40 facts

I wrote this while I was in Hawaii, but never posted it...

it's actually pretty hard to think of 40 random things! Enjoy :)

1. I like only the red skittles
2. I eat only white conversation hearts
3. Buttered popcorn is my favorite jelly belly
4. I love when people call me Ash
5. When I as little, I was teased by being called “ash tray”
6. I didn’t know my dad had a twin until I was in 4th grade
7. I chose my confirmation name because I wanted to be like Elizabeth Wakefield in Sweet Valley Twins
8. I always felt that my personality was more defined when I had distinct likes and dislikes.
9. Red is my favorite color.
10. I’ve been told many times that I look like Piper from the TV show “Charmed’
11. I’ve also been told many times that I look like I’m 12, or in middle school, or in high school.
12. I crashed a go kart and twisted my lateral meniscus in my knee
13. I broke lots of crucibles in high school chemistry
14. My first ever CD was the Spice Girls’ single “Stop”
15. I eat only the red Sprees
16. I am the oldest of 20 grandchildren on my mom’s side
17. I am the oldest of 5 children
18. I’ve been to 16 airports outside of the States
19. My favorite movie as a child was The Neverending Story
20. I have never gone to the same school for more than 3 consecutive years.
21. I got my belly button pierced without my parents knowing…I took it out and they still don’t know
22. I was always the shortest one in my class in elementary school
23. I ran track for one year and hated it with a passion
24. I am pro-adoption
25. I am a bargain shopper
26. I lose everything, including 5 school IDs, 2 drivers licenses, and a credit card
27. Zack was my favorite member of Hanson
28. I don’t have a favorite TV show
29. My three best girl friends are all red heads
30. I am a family person. Big time.
31. My dad has 13 siblings and my mom has 7. That doesn’t include spouses.
32. I was named after a man
33. I like change…change of pace, change of location, change of major
34. I don’t like changing friends
35. I am fascinated by serial killers
36. I love roller coasters
37. I was prom queen
38. I don’t really care about #37
39. I am horribly passive and go to extremes to avoid confrontation
40. I want to go to jail once in my life

My newest cousin Dominic! Born August 31st, 5.5 lbs

My two-year-old godson (and cousin) with his new glasses :)

Schoooool Already??

Well, well, well.

I'll just pretend like it hasn't been more than FOUR MONTHS!!! since I've updated this lovely journal.

Some things to know (in no order of importance):
1)I am back at Dayton for the school year and SO glad about it!
2) My house is awesome, as are my housemates
3) My computer has a new hard drive
4) I must have a boring life if #3 is important to know
5) 9/11 is our one-year 'anniversary'!
6) my family is probably moving back to America at Christmas
7) I am working at Stuart again

8) I need to be better at keeping in touch...

9) I spent the summer babysitting 6 adorable children, and going on vacation to New York, South Carolina, and North Carolina with them
10) I bought a ticket to go to London for Thanksgiving Break yesterday. yay!


I am pretty darn happy right now. :)

mike and me

my cousin and I

two of the kids I babysat for

Where do I even begin?

It's been almost two months since I last wrote in here, because my computer broke. I had an awesome last two months in Hawaii.

Some of the highlights included:
* Kat visiting over Spring Break (Pearl Harbor, Swap Meet, lots of bus riding, lots of eating out, hiking Diamond Head)
* skydiving with Shannon
* running my first 5K with Shannon, Vicky, and Jon (Vicky's brother)
* going to the Chaminade Ball with Marissa, then riding the bus and going to the dollar movies all dressed up!
* running with the Niketown Running Club!
* my roommate getting married, getting a dog and continuing to live with us...yeah...
* watching '50 First Dates' on the beach
* going to Kahala Beach with Marissa and watching kite surfing
* Mai Tais at On Stage

Now I'm back in Malaysia with my family! *minus Tara, who's coming on Saturday*



Mother's Day was hilarious. We definitely tried to make it special...we just kind of failed!

Our itinerary for the evening (given to my mom on a colorfully decorated card...):
4-4:15: entertainment
4:15-5: board game of your choice (she chose the math game '24'...and yes, we played.)
5:30: leave for mass
6-7: mass at Assumption
7-8:30: dinner at Marmalade, a health restaurant
8:30-9: dessert at Baskin Robbins, a unhealthy restaurant :-P

Entertainment was provided by Mel, Em, Anth, and I. Picture this: Indian dancing to some Indian music because my mom thinks Bollywood is so cool.  Anth comes on stage and  says "Guys, that is NOTHING like Bollywood!" (it isn't). So we proceed to do a cheerleading routine, complete with cartwheels and a song about Mom to the tune of the Mickey Mouse Club theme song.  Yeah, we cracked up laughing in the middle and couldn't finish. It was great.  I was like "Wow. I'm 20 years old".  Emmie told me that it's cool that I can act like a little kid, though. So if Emmie thinks I'm cool, who cares?

After mass, we felt like failures, so we decided to express our love in a group hug. The plan was that Anthony would initiate it and the rest of us would follow. Somehow, it ended up like a group Hemlich Manauver. Sorry about that, Mom. After that was good.   We to a really cool restaurant and I got a grilled eggplant and tomato with hummus sandwich.  Mmmmm!

Yesterday, I ran for 4 miles on the treadmill downstairs and thought I was going to die of bordem. I wish it wasn't so dangerous and humid here! It's like 105 in the middle of the day. Ick! And I'm not really allowed to go running alone anyway, because there are lots of construction men. Not to be like stereotypical, but Malaysian men are really, really different...as in if you walk by them, they will make kissy noises and hollar at you. Ick. Plus, rapings are pretty prevalant here. Needless to say, I don't WANT to go running outside alone!! So it kind of sucks that I either lose my progress in running or I get bored and run in place in a little tiny room. Eh, I guess I'll just have to be bored! :-P

I will be doing a lot of substitute teaching with my mom while I am here, so that will be excellent, because it will give me a better idea of what I am getting into! Also, we will be doing different grades, so I will be able to see if I really like K-3 the best. I was looking at my mom's subsitute lesson plan from a 2nd grade teacher and she has to plan out every minute of her day! Whew. And she also put "Keep reminding them to _____" (turn in homework, sign attendance sheet, etc.) I THOUGHT patience was one of my gifts, but maybe not! Yikes...

