I need more time...

Valued Blog Readers,

I hope that those of you who used to be perspective students who are now STUDENTS at ASU are finding their first few weeks in Boone enjoyable.

As is the custom in my life, time has become an incredibly valuable commodity. I am taking 16 credit hours and I got a job the week before classes started. So between class, waiting on my tables at work, homework and sleep, there is little time for anything else. But don't pity me, Readers, I am not truly happy unless I am running in a million different directions like a chicken with its head cut off.

Currently I am applying to two different schools on campus (curse double majoring), as well as working on my application for a summer internship. I am also hanging out with all my new international friends (I recommend you befriend one!). I also need to start practicing my Spanish because I have to apply to study abroad soon...... so many applications, so little time.

If all goes to plan, this blog will take a hiatus from "perspective student talk" and transform into "Landon's Life Fits in a suitcase," recounting my soon to be travels.

I leave you with a link to a radio station that adds sound to my evening, Ibiza Sonica.... but be a snooty "Spanish-know-it-all" and use a southern Spain accent and say "Ibi-THA" to impress your friends.

http://www.ibizasonica.com/

Les cuidan!

Another One Bites the Dust...

Valued Blog followers,

I do apologize for my absents from posting, but I was in summer school, which almost killed me I might add. I hope you have all been busy too, for idle hands are the devil's tools (or some pious nonsense like that).

I have much to share with you!

This blog is supposed to be geared towards prospective students, although I'll admit I digress from that point of view in many of my post. But in my Sophomore English class I took this summer, we created a wikispace just for you future mountaineers! Of course, yours truly wrote about coffee, but I invite you to take a peak at my group members pages as well.

http://eng-2001.wikispaces.com/Group+Two

If you are arriving soon for your first fall semester, please be advised that campus is still undergoing massive construction (like always). Stay away from all the streets near the library, for many of them are either torn up or are undergoing repairs (it's just a big mess).

Another piece of advice that Admissions hates me talking about. If you are coming into Boone on hwy 421, STOP SPEEDING after you pass under the 'Blue Ridge Parkway' stone bridge (about 10 miles outside of town). Boone police have NOTHING better to do than to pull you over for speeding. And you will more than likely have to drive down Rivers Street (main road that divides campus in two). 25 MEANS 25, as many of us have had to learn the hard way....

Also, be cautious of where you park. But the campus parking office is full of WONDERFUL people so it isn't too difficult to get those pesky parking citations expunged (speaking of which, I need to go take care of one of my own parking citations).

Oh, incoming Freshman... what a journey you are about to embark on. Keep me informed!!!!

LMH

Summer 2010

Greetings Blog Readers!

So summer has been raging towards Fall 2010 for about a month now. I wish I had glamorous tales of world travel and crazy nights on the town reconnecting with old friends, but I'm slowly transforming into an adult, which means I've been working nonstop and handling responsiblilites like moving into my first apartment (From Starbucks to BeansTalk house warming party in August? I think yes!).

I am about to have my summer fun before second session summer school starts, I'm hopping onto a plane tomorrow and heading to Boston for the rest of the week with my life manager/shrink/financial adviser/Jewish girlfriend, Michelle! We are going to explore the city that we both may move to after graduating from App.

While I don't have too many pieces of advise or encouragement for you at the moment, I will leave you with some musical education.

Because they are trying so hard to blow up on the American music scene, and you will look really cool already knowing their songs if you go to see Lady Gaga this fall!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucwjGzEdLxw

Because it's a mixture of the old and the new. AND despite the fact that we live in the United States, Electronic is alive and well everywhere else!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxr5Rg-Sotg

Because there was a time in Hip Hop before Lil Wayne, and how glorious it was!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJMT__13-NM

Because you need to be well rounded in multiple time periods of music!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKgcKYTStMc

Because even if I live in a small mountain town for the next three years, I will always maintain the spirit of a grungy NYC partier.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=190tsuZOiPY


LMH

Friends for Life

So, I can't go into any kind of detail, but this evening I have learned one important thing: college friends are life friends. The things you will end up doing to help your friends at 1 AM only solidifies your bond. 

I can't express how excited I am for you to begin your college journey. You are going to meet some of the greatest (and worst) people you have ever met. You are going to experience the highest of highs and still the lowest of lows, but I promise you, it's all going to be worth it. You are going to grow as a person into something beautiful you didn't even know you were capable of. You are going to surprise yourself and others daily (please keep in mind that this will not always be a positive thing).

Take full advantage of this experience you will soon be embarking on, and share some of your stories with me if we happen to run into each other on campus, I always love a good chat! 

With all my love and respect, 

LMH!

OOOOPPPPSSSS!

Yikes, guys!

