Graduation was yesterday, it was awesome. There is nothing like wearing a black trash bag (not literally) and cardboard hat with hundreds of others just to hear your name called. It was supposed to rain and it didn’t which just made everything more perfect. After finding all of my friends and taking pictures in our academic regalia my whole family went out to lunch to celebrate (YardHouse).
Afterwards, my family came back to my apartment so my dad could attach Josephine (my bike, remember?) to my car so she wouldn’t fall off during the long drive home. Once she was secure, they left! I was so happy that my family was able to come down and enjoy the day with me because they are so much a part of my education (if it wasn’t for their constant support, I would have never come to CBU or gotten through it). Hillary and I then did what we do best, we went to Disneyland. Of course we couldn’t go in our regular clothes but had to sport or new and appropriate CBU Alumni Shirts. When we got into the park, we got pins that said “JUST GRADUATED!!” that we wore proudly. We were sure to tell everyone that we graduated (Hillary even asked the guy on the tram ride to announce it on the way back to the car).
By the time we got home we were dead tired but knew there was work to be done. We spent the next few hours packing our cars and cleaning the apartment. I worked on the bathroom and let me tell you that the Comet detergent I was using in the bathroom was so strong it was making my nose burn. When we woke up this morning we had a few things to do and then we did our very last check out! We then went to Panera for our last breakfast together.
Surprisingly I haven’t cried about this whole process. I’m not really an emotional person (it drives Hillary crazy) but I am surprised I haven’t shed one tear yet. Probably because I still can’t believe that I am graduated already! I think it will all start to sink in around August or September when I am supposed to be heading back to CBU for school. - Pray for me then!
I have loved all of my time at CBU but know that moving on is also great and something we have to do. Experiences are what help us to grow and I know my experiences at CBU helped me so much. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for me next in the next chapter of my life.
Well, that’s all for me. Thanks for reading!!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Graduation!! (By: Courtney Weatherly)
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Time to Say Goodbye!! (By: Courtney Weatherly)
So here I am in the final week of school at CBU. The end brings mixed emotions, excitement, nervousness, overwhelming feelings of sadness, the feeling of accomplishment, and a sense of moving on. I have worked so hard on my education at CBU and am ecstatic to finally receive my diploma on May 2nd. Graduation night, Hillary and I will head on out to Disneyland to celebrate the only way we know how. On May 3rd I will be moving home to Visalia. I will be home for the month of May and will travel to Ukraine with my ISP team in June. In July my older sister is getting married and so I will be helping her with the final touches of wedding planning (not that she needs any help, she is very organized) and beginning in August I start school again. Because I want to be a high school teacher, I will have to continue my education and get a California credential. I will be credentialing at Fresno State (go Bulldogs!).
Though I will be moving back home and to a different school, CBU will always be a second home, and it will always be MY school. I have had so many memories here and I know that they were all part in making CBU what we know and love. I am able to say I have survived Intensive Training Weekend, I have played in Fortuna Bowl (and won), I understand that recreation sports is more than just a hobby, I have participated in Campus Days, Some of my favorite Breakfast’s were served by staff and faculty, I know what a kugel is and I feel unimpressed when I see one at Disneyland, I have cheered with the CRAZIEST and most rowdy crowd in the GSAC (Golden State Athletic Conference), and I know exactly what comes after “C-B What??? C-B What???”.
This week really put everything in perspective when I got my cap and gown and acquired my first CBU Alumni t-shirt. I will miss CBU but I am able to take what I learned here and apply it in a different place.
So rather than listening to Vitamin C’s “Graduation (Friends Forever)” or Green Day’s “Time of Your Life” I think I will enjoy my last few days as an Undergraduate student focusing on the friends I have made and cleaning out this old apartment. (Plus working on walking and receiving my diploma without tripping on stage like this unlucky guy I know of...)
