It's Show Time!

Hello All! It's a beautiful, crisp fall morning, and opening night of the play was last night! My, how the months have flown by! It seems like just yesterday that I was onstage trying out for the show.

At the beginning of last week, we were still preparing, and not everyone was in costume. We were tripping, stumbling over words, and missing costumes. I was amazed at how we pulled together this week, but oh how we did! Not only is this show a great production, but the talent that we have in the theater is phenomenal!


Erin Crawshaw does a great job as the twisted woman who causes most of the drama (not that Eddie type casts - at all!) The combination of Crawshaw, Matt London, and Sarah Hulyk has blown me away every night.
As a student who just got into theater when I got to Waynesburg, I have honestly been blessed with the friendships and experiences I have to take away from this place.

Last night was a great start to production week. We were on the ball with lines, our energy was up, and we finally had an audience!!! Grief! I cannot tell you how monotonous it gets to be on stage the week before production and not have an audience!

My character is slightly wild, and at the end of the show I get to have a blast with make-up and hair. I play quite the dirty slave, and have to make it appear so! I accomplish that with a ton of make-up, charcoal powder, and by teasing my hair. I have had multiple people ask me if it is my real hair or not, it gets so big! The answer is, YES.

Though I love the theater, it will be nice to have a break at this point. Three weeks until Thanksgiving break, and Ryan and I are both thrilled. That is when I will finally be able to see my niece for the first time!

It will be really good to be home in Ohio and have both of our families all together. It is just that time of the year that I am antsy for family and break and Christmas!!! All of that is not to say that I don't LOVE Waynesburg, because I do, but it is time for the semester to be moving on.

So long for now! Stay tuned until next week...

Roommate Separation Anxiety

In my fourth year of college, I am finally blessed with a roommate, and an outlook that has kept the year positive and fun. My first year, I had three different roommates, and whether it was my fault or the others, I will not and cannot say. My second year of college, I started off in my Aunt and Uncle's house. They live only half a mile away from Waynesburg, so it worked out well. Midway through the year, I thought it was time to man-up, and I moved on campus. I had felt very separated from the student life, and found myself spending less time with friends than I could. I moved into Burns Hall after Christmas break, and was happy to be there. My roommate and I had an okay relationship, but there were still things that I did that bugged her, and vice versa. Even so, we stayed together for an entire year.

Now here I am, in my fourth year, and I love! love! love! my roommate! We honestly have been very blessed in our relationship. Our personalities simply do not clash. I have not been frustrated with her one single time (and let me tell you, that is amazing in the dorm atmosphere). Before we moved in together, we had several conversations about our concerns, our habits, and our experiences. (Here is Kathy's empty bed) Though there were things that I was afraid of, she and I have had a great time together!



This past weekend, she was able to go home and spend time with her family. Kathy left on Friday, and came back on Tuesday. I thought, "Okay, I can handle this. It'll be nice to have the room to myself." WRONG! I can't say how much I missed having her around, just the presence of another person in the big, lonely room. So many times I wanted to turn to her and refer to an ongoing joke that we have, and she wasn't there. I had to find something to do with myself in all those times of stale silence in East, and had no Kathy to laugh with. I called her on Sunday afternoon to see if she was on her way back, and she said, "I am coming back on Tuesday." AHHHH! I couldn't take it!

Lucky for me, I did have a great night-time football game to keep me busy on Saturday. The boys played well against Geneva, with a final score of Jackets 34, Geneva 26. It was all we could do to keep warm, but I loved it! Fall is officially here, it seems, and the count-down until my birthday has begun! 38 days to go!

Blessings...

This past week, my mom was in town from California. She spent time in Ohio with my grandparents, and then with my soon-to-be mother-in-law (Sue). Over the past few weeks I had been stressing about the wedding, how to get things done, WHAT to get done, who to use for this and that…and when Mom got here, it all seemed okay. She and Sue got so much done for the wedding, that I feel ten times less stress than I did last week.


My mom and dad have been my foundation from as far back as I can remember. I freely tell people that I speak to my mom about ten times a day, given we each have the time. But the simple fact is, family is possibly the most important thing in my life. Sure, I want a career, and my own life, but all those things can only come when you have a support group – mine is my family. I have been so blessed with the parents that God gave to me, with their support and love. Through my entire college experience, they never fail to tell me how proud they are of me, and how excited they are to see new, great things happening in my life! I can only encourage all of the students getting ready for college to not look forward to getting away from mom and dad, but embrace the time you have, and love them dearly. As for the parents who are watching their children get ready to fly the coop, cherish them, love them, and always, always, always tell them how proud you are of them. They may not want your kisses and your comments now, but they’ll appreciate it in the long run.