It has been quite a while since I have posted. Life has been crazy. For those of you that saw my last post, the App State Against Hate shoot went amazingly! I've included a link to the album on facebook that has what I'm calling the "good rejects." (We held on to the best ones to be edited for the gallery exhibit that will hopefully happen next semester!)

http://www.facebook.com/photo_search.php?oid=321135816321&view=all

So, I'm very busy with work so don't expect a post too soon. 

I will however close on a comical note. I've been told that I have to keep my blogging "appropriate" (such a dirty word XP ) because "prospective students, their parents, and university personal read it," well I'm going to test that statement. Person in charge of campus decoration: PLEASE TAKE DOWN THE 20 ft CHRISTMAS TREE THAT IS STILL UP IN FRONT OF THE CONVOCATION CENTER! That is why we've had such a brutal winter, don't you mountain people know its bad luck to leave up Christmas decorations after the first 3 days of the new year, SHAME! 

Hope everyone is having a lovely week. Keep trucking onward if you're not, the weekend will be here before you know it!

Namaste! 

LMH 

App State Against Hate

Readers! 

It is time I call on you to help me out in my crusade for social justice and universal equality. My Good friends Michelle, Matt, Freddy and I have teamed up to bring marriage equality to Boone, NC. 

Maybe you've herd of NO H8, well this is similar, BUT DIFFERENT (we ran into so potential copy right issues....). "App State Against Hate" is what we are calling it. We are inviting all university faculty, staff and students to come out and pose in black t-shits, yellow duck tape with our "App State Against Hate" logo painted on your check. 

So far, the response has been explosive. I created an event to test for interest and with in 24 hours we had over 300 members. Below I've included the link to the Facebook Group and to the Event. Check them both out! If you are interested, RSVP, tell everyone you know, and BE THERE!!!!! 

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=321135816321&ref=ts

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=308763752128&index=1

LMH

La Musia y Nieve

How goes it friends? 

Hope everyone is have a wonderful Monday. I had my first class of the day canceled so I caught up on sleep. 

Today I'm going to touch on a few things close to my heart (both figuratively and literally): Music and Snow. 

If you end up coming to App, you are going to be inundated with an avalanche of both (haha...."avalanche" because I'm talking about snow... get it....oh never mind). Obviously, Boone is in the mountains so IT'S COLD!! Once you become a student here, please don't make a scene and complain about how cold it is and blah blah blah... YES! IT IS COLD! If you had gone to the University of Miami, you wouldn't be wining all day about how hot it is.

 And then there is the Music! You're iTunes library is going to take up more memory space than school work after just a few short weeks in the dorms. I have been exposed to so many new genres and bands and it has been one of the greatest perks of college so far. For you seniors who are still working hard (you got the acceptance letter, chill!) Look up Pretty Lights, it's great study music. 

Everyone stay bundled up. These past few weeks have made me question Al Gores claims about Global Warming. 

Abrazos!

LMH

A Thousand Apologies

So guys, I haven't updated in over a month, I'm busy OK! 

Quick recap (because no one has time to read War and Peace)...

I went home, and posted that lovely blog about how Boone gets an 'F' in holiday political correctness. I worked a ton the entire break, but don't fret, boys and girls, Mr. Landon had some fun as well. Took a trip down to Atlanta to see Lady Gaga (hate if you want, but according to Rolling Stone she is arguably the artist of the last decade).

Refocus back onto Boone. We got back and it was a bit on the FREAKING cold side. But, global warming showed Appalachian a little mercy this week and it has been rather enjoyable outside.

Getting off to a good start with classes this semester has also proven to be a bit of a challenge. Prospective Freshman, you are going to have it SOO much easier next year. My class got to start off App's new GenEd (General Education) plan, and let me just say, it is about as clear as mud... My class had NO upperclassmen to help us understand the multitude of charts and graphs and oddball terminology. It's confusing... But take comfort in the fact that we, the class soon to be above you, can help you guide your way through the baffling GenEd. 

This semester has just begun, but it will fly by like all the others.

AGAIN, if any of you future Boone **this was actually a funny joke until I had it censored**, I mean "Perspective Students" have questions or concerns, leave a comment or send an email. Believe me, I have PLENTY of time to answer back. 

les deseo suerte y salud! 

I've got to be honest...

Follower (we just picked up a new one: hey Fred!), 

I have made it through my first semester of college! It was quite a journey, but that's not really what I want to post about. 

I hate to be 'that guy' (not really), but I would be remised if I didn't say something about how  Appalachian goes about Christmas. Now keep in mind, I'm from Charlotte which is like Manhattan compared to Boone, but I was completely baffled at the amount of 'Christmas' in Boone. 

