NO ONE KNOWS WHAT CHEESE CURDS ARE HERE

There's a lot I didn't know before moving to Florida. For instance, did you know that despite being called the Sunshine State, it rains pretty much every day for about half the year? Didn't know that? Funny, neither did I before moving down here. And we're not talking about a little sprinkle in the afternoon. We're talking about trees down, aggressive lightning, and flooding on the roads so bad sometimes that you might as well just commit to life as a hermit because you don't want to be caught in the massive puddles.

Okay, so that last part was a little melodramatic. But in all seriousness, I thought I moved to Florida, not Seattle.

Moving to a new place both excited and scared me. It was something that I had wanted to do a for a long time, but I knew that it would make the transition into adulthood even more challenging. The move meant a new start--a fresh start--but it also meant starting from the beginning.

It meant making new friends, learning how to navigate a new city, and figuring out who I was when I was completely alone. With no one to fall back on, I was forced to start learning how to live on my own. That part was a little scary.

But what I never expected was how much I would miss home.

Now, over the last four years, I've had two homes: Minneapolis and Madison. It only took being away from both to realize how much love I have for them.

No one knows what cheese curds are here. I didn't even eat cheese curds that often in Wisconsin, but I never realized that they were a concept people in other parts of the country didn't understand. The other night I found myself struggling to explain a concept that I've understood since I was a little kid. It's just a curd of cheese??

The Humidity is killer. Honestly, if you've never been to Florida in August, you don't even really know what humidity is. Imagine walking into a sauna every time you set foot outside. There's no relief. Your only choice is to stay inside in the A/C. Even the ocean and pools usually don't cool you down that much because they get so hot. At least up north, even on a hot day, when the sun goes down, so does the temperature. Here, you can walk outside at 2 AM and it's almost as humid and sticky feeling as it was at 2 PM.

People drive like maniacs here. Slow down there, Vin Diesel. We're just trying to get to work, not film Fast and Furious 9.  And don't even get me started on how the older people drive here. I cannot even imagine what it is going to be like "in season" (when all the "snowbirds" come down).

I've become 77% sand. It's everywhere. My car is covered. My flip-flops have to stay outside. You can't escape it.

There's no Caribou here. And it's a serious problem -- not for my bank account. But sometimes a girl just wants a good cup of joe.

My 7-year-old sister keeps asking why I can't come home, and it's breaking my heart. When my little sister first asked why I moved to Florida, I told her it was because I got a job here. Her response? "There are jobs in Minnesota too. You could work at Target, Dairy Queen...." If only she understood why her big sister couldn't be satisfied serving Blizzards and Dilly Bars. The other day she said, "Don't you want to be with me?" That girl really knows how to tug on the heart strings.

I'm going to miss the Minnesota State Fair. And that means I can't eat my weight in Sweet Martha's cookies and Fresh French Fries, and that's a huge problem. The Great Minnesota Get Together is one of my favorite times of the year.

I miss the city. I really took for granted how much there was to do in Madison and Minneapolis. Bored in Fort Myers? Well, I guess I'll go to the beach again? Not that I'm complaining about going to the beach. I will gladly soak up some sun while everyone up North is huddle around the fire in their parkas.

 Lauren, Becky, Taylor, and Shelby ( at 17) in line for the concert of our lives outside Fine Line Cafe

But more than anything, I miss my friends and family. Yes, I have made friends here, and I'm so lucky to have them. But sometimes you just want to sing Anna Sun in your car and know that your friends are there to harmonize and reminisce about that time that you discovered one of your favorite bands. I miss watching movies with my parents, and freaking out over Big Brother with my little brother. And my mom's cooking. Boy, do I miss my mom's cooking. And Grandma's baking.

All right, before I get too sentimental, I better remind everyone why I'm here. As much as I miss Minnesota (and Wisconsin), I know that I'm where I'm supposed to be. After all, this blog was founded with the goal of inspiring other people to pursue their passions. So, here I am showing you that it's possible.

Four years ago, I wrote a post right before college wondering if I could really make it happen. Could I actually make a career out of writing?

This is for 18-year-old Taylor.

THAT TIME WE MET JAMES LAFFERTY

In high school my friend Grace introduced me to the show One Tree Hill. It seemed okay at first, but once I sat down and really got into it, I was hooked. It has been one of my favorite shows ever since. The Scott brothers are my favorite, and many of my friends share the same sentiments. My roommate, Alex, started the series earlier in the summer, and a bunch of us have been re-watching the series with her when ever she has it on.

