August Recap

The month of August was filled with high's and low's, lots of travel and "goodbyes" to my friends as they head back for their senior year of college. 

August kicked off with "HEDIS Week" at work, which is Health Effectiveness Data and Information Set Week. During this week at work the company's main focus is to educate the workers about HEDIS, the HEDIS measures and how to make our services that we provide to our members better and more innovative. HEDIS Week was so much fun because each day had a different theme to it and there were so many free goodies given away. 

From there, preseason football finally started. I went to the first Detroit Lions preseason game with two of my friends. We actually stayed for a fair amount of time, until we all looked at one another and didn't recognize any of the players out on the field in the 3rd quarter. It was at this game where I reconnected with a friend from St. Clare of Montefalco who I don't think I had actually hung out with since 8th grade. All of us went out and about after the Lions game in downtown Detroit. So, yes, this night was a huge high because I was  having fun in my city!! 

#OnePride 

Water is the hub of life. 

I went and visited my best guy friend's family (without him) in Brooklyn, Michigan. Wow. Their house is right on the water and it is oh so perfect. I loved spending time with my two sisters and Mr. & Mrs. Miller. I don't know where I would be without my friend's families because not only do my friends mean the world to me, but so do their families. 

When my main girl Carey left for school, I think I hit an all time low. It was a BIG wake-up  call because I didn't realize how much time I truly spent with her all summer, and how I would no longer have her to go golf with, or go shopping with, or go on a walk with. Literally, as soon as Carey left for school, I was tempted to put out an advertisement in the newspaper for "Friend Wanted." Rather, I just resorted to sending out a tweet - but no one took it seriously. "Calling any outgoing, single, athletic, funny, well-dressed, young professional females, ages 22-26 who are looking for friends. I'm it!!" OK, but seriously, with the month of September here, I'm focusing on making new friends. It's getting really old going out to eat with my parents, and out to drinks after dinner with them, and then coming home before I'd normally go out... 

I made a quick trip to Grand Rapids on my way to Chicago to see a few of my housemates from last year. It seriously doesn't even seem like I left Aquinas - until of course I meet new   freshman and they're way too uncomfortable and quiet around me. I loved being back though. Aquinas will always have a piece of my heart.

...But onto what I've been looking forward to for a few months now... CHICAGO.

The highest of the highs came on Saturday night- when I finally got to see my idol live and in person playing basketball. I was seriously on cloud 9, and I might still be, about being able to see her in play again! I went to see Swin Cash play and had a front row seat. The game was to clinch the #1 spot in the Eastern Conference and was a very good ball game until the Chicago Sky pulled away. Was it worth it going all the way to Chicago for a WNBA game? ABSOLUTELY. It's not crazy, it's sports. 

Front row. I was a little kid in a candy shop. Someone pinch me...

Oh, and while I was in Chicago, I spent some quality time with Carey, so that was the perfect ending to my first summer as a graduate. We went to this amazing place for breakfast on Sunday and I think I gained 4 lbs. just off of the cinnamon rolls they served there. So of course, I can't wait to go back. 

Well, football is back, the MLB is gearing up for playoffs and it's finally time I say goodbye to my Lilly dresses until the spring. 

Here's to another undefeated football season at Aquinas College!

xx

A Few State Championships Later

Always try and keep your promises, especially when they're to someone who means the world to you. 

My father missed the 2002 Little League State Championship game, coaching for Grosse Pointe Farms-City Little League, to take me to my first Detroit Shock game to see (and meet!!) my idol play against her former college roommate and teammate for the first time. 

I'm really not sure what other memory I have with my Dad that tops this one. My dad stayed true to his word no matter how conflicted he was. Thank goodness he was coaching with a great man, Mr. Getz, who told him to take me to the game. 

Getting to meet Swin Cash and Sue Bird, getting autographs and seeing them play each other in their rookie season, was better than anything I've ever received on Christmas morning. 

Everything seems to be coming full circle, because on Saturday, I'm seeing my idol play in person, eleven years later, for probably the last time. Chicago, here I come. Conway's seeing Cash one last time! 

Oh yeah, the Farms-City boys won that state tournament :)

xx #32

The last Detroit Shock game I ever attended!

(Another great memory I have of my Father was when he had his 2001 Little League State Runner-Up team come to a swim meet of mine to cheer me on. I was the 10-year old little sister who never missed a game of my brother's. Now, I swam like the 3rd event, the 17th event and the 37th event. My father just asked them to see me swim my first event, but the boys stayed for the WHOLE meet and cheered me on like I was racing for an Olympic Gold. Looking back, I probably should have lived up my popularity a bit more, but hey, I was just so excited they were there to support me. I'll never forget that.)

July Recap

The month of July could quite possibly be my favorite month of the year, even if it is when I somehow always get 3rd degree sunburns. Although it's so busy and just flies by, it is filled with so many perfect events, nights and weekends with my favorite people.