I had to leave mom at the airport on Sunday after a fantastic weekend. Lucky for both of us, she will be back in town for the fall show in two weeks! I am so happy that she was here this past weekend for homecoming – I was homecoming queen!!! Go figure, I don’t ever see myself as that type. I see myself as the goober, RA who likes math. But as I said last week, I can be myself here! And people like me for who I am! What a concept – it seems as though that is how the world should be; people should be able to just be themselves, and be loved and accepted for that. But instead, we are often times criticized for our true personalities. I thank God for Waynesburg, and how it has shown me that it is okay to be me.

With two weeks from today until we open the show, I think we are almost ready. We are working on the fine-tuning in each of the acts, and I am so impressed with our actors. There is some impressive intensity in almost all of the scenes. So if you are anywhere in the area, please contact Eddie Powers (epowers@waynesburg.edu) for tickets! Again, it’s Arthur Miller’s, “The Crucible”, playing October 30th thru November 1st.

Boo! It's October

Yes, it is... October!...ALREADY?! WHEN DID THAT HAPPEN??? HOW IS IT ALREADY MIDTERMS???
This year is flying by like you wouldn't imagine. At least Kathy and I had time to decorate our door:) Midterms are here, and stressing everyone out...Homecoming is this week - Ryan and I are up for King and Queen, and it's my secret desire that we win - guess it's not a secret anymore. Football season is halfway over, I am a quarter of the way through my senior year!!! Oh, how life flies!




I won't lie, I was a bit Ohio-sick this week. My friend Kyley and I were talking about missing home/our parents/our dogs, and she asked if I ever get home-sick. I told her, "I miss my parents, and I miss my big bed, but I don't miss California...I miss Ohio though." Ohio is where I call 'home' - anytime I tell people I am going home for the weekend, I have to clarify by saying, "and by home, I mean Ohio." Some of my fondest memories are from my time spent in Ohio, and now with Ryan's parents living there too, there is even more reason to go 'home.'



This past weekend, Ry and I headed home to Canton where his family is. His Uncle Jon has a big party every year called Rocktober Fest. It's in the backyard at Granny Lu's, which is the most amazing backyard ever - and involves good food, good people, and hay-rides! Fortunately, my mama flew in this past weekend, and got to visit with us as well.

My poor little mommy - I'm about three inches taller than her, so I can say that! She had surgery on her foot a few weeks ago, and has a walking boot on right now. The problem is, it was made for a 6'9", 250 pound man! The thing comes past her knee almost! So she travelled from California, with the clunker of a boot, to come see her beloved daughter. Not to mention, to come get stuff done for the wedding. I had my first experience of being stressed about wedding plans this past weekend, and the ridiculous part is it was over how to wrap the bridesmaid's bouquets! Something so silly can be such a big issue...needless to say, with the help of mom and Sue (Ryan's mom) we figured it out, kinda:)




After such a great weekend, it is hard to come back to school, classes, and the hectic life of a busy schedule. This is the point that Kyley and I were talking about being homesick. She and I have bonded this year. We came on staff on the South-West-East-Pollock staff and didn't know each other at all. But I have found that we compliment each others personalities, and it's good when we're super-stressed!

I know, the key idea of today seems to be 'stress.' Well it's true. I won't lie and say that college life is easy, because it's not. There are so many demands from classes, and extra-curriculars, but in the end it's all worth it. So while I am here, at this point in time, I'll just continue to make coffee, slurp it down like it's pop, and pretend that I don't really have as much to do as my planner says.

As for right now, I am just thankful that it is Thursday. Tomorrow begins the fun and games, until after youth group on Sunday night...then back to reality! We have a pep-rally tomorrow evening - first one ever that is under the new lights at Wiley Stadium! Then the game on Saturday - Go Jackets! - not to mention my Mama (who's been in Ohio since I left her there) will be here! There's nothing like a crisp fall day, and a football game with family and friends to make you forget about the pile of homework and studying that is to be had. Hope your weekend is as good as mine will be! God Bless!

I Like Chocolate Milk!

What a weekend! It started off with traveling to South Hills Village to pick up my computer, then attempting to go from there to St. Vincent for the football game. My computer had been at the Apple Store since Tuesday, not a good thing for a college student. So finally having it back is wonderful! I knew how to get from Waynesburg to St. Vincent, but then I realized that I needed to go there from South Hills...even better, I was driving my fiance's car, which I like, but it does not have a GPS like mine does. For some stupid reason I had forgotten this factor until I got into the car to head out...great job Emily! Lets just say it was an adventure getting to St. Vincent.

Fortunately, I made it there just in time for the kick-off. Can I just say that this game had me jumping up and down and screeeeeaming! Over the past few years I have finally begun to actually understand the game of football, and let me tell you, it's so much more fun to watch!


