on the road before we even realized what was happening.

Dothan is a hometown that I have heard about for the past two years - a small southern town that I have always wanted to experience. With Kyle driving and Caroline and me being the DJ and photographer, we took in the sights and surroundings of southern Alabama.

When we arrived at Caroline's house, I immediately felt at home. Why is it that in middle school, one of the first things you do when you become friends with someone is go over to their house, but in college, you may never go to their house but feel like you're best friends. I have always thought this was so fascinating - probably because your home doesn't define where you are in life at that point, but it lets you have a little more insight into their life and where their roots are placed.

 

Caroline's sister had just gotten a little German Shepherd puppy named Lucy. We played and played with the little ball of energy and wore her out. She was six weeks old and the cutest little thing.

 

 

We took a walk down her street - a street that said so much about her and her life. She had lived her entire life there and had family all around. We visited her grandma who lived next door across the pecan orchard. We picked pears and did some exploring. I truly felt like I was living the small southern Mayberry days.

 

It was such a relaxing day, filled with rain and hot tea while visiting on her back porch. And of course boiled peanuts for a snack. Her family made me feel right at home. I could have stayed forever.

I truly treasure this friendship and have grown so fond of this little town of Dothan.