NAU Remodel

On September 23rd, 2010, ABOR (the Arizona Board of Regents) got together and came up with a new master plane for NAU’s campus. The article was written and published here on Dark City Times.

I honestly think that it looks great. Although I know that it means that there’s most likely going to be a lot more construction going on during my next four years there, It will definitely be for the best. It sounds like there is going to be a lot more transportation and more beautiful views. The computerized images look great and I think NAU will look even more stunning after all of the work that they put into it.

What do you think? Good idea or no? Do you think that it’s worth the next few years of construction? Do you think it will greatly improve the University?

Weather

Chilling winds, pouring rain, heavy clouds, blowing snow; how is anyone suppose to get used to the seemingly bipolar weather in Flagstaff, Arizona, especially if you’re one from the Phoenix area or any other place that’s hot most of the time?

I know that many incoming freshman are constantly worried about the weather up in Flagstaff. I mean heck, it was snowing last week, and last year all the finals were basically cancelled because of snow in the middle of May! Not to mention the constant wind and the few feet of snow that piles up during the regular winter hours.

Being from California, I know what it’s like to be anxious about that kind of weather. I moved to Payson, Arizona three years ago and not only was it a huge culture shock, but it was also a huge change in weather. I went from the semi-sunny beaches of Southern California to the wind and rain of monsoon seasons and snow of winter seasons up here in the mountains. It was a huge change, and I know that it’s a change that many incoming freshmen and transfers are going to be experiencing this fall and winter as they get used to the beautiful Flagstaff weather.

So, how is it possible for a flatlander (no offense) to get used to such weather? Well, wear layers. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wanted to slap myself in the face when I see a girl (or guy) walking around in shorts in 5 degree weather…especially if the girl decides to wear Uggs as well. I mean, what’s the point? Also, if you’re not keen on such weather, don’t go outdoors too often. It is definitely fun to go outside, build snowmen, have snowball fights, and sit in the snow for hours-on-end (I know from experience), however, not only will more experienced Flagstaff-weather students look at you funny, but you may also catch a cold, miss your classes, and ultimately fail college…well at least that semester.

So, go find that favorite coffee place of yours, wait for the snowy season to come in, and hide out there, sit by a fireplace (if they have one, of course..if not, find an espresso machine), drink your hot coffee, and watch and laugh as others slide about with red noses acting as if they enjoy such weather.

Disclaimer: I do love this type of weather, and am for sure a winter person. Don’t get me wrong. 

The only reason why I decided to post this today was because it’s been windy and rainy all day which has gotten me in a writing mood…:)

Sunset

I didn't take this...but it was so beautiful I felt I had to share it:) link to photographer

Babbitts and Hotel Monte Vista

Monsoon Downtown – Sushi

Rating: A+

Hey guys,

Well here it is, my first official post:)

I went to Flagstaff today instead of yesterday because my brother, who is a future sophomore at NAU, wanted to be able to check to see if anything came in his mail today. It was very windy, but it was nice, and very beautiful. I definitely think I’m going to love it at NAU!

I’d also like to add that my photographer, Kelsey, was unable to go with us this time to Flagstaff. So, the quality of the photos aren’t as great. Expect better quality in the future, especially this coming fall!

So anyways, while in Flagstaff, I visited a couple of places that were fantastic. I went downtown with my brother and we walked around, craving some sushi. We couldn’t find any on his GPS, so we just figured we’d walk around and find something (it was about 3:30 and we still hadn’t had lunch yet). We walked around, took some pictures, turned the corner, and right there was a lovely restaurant called Monsoon Downtown.

Now, because of the time of day, it was very empty, and we thought it may have been closed. We looked at the menu and saw that they did in fact have sushi. We walked inside, no other customers were in there, and we got unbelievably fast service. We seated at the sushi bar and ordered some Edamame, Shrimp Tempura, Avacado Roll, and Unagi (fresh water eel) Roll. All three of them were splendid and the service was great (however, we did come at a time when no one else was there…I suppose it should have been great).

The restaurant had two different rooms. They had a dining room, which was a huge wide open room with many tables and chairs, and the sushi bar room, which was a more slender and smaller room. Outside of the restaurant there is a patio area with more tables and chairs neatly set up for those who prefer to eat in the outdoors.

The atmosphere was great for families, friends, dates, and maybe even going to watch the football game. The sushi was amazing, even off the cheap menu (that my brother and I ordered from).

Here are some pictures to help you visualize 🙂

Update…Again.

I just wanted to say how happy I am that I’ve had so much support already for this blog. 🙂 Not only do I have almost 300 views already, way more than I expected at this point (especially considering I haven’t even officially started..until next Sunday), but I’ve just gotten plenty of support from you guys and it’s awesome.

I wanted to announce my recent “promotion” to the lovely Life as a Lumberjack blog  that I’ve been referring to. So, if you have any questions regarding being an incoming freshman, head over there and I’ll be happy to answer them. If you prefer, you may also email me at northernazcollegelife@gmail.com. I will respond and publish (if you desire) as soon as possible.

One more thing…17 more days until graduation, and I’m finally going to be considered a college student! This is a moment I’ve been looking forward to my entire life…and it’s finally almost here. I cannot even fully express my excitement and unbelief at how fast this has approached!

On that note, remember I will be going to visit Flagstaff next Sunday. If you have anything you’d like me to blog about, send me an email or comment.

Thank you,

Ashley

Quick Update

Hey guys,

I just wanted to do a quick update, letting you guys know that I’m still here and that I do have a lot in store for this blog. 🙂

First, I do have an official photographer now for when we move up to Flagstaff in August. Her name is Kelsey and she does great photography and she’s agreed to help me out. 🙂 If you’d like to see some of her photo’s check them out here.

Second, I am going to be going up to Flagstaff next Sunday, May 15th. I was going to go this Sunday, but seeing as it’s Mother’s Day, that wouldn’t exactly be a great idea. So, while I’m up there, I’ll make sure I get some material to start this blog out with.

Just a reminder, I have Freshman Orientation on June 2nd-3rd for NAU. I’ll be sure to take lots of pictures and notes so that when I get back home I will be able to update you guys on what it was like.

If anyone would like to submit anything, just shoot me an email at northernazcollegelife@gmail.com and I’ll be glad to post it. I’ll take anything from opinions of Flagstff, NAU, reviews, pictures, ect.

Love,

Ashley