Once

Once.

One of my favorite movies of all time is an independent film called Once. Those of you who have seen it will hopefully understand this, those of you who haven’t, I’ll try to explain.

Once is about those moments, where peoples’ lives happen to collide, even for the smallest of moments, and then move on in their separate directions. Even though they’re aren’t together, this moment or interaction alters the lives of each person. Once

Once…I moved 6 states away to South Carolina. Once, I lived alone. Once I struggle. But once there were people who became part of my life even the most important part. Some I won’t ever see again, some I will.

Once, my life was changed.

Over the past 6 Months, my life has traveled not only through several places but every emotion possible. I’ve been tossed and turned in what we called Grad school, which is actually a cleverly disguised mental prison. I came to South Carolina, knowing 1 girl, and thank goodness. I went to a school, I met some people, I went to church, met some people. Then I began meeting people who knew people. My web was bigger and better. Then faces became familiar and trustworthy, and suddenly I had a life, in a place where I had originally felt so alone.

The most amazing part of life is things change, and I believe that people change us.

Unfortunately, now it's changing all over again.

Once, I decided to go to France. I leave this Saturday on a new adventure, and while I once again am scared to death, I know that this is just another important chapter in my life. Once in a lifetime, I’ll have this opportunity, so here goes!

To those in South Carolina whose lives I knew only briefly, and to those I’ll know for the rest of my life, Thanks for everything. To everyone else: I can’t wait for the future and more of those once moments.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkFB8f8bzbY

Been Gone for too long!

I am terribly sorry that I've been a horrible blogger this semester. Business school has been...to say the least...rough. But I'm reinstating blogtime into my week, so look forward to some new posts coming soon.

In other news, In exactly a month from today, I'll be on a flight to France. Scary? YES. Excited too? Yes.

Alright, it's study time now, but more news is coming soon!

Jen

Business School is like Hair

After 3 weeks in an MBA program, I've come to one very important conclusion.

Business school is like Hair.

.

It goes something like this:

First, you search for the best product...that you can afford, that you think will give you the best return. Some products are incredibly expensive, but still not great. Some are better suited for certain people, and NOT for others, some are just downright cheap.

Sometimes we trick ourselves into buying the most expensive product, because we all expect it to be the best....but what we forget is the most important part of hair...It takes work. So unless you're Reese Witherspoon/Patrick Dempsey, who's hair just seems to be naturally perfect, or Steve jobs, who apparently has a golden thumb, You have to put in, to get something out. money and effort.

When things go bad with your hair, or you don't like it, you can cut it, change it. Work harder, or give up...

I've been thinking about this frequently, because Columbia slightly resembles the feeling of being in a desert, except it's pretty, and your sweat constantly because there's more water in the Air than there is in all of Texas.

Bottom line, To get a good finished product, you don't just buy the bottle and Stare at it. That would be utterly useless, and you might want to consider seeing a mental health professional. You have to put in a little work. If you want bigger hair (someone asked me the other day, why I don't have big hair like All other Texans, to which I promptly stared them down before not responding) you have to spray some root-lifter on there, and yes, the rootlifter, will guide and shape your hair, but you still have to blow dry it.

Hard work Pays off in the end, whether you buy Walmart's 2-dolla' special, or The newest designer hair spray. Work Work Work, Awesome results!

DISCLAIMER:THE PRIOR STATEMENT MIGHT HAVE BEEN CONCEIVED ONLY AS THE WRITER'S PERSONAL MOTIVATION STRATEGY FOR THE NEXT 6 MONTHS, AND THEREFORE, SHOULD ONLY BE TAKEN AT FACE VALUE. CASH PAYMENTS WELCOME FOR FUTURE RESEARCH.

I guess he missed the hair memo...

In Other News:

This is Jenny Dodd Reporting the Week of July 23 about the Great Carolina 5th-week Market Crash of Jenny Dodd...

So This hasn't exactly been the best week of my Carolina experience. I began the week a little emotionally, my parents have been in Europe for the past couple weeks, and I haven' been able to talk much, which, can be a well, a little lonely. But Monday I hung with the college group, which makes it all better.