Thanks for reading my blog, whether it be the first time or the tenth. God Bless!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Jesus + Me = BFF. (Courtney Weatherly)
I always knew I wanted to go to college upon the completion of my high school education but never really knew where I wanted to go. There were some of my friends who knew exactly where they wanted to go and what it would take to get there, since the 5th grade. My older sister, Sam, went to Fresno Pacific so I was familiar with the Christian school thing. I loved how small the school was and how friendly the people were. Because she played volleyball and my family never missed a game, we got to visit a lot of schools (mostly Christian schools) all over California. By the end of my senior year, I decided that I wanted to go to a Christian school because I simply liked the idea of a Christian school. I began looking around and ended up applying to 6 schools (too many applications). I applied to CBU because my mom saw it online and thought it was worth a shot. Later on in the year, I visited CBU and could see myself fitting in with every aspect of the school. As acceptance letters started to come in and financial aid began to work itself out, I could not see myself anywhere but CBU.
After 4 years of being at CBU it is has become clear to me that God led me here. When I took a tour of the campus, I cannot explain the feeling that came over me that I was right where I was supposed to be. The people were so great (and if you’ve visited, that’s not just an act), the campus was beautiful, and the cafeteria dominated all others. I chose to come to CBU for the surface reasons and never imagined what would happen when I got here.
Looking back, I have realized that my spirituality and faith had never been really challenged before. Something that I can say that CBU truly believes in is encouraging its students to grow in academics as well as in Christ. Through Christian courses, leadership and ISP (International Service Projects) I have found that I have grown more in my time here than in any other time in my life. I have been encouraged to ask questions about what I believe and to not trust in what I have been told. More than anything I have been motivated to share Christ with others. Because CBU has such a great quality of students, I have surrounded myself with people who believe the same as I, and have felt that I have grown with their encouragement and love.
In coming to college, I knew I would grow in academics but never imagined how much I would grow in the Lord. I am so grateful for this progression and cannot put any price or loan amount on how evident this change in me was. These years of growth have been so positive and I am so appreciative the God used CBU in such a great way in my life.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Oh The Places You'll Go. (By: Courtney Weatherly)
I never imagined I would make it out of Visalia (my hometown). When I was growing up I figured I would go to college in Fresno, move home, and live the rest of my life in Central California. So when I chose to move to Riverside and attend CBU, I was beginning to change all of those plans. However, I never would have guessed where I would go during my 4 years at CBU.
Sophomore year I accepted an internship for a program the FOCUS class at CBU uses called inFOCUS, or UPEERS. The site is used for networking as students are beginning to enroll at CBU. I accepted the internship not because I was interested in networking but because I needed money. Over the course of the semester, I worked with Tracy Ward in developing the new program at school. Every week we contacted the main office for the program in New York City. I was told at the beginning of the internship that at the end of the semester I would have to give a presentation to the CEO of the company. In turn they would pick ten of those who presented to live in New York for the summer to intern for the company. Of course I figured I would never get the internship in New York but decided to give it a try. A day after my presentation our contact from the main office called to let me know that I was one of the ten chosen to live and work in New York. Before I knew it I was packing my bags for a summer in the city. I was nervous because it was my first long term commitment away from my family and friends. I was moving to a city where I knew no one.
As soon as I arrived I was whisked away to our apartment which was in SoHo (south of Houston st.). I knew nothing about New York but heard it was
a great neighborhood (I would later find out that David Bowie lived across the street and Heath Ledger lived around the corner). We lived on the top floor (no elevator) and had roof access which was very convenient for the 4th of July. My nine roommates moved in soon after. Most of them were from the South and spoke with awesome accents. I was quickly learning the tricks of the city. During the day I would go to work and during the night I would enjoy the city lights reading books on our rooftop. I began to attend a church and hung out with the people there who really made me feel at home. The more I lived in the city, the more I became independent. I had the chance to see three Broadway shows and see a number of famous people.
In the end, my trip to New York was awesome and I am so grateful I got to have such a great experience. Without being a student at Cal Baptist I doubt that I would have ever had this amazing experience.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
We've got spirit yes we do...(By: Courtney Weatherly)
In High School I loved going to the football games. Maybe it was because I lived in a small town and there was not much to do, but nothing compared to a Friday night football game. Since the amount of enthusiasm for a school’s team can make or break a school’s community, I was worried about the level of spirit I would find at CBU. I knew CBU was a small Christian school so I figured fifteen people would show up at games praying over the other team. NOT TRUE.
