It is already the 2nd day of my senior year!

I can't even believe how fast the summer flew by. After my May term trip to Spain I was back here at Coe College, living with some friends, and working my life away. I was doing research through the Business Department for my senior thesis, I had a marketing internship at ImOn Communications, and a part-time job at a restaurant called Daniel Arthur's. It was a great summer, but there were less BBQ's and adventures then I had hoped for.

Now I am moved into my new apartment on campus with 3 of my very best friends (and it looks sweet!). Yesterday was already the first day of classes. You would think as a senior, I would have it all figured out. Apparently not! On my way to my first class, I walked in to the classroom and sat down realizing I didn't recognize anyone. They were all talking about their new RA's and FYS classes...it was a class full of first-years! I awkwardly grabbed my bag and wondered down the hallway to my real classroom. My little slip-up nearly made me late on the first day!

The rest of my day went pretty smooth after that. I am extremely excited for my classes so far! And last night, my roommates and I had an apartment dinner...we made a 4 course meal for each other. I am still full, lol.

Now it's time to get ready for class today!

Ending of the Year

Hi :). So it has been a while since my last post. Since then I have survived finals, started my summer job and internship, and have been procrastinating packing up my room. I leave in 5 days for a May Term through Coe to Alicante, Spain. I will spend 3 weeks there with 7 other Coe students and one of our professors! I am really excited! We will be taking Spanish classes, living with a host family, and traveling around Spain!

As soon as I am back I will resume my summer job and internship. I have a marketing internship at ImOn Communications here in Cedar Rapids this summer. So far it has been great and I am excited to continue checking things off my project list. My job is a few hours every week bar tending and waitressing at Daniel Arthur's--a fancy restaurant downtown. I will also be completing research on campus in preparation for a senior thesis. Basically it is going to be a really busy summer. I plan on having a lot of fun though--a majority of my friends are also staying on campus for the summer, so we are planning lots of picnics in the grass, camping trips, and other summer fun! It will be a summer to remember for sure.

I plan to blog while I am in Spain, so follow my adventures at: http://kalirietcheck.blogspot.com/

Earth Week!

So, yesterday was Earth day. To celebrate, Environmental Club decided to have Earth Week!

Monday we collected a bunch of plastic bottles around campus. Originally we were going to hang them from the trees in the quad, but it was much too windy to do that so we made a giant ball out of them! We had 875 plastic bottles and the ball came up to my chest. We had it on the quad with posters with facts like, "It takes 1000 years for a plastic bottle to begin to decompose," and such. It was really cool. Unfortunately we didn't get a picture before someone rolled our ball away! :( We think they took it to get the refund for the bottles, which was our plan, but whatever. The bottles were hopefully recycled either way.

Tuesday we showed an environmental film called "Trashed" that looks at the current disposal system of the United States and the problems it's causing. Most of the trash is buried in landfills and leaks into the water supply. Also, did you know Toronto ships 400 trucks full of trash to be buried in Minnesota EVERY DAY! That's disgusting!

Wednesday (Earth Day) we had a locally produced BBQ and a guest speaker. There were a few hiccups getting the food prepared on time, but it all worked out. We had almost 30 people eat and listen to our speaker. We served black bean burgers and organic, grass-fed hamburgers, eggs from a local producer, and grilled veggies from the food coop in Iowa City. It was all so good! Our speaker was David Osterberg, a man who is an associate professor at Iowa, former State Legislature, and has founded the Iowa Policy Project. He talked about Iowa and wind power.

Today, we are using our new kilowatt meter to conduct energy audits of dorm rooms. We hope to gather enough data to publish it.

Tomorrow we are having a light bulb exchange. Students will be able to bring an incandescent light bulb and receive a free CFL light bulb (the energy efficient ones). I'm pumped.

We are also planting in the Coe Garden this week and going to see Disney's Earth movie!! Apparently Disney is planting a tree for every person who goes to see Earth during its opening week...so go see it!!!

An update:

Well, I missed a week of blogging...I apologize!

There hasn't been much going on to write about, yet so much going on to write about! However that works. Classes have been really busy. Lots of final papers and projects to be done. Lucy and I were in Dows until 1:30 last night finishing our Color Theory project for the critique today. That's what we get for procrastinating! But who can regret late nights with good friends? I know I'll look back in a year or two and miss adventures like last night.

I'll also miss our oh so unconventional Easter celebration. So it wasn't that different, just not the big family pot luck I am used to. Nicki and I woke up early and went to mass. Afterwords we met our group of friends at Riley's--this amazing little restaurant a few blocks from campus. They have the best breakfast EVER. It was nice.

Last Friday I attend the Lambda Chi Formal with Andrew. It was a lot of fun--a good majority of my friends were there, too. We had a formal dinner at Daniel Arthur's (a fancy restaurant) where we had the second floor complete with an outdoor deck all to our selves. There was great food, a nice program, and an opportunity to hang out with everyone afterwords. It was a really great night! Here are some pictures:

With some friends outside on the deck before dinner!

Amy, Kim and I trying to pay attention during the program.

Andrew and I lookin snazzy.

Oh the Weather.

Well, we approached the end of March with sunny mild weather. It would be expected then, for Mother Nature to throw one last (we hope!) snow storm our way. It started snowing Saturday night. This was the best snow we've had all winter! The snowflakes were huge and coming down like crazy. It was also extremely wet snow--perfect for snowmen and snowballs! So, Sunday morning, rather than going straight to my homework, rallied a few friends and we went...sledding!! It was the first time I had been able to go all winter and I was pumped! We went to a nearby golf course and had some fun. I felt like a 10 year-old sledding on my stomach and running around wildly throwing snowballs, it was great. We were all tired and wet when we were done, but totally worth it. I am going to ensure I have more than one sledding adventure next year, guarantee it.

Me and Kim chillin in the snow [it was really bright!].

Ben and Andrew racing down the hill!

Classiest Night of the Year

One of the greatest traditions of Coe College was held this past Saturday. It was the one and only Presidential Ball! This is a formal dance were President Phifer hosts all students, faculty, staff and alumni. There is a live jazz band and chocolate fountain followed by a DJ later in the evening. It is my favorite! I love seeing all of my friends dressed up and having a good time.

Me and Amanda!

Me and Andrew

Ben, Ethan, Kim, Jay, Becca and I!!

It's Spring Break---Woo Hoo!

Unfortunately the sun is no where to be found! Today was the third day of gray skies and rain here in Cedar Rapids.

I decided to hang out at Coe for the week long spring break. Lame, I know, but also very relaxing. Not too many people know I'm around (not there are very many people here) leaving me with a week without a schedule or responsibilities. It's been great. Not to say I'm accomplishing nothing while I'm here. I have a few projects I am working on including the Coe Bike program and the recycling program--I'm just doing some updates. Of course I have homework to do too. It will all be done...in time...