hair cut!

I got my hair cut today! FINALLY! One of my friends is opening her studio next week and I had to sneak my cut in early!

I took this picture in Smokey Row, does it look like I'm trying to be casual while taking pictures of myself? haa

[insert finals rant here]

I get it. You feel the need to post a status about how shitty finals are. You take time to rant in your evaluations that ALL of your professors are terrible. You think it's appropriate to use your time off to get stupidly drunk, after-all you don't have a test until 3:30.

Get over it. We are blessed to have an education. Our semester isn't over, finish hard. We get to choose our majors and to be completely honest, I understand your finals are more difficult than mine. However, we choose our majors... some countries don't have that option.

This small rant is for me, as well as others, I mean, I have to memorize the entire International Phonetic Alphabet before tomorrow.. I won't complain, I'll just do it, or suffer the consequences.

circles

After today, I just wish to never see a circle again.

I babysat for a professor.. and the little girl is the most darling thing you will ever meet... When I first started babysitting her, she only spoke Russian. Now she speaks English, and today I taught her the word "circle."

We then made her dad a birthday surprise.. (his birthday is in October)! We drew circles for over an hour.

Devin D

... I love you, and I miss you.

Pre-finals

This made my night. The internet is being slow, so go to www.daniandashley.blogspot.com and watch this EPIC video!

Protien Shake

This happened every night in Haiti.. and I miss it.

my dream house

.. may look something like this. Big and beautiful with lots of windows.. and in the country.

Kitchen: Tons of counter space, and an island. Don't forget the double oven!
Basement: Pool table, bar area, and a big TV for football parties.

Wooden Floors, pictures covering the fridge, fenced in arena outside...
LOTS of African Marigolds and Poppies.

OH! And a room full of things from other countries.

Survive

A few things are helping me survive "Pre-finals" weekend.

1. Nikki Boyd: Thanks for all the texts and figuring out what is due, when, and how.

2. Late night skype chats with Ryan.. either helping me edit my paper.. or playing guitar. I love it all the same.

3. Surprise visitors & Baking! Last night, I enjoyed baking with Dani and getting to sleep on the futon with my two favorite people (while watching Ninja turtles!)

4. Snail Mail (:

My day ended...

... perfectly.


(Yeah, that's right, I consider spilling day old coffee on my floor a perfect ending)

Bearing Fruit.

John 15:16 "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit-- fruit that will last."

While I was in China, my dad shared this verse with me over a skype conversation. We were discussing God's plan in my life, and my current situation with a boy. It didn't really relate, other than the fact that I was meant to be a follower of Christ. I realized that God chose me! I need to live my life according to his will. For those who aren't aware, I am a huge planner. I have a list of things that I need to do, and the next four years of my life are lined up. At least they were. The tables are changing. I'm breathing deep and letting God have his way with me. I know the path I set up for my little 8-year-old self is NOT who God intended me to be, but I'm on a path of serving Him in a variety of ways.

God has more than just a PLAN in my life. He has PLANS for me. Plans that depend on timing, great prayers, flexibility, and lots and lots of guidance from Him. He has them for everyone, actually!

Little Secrets

My life could go in so many directions. I'd be content being a housewife, I'd be content teaching English as a Second Language, I'd be content being a missionary.. I could work for 4H... Hell, all of these things would make me more than CONTENT. I'd LOVE life.

I have finally decided that life is too short, and God's plan is still to vague. God can do so many things with me, and I'm never quite sure when I have found "the thing." I'm twenty, that seems far too old, but I look at all the things I have already done and just feel overwhelmed.

I never pictured myself to be the type of person to just give up everything at a moments notice and try something new, but that's the image I have been creating for myself recently.. Not to let on to any surprises.. (for those that know, shhhh)


Another little thing, I love this song. This song would be better than a boy throwing rocks at my window with flowers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzQ9VrnNQLQ&feature=related

Daily Dialouge

Ashley: (as walking into a random classroom) "Sorry, I seem to have left my pants on the floor this morning."
*Professor gives blank stare, while a few students crack up*
Ashley: "... well I mean, I'm going to work at Fareway soon and I need pants."
*Giggles grow*
Ashley: "uhm.. yeah, my black pants are right here. kthanksbye."

some things bother me.

Lately, I haven't been my perfectly happy self. I'm not sure what the deal is. I have a couple of ideas..

1) Either classes aren't challenging me enough, or I'm not letting them challenge me enough. I know I shut down when things get too hard, but I can only think of about ten times when I have truly been challenged.

2) I'm freaking out because things are going too well in my life right now.

3) I'm getting sick.

4) Graduation isn't that far away, and I'm rather sure I'm not going anywhere I'd ever expected.. Top things on my list now are 1) Teaching English as a Second Language in the US 2) Peace Corp in China 3) Something Non-Profit related.

5) It's Christmas.. and to be frank, sometimes the holidays suck for me.

teaching english as a second langauge

sweats.

Today, I wore sweatpants... I know this doesn't happen often, but I thought I would give it a try.

Here's the response:

My Boss, 8AM: "Ashley are you feeling okay?"
Me: "Yes."
My Boss: "I don't think so, how about you just do mailings today.."
Me: "k..."

My Boss, after 10 minutes: "I really don't think you feel well.. you aren't even wearing jeans today... you should leave early."

I left early. Score. Sweatpants on Ashley= illness.

thanksgiving.

This year my dad and mom both decided to have a Thanksgiving lunch. I ended up making it to both lunches, and then had a little party at my moms! :)

Look for pictures soon, but I have to work really early tomorrow, and all day for that matter.

My first video edit, success.

hair

I want to do something different with my hair.. This used to a common saying.

Check out these pictures and I am game for suggestions :)

(I'm not really wanting to die my hair, again!)

distractions.

1. Friends
2. Facebook. I don't even "creep" I just end up talking to people.
3. Music
4. worries
5. tea

How I'm solving this problem: Having Ryan change my facebook password. If you want to chat, I'll check it every few days. You can email me (kinkadea1@central.edu) or call me :)

What gets me up

I almost didn't get out of bed this morning.. However a few things helped me.

Fareway

The part that says "How old are you?" is obviously not right, he said "What year are you in school?"

Plans.

They always change.

Life updates people should be aware of:

1. Ghana- it may not happen, more Central students need to apply
(BUT I may go back to Haiti over spring break, let me pray on it for a while)

2. Dating- Beau and I are not together. Sometimes things sound like a great plan, but I tried to hard. I need to start thinking on my own two feet and not following everyone's rules.

3. Work- I'm going to start working more.

4. Facebook- It needs to be open less, I all up for hours on skype chatting, but if I need to know something about your life, freakin' tell me. I don't need to creep your page to figure something out, so don't expect me to.

the dentist.

Today, I was supposed to have 2 root canals. Instead, I get one.. and the dentist says "You need to get an implant." He's not talking about breasts, he is talking about my tooth.

Awesome. Not only am I having muscle correction surgery for my eyes, but now I'm getting a fake tooth.

And this is for Talbot... and Erik.. and everyone else

Conversations I live for.

Miss Ashley: Do you think being a Taxi driver would be a fun job?