So, for Kathy (my roommate) and I, the theme of the week has been, "I like chocolate milk!" Anyone who was a fan of Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends should know where that comes from! For those of you who don't, meet 'Cheese.' He's the one in the middle...being annoying...when Kathy and I are tired, this is the FUNNIEST THING IN THE WORLD!


If you'd like to join in our ridiculous fun, here is the youtube link for your viewing pleasure... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KywvdyDlhKg

On a slightly more grown-up, college kid note, I love my theater friends. In Alpha Psi Omega, we have too much fun. We began the pledging process, and our theme is X-Men. Some of the members are super-hero characters, while others of us are villainous characters. Go figure, they type-casted me as a villain. I get the pleasure of being Phoenix!


This is Erin and I at an event last week having far too much fun...we have no need for Halloween to dress up, we can do it on a daily basis!

As for classes go, I don't want you to think that I am a lazy student. The simple truth, though, is that I am a senior...it's hard to stay motivated! I have my first test for World Poverty and Development in about 40 minutes, and I hope I am ready for it :/ It does seem that the trend for this year in my room is Kathy studying, and me not...this doesn't mean I'm a bad student, but I simply have other things on my mind! Yesterday, I think for the first time this year, we switched roles. I was so proud of her for NOT studying (she works too hard sometimes) and she was so proud of me FOR studying! The thing is, school sometimes comes too easily for me, so the appeal to study doesn't outweigh the appeal of a nap. Hey, I've worked hard the past three years, I deserve an easy senior year, right?

Mom comes in on Saturday! I am lucky that my parents are able to come to see me a few times a year. She will be here for a week; part of the time she'll be in Ohio, and part of the time she'll be here in the Burg. The most important part is that she'll be here for HOMECOMING! Ryan and I are both up for Homecoming Court. What do you think? Should the soon-to-be Shumway's be Homecoming King and Queen? (The correct answer would be, "Yes")

I have found that college life is so different than high school, in that by being my goofy self, people like me for who I am! I always wanted to be the 'cool kid' in high school, but as my best friend Natalie put is, "We're just not cool kid material." SO TRUE! If being cool meant not being goofy, I am glad I wasn't cool!

The point behind that story is that in high school, I never would have come CLOSE to being Homecoming Queen...but here at Waynesburg University, people accept me for who I am, what I love, and like me with make-up, or with-out.

Enjoy your weekend, and I'll catch up with you next week!

Week Five, and I Am Still Alive

Hello everyone! I hope this beautiful fall weather has been keeping you all in as great spirits as I have been in! The crisp air this morning has me ready for pumpkin pie, Halloween, and thanksgiving - yes, I had thoughts about turkey dinner at Grandma and Grandpa Ribar's the other day!

Speaking of the Ribar's, that is really the reason I am here. After a first hard year in Charleston, South Carolina, I had no idea where to go. I knew I did not want to go back to California, where I went to high school. My mom suggest I call up Uncle Tom, who happens to be the Chaplain here at Waynesburg University.


Yep, there he is; my godfather, uncle, and inspiration. He has truly helped to shape my life as a Christian, as well as a student. Right now I am taking Introduction to New Testament with Tom. I have always loved to listen to him speak, and I don't know why it took me so long to get into his class - oh wait, it's at eight o'clock in the morning. Now I remember. In all honesty though, several people say how hard his class is, but I don't agree. Yes, it is challenging, and maybe that is why it seems hard. I have a hard time keeping up with the reading (though I shouldn't since it is the word of God). I can't even begin to express how much I am learning in it though! Up until this semester, I didn't think that I knew much about the Bible, or the New Testament specifically. I now feel confident in conversation that I do know what I am taking about! It is a great feeling.

The weeks seem to be flying by so far. It's true, what everyone says, that time keeps going faster and faster - graduation will be here before I know it! Until then, I am trying to stay in the NOW. Theater is picking up, with more rehearsals, and more work on costuming, and the show is just five weeks away! I can't even believe it!



That's Eddie. He is the director of all of the drama presentations on campus. He takes pride in his work, and definitely does a good job. Things in the theater can be stressful at times, but overall I think we keep our cool and get everything done. Not only am I a part of the Waynesburg University Players, but I am also a member of Alpha Psi Omega - the theater fraternity on campus. We try to take the experience of theater beyond the stage. Right now we are preparing some small one-act productions for what we call Lunchbox Theater. I am directing one, and though I still need to recruit my two actors for the scene, I am very excited about it!

It was another early morning for me today. I start the day at 7am with a campus ministries meeting. Even though it is early, it is a good refresher for me. It helps me stay on top of what I am here for. As a Resident Assistant in East dormitory, I am there each day to be a resource to my ladies, to minister to them through my love and my time. It has been a blessing to be a part of their lives, and I know my life would be much different had I not been hired as an RA. For one thing, I don't know if I would have met my roommate - Kathy West.