Tuesday, Which I'll refer to a Black Tuesday was a little dramatic. I have been experiencing a little left arm pain, numbness and weakness for a couple days now, but on Tuesday, (being overly tired, and a little emotional) I called my Dr. Back home. He sent me to the ER, upon which, I had my first little meltdown...I went to the ER, luckily I have some great friends, which I now call my Carolina Family, came to support me! It turned out to just be a

Just as in the Stock market crash, there came another day just as back the next day. Well, Wednesday was a little tragic too. I took a nap because I was so tired from being up so late in the ER, and realized that I had knocked coffee onto my external hard drive, which pretty much has my ENTIRE life stored on it. Music, documents, and pictures :( and it has crashed, so I'm currently paying so sketchy man exorbitant amounts of money to extract my precious information from the remaining part in hopes that I won't lose that much of my life!

Thursday wasn't bad. Class in the morning as always, and an afternoon of running around Columbia for errand (bought some anti-humidity mousse and it's a miracle worker...only 5 bucks at Target! worth it)Afterwards, I went to a mediterranean restaurant called Tabouli with some new friends for a girl's night!! It was desparately needed, and definitely a blast! we chatted for several hours at the table! But the best part about the conversation was that we weren't talking about Debits and Credits...little things go a long ways these days!

Friday, the best day, has been GREAT!!! Started the morning meeting with ExxonMobil Executives, and hopefully building up some rapport for out upcoming internship interviews!! This afternoon, I've been cleaning house and in just 2 hours, I'll be on my way to CHARLESTON with some friends for the weekend. Ahhhh YAY for the beach!

Highlights of the Past two weeks:

My First Sushi!!

Michael Buble Up Close and Personal

Yes I am having a Throwback to Highschool, Cause I have a locker...

Columbia Art? Idk this is downtown?

The best night of my life, at the Michael Buble Concert!

As Always, I love and miss each and every one of you at home. I'll post some Beach pics when I get home!

Love always, You're South Carolinian GameCock

Jenny Dodd

PS. The best news for the week... I got an AMAZING haircut at the Paul Mitchel salon for only $10. I guess that's where my Hair Tangent comes from. Sorry about that, my apologies to all my male readers:)

Monkey Brain

I am reading the book "Eat, Pray, Love" right now, and according to that book, I think that past 3 weeks, I've been experiencing what's called Monkey Brain.

Monkey Brain is where you brain is constantly moving so fast, swinging from one branch of thought to another, that slowing down is almost impossible. So Blogging, calling home, and staying quiet have been a challenge. It's when I remember that I'm in a new place without my loved ones and friends.

Anyways, Here's a recap, I'm gonna feed my monkey brain a banana so It'll stay still long enough to fill you in.

But First, some Highlights to spark your interest in reading my blog.

Yes I wore a Team Edward Shirt to go see Twilight

The Gamecocks Won the College World Series, and this is the Celebration party I went to--20,000 people there!

I'm Officially a GAMECOCK, and My new school colors are Garnet and White, get it right

The first week I arrived, I spent the time with my parents, getting my apartment ready.

Mom and Dad left that Saturday after we had arrived on Tuesday, and to say the least, I was a little devastated, but I sorta of just jumped in feet first, not knowing exactly where I would land.

Luckily, I landed on my feet. which is amazing, because I just of easily landed right on my head. But God brought someone into my life that well, was just a blessing. There's a girl who goes to ACU named Ashley Close, who's father is a preacher at a Church of Christ in Lexington, which is about 35 minutes from my house.

Ashley was a freshman this past year, but I met her a couple times through rushing and because her dad had my Dad as a teacher in College. Anyways,

Saturday night, she asked me to hang out. She to me to the best pizza place ever called the Mello Mushroom in an area of Columbia called the Vista. Then we just walked around the capital building area, as she gave me a mini-tour, and as we talked about our ACU connections, and just a lot of other things we had in common.

