Monday, February 28, 2011

bubble gum.

Every time gum is anywhere near me, I can smell it. It makes me want to vomit. Seeing it will surely make my stomach turn inside out. I have tried to get over it, but it just doesn't matter. It is the one thing that HONESTLY worries me about becoming a teacher.

On Wednesday, Knoxville is having "Double Bubble Day." I have my teaching practicum there in the morning, and I am sure I will vomit. Double Bubble is the WORST.

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Friday, February 25, 2011

freak-out friday

For some reason, everyone seems to think I "haven't been okay lately."

My grandma is in the hospital. I have pneumonia. People keep asking me if I am making good decisions in regards to the "new boyfriend." I haven't been getting many hours at Fareway. I'm sorry I can't put on my happy face all the time.. but I am fine. I'm sorry I took off my happy face for a few days. I'll be sure to put it back on for you.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Mr. Boyfriend

Many of you seem to be asking questions.. and I have (some) answers.

Yes, Indeed I do have a boyfriend. His name is Grant Ford. And he is a pretty fantastic guy. I'm sorry that many of you had to find out on facebook, or through this blog, but rest assured, I made a good choice and I am sorry I didn't update you.


In the few days before making in official, here are some things I wrote in my journal about Grant.

1. He's non-judgmental. I love this. I love that we can have a conversation about how we feel about any topic and he won't say I'm wrong. He's accepting of others and always open-minded.

2.He uses phrases like "love interest" and "hey, girlfriend." I don't even get mad when he calls me "ash." He (sometimes) opens doors and hugs me in public. He put my coat on after dinner.

3. His life is open to many new things. He is studying Philosophy and East Asian Studies, but it seems like he would be content doing a variety of things.

4. Adoption. (this is kind of just here for kicks) China & Russia. how perfect.

So, this is a condensed list, but basically... that's my relationship.

OH! AND for those who love my "ditzy-relationship moments"

He asked me to be his girlfriend, and it was cute, so I laughed. I tried to justify my laughing... and in the midst I forgot that I never answered him for nearly 48 hours.

Friday, February 18, 2011

new title

So.. my title was too similar to a friends, so I changed it. It's the same idea, only a new title.

*The word Actually REALLY confuses me sometimes.
Today, I realized how much I DISLIKE stepping on peoples toes and being an exception.

Example One: We had a Math Conference, and after being in Des Moines for less than 3 hours, I got a call saying my Grandma was in the hospital. I didn't want to drive back (take the Central van) even though I knew I should go be with my Grandma.

Example Two: The boyfriend (.. I'll make another post) and Bestie both offered to stay in town tonight and be with me. Goodness, I couldn't let them stay with me. They had plans to have fun tonight.

Example Three: Grandma keeps telling me, "If you are on some mission trip or something, don't you dare stop for little ol' me." I want to be there like everyone else, I want to be the first to find out.

Example Four (not really): No one wants to tell me any news involving Grandma because I'm bound to freak out, drive 90 MPH (get pulled over) and be the first to climb in bed and hold her hand... Isn't that the way it should be?

So, for those who haven't caught on, Grandma Helen was taken to the hospital last night at 3AM. Congestive Heart Failure. Water in her lungs. AND Bronchitis. She thinks she is going home tonight.. sorry pretty lady.

The plus side: I got to cuddle and take a nap with her. It's the first time she has slept in days.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Absence of Maturity

.. This is the case of most high school girls. Especially when it comes to relationships. I'm not saying this is always the case, but for the majority of the time, if you are 25 and dating someone who is 18 (just an example) you will run into maturity issues (along with other issues).

At some point, these age differences become socially acceptable.. not even socially acceptable, but ACCEPTABLE.

I'm sorry to bust your relationship bubble, but most relationships that begin with this big of an age gap tend to end painfully. I have been in that boat. The younger one is wayy more attached because they feel special for dating someone older, and then it's just heartbreak.

Other plausible reasons?