CBU has a first class fan base. Regardless of the sport, students are out there wearing their CRAZIES shirt supporting our school and athletic program. I’m pretty sure we are the most crowd in our conference. I would venture to say the most popular sport is basketball. Before the season officially starts, the CAB office (Campus Activities Board) puts on “Midnight Madness” that shows off both men and women basketball teams, complete with a dunk contest. Our biggest rivalry is against Azusa Pacific. Whether the game is in Riverside or Azusa, students from both schools attend and get LOUD. The rivalry just seems to get more intense with every year.
Lately I’ve been going to baseball games. The baseball field was built only two years ago so its very new, and very nice. My friends and I usually go to 7-11 just around the corner from the school to pick up a slurpee and sunflower seeds for the game. Occasionally, we take a book or homework and sit in the sun enjoying the All-American sport. Baseball games are typically in the afternoon when the weather is close to... perfection.
Though I love going and supporting our school, I am not one to make up chants or cheers. I have come to notice that I yell the most stupid things at games. The other day at the baseball game I caught myself yelling “Run Fast!” As if they had never thought to do so. After a few attempts at trying to be an inspiration, I ended up going along with the crowd and stuck to clapping and woo-hooing.
I guess it’s just easier to support a school where athletic ability comes so naturally... Or maybe I’m just biased.
Friday, March 27, 2009
f.r.i.e.n.d.s. (By: Courtney Weatherly)
As the final weeks are winding down and graduation drawing near, I have started to reflect and think on what CBU has given me... some of the greatest friends.
First is Ashleigh. I first met Ashleigh when I was a freshmen. She was an outspoken, water polo player who came from Miami. What I remember most about meeting Ashleigh was how clean she kept her room, how it always smelled like cholorine (from all the swimming), how she loved Keith Urban, and how annoyed she got of anyone who said anything bad about Florida. The summer after sophomore year, Ashleigh married Sterling, also a great guy. Ashleigh is such a great friend. She is always there for me when I need her and is always willing to lend a hand. (Not to mention she’s pretty good at water polo and I don’t mind telling people I know her.) More than anything, I admire Ashleigh’s strength as she is so positive when Sterling has to go away (he is in the NAVY). I am so appreciative of Ash and all of the time that we have had to spend together.
Next, Julie. Sophomore year, some roommate things got changed around and I found myself living in a completely different area with completely new roommates. Julie was one of those roommates. I had known Julie freshmen year but not anywhere close to where I would get to know her in the next semester. Fortunately for she and I, we bonded immediately and had so much fun getting to know each other. We rode our bikes around campus very late at night just talking, we would wait for each other so that we went to bed at the same time, we had myspace wars (where we posted embarrassing pictures of each other on our myspace profiles), we played multiple pranks on each other, and we watched Pride and Prejudice weekly. (I guess that’s the recipe to creating a great friendship.) Though those might seem like the little things, I know our friendship is so strong, and I can go to Julie for anything. I am so happy that Julie and I wound up living together and can’t imagine where I would be without her.
Then there’s Hillary. Freshman year, Hill and I lived on the same hall; but I only knew her as the crazy, blonde girl who liked to dress up. We hung out a few times but it wasn’t until our sophomore year that we really began our friendship. We learned that we have a lot in common: we are both Liberal Studies Majors, our dad’s are both named Bob, our mom’s name both start with an “S”, she is one of three girls - as am I, and we both have an animal named Jack. Hillary is so easy to talk to and the most sincere person that I know. Over the years, Hillary has grown so much and her love of Christ is so evident. She pours into so many people and takes any opportunity she has to share about Christ. I love spending time with Hillary because she makes me laugh more than anyone I know. She can say one word to me and I know exactly what she is thinking. We are also commonly mistaken for each other, not because we look alike but because we are always together. I love Hillary so much and am so grateful for her friendship. When I think about graduating from CBU I am excited but at the same time very sad that I will live over 3 hours away from my best friend. I have grown so much during my time here at CBU and I can attribute so much of that to Hillary.
As you can see...it will be VERY hard to say goodbye.
Friday, March 20, 2009
SENIORITIS (By: Courtney Weatherly)
Senioritis: the word senior plus the suffix -itis (which refers to inflammation but in colloquial speech is assumed to mean an illness), is a colloquial term used in the United States to describe the decreased motivation toward studies displayed by students who are nearing the end of their high school or college careers (defined by Wikipedia).
