Nevaeh

Five days and counting....

2009-08-14T08:58:00.000-07:00

And I still can't decided if I am excited yet. I went to the training on Wednesday and it is going to be HARD. No cake walking on this experience. Yes, I will be in China exploring places I would otherwise not be able to partake of but this teaching children business is going to be quite a feat. I will do the best I can, but one advantage I have is I talk A LOT! That is a requirement for this volunteering experience. You pretty much have to talk to yourself for the first month or so. The trainer likened it to "talking to a wall" for a month and a half. That will be FUN!! But he did show us some videos he took of the kids during the 4 1/2 months he was there and the progress is shocking. The first video, the kids just sat there staring at him and I can imagine what they are thinking "Um...I hear sounds but no words are coming out...is he speaking gibberish?" then later down the road after getting used to him they are starting to get noisy and grab things out of his hands and talking loudly in Chinese (which is a BIG no-no) then more months go by and they start to pay attention and answer in English and speak in English. It is amazing to watch!! I hope that I can be a benefit to them and get them to speak English as much as our trainer was able to do. The trainer put me at ease when he said when he first went he didn't know what he was getting himself into either. That is how I feel right about now.

I will continue to keep everyone updated for as long as China allows. I am still in America so it's no problem right now. But as of Wednesday I have no idea. I talked to several people who have been to Zhongshan and they said that this website (that my blog is on) and hotmail.com has not been censored yet! So good news!!!

I hope you are all well! I miss everyone in Washington (DVPC) tons!! Until next time.... :)

Moving

2009-07-30T22:59:00.001-07:00

SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's all.

:)

I haven't died!

2009-07-20T19:19:00.000-07:00

I am still around...just working takes a lot more time than going to school! I have done a TON since graduating Clark; I have gotten my degree, began working full-time, my car was hit by a gigantic bird and getting ready to move out of my apartment.

I am getting ready to move back to Utah then to China for a little under five months and I am so excited!!! I am excited to serve those children and teach them English, I hope they like me too!!

My sister is getting antsy so I better go! Until next time....

Ch-ch-ch-changes!

2009-06-09T19:36:00.000-07:00

The world is full of changes. Changing lifestyle, changing diet habits, changing views on a wide variety of issues, changing schools, changing jobs, changing hair color, changing styles, changing plans...the list goes on and on. One thing is for sure about change, it always changes.

I haven't been keeping up the blog because of all the changes and moving on that I have been preparing for. I am getting my Associates Degree next week from a fantastic college, otherwise known as Clark. This is usually not a big deal because an Associates Degree is almost like a High School diploma these days. But it's important to me because I never thought I'd get back to college again. I left high school 10 years ago, and believed I would just work the rest of my life. I never prepared or planned (totally unlike me not to plan) to go back but something drew me to Clark and it was so unbelievably simple to attend. I only had one small misstep and then it was back to normal. It was a smooth ride and I am excited to finish with honors and move on to a new chapter in my life. I am going to China in August, which was postponed from last year due to finish college and I am very happy I did postpone. I was sent to Hefei, China since the first time I decided to go this time last year but again with that silly little thing known as change, it wasn't meant to be. Oh, I'm still going to China! Just not Hefei. ILP called me the other day and told me the Hefei school closed down, so now I am off to Zhongshan, which ironically is where I wanted to be sent to in the first place! So it is great! I am excited. When I get back from China in January I will be off to Western Oregon University to start my ASL experience. So many changes!!

Balsamic and Oil artwork

2009-04-26T17:15:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when one does not have enough homework to do!
(side note: I don't have photoshop so I don't recommend opening up picture, much too big)

WSD

2009-04-17T22:22:00.000-07:00

I started school, but that is not the reason I haven't written. I have no excuse for not writing other than I am lazy. My classes aren't really that pressing, very little homework. I really had nothing to say, that is the reason, not because I'm lazy. Ignore that last statement about me being lazy! I am not lazy, I am a very busy girl. I began volunteering at Washington School for the Deaf again this quarter and I absolutely love it! I thought I had a great time last time, this time is ten times better! I am working with a bunch of little kids as they put together their very own play! I love ASL and watching little kids sign is the best!! They have these little hands and sign so fast and it is just so cute! I still am so limited in my ASL skills but those kids are so patient with me. I feel like I am younger than them sometimes when I am talking to them. It should be a pretty fun quarter. I won't get to see the whole play when it's finished since I won't be here (I'll be in China) so that is a bummer. But it will still be fun to watch them put this play together all by themselves. It's great! I am super excited about the next few months!

Until next time!