I won't lie, Kathy is the best roommate I have ever had! Granted we do waste a good amount of time laughing about NOTHING and being ridiculous. But I love it! Sometimes I feel like we are married, we live together so well. Last night, we were talking to her boyfriend, together, via Skype. Kathy and Phillip met our sophomore year while he was here as an exchange student from Ireland. They have maintained a long-distance relationship since he left! I say good for them, but I would hate it! Last night was the first time I spoke with Phillip, and it was great - he has an Irish accent, what more could you ask for! He says he doesn't understand the hype about the accent, but Kathy and I just say, "Don't worry about it, it works for ya."

Well, enough for now. I'll fill you in on the weekend festivities next week. I will be travelling to St. Vincent for the football game - GO JACKETS! Pray for safe travel and a winning game!

Farewell!

A long weekend followed by a new week

Friday was the start to a long, yet great, weekend. I left Waynesburg at about 12:20 in the afternoon and headed for Canton, Ohio. The plan was to leave at noon, drive to Canton to the home of Evan and Sue Shumway (the in-laws to-be), and then ride with them the rest of the way to Hanover, Indiana for the second football game of the season.

After getting gas, I called up my mama on the phone, and headed south...looking for the 79/70 junction. I don't know if my thoughts were mearly in the phone conversation, or if I was simply thinking, "Oh, I have to go through West Virginia to get to Canton," but either way, south was not the correct way. The entire time I had been chatting on the phone with mom, until I got to the junction of Highway 79 and the 68..."Wait a minute! This is supposed to be the 70!!!" **Brief pause in conversation** **Frustration of the weekend** "Mom, I have to call you back."

After driving a half hour the wrong way, I had to turn around and go north, simply to end up driving right passed Waynesburg, the place I had left from an hour earlier. Just call me Magellan! Sometimes, I just get turned around. Talk about a great start to the weekend!

Upon arrival to the Shumway home in Canton, the rain was coming down. I parked on the street, got out, and walked around to the passenger side door to unload my bags, where the rain was running down the side of my car about five inches deep! Thank goodness for Adidas sport sandals!

The drive to Hanover was about five and a half hours, and it was probably the most productive time I have had in a while. I typed notes from my Intro to New Testament class (probably my favorite class of the semester) and daydreamed until we arrived at the Comfort Inn in Madison, just 10 minutes from the College. Many people would think it would be uncomfortable to stay with your fiancee's parents, in a hotel, without your fiancee. Not me, I enjoyed almost every minute of it! Lucky for me, they changed the room from ONE king sized bed to TWO queen sized beds.



I honestly love hanging out with Ryan's mother, Sue. She is fantastic! We sat together at the game, sweat our butt's off together at the game, and cheered on our favorite player together at the game.


Although the boys didn't play their best, they still ended up winning the game, Waynesburg 36, Hanover 34.
After our less-than-24-hour stay, Evan, Sue, and I turned around to head home. We repeated the five and a half hour drive back to Canton, with multiple Starbucks stops along the way to keep us going. The next day, I got up and had breakfast with the family, then left to head home to Waynesburg. Talk about TOO MUCH DRIVING!!!

Though my family is living in California right now, I was born in Ohio. That makes me a Browns fan, and living in Steeler Country is not the most enthusiastic thing for a Browns fan. Of course, upon my return, the Browns vs Steelers game was on Sunday evening. Ry and I watched it with our good friends Eric and Erika - where Erika was the only Steeler Fan - and much to our dissmay, the Brownies lost...the most frustrating thing is that most of the time, it's not a pummeling, but we just can't seem to get that last touchdown needed to beat them out...oh well, maybe next year.



Getting back to my dorm, I heard noises down the hall from my residents. I went down to check it out, only to find Miranda standing on her couch posing for a photo in her Steelers jersey. Long-story short, we ended up wrestling, Steeler Fan vs Browns Fan, and it was a blast. Oh, and I won, of course.

With the start of the new week came plenty of new things to think about - and I am not just talking about school! Rehearsal for the fall play got started for me, and along with that comes costuming. I have taken the lead for costuming this year for Arthur Miller's 'The Crucible,' and there is a lot to be done. The Waynesburg University Players put a ton of effort into our sets and costuming, in addition to our lines. We put on productions with our hearts, souls, and sweat! It's so far, so good as we get into the swing of the year.

If the combination of classes, theater, being a resident assistant, and planning a wedding doesn't seem like enough - it isn't! As president of Waynesburg University's Colleges Against Cancer, I work with Kelley Hardie to improve the knowledge and awareness on campus about different types of cancer. We got started last spring, and are now officially a CAC chapter. It is only one of the many exciting things to get involved with on campus, but it is one of my personal favorites.

More to come on CAC next week...stay tuned!