My mom's ring tone on her phone is Anthony saying "Mom, pick up your phone! You better pick up your phone or it will become a missed call! Pick it up! It's in your bag!"

Cute.

Okay, time to get going. Today is PE for middle schoolers.

Oh yeah, for once, I'm the tannest one in my family!! Yess.....Except because of all that sun, I got a cold sore on my lip. :-( Ouch and ew.

Easy As A-B-C

I haven't updated this in too many days...not a ton has been happening - but I thought I'd do a little ABC's instead of rambling ::

A: Alexis picked Kat up from the airport today
B: The grade I am getting in Statistics because I forgot we had a test yesterday.
C: My contact is stuck in my throat because I swallowed it yesterday.
D: Down to Earth is a natural foods store that is really yummy
E: Elizabeth Corsetti is a nice girl who I haven't talked to in a while
F: French fries from McDonald's are taste yummy but are deadly (I watched Supersize Me!)
G: Got money from work today...yesss...
H: Hot chocolate at Denny's last night! mmm
I: Ingrid wrote me an email, and I haven't heard from here in TWO years
J: Just seven more weeks on this gorgeous island
K: Kathryn Elizabeth Morris is sleeping in my bed!!
L: Lent is almost over...can't believe it's almost Easter!
M: Mike is the best
N: Nutrition classes sound fun...
O: On a Marine base is where we went today
P: We had pizza at the Cheesecake Factory tonight
Q: Quit my job at Cold Stone!
R: Relaxation is going to be awesome for spring break
S: Sunshine and sand are nice :)
T: Tijuana is where Mike is right now
U: Unfair!! I watched Pay It Forward and the ending was so unfair it made me cry :(
V: Victoria's Secret is nowhere in this state!
W: Walking everywhere is good for you...
X: Xcited to spend time with Kat! (yeah...that was lame!)
Y: Yesterday was St. Patrick's Day and I didn't wear green!
Z: Zooxanthellae is a hard word to pronouce (it's algae found in coral reefs)

Hello, Operator. Give Me Number 9!

A milestone event in my time here at Chaminade University has occurred...

I made it an entire week without missing ANY of my classes or labs!!

Thank you, thank you. I know it's amazing....

This week has been pretty uneventful (see, that's what happens when you attend class!) I worked Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday - closing all three days! I also put in my two weeks notice (which I was super worried about, but was fine!). I went to Starbucks one night to study. I really love that place, even though it's about 10 degrees COLDER than Dayton!

I complain too much. Sorry, I'll work on that.

I wish I could take a month off life and just work on all my flaws. Okay, so maybe I'd need a YEAR off life.

Melanie emailed me and asked me to be her confirmation sponser. Yay! I love that girl SOOOOOO much. And I miss her. Family is really the best invention ever. :) Thanks for that, God!

I'm sorry I don't have any funny stories or things to share. I just wanted to let everyone know I'm still alive. :)

Dude Looks Like A Lady

The moment of truth.

On March 30th, I will be registering for my classes, and I have till then to decide what I am doing about my major...There is so much to weigh into my decision, and I am really really overwhelmed by it, so if you could please pray for me, that would really help.

This weekend was fun and filled with DRAMA! Friday we went to Waikiki and ate at Cold Stone, Saturday morning I went whale counting (for environmental science class), then worked, and then went out to Blue Tropix, a club. It was pretty fun. Some funny stories. No time to talk about it though, so call me! :) Sunday (yesterday), I slept in for a LONG time, because I went to bed around 3:30 on Saturday. I went to church, studied, and worked!

I am planning on giving my two weeks notice sometime this week. I'm just going to miss free ice cream. Yum! Alright, I still don't have a computer, so please call me if you want to talk!!!


Some things that happened at work....


Funny customer:
"Thanks, Ash! Ash is my people."

Most embarrassing moment:
*I was helping a family with a dad and a brother and a sister, who were probably 11 and 13 years old. They were all rather large and the dad and sister had long, messy hair. I made the sister an ice cream and gave it to her. Then I made the brother an ice cream and while I was giving it to him...

Me: Here you go, don't get jealous that her ice cream is bigger...she got a brownie in it, so it made it bigger.
Dad: What did you say?

I repeated myself.

Dad: Him. It's a him.
Me: Oh.

What can you say in the situation?! I wanted to justify myself...Well, sir, he is kind of fat so he has a chest! And his hair is long and he looks like he has blush on. I just thought he was a manly girl. A tomboy!

Instead, I just apologized. The dad said something like, "Hasn't anyone ever seen a guy with long hair?" After the paid me, I proceeded to run back to the kitchen and tell everyone about it. They just laughed! I felt awful and terrible and SO embarrassed.

My manager just kept singing "Dude looks like a lady!"

R.I.P. Lappy

My little Tangent computer has finally died. It was overpriced and crappy, go figure. Anyway, I just wanted to let all you faithful readers (righhht...) know that I will probably be updating my blog less these next few months...bummer!

I can't believe I've been here about 2 months already. 2 more left!

I love Starbucks. Big cushy chairs, yummy coffee, Norah Jones, and peace and quiet!

I love and miss you, if you're not here with me.
If you are, let's go to the beach!! :-D

Surfing Dudes

surfing babes
Originally uploaded by amwangel.

The little surfers we were checking out at the North Shore this past Saturday. The little one on the left is 4 years old!!

Growing Pains

Some things I did this past week and weekend ::
* went to an all-girls Catholic elementary school to observe 3rd grade.
* camping club ~ North Shore...saw little boy surfers who were ADORABLE!!
* Marissa made us lasagna for dinner and we ended up boogie-boarding down our stairs
* went for a ride on a Catamaran - a boat - and swam in the middle of the ocean
* Rachel's birthday dinner at a Mexican restaurant
* watched The Forgotten - a very scary movie!
* went to the beach a few times
* worked at Cold Stone a lot

I got an email today from my mom saying that she misses Tara and I. I miss her so much, and my sisters and Anthony and my dad too. But it's odd, because I feel like I've separated from my family so much. We don't talk on the phone or email very much. My mom really has no idea what is going on in my life. I mean, I update her briefly on what my latest news is...but she doesn't really know what I do day in and day out. I know that most people in college get to see their family more than just 6 weeks in the summer and 2 weeks at Christmas. And even now, my friends here in Hawaii, who don't live close to their families anymore - most of them seem to talk to their families at LEAST once a week.