Yes they still have a Confederate Flag hanging in front of the Capital

State Capital Building, It's absolutely beautiful!

It's amazing the difference just one person can have in your life. I went to the church in Lexington the next day, Father's day, and Ashley had to go to work, but her family kindly invited me to lunch, where I met her younger sister and older brother. Monday I layed around quite a bit, but then that night, went to a college group Bible study, where we had a GREAT lesson, and I met a lot of really great people. I can't really remember much about tuesday except laying around watching a lot of grey's anatomy, and feeling a little sorry for myself...It was to be expected a little, but by Wednesday, some of the college kids invited me to the lake for the day.

There is a very wealth family at Lexington church that offers up their house, food (every starving college kids dream) and possessions for the use of the church and college kids. They have a BEAUTIFUL 12,000 sq ft. house on Lake Murray

Kellis House Backyard

After Wednesday, I began to get things ready for Orientation which began the next Monday, and hung out with my new friends, including lunches, movies and more. Sunday, I accidentally slept through my alarm...I know, I know. Not off to a great start, but I woke up and headed straight out to Lexington to witness the baptism of one of my new friends, who is now very dear to me.

LP being Baptized by Keke

After the baptism, we had a great day swimming and at the lake, followed by going to watch some friends play in an indoor Soccer league.

From here on out my world has been a little Crazier. I started Orientation the next day, with a HUGE set of Serves, but also a lot of excitement...so much that I only slept for about an hour the night before.

My First Day of Grad School Suit (terrible pic, but AWESOME Suit)!

Orientation week was a mad whirlwind, where I learned everything from the GameCock Alma Matter song, to my Birkman Profile, which say, I am a Green...But I think I already knew that...

4th of July Weekend!

For the 4th of July this year (my first one back in the country in 3 years) I went to visit My cousin Holly, and her husband Ken and their two children Chipper and Bridget. We had an absolute blast! We watched good movies like "Percy Jackson" and "Arsenic and old Lace." We went to a picnic, watched Beautiful fireworks from the local golfcourse in Peachtree city, went to the lake for some SERIOUS skiing! and just spent time together. Seeing and reacuainting myself with this part of my family, really was a GREAT blessing!

This is my patriotic tatoo, which consequently left an Eagle-shaped sunburn outline on my arm, I guess that's what i get for leaving the country during everyon other 4th of July.

Monday night, I returned from Atlanta in time to go to another baptism of one of my new friends named Ryan!

Ryan and I at the movies with the rest of the group before he was baptized!

Tuesday

Tuesday I started the IMBA program at the Moore school of business, and I love everything about it. School is already very challenging, but I know this it will yield wonderful returns for all the hard work.

Just so ya know...

Calling home is hard, because I know that when I talk, I sound sad. And well, i hate to be "that" girl. But hearing the voices of people I love, makes me remember why I am so blessed. More than that though, it serves as a reminder that I am here for a purpose. Not quite sure what it is yet, but the purpose will come. Prayers are welcomed for that!

Right now, I feel like I went to sleep as a child three weeks ago, and I have suddenly woken up as a responsible woman. It weird. I have a routine, every night I set the coffee make, lay out vitamins, breakfast, and my clothes for the next day. I pack a lunch and wipe down my counters and floors before going to sleep. Routine makes like make a little more sense, plus it's good thinking time.

This is how I compensate for Loneliness, and when I have a little "too" much structure in my life

I love you all, and miss you more than words can describe! I'll update soon!

Jenny

Where the streets have no name

Today was first first day flying solo, my parents left early this morning, and I actually woke up with a fever. Not exactly the way I wanted to start out my first day in my new city.

Anyways, today has just been a relaxer, from such a stressful week. I visited with friends from home, and finished putting together my apartment! A worthwhile Saturday if you ask me, but in my alone-time today, I realized that for the first time in my life, I'm in a place where--to quote the almighty Bono--"the streets have no names." What I mean by that is my WHOLE life has existed in a little bit of a shadow. I've always been Carley and Ada's daughter, or my brothers' sister. As I've gotten older, I've definitely made my fair share of friends and contacts, that are solely my own, and I've never really minded living in a little shadow, but for the first time, It's just me. To the people of South Carolina, I'm just Jenny Dodd, and I am truly excited to show them what that means! The best part is that when I show them Jenny Dodd, they will see little bits of my life in Texas, parts of my family and friends that I've grown from, and those parts will shine through me.

