[Me and Kristen at Mangia Pizza.]

Today marks my 1-month anniversary as a college student. Honestly, it seems like six months have gone by since I first arrived. (Whether that's good or bad, I'm not sure.) But it still takes me by surprise whenever I look out of my window and see the beautiful city of Austin staring back at me. On several occasions, while walking around campus, I've even had to convince myself that my new life here is not some elaborate dream that I will eventually wake up from; it is, in fact, my reality. And for that, I feel incredibly blessed.

Truth be told, I was skeptical about all of this at first. Okay, let's be real—I was terrified to begin my journey at UT. I did not want to leave the comfort of my small town home, and I dreaded the thought of weeks going by without seeing my family...  

But lo and behold, after all of this time, I've somehow managed to survive! Good thing, too. I'd hate to think of all the exciting experiences I would be missing out on. Within the last month alone, I've made an appearance at a "college" party (without sampling the mysterious punch), pulled an almost-all-nighter with Kristen (which resulted in both of us sleeping through our 8:00am class), attended a church retreat at the University Catholic Center, and cheered on our football players at the first home game of the season. I'm also in the process of becoming involved in several amazing organizations (ever heard of the Schoenstatt movement?), which is helping me get to know such inspiring people. Although I would be lying if I said that adapting to the college life is easy (especially with the crazy amount of homework involved), I can tell you that it has been quite the adventure.

As long as I keep my head up, I'm going to be just fine.

When you're sick of studying/reading/memorizing, put down the books and grab a cookie.  Preferably a peanut butter chocolate chip cookie, but any kind will do.

Today marks the first day of football season for the Texas Longhorns (they are taking on Rice), and I am somewhat ashamed to tell you what I'm doing at this consequential moment in time. But this is, in fact, my blog—a place that calls for utter honesty by this humble blogess, even if it will ultimately cost me my integrity as a Longhorn. Okay, here goes: I am sitting in my bed, drinking chai tea, and planning on maybe indulging in one or two episodes of One Tree Hill. By myself. Because, well, I am feeling pretty terrible these days (curse the common cold), and there really is no point in watching the game alone. But, you know, I'm not complaining.

To be perfectly honest, I have never been an avid football fan. Gasp!

So I'm allowing myself a day to be pathetic, in hopes that this downtime will help my poor throat/ears/nose heal in time for Labor Day, because I may or may not have gotten an invitation to go cliff diving with a few of my new friends. Sounds awesome, right?! I thought so, too.

Needless to say, I must get well!