It all started with my company's summer work party which was held in downtown Detroit at the unbelievable and beautiful Campus Martius Park. I had a friend accompany me and I definitely met a lot of new co-workers, strengthened the relationships I had previously developed and took advantage of everything the party had to offer - especially the photo booth. Seriously, NEVER throw a big party without a photo booth...

Over the 4th of July, I had a "staycation," which was much needed after go-go-going since I started my position on May 13th. Finally finishing an overdue library book, doing loads and loads of laundry, hanging out with Granmo, organizing my room and watching season 1 of The Newsroom was how I spent 48 stress free hours. 

Then I spent two PERFECT weekends in a row up at Pointe Aux Barques with my best friend. Her cottage, #Cottage35, treated us to a much needed escape from our 8-5 jobs. 

I did not take this photo, but it is the best photo I've ever
seen that attempts to represent how beautiful PAB truly is.

My best friend and I on Thumbnail...
Literally, the very tip of the thumb of the Michigan mitten!
(I love when I get friends to represent Aquinas... Go Saints!)

My second weekend up at PAB was "The Best Weekend of the Year," which is also known as July Dance Weekend. This year, my best friend invited her college golf teammates up for the weekend, and most of them came (even her teammate from Indonesia...!!) I can't even begin to describe how perfect July Dance Weekend always is. Saturday night is my favorite part of the weekend because all the girls dress up in Lilly Pulitzer dresses, Jack Rogers and their grandmother's pearls. The guys sport different colored pants, their best Brooks Brothers bow ties/ties and sport coats. We take an absurd amount of photos before, during and after dinner, which is oh so annoying at the time, but oh so awesome come Sunday morning. The dance itself features a live band and dancers from the ages of 16 all the way up to 80+. From Sweet Caroline to Shout, it's always a night that will go down in the history books. 

The preppiest group you have ever seen, in front of #Cottage35

It's hard to follow a weekend at PAB, but fortunately the St. Clare Golf Outing gets that pleasure. The St. Clare Golf Outing Committee and Athletic Committee started working on this outing over Memorial day, and our recap meeting is tomorrow night (read: Finally, the golf outing is over! Wait, it's over??!) It truly is the only golf outing I've ever been apart of where I enjoy every second of it, regardless of the stress it brings. This year, everyone's hard work, planning, sales, marketing and donations made it the most successful outing yet! My best friend golfed with me, along with two of my friends from St. Clare (one just so happens to be my best guy friend). Although I arrived at the course at 9:45 am to set up, and did not get to bed until 2:30 am, the fact it was so much fun trumped my lack of sleep (and lack of coffee in my bloodstream). The golf outing was such a success that we ran out of open spots for golfers & golf carts at the course. At the after party, we even ran out of beer, food, utensils and plates!! Thank goodness they were quickly replenished by our awesome volunteers! :)

"Once a Falcon... Always a Falcon"

Even with all of the craziness the month of July brought, I was still able to volunteer a bit for the AAU Junior Olympics, coach basketball and give back to some young athletes, pass my 60 day evaluation at work (phewf) and do a bit of exploring in Detroit! 

"If you want to learn what someone fears losing,

watch what the photograph"

xx

Friends who become Family

It's amazing what people can mean to you, even when they're not "family." One of my little sisters is heading off to college tomorrow and it's so weird. This is the same girl who's basketball games I would attend when she was in 8th grade. (Side note, she was a premier basketball player, but she blew her knee out in an AAU tournament in 8th grade. During rehab, she began to row, and the rest is history... still in the making!) 

It seems like just yesterday I was losing my voice rooting for her 8th grade basketball team. Now, I'm trying to give her advice, courage and confidence as she heads to Charlottesville to experience the best four years of her life. Through tough work and perseverance, Janey has garnered a scholarship to college and will be on the Crew team. Knowing that Janey will be a part of a team is SO reassuring to me because I don't know what I would have done without my teammates during college. Teammates are your family at college.

This past week, Jane and I went out to dinner at Detroit's Green Dots Stable (which was delicious). Afterwards, we bought lotto tickets as it was on my 101 list to do in 1001 days. After I lost a whopping $4 on my lotto tickets, we went back to Janey's house. I did not leave Janey's house until 10:30 -  Janey left at 10:00. Seriously, it's amazing how friends turn into family, and how their families turn into friends, family, mentors, role models, etc. 

I come from a small family, but I've always gravitated towards friends with larger families, or at least families who have the same type of "doors always open" mantra. I guess I've always gravitated towards teams that have a lot of participants too! Every Sunday my mom cooks Sunday Night Dinner for our family and for my brother's God-Father, who has turned into our Uncle Bell. Every Sunday I extend the invite to friends, coaches from St. Clare, Bell's former students, etc. I want nothing more in life than to be happy, and I do this by surrounding myself with families and friends who are good people, great role models and full of love. 

The support Janey's family has given me is remarkable, but I just hope I can give their daughter (I mean my sister) a percentage of that same support in return. 