Lucas Scott and Nathan Scott are played by Chad Michael Murray and James Lafferty...aka our long-time crushes. The premise is that they are half-brothers who are enemies when the series begins, but....well, I won't spoil for you. It's on Netflix, and I highly recommend it.

Chad Michael Murray (left), James Lafferty (right)

I mean, look at these two.

So, flashback to parents weekend of my freshman year when I see this:

Sconsin'

A photo posted by James Lafferty (@thisisjameslafferty) on Sep 21, 2013 at 1:53pm PDT

That's right, folks. James Lafferty went to a badgers game. A BADGERS GAME THAT I WAS ALSO ATTENDING.

Smell no evil.

A photo posted by James Lafferty (@thisisjameslafferty) on Sep 21, 2013 at 4:46pm PDT

Here's James casually sitting outside of State Street Brats, a few measly blocks from my freshman dorm.  Photos of girls snapping pictures with him began surfacing, and my friends and I burned with envy. James Lafferty was at our school, and we had no idea how to find him.

Now, flash forward to my senior year, when James posts this video:

I'm not a superstitious man, but it's hard not to interpret this marching band playing 'Tequila' as I'm checking into my hotel as a good omen for the weekend ahead. #GoBadgers

A video posted by James Lafferty (@thisisjameslafferty) on Sep 15, 2016 at 4:35pm PDT

My friends and I were now determined to find him. All we wanted was one photo with our favorite Scott brother.

Madison, you're pretty.

A photo posted by James Lafferty (@thisisjameslafferty) on Sep 17, 2016 at 4:50pm PDT

After seeing this, my roommate Kenzie and I got ready and decided to scope out the terrace--you know, just in case he might still be there. When we got there we did a quick lap, and we were immediately disappointed, but we still had hope. We waited for our friends, Amanda and Kat, and when they arrived we set out on the adventure of finding James Lafferty.

Amanda admitted she had been trying to find him for years, and now that we are old enough to get into bars, it finally seemed possible. We left the terrace and decided that even if we didn't find him, it would still be a fun scavenger hunt.

We thought this would be what we were doing all night. And then, it happened. He was at the SECOND bar we checked. We only had to check two bars, and there he was sitting watching a video off of some other guy's phone in State Street Brats. Who knew James would be so into Brats.

Since he wasn't surrounded by a giant posse or a line of girls, Amanda was skeptical at first and had to get a second look. But once we determined it was really him, we knew that we had to be those annoying fans or we would regret it forever. So sure enough, we went over to be those annoying fans, and we got the photo that all of us dreamed about--even though all of us wish it it was a more flattering picture of all of us.

And that's the story of the time we met James Lafferty. We stayed for a little bit and laughed a little at all the girls hanging around him once they realized he was here, too. And after we continued our night, knowing we had just peaked. How does it get much better than this, we thought. It was a night than none of us will forget (especially now that we have actual proof it happened).

SUMMER GOALS 2016

Summer has begun. This is my last summer as a college student! While I'll still be busy working two jobs, this is my last summer break. So, I have plenty of ideas about what I want to do to make this the best summer yet.

1. The Summer of Healthy. 
My biggest goal for this summer to is to be healthy. In college, it can be difficult to stay healthy. You're busy, you're going out with friends, and your number one priority is often doing well in school. That means that sometimes you put your health on the back burner. I don't want that this summer. I want to focus on putting healthy foods in my body. I want to exercise more. And I want more sleep!

I'm calling this summer "the summer of healthy." My #1 goal this summer is to be healthy in every sense of the word. After the first 7 mile run that I've ran in a long time (maybe ever), I'm feeling pretty confident about reaching my goals in this beautiful city ☀️🌿 #clichepicnicpointpic

A photo posted by Taylor Shiff (@tay_shiff) on May 18, 2016 at 1:54pm PDT

2. Learn new skills. 
I've had a book about learning Java Script on my bookshelf for two years. TWO YEARS. This summer I am going to learn Java Script already.

3. See more good live music outdoors. 
For the past few years I have gone to Basilica Block Party with my best friends back home. It is two nights of live music on three stages in Minneapolis hosted by Cities97, and it is one of my favorite events each summer. This year the lineup for the night I want to go includes, Death Cab for Cutie, American Authors, X Ambassadors, Matt Hires and more. I need to get to this concert.