Christmas trees, red ribbons, poinsettias and 'MERRY CHRISTMAS' as far as the eye could see. Now I realize that it is "Christmas time" but I guess I'm just not used to such flagrant 'Christmas-ness.' Charlotte is obviously more culturally diverse than Boone, so I grew up with more festively neutral silver's and whites instead of green's and red's. And perhaps it's just my commie liberal political correctness, but for public institutions to plaster "Merry Christmas" every where almost hits me like an obscenity. 

And I'm sure there are many of you, like my father, getting irritated with what I've just wrote and think "We are a christian nation... blah blah blah GOD, blah blah blah tradition, blah blah blah." I'm not asking anyone to re-write their traditions or beliefs, just be polite and considerate to others (write that in an etiquette book, thank you!)  

But, do what you've got to do, Boone. After all, I'm just a simple city boy... :)

Blog Followers, IT IS COLD!

Hey guys!

I haven't posted in forever, I am sorry. Life has been crazy busy. It is the week before exams and I'm genuinely concerned the my floor is going to break into riot next week as our stress levels continues to rise. 

Procrastination is not your friend.... well, let me rephrase. In life, you are going to meet people that you adopt as "on the surface friends." That means that these people are a good time at parties or in clubs or when other "on the surface" fun activities, but when it comes down to talking to the cops or downplaying the significance of the trouble to your parents, they are a huge nuisance. That's kind of like procrastination (I have another metaphor for it... but it's not really appropriate for this forum :D ) it is a lot of fun when you do it, but then... well, you know. 

So, I implore you (in vain I realize) to nip your procrastination habits in the butt BEFORE you come to college... because you are SOO going to opt out of studying for your final once people come around looking for volunteers to help out vandalizing your neighbors doorway for their birthday! 

Winter Break is right around the corner.... hope any prospective students are getting excited about getting notified in January of whether or not they were accepted to App! 

Boone Time

Valued Readers,

So, if you are considering a four year tenure at Appalachian State University you should know one little thing about the speed of which things happen in the town.

BOONE TIME is SOOOOOOOO slow! 

Whether it's the people who live here, the business that operate in town, or at times, even the University itself, the time in which I am accustomed to things being done. 

Perhaps it's not the worst thing, having to slow done. But I am an American, and we love instant gratification!

Just a Thought

Valued readers. It has been quiet a while since I've posted anything, but the blog was taking longer than expected to be posted on the admission's website and I didn't want to bore people with months old post once the link finally did appear. 

It has been quiet a crazy few weeks.

I contracted a strand of influenza right before exams, great right? I had to reschedule two midterms, and possibly broke some federal laws on the permissible amount of pharmaceuticals allowed in one dorm room (the Student Infirmary hooked me up). 

I spent most of Fall Break recovering back home in Charlotte, but I still managed to have a bit of fun in my city! 

I meet comedian Kathy Griffin at a book signing, and then saw her perform stand up (you have to party hardy when you return to an urban environment, Boone lacks anything comparable to the Epicenter back in Charlotte). 

But, I'm back to reality in Boonetown, and academics seem to have retaken everyone's focus, (I have some hall mates that really dropped the ball on midterms) so it is papers, required reading, and studying from here out... well, at least until we stop caring again next week. 

If anyone has a topic they would like me to discuss, hit me up on the blog. I would much rather answer your questions than do my math homework! 

La Jugo de La Vida

Valued readers (there are now 7 of you)!

 Since the likely hood of me getting an offer to do a column for The New York Times seems to be looming ever closer thanks to the explosive growth of my modest little blog, I feel it is my duty as your guide to Appalachian State University to tell you about the greatest place on earth before I am whisked off to NYC.

 Sorry Walt, but it’s not Disney World. 

 In my humble opinion (which isn’t really that humble), BeansTalk on King Street is without question my favorite place in the entire world.  For those of you that don’t know, BeansTalk is a coffee shop right across from campus. It is a two-story building, but is still only about the size of my future apartment in NYC, small.

 Let me give you a little context as to why I proclaim BeansTalk to be the possible site of the second coming.

 If Congress were to pass a law tomorrow criminalizing the consumption of coffee beans, I would be the first to start a Coffee Cartel, smuggling that sweet elixir of life into our country for consumption by sleep deprived college students everywhere! Make no mistake valued readers, I would happily do hard time, as long as it meant I was able to wake up to a hot cup of Joe.

 So do yourself a favor and visit BeansTalk the next time you pass through Boone. Ask for an Iced Mocha Chai (it’s a combination of a Café Mocha and a Café Chai). It taste like Christmas and frankly, its life changing.  

 After you’ve grabbed you drink, go up the stairs to the warm and relaxing sitting area and look for me. I’m the tall skinny guy sitting in front of his Mac, not doing his math homework (God, this continues to be a really negative trend in my life…). 

