The End is Near!

Hello, hello, hello! 

As I sit here and write this, I am barely able to believe that my first semester at university is almost over! Today is my last day of classes and my exams start next Monday! My friend Gaby pointed out today that we only have 7 semesters left, which seems like both a lot and not enough! It honestly feels like just yesterday I was applying to schools and now here I am, about to take my first set of finals!

As always, I had another great week here at BU! Admittedly, things are starting to get a bit hectic with the term coming to a close but I haven't had to seek out complete isolation in the library just yet! Last week was pretty stressful for Jocelyn though, as she had to finish and hand in about 8 different papers. She came close to pulling a few all nighters, and so being the great bogmate that I am, I would leave her little study snacks to help her get through all of her assignments. 

My inspirational messages to Jocelyn on our bathroom door!

So while Jocelyn was swamped with her papers, I myself was out and about doing all sorts of different things. Last week, the Residence Events Committee had a Holiday Mystery Raffle so I helped sell tickets for that a few times. Also, on Wednesday, my friends and I went to see the new James Bond movie, Skyfall. It was the first James Bond movie that I had ever seen and surprisingly, I really enjoyed it. Also, fun fact - movie tickets here are only $7! How crazy is that? At home, I believe I pay $12. So needless to say, I will be seeing all new movies in Quebec from now on. 

On Thursday, Jocelyn and I went to the Free Yoga in the art gallery again. Then, her, Hannah and Elizabeth went to the Gait for Christmas-themed Happy Hour. I, unfortunately, am still not old enough to go, but that is about to change in less than a week! 

On Friday, I was up bright and early to do my online course selection. Registration started at 9am and I logged on about 5 minutes in advance to ensure that I got all the courses that I wanted. Next semester, I will be taking Biology, French, History, Children's Literature and Teaching Ethics and Religious Culture, an Education course.  Later that day, Jocelyn, Hannah, Elizabeth and I went to the mall to do some Christmas shopping for our Residence Secret Santa. Finally, Jocelyn and I ended the night by watching and singing along to the greatest movie of all time, Mamma Mia!

We were too cheap to pay for a real photo with Santa so we settled for having him in the background!

On Saturday, I volunteered with the school club Big Buddies, which is a program that pairs university students with a Little Buddy from Lennoxville Elementary. I had originally signed up to help at one of the activity stations, but a little girl's buddy was unable to make it so I became her Big Buddy for the day. We had a lot of fun swimming, playing board games and doing arts and crafts and I hope that I will get a chance to be a Big Buddy again soon! Saturday was also closing night at the Gait and the theme was Movemberfest to celebrate the end of the moustache-month! There was a music group called "Ain't No Love" performing and there was also a contest for best moustache, grown or made!

Our frosh leader, Denise, sporting her beautiful purple moustache!

Jocelyn making her first appearance at the Gait since Halloween!

On Sunday, Elizabeth and I made our first attempt at dorm room baking. We made Rice Krispie squares for our Secret Santa presents! It was the first time that I had made RK squares in a microwave and they were surprisingly delicious! We had a holiday themed day in Abbott, with Christmas card making and a Secret Santa Party in the basement! There was a wide range of gifts, including everything from socks to chocolate to avocados! Despite what others may say, I personally feel as though I got the best gift - a Justin Bieber bookmark and a One Direction bracelet! After the party, we all headed over to Dewie's for the Grey Cup Party where we watched the game while enjoying chicken wings and waffle fries!

Dorm Room Baking with Erica and Elizabeth!

Thank you Secret Santa!!!

Speaking of Justin Bieber, today I made the executive decision to travel to Toronto to see him in concert on Saturday night! My sister and I bought tickets back in June and when I found out my exam schedule, I decided that it might be in my best interest to stay here and study. However, after hearing my friend talk about how amazing his Ottawa concert was and seeing him perform at the Grey Cup, I have been inspired to study hard this week and go to the concert!!! I am super excited and cannot wait for Saturday! It will be a long day of traveling but it will certainly be worth it!

So that's all from me for now! I really need to go to bed and get some sleep because my life is about to get extremely busy and probably will be until next Wednesday! The next time you hear from me I will officially be an adult and will be preparing to head back to Ancaster for my Christmas break! 

All my love! Erica xoxoxoxo

PS Being the devoted synchro fan that I am, I spent a good portion of Sunday watching videos and looking at pictures from the Nexxice Gala that took place on Saturday! I shed a few tears as this was the first time in seven years that I haven't been a part of the gala but the teams are looking great! I can't wait to see their programs live in the near future!

PPS I got my Math Midterm back on Monday and was the only one in my class to earn 100%! I was so happy that all of my studying paid off and this gives me a lot of confidence going into my exam next week!