1. Pressure to do things you are not ready for.

2. Pressure to get too serious since the older one is probably thinking more about marriage and such.

3. (this is blunt, and possibly untrue) The older one may, indeed, be a creeper who can't get a relationship anywhere else.

Monday, February 14, 2011

Dashboard Confessional - No News Is Bad News

when things aren't so perfect

I have been super stoked about life lately. Everything has been going perfect. Better than perfect. Until today.

Today hasn't been terrible. I had a test that I didn't necessarily get an A on. I wasn't prepared for class the way I usually am.

What to take from today:

*If you think something isn't going well for you, just remember it's worse for someone else. Sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and have a crappy day. It will make your perfect days even better.

I'm learning to let things bother me less, and I have been doing decent. I'm learning to take small things to heart, for example, when your date helps you put your coat on after dinner. *Precious*

no time for deets

Last night I had a classy double date. In lack of time to "give the deets," I'll just share some pictures. If you ask me, or if I blog later, you will find that I was pretty excited about it.

Storm and Sheena!


Grant Ford and I at Dinner. "I have never had a Sunkist. Oh wait, that's a pop."

Sushi Boat!
Dani and I at the Haiti Dinner!

Last

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Practical Advice.

Don't work at making things work. Let them work. Don't get too involved in making things perfect, just go with the flow. If you enjoy spending time with someone, then spend time with them. If you don't.. tell them. DON'T get caught up in the future, it hasn't happened.

Be direct with others. Saying "Hey, I like you." Is probably the most attractive thing you can say to someone.

More importantly, don't rush things. Don't assume it will work out, but rather be diligent in your actions.

Excuse this rant.

Day 6


A picture of a person you’d love to trade places with for a day.

Typically, I wouldn't want to trade with anyone. However, this little girl is the exception. My first day in Haiti, she cried when we had to leave her house. She wanted me to hold her, she wanted me to take her with me. My heart has never hurt so much.

I want one day to live like her. I want to feel her pain. I want to know everything about her and try and make her world a better place. I can only do this by trading places with her for a day. <3

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Day 5


A picture of your favorite memory.

Yes, it is a rainbow around the sun.

This picture was taken in Tibet, and it symbolizes the "newest and greatest Dalai Lama being born."

I witnessed something that has only ever happened one other time in history.

The Nadas "Bitter Love"


I knew there was a reason I loved the Nadas. This is perfect for today.


BITTER LOVE
It’s cold and you seem to know
When I’ll fall because I’m easily broken
Although its time to go
You move nice and slow
With words left unspoken
So rise and join the enemy

Chorus
Our love’s a bitter war
My hearts been hurt before
Please don’t ignore
Our love
Our love

Don’t twist on my wrist
Just to get kissed
This is easily broken
With no risk
I’m trying to resist
Just enlist, its silently spoken
So rise and join the enemy

Chorus

It hurts when you shake your skirt
And you desert me when I’m broken
…… you turned us to dirt
You’re a dangerous flirt
Words are not spoken
So rise and join the enemy

Chorus x2

Our love
Our love (repeat to end)

Day 4

Day 04- A picture of your night.

I don't actually have one. Half my night, was boring (working). The other half won't need pictures to remember, nor did I have my camera.

Monday, February 7, 2011

Today in a nutshell..

Was a great day.

Why?

Let me outline it for you.

Waking up: My hair didn't look bad! I didn't even wash it. And for those of you who don't know, maybe this conversation will help you understand my hair washing philosophy.

2 days ago:
Marla: "Did you die your hair?"

Me and Dani at the same time: "No, it's grease. I/She didn't wash it today."

I am super jealous of people who can go DAYS without washing their hair, but I guess I will bask in this (one) day.

Lunch: with Ellaine. Talking. That's all I need to say

Teaching 3rd graders:
Today my science lesson was about friction. I used laundry soap to make "motion lotion." It was interesting. The second time I taught, it went much smoother.* We used push-pull meters to see how lubricant affects motion.
*friction pun intended!

Dinner with Dad:My dad and I have one of those relationships that I will never fully understand. We get along really well now. I think I have his support for the Niger thing. He's just a Dad and making sure all my bases are covered before I leave.

Conversation at Chinese Restaurant (one of six I can deem quote worthy):
Me: "I think I'm going to try a muscle. I mean muzzle. I mean, this thing. Let's hope I don't get sick." (my mom is allergic)
Dad: "Laughs, well I'm not going to. It'll keep you quiet for a while"
Dad (after sitting): "I think you should cut that."
(wouldn't cut): "Nah. I'll just eat it."
I put it in my mouth and I knew I wouldn't like it in the first place. I thought I was going to throw up, but I just swallowed it whole. I was crying A) because it was gross and B) because I couldn't laugh.

Dad was crying too. Maybe it's a story you needed to be there for.

Day 3


A picture of the cast from your favorite show.

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Day 2


Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you are closest to.

<3 Dani

first day


Day 01 - A picture of yourself with fifteen facts

1. I grew up on a ranch.
2. That, indeed, makes me a *hick*
3. My hair used to change color/style every month
4. I do not like Styrofoam
5. One time I had a bucket-bottle calf that weighed 34 pounds at fair.. (that's the picture)
6. I am a Regional Officer for 4H
7. I am going to Niger in the fall.
8. Most of my friends are not friends with each other
9. I have at least 3 jobs at any given time
10. I love blogging
11. I have a dog named Rowdy
12. I never sleep
13. I used this picture, because it shows something most of you don't know about me
14. I tend to over-think things
15. I haven't showered today.

30 day challenge

Here are the days, and lets see how this goes!


Day 01 - A picture of yourself with fifteen facts
Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you are closest to.
Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show
Day 04 - A picture of your night
Day 05 - A picture of your favorite memory
Day 06 - A picture of a person you’d love to trade places with for a day
Day 07 - A picture of your best friend and a letter to them
Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh
Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most
Day 10 - A picture of your room
Day 11 - A picture of something you love
Day 12 - A picture of something you hate
Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist
Day 14 - A picture of your favorite store
Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die
Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you
Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life
Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity
Day 19 - A picture of something you love to do.
Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you’d love to travel
Day 21 - A picture of the person you resemble most
Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at
Day 23 - A picture of something you’d like to change about yourself
Day 24 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without
Day 25 - A picture of your day
Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you
Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member
Day 28 - A picture of something you’re afraid of
Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile
Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss.

30 day challenge

Here are the days, and lets see how this goes!


Day 01 - A picture of yourself with fifteen facts
Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you are closest to.
Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show
Day 04 - A picture of your night
Day 05 - A picture of your favorite memory
Day 06 - A picture of a person you’d love to trade places with for a day
Day 07 - A picture of your best friend and a letter to them
Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh
Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most
Day 10 - A picture of your room
Day 11 - A picture of something you love
Day 12 - A picture of something you hate
Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist
Day 14 - A picture of your favorite store
Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die
Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you
Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life
Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity
Day 19 - A picture of something you love to do.
Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you’d love to travel
Day 21 - A picture of the person you resemble most
Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at
Day 23 - A picture of something you’d like to change about yourself
Day 24 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without
Day 25 - A picture of your day
Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you
Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member
Day 28 - A picture of something you’re afraid of
Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile
Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss.

Saturday, February 5, 2011





























I like coffee.. and quite possibly someone else likes coffee.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

3 moments.


Reasons why males are needed in females lives.

1) Cars getting stuck in the snow
2) Keys getting stuck in doors
3) Computer problems.

All of these things happened to me today, and while I may hate asking for help, I know I can. AND I DID!

So, for number one. I didn't want anyone to know I was stuck. I hate being that 'girl driver" because I am NOT. My clutch in my car is going out, and reverse always fails. I called one person to help me, and before he even came, 10 boys came running to push me. I was embarrassed. I shouldn't be.

Every girl needs some boys in her life to come and save her day.

I miss my Chevy.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Niger Update

Jay (the Reformed Church America guy) is coming to Pella in a few weeks to interview me and set dates for Niger!

Prayers, Prayers, Prayers!