Learning Curve: July

Hey guys!

I feel like I've been M.I.A from here for a few weeks. This month has been so busy and it doesn't look like that's going to stop any time soon. I like staying busy in the summer though; it keeps me from getting bored.

Last week we took a family vacation to Hot Springs, Arkansas, which is only like a 5 hr drive from where I live in Northeast Arkansas. Hot Springs was discovered by Hernando De Soto while he was exploring the south. He saw that the Native Americans used the hot waters of the springs to heal their sick and wounded. De Soto thought he had found the fountain of youth. In the early 1900, numerous bath houses were built along the springs. For turn of the century people, these were like a modern spa. They would come and relax in the baths while hanging out with friends and catching up on the latest news and gossip. Some of the bath houses had gyms and lounges, further fulfilling the needs of being a main gathering place in the town. Another great "claim to fame" for Hot Springs? Al Capone, American gangster, used to stay there. So much so, that the local hotel, The Arlington, has the room where he stayed on the 4th Floor named after him. I had a lot of fun. Who knew that something like that was right in my own backyard? I would definitely recommend checking what tourist attractions your own state has. You might think it'll be boring, or maybe you've been there/done that 1000 times. Go as a tourist and do all the dorky touristy stuff: take pictures of EVERYTHING, ask TONS of questions. It'll give you a different experience. One I'm sure you're not soon to forget.

While in Hot Springs, I got a very important phone call from my grandpa. We had been talking about going to Las Vegas, Nevada since about March when my uncle (my dad's brother) passed away very unexpectedly. None of us were able to go to the funeral or memorial service, so trying to get out there this summer was a pretty big deal. We've been talking about going for a few months now. When he finally got serious about it the only request I made was that we stay through August 1 so I could see Honor Society at the House of Blues. Grandpa finally came up with the plan while I was in Hot Springs. Soooooo...on July 26 at about 8 A.M., Grandpa and I will begin the 1300+ mile drive to Vegas. BUT WAIT!!! This story gets even better...

I had already requested that we stay through the first so I could see Honor Society. I knew that Jonas was going to be in town, but I wasn't going to ask my grandparents to shell out that kind of money for me. It didn't feel right. This past weekend, my grandparents (that actually live in Vegas) called to tell me that I got to choose: just Honor Society at the HoB OR Honor Society, Wonder Girls, Jordin Sparks, and JONAS BROTHERS. Obviously, you guys know what I chose. :D The best part is, I get to go with my 11 yr old cousin who I've never met. I love the fact that we get to share this amazing night with each other. It'll be a memory we'll never forget.

Saw Half Blood Prince at midnight on Wednesday. It was amazing. I went with my best friend, Sara, earlier Tuesday afternoon to buy tickets and then she spent the day hanging out at my house.

I know they don't start showing the moive until midnight, but I've done these a few times, so we left my house at 9:30 P.M. and ended up being the first people in line! SCORE! My church youth group showed up not even 10 minutes later. We ended up having a mini party at the front of the lobby.

Just another normal week or two in the life of a college student! So, what crazy things have you guys been up to? Don't forget to follow the twitter (@jeng2008) for down to the minute updates on college life. :) It gets pretty crazy sometimes, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

♥ Jen