I know that Wikipedia is not a “valid source” but I’m pretty sure this sums up what I am feeling. Here we are in the final weeks of school and the end is so far away. My countdown currently says 43 Days 7 Hours 29 Minutes and 40 Seconds until May 2, which of course is Graduation day. Every time I think of something productive that I have to get done, immediately thoughts of running through fields of daisies come into my head and I forget everything productive I was trying to accomplish. I end up going on a bike ride, talking on the phone, or even sitting in the library aimlessly staring. However, this week is different. It is here! The one week I can try to cure this senioritis, the one week I don’t have to think about homework.
SPRING BREAK!
Now I know what you are thinking, take a trip to Mexico, lay by the pool, soak up the much needed sun, and shop but that is nowhere close to what I do. I hate Mexican food, I don’t like swimming, I don’t tan - I burn, and I do not have the resources to shop. What I needed more than anything was to go home.
There is something so refreshing about coming home after a long time at school. It seems like you forget the little things about home until you come home and experience them all over again. I know for me, I love to hear the football game on Sunday after church in the living room while my dad is watching. I love being able to go to the store with my mom and push the cart around adding things when she’s not looking. Driving is much simpler here, the one freeway that goes through town only has 2 lanes and is never jammed. I especially love coming home to my dogs and playing fetch with them. Going to my home church is so refreshing because I have grown up with everyone there and I feel so comfortable. Though I love being at school, I also love coming home to spend time with friends and family to rejuvenate (getting laundry done for free is also a major plus).
So for the rest of the weekend, I am going to try to get in as much rest and relaxation so that I can cure this bad case of senioritis. A little home cooking, loving on my dog and being with my family should hold me over... for a week or two.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
I TURN 22. (By: Courtney Weatherly)
March is a good month. The sun is shining, flowers are blooming, and it’s my Birthday. Though I never had a birthday party at McDonalds (it used to be cool), or a party at RollerTowne, I have never had a reason to complain about my birthday parties. During my time at CBU I have had some of the best birthdays! Usually, my older sister Sam makes her way from Fresno to Riverside to go to Disneyland the day of my birthday. Last year, in addition to a trip to Disneyland, my roommates threw me a Surprise Party. I was so surprised and had no idea. (The picture is from the Surprise Party last year)
This year, my Disneyland pass no longer worked in March so both of my sisters came down early and celebrated with me at the end of January. I decided that the next best thing to do for my birthday was visit the zoo. I invited a handful of my friends and we decided that we would take a trip to the San Diego Zoo. So on Saturday morning, the 7th of March, the five of us piled into
the car and made the hour drive to the San Diego Zoo. As soon as we got into the car, Hillary brought out a list of things that I would have to do throughout the day. Most of them taking pictures with people (Someone wearing a Hawaiian shirt, someone wearing birkenstocks, etc.) At first it was a little embarrassing but by the end of the day I had embraced it. We had so much fun exploring the zoo and checking out all the different animals. (The orangutans were by far the most interesting and exciting exhibit.) My 22nd birthday was awesome and I am so happy that I got to spend it at the Second Happiest Place on Earth!
Friday, March 6, 2009
The Most Dramatic Rose Ceremony In Bachelor History Party. (By: Courtney Weatherly)
Well it happened, Bachelor Jason Mesnick officially made himself the most hated man in America. Millions of viewers tuned in as Mesnick made the ultimate flip flop, proposing to one girl, then turned around, dumped her on national television and minutes later asked the other girl to give it another go. My roommates and I are no strangers to "The Bachelor" we love the show and even feel like we know so much about the bachelorettes that we argue as to why one is better than another.
Due to our beautifully decorated apartment and the fact that we always have tasty treats on Monday nights, we tend to have a pretty impressive showing for the Bachelor every week. So, this year we decided to have a viewing party for finale of The Bachelor. We hand crafted invitations and personally invited several of our friends to the showing.