4. Spend as much time as possible on the Terrace. 
The Memorial Union Terrace at UW-Madison is my favorite part of campus. Although, there is still a little construction going on there, everyone is thrilled that it is back open for the summer. And it is looking better than ever. I can't wait to have some more great summer nights hanging out in our terrace chairs.

5. Get outside. 
Living in between three lakes makes getting outside easy. Being near those lakes never gets old. There are so many beautiful spots in Madison and I want to spend more time exploring new places around here.

I wish every moment could be like this one ☀️🌎

A photo posted by Taylor Shiff (@tay_shiff) on May 6, 2016 at 4:56pm PDT

6. Make time for friends. 
This is the last summer that all of the amazing friends I have made these last four years will be together. Some of my friends are studying abroad in the fall and some of us are graduating in December. It's hard to believe that this is the last time we will all truly be together before people start moving away and getting full time jobs.

Last summer in Madison was great, but I know that this one will be even better. I have a feeling it's about to be a summer I'll never forget.

What are your summer goals?

12 REASONS TO BE EXCITED TO BE BACK IN MADISON

While spending some time back home can be fun, there are so many reasons that you are itching to back on campus. You might not be ready to make the climb up Bascom or drop a few hundred dollars on textbooks, but those just happen to come along with the many benefits of being back in town.

1.This is where a lot of your friends are now

It’s fun to see friends from home, but there is nothing like getting back and catching up with your college friends after a long summer apart.

2. The Terrace

With the Terrace closing on September 1^st for construction, the first thing you probably wanted to do was get back and soak up as much sun as you could on those orange, yellow, and green chairs. It’s too bad that these last couple weeks of summer feel more like early October than late August. Wisconsin summers are short enough, couldn’t we have a little more sunshine?

3. You get to deck out your new place

It’s time to decide which posters make the cut. And who could forget about the Christmas lights?

4. Babcock Ice Cream

I scream, you scream, we all scream for Babcock.

5.  State Street

Find someone to let you into the Hub. Just kidding—no, but really. Also while you are there, stop in the brand new and vibrant Colectivo. There are so many things to do and places to eat on State Street. Sure we have a Wendy’s and an Urban Outfitters, but you have to enjoy some of the shops and restaurants that are unique to State Street, too!

6. Badger Football games

Who wouldn’t be pumped to back in the sea of red? Badgers have some of the best school spirit around, and we cannot wait to be back cheering on our team!

7. Greenbush Donuts

It’s only $1 for heavenly goodness.

8. Ian’s Pizza

Late night pizza? Count me in.

9. Free movies

Miss the free movies on the Terrace throughout the summer? Well, there are still plenty of free screenings of pretty recent movies at the Marquee in Union South frequently. Don’t forget to check out what is playing through WUD Films!

10. Picnic Point

Reserve a spot at Picnic Point, and enjoy the beautiful nature by Lake Mendota before it gets too cold!

11. Lake Mendota

Speaking of the wonderful Lake Mendota, there are so many great water activities to do through Hoofers. Whether you want to learn to sail or just admire the water, having this great lake right on campus is definitely one of ours school’s many allures.

12. Napping on Bascom Hill

No one actually likes to climb Bascom, but when it’s just warm enough to soak up the sun, it is a great place to be. There are plenty of people napping, reading, studying, or just hanging out on one of the most recognizable spots on campus.

Welcome back, Badgers!

A LOVE LETTER TO SUMMER

Dear Summer,

I have never been in love. I have been in lust (as you can see here, here, and here). But with you it's different. I promise this isn't something I say to every other season.

The time I spend with you is extra special, because I know it cannot last forever. But the truth is I am happiest when you are around. You invite endless adventure and time to do everything I put off during the rest of the year. My smile is a little bit brighter when I'm with you. And I get a little sad when I think about what it will be like without you, but I am appreciative of the time I have with you now. 

I could spend hours gazing at the lakes on the warm summer nights. Mornings by the lake are serene. Afternoons by the lake are lively. And nights by the lake are a part of some of my favorite memories. 

I know our relationship isn't always healthy, but sometimes you just want a little danger in your life for the thrill of it. You know? I'm tempted to forget the SPF 30, because of the beautiful glow I know I could have. But I know it's not good for me.