China or Bust

2009-03-25T10:45:00.000-07:00

The final payment on my service mission has been paid! I am officially going to China!! Yes, it was supposed to happen last year. But it didn't. But it IS happening this August. I am super excited. It was definitely a long time coming and I appreciate everyone hanging in there with me while I went through my go-postpone-go-phase. I will blog everything I do, because you are all dying to follow my life, minute by minute. Hehe. Gosh it feels like forever since I started this process. I was still living in Cedar City when I started thinking about going on this service mission and now I'm in Washington going to finish it. I guess the best plans have to be fully developed before they can work correctly. That is how I feel with this adventure. I had to be in the right place and the right state of mind. I am such a planner. My sister would have been to China and back by the time I decided to plan it. She is definitely the spontaneous child in the family. My friend Sarah was my inspiration for deciding to go to China and I am so grateful for her friendship even if we don't get to chat very often! Her next adventure is Switzerland. Wow! Good luck to her!

That is it for now. Until I find some other mundane thing to talk about!

The End is HERE!

2009-03-20T10:38:00.000-07:00

Nothing too mysterious, Sarah! You are probably nodding as I tell you the reason for my excitment is the fact that finals are over!!! I think...no, I know this has been the worse quarter since I started college. It was a fun one though. Met a lot of great, funny people in all of my classes. Everything else in my life suffered because of this quarter. I have pots, pans and bowls that have been sitting in my kitchen since January. I think my bathtub is growing mold and the dust bunnies in my bedroom have taken up residency and started their own hair farm. I think it is sufficent to say I need to do a little Spring cleaning!! But that is going to have to wait until I go to Las Vegas and let go for a few days first!

Now I just have to wait for my grades.

THE END IS NEAR

2009-03-13T20:48:00.000-07:00

History paper finished!!

2009-03-02T20:51:00.000-08:00

I don't normally just write something off the top of my head but I am SOOOOOO excited that I just finished my History paper I could do a backflip. YAH!!!! Man that was a sucker of a paper to write.

Yes, that was the entire post. I know. Lame. But I am happy, so there!

It's not like anyone reads this blog anyway.

A joke gone SERIOUSLY wrong!

2009-02-19T18:38:00.000-08:00

I work at a wonderful job where I have lots of people with whom I can joke. There is a security guard that I often banter with, who sits on the main level of my building. I leave every day to do a "run", and on this particular day I was driving back from my "run" and drove up the ramp and my friendly little security friend was running down the ramp. She was running down the ramp to try and catch some hoodlums who were skateboarding in the underground parking garage. As I was driving up the ramp I nearly hit her but being as stealthy as she is, she dodged my car. But being the silly girl I am, I wrote (yes, wrote with a pen and paper) a note and put it on her desk. Oh, I forgot to add that sometimes other people sit at that desk when she is doing crazy things like running after skateboarders. Ok, back the story. So the note is at her desk and someone else picks up the note and reads it. "I could have killed you! You young whippersnapper! :)" is what the note says. I even put my signature smiley face on the note to make sure she knew it was a joke. But like I said, she did not see it first. Another woman, who is an assistant of a government official, saw it and freaked out. Now we have the police looking at this note, plus a whole slew of other people including the official himself!! I did not know this until today. So apparently this silly little note got everyone excited. Of course, after I told everyone the context in which the note was written everyone calmed down. I learned my lesson not to write a note with the word "kill" on it.

P.S. I did get to those papers from my last post, finished. I can hear the sighs of relief! Thank you! Man, this quarter is killing me! (oh crap, used the word kill again)

Avoidence

2009-01-24T11:39:00.000-08:00

As I write this I am avoiding writing two papers, one on Haydn and the other on modern slavery, and a planet project. I started the Winter quarter the beginning of January and have not had time to write anything. Not that I have anything worth writing about if I did have the time. My computer broke down for a couple of weeks and that sucked big time! It's amazing how much we rely on technology for everything we do. I had to do an English assignment that required us to look up different sources and when it came to finding an actual book it was amazing how difficult the process was! A book for heaven sakes! When I did find the book I had to flip through each page to find the answer I was looking for. I kept thinking in my head....gosh, wouldn't it be nice to have that ctrl+F button right about now...you know the one that when you want to find a particular word in a website all you have to do is click those keys and that box pops up to help you find the word? What a lifesaver and a detriment technology has on us all! But I digress...

I prayed I would use my time wisely today and get those papers finished and I have been doing everything but that. At the moment I am watching a horrid Lifetime movie about a women who goes to live with a total stranger's family and they kill her. Sounds good but the acting is almost unbearable! What else can I do to avoid my priorities? I guess I should just, as elderly people say, buckle down and finish it. I know I'll be happier when it's done. I'll let you know if I do, indeed, buckle down.

