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.