I kind of feel like I am being forced to separate from my family. It's crazy, because my family is the MOST important thing to me here on this earth!! I love them with all that I have, and it breaks my heart that I am not involved in their life anymore.

In some ways, I am still in the mindset where I feel like my mom should be worried about me. For instance, she doesn't know that I often get off work at midnight and have a 20-minute bike ride that is not so safe. She isn't worried about me anymore, but then again, parents can't really worry about you your whole life...but maybe I feel like I am loved if someone is concerned for my safety.

And I know I am loved...but lately it's just been so hard to deal with because I feel so utterly separated from my family. In Garden State, Andrew says exactly what I feel like....maybe I'll watch that tonight...

You know that point in your life when you realize that the house that you grew up in isn't really your home anymore? All of the sudden even though you have some place where you can put your stuff that idea of home is gone.

You'll see when you move out it just sort of happens one day one day and it's just gone. And you can never get it back. It's like you get homesick for a place that doesn't exist. I mean it's like this right of passage, you know. You won't have this feeling again until you create a new idea of home for yourself, you know, for you kids, for the family you start, it's like a cycle or something. I miss the idea of it. Maybe that's all family really is. A group of people who miss the same imaginary place.

My Weekend in Pictures

Went to the North Shore and saw sea turtles.

Ate.

Slept.

Boogy-boarded down the stairs.

A few times. :)

TMI?

:: Countdown Survey ::

::15 Random Favorites::
1. Getting mail
2. Newly sharpened pencils
3. Sound of lawnmowers
4. Feeling comfortable with someone
5. Cancelled classes
6. Starbucks
7. Smell of coffee
8. Riding my bike
9. Praying
10. Libraries
11. Singing really loud in my car
12. Working out
13. Swinging
14. Storms
15. Coloring

::14 Favorite Foods::
1. Diet Dr. Pepper
2. Stir Fry
3. French toast
4. Lucky Charms
5. Mashed Potatoes
6. Shrimp
7. Baba Ganouj
8. Pad Thai
9. Sushi
10. Garlic Naan
11. Hummus
12. Smoothies
13. Hot chocolate
14. Baklava

::13 Watched T.V. Shows::
1. Anything Food Network
2. Friends
3. Monk
4. Trading Spaces
5. Everybody Loves Raymond
6. Survivor
7. What Not to Wear
8. A Dating Story
9. Arthur
10. Bill Nye the Science Guy
11. Gilligan’s Island
12. CNN
13. Queer Eye for the Straight Guy

::12 Good Bands/Artists In Your Opinion::
1. Switchfoot
2. John Mayer
3. Keith Urban
4. Norah Jones
5. Jim Brickman
6. Travis
7. Harry Connick Jr
8. Third Day
9. Phish
10. Yellowcard
11. Barenaked Ladies
12. Casting Crowns

:: 11 Memories::
1. Babysitting Shelby and Gracie with Kat
2. Pirate Day at camp – Katie dressing up like a pirate!
3. Vancouver
4. 7th grade talent show
5. Nun Run 2003
6. Switchfoot concert @ Alive this summer and the sleepover!
7. Playing hopscotch at Oakwood Elementary School
8. Summers at Ocean Isle
9. Going to Giant Eagle in argyle socks and high heels at midnight
10. ‘Nsync concerts with Amy and Katie
11. Laying in E’s bed to skip class on a rainy day

::10 Random Friends::
1. Katie
2. Jordan
3. Mike
4. Kat
5. My sisters
6. Craig
7. E
8. Amy
9. Eileen
10. Rachel

::09 Things You're Looking Forward To::
1. Spring Break with Kathryn!
2. Working out at the YMCA
3. Turning 21
4. Seeing my family in Malaysia
5. Seeing my grandparents in Ohio
6. Seeing my friends this summer
7. Graduating
8. Living in the Ghetto
9. Falling in love

::08 Things You Wear Daily::
1. Underwear
2. Bra
3. Shorts or jeans
4. Cartilage hoop
5. T-shirt
6. Cross necklace
7. Flip flops
8. Hair tie

::07 Things That Annoy You::
1. Being lied to
2. Being sick and having to go to work anyway!
3. Feeling second best
4. Headaches
5. Really uptight people
6. Wet socks
7. Sand in my bed

::06 Things You Touch Every Day::
1. Keyboard
2. Toothbrush
3. Coffee mug
4. Pencil
5. Keys
6. Bike

::05 Movies You Could Watch Over and Over::
1. You’ve Got Mail
2. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
3. Legally Blonde
4. Beauty and the Beast
5. Phantom of the Opera

::04 Of Your Favorite Toys When You Were Little::
1. Barbies
2. Nintendo
3. My Little Pony
4. Books (really!)

::03 Boys You have Kissed::
1. Less
2. than
3. three

::02 Of Your Favorite Songs At This Moment::
1. “Days Go By” – Keith Urban
2. “Comfortable” – John Mayer

::01 Thing You Could Spend the Rest of Your Life With::
1. Jesus

My computer has been broken for the past few days...I saw the 'blue screen of death' SO many times it made me want to throw my computer out the window!!

My week -- Worked Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Tuesday nights. Yeah, a LOT!! I skipped all my classes on Monday for Valentine's Day.

I did laundry and watched 50 First Dates and hung out with my roommates instead. It was nice...but too lazy! We went to The Cheesecake Factory for dinner, after waiting two hours in line! We also got to see the sunset ::

Waikiki Sunset

It was a good night...but expensive! It was nice to go somewhere besides work or the beach or school.

The roommates on V-day!

Cold Stone is going well...because I get free ice cream!! :) On Tuesday night I brought home a pint of peanut butter ice cream with cookie dough chunks and fudge and caramel swirled in. It was YUMMY! I don't know if I'm going to work the whole time I'm here - but it hasn't sucked too much yet. I need the money!

I am sick and it sucks! I have allergies or something, because I keep sneezing and my throat is SO sore. I need to quit complaining. Sorry!

Out.