A lot of snow for the NW

2008-12-25T10:57:00.000-08:00

This may not seem like a lot of snow coming from a child who grew up with 3-4 feet of snow every winter. But for the Pacific Northwesterners, it's a dream come true! The first photo is the first dumping of snow then five days later, you see the amount accumulated which is in photo two. I have not driven since Friday the 19th. It sucks to depend on everyone else for a ride but I don't have to use gas! I have to look on the bright side when this happens. As I indicated in the previous post, the ice is the killer in these storms in the PNW not necessarily the snow. I can drive on snow (even though I'd rather not) but there is no way to drive my little Honda on ice without studs or chains, and I have neither. The second photo is the snow on top of my car, then a lovely layer of ice. I dug out the soft snow underneath the ice so it's sort of a igloo on top of my car. I had to have some fun in this weather! This is the perfect weather for igloo making! Well I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!! Pray I can drive on a dry ice-free surface soon! :)

Boys are silly!

2008-12-24T14:30:00.000-08:00

So I was not about to drive in to work today due to the 3 inch layer of ice, 4 inches of snow, 3 more inches of ice then...you guessed it, 4 more inches of snow. I decided to take the bus for the third time since living here. I checked the website for the time around 8 in the morning, got in my warm and snuggly clothes since it was snowing like crazy already this early! I hoofed it to the bus stop just down from my house, across from the old, empty Fred Meyer parking lot. I did not see a bus for almost an hour and I didn't bring a book. Arg!!@myself. Just sitting in this little covered bus stop (thank goodness for the coverage!) feet getting colder and colder, I noticed a truck moving towards the empty parking lot. I turned around to watch if a drug deal was going to happen, but to my chagrin, it did not. Here was this guy in his big black truck surrounded by many inches of white, untouched snow. A little boy's winter paradise and I am sure this man thought the same thing. All of the sudden he starts tearing it up. Snow flying everywhere, his tires just a squealing from all the donuts he is doing. This goes on for a very short amount of time, perhaps 5 minutes, but he is having a good 'ol time! Then he drives out of the parking lot and off he drives down the street. Guess he got his fun in the snow for the day. Boys are silly.

Me and My Sister's vacation

2008-12-08T20:55:00.000-08:00

Last month my sister and I went to Rockaway beach and stayed at my friend's beach house. What a great little town this was, lots of little shops and things to see. My friend graciously loaned her beach house which sits right on the ocean as you can see. We stayed just for a night but it was really relaxing. We didn't do much of anything besides sit around and listen to jazz music. Nothing I wouldn't do normally. But it was still so much fun being with my sister before she went back home.

Twilight!!

2008-11-22T16:56:00.000-08:00

Oh how I loved that movie. Not as good as the book, of course, but pretty darn close! Yes, I would have wanted much more scenes from the book, but that isn't possible if you are going to keep the film under 4 hours long. Many people expressed their disdain for Kristen Stewart, who played Bella. I was very unhappy with the choice of actress at first. I didn't like her in anything I saw, until I saw Speak. She was totally Bella in the film and did a great job of playing her. Robert Pattinson did a WONDERFUL job portraying Edward. I thought they worked very well together. I have a very special place in my heart for Carlisle now. Peter Facinelli was very engaging and played an excellent vampire dad! Overall because I am very biased, I give it an A.

Hard Candy

2008-10-11T19:54:00.000-07:00

What a great show this was! Augustana started out the show with a mere 20 minutes. Not long enough in my opinion. Maroon 5 was the second band to play, way too long of a set in my opinion. They are ok, but Counting Crows are my favorite band and should be given the correct amount of homage. They did not play long enough in my opinion. Even though Adam Duritz is a turd, he has a beautiful voice...one of the most beautiful voices I've ever heard to be frank.

Back to school

2008-10-02T20:05:00.000-07:00

Just an update.....my life is back to being extremely busy. I probably won't be blogging much. Thank you for my follower, Sarah!! :P

Happy Birthday to MEEEE!

2008-09-09T19:56:00.000-07:00

One year older....I have lived a pretty good life. I always seem to think back on my short lived life every year. The best time of my life was when I was gothic. That was the funnest most exciting moment so far. I look forward with a glimmer in my eye for the next stage that I jump on! Until then I will continue working and going to school, reading my most beloved Twilight series and look for the next exciting adventure!

Growing stuff

2008-09-04T17:15:00.000-07:00

Since I haven't had my turtle to attend to and I am that motherly type that likes to care for people/animals/plants. So my friend got me a sunflower and I really didn't care much about it because I suck at keeping plants alive. It sat on the floor in the dining room for several days until my sister said I needed to do something with it because it was attracting bugs. So I put it out on the patio and put some water on it and left it alone for a few days. A few days later I peeked out the patio door and it had grown what looked to be 2 feet!! I was absolutely shocked at how a little bit of water would make something grow that much. So I watered it for several months and it kept on growing!! And of course I had to make it better, so I went to the store and bought food and miracle grow. It hasn't done much with it yet, but it is still growing and that is more than I can say with other plants I have tried to keep alive. I always thought I had a black thumb, who knew!!

