.I’ve decided that I am in need of blogging again. I am in need of relishing in writing once more. So, to re-introduce myself, I have embarked on the new journey of my junior year at Chico State in Northern California. If you didn’t know, I spent my summer in the humidly beautiful Orlando, Florida working at Walt Disney World. It was through a Christian Organization on college campuses around the world called Campus Crusade for Christ (recently changed to just CRU). I had the privilege of working in the Magic Kingdom in Adventureland serving ice cream. There, I made friendships that will literally last a life time (cliche’, but oh so true), grew in my faith, and learned to rely on the Lord in everything I do. I found a passion for people and a desire to serve God and hold nothing back. For more on my adventures in Florida, you can read my Summer Project blog at http://lesliealligatortales.tumblr.com

.So, upon my return from the rather sticky state, I have come to bask in dry heat. That’s right, no moisture, just pure, golden rays of sun. I am certainly ready for fall and winter and coats and scarves, but I’ll be content with 95, no precipitation for now. This semester, I feel that I’ve hit the ground running. It’s been a handful, only five weeks in. I’m taking only my upper devision classes from now on, and they are quite the littler challengers. I am majoring in Media Arts with a double minor in Broadcasting and Instructional Design. It is a wonderful major, but no, I do not know exactly what I am going to do with it. However, I am thoroughly enjoying {most} of my classes. My favorite so far would probably have to be Field Video Production. Finally, we are getting more hands on with equipment and software, and it’s rather thrilling, especially since I have constant access to a beautiful camera. However, in the midst of these fun and interesting classes are some doozies like Science & Human Values, an upper division honors theme class. Can’t say I’m a fan.

.On top of school, I started out the semester with two jobs: working in the cafeteria (wussup, I wore a hair net), and the Sutter Dorms front desk. However, I am about to begin my first week with only one job, which should make school a tad bit more manageable. I have hung up my hair net and am just working the odd and early hours at the desk, which is quite lovely.

.Besides school and work, I am so blessed to have wonderful people in my life who are constantly pouring into me. I have the pleasure of co-leading a Community Group in the North Campus Dorms through CRU. It has been such a great experience so far and I am so blessed by the young women who attend. It’s only just begun and I really look forward to getting to spend more time with each of them as the year progresses. Last week, we hosted a dinner in the Konkow Dorms and had so many freshmen residents come! Great food, great new faces. It was so encouraging to meet women and have spiritual conversations with them. CRU has such a heart for Chico State and I am so grateful to be a part of it and participate in the vision of reaching the lost on such a broken campus. Not to mention all of the fun we have cliff jumping and BBQing!

.When I’m not on campus, I’m most likely in my apartment. I have the pleasure of living with three WONDERFUL ladies: Melanie, Chelsey, and Brittany. I am so stoked to continue my relationships with them as we help each other grow in our walk with Christ. These women have been such an influence in my life. They keep me accountable and call me out when something is not right. They are some of the funniest people I may ever know. And they are stunning, both inside and out. It’s been fun redecorating the apartment with them as well. You see, I’ve sort of been on a decorating kick. Also, I’ve been cooking more (there’s a quiche in the oven as I type).

.This is a new semester of unfathomable possibilities. New classes, new friends, a new relationship, even a new room (I switched rooms for a change of scenery and a bigger window). Five weeks in, but I think I’m finally ready to start.