Little Boy: No, well that's because I am going be a police man. It's a great job because you get to
1. Save People
2. Pull People over
3. Help people.
Mainly you get to save people, and drive a fast car.

Miss Ashley: That sounds like a good job!
Little Boy: Well.. I have to work for the circus first, that's gunna be my real job.

How to know when it is time...

To go back to China!

Cooking and Ames fun!

... the dinner line-up....

Beer Cheese Spread, Taco Pasta, Blueberry Tart (ask about the vanilla modification).

To my favorite Boy(s) at ISU:

Thanks for letting me cook for you. I shall do it anytime again!

Also, I enjoyed lunch with Janelle over the weekend! Next time we shall try some Wally Pie!

Reasons to be ready for the weekend!

1. Cooking! (see video)
2. Getting a computer!
(hopefully it has video editing.. I apparently do that, now)
3. Eating!
4. Being with awesome people!
5. Having a homework free weekend.
6. English Toffee Soy Latte's and Mochas!
7. Being able to rub it in when Nebraska loses!
8. Being one weekend closer to summer!

(ha, I kind of started making things up at the end)

Gifts

People keep asking me for my Christmas list, and instead of writing 20 lists, I'll hope Santa finds this one!

First off, I don't really enjoy getting money, I prefer seeing what people think I would enjoy. However, I will be living in an apartment soon (over the summer and hopefully in Chicago), and therefore need some more *practical* items.

Below are two lists, one for those who enjoy giving practical things, and one for other things.

The Practical:

Kitchen things

specifically something to hold my sugar(s) and flour..

tea canisters! see site: http://www.teavana.com/Tea-Products/Tea-Storage- Tins/?cm_sp=TeaProd-_-FeatCat-_-Tins

Pots/Pans/Plates/Glasses

Any tea(s) Teavana is awesome, but bagged teas are wonderful too!

Camera (see amazon wish list, link below)

Plane ticket to Georgia. I'll be going to Atlanta April 14-17. Sadly, Central cannot pay for the trip.

Textbooks for next semester

The Not So Practical:


Anything heart-felt.. send a letter, make me cookies, sing me a song, make me a CD mix. I LOVE that sort of thing.

Amazon wish list
http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/2QS8XBJWG7WEW

Random road trip? I am always game.

A subscription to Pandora One.. (it's like an online radio station that limits your time unless you have Pandora One)

A Manicure/ Pedicure Date

Concert tickets. Dashboard Confessional, Secondhand Serenade, Ben Rector, Casting Crowns... I listen to almost anything.

Central College Gear! This may sound odd, but I only have ONE Central shirt.

Mondays

This post is primarily a shout-out to my wonderful friend, Talbot, who enjoys Linguistics class almost as much as I love singing songs. We both manage to make it through class each day and deconstruct numerous sentences..

Enjoy this video, as it is Talbot's favorite song! :)

knock, knock?

Ashley: Knock, Knock

Beau: Who's there?

Ashley: John

Beau: John who?

Ashley: John the Baptist. (dumps a wee bit of water on Beaus leg)

What happens next? Typically, the smart person would run away. But I didn't.

Beau then hands the cup to Robert and Robert gets the water. Beau holds me down and POURS TWO FULL CUPS of water all over my face.

I even said, if you like me, you won't do this. And he still did.

Kentucky fun!

This is fall break at Central College! My mom, her boyfriend, Cody (brother), Mikayla (sister), Beau, and I took a weekend trip down to Kentucky! We were planning to go to the National Horse Park, but the horses weren't there this weekend.. I thought we wouldn't find anything else to do, but we went to the Aviation Museum, Keeneland Track, and train museum as well as some other fun things!

And for the update, Beau and I are in a relationship If you need an explanation, ask me! Basically, the "semester bet" was a bet, but it was to make sure my heart was guarded, and I think it's been enough time.

who am i?

I have been thinking a lot lately about who I am, and who people think I am. I've realized the two subjects really don't lay hand in hand.





Here are some things that I think people think I "am"... (let me know if there are others I'm forgetting)

Please don't think too hard about these, I'll tie them all together.

1. The girlfriend. That can mean "girl friend," "girlfriend," or "kind of girlfriend" Any combination has most likely fit at one point or another.

2. The arts nerd. band, drama, dance, thespians.. you name it, I probably have played it or done it.

3. That girl from Oskaloosa. Contrary to popular belief, I did grow up in Oskaloosa. (This could also make me the girl who left and never came back)

4. The farmer/rodeo girl.

5. The one who is nuts about 4H

6. the avid traveler.

7. The girl who got hit by a truck when she was riding her mule...

8. The girl who has divorced parents/ a confusing life story.

9. the girl who tries to do everything.

10. just "that" girl.

When all of these things (and more) come together, I become "me." However, I try to cater to my friends and show the side that I can better identify with at that time. I mean, it's odd to say that I used to rodeo every single weekend, and the weekends I didn't do that, I would be at a dance competition. I still haven't found that "one thing I'm great at," but maybe I should just accept I don't have one.. I'm just adaptable. I'm just me.

I guess what I'm trying to do is apologize to everyone I have ever confused. I am a complex person, and I don't regret it one bit. It makes me who I am.. so when it comes time for that "first date" realize that I could flip a coin between pizza and football or pasta and wine. I would be completely content with either option, which is why I usually say "I don't care."

However, if I tell you something one day, and it seems like I've changed my mind the next, it's normal. I promise.

a tribute to..

.. the lovely Morgan Johnson

My question of the day for Morgan... When can I justify wearing socks and flats? For that matter... why in the world did I even put socks on this morning?

Morgan is the coolest person I know. Why? Well, even though she goes to UNI, I can call/text/use my telepathy skills to tell her anything, and she will know EXACTLY what I am talking about. There's no reason for a
"pre-story," it's a spill your guts type of relationship.

Also, we always seem to be in the exact same boat. I mean, we have had numerous conversations that go

"So, there's this problem ..."

"Oh my gosh me too..."

and sometimes we are on opposite sides of the boat so we just pull each other to the middle..

So, cheers to Morgan Johnson, and I hope all of my other friends have a friend this awesome.

By the way, Morgan, I love how we usually end our conversations..

"well, I think i'm tired, and I really love sleeping.."
"okay! good night"
::talks for a while longer::
"okay! night!"

(chances are, it was hours before we actually went to sleep)

My Bucket List

Many things will be added, but here is a start to my bucket list, all of these are things I am planning to do anyway.. (for those who think bucket lists are cliche)


1. Study Russian

2. Visit something totally random in every state

3. spend an entire day communicating with ASL

4. Spend an entire day doing nothing.

5. Go to a world Barrel Racing Show

6. Work or volunteer full time for 4H

7. Sky-dive (Ryan David, I'm going with you)

8. Be a missionary in China for at least 5 months

9. Walk the entire Great Wall (I'm already about 7 miles done!)

10. Visit at least 8 countries in Europe

11. Have a day full of nothing but beer, pizza and football

12. work as a barista in Chicago

13. Wine Tasting in Napa Valley (Ryan, would you join me?)

14. Take Dance lessons, again

15. Go on a hot-air ballon ride (not a lame one that's short)

16. Visit the Hagia Sophia in Turkey

17. Crotchet a blanket

18. Join the Peace Corps

19. be a stay at home mom :)

20. by off college within 2 years of graduation

21. Dog Mushing in Alaska

22. Go to Times Square for New Years Eve

23. Go Para-sailing

24. Visit the Pyramids in Giza, Egypt

25. Stand under a waterfall, Niagara Falls are preferred.

26. By a new car and donate my old one

27. spend a month bumming around on my friends couches

28. go on a gondola ride in Venice.

