Everything's going so well!

Swim team loves!! <3

Sorry I just had to use a Moulin Rogue quote tonight because it fits my life so perfectly right now! Everything is just going great! Swim team is amazing so far and I am already totally in love with the team! We have had record numbers at everything so far: 45 at org. fair, 35 at interest meeting and 30+ at practice/ team dinner. I am thrilled and I think our numbers will stay high this year because we have so many fun/ "team bonding" activities planned. The beach retreat, especially, should be a big hit and the dinners after practice are a great way for everyone to form friendships outside of the pool, which will keep them coming BACK to the pool! I am just plain excited for this season and to see how it all turns out. I can't believe I am only president for a few more months though! It has gone way too fast. I remember worrying so much about whether I was ready for the responsibility, but now I am so thankful to all the people who encouraged me to go for it. My mom definitely helped me big time with the decision and gave me the confidence I needed to make the leap. That is why she is the best! She always believes in me, even when I don't quite believe in myself. I am so blessed.

The Pendulum has also been awesome so far this year! Today was the first issue where I was actually the Special Projects Editor and it was a really great feeling seeing that in print! I have worked really hard the past year and a half and fallen completely in love with the Pendulum and journalism in general. This is the position I have wanted for awhile, so it is a great accomplishment even if it is only for a semester. My piece for next week is coming along nicely so far. I have interviewed/ set up interviews with 6 of the 16 players I need and 3 of the 7 coaches. I am on my way! So far I have been incredibly impressed with the players I have met with. They are all well spoken, well-rounded, academic focused student-athletes. Check out my first official story here: http://www.elon.edu/pendulum/Story.aspx?id=2542 and http://www.elon.edu/pendulum/Story.aspx?id=2544 (all one story). Any comments, critiques or advice is appreciated!

I actually applied today to freelance for a financial magazine out of Richmond. It is geared towards teaching young people about finances. I am definitely not an expert in the subject, but it is one I am interested in and I would love to learn more. Hopefully, I will get picked to write the story. The magazine doesn't come out often though so my first article wouldn't be published until January 2010 (if I get picked). It is on how banks protect your identity when you bank online, which is something I am curious to learn about. I figure this is a great way to make some journalism contacts in Richmond as well as get my work published in a source outside the Pendulum. Plus $50 never hurts!

The only thing that is not perfect in my life is that I miss my family. I miss my brother a lot and as I get closer and closer to my mom I miss her too. At least we talk all the time though. Matt is impossible! I understand he is busy but I just miss not knowing what is going on in his life. I wish he was at Elon so that I could feel more like a part of his life again. I enjoyed being a large of it this summer! Thanksgiving will be great though. I can't wait to see all the Bro's as well as celebrate my brother's accomplishment of eagle scout. I think it is more a celebration of my parents and Kirstin though to be honest since they had to push him through it kicking and screaming :). But either way, he deserves to be congratulated on the time he put in and, of course, I am excited for any opportunity to have a party! I definitely think that if journalism doesn't pan out I will pursue the whole party/wedding planner dream. Mom says I'm not organized enough though so I guess that is something to consider.

Well I feel like I had more to say but it is late now, and I need to get my sleep so I don't contract the swine. A girl at Pendulum MIGHT have swine flu... yikes. We all need to be careful!