I bought another plant to keep it company as you can see in the corner of the picture. It is growing very well too!! I am pretty proud of myself.

Life changes constantly!

2008-08-21T09:55:00.000-07:00

Today would have been the day I arrive at the SLC international airport to fly to California then off to China for 4 months. But as you can tell, I am home typing this post. Why you ask? I decided to postpone my volunteer adventure in Hefei, China so I can finish my stint at college first. I feel it is a better choice than to go to China, forget everything I've learned then come back and start all over. This way I will have finished with school and have my associates degree before I go to China. I do thank EVERYONE that has donated to this wonderful volunteer experience because it IS GOING to happen, just not for a year and that year will fly! Trust me, you will all be a lot happier I went next year anyway considering all the stuff that is happening over there right now! If you have any questions or want to donate (I still need $600 in order to go) please contact ILP. Their phone # is 801-374-8913 or ILP.com.

Wine Country

2008-08-17T09:18:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of pictures of Willamette Valley Winery, just outside of Portland. The top one is my sister next to a HUGE (although fake) barrel of wine. I thought it would be fun to go up to the lookout of the winery and get some shots of all over the area and that is what the next picture is. It is so green and beautiful!

When sand is turned into art

2008-07-27T10:41:00.000-07:00

There is a festival in Portland called Sand in the City, and these art pieces are beautiful! My favorite is the turtle (of course) and the Great Wall. There were some other cool sculptures but these were my favorite!

Horse's day out!

2008-07-19T15:48:00.000-07:00

Caught Horsey taking a walk down the street....look both ways before crossing, Horsey!!

I'm lazy ok!!

2008-07-06T17:08:00.001-07:00

I really don't have an excuse as to why I haven't been blogging. I only have one class this summer and it is pretty laid back. My sister and I have been hanging out on the Columbia, going to Portland, hiking and checking out new places to eat! Recently my friend April and I went up to Punchbowl Falls (as you can see the pic to the side) and had lunch. My sister and I went up there the weekend before but she was scared of heights so I brought my friend instead. It was really fun! We hiked about 3 miles up to the Falls and waded out in the ice cold water to get these pictures. There were a couple of brave men there to take these pictures of us.

One post for June

2008-06-20T08:49:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a month it has been. I went back home to Utah for a training when I go to China. That was an interesting training, being back with a bunch of 18 year old clones. I didn't fit in AT ALL....story of my life when I lived in Utah. Makes me love living where I do even more. But seeing my family was priceless. I miss them every day.

Three pretty big things have happened this month. My sister flew back with me to take care of my apartment for me while I am in China. I finished the spring quarter of school!! Wooo Hooo! And oh...I have postponed my adventure to China until next year. Do I hear mouths drop open?? Wait, when you read the reasons it sounds better. I've decided to wait because I'll be finished with school by next year so it won't interfere with that. Also, with this economy the way it is you can't blame me for not wanting to lose my job! My awesome fantastic job! When I get back from China I'll be heading down to Monmouth, Oregon to attending WOU so it will be a good transition. Is that better? I'm still going...just not until 2009. That is a big shock to some of you, I'm sure.

I figured I'd at least post one time this month even though I am writing for myself.

A new life for Asher

2008-05-25T09:36:00.000-07:00

For those that don't know. I LOVE turtles. I have TONS of not real turtles, and one real very cute turtle. I have had Asher for 13 years and have loved him very much and still do and will always. But during my 13 years, I've been able to care for Asher because I didn't have much of anything else to do. Now that I am going to school and about ready to start a new chapter by going to China for 5 months. I am too busy to care for Asher like I used to, and I have noticed I've been neglecting him more and more each day. I felt it wasn't fair to him because of my selfish ways so I put him up for adoption. This was a very hard choice to make, it took several months for me to get the courage to do this. (My hat off to all those that go to school, work and everything else and have children to care for, WOW!)

So a guy named Steve emailed me to let me know he was willing to adopt Asher. We emailed back and forth and finally he came to get Asher. Steve has 56 turtles and his backyard is a shrine to all of his turtles. I know Asher will be deeply cared for and the best thing is he lives RIGHT DOWN THE STREET!! How cool is that? He said I could come visit anytime I wanted. I am so happy!! Oh by the way, Steve the Turtle Whisperer (his mom calls him that!) said Asher is a female! lol. Asher probably thinks I am crazy for calling her a she for 13 years!!