I Wanna Be A Rockstar

I Want To::

• live with Mel and Tara
• go skydiving
• visit vancouver again
• vacation alone
• climb a moutain
• see a sunrise
• go parasailing
• become a saint
• go on a cruise
• kiss under a waterfall
• meet Switchfoot
• see Alaska
• hike a gorgeous trail
• do a jungle run in Malaysia
• have a family
• go camping
• learn how to develop a picture (i have an obsession with darkrooms)
• take cooking classes in Europe
• go to Arizona with Kat
• do 50 pushups
• love unconditionally
• and SO much more!!

Just Waikiki

Just Waikiki
Originally uploaded by amwangel.

You can see Diamond Head in the background. Just a picture I took while I was on my way home from the beach the other day! :)

I Get Carried Away

Today has been really wonderful!

This morning, my roommate Marissa convinced me to skip class and go to the mall. SOOO glad I did! It was so nice driving around with the windows down and Switchfoot blaring on this *GORGEOUS* day. We went to Sports Authority and I got some cheerleader shorts. Then we went to Ala Moana mall, and I found a cute long sleeve shirt from American Eagle for less than $8! I can't wait to wear it this fall/winter. (Did I just say I can't wait for fall/winter?!) We also went to Godiva. mmm...Marissa bought some dark chocolate truffles and Valentine's Day present for all of us roommates!! It was delicious! I made sure to enjoy every bite, since it costs like $4 for one truffle! (The truffles are about 1.5 inches in diameter...not big!) We also went to Hallmark and spent way too much time reading cute cards! Then we got some frappachinos at Starbucks. Yum!

I'm all for skipping classes Friday mornings in order to go to the mall!

Well, this might seem a little random, but I was thinking today how I like to not look nice. It's so freeing to not care how I look. I think it would be such a pain to have to look nice before you ever leave the house. I am very content wearing comfy shorts, a t-shirt, flip flops, and my hair pulled back. I'd rather be comfortable than cute. :)

Oh - and BIG news! We are living in 143 Evanston next year - it's on the corner of Evanston and Irving. YAY!! I'm pretty excited to be in a house.

Tentative summer plans = me taking 10 hours of Chem classes and labs. Working part-time at the YMCA. That's just tentative though. I have been praying about my major change, and I really just feel excited about it. I think that's a good sign, yeah? It will be a huge change and a challenge with all the science courses, but I truly believe that I can accomplish anything if I just put my mind to it. Girl power!

Woah, getting a little carried away.

Working tonight from 7 until 12. If I could find a closer job that paid more money and I didn't have to sing...I'd be all over that. I never heard back from the 24Fitness place, so I guess I didn't get it. I'd rather hear back either way though! Being left in the dark just sucks.

I got some freaking sweet blue bracelets from thehungersite.com. They are so cool, you should get some too!!

Alright, time to get going. Have a wonderful weekend.

Just The Facts, Ma'am

News:
* I finally got my pretty pink Nalgene bottle in the mail
* My grandparents and the Cronins are visiting Malaysia
* Melanie made All-Stars for her touch rugby team! Go Mel!
* I got to talk to my family finally last night. It is the 3rd time in 5 weeks, which kind of crappy.
* I am still working at Cold Stone ~ ice cream shop
* I am more confused than ever about my major after talking to Mom
* Sometimes I get waves of nostalgia where I really miss UD -- especially Oakwood, studying in KU, pretzels and milk shakes in the Galley, Stuart mass, and IHOP. How am I ever going to leave in 2 years? I don't want to graduate and leave all the fun!!
* If I change to dietetics, I will have to take 2 chem classes this summer
* My dad thinks I've always wanted to be a teacher
* I really like Shannon Calcatera :) She's a nice roommate who gives me dark chocolate.
* I miss lots of UD people
* If you write me a letter, I will write you one back. Just ask E. Or Carolyn. :)
* You should write me a letter.

In Your Compassion, Blot Out My Offense

It's Lent.

I need this more than I can know.

The true sacrifice is a broken spirit: a contrite and humble heart, O God, you will not refuse.

-- Psalm 50

This Lent I am going to take advantage and try to rid my life of all those distractions that keep me from knowing God more intimately.

Before Lent is over, Kat will be here. I need Kat!

I am bad at admitting my faults...or accepting my faults.

If you know how to, tell me.

Well, That Was Unexpected

Yesterday, I went to 5pm mass at St. Augustines, a church right across the street from Waikiki. I arrived late, and there was a man sitting near where I park my bike. I actually heard him before I saw him - he was singing some Christmas carols. He looked really nice. I mean, he looked homeless - no shoes, some scabs on his legs and arms, and he had a couple of bags. He wasn't - forgive me if this is rude - but he wasn't gross looking. Don't get me wrong, I like talking to homeless people, regardless of what they look like! But, I noticed right away that he looked like he could have been handsome when he was younger. For some reason, I am attracted to meeting homeless people. NOT attracted in that way, but something in me loves to hear their stories and their experiences and their wisdom. I just really love it!

I walked past the man, smiled at him singing, and went into church. During mass, I kept thinking of the man. I wanted to buy him dinner. I only had $10, which isn't much in Waikiki, but I figured it was worth a shot. By the time mass ended, however, my mind was on other things. I barely even noticed the man when I was walking back to my bike. As I hopped on my bike, he asked me what my shirt said, and we started a conversation. That conversation lasted an hour and a half. I wish I could remember all that we talked about, all that I learned. Brian's story was amazing. God prevented him from killing himself, so he completely surrendered EVERYTHING he had for God. For the past few years, he has lived on the streets of Waikiki, sharing the Word of God with people on the street. He has a hard life, I'm sure. He sleeps on the sand. But he is SO full of joy. His biggest worry was that he didn't have a quiet place to read. That is his biggest worry. Not that he is homeless. Not that he is probably disrespected daily.

Brian sees God in EVERYTHING. He thanks God for being stabbed. He says he learned to draw closer to God through that. While we were talking, and he would say something profound, a car would honk. He always pointed that out. He'd say, "See? Honk! That's God." One of the cool analogies that he told me was about being warm. When you first go out in the sun, you are really warm, and you probably tell whoever you're with. "Wow, it's so sunny and nice out. I'm hot!" After you're laying on the beach for a while, though - you sort of get more used to the brightness and warmth. You might still be hot, but you don't talk about it every 2 seconds.