It makes me giddy just thinking about all the fun times we still have ahead of us. The late night talks that last until we are convinced we have uncovered the meaning of life at 3am. The random ice cream runs, because it is too hot to eat anything else. And the spontaneous adventures that turn into stories we will tell for years.

I'm usually not one to broadcast my relationships, but I want the world to know about our love affair. I am madly and hopelessly in love with you, Summer.

 

WHAT IT'S LIKE TO BE A MINNESOTAN AT A WISCONSIN SCHOOL

Choosing Madison over the University of Minnesota was a no-brainer for many of us. But our experience here is a little different than people who are from Wisconsin.

When you are a Minnesotan at a Wisconsin school:

You automatically have a connection any time you meet someone else from Minnesota.

You constantly have the "Pop Vs. Soda" debate.

You don't understand why people call drinking fountains "bubblers."

You get asked to say things like "boat" and "bag", as they remind you that you are from "Minnesooooota."

You don't know where to hide your old Minnesota gear, because you wouldn't make it a block in a maroon and gold shirt.

You get asked why you chose to come to Wisconsin rather than stay at the U of M-Twin Cities.
http://i.giphy.com/CMiW9zykTsYJq.gif

Reciprocity is the best thing that ever happened. 

People might assume you can't handle your liquor.

You either have to conform to being a Packer fan or listen to constant smack talk about the Vikings.

At first all of the places in Wisconsin sound the same to you.

You will always be a Minnesotan at heart, but you will never get tired of saying On Wisconsin!

25 THINGS ONLY UW-MADISON STUDENTS UNDERSTAND

UW-Madison offers 136 different majors and 94 certificates. We have student organizations for everyone--from people who strive to become business professionals to those who just want to try new types of cheeses all the time. There are so many different types of people with different interests, but when it all comes down to it, we all share a common identity: we are the Badgers.

And there are a few things that only UW-Madison students understand:

1. Getting your acceptance letter was one of the best days of your life.

2. Trying to get season tickets for football might be more stressful than finals week.

3. And trying to get season tickets for basketball is almost impossible.

4. "Jump Around" is not just a song. It's the Badger anthem, and it is one of your favorite parts of going to football games.

5. And the football experience is not complete until you have sung along to "Build Me Up Buttercup" or "Sweet Caroline"--even if it's only you and a few other people singing it on your way out of the stadium.

6. Your first time experiencing the terrace was magical.

7. And you have at least thought about what it would be like to steal a terrace chair.

8. While walking up Bascom you might have remembered how during your campus tour they told you walking up this hill only burns one Cheeto. And you know you should at least burn off two Cheetos for that trek.

9. Lakeshore Path during the day is one of the best places on campus to get some exercise.

 

10. But Lakeshore Path at night is to be avoided at all costs.

11. "Work hard, play hard" takes on a new meaning in Wisconsin.

12. Your school pride was at an all time high when we beat Kentucky in the Final Four.

13. Getting Ian's pizza is the best decision you make when you are out on the weekend.

14. But once you get there, the line feels like it will never end.

15. People still make assumptions about you based on where you lived freshman year.

16. The yellow triangle and red square are the scariest symbols when you are trying to register for classes.

17. But you are incredibly thankful that the system moved online after Alumni tell you that they literally had to run around a building trying get into their classes.

18. Babcock ice creammakes the freshman 15 almost inevitable, especially with the housing discount.

19. You were yelled at as a freshman for walking around at night in "freshman packs."

20. Food and a long nap are necessities after Badger games.

21. You have purposely not taken at least one class because it was too early or too far from your other classes--or in Science Hall, because there are way too many stairs to get into that building.

22. Sometimes FAC needs to be written into your schedule. #TGIF

23. And forget the Keystone or Natty Light, you need a Wisconsin brewed Spotted Cow.

24. You have spent more than one late night stressed over something you procrastinated on at College Library.

25. Graduation is one of the most bittersweet days of your life. But no matter what, you know you will always bleed red.

All of us have a different experience from the time that we come to SOAR to the day we accept our diplomas. The Wisconsin experience is different for everyone, but the community that we have here is unlike anywhere I have ever been. The sense of school spirit and Badger pride is contagious. It is one of the best parts about going to Wisconsin, and I could not be prouder to call myself a Badger. On Wisconsin!

*Originally appeared on Her Campus.