Yes, you all are probably thinking. I'm just going for 5 months, let someone care for her for that long. But I will be going to WOU (that would be Western Oregon University) next year and I have to live in a dorm and no animals are allowed. So either way I had to give Asher up. But not for good! Oh yes, I said not for good! Steve said he would care for Asher until I graduated and would give her back to me!! Did I luck out or what?!?!

Mah brother is famous!

2008-05-20T19:26:00.000-07:00

Give me a break, I've never had a family member on T.V before. Go get 'em bro!http://www.kxii.com/home/headlines/19119739.html

Yes....it's a sloooooow month. School is eating me alive.

It's been almost a month

2008-05-15T18:10:00.000-07:00

Between being so busy with school and the fact that nothing much to speak of happening with my life, I haven't posted in a while. I'm sure things will pick up once my sister gets here and school is out. Lots more time to hang out and do stuff! But wait...my sister will be with me...she won't read this blog much anymore. Oh crap. Oh well, I'll still write stuff. LOL.

My blog one year later

2008-04-19T14:26:00.001-07:00

Oh I just noticed I've had this blog for a whole year now! Wow! I consider myself pretty consistant and don't start something and not finish it too often. But I am suprised I have kept this going for so long! I know I am basicly just writing for my own amusement because I am not cool like other blog sites and have my blog everywhere. But I am happy for those that do read it (aka, my sister) and that is enough for me! I only had one negative issue with this blog when I posted a photo of the Rose Festival Princess and people assumed I was making fun of the Princess (I was NOT). I was nice enough to take it down but I have decided I won't do that again (take stuff down that people don't like) because it's just my opinion and if they don't like it they don't have to read it. However, that being said, I am a nice person and I don't usually say mean, cruel, rude things.

So on a lighter note. One year later I am still in Washington (YAY!!!) Big fete for me since I have failed so many times. I have been in school for almost a year now. Another big fete! I have far more friends than I did in Utah, I am much happier than I was in Utah (except I miss my mom from time to time) I am more outgoing and actually have adventures I can go on here. So all in all I am doing well. Happy are me! :)

The Truman Show

2008-04-19T14:04:00.000-07:00

I forgot how spectacular The Truman Show was! I watched it last night on T.V because there was nothing else on, but I was glad I did! It reminded me of why I always say to people I'm part of the Truman Show when someone comes up right next to me reaching for the same item or walks out to the parking lot FULL of vehicles and gets into the car right next to mine. Out of all those cars, the person comes walking out of the store at the same time as me and gets into the car next door. Just strange coincidences and I think to myself "Truman Show"! Haha! I can thank my mom for that!

But seriously, what an amazing show! Did Jim Carrey win something for that? He should have if he didn't. The whole film was brilliantly done. It made me think of that perfect world we all would like to live in. I love quote when he was a teenager and stands up in class saying "I want to be an explorer, like Magellan!" and the teacher replies as she pulls down a map of the world "Oh, you're too late; it's all been explored." I also liked when Truman stands in his bathroom using a piece of soap drawing on the mirror of him in an astronaut helmet and a flag declaring the discovery of "Trumania". What a great imagination!

Makes me want to go rent Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Another spectacular Carrey film if you haven't seen it.

Ramblings

2008-04-18T20:42:00.000-07:00

I doubt anyone besides my sister actually reads this blog anymore so I could probably say anything and it would go unnoticed. Such as, I'm pregnant or I shaved my head and joined the Tibetien religion or cut off my own leg and ate it or made out with every guy on the college football team. Maybe if I said I won the lottery and now I am 18 million dollars richer people might perk up!

Anyhow, I was talking with my co-worker and she had some beautiful flowers sitting on the desk. I was admiring them because they were SO incredible and I came to work the next day and there were some of those same flowers sitting on my desk for me!! I was so happy. That is the sign of a true kind person in my eyes.

I'll have some photos of my beach trip tomorrow. Until then!

Mexico 2006

2008-04-02T22:07:00.000-07:00

That was a great vacation....the hurricane...the 3rd degree burns....(and bed bugs as my sister was kind enough to remind me!) it was fun, I promise!

Photos courtesy of my sweet sister.

Willamette River

2008-03-27T17:42:00.000-07:00

A festival or typical day in Portland?

