Mr. Wildcat

I had just gotten out of my first 3 hour night class when I got a text from my friend Kim asking if I wanted to go to Mr. Wildcat and that she would pay. So basically it was a date with Kim, of course I was in! I said to her before we even went in "I want to hear some awesome secular music and see some boys dance". When you go to a Christian school you awkwardly crave the itunes top 10 like never before. Seeing boys dance is always fun too. I look back and think about North Studs and Mr. SCN and what joys those events (which included boys dancing) brought to the student body. I swear its not weird its just funny. I went in having pretty low expectations honestly. I LOVED Mr. SCN in high school and was not sure how the IWU version of the event would compare. I have to say they did a great job. It was ridiculously funny. The emcee's for the night did a awesome job. Most of the talents provided a great laugh and boys danced. The theme was superhero's and Purity Man made the crowd laugh with his "to virginity and beyond" slogan.

 Oh crap.....i just looked out my window as I was typing this....its snowing.....this is sad.

This is why I dont like monkeys....

When my parents and I went to Kenya in 2008 I had my first experience with monkeys. At the tent camp where we stated in the bush there were tons of monkeys. They were everywhere... watching our every move from the trees from in front of us and behind us. It creeped me out. One of our friends told us how at hotels you have to keep your windows shut because monkeys come in and take things especially keys because they are shiny. I also heard a story of a monkey taking bananas out of a girls hands. Everyone thinks monkeys are just cute and cuddly....when really its just a cover for their shenanigans. Here's a link to a BBC article about a monkey in Cape town that had to be put down after attacking too many people.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12869928

Thoughtfulness

It was about that time again...actually way past that time...to get my eye brows waxed. My woderful cousin Afton does them for free! This time I not only got a free eye brow wax but I got a free home cooked dinner from my Aunt Beth. She even made a huge fruit salad for me becasue she knows how much I love fruit. And thats not all! She sent me back to school with fruit salad and some of the cheesey chicken we had for dinner.

 I enjoyed sitting on a couch, in a home, with family, we laughed a ton. It was a great little afternoon/evening get away from campus. I am soooo thankful for family close by who care so much about me and who love to laugh! I also love driving by all the roads with my last name in them (W.E. Oler road, Clyde Oler road). It just makes me feel important.

You Said

You said ask and you'll receive
Whatever you need
You said pray and I'll hear from heaven
And I'll heal your land

You said Your glory will fill the earth
Like water the seas
You said lift up your eyes
The harvest is here
The kingdon is near
You said
Ask and I'll give the nations to you
O Lord that's the cry of my heart
Distant shores and the islands
Will see your light
As it rises on us
-Hillsong

I absolutely LOVE this song. It is so literally the cry of my heart. I really don't know how to express into words how much I love all the parts of this song so just read it again...over and over.

I am listening to Hillsong as I'm working on homework and I just keep getting beautifully distracted (I don't think being distracted to praise God could ever be real distraction). I just start singing along with the songs and worshiping all alone in my little room. Its honestly pretty great. This is the other song that just keeps getting to me:

Our God He lives foreverHe reigns in power and loveLet earth bow down before HimFor He is exalted
We look to Yahweh Yahweh
Forever Yahweh Yahweh
Our hope is God Almighty
His love is greater than all
Lift high the God of heaven
Give all the honor
We look to Yahweh Yahweh
Our hope is Yahweh Yahweh
He shall reign forever, He shall reign forever
He shall reign forever and ever
He shall reign forever, He shall reign forever
He shall reign forever and ever, our God

A Day for New Things

My day today may seem like any other day to some kids at IWU but today was a day of many firsts for me.

 #1 Today I got my first meal from Mario's which is IWU's pizza place but I didn't even get pizza. I got a buffalo chicken flat bread which was awesome.
#2 I used a bathroom in the student center that I had never used before.
#3 I got pop from wildcat. So far this year I had only ever gotten lemonade, water, or tea from wildcat.
Over all... it was pretty crazy.

Future College Freshmen

Last week I got a message from my discipleship group leader asking me and the other girls that graduated last year if we would write some words of advice, things that surprised me, and challenges I dealt with to the girls in the group who would be soon graduating high school. I feel like it was ME who was just doing that the other day! However, I only have 5 weeks left of my freshmen year of college. So there are a few things that I've learned and would like to share with the girls graduating. Here's what I wrote!