The Invitation: "You are Cordially Invited to THE MOST DRAMATIC ROSE CEREMONY IN BACHELOR HISTORY Party. The Second of March, Two Thousand and Nine given by Miss Courtney Weatherly, Miss Hillary Clarendon and Miss Greta Anderson. Arrive Promptly at seven forty-five in the evening. Hors d’ouerves will be provided. Fancy Schmancy attire is required.
Please be sure to notify the hostess’ if an escort will be accompanying you.
Yours, The Final Rose."
About fifteen people showed up in their "fancy schmancy" clothing (seriously) and we all watched the dramatic show together. As soon as the guests arrived, they were given a name tag with the picture and name of the bachelorette that they would be acting as throughout the evening. During commercial breaks we had a game of trivia and guests won prizes! We served piggies in a blanket, strawberries, pie, chocolate velvet cake balls, chips and dip, crackers and cheese, and most importantly puppy chow. The apartment was even decorated for the occasion with roses everywhere and candles scattered around the apartment.
Though we were all disappointed by our Bachelor’s final choice, we all had a good time watching the show together and just hanging out!
Courtney Weatherly
Friday, February 27, 2009
Intramural Sports. (By: Courtney Weatherly)
Intramural Sports are a big
deal here at CBU. I would say the most popular is the flag football season (in the fall). The games take place in the afternoon on the front lawn. I love sitting out on the front lawn watching teams face each other. It’s a great time of the year when the sun is still shining and the weather is perfect. Each team plays each other in hopes of making it to the Fortuna Bowl, which is the CBU flag football equivalent to the Super Bowl.
(On the front lawn, there is a statue of the greek goddess Fortuna, thus the name.) As the season progresses, little team rivalries are seen which of course makes everything all the more competitive. Fans even begin to claim their team and show their support by dawning their teams colors. Fortuna Bowl takes place at night which adds to the excitement, it makes us feel like pros under the Friday night lights.
Teams prepare fun and outrageous entrances (mostly the girl teams), lights are brought out, bleachers are set up, and announcers call the game. This year my team (Smooth Criminals) made it all the way to Fortuna undefeated and beat #2 S.W.A.T 16-0. It was epic! (Photos Taken By: Trever Hoehne)
Last year intramurals’ got a major revamp when Chris Hofschroer (Director of Recreational Sports) took over and soccer was introduced into the intramural year. This week was the first week of intramural soccer for the year and I can already see that the campus is taking hold of the popular sport. I am predicting in years to come, soccer will become just as big as football season is. As the weather is (or should be) beginning to warm up, the thought of taking a book to the front lawn while watching a little soccer sounds just perfect for spring. I can’t wait ‘til the season really gets underway.
In addition to football and soccer, volleyball (my team Volley-Shizzle Ball-Dizzle woop woop!), bowling, and basketball are also offered. They are all fun, and are just what us washed up high school athletes need.
Courtney Weatherly
Friday, February 20, 2009
Temperature Rising (By: Courtney Weatherly)
I hate being sick! It seems like every year around this time I feel the swell in my throat and the stuffiness in my nose. When I first came to CBU I was stressed that no one would be here to take care of me while I stayed in bed, however, that could not be far from the truth. It seems like girls are just sitting outside the door waiting for me to call on them so they can go get anything for me. Typically the things I like when I am sick: NyQuil, Sprite, Frosted Mini Wheats, popsicles, Saltine crackers, Excedrin, and Pride and Prejudice.
My good friend Ashleigh fully believes in the ice-cream remedy. Basically, you eat all the ice cream you can so that you forget about all your other symptoms and just focus on the stomach cramp. Sometimes I even think it works....
My roommate Hillary is the best nurse I could have ever asked for (that is second to my mom). Since my doctor is over 200 miles away, I make the trek to Riverside Community Hospital to sit in the waiting room for what seems to be hours just to see a doctor. Nevertheless, there is Hillary, sitting alongside me and asking the doctor all the questions I should be asking. My favorite thing about my nurse is she ALWAYS tries to feed me Airborne. Whatever the symptom, Hillary believes the best prescription is Airborne. (She even dressed up as a nurse once.)
So, here I am. Feeling sick again but with my nurse at my side and Airborne in my water. I’ll be alright!