2008-03-09T09:48:00.000-07:00

If you guessed a typical day, you are correct. This was a Saturday but I know it's like this daily in downtown Portland. Even though I have lived here for nearly a year....wow! A year...that is crazy to think after years and years of planning and waiting and hoping to live here I finally did it. Ok sorry that was my inner self talking, back to the blog. Hehe! As I was saying, even though I have lived here for nearly a year and I still think, as I take the MAX into downtown, is it going to be busy today? Even on the rainist day it is busy. So this video is of Pioneer Square, which is a stadium like setting as you can see where people come to hang out and drink their drink of choice from the nearby Starbucks. There always is a game of chess going on as well as a flowing waterfall below the Starbucks. This Saturday it looks like some people got together to swing dance (and you might be thinking...this looks like a swing dancing festival to me! But if that is the case, there is a festival every Saturday in Portland) So enjoy the video...see, they're getting better!

What I do on my Friday nights

2008-03-08T18:18:00.000-08:00

I had to do an assignment a couple months ago to communicate with Deaf people so I picked to go to Starbucks and it was so fun that I have decided to go more often. This video was from this past Friday and I think I am getting better although I am still shy to sign in front of Deaf people because I don't want to look like a dork. But I absolutely LOVE sign language I can not wait until I am really good at signing! Just so you all know, I don't know any of these people but they are regulars so who knows, maybe I'll hang out with them one day! The lady in the plaid jacket is awesome she is hilarious! Although I didn't get the best video of her signing since she didn't sign in this video I wish she would have because her facial expressions are great!

Seriously the cutest dog ever!

2008-03-07T22:37:00.000-08:00

This is my friend Shari's dog. I am not a huge fan of dogs mainly because they usually stink and lick you after licking their own behind. But Lexie is a dog of a different kind, she is seriously the cleanest dog ever! I want to move into their house just so I can play tug of war with her more often. Anyway, Lexie is very fashionable too, as you might can see she has a lot of streaks in her fur and is very well behaved! hehe. She just lost her pal, Bianca, who moved out so she is a little down in the dumps. I hope Shari gets her a new pal to hang with!

On the Max to Portland

2008-03-05T21:23:00.000-08:00

This is how I get across the Willamette into Portland. I usually take the Max because I haven't had the guts to drive into Portland yet. One day I will but until then I will stick with taking the Max. It is always a fun ride the Max because you usually see some crazy people. I quite enjoy going into Portland to see what new things are happening...and there always ARE things happening. I love this city it is fun and weird, just like me! I will get more vids up soon.

P.S. The bridge I am going across is called the Steel Bridge and the bridge I zoom in on is the Burnside Bridge. I know, it isn't the greatest video. But give me a break it's my first video...they'll get better!

What I eat when in Portland

2008-03-01T21:06:00.000-08:00

Mmmmmm.....makes me want more just looking at it. This is seriously the best tofu ever. I even used chop sticks!

Old T.V shows (VERY random entry)

2008-02-27T21:44:00.001-08:00

I've been watching some REALLY old sitcoms lately, yes you can laugh and make fun. Two of them are Drew Carey Show and Who's the Boss? but the reason I am writing this on my blog is not to show how desperate I am for good t.v (writers better getting writing soon) but I was watching the Drew Carey Show and the episode was Drew, Oswald and Lewis are trying to find a guitar player for their band. They interview all these famous (meant to be regular folks) guitar players and Drew tells all of them they are too good to play in their band. But the cool thing about this segment is they had Layne Stanley and Joey Ramone! I thought that was very cool to see these guys again especially Layne Stanley since he died WAY to early.

Wheelchairs for Iraq/What is love?

2008-02-23T09:42:00.000-08:00

I was watching a segment on children in Iraq who are disabled and have no way to get around because wheelchairs, like most everything else, are too expensive for most people there. So a couple and a man started Wheelchairs for Iraq to provide wheelchairs for children who can not walk due to polio or other devistating disability. I sobbed while watching this clip of all these beautiful children who, before, had to crawl on the dirty streets to play with other children. What a great thing these people are doing for those children! People from all over the world are donating these wheelchairs and money to obtain wheelchairs.

What is love? There is a story of a man who has carried around his son for 19 years because he does not have a wheelchair. Now that to me is love. This man loves his son so much that he would carry his 19 year old boy around everywhere!! 19 years old!! That isn't an easy thing to do, you try carrying around a 19 year old boy every day every moment of his life.

Say what you want about the war or the bad guys we are fighting. These children are innocent lives who have no idea what is going on but are greatful for the help they receive.

If I went on Oprah's BigGive this is the nonprofit group I would help. What a great thing to do.

No news is good news!

2008-02-23T09:27:00.000-08:00

I'm sure you all have been checking my blog every day just waiting for a new post huh??!! Don't lie!! Well nothing really has happened to report about. I was sick for the last two weeks and still have a lingering cough which my father says is hereditary. I cough for like 4 months after being sick and everyone thinks I'm sick this whole time but I'm not! I was just talking to my dad about it and he says it's hereditary because he does the same thing. Whether or not it's true, it's a good thing to say to someone who asks why I am still sick.