Here's to you, Jane, the world is your oyster. 

xx

P.S. Janey isn't my only "sister"... :)

Real World

I start work tomorrow. WOW. They say on average it takes someone 6 months to find a job after college, and I'm starting my  job a week after I graduated! This is where the hashtags come in... #blessed #thankful #hardworkpaysoff

Be confident and take action when a job opportunity comes around. Don't be afraid to negotiate and counteroffer. This being my first job that I've taken, I was unsure if I should negotiate pay. However, after talking to mentors, family, researching negotiation (Thank you, Levo League) and researching the position, I realized it could not hurt. In the end, I received an increase in my pay. 

Once I told my family and friends about the result and me getting a job, they were more excited about me for "asking for more." In the end, I would have been remiss to not make a counteroffer. 

My advisor in college said that she's never seen me nervous. Well, I guess I am a good actress, because I was sweating making the phone call! 

This college grad is off to work tomorrow! 

Thanks for all the well wishes everyone! 

xx

The End is Near

It's bizarre to think that a Conway has been at Aquinas for the past six years, because it seems like only yesterday that I was sticking my tongue out to my brother as he was heading off to a campus far, far away. Little did I know, two years later, that I'd be following in his footsteps, to attend the same far, far away college. 

A pre-graduation photo taken of me in my dress & cap! 

 Senior awards are tomorrow night. Graduation is Saturday. It's all coming to an end. It's the end of an era. 

A lacrosse teammate's mother made this sign
for Liza and I on Senior Day for basketball.
#AQFamily

As I look back on my four years here at Aquinas, I can hesitantly say that I've left my mark. I'm going to miss watching my friend Michael steal second base, standing up, at baseball games, but not nearly as much as I'll miss getting to talk to his parents. I'm going to miss my coach and the Fab 4. I'm going to miss Yesterdog, Schnitz's, my Starbuck's in East Grand Rapids and the friendly bank tellers at Bank of America. Aquinas is a special place. It's going to be weird going a week without seeing Sr. Aquinas, Sr. Ann or Sr. Rosemary. Everyone always complains about Campus Safety ticketing their car, but after four years, I've only ever received one ticket, and I have parked where I'm not supposed to park on too many occasions... so thanks for looking out for the Fusion, Campus Safety. I'm going to miss Wege brunches, the beautiful flowers that bloom every spring on campus, the college stories that never cease to amaze, Homecoming, Regina Hall, the library that's always too hot, the Moosters, the baseball boys, my lacrosse babes, my best friends and my schoolmates. 

Aquinas College Homecoming -  Go Saints!

Aquinas, thank you for an unbelievable four years. Without the education I received here, I would not be able to write a "cold-call" networking email, or get up in front of two hundred people and confidently deliver a speech. We don't give Aquinas the praise it deserves. So, leaving my mark here at Aquinas is one thing, but I can without hesitation say that Aquinas has left it's mark on me, and my entire family.

xx The Graduate

Moving Back Home

In about two weeks, I'll be moving back into my parent's house. My parents are totally fine with this and are encouraging it, but I on the other hand am very apprehensive about it and want to continue my freedom and independence. I mean, hello, I am a college graduate moving back into my childhood room with it's North Carolina blue painted walls, twin sized bed, shelves lined with trophies and every photo I've ever printed out on my ribbon boards. (Thankfully when I was home this past weekend, I prepared my room for the big transition by putting every trophy, medal, photo frame, scrapbook, and old memories into a box.)

I don't know why, but I always feel obliged to show people
a photo of the beautiful high school I attended.

The room congestion aside, the hardest part will not be having my parent's in my personal space, but running into parents, old coaches, friends and old teammates. Other than hanging out with a select few people when I have gone home in the past, I tend to keep a low profile. If I go out, there's a slight chance I'll become "bitter" and extremely negative about seeing everyone I thought I left. This time around, I can't act like this. I can't think about going back to Aquinas, because I am graduating and Aquinas is soon to be in my past.

Sophomore Year Volleyball Pink Out with my friend Jon!

 I can't describe my college friends in a blog post. I could talk for hours about how great a guy Jon is, or how hilarious Liza is, or how caring (once you get to know her) Taelor truly is, or about how serious Abby can be, or about how Rachael is always there for me, or how Mikey brightens up my day, or how forgiving Prince Harry is. In the end, my Aquinas family has been there with me through a tough first semester, six seasons of basketball and lacrosse, an interesting junior year and a fabulous senior year! I grew to who I currently am in front of and with my Aquinas friends. I cherish each and every memory I've made here. I know going back home and leaving my college friends will be hard, but four years ago, I left my high school friends, and wasn't that hard? I'm not sure if I actually was sad to leave all of my high school friends, but I am excited to catch up with them, maintain friendships with my AQ Saints and continue to make new friends each and every place I go. 

Moving back home won't be that bad. I don't have any ex-boyfriends (PHEWF!) that I'll run into... but there will be old coaches, and teachers, and high school classmates who's names I've forgotten, and... and... and...  Oh well, at least my rent is free!  

A group of my high school gang after a friend's graduation party! 

xx