29. Visit Curitiba, Brazil (Hangzhou's sister city)

30. Go ice skating

31. Go ice fishing

32. Study in Ghana!

33. Watch every episode of Gilmore Girls, before falling asleep

Ghana.

Central College abroad has a new study abroad program that conveniently offers the 2 core credits that I need: Art and History. The bad news.. it's expensive. The good news? I've been accepted to go! It is from May 30th until July 1st (which means I am hoping to apply for the 4H internship..).

God works in amazing ways, and I have now been provided with this opportunity to learn about art and history while in another country (provided I can get a loan or make a lot of money). God has been telling me I will do something extraordinary with his blessings, and I am hoping to learn and grow more like him through this experience.

For my non-Christian friends.. this study abroad program is for anyone, I know that many people who want to apply are thinking about missionary works, but I think it would be a great pre-Peace Corp experience too :)

beauty of silence

Silence. What a beautiful trait that most people lack. We find silence awkward. We have to fill space with words or laughter. Sometime you should just try and sit, listen to the world around you. Don't say anything. You will either be creeped out, or learn to experience the quiet more often.

Last Monday we had our 2nd Sign Language class. I took my friend Thom, who is hard-of-hearing and also learning sign language. I have truly fallen in love with sign language and the beauty of the language. How many people can say they can communicate without using our vocal box. In sign language, there is no interrupting. How beautiful of an asset.. I also love how much time you can think if you are just being quiet. You can spend more time in dedication to God, if you just shut-up and listen to the world around you.

what I find adorable

So many simple things can make us happy everyday if we just let them. Here are a few that make me happy. Some of these are general things that may stem from other people.

1. Conversations with kids. Example:

Boy 1: "Well if you are in High School then you must be married."

Me: "I'm not married, but I'm actually in college."

Boy 2: "Well, if you are in college, then you have to have babies."

Boy 1: "Yeah you are old!"

Girl: Well, my uncle Reid is really old, and not married. My family says he's only a little bit weird." (Her uncle is 35 or so)

Boy 1: "Well, Ms. Ashley you can marry me, but I'm not ready for babies yet."

Boy 2: "She could marry me. But I want to marry Hannah, I wanted to marry her tomorrow, but I think I will wait until college."

2. "Can(May) I hold your hand?" If you ask, and the other person says no, in my eyes you still score bonus points because you asked. Asking avoids all of the awkwardness later.

3. Describing Marriage as a "3 part relationship." God should be just as important to the people in the relationship as the people.

4. Having your friends pull out Bible verses to solve your problems.

5. Star gazing

6. Wanting to stay up really late to hang out with friends even though everyone knows you are dying to crawl into bed.

7. Being able to accept complete honesty. Even if it came from a lie the first time.

8. The general "cute notes." These can be left on your computer, fridge, email, facebook.

9. singing in the car. Everyone has to be singing while driving, even if there's a terrible storm.

10. "You can wear your boots if you want too." Enough said. Anyone who tells me I can wear my boots wins.

God's protection

You will be betrayed by even your parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. All men will hate you because of me. But not a hair on your head will perish. By standing firm, you will gain life"

Luke 21:16-19


This picture, always reminds me of God's love. The picture isn't even complete. I don't know who took it, I don't know what day it was. I don't know who the little girl is. It's like God's love for us. There is so much, that it can't even fit into a picture! All that matters is He has our hand and he's never EVER going to let go.




Today during dinner I was talking with a friend about God's protection and willingness to share my testimony. Not just my testimony from God, but how I have been able to overcome many feats. In my time spent falling away from God, I still held Christ-like morals and had fears from past experiences. In the end, I could say that I felt the way I did because of my past, or I could move forward and realize God's love for me was still present. I was just using a cover up. My story is still relevant even as I was falling away from God. He was protecting me. He had already chosen me. He had written my life story. I'm moving toward the stage where he reveals what I'm supposed to do. It's in his hands. I'm forever protected by his love. Look at the power in the verse. No matter how many people betray me, I still have everything in God's world. And that's the world that counts. My spirit will live on forever, no matter how many people criticize me for being a Christian.

I have a personal relationship that no other religion offers! I have a relationship full of love. I can take any problems to God and not worry about them anymore! What a blessing we have as Christians! I'm ready to be head over heels for Jesus!

if you remember this girl..

Who remembers the girl that had 3 life goals? For those who don't, they were
1. Become Fair Queen
2. Get married and have LOTS of babies
3. If being a farm wife didn't keep me too busy, a Guidance Counselor would be the job for me.

I must say, I was Fair Queen, but the other two goals have changed. God's love has opened the doors to many new opportunities in life. As I have learned about myself and Christs love, I have learned to look to God for my calling rather than analyze my life.

In Haiti, I fell in love with helping others through the means of agriculture. We delivered female goats to families and have the hopes that these female goats will reproduce and give other families a source of food. Is that God's Will?

Is it God's Will that I DO become a stay at home mom? a missionary? Teacher?

I can tell you, at this point I'm not sure, but whatever it is.. I'm doing it for Jesus!

If you ask a girl on a date....

.... DO NOT do it while she is working. Under some circumstances it MAY be acceptable, but usually it is not.

Today, I was working at the Pella Early Learning Center and a friend who I have known for a long time decided to ask me on a date while I was getting snack ready with one of my students. I didn't really know how to react, but I just kind of dodged it. Later, my student told our entire class.

It may just be a part time job, but I still treat it as a respectable position, and I am at no liberty to be the subject of gossip to a bunch of 4th graders!

In other news, On Saturday the big Iowa vs. Iowa State game took place at Iowa. All I will say is...

I STILL LOVE IOWA STATE <3

ways to a woman's heart

As people have been told, there may be many ways to a girl's heart. For each person, these things are different, but I guess I have made known the things that are most important to me.

The following are things I need to have my heart "won" over (according to others, of course):

1. Daisies.

2. Sunkist.

For those who didn't read "wedding and commitments" blog, I am not looking for a relationship, but rather good friendships.

However I should share with everyone what happened today. For starters, I woke up late. Everyone should know I am not one who enjoys waking up late. I prefer to wake up early and be super prepared to conquer the day.

Whelp, waking up late threw off my whole day, but as I started my homework, I opened a drawer to find a sunkist hidden in my drawer, followed by 6 more scattered around my room.

So to whomever this person may be, you just scored brownie points, but still no cigar. Thanks for helping me kick the sunkist habit.

Wedding & commitments

This weekend my friend Kayla got married. I took my friend Beau (pictured below) and he turned out to be a great date. I mean, I think everyone loved laughing at his "mad dancing skills." Beau and I had a great drive to Decatur, Iowa and ended up driving all the way to Des Moines in the same night to try and meet Beau's brother.