IN OTHER NEWS:
Last night I was riding Josephine to the cafeteria when I heard a loud noise and when I looked down, the chain was hanging off! Stopping was a bit difficult and you can imagine my despair as I jumped off and evaluated the damage. I will be pricing new chains this week and hope after a little tender love and care she will be back to her old self. I will keep you updated.
Courtney Weatherly
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Destination: ITW/Ukraine. (By: Courtney Weatherly)
It is impossible for me to talk about CBU without talking about ISP. ISP (International Service Projects) are 3 week service projects during the summer where students serve all throughout the world. This is such a great opportunity to serve and is impossible to pass up. Last year I was able to serve on the team to Panama.
There, we worked at a local middle school. We worked alongside a church putting together Vacation Bible School. After my experience last year, I could not imagine spending 3 weeks of my summer doing anything else. This is, however more than a 3 week journey. Student’s apply for ISP in November and do not know where they are going until late December. In January, teams (about 10 students) begin meeting together once weekly for 3 hours a week. The more teams meet, the more they get to know each other and bond. By the time the teams travel, they are already accustomed to each other and the transition happens naturally. (As you can see, a lot of work is put in to ensure that our time in the country is time well spent). My team last year was amazing and I could not imagine better team than last year. However, I was very wrong. This year, I as well as 9 others are traveling to Ukraine. There, we are working with an orphanage through an organization called “Little Lambs”. My team meets every Wednesday night and I love meeting with them. We have bonded so much in the last few weeks, it feels like I have known them forever. Every Wednesday night, I look forward to meeting with them and get more excited for our trip.
This past weekend, we went through ISP boot camp, more commonly known as ITW, Intensive Training Weekend. From 5:30 p.m. on Friday night until Sunday at 5:30 p.m. We dedicate ourselves to ISP. Without cell phones, a schedule, or any , we step into ISPland. I am not going to give away all the secrets of ISPland
but during this short time, we are pushed to our limits and at the end come away with a new perspective. Our eyes are opened to new cultures and places. More than anything this is a time to work and function as a team (a preview for the field) and to prepare ourselves as a whole. This year, ISP is sending out about 300 students all around the world, so you can imagine the strength when we all come together to serve.
This weekend was especially great for me because my team was so awesome. Regardless of how tired, hungry, or smelly everyone was, we made sure to do everything with a positive attitude and everyone was focused serving others more than themselves. I cannot wait to see what we will be able to accomplish in Ukraine!
“Ukraine is Premium”
Courtney Weatherly
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Dorm Dreamin... (By: Courtney Weatherly)
CBU has such great community which starts in the living areas, the staff really puts a lot of time and effort into getting students involved and preparing RA’s to be a part of our lives. Since this is my last year at CBU I have had the pleasure of living in all of the living areas. Currently, I am living in the University Place apartments (UP) with my two roommates Hillary and Greta. Last year I also lived in UP. Sophomore year I braved Lancer Arms and my Freshman year, I lived in Simmons Hall (3B BABY!). After thinking about all the living areas I have decided that my favorite and most unique experience has to be the dorms.
When I lived in the dorms, I longed for privacy, a kitchen and most importantly my own bathroom. It wasn’t til much later that I realized how much I really did love and appreciated the dorms. Initially, I was petrified to live with some girl I had never met before and honestly did not know what to expect. Turned out I had a ton in common with my roommate Theresa and I wouldn’t have changed a thing. My hall was on the third floor which was apparently too much of a climb for visitors and so my hall found fun things to do on our own. I met my very best friend (Hillary) on my hall that year. At the beginning, we weren’t necessarily close but as time went on we began to see our odd similarities which blossomed into our solid friendship now. If we didn’t live on the same hall that year, who knows if we would have even become as close as we are now. I remember staying up late into the night studying, writing a paper, (catching up on all the work that I procrastinated on) and could easily find someone to talk to while working on whatever “it” was. I pulled my first "all nighter" (very common for college students) in the dorms and it wasn’t half as bad as I imagined it to be. Girls were so creative and it was easy to see who was, just simply by looking in their rooms and seeing how their decorations matched their personality. My favorite thing about the dorms was the atmosphere, everyone’s door was always open and it seemed like everyone wanted to talk. Late night dress up, slurpee runs and facial masks were never out of the question and bedtime was when the hall quieted. I loved the dorms and would do it again in a second!