That's how it is with God. Maybe at first you are so overwhelmed and excited about God's love that you tell everyone. Or at least you marvel about it with your closest friends. After a while, you might start to get used to it or take it for granted. I don't want to ever take God's love for granted!

There is so much more I could tell you...but I don't know how boring this is for everyone else. One thing that Brian repeated about a million times is that we are all brothers and sisters and that we are all connected. Please, just always remember that people are PEOPLE. Even if they don't have a home. Don't feel that they are just lazy, or just born unlucky. Don't walk by them and turn your head the other way. Don't be scared of what you don't understand.

Winter, anyone?

snowbaby!!
Originally uploaded by amwangel.

This is what I was doing LAST winter. That snow actually looks pretty!

Deflowering A Starbucks Virgin (and other updates)

Wow, it's been a few days. Here's a quick rundown of the rest of my week:

Thursday: My first class was cancelled, then I had a Stats test. I went to Wal Mart with Marissa, and at night went with Rachel to Starbucks. It was her first time ever going to a Starbucks. It was fun! I love Starbucks. It's such a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere, and it's yummy! Rachel and I talked a lot, it was really nice. She was a good date, I'll have to ask her out again. :-P

Friday: Skipped Astronomy, went to Communications. Stayed in, everyone else went to "On Stage," a local little bar. I went to a Mexican restaurant with my roommate, Marissa, and we watched part of Finding Nemo and Underworld. Weird movie about vampires...Also talked to Mike for a long time. :) Oh, and my room was the neatest it has ever been! *Yawn* Being too neat is boring. haha

Major update: I am about 75% sure that I will be switching my major, probably to dietetics and nutrition. I want to help people learn the importance of and how to eat healthier; especially pregnant and nursing women, the obese, and kids! I have been emailing the Advisor at UD for dietetics, and she has been a big help. Tomorrow I will hopefully call some dietitians to talk to them about the job...So if you guys could pray for my guidance in this decision, I would really appreciate it!!

Me at Hanuama Bay

Yesterday (Saturday): Camping Club (okay, so it's not *really* a club, we're all just friends who pretend like we're a club so we can get a van) went to Hanauma Bay, which is a really pretty bay, popular for snorkeling! It's also a nature preserve, so there are a lot of rules. It was nice, a little crowded, but I'm starting to not mind the crowded beaches as much. After Sam endangered our lives by driving like a maniac, the girls went to Hanauma Bay, and the boys went to a different beach with big waves to go body-boarding. We snorkeled a little, but I didn't enjoy it all that much. It was hard because my goggles kept getting water in them, which really stung my contacts! I did see some cool fish though!

Shannon, Brian, Me, and Marissa

Pirate Party: On Saturday night, we went to a Pirates and Wenches party on top of a huge mountain! It was a cool place, the stars looked amazing from up there. My roommate Alexis and her boyfriend just got a car, so she drove us to where we thought the party way. She's so sweet! Anyway, we ended up at this house on top of a mountain...long story short, we went inside, even though no one was home...We pet their dog and looked around a little. We found a flyer for the party at their house and called the number...It turned out they were having the party not at their house, but at some big room...I don't know what the heck it was. So we finally get to the party, and wow! Shannon and I kept saying that we felt like Lindsay Lohan in "Mean Girls" at that Halloween party. Let's just say I didn't realize that wenches were like lingerie models!! :-P It was an okay party, it was more fun because the girls were there. It was so scandalous though! Then the Homeowner's Association or something called the cops, so we all had to leave. Shannon, Brian, and I ended up walking a mile straight down the mountain. It was a nice walk, really pretty and not cold! (Okay, so our butts and calves were hurting...but we saved money!)

Why I didn't post earlier: I actually did write a really long post a few days ago, but it all got deleted. It frustrated me, because now all those thoughts are gone! I guess the important part was that I got them out, not that other people can see them...

Why I am mad at myself: I have barely done any homework this past week and I skipped 3 classes. Plus, I only went to the beach one day. Shame on me!

What I am going to do now: Figure out how much an imaginary planet weighs, dream about moving UD to Honolulu, and eat ice cream.

'Ugliness is Better Than Beauty' -- Johnny Depp

Easy for him to say!

The past two days have been kind of rainy and cloudy...but at least its about 65 degrees! Check out the cloudiness::

That is the view of Diamond Head from our hallway at school. Everything is kind of airy and outside, except the actual classrooms. It's a lot like ISKL or ISB.

Yesterday I ventured out to try and find a store called Hawaiian Adventures to buy a Nalgene bottle. It was supposed to be about 2 miles from my apartment, but it was nowhere to be found! So I gave up and went to Wal-Mart and bought some WD-40 and a mug. WD-40 because my bike chains are squeaking like crazy, and a mug because I drink lots of hot chocolate. I had to be ID-ed to buy the WD-40. That is so strange...I mean, where is the logic?? How is being 18-years-old instead of 16 or 17 going to make you less likely to get high off WD-40? And who ever decided to get high off it anyway?

I totally digress. Anyway, so I then went to Daiei, a grocery store near where I go to church. Someone had mentioned that it is cheaper than Foodland, where I usually shop, so I decided to go and see...It was. But it was funny, because it is very clearly a Japanese store...there were like 3 other Mainlanders in there. I tried to pretend like I knew what I was doing, so I walked straight back....to the frozen Asian foods section. I look around and there's all this Japanese writing and food like frozen squid and noodles. Everyone was looking at me like "Honey, you don't belong here." I picked at a few things, still pretending like I knew what I was doing. Really, I was thinking, "What the heck is that??"

Then, I looked over and spotted some Hagen-Daz and Ben and Jerry's and I was like "Yes! I recognize that!"

Kat called me while I was shopping, so I didn't pay much attention to what I was buying, so I ended up buying three cans of garbanzo beans...hmmm. On the way home, I ended up getting hopelessly lost for a long time. I had a heavy backpack filled with canned goods and I was exhausted. So I when I finally saw my apartment (granted, a fence, highway and a street all lay between me and my apartment - but still...) I was so relieved!

I got another care package today! My grandma is so sweet. She sent me an Easter egg decorating kit!! (So, Kat, get excited!!) And some cash. Much needed.