Surprises- This year I have been surprised by the extreme growth I’ve gone through. I came to college thinking I had everything pretty well pulled together but God taught me differently. I think I’ve grown a lot in all areas of my life.

I was also surprised by how much I missed d-group honestly. We built really strong bonds and I missed the girls who truly knew me. When I would express this feeling to wise women who advise me they just kept telling me that it would take time just like those deep relationships in high school (they were right).

Struggles- I came into college in a pretty serious, unexpected, long distance dating relationship. I did not plan on being in a relationship when I went into college. I knew that I needed to be focused on making friends and building community at school and I really tried my hardest. However it was very difficult. I found myself crying most Sundays first semester because I was either leaving the home and the boyfriend to go back to school or he was leaving me at school. As much as I tried to tell myself that I was focused on where I was when I was there….I wasn’t.  I am glad I knew the importance that girlfriends would play in my college life because I had tons of people to support me when the relationship ended up not working out. It’s so key to throw yourself into the positive girl friendships because your gonna need them!

I also suffered from syllabus shock. After I got all the syllabi from my classes I went through them to put dates on a big calendar and I got overwhelmed. I now know to remind myself “it’s not ALL due on the same day, and my professors will teach me and prepare me so I will be able to do the assignment when the time comes.” At the beginning of first semester I also got some low grades on papers and tests and I freaked out. I had never gotten grades like that in High School. I called my mom one night telling her how I needed to move home and go to ECC, and that I couldn’t do college (I’m still hereJ).

Another struggle I had was the fact that no one knew my potential. I had tons of people in high school who knew my skills and talents. When I got to college it was really hard because people didn’t know who I was or what I was capable of. No one knew how good I was at planning, organizing, getting things done, or even how funny I was. Thankfully upperclassmen girls in my dorm and my Resident Director figured it out J. They started to pour into my life and it has been an amazing blessing in many different ways.

Spiritual Life- The biggest thing this year for me has been my quiet time. In high school I was terrible at this and was never consistent. This year I wake up in plenty of time for my classes (I get up at 7 and my classes don’t start till 8:55 or 9:25) and after my roommate has left already. I spend time reading the bible and in prayer. It has been an amazing way to start my day and I’ve grown a lot from that time. I also found a “home church” here at school that I attend with Bekah O’Brien from FBCG/D-group. It has been a really special time to see someone from home and worship with people of all ages (chapel is not church).  In chapel I remind myself that if I didn’t like the song I’m sure it meant a lot to someone else. I also try and take notes when special speakers talk or when the message is something close to my heart. That helps me pay attention and helps chapel 3x a week not get boring.

Advice: LOVE LANGUAGES. Find out what your love language is. There are tests online if you don’t already know. My #1 love language is physical touch. I don’t have a sign that says “Physical touch- give me a hug” so I have to be upfront about it. My Mom knew that was my love language and would give me hugs etc. However, people at school won’t pick up on those things so you have to be upfront about it. My #2 love language is words of affirmation. I tell my friends…”I need a hug, or I’m really proud of this accomplishment affirm me!” It seems lame and selfish but it’s important to let your friends know how they can best love you and find out what their love languages are so you know how to best love your friends back! Jesus’ greatest commandment is to love Him and love others, so help others know how to love you and how you can love them!

Exercise. I started running the summer before college and it has been a wonderful “escape” for me. When you exercise your body releases endorphins. “Endorphins make you happy and happy people don’t kill their husbands (roommates, friends etc)” Legally Blond. When I’ve needed to clear my mind or just get away from the dorm or campus I run. I also found friends early on to run with. It doesn’t have to be running but you should find some form of regular exercise at least 3x a week to stay sane.

Food. Eating in college is hard, especially for girls. We tend to bond with friends over ice cream and chocolate. I suggest you try and bond over working out or the Bible.  It’s also hard to learn how to eat at school. I’m sure it’s different at all campus’s but there is probably going to be ice cream and tons of other foods that are not very good for you.  Just be aware of the “freshmen 15” and think about what you eat and make good choices it will pay off in your mood. I always hear it’s not about the number (weight) but more about if you still fit in your jeans.

Did I make the right college choice? There will most likely be a time when you worry about if you made the right college decision or not. You will reevaluate and feel like you don’t belong at the school you picked. From what I am told, this is normal for every freshman to do. Relax. It will pass. God placed you at that school for a reason and for a time such a as this. J

I also was blessed to have a person in my life who was a year older than me and had just recently gone through the same emotions a few months before me. She was a great asset for advice in all areas. If you all have any questions, concerns or anything at all now or in the future and you wanna talk I’m here for you!