So other than that, I have just been trudging along working and going to school. I can not believe there are only 3 more weeks of class left. I feel like i just started this quarter! I love going to a school that is on quarters instead of semesters. There might be four of 'em but they make the year go by so much faster!

So that is pretty much what I've been doing lately. This weekend is supposed to be beautiful so I may go in to Portland and have some lunch or go see a waterfall. Or maybe I'll just sit on my butt and do homework (I always have a ton of that to do). Hope you all are doing well :)

Beautiful scene

2008-02-13T20:42:00.000-08:00

Conversation on the Max today

2008-02-09T20:19:00.000-08:00

Scene: Sitting in the corner of the Train. Two dudes come sit next to me. We will call them Dude 1 and Dude 2. (Use your imagination what 'USE them' means, and what F* and S* stand for)

Dude 1. "You know you F* can't take those back if you...ya know...use 'em"
Dude 2. "What the F* do you mean?"
Dude 1. "You know...USE them"
Dude 2. "F* what they gonna do, use a infared light and zoooom over it?"
Dude 1. "It's a purple light man S*"
Dude 2. "Whateva, I take them back if I's don't F* like 'em"
Dude 1. "So what size are they?"
Dude 2. "I don't know, what size the bed?"
Dude 1. "Is it (can't remember name he said) bed?"
Dude 2. "S* ya"
Dude 1. "then ya got a Full set"
Dude 2. "F* awesome"

Intermission: Dude 2 gets up because the Max is at his stop. They say their goodbyes.

Dude 1. "See ya later man, what you doin' tomorrow?"
Dude 2. "Goin' to church"

Me, after Dude 2 leaves, smiling and giggling to myself.

Portland, Oregon does get snow!

2008-01-28T21:23:00.000-08:00

Ok, so it's not exactly Portland but just over the river we got snow! This pic is from a house across the street from Clark that a girl took for me. It's pretty nifty huh?! We got an inch or so of snow, by 1:00 it was all melted off. Hope that's the end of it. I like snow but one day is good enough!

Funniest Video I've seen in a while

2008-01-27T17:28:00.000-08:00

Youtube.com took this video off their website due to copyright issues with Funnyordie.com. I can't even upload the video from Funnyordie.com so you'll have to go watch it there but it is Jerry O'Connell parody of Tom Cruise's Scientology video. It has to be one of the best videos ever. I've always been a fan of Jerry O'Connell and he does an amazing job at copying Tom Cruise. Jerry makes Tom look like a complete idiot (not that anyone needs to make Tom look crazy, he does that all by himself!) Although, I must admit Tom Cruise is an amazing actor, I mean, come on that beginning scene in MI3 that was a cool scene! But as a person he is a total nutjob! But that is my personal opinion. So, go...goooo noowww check out that video. VERY funny!

The hard task of choosing a major

2008-01-26T10:48:00.000-08:00

I decided to head back to college after dropping out many years ago and I thought I knew what my major was going to be, photography of course! But I've changed so much since being 18 years old that I actually want to make a living now instead of doing something I love, unfortunately, and photography makes little to no money for most photographers. So I decided to go into Elementary Education; I wasn't too excited about it but I do enjoy teaching children and I love my little nieces and nephews so I figured that is good enough. My first quarter at Clark College was September 2007 and I just took pre-req's but the Winter quarter I took a class that I forgot I was interested in, which is ASL.

I took three years of ASL in high school and just had an absolute blast. I loved it so much and got great grades during those years in high school. But just as someone takes Spanish in high school and forgets it later in life, that is what happened to me. I never thought I'd go back to ASL for anything let alone it be my absolute goal in school to be an ASL interpreter but that is what I am doing. YAY!

It can make quite a bit of money as well as I am doing something I love! What a combination huh?! I am picking it back up VERY quickly too. I remember a lot from high school and have picked up a lot of new signs already and I just started the beginning of January!

I am also interested in the Deaf culture which makes it that much easier to know ASL interpreting should be my ultimate major. I don't see myself changing majors again. *whew* now I just need to get through school! :)

Hangzhou Bay Bridge

2008-01-19T21:32:00.000-08:00

This is the scariest bridge ever! This is the longest bridge in the world. It is 26 miles long and bridges Ningbo and Shanghai together. The Bridge of the Gods has nothing on this bridge!

Hefei, China

2008-01-18T09:05:00.000-08:00

Aren't these children so CUTE! It is going to be a BLAST teaching these kids. I hope I can help these little ones learn English well enough they can get good jobs and thrive. I wish someone would have come taught me another language! It's going to be wonderful! Hopefully I'll learn some Mandarin while I am there!