Lately, I have been reminiscing about the past and missing it! Like last year on 6 Adele...I love those girls so much. Cory, my old roommate, is going to be transferring and that makes me so sad. We had such a great time in good ol' 621! Talking about boys at all hours, watching American Idol like fanatics, spilling hot chocolate ALL over our gorgeous zebra carpet, TLC 24/7, having the coolest room ever, crying together, laughing constantly, and Cory singing. What good times. Cory Greer Scanlon, I'll miss you!!

It's sad how all the good times and good memories in your life cannot coexist. I mean, being roommates with Cory was so fun, but if I were still her roommate, I wouldn't be Kat's! And we wouldn't have grown closer...It's the conundrum of reality. And it requires us to stop living in the past. Life won't always be trading in one good experience for another, though. Most of my life, everything has been amazing and wonderful. Seriously, I am the most blessed person ever. My worries have revolved around all my blessings. The magnitude of how blessed I am totally cancels out my worries or my problems.

I worry about my future. I am so blessed to have a choice! To be in school!
I miss my family. How blessed I am to have such a family worth missing!
I worry about our country. How blessed we are to be comfortable enough to concern ourselves with that!

Honestly, I can't think of any legitimate worries in my own life. Of course, that is scary. Because I don't want to become spoiled by all this goodness. Job loved God when God was good to him...

Bad news. My mom emailed me and said that my family won't be able to come here for their spring break. I was very very disappointed. It's has been kind of hard being at school without ever having my family visit, so I was excited that I would finally get that. The ticket prices rose, though, and they just can't do it. Boo!

Well, I have to get going to bed. Sorry if this post is too all over the place or hard to follow. I am too tired to try and make it clear.

I never saw an ugly thing in my life: for let the form

of an object be what it may - light, shade, and

perspective will always make it beautiful

- John Constable

My New Mantra

Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind - Dr. Seuss

And Now, For Something Different

Things on my mind ::

• Important things are God, little kids, traveling, friends, learning, family
• Chocolate is pretty important, too.
• I ate way too much junk food today :: 1/2 a bar of chocolate, 4 cookies, hot chocolate, and a donuts...EWW!!
• I will never learn how to not be procrastinator.
• I have no desire to do homework ahead of time, because why do that when I can do it the night before and still get by?
• This is me procrastinating my paper
• Christian music isn't as corny as I had convinced myself it is.
• In fact, I'm listening to it right now.
• I want to go everywhere.
• Especially New Zealand, Western Europe (Rome, Venice, Southern France, Sweden, Belgium), Morocco, and the Caribbean islands (especially the Caymans).
• I also want to see Arizona, all of Oahu, Wyoming, Northern California, Seattle, Vancouver again, New Mexico, Colorado, Vermont, Cape Cod, and Boston.
• When I don't feel like reading, I don't mind reading lists.
• There are a lot of kind people in the world.
• And a lot of unhappy people.
• I saw the sun set on Waikiki beach today.
• I feel like God wants me to be happy, but I can't figure out what I should do about my major.
• If you have any insight, please share.
• Otherwise, just pray for my decision, yeah?
• The idea of doing one job for the rest of my life honestly freaks me out.
• I desire change too often.
• And yet, change can be so painful.
• I ate dinner on a balcony tonight, and balconies are really cool.

Roommate Shannon talking to her boyfriend:

"Ashley got a care package from Mike, and Chelsea's boyfriend made her a picture mobile. And today Mike Nice bought us Skittles and he's not even dating us...I know it's not the material things...but, it's just a card Ashley got that makes me melt."

Conversation with Dan the Marine:

- I need to get a Nalgene water bottle tomorrow

- What's a Nalgene?

- You don't know what a Nalgene is and you're in the military?? Shouldn't you guys use that stuff, it's like heavy duty!! I mean, you can't break it. They are amazing. I can't believe you don't know what a Nalgene is.

- Sorry, I'm not a big water bottle guy.

**************************************************
You are the Lord of Lords

You are the King of Kings

You are mighty God

Lord of everything

You're Emmanuel

You're the great I Am

You're the Prince of Peace

Who is the Lamb

You're the living God

You're my Saving Grace

You will reign Forever

You are ancient of days

You are Alpha Omega

Beginning and End

You're my Savior,

Messiah Redeemer and Friend

You're my Prince of Peace, And I will live my life for you!

Shout-out to:
Vicky, for making some delicious dinner!

I'm Not a Player, I Just Blog A Lot

I feel so blessed today!

I don't know where to start, because I just am so happy to have so many wonderful people in my life. I got to talk to Kat, Mike, and Craig today - even though it was only a short time each, it was still nice to hear them! Nice, not a good word...(Eternal Sunshine!)

My day wasn't spectacular, but I just feel so content and happy...I had a great day at work, made friends with a 18-month-old named Tooey, went to mass where Fr. Ken gave a great homily, talked to some UD friends, got in touch with Jenna - my best friend from middle school in Bangkok, had a really good talk with Shannon, and interrogated a Marine.

Oh yeah, and I'm still in Hawaii.

That's pretty freaking awesome.

How will we ever leave this place?

I really liked work, because I am learning more and getting more experience. My favorite part is talking to the customers and making them smile. Like, maybe they just expect to come in, get some ice cream, and leave. But I want them to be happy and feel really welcomed! Wow, can someone say DORK!? Or overachiever??

Alright, well, it's time for this girl to do some Astronomy and clean the kitchen and bathroom floors!

Shout-out to:
Craig, for having the worst cell phone ever.

North Shore!

Rachel, Shannon, and I found this cave while we were at the beach, and we crawled under these rocks!

Surfing at North Shore. Sweeeet!

Let Me Be the One You Need

I could try not to make you guys jealous and say that Hawai'i isn't really all that great. That it's just like Dayton with a little more sunshine and a beach. But I'm not gonna lie, it's great! Even just being able to leave at 12am and go find stuff to do is awesome. And the fact that I can wear shorts and t-shirt at night in January and not freeze...well, that's amazing, too! I know I probably sound like a little kid in a candy store, constantly marveling at all this.