"Where is my umbrella??"

Loyal blog followers (all two of you!) I feel it is my duty as a blogger to inform you that it has been raining here in Boone for almost 10 days now. 

While I wont try and refute the value of a good days worth of rain, 10 days straight of gloomy skies and endless rain puddles begins to hamper the soul, and lets be honest.... the hair.

After these almost two weeks of endless showers, I have concluded that London and Seattle are officially marked off my "Cities to Live In" list. 

But this monotony of eternal rainfall does seem to come with a few perks. Umbrella's are a must! And while your first impulse as a dude might be "anti-umbrella," I would implore you to rethink. Nothing helps one's "game" more than offering others shelter from the elements. And that goes for everyone! Guys, girls, EVERYONE! An investment in an umbrella is not only an investment in the dryness of oneself, but its also an investment in "friendship" *cough cough* (God, I'm going to get in trouble from admissions for talking about improving one's "game" via umbrella's). 

Hope its dry where ever you are, valued readers! 

-LMH

P.S. I wrote this while I was supposed to be doing math homework before class. LEARN FROM MY MISTAKES!!!! 

Peace and Quiet…right…

I’m doing something right now that rarely happens. I’m doing work in the lounge on my floor. This is such a rarity because this room is typically over flowing with my hall mates and there is only so much loud talking and projectile food I can handle before I lose it.

 However, at this moment, things are a bit different. I live in Green Living Community (no, I’m not a hippie. We will talk about that at a later date) and we have to take a freshman seminar class titled “Contemporary Green Living.” That class is held every Monday and Wednesday at 3:30, and it is now 4:25 on Wednesday, so put two and two together: I skipped.

 While Appalachian State University nor myself condone class skipping, I will say that when you are tired from writing a COMM paper the night before and don’t feel like talking about a VERY poorly written summer reading book (*cough cough* Three Cups of Tea) you just skip and chill out in the empty, QUIET lounge and write your blog!

 So basically, I am hurting my academic carrier so that I can write for the 3 people that are reading this (thanks Mom and Grandma).

 Forget about quiet and alone time in college. It’s going to be term papers and blaring blue grass from the room next to yours from here on out. Well, if you get in that is...

 So get off the computer and go study! But check back soon! 

Salutations and all that Jazz!

Its Sunday morning, and I’m sitting on the Sanford Mall, soaking in the mountain sun, and contemplating on the best way to start this blog I am writing for the Admissions Department.

Even with the informal nature of blogs, a trend I plan to carry through with my own blog, I still think that a formal introduction may be in order. My name is Landon Matthew Hill (my Mother is the only person that ever uses my middle name). I’m from Charlotte, NC and at this moment (and it has been subject to MANY changes) I am a Public Relations major. I love to write, ingest copious amounts of coffee and spend time with my close friends. I’m incredibly sardonic and cynical, so if you are looking for a “prim and proper” synopsis of what a possible future at Appalachian State University might be like, you might be better off checking out another blog. However, if you want the skinny on what college life is really like from a freshman perspective, then I am your man! 

I’ve been on campus for about three weeks now. Originally, I was going to be an intern writer for The Appalachian, the universities student newspaper, so I was luckily able to move in four days before the rest of my classmates (move in day is chaos).  And while I have an immense respect for the friends I made during my three-day tenure at The Appalachian, I felt that in the end, our “creative differences” were too much for my freelance nature to handle, so we parted ways amicably and now all my time and energy will be devoted to the prolificacy of this blog (right…)

The weekend before classes started was a bit awkward. For the most part, my fellow freshman explored their new surroundings, mapping out where their Monday morning classes would be, and trying to find someone that could direct them to that nights hot spot.  But really the only “bad” thing about “Welcome Weekend” was running into people you were Facebook friends with, and debating whether or not it would be a good idea to speak to them, or just lower your head and continue walking (needless to say, most people chose the latter).

Classes started off at eight AM for me, and I felt an overwhelming feeling of déjà vu, as I ran from class to class with my map of the campus in one hand, and schedule in the other, (the horrors of re-living that first day of freshman year of high school).

But all kidding aside, I’m kind of in love with this university and the town around it. I’m a “city-boy,” so the adjustments from a “Booming Metropolis” like Charlotte to a sleepy little mountain town like Boone was a bit of a culture shock. But, with each passing day, the annoyance of stores not being open on Sunday or past nine PM, or the fact that the closest mall is actually a cluster of stores I could walk through in 7 minutes flat, are actually beginning to add to the, dare I say it, charm of the community.

I want to make this an interactive blog. Even if your parents are making you read this, take time to comment on a post, or send me a question. Because really, how will you ever learn the best places to dodge the police… I mean, the best places to study UNLESS YOU ASK?