* I wore that obnoxious bright jacket for every occasion. Still do. I'm attached.
Courtney Weatherly
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Ode to Josephine. (By: Courtney Weatherly)
"Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride." John F. Kennedy
Some people scooter, some people walk; I... BIKE. I love my bicycle. I ride it everywhere. Sophomore year, I told my parents I wanted a bike, preferably a beach cruiser but I would take anything. To my surprise, a week later my dad called with news that would change my life forever. He said that he was given a black beach cruiser and it was mine. Immediately I imagined myself riding my bike in a cute dress, wind blowing in my hair, flowers in my basket and of course ringing my bell. My dad warned me that the bike wasn’t in top condition but he could make it work. However, the first time I laid eyes on her she was nothing but perfection, my dad had completely “tricked out" my bike without telling me. He added a basket, a bell, new handle bars (complete with stylish and girly flames), white walled tires, a new seat, and my name on the back (on those little license plates). Ever since, my experience at CBU has been pure bliss. I have even gone as far as giving my bike a name, Josephine Martinez (don’t be alarmed, my friend Julie has named her bike too, Belle) and am willing to stand up for her if anyone thinks their bike is superior. My roommate also has a bike and we are convinced our bikes are best friends just like she and I. We never leave our apartment without them. We feel naked without them. Walking seems to take "for-ev-er" (think Sandlot). I think deep down we like the feeling of riding our bikes to chapel passing herds of people who left at least 4 minutes before us and we still beat them. More than anything I like riding my bike around campus with friends late at night. Usually, not many students are out, the Southern California weather is just perfect and I tend to forget I am in Riverside. It’s always enjoyable, it's a great study break, especially if you are writing a paper. Michael Scott would probably say that we would be more productive (when we got back) to make up for time we lost actually on the bike ride. Regardless its always a good time and I would much rather remember bike rides than papers. As you can see, I love my bike. I would not trade her for the world and am thankful she has been my trusty steed these past years.
I leave you with some pictures:
Celebrating my Birthday!
She even dressed up for it...
Check out that fancy license plate!
Courtney Weatherly
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
DISNEYLAND! (By: Courtney Weatherly)
If you were to ask any four year old what they want to do for their birthday, or any football player where they are going when they win the Superbowl. Nine times out of ten their response has something to do with the "Happiest Place on Earth". In the four years here at CBU I have been fortunate enough to receive a Disneyland Annual Pass every year for Christmas. Because of its location to the school (30 minutes), many students purchase passes and frequent the park throughout the year. My friends and I even take a quick trip after a long day of classes or a relaxing Sunday afternoon, always a good way to start the week! This is my last year of school, and my plans afterward are to move back home; buying a Disneyland pass was not smart because I will no longer live close enough to get use out of it. In lieu of the fact that I will no longer be a part of Disney magic after February 15, 2009, I have decided to look back at times that were filled with dolls singing a song that is near impossible to forget, Jack Sparrow, Indiana Jones, Sleeping Beauty, and most importantly middle aged men walking around the park with their children in hand and a set of large black mouse ears on top. I have also decided to share some of the ways that my friends and I can go back to Disneyland over and over again and never get bored of it! For starters, we like to go in full character. We find ways to interact with almost every employee. Here are a few of our favorite ways to keep with the Disneyland spirit while waiting in line:
Soaring over California:
- Asking if a Passport was required to board the flight.
Indiana Jones
- Requesting to be in a Jeep that is 4WD and has air conditioning.
- After getting in the vehicle, asking the driver to see either a valid drivers license or proof of insurance.
- If we end up in the seat of the driver we assure the whole vehicle of our safe driving record and assure them they are in good hands.
Buzz Lightyear
- Asking if the laser will have long term effects on our eyes.
Matterhorn
- Asking if a coat is required at the top of the mountain.
Tower Of Terror:
- Mentioning to the attendant at the gate that the letter “O” is out on the word “Hollywood” ... unacceptable.
- Asking for a room on the 3rd floor.
They may sound stupid and like a waste of time, but hey its DISNEYLAND - you have to embrace it! I'll now leave you with some pictures as I reminisce on my days at the Happiest Place on Earth!
Courtney Weatherly