On a completely different note, as much as I love weddings and the beauty they hold, I have realized that my relationships with people and God are changing rapidly. I don't want to lose the people that I hold dearly to me, and I wanted to find the source of the problem.

After much praying and talking (and making bets), I have decided not to get involved in a relationship (with the opposite sex) for the entire semester. This semester shall be dedicated to God and friendships.

To those who think I can't do it, start placing bets now!

Also, listen up for my newest summer plans! I am planning to apply for the 4H communications internship, AND study in Ghana for one month!

first day of school

After having a crazy and rushed move in, I must say that I am officially over half way (one day more than half) done with my time at Central College. Some awesome things are going to happen this year. I'm getting involved with campus ministries, I may be working with the Marion Extension office (4H), and most importantly... I am developing relationships that will last a lifetime.

After one day of classes, I could say I am excited about this semester, after-all, I do have a Dr. Purnell class. Dr. Purnell loves talking about China and speaking Mandarin.. he may be my outlet when it comes to handling the "reverse cross-culture shock." (By the way, I think sometimes people fall for this because their friends, family, etc. make a big deal about it.) Today, I have 2 education classes and my "Recent United States History" course. I'm a little confused as to if we will cover ALL of U.S. History because it's all RECENT.

Pictured are my suitemates taking the classic first day of school picture.

my favorite time of year..

My friend Cara and I. Below is my little bro at the tractor pull.







.. is the Iowa State Fair. For those who don't know, I worked as staff for the 4H Building. We get awesome perks, like (almost) free food, and free housing, along with pay if you are staff. We get to show people projects and give VIP tours.. (story below!) I love working at the Iowa State Fair, and here are a few words to describe my feelings about fair:

1. Awkward. this is always my favorite word to describe fair!

2. Old. I felt old this year with so many new staff members.

3. Relationships. I was able to reconnect with many people.

4. Rushed. It ended too fast, college is starting on Wednesday


Funny story of the fair: I gave a tour to VIP's which included the Iowa Secretary of Ag, and Education, along with a sponsor for one of my scholarships. While closing with snacks and chatting, I tried to look cool and cut my veggie pizza like everyone else... and well, I managed to smash it in my face, it ran down my shirt and landed face down on the floor. The only comment made was "Hey, she forgot how to use a fork in China!"
In other news, there are too many amazing stories, but I will post some pictures so you can see what I was doing! (Keep in mind, I have been asking for a new camera!






My friend Kallen and I at the FFA steer show.





The most epic steer at the show. Shown by none other than Brent Sexton.

The staff doing the cupid shuffle.
My sister and me at MERCYME.

Haiti.

So, after a long journey, I am home from Haiti, with a lack of time to explain EVERYTHING that went on in a 2 week period, I will sum things up quickly.

1. God is alive and everywhere. If a witch doctor comes to Christ because he can't cast a spell on a Christian, why doesn't everyone accept God's grace?

2. I am a Goat Whisperer, I re-discovered my love my for animals while delivering and hauling goats across the country-side.

3. Working as a community despite differences can make and awesome team! We all pulled together with our strengths and did some awesome work.

4. Never carry cement buckets with your arms. You will get gravel stuck in your arm. and it will hurt.

Be on the lookout for other posts that revolve around Haiti (I'm still processing)

home strange home

I am home from China, and depart for the Haiti mission trip on Monday.

Things are rather strange back in Iowa. Upon leaving the Des Moines Airport, I was confused by how "dull" Des Moines feels.. what is this thing called cross-cultural shock?!

Some things that I have noticed are different: (mind you, I am not really focused on noticing differences, I am preparing for Haiti)

1. I have a TON of clothes. I mean, I made it 7 months in China wearing the same clothes every week..

2. Iowa really is small. (For those of you who don't know, this is my first time being in a "big city."

3. People's lives move on without you... My brother is almost taller than me, my mom had (and broke up with) another boyfriend.. etc.

4. American food is too rich. I'm really sorry but there must be a mention of food in every blog... My dad made me Mickey Mouse pancakes and I spent most of the day in the bathroom.. lots of butter and maple syrup could have been saved :)

reasons that I love black taxis

Today we took a train to Shanghai so we could pick up Michael's dad tomorrow... and my ohh my was it an interesting adventure.



In order to get to the train station in Hangzhou, we usually take a bus, which takes about an hour.. and only costs you 2 RMB (or less) but since we had so many suitcases (that's our crap), we decided to take a taxi... We tried to put our things into one taxi and the guy wouldn't let us, so I headed off to the train station and Mike waited for another cab. As we were driving my cab driver said, "If you give me 10 RMB, I'll get both of you there." I told him that would be good, but Mike already had his cab. Money down the drain (only 20 RMB more).

We get on the train, which we have taken to Shanghai twice and there is no English (WHY?!)over the loudspeaker to tell us when we arrive. Keep in mind that we are tired, grumpy and sick of hauling all of the luggage that we have. We aren't paying attention, and we get off when the train stops. After bargaining a black taxi down to 80 RMB, we load our things in his van and his friends tell us we got off at the wrong station. Why didn't the people who check our tickets tell us this?! Now that they actually know where we want to go, they are asking 400 RMB. Forget it. We go back into the train station...

Remember, refunds are seldom given in China. Once again we pay for being stupid. 30 RMB to go to Shanghai from Jinxing (where we got off.).

We arrive in Shanghai, and have to bargain another black taxi to take us to our hotel that Michael's dad reserved. The hotel is near the airport, but the guy wants 300 RMB because it's far away. We ask him for a real price and finally settle for 260, which is less than a taxi.

We ended up having to pay the toll, and the driver asked for money to go back (even the driver didn't know it was sooo far), but Mike said he didn't have any money other than US dollars. Mike gave him ten US dollars and got some RMB back.

After all of this, I do still love black taxis. Why?

1. You always know how much you will pay before you get to your destination.

2. Chances are, the drivers are more lively because they don't get too many customers.. they will talk to you (or try) just because they have probably had a worse day than you.

3. They let you put your suitcases on the seats. Enough said.

Chalk Talk: Ramblings.

Chalk Talk: Ramblings.

Ramblings.

I am currently angry because the internet will not let me upload beautiful pictures from Tibet! Check back at a later date for pictures of me riding a yak!

Other ramblings... please keep in mind that this is a blog, most of you are not used to me sharing opinions, so please do not be offended, I am just standing my ground.

1. Facebook. I am beginning to dislike facebook more and more everyday. I mean, do I really need to see 1,000 pictures of people smoking weed and chugging bongs, I mean that's your life.. but I can't even upload one picture during my entire stay in China. Also, all facebook does is suck people into stalking each other instead of trying to communicate with friends. Seriously, everyone who has ever had an ex.. you know how often you check out their page, it's stupid.

2. Boyfriends. For those of you who are still in either the shocked, or don't know it stage, Mike and I are not dating anymore. We dated for 2 years and we are still friends, we are still traveling China together, and I am not heartbroken. If anything, I have learned who I am, and I know that things will always work out for me. My life doesn't suck , I'm not going to die.

For those of you who are from my High School, you all lose the bet, I am in-fact not the first person to get married or have a baby. I'm more than grateful to say that. I give you credit if you have stalked my page to figure out that I am also not living in Oskaloosa for the rest of my life. I love all of you, but I hope that everyone has to opportunity to experience the world before they get sucked into the family business.

For those of you that are married/have children/are working.. whatever category you fall under.. you are so damn strong. I could never do that. Even if I had to.

3. English. Why is this beautiful language so complicated? I mean, is it necessary to have so many rules! I never realized how complicated English was until I saw so many other people who could speak broken English, but why doesn't Pig Latin become the international language of choice? Or more importantly, why don't English speakers take the initiative to learn another language?


I think that is all I have to say for the current moment, but feel free to leave me comments or send me an email.. I'll start checking that for real forms of communication as opposed to this facebook junk.

The New and Improved Blog!

So now that I am coming home in about a week, I finally decided that it would be would an awesome time to start CARING about my blog. I know, some of you are annoyed, I should have done this sooner, but hey, it is a great way to keep people up to date on my always-changing-always-moving life.

So here it goes, my new blog. If I make spelling or grammatical errors, shoot me a nasty message.. I can not use China as an excuse any longer. I would have to admit using the word "that" over 50 times unnecessary in my Political Science paper is a little bit of a downfall.

So some updates (also someone please help me STOP USING "SO"):

I come home from China in 9 days! (July 15th for those who can't do the time change)

In 13 days I leave for a Haiti mission trip! I am going through Central College, and we ARE NOT going to Port au Prince. We are going to Pignon! If you pray, pray for me. If you don't.. well pray anyway! ;)

For those who stink at math, I have 4 days home with family.

I'll leave the after Haiti plans as a surprise, after-all I have to keep my lovely readers attention somehow!

By the way, for those who are looking for my ever-so-funny stories, they shall come.

Oddities.

Sorry that I haven't blogged in a long time.. I am on the home stretch and I have been doing a lot of traveling.. Tibet.. Huangshan.. Dengfeng.. the list goes on, and on.

I want to share with all of you some things that I don't find "strange" anymore, but they are really strange.

1. Little boys (or girls) not wearing pants and pooping on the side of the road. (Particularity in Dengfeng)

2. Meat hanging from a wall. No refrigerator needed. ever.

3. Almost everyone can say "hello," but as soon as you say something else, they are really confused.

4. In addition to number 3, most people that work at stores (mainly in Tibet) say "LOOKEE" instead of "look."

5. It is completely acceptable to pull someones arm until they buy something. literally.

6. If you bargain someone down to an acceptable price, and they agree, then you have to pay.. or else you may die..

7. There are no food standards in general. Most people wear flip flops while cooking, and do whatever else they please..

8. Refunds don't exist. We once had dumplings with ROCKS.

9. People are paid to sweep water.. while it's raining.

10. No matter what, if you are white, you are beautiful.

11. Chinese food is NOT the same state-side. I would DIE for American Chinese food right now.

12. "Chinese" may have many dialects, but some are just accents, and some are completely different.

13. Just because you have wireless internet doesn't mean you can get internet on your ipod.

14. If you get a tan, you are "turning black," and that's never a good thing.

15. Crab Apple Popsicles. so tasty.

16. Phones ALWAYS run out of money as soon as you leave town. (meaning you can't use your phone until you get back)

17. You can buy a DVD for about $1 but it's not real.

18. Nobody likes (or has tried) raw vegetables.

19. "Squatty potties" are supposed to be cleaner and safer than a regular toilet, but not when the floor is covered in urine.

20. People believe that any meat is tastier with a lot of bones. Who can say, "the more bones the better?" not I.

21. It hardly costs more to fly somewhere, but when you think of it in RMB (Chinese currency) it seems like a TON!

22. If someone says "I give you best price" walk away.

So here's to NOT hiking the mountain

Li Shumin has always told us that there is a major difference in the people that live in the east and the people from the west. I am afraid that yesterday we discovered that difference for ourselves.
Mike and I tried to go to Mt. Hua Shan using the same system that we did to go to the Terra Cottas. We found a bus that was 33 yuan and hopped on. After 5 hours we arrived at this hotel near the Hua Shan mountain area, then the guy began explaining the Mountain to us and we realized that we were not where we wanted to be. In fact, we were near Dengfeng, which Mike and I are visiting in a few weeks. The guy was saying that you can only hike the mountain at night (our friends told us it was BETTER at night, but not required) AND that this hotel was the one we could stay at. As a funny side story, there was a German that was on the same bus as us, and he was really confused because he didn’t speak any Chinese, and he thought it was just a bus that drove you around for an hour! We explained to the Chinese guy that we all needed to go back very soon and we couldn’t stay but they took us to see a room and in the meantime our German friend left (wherever he went, I hope he is okay). After explaining again that we couldn’t stay (mind you all of this is in Chinese) they told us to eat lunch and then the bus would come back and we could go back to Xi’an. Mike and I ordered 3 dishes… fish, vegetables, and soup but this meal was the most expensive meal we have ever eaten in China.. totaling 179 yuan! This was outrageous for a Chinese meal, in fact it is the most expensive meal we have EVER had in China. We asked why it was that much, and she said that you buy fish by the jin (Chinese measurement, 1 jin is ½ a kilogram), and we had 4 jins…. More like they gave us 4 jins, they never even asked how many we wanted, nor did the menu say “per jin.”
In a situation like this.. in a rural area of China, it is best not to argue- just pay and leave. We left with most of our fish still on the table and decided to do some walking and find the train to take back instead of that bus.
We walked around the base of the mountain range and then asked some people how far away the train station is, they said we would have to hire a taxi. Since this is a small town, there were not any real taxis, but just people you have to bargain with to drive you somewhere (Yes, a black taxi; only ours was silver). This driver said 20 yuan, and Mike talked him down to 15 and we got in and went to the train station. On the way, the road was blocked by police and the driver automatically decided to play this crazy English CD. I am not sure if it was because of the police, or us, but none the less we listened to some crazy music. Upon arriving at the train station, we were ripped off AGAIN! We handed the driver 15 yuan and he told us it was 15 yuan per PERSON! A real taxi would have only cost about 12 yuan.. but there were none, and we just had to hand over our money and leave. We were just happy to be at the train station by 2:00 P.M.! We bought our tickets which were 60 yuan per person and had to wait until 8:00 P.M. so we decided to go to this temple that I saw while we were in the taxi. It is called Xi Yu and it looks very much like the Forbidden City, only there were not very many people there. Mike and I decided that this was the only good part of the trip, and we were happy that no one ripped us off there; in fact, we had a student discount making it only 10 yuan to go!
After the temple, we didn’t want to get ripped off again, so we just bought ramen and ate at the train station. Then, it took us an hour to get back by bullet train 
By the way, the difference between east and west China… (incase you didn’t catch on)
People have to be careful of being ripped off. In the east, people are better cultured but as you get farther west, the people are more likely to be farmers struggling to make it by. Most Chinese people would have known to ask “Do I pay for this per jin?” or “how much for 2 people?” Not only did we get ripped off because we are white, but also because it’s just what they do. All in all, the day didn’t cost us to much money (to go to the mountain with the hostel would cost 400 yuan per person). We will also have the chance to go to the mountain when we visit Deng Feng. From a different entrance, same mountain.

First half of Xi'an

Yesterday we arrived in Xi’an. We are staying at the Shuyuan hostel for 6 days, and it is a very nice place to stay. It is cheap and they have pets.  Since we have arrived it has been raining, so yesterday we just walked around the hostel and checked out the bar since it has free snacks 
The hostel charged 190 kuai (per person) for the Terra Cotta Warrior tour. Since Michael and I know enough Chinese to have an adventure.. so we decided to wing it and go on our own (it cost Mike and I 162 for both of us, plus 90 more for a souvenir) . We took the bus to the train station and just looked until we found a bus that had a picture of the warriors on it and then asked how much it would cost. It was only 7 yuan.. so we decided to get on. We were not sure which stop to get off on since the bus goes to many places… and we were the only foreigners on the bus, but we were quick to make friends with some Chinese that spoke broken English. With their broken English and our broken Chinese, we decided to go to a different museum first, and then to the underground pits. From the museum we took a taxi for one yuan per person (7 people), but it required a pit stop to look at souvenirs.. I think the driver was a little angry that we didn’t buy anything because that is how he makes money! Nevertheless, we finally ended up at the Warrior Pits, it was very interesting and we got to know our new Chinese friends very well… Well enough that Mike and I are preparing to go to dinner and maybe the bar with them tonight 
Wednesday June 9th
Since Mike and I were hanging out with new friends until late last night, we decided to sleep in today. It rained off and on all day so Michael and I decided to go to the Bell and Drum Towers as well as some shopping (only a little, we really hope we can bring everything home). Tonight we are going to the Tang Dynasty show! It should be very exciting and there is a buffet that comes with the show (the show cost 168 kuai per person through our hostel)

Central College is out for the summer.. finally

After struggling to finish a final paper for Modern Chinese Literature, I am happy to say that I am ready for some traveling! On Sunday Michael and I will leave to start 6 weeks of traveling.. We have decided to go to: Xi’an, Lhasa (Tibet), Huangshan, and Dengfeng.

Last night our Chinese language class had a dinner and then went out for a night on the town. It was good to see everyone again and we really enjoyed ourselves. As much as I am sad to leave them, I am happy that I have made connections and I now have an excuse to travel all over the world to meet up with old friends 

... and alas I find my love, twice

Today I am torn between two lovers. One of them told me that my hair and eyebrows are both very beautiful, and the other gave me a hug because it was the last day of my internship. As Pony hugged me and said “I love you much Ashley,” which is not an English phrase that I taught them.. but I replied “我也爱你“ (I also love you) which was the first time any of the kids have ever heard me speak Chinese. Literally, all of the kids stopped and started asking me a ton of questions in Chinese because they were shocked! As for the ages.. one boy (the first) is probably 3 and the other is 5.. but I don’t know which one to pick. I know that I have to stuff children in my suitcase to bring back for my friends.. but I think I will bring them all back for me. Sorry everyone, I decided to keep all of the boys for myself!

11 wonderful days in Beijing

Sorry, I couldn't post my blog because the website was blocked on public internet.. but I still wrote.. Enjoy!


Our Central College group took a trip to China’s capital- Beijing for 5 days. In those five days we saw The Great Wall, The Summer Palace, The relic Summer Palace, a Kung Fu show, and many other things that are special to Beijing, I wish that I could have blogged everyday, but the days were really long. On the day that we went to the Great Wall we walked along one of the most rugged parts- for about 7 miles! That day was by far the most breathtaking day I have ever had… not just because of the sight, but also because of the walk! Thank goodness we had a nice hotel with a BATHTUB!! (which I was too tired to use)
Other highlights from the Central trip:
I bought a Columbia coat for really cheap and it is the kind with the sweater inside
The Great Wall gave me a sunburn… which gave me blisters. I went to the pharmacy and Chinese medicine made them go away in one day 
I have bought so many things in Beijing that I don’t want to take a train back
After the Central College group left to come home Michael and I planned to stay 6 days longer (many people ask “what else is there to see?” and my there is a lot!). Today was Michael and my first day alone, and we have successfully traveled to 3 random, beautiful places and managed to get caught in the hardest rain that I have seen. (Thank goodness it only rained for 5 minutes!)
The first place we went to was the China Art Museum, which is a new place that is still under construction... I wish I could come back in 5 years when it is done being built! They had so many historic and art displays that this took us about 4 hours. After that we found a random park that cost 2 yuan (30 cents) so we walked through the park until we saw this huge tower. Michael kept taking pictures of it so we decided to walk toward it until we figured out what it was. As we approached we realized that it was the “Pearl Tower of Beijing” or in other words the TV station tower... which you can go to the top (400 meters) and overlook the entire city and then eat lunch on a revolving floor (which was too expensive and Chinese for my taste.. they were serving Goose Liver). After taking pictures and looking at the city we left and got lost looking for the subway.. that’s when it started pouring down rain! Luckily we found a bank and needed money anyway so we just asked the bankers how to get to the metro. By the time we arrived at the metro, it stopped raining!
Saturday May 22, 2010
I can honestly say that Michael and I have seen so many things in Beijing that I can’t keep the days straight anymore! In addition to all of the major tourist attractions that Beijing offers Mike and I have visited many other “Chinese favorites” including the Beijing Zoo, the Planetarium, and even Happy Valley- an amusement park!! The amusement park is most likely one of the best things that I have done! It was a great way to get away from other tourists and it was so fun to wait in line for a ride that you had no idea about! Mike and I found this one ride that is much like the Ninja at Six Flags (dad that’s the one that held you upside down that the line was too long for). It was so awesome that Mike and I rode on it 2 times! The second time we decided to “photo bomb” the picture that the roller coaster takes.. but I guess the two Chinese people (the car holds 4 people) also decided to bomb it by looking at the 2 foreigners next to them! We ended up buying this picture of Mike and I making crazy faces and two Chinese people starting at us (they also bought one)! It was a really great day to go to the park, and there weren’t that many people by the end of the day, so it was great to not have long lines (it was funny because the park has workers to make sure that the Chinese people stay in line).
What is on the agenda for today? A Planetarium and hopefully the Olympic Stadium!
May 24th, 2010
Last night we boarded the train and left to come back to Hangzhou! I am excited to be back in Hangzhou, but things are much quieter here. The train ride was about 13 hours and it was interesting to get home with a huge suitcase that Michael and I bought to bring home some paintings. The suitcase was too big to fit in the compartment, so we had to hope the people wouldn’t mind it being in their way! The first couple rooming in the sleeper with us looked quite surprised.. at the suitcase AND the foreigners. They ended up asking two people to switch with them, and these two people were working on their PHD in English! Hurrah for being able to communicate! Other than that, for our last day in Beijing we were able to leave our luggage at the front desk of the hostel, so Michael and I just wandered around to waste 6 hours before we had to board the train.

food, food and more food

This past week has been full of more wonderful, rather lazy days in Hangzhou. I have enjoyed eating at some nice restaurants, one of which is an Italian restaurant with unlimited pastries and Italian ice cream  That was basically an entire day, and I am sure that the waiters thought Michael and I had quite the sweet-tooth!
I don’t want everyone to think that I have just been eating, but the food here is interesting, and I am ready for some food at home.. so I have to inform everyone when I eat something new  Yesterday, Michael went with the guy that is teaching him how to paint (I think I mentioned this earlier), and about 3 hours later I received a phone call saying to meet them uptown. The man who makes the pictures is very nice, he bought Mike and I McDonalds and then took us to the other side of town where he sells his paintings at night. His girlfriend (who doesn’t speak English) came along, as well as her friend and we ended up going shopping while the boys “sold” paintings. I was looking at some necklaces and she offered to help me bargain.. (sometimes Chinese people rip-off foreigners). I agreed, and the next thing I knew she said, “wo son gei ni..” which means “I am giving these to you, and you can’t pay me back!” (That’s not the literal translation, but it’s what it means. As the night went on, this happened with 2 necklaces, 2 bottles of nail polish, and dinner. I can honestly say that I was SCARED to shop for once! After my stay in China, I think that I want to start giving people things all the time.. It’s so different in China. If you say “What a beautiful Umbrella..” chances are you will OWN that umbrella. I think that it is one of those “unwritten Chinese rules” where you owe them a favor later, but it’s always hard to tell!
This Thursday we are leaving for our class trip to Beijing, which is 5 days, and Michael and I are staying for an extra 5 days, so my next blog should be more exciting! Thanks for reading!

I knew I brought makeup remover for some reason... Michael

I think that this is the latest that I have stayed up all semester! Hurrah for not having language class at 8AM anymore! In other exciting news, this weekend was quite wonderful. On Sunday, it was Michael’s Birthday. We didn’t make any big plans, we just decided to take a random bus and get lost in the city! Getting lost was quite successful, and finding expensive REAL American food was also successful! In the heat of the day, we stumbled upon “C. straits Café” and decided it was worth a try for Mike’s birthday lunch (To his parents- I know that you usually do a Birthday Dinner.. this meal was big enough to satisfy both). Mike ordered a steak which came with salad, soup, fruit salad, bread and vegetables with Coffee. My meal was a pork cordon bleu (REAL pork) with soup, salad and bread. All together the meal was 208 yuan, which is maybe $40.00. Trying to find our way back to the bus stop was really rough with full bellies so we caught a taxi 
Monday was an even more interesting day. A couple of months ago, we received a gift card for a photo shoot. (it’s a long story) The gift card was worth 1000 yuan for one person, but the amazing Li Shumin helped us get two people (Mike and I) a photo shoot together.. However, we had to let them us the pictures for publicity! We are pretty famous in China! Anyway, today was the big photo shoot!
As we were leaving, Mike couldn’t find the card, so we almost didn’t get to go until I remembered that Mike showed his Mom the card on skype the other night. We grabbed the card and took the bus to the picture place. Upon arriving we were asking a question that we only understood half of… “Would you like happy pictures or… (we didn’t know).” They called someone into the room and she asked “You like sexy pictures?” and we said “We want everyday pictures.” So I found a dress that I liked, and they took Mike and found him these AWESOME checkered pants that barely fit. The women then started to put makeup on us, but they said that we were too beautiful to wear much makeup… They ended up asking me for my number and asking me to maybe come back and model.
The whole situation was very confusing because neither Mike or I know ANY words for makeup or hair styles…. But we made it through! In the middle of the shoot the electricity went out, so we had to finish the shoot outside, I am excited to get those pictures back!
After I thought we were done, we went to change and the people decided to give us another outfit to wear… I asked the woman who did my makeup which one would be her favorite (after all she did give us a free shoot) and she chose…
Well, for more details you will just have to talk to me…

Chinese Language 万了(finished)

Chinese Language classes are over for the semester!! Today we had our Grammar final, which was 2 hours long! Two days ago we had our listening final, and I think that if I missed any it was because the tape was SOO much slower than in class! I was starting to look at how nice it was outside.. and then I would realize that I missed part of a question! (Thank goodness it repeats over and over again!) From the previous post, my Speaking test didn’t go as bad as I made it sound… I scored a 95  I will be sure to let you know as soon as I know my other scores! In the weeks to come, I am excited to do some relaxing and focusing on my other classes as well as prepare for all of the exciting traveling we have coming soon!

AND in other exciting news… I am hired to work for Admissions as a Student Host next semester!

Speaking test accomplished!

Sunday April 25th
This weekend is one of the types of weekends that I love and I don’t love all at the same time. We didn’t have any plans, so I spent the entire weekend relaxing/studying/walking around. I love weekends like this, but at the same time, I miss being REALLY busy. Next week Mike and I have finals since we are only taking half the semester of language, and it will be a busy week! I have my Speaking test on Tuesday, my Listening test on Wednesday, and Grammar on Friday. Wish me luck!
This weekend has been a beautiful weekend to be outside, but it’s hard to believe that it is only Spring! I feel like wearing shorts and tank tops while everyone else is wearing six layers! My apologies that there isn’t too much to blog about, like I said it was just a lazy weekend! I guess since there isn’t a lot to say about the week itself, I can talk about changes and Chinese things that still shock me! I’ve found it easier for myself to grow closer to God when I am reliant on hearing his word through reading the Bible. It’s interesting to me that I am getting into the habit of reading every day, I hope to keep that up when I return to the states. For those who haven’t heard I am going to Haiti for 3 weeks for a mission trip when I get back from China as well!
I haven’t really gotten “home-sick” yet. I miss my family and my friends, but the only other thing that I miss is my dog and Taco Johns. (Taco Johns is such a silly thing to miss!) It’s so sad to think about everyone else’s life and how much older my sister’s two boys and my brother and sister will be when I get home, but I hope that someday they have the same opportunity to study abroad. It’s a once in a lifetime experience.
Tuesday April 25th
Today I had my first of 3 finals. This final (which is midterm for everyone else) consisted of 6 parts and it was to judge my ability to speak Chinese. We had to read words and characters, as well as answer some questions and give a small speech. My speech topic was “Talk about your Daily Life,” which wasn’t too difficult. I feel as if my test went rather well, but I was really nervous and I accidently said “I go to the post office to change money” instead of the bank! After that I was really nervous/frustrated, and I still had 6 minutes of the 10 minute test left! For the most part, I wish that the test could have been longer! It feels silly that most of my grade is based on how well I can speak in only 10 minutes!

a lazy weekend

This weekend is one of the types of weekends that I love and I don’t love all at the same time. We didn’t have any plans, so I spent the entire weekend relaxing/studying/walking around. I love weekends like this, but at the same time, I miss being REALLY busy. Next week Mike and I have finals since we are only taking half the semester of language, and it will be a busy week! I have my Speaking test on Tuesday, my Listening test on Wednesday, and Grammar on Friday. Wish me luck!
This weekend has been a beautiful weekend to be outside, but it’s hard to believe that it is only Spring! I feel like wearing shorts and tank tops while everyone else is wearing six layers! My apologies that there isn’t too much to blog about, like I said it was just a lazy weekend! I guess since there isn’t a lot to say about the week itself, I can talk about changes and Chinese things that still shock me! I’ve found it easier for myself to grow closer to God when I am reliant on hearing his word through reading the Bible. It’s interesting to me that I am getting into the habit of reading every day, I hope to keep that up when I return to the states. For those who haven’t heard I am going to Haiti for 3 weeks for a mission trip when I get back from China as well!
I haven’t really gotten “home-sick” yet. I miss my family and my friends, but the only other thing that I miss is my dog and Taco Johns. (Taco Johns is such a silly thing to miss!) It’s so sad to think about everyone else’s life and how much older my sister’s two boys and my brother and sister will be when I get home, but I hope that someday they have the same opportunity to study abroad. It’s a once in a lifetime experience.

Volcanos, earthquakes, and tests

Things in China are going well! For those who know, the earthquake that happened is REALLY far away from Hangzhou, so we are safe, and no I haven’t felt any aftershocks! I am however praying for everyone in Europe, and I hope that all of my friends are safe and able to enjoy traveling very soon! This week I had my second Chinese test, I scored another 86, and with my final in two weeks, I hope to do much better! (For those of you who know me, I am NOT okay with a B!) Other classes are going well too, but I am excited to get out and see the rest of China! As my dad says, I think I will have seen more of China than that United States! Trips planned in the upcoming months:
1. Bejing- the Great Wall
2. Xi’ an- The Terra Cotta soldiers
3. Huangshan- Beautiful place, where the movie Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon was filmed
4. TIBET!
We also plan to go to other places, but I don’t know for sure yet!
A few days ago Mike was cooking tasty food and burnt his neck/arm on hot oil, so we enjoyed trying to figure out how to go through the Chinese hospital process (once again). It was easier this time because we could SHOW the people what was wrong. Apparently, you have to buy a card and pay for the appointment first and then see the doctor and then buy medicine! Just in case you ever have to see a Chinese doctor.. It’s sort of a long process.
Today, the weather was BEAUTIFUL, Mike and I were going to go to the lake, but instead we went on an adventure to find the foreign book store (since we have to spend all of those hours on the train in the next months!). Before successfully finding the book store, we stumbled upon this nerdy looking store that I knew Mike would like… We went inside and it was full of Gundams (these models that Mike likes to build)! He already has 3 small ones, but the ones in this store were super nice, and cheap, so I bought him an early birthday present (no worries, he already knows). We ended up spending more time in the nerd store than the book store, but the book store was rather disappointing because they didn’t have the book I was looking for… I ended up buying 3 other books instead of the 1 I wanted.

By the way, Mike and I didn't go to the cook your own meat place on Friday, instead we went to Pizza Hut... which is AWESOME here.. They have Salmon Pizza, (Mike likes it, I don't) we will have to take Mike's dad there when he comes!

OH AND I found Sunkist the day after I posted my last blog, but it didn't taste very good, I will stick to tea!

Wuzhen

The care package from Michael’s mom arrived, and it was HUGE, we have so much cereal and food for a long time!
After a long week of classes, Saturday we took our 2nd Central College trip. We left in a van at 7:30 for Wuzhen, an old water village that is about 2 hours away. Our director was not with us because she is in Pella for a conference thing, but Wuzhen was a very wonderful trip. Upon arriving, I thought that we were going to a legit town, but we actually were going to an old town that is now a tourist location.. (inside the city) and my oh my, were there a lot of tourists! Soo many people acted as if they have never been around a “wai guo ren” (foreigner). They took more pictures that normal, and even tried to look sneakier by standing closer to us to take pictures. Wuzhen was only a day trip, but the rest of the weekend was rather successful as well. Mike and I had our rather usual “Friday night date” which consists of going to that place that has unlimited cook your own meat. I also looked into places to travel to a little more, and I think that in addition to Tibet we are going to the Yellow Mountains (where Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon was filmed).
A few other things that are new in my life, but don’t fit into the blog:
1. It looks like we may be leaving for Haiti on July 20th for a mission trip, which means summer is minimal.
2. Rooming with Dani next year is going to be amazing! We have a great group of gals that Dani has worked out. (and Brooke)
3. I need a hair cut really bad
4. Michael cooked a super tasty lunch. It consisted of potatoes, carrots, lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, meat, pineapple, and other random things.
5. I can’t wait to see everyone when I get home, and I wish the time change was easier.
6. I am thinking about not drinking pop anymore… it’d be easy to quit without Sunkist in China!
7. I can’t wait to be home to read the Bible in a year with other people to help me through it.
8. I want to eat at Joe’s Crab Shack with lots of butter for my crab.

weekend in Nanjing

April 6th
After a long and tiring weekend in Nanjing I am going to try and blog my weekends happenings. Please excuse my lack of sleep 
Friday
This weekend is the Qingming Festival so there is no class on Monday! With the long weekend ahead, my friend Zoe was wanting to travel to Nanjing (former south capital) to visit. Nanjing is about 5 hours away by bus, but things would be very busy with the holiday. After Zoe had all of the plans worked out, she asked Mike and I if we would like to join her… and of course, we couldn’t refuse  After I was done teaching, Zoe and Mike met me downtown to go to the bus station. However, at dinner I asked if everyone had their passport…. Zoe didn’t! So she had to catch a taxi back to the dorm to get it… Mike and I headed to the bus station and much to my surprise Robert and Wei Ling had decided to join us! (the Chinese wife.. so helpful) Sadly, Zoe missed the bus, but she didn’t miss much of anything else..
We got off the bus around midnight, and the taxi took us to the hotel. Actually, the taxi dropped us off in front of a hospital, so Wei Ling called to find the hotel. Zoe had booked the hotel from the Lonely Planet Guide (a really good book used for traveling??), so I didn’t understand what was going on. A woman came and led us to the hotel. This was one of the scariest walks of my life. The hotel was down a dark alley where there are usually shops open during the day (It’s called a Traditional Street.. bargaining place basically). We got the hotel entrance, there was a sign that said “30 yuan for 3 hours,” and it wasn’t the best looking place… in other words… think of why people would only want a hotel for 3 hours……. Without another place to go, we decided that we had to stay, but we would leave first thing in the morning. I didn’t want to lay down on the bed at ALL, and we made them change sheets, but they still didn’t look very clean.. Needless to say, I was so tired, I fell asleep fast.
Saturday
First thing I thought about when I woke up was getting out of the gross bed and into a shower.. however the shower head was broken so it sprayed water on the wall and not on the person in the shower.. We left the hotel right away, and spent most of Saturday trying to find a hotel and then we just walked around and shopped at small stores on the Traditional Street and then we got massages that night.
Sunday
On Sunday we visited the “Dr. Yang Sun’s temple” for the day. The bus ride was SO packed and long and hot (emphasis with the and). When we got there, the place was huge, and beautiful but not what we expected… After all of that walking we decided to go and get another massage  Massages are cheap and wonderful here.
Monday
Monday was very uneventful.. except for the ride home. We decided to take the train because it is typically nicer, and you could do your homework on a train. Since it was the last day of the festival, they didn’t have any spots open on the train until Wei Ling told them that we were Americans. Almost immediately, the train magically had just enough seats for us! We had seats, which was very nice, but there were so many other people that we constantly trying to steal our seats. The train was also delayed, so it took 10 ½ hours instead of 6.. We got back around 5 AM Tuesday morning, and I had class at 8:00 