This is the dorm building where I might be staying if I go to Hefei. Ningbo and Hefei are my choices and I just can't decide!! I have to decide soon because I will be locked in hopefully today or tomorrow! I will let you all know....I know you are sitting on pins and needles just waiting to know which providence I am sent to! If you have any idea which providence I should go, please let me know!!

This service mission is just that...a service mission. I will be spending the majority of my time teaching children English and showing them how to play games and make cookies using English alone! I am so excited!

A New Awakening!

2008-01-11T17:33:00.000-08:00

Every year around the middle of August my turtle, Ash, starts to hide under the dirt a little bit more each day. Soon he quits eating every few days until he quits eating altogether. Then he quits walking around his cage totally and burrows himself in the cold dirt and never comes out. This happens every single year, and yet I freak out every single year that he is dying or I'm not being a good mom or some weird thought like that. You would think I'd quit it after 15 years but knowing me, I'll continue to freak out. What Ash does is hibernate, as you probably already guessed. So for about 4 1/2 months I never turn on the light, my vegetable bill goes WAY down and I don't step foot into pet store for worms. It's a lovely, almost 5 months but I miss my Ash looking up at me with dirt in his eyes blinking waiting for a worm to crawl by.

Today was the day Ash woke from his slumber and how did I know this? He announced it by crawling up the side of his cage and scratching at the wood until I let him out. (Side note: I moved into my new apartment while he was hibernating so he hasn't seen the new digs) I couldn't let him out because I was going to school and didn't want him roaming the house while I was gone so I hoped the cage was tall enough that he wouldn't get out and break his shell and I also hoped he wouldn't fall backwards into his water dish and get stuck upside down for 8 hours. Well, I got home and he was..you guessed it, still up on all against the cage wall trying to scratch his way out. So I took him out and he has been pacing up and down my hallway for about an hour. Hehe.

Add kindness

2008-01-08T21:30:00.000-08:00

I love this inspirational thought---it was very sweet and SO true!

Whatever can be done, can be done more effectively when you add kindness to it. Whatever is said, becomes much more convincing when expressed with genuine kindness.

The kindness in just one moment can have a positive impact that lasts for years and years. Kindness is a gift that keeps giving for a lifetime.

Kindness is not complicated, and it comes naturally when you open your heart to life. Kindness brings new light and hope to the darkest of days.

Act with kindness, and you will have no regrets. Kindness is an easy, modest investment that pays generous dividends in the sense of fulfillment it brings.

Kindness dissolves the pain and speeds the healing. When logic and reason say there is no hope, kindness can pave the way forward.

This day will be brighter when you add kindness to it. Choose kindness, and you're truly choosing to live in a better world.

-- Ralph Marston

Preview pictures

2008-01-06T10:51:00.000-08:00

This is what my life will be like in August for four and a half months if I can raise the money to go!

The first photo is of the school where I will be teaching 4-14 year old Chinese children to speak english every day Monday-Saturday, 4 hours a day. This location is Ningbo, China and it is located near Shanghai.

The next two photos are of a teacher using alternative methods to teach english to these very cute little children! When teaching english we don't teach out of a book, we teach by hands on learning and resources like what we would use at play time and during primary. Such as construction paper, glue, popsicle sticks and so forth. It looks like a lot of fun and I hear the children learn SO well by this method.

I am REALLY excited to go and hope you all who wish to help me get there, please donate!!! :) For those that don't know me you can send money to the following address. For those that do know me, I will be sending out a letter to donate that way!

The address for ILP is: ILP 363 N. University Ave #104
Provo, UT 84601 and please specify you want the donation to go to Skyla Allen. Your donation is tax deductible so you will have nothing to lose!! ANY amount is helpful.

ILP's internet address is ILP.org or their phone # is 801-374-8854

My service mission to China will have it's own web blog at: skyla21.blogspot.com

THANK YOU!!!

Voyage of discovery

2007-12-30T10:46:00.000-08:00

Taken from Greatday.com

You are the person you have discovered yourself to be. And there is no limit to what you can discover.
The more you live and experience and accomplish, the more fully you evolve. Every moment is an opportunity to add strength and effectiveness to your life.

Every experience helps you more clearly see and understand the magnificent, enormous potential of your life. The joys and the sadness, the pleasures and the frustrations all enable valuable discoveries.

The more fully you understand who you are and what you have, the more effectively you can put it all to use. Take advantage of each opportunity for discovery, in each moment, in each encounter, and in each challenge.

Every experience is a learning experience. Every day is a voyage of discovery.

A lifetime of discovery awaits you right now. Climb aboard, eager and enthusiastic for whatever experience awaits, and begin the journey.

-- Ralph Marston

Another classic from Wal-Mart

2007-12-26T17:50