August 24, 1996: My 22nd Birthday

I celebrated my 22nd birthday by moving into my new apartment in Kalamazoo.    I spent 3 1/2 hours unpacking.    Mom and I had dinner at Applebee's and then did some shopping.  My roommate, Robyn, bought me a birthday cake and card which I thought was so nice.     

I ordered a new bed, which wouldn't be delivered for a couple of days.   Nina got her own room and Robyn and I shared the 2nd room.   

August 22, 1996: Amish Acres

We left for Amish Acres, which is in Napanee, Indiana.  We went on a tour of an old Amish farm and were taught some interesting facts about the Amish. The men grow long bears when they get married.    Amish are not allowed to use any modern things such as electricity or cars.    They can use washing machines, but they must be in propane.   

We went on a buggy ride .  The driver, an older guy, had me sit next to him and direct the horse. I don't know understand why these old men hit on me.   

Watched a production of "Joseph & the Amazing Technical Dreamcoat" which was quite good.    

Then, we had a delicious dinner prepared by the Amish.   

August 21, 1996: Dover Hills Apartments

Stopped at Dover Hills apartments in Kalamazoo in order to sign my lease papers.    We went to see the apartment, which was gorgeous.      The address was:  4626 Dover Hills Apt. 202.

I picked up my books for the semester.  Then, we drove to Shipshewana to the famous flea market.    It was huge.   We ate at the Auction restaurant on the premises.  Then, we went around the stores in town.    We saw several Amish people driving in their black carriages.    Each of their homes was white with beautiful gardens.  

We stayed at the Holiday Inn in Goshen, Indiana.    

August 17, 1996: Eric & Matthews dog, Ben

Eric Anderson was working at the Plaza movie theater while going to college at Grand Valley State.    He wanted to get a degree in criminal justice.   Found out that Eric and Matthew's dog, Ben, passed away today.    Ben was a black lab that was so friendly.   I was afraid of most dogs, except for Ben.      I will miss seeing that dog.      

I got my mom hooked on America Online.  

August 10, 1996: Rob Dombkowski's Summer Party

Rob Dombkowski lived in Dowagiac, Michigan on a lake.  He had a summer party each year.     I picked up Tamara Ohs and her daughter, Armani, and we drove to Rob's house for the party.    I went jet skiing with Elizabeth Janssen.  It was so much fun.    Nina and I sat on the deck and dipped our feet in the water.    Lieschen said I had changed in a good way over the summer. It must've been all of that working in the inner city stores.

It was nice to see everyone from Phi Chi Theta.

August 3, 1996: Todd & Wendy's Graduation from CMU

Mom followed me to Mount Pleasant for Wendy and Todd's graduation from Central Michigan University.    The ceremony was at the Rose Center.     It was so hot inside.      After the ceremony, the Gonyos, Todd's family, and us went to Clare, Michigan and had dinner at the Hotel Doherty.    

Then, Mom, Joy, and I drove to West Branch to go shopping at the outlets.  We all got Coach purses.    I directed my mom part way home and then Joy and I split off and went to Merrill Lake campground off of highway 66 for the annual camping trip.