My Streets of South Carolina have no name yet, but they will, very soon.

Best Email Ever

This is an email that I just received from my little sister from Big Brothers/Big Sisters. We were paired for 4 years while I was in college, and she recently moved back to Russia with her Family to do mission work.

She's 9, and read the part about ministering...Adorable! And a good reminder of how I want to live my life!

Hey! Can I call you sis or what would you want to be called?Did I say I got an iPod or an iPod touch?Anyway, I meant I got an iPod touch.Somebody else got it for me as a goodbye gift. This summer I will be going to my grandparents for month.I get to see all my cousins.I only have 2.One girl and a boy.I am older then them.Anyway, do you have any tips for how to make my little pesky sister to stop bugging me?We have not found a school for us to go to.If my mom does not find a school for us, she said she'll home school us.Russia is.... well.... I don't know how to describe it.About 1% of Christians are here.I know it's sad but,I'm probably going to start teaching them about God and the bible. Mom has a best friend here and she has a boy named John.We're best friends too.Same age,born on the same year to.Only his birthday is on July 5th and mine is on September 1st which is the first day of Russian school here in Russia.I'm out of time! have to go! Try to answer all these questions!TTY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Home Sweet Columbia?

These past couple weeks have been a rollercoaster of emotions, but now, I have my very own apartment, a new home. in Columbia? Itstill feels like a dream, but here's my start to a new life...

We arrived Tuesday afternoon, filled out the paperwork, and walked into 500 Gills creek Parkway apartment #1313 Columbia, SC (feel free to write, or send cookies :), and to say the least, that apartment is nothing extraordinarily special, but I Absolutely LOVE it!

Why I love my apartment?

• Despite the stark white walls, and rather unfortunate furniture, We've fixed it up with color and a little Texas lovin!
• Location (discussed later)
• Maintenance men--the world's best invention for all those do-it-yourself kits that you can't ever seem to do...
• I'm directly between two Piggly Wigglys, If that doesn't scream excitement, I don't know what does
• and mostly, It's my FIRST apartment of my own!

Location

My apartment is located a little further from campus, about 10 minutes, in a subdivision called Shandon. For every concerned parent out there, This choice is dedicated to YOU. This is one of the safest areas in town, with beautiful old Victorian homes, on the next couple streets over. My complex is gated, and behind that is a lot of forested area. It's well lit, has a pool and gym, and has serious security.Right around the corner is Target, Panera, Starbucks, Pier one, and Much Much more! The area is know for the arts, so there are a lot of cool studios I hope to check out soon!

This Week

This week has been a wonderful nightmare! My amazing parents have taken on a mission to get me really settled into my new house. They've driven me all around the city, buying desk, vacuum cleaners, and every other household item, that you NEVER think about until you don't have it. We've finished up almost everything, and the last item on the list is a desk chair, then I'm done.

Big Girl

Alright, I will admit, going to ACU I was spoiled. I'm have a week before I begin orientation, so in between now and then, I'll be buying books, finishing homework, and most importantly, tomorrow I buy my first Big Girl suit! On our first day of orientation, we have to wear a suit and smooze with a bunch of Big Wigs from several international corporations! I'm nervous, but can't wait.

Columbia Culture Shock

There have been three major culture shocks so far moving to SC, and I'm sure MORE to come.

First, Humidity is a KILLER, walking from target to my car, I felt as if I was swimming rather than walking. West Texas heat is not exactly my favorite thing, but I think I might actually prefer it. Good skin though, right?

Second, Traffic. 5:00 traffic in Abilene Texas looks like a morning joke compared to a state capitol city. During rush hour, I don't go out. For now anyways.