Love, Paige

March Madness

March is full of Madness for many different reasons. The weather can be terrible one day and wonderful the next. Spring breaks are all over the place. Its the middle of the semester, so theres lots to be done. You feel so ready for summer you think you will go mad...

But most importantly ;) the NCAA Tournament. My dear sweet competitive family (family moto: what do we get for winning?) holds a tournament challenge each year on ESPN.com. I've been filling out a bracket as long as I can remember. This year we have another lady joining the challenge! Ayla Oler will be competing in her first NCAA tournament challenge as an Oler! Rumor has it that it is also her second time even filling out a bracket. Welcome to the crazy game Ayla! :)

Note: This is an example of a bracket...not mine.

I find it interesting to see how my decision making has changed through out the years. I remember one year I was sick and my Dad kindly read my the names (maybe I was so young I couldn't read) of the teams and told me to pick one (Thanks Dad!). I think that year I picked by what team had my favorite mascot. I would assume I had a lot of upsets that year. I remember a few years where I picked by favorite team colors. I've picked by coolest names. That year I had Gonzaga winning I think, and Wake Forest going a long way. I've also picked by coolest location. UCLA and UNC did great that year on my bracket. As I got older and started looking at colleges I picked by colleges I was interested in, I put University of Kentucky (my 2nd choice school) to win it all. This year I thought about all the people I know and where they go to school. Do I have a friend there? If so, yes they win. haha silly. I have Florida winning it all because they have a high number (2) and a girl I know from High School runs Cross Country for Florida. We will see how it turns out!

Im going to end this post with a question. Its not hypothetical...I want a response...so please respond so I dont feel silly.

Do you fill out a bracket? If so, how do you pick your teams?

Well YES...I did change my background!

I had a complaint from one of my faithful readers that with my last background they could not read the first line of each post. So to honor this reader (you know who you are) for their faithfulness I decided I would change it. Changing the background is not a super easy thing either. At least not for me. I have to make sure it fits my blog...once I pick one I have to go change all my font colors of everything. So please take time...notice...enjoy. This one is springy and I like it.

Austin James

I was extremely excited when the news came that Austin and his parents would be coming to STC for spring break. I had no idea how much I would fall in love with that little baby. I miss him! I love being an aunt. :)

Bath time in the sink!

Im wearing blue in all these pictures...weird.

In Honor of Grandma Oler

My Grandma Oler was the greatest cook ever. There is even a facebook group dedicated to her wonderful cooking. When I get home from school I love having access to my kitchen (however, my mom will tell you that I slack on the dishes). I love to cook because I love to make people happy...so the things I cook are not always the healthiest but they usually taste pretty good. This break I made this strawberry pizza with a few kiwi's. It was the first time I had tried to make it and it turned out pretty good. This was a special treat my Grandma Oler would make. I found the recipe in the Oler Family Cook book.

This is blueberry coffee cake. This is my second attempt, first totally solo attempt at creating this master piece that Grandma perfected. I have such fond memories of waking up at her farm and sitting around the kitchen table with Grandma eating blueberry coffee cake. It is also a favorite of Grant and Alex.

This is bacon...haha I didn't make it, the pig did but my mom cooked it, I watched and ate. I love bacon, so I figured it should go in my blog as well. :)

Keurig

I love that now, even when I come home, I have access to a Keurig. After I got mine for college my parents realized what a sweet little machine it is and decided to get one for home. However, when I'm home I switch it up and use hazelnut creamer instead of french vanilla. End of story. :)

Mrs. Handley

Today we recieved a letter informing both my mom and myself that Mrs. Handley one of the secretarys at St. Charles North had been nominated for the Kane County Support Staff Educator of the Year Award. Mrs. Handley was very involved in my life and I was excited to have to opportunity to write down how much she meant to me. Here's the letter I wrote:

To Whom It May Concern:                                                                     March 8, 2011

I would not have had the amazing high school experience that I had if it were not for Mrs. Handley. I got involved early on at SCN with student council. This commitment meant a lot of time would be spent in the student activities office. This is where I bonded with Mrs. Handley and through the next four years of high school she would always be there for me. I would often stop in the office on my way to P.E. just to say hello. I’d tell Mrs. Handley what we were doing that day in P.E. and invite her to come watch. She watched me Kayak, Dance, and run the pacer.