Alright, so let's talk about what I did today. Camping Club! Chaminade Camping Club is basically a guy, Sam, who drives us around the island and teaches us about the Hawaiian culture and history in a big van with lots of people. Sam...where do I start? As Shannon says "He's part monkey...or part wolf...but he has such a good heart!" He is from Detroit and Hawaii...a weird combination. He loves his rap a lot, I wish you guys could see him dancing while driving the van! He also loves the ocean like no one I've ever seen. He could spend all day with his body board and flippers, fighting against the huge waves. He doesn't walk anywhere, he just runs. It's fun to watch him enjoy everything so much. By the way: he totally can't drive. I fear my life when he drives.

Anyway, today we went to Waimea Bay on the North Shore of Hawai'i, which is known for its HUGE waves...as it's website says:

But during the Winter - watch out - even the most experienced of water persons and surfers think twice before entering the waters or even going near the shore break when the swells are large and fast and deadly.

It was crazy! The lifeguards kept announcing warnings about keeping children away from the coastline, because the riptide was so powerful. The waves were probably like 15 feet tall. Just really big! There weren't many surfers because it was really dangerous since it stormed this morning. It was cloudy when we first got to the beach, but it cleared up and we got to enjoy some sun.

We didn't go in the water (except Sam, of course!). But we were standing like knee-deep with a few friends, joking about how I was too little to be in the water. Then, it all happened so fast - a big wave came and just totally knocked me off my feet, then it was dragging me back into the ocean. Luckily, Mark was right there. He grabbed my arm, keeping me from getting dragged back into the ocean. However, the wave also took my bathing suit off!! I won't go into details...It was a little embarassing, but more scary! I seriously would have been shark food if it weren't for Mark.

In other news...I wish I could be there to be with Kat right now (my UD roommate, in case you don't know me. but if you're reading this and you don't know me, that's a little weird.) To help her and cheer her up and hug her...I was listening to Phish today, and this song "If I Could" really reminded me of her, how I feel helpless being all the way over here, but I just want her to be happy!!.

Take me to another place, she said
Take me to another time
Run with me across the oceans
Float me on a silver cloud

If I could I would, but I don't know how
If I could I would, but I don't know how
If I could I would and I'd take you now

Shout out to:
Mark - for saving my life.

Why Not Kiki?

Rachel, Me, Mike Nice, and Vicky on Waikiki (right before singing "Happy Birthday" to some guy named Jason)

Mahalo!

Sorry it has been a few days since I've updated this thing. It means I'm having fun, right? :) I'll give you a quick rundown of Thursday and Friday...

Thursday I had classes from 8 until 12:30, but I skipped my Statistics class from 11-12:30 because I wanted to go to the beach! So I came home, ate lunch and laid on the beach until work at 4. Yeah, work at Cold Stone Creamery. That place is weird! They train you in like a million different things, acting like you're doing the most important work in the world. They expect you to memorize all these ice cream combinations and what exact words to use with the customers...and I'm getting paid less than I did at Stuart Housekeeping! I am scheduled to work again on Sunday at 1, but I'm thinking of just quitting before then. I mean, if worse comes to worse, I can always get a job at Abercrombie stocking clothes. It's 8$ an hour and less demanding!

Anyway, enough boring talk! I talked with the roomies a little, and I talked to Mike for a LONG time on Thursday night. :) It was awesome and made me so happy and thankful! Oh, and I might be changing my major...so yay! (::more about that later::)

Friday, I had only one class - from 1 till 2. I gave a speech on how to do laundry. I prepared for 2 minutes. Such a good student. Then I talked to E and Kat and some other people online...Before stopping by St. Augustines. Then I went to Waikiki beach around 6 to call my family and watch the sun set. It was pretty cloudy so it wasn't all that beautiful. My mom was good, it's nice to hear them all. I miss them SO much less this semester than I ever have before. I've only talked to my family 2 times in 3 weeks. I told my mom I think I'm going to be a vegetarian and she said "Am I supposed to be surprised?" Yeah, I guess I've kind of hated meat since I was like 12, so it's not that weird. Got to talk to Mel and Emmie and Anth too. I love those kids. They are sooo growing up though! Then I went to 24Fitness and worked out really hard. It felt good!

We went to Date Street last night...We played Uno. Then around 12, everyone was getting bored and tired, so Vicky, Rachel, Mike Nice and I headed down to Waikiki. We just walked along the main strip and saw some sweet stuff. Like these guys freestlying and playing drums. And a sax player. And some gay guys who were drunk and funny. And we sang "Happy Birthday" to a guy at the Cheesecake Factory. We were hungry around 2, so we found a Dennys and ate some food. It was a fun night! We got back after 3, and I didn't really want to ride home alone that late, so I just slept in Vicky's room. Thanks, Vicky!!

Now we're going to go to North Shore with the Chaminade Camping Club. I'll tell you more about it when I come home!

GRRRRRR....

Which Napoleon Dynamite character are you?


I am very frustrated with this ssssstupid thing! It just deleted my post TWO times. (Okay, so the first one was my fault - but not the second one!!) I have no time to talk about my day - because I have to write a paper for tomorrow's 8am. That means I wake up at 6:30am.

Bleh!

I am not actually very happy right now. :-(

Mostly because I had a conversation tonight that left me feeling selfish.

Well, goodnight....backdoor lovers! (name that movie, anyone?)

I Dare You to Move

So today I had my interview with Cold Stones! It was a 2 hour interview, complete with singing. There were 6 of us interviewing - a guy from Maryland who moved here with his girlfriend, a guy from Texas who was a cheerleader for Chaminade University, a man who works on tugboats in Alaska, a woman from Bulgaria who is learning English and moved here a year ago, and a woman who was born and bred here in Hawai'i. It was so fascinating to be able to hear all their stories - we had lots of time to talk to each other. It was a fun interview. Kind of strange how we had to answer questions like "What is your best character trait?" and "What do you need to work on?" in front of everyone. Not to mention having to sing *alone* a song. I went first. I can't actually believe it - singing on the sidewalk of Waikiki all by myself. :-P She also asked us what flavor of ice cream we would be and why. Guess what I answered?

Anyway, she called me tonight and I got the job! Which is definitely awesome. However, I would rather work at 24Fitness - a gym where I could get free membership, or Down to Earth - a natural foods grocery store where I get a discount on groceries...Or even Pizza Hut! I have a phone interview with 24Fitness tomorrow, but I haven't applied to DTE or Pizza Hut yet. I think Pizza Hut might be easier than working at Cold Stones. It's closer and less stressful...I think! Plus, pizza is better for you than ice cream, no? Tell me what you guys think!! Ideally, I'd work at 24Fitness or DTE, because those are 'healthier' jobs...who knows what is a good job though! It's nice that school isn't so demanding here, because it gives me the flexibility to work whenever. I love living in a city, did I mention that?