Finally, being the minority. Don't take this as racism, but rather this is part of my journey from small-town girl, to Big City Woman. My whole 22 years of life have been spent in private Christian Schools, in West Texas. Not exactly the cultural center of America. Today, I now live in a city, and towards a part of town, where I am definitely the minority. We talk and talk in school about minority issues, and I honestly thought it was a non-issue because I have NEVER been a minority. I finally understand. I'm going to post more about this soon, because it's been a weird experience.

My parents leave early Saturday morning, and I honestly don't know how I will do it! Feel free to schedule your vacation to Columbia, starting Saturday afternoon. I'll cook, clean, and take you to the beach :) What more could you need, right?

After I put everything away tomorrow, I'll post all my pics!! I miss everyone back home a lot, it's gonna be weird starting over in a new place. Prayers always appreciated

Love YOU ALL!

GameCock Jenny Dodd

Last Week in Texas

My Last week here in Texas has been amazing, I've done all the things I would possibly had dreamed of doing!

I started out the week with a visit to my Granbury family, hanging with Tommy and Menielle.We shopped, swam, and ate GREAT food, with Great Company! What more could you want?! It was perfect!

I came home and finished my packing, but my but my decision-making skills were definitely put to the test. I was supposed to get a camera for graduation in December, but true to form, I couldn't decide which one to get. I had finally narrowed it down...and thought my mind was made up, until I arrived at the store...nikon, canon, newer older, bigger lens, more mp.....so many choices! I paced the store for over an hour, before finally making my decision. Drum roll please

The CANON EOS rebel T1i, and I LOVE it!

Good Decision.

This weekend, we had the Dodd Family Annual retreat weekend! Where we made the world's longest slip'n'slide--or so we like to think--and we swam, ate WAY too much good food, played a lot of games,and just got to be our nerdy wonderful selves. AWESOME PICTURES TO COME, I'm having trouble uploading.

Well, I have been thinking a lot in this last week, that I am absolutely CRAZY for leaving Texas, but today I was reminded exactly why. This morning we had Dodd family church, with all my brothers, spouses, and kids. It was great, and at the end of church, they gave me a blessing and charge for my upcoming year. Everyone went around and said things that they admired and appreciated, all nice, but the one common theme was that they saw ways God had been preparing me to go out into the world of my great 22 years of life, and how much they not only looked up to me, the BABY of the family, but that I inspired their lives. So if for nothing else, I want to take these next couple years to be an example for my family, nephews and nieces, and to make my way in the world outside of my small bubble, AKA Abilene.

Tomorrow marks the beginning of a long journey, both physically and mentally, I Can't Wait! Your prayers are definitely welcomed, as are your phone calls over the next two days, cause I have 20 hours of road time! Can't wait to be in Carolina!

Work or Family. Always Fam

Important decision. choose people.

I have quite a bit to do before I leave for South Carolina, but, today I drove to Sweetwater to babysit my amazing kids all day Friday. I'll be done by Friday night, and I could go home, but I'm choosing to forego work....for some quality family time!! Saturday, we're family the world's largest (or we hope) slip and slide, downhill on their land! and Saturday night, is Riley's Dance recital. besides, how can you pass up this face:

I've got a lot to do before a week from Monday when we leave, but I plan on spending quality time with ALL my family. It's important now, and it will be even more important when I enter the working world and start a family! I've got a good week of friends and family ahead!

Decision MADE

Well, about a year and a half ago, I heard about a school called the University of South Carolina, and their program called the IMBA, where you get an MBA, but also travel the world, and learn a foreign language (right up my alley). So throughout the following year, I did everything in my power to get there, and almost exactly one year later after learning of the program, I was accepted!

Now I'm officially a Gamecock! This week, I made my first Big Girl Decision and picked my very own, first apartment! It's safe, gated, and most importantly...HAS a POOL! This morning, my parents and I spent about 4 hours deliberating on where I should live, in the end, It came down to just making a decision...because they were all good, so we prayed, and this is where we landed!

Decision made, and now I have two weeks to get ready before it's off to Carolina, and Beyond!!