During my sophomore year she nominated me as an “unsung hero”. This was such a huge honor and to receive it from a person who was not the typical class room teacher was extra special. I say that she wasn’t a typical class room teacher because she was a teacher in her own sense. She taught me a lot of different life lessons that would be more practical than a lot of the lessons I learned in the classroom. She taught me how stability and dependability is a wonderful strength. She was always there when I needed her. I knew I could always count on Mrs. Handley for anything. She taught me practical things like how to use the copier, and how to use the poster making machine (things other kids didn’t get to learn). She also helped me realize how far a simple smile or hug can go.

She became my “mom away from mom”.  I was student body president my senior year and vice president my junior year. These positions were stressful and Mrs. Handley really understood everything that student council did. She was always a person I know I could go to if I needed to vent. She was also a person I could go to if I needed to break down and cry. I remember one day in particular after a close family friend had passed away. I was sitting in U.S. History and felt the tears welling up. I asked to go to the bathroom and walked straight to Mrs. Handley. She instantly read my face and knew that I was upset and took me into a quiet place with a closed door so I could let go and “get it all out”. I cried for a few minutes and Mrs. Handley held my hand and I knew she understood my pain. She took time away from her day to comfort me and to make sure I was ok emotionally. We talked for a while and she happily wrote me a pass back to class.

Mrs. Handley is a person that I will go back to SCN to visit in the years to come. She has been amazing at rejoicing with my success and comforting me during my failures. I always knew I could count on her for wise council and advice in any area whether it was school, boys, student council, or my college decision. I am pretty sure that she ran the school but never let anyone know because she is such a humble servant. I am extremely grateful for all the passes she wrote me, all the advice and support she gave me, and all the hugs and smiles she provided.

She would be a most deserving recipient of this award!

Most sincerely,

Paige Oler

Perfect Puppy

About a week ago I was on the phone with my mom and I was expressing to her how much I missed puppies (we foster dogs) and how I knew it wouldn't be practical for spring break unless just for a little while. I got home Friday night and sure enough there was an email from our puppy coordinator asking if there was anyone who could watch a foster puppy for about 24 hours. Of course we could! So my mom emailed her back and it was going to work! The puppy, Ozzie, came on Saturday afternoon and left on Sunday afternoon. He is a sweet little 9 week old Shepard mix with a fun loving personality. Now don't get confused with the title of this blog. He was the perfect puppy for this time but not the most perfect puppy we've ever had. That spot is reserved for Wally :)

Pictures of Ozzie!

Feed the Fish While Your Here!

You see those fish off to the right of the screen? Yea, if you didn't know..... you can feed them. Click away and little pellets of food drop, careful its addicting. Try to over feed them...I dare you.

Vitamin C+ Sleep + Grey's = Spring Break

I woke up yesterday feeling like I had a cold sneaking in on my body. This is not an option. I found out yesterday that my brother Alex, sister in law Ayla and my nephew (the one and only) Austin are coming to visit home during my Spring Break!!!! (Im kinda excited!). So having a cold when the baby is at my house is not an option. I am pumping the Vitamin C, sleeping, and drinking water. I should be good in no time right?

He already helps in the kitchen! What a champ.

I think in this one he is watching football and is either excited or upset and threw his hands in the air.

Austin is super excited for my trip to Africa, so he tends to buy a lot of African animal things which is just really sweet. I appreciate his support.

Anyways, my Spring Break starts on Friday. I want to say that I've never been more excited for a break but I probably feel the same way every time we have a break haha. Whatever. If everything goes as planned its going to be a great time of conversations with friends, hanging out with my family, and getting doctor appointments out of the way (hopefully fixing my ankles so I can run again). Until Friday all I want to do is sleep and watch Grey's Anatomy (which I am hooked on again). I feel like the time will pass a lot faster if I focus on those two things. For those of you who are like "wait shouldn't you be doing school work" the answer is no....I just have one test this week and I will be ready hakunamatata.

This is just a weird picture of the Grey's cast...why are they in a field? I have no clue. haha but I like it.

Last night Emily (my future roommate) was showing one of the new RA's for next year around North Hall. It was so fun to meet Katie and then we ended up running in to more RA's for next year. It was exciting. We are all meeting for breakfast Thursday morning!