I watched Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind again today. That movie is damn good! I love it so much. It's genius I tell you! So watch it if you never have. If you are expecting a Jim Carey movie where he makes gross jokes or wears a mask - you might be disappointed...like Alexis' friend was. It sucks watching a movie that you love with someone who isn't enjoying it!

Having a bike is a humbling experience. It seems inevitable that I nearly fall, skid, or stumble at least once a day - and always in front of lots of people. Yesterday I came thisclose to flying off my bike in a skirt. Instead, I just sort of jumped off very *gracefully*...or not so gracefully...

I love Switchfoot. Listening to them right now. I forgot how awesome they are. Learning to Breathe is by far their greatest album. It reminds me of riding the bus to school in KL my junior year. I listened to that CD nearly every morning and never got sick of it! It made me so excited to start my day and energized me. Wow....I'm a dork! I think I overuse exclamation points. I am trying to quit. It was my new years resolution.

I love this new blog. I feel like such a poser calling it a 'blog'. Like I know what a blog even is! It's like some journal online thing. That's all I know. Anyway, I think it's pretty sweet. I just wish I could figure out how to put pictures on here! Let me know if you have any idea.

Alright, I'm out! I need my 8 hours of sleep. :) I really love it. And I love not having class until 11 tomorrow. Yessssssss.

Life's A Beach! =P

girls at the beach!
Originally uploaded by amwangel.

Hmmm....looks like I need to work on my tan a little...Check out how tan these girls are! :-D

S4010016
Originally uploaded by amwangel.

When laying on the beach, I can always watch some sand volleyball if I get bored -->

Poor me...this is what I live with every day!

S4010016
Originally uploaded by amwangel.

When laying on the beach, I can always watch some sand volleyball if I get bored!

skirts on bikes....so hot right now

S4010026
Originally uploaded by amwangel.

9, eh?

You Are the Peacemaker

9 You are emotionally stable and willing to find common ground with others. Your friends and family often look to you to be the mediator when there is conflict. You are easy going and accepting. You take things as they come. Avoding conflict at all costs, you're content when things are calm.

What number are you?

You're Worth It

Today I was so worthless!

Do you ever have those days where at the beginning of the day - you wake up full of energy and determination that you are going to accomplish SO MUCH? I had my agenda all lined up - I was going to go to classes until 4, stop by church, go to the store, work out, and finish my homework by 11 - just in time to read for awhile before going to bed.

Instead, I skipped my first class because I wanted a nap and couldn't bring myself to bike up that hill that is on the way to school. Pathetic. Then I got home, and my new roommate was upset...because her grandpa died....so I just hung out with her, because she wanted to be distracted. We just talked and laughed and cried....I got to know her a lot better, which is great! She is really sweet and I am glad I could be there for her. It took me WAY too long to finish a little tiny paper - I started many hours ago...again, PATHETIC!

Actually, maybe I shouldn't look at my day in terms of what is on MY agenda. This morning I prayed that God would help me find opportunities to serve others better...and I just realized that that is what today was! I am all disppointed with "not getting anything accomplished,' yet - I did! Maybe it was a successful day after all...maybe not in terms of what I wanted to do...

Darn it! I promised myself that this wouldn't become a 'diary' - just an online journal of what I am doing and so on...I don't really know who will read this, so I want to keep it not too private, ya know?

Anyway, I am out. Time to get some sleep before my classes from 8 until 12:30 tomorrow morning. Ick!

Catching Up on My Life in Honolulu

I decided to start an online journal to update everyone about my adventures and life here in Honolulu, Hawai'i! I've been here for about 2 and 1/2 weeks - and it has been really great! I live in an apartment off-campus (but it's through the University) with 3 roommates - one from Alabama (Shannon from UD!), one from California, and one from Illinois. I get along well with them and we laugh a lot! :) We have a kitchen in our apartment, which I am just loving! I cook a lot - made French toast for breakfast this morning - yum!!

We live in the inner city, pretty ghetto. It's cool though, we are learning to be independent! The other night Brian (Shannon's boyfriend) and I were up at 2:30 am watching the police break up a fight outside our apartment. Yikes! That wouldn't really happen in good ol' VWK! I bought a bike the first week I was here, and it's been amazing!! I ride to school, church, beach, library, gym, and the mall! All us UD kids got bikes, so we are cool together. I figure it's cheaper than buses and taxis (or gas, which is $2.30 per gallon here!), and it gives me exercise!! We even ride wearing skirts - 2 Fridays ago, Shan and I rode to Hard Rock Cafe while everyone else took a taxi; and last Friday, Shan, Marissa, and I all rode in our skirts to Date Street to go out to a club! It's always an adventure!

My classes aren't bad - I'm taking Astronomy (and its lab), Intro to Communications (fulfills my com modules), Philosophy and History of Education (really like that class - awesome teacher!), Environmental Science and its lab (soooo good!), and Statistics. The nice thing is classes are supposed to be easier here (they are so far!) and also, my grades won't transfer - it's pass/fail. Nice, eh?

The weather is great, of course. It's been between 70 and 85 degrees, sometimes it dips down to 65 at night, and we get cold. Ha. Don't kill me. The scenery is also gorgeous - mountains on one side and the ocean on the other. It's so cool that we are one little city in the middle of a HUGE ocean. It means the stars are great at night!

In other news, recently I've been surrounded by people who are grieving lately, and it makes me sad. I only hope that I can be there to listen to them and comfort them...and be whatever they need me to be! All this talk of people dying because of cancer or car accidents or suicide just really makes me scared of the fragility of life...It is such a risk to care deeply about someone, because any minute - they could be taken away. At the same time, it makes me cautiously grateful for what I have. And also makes me want to never take for granted that people know how I feel about them. I am so thankful for the friends and family that the Lord has so graciously given me, and I am surrounded by such amazing people who inspire me to be a better person. I want you all know how much you mean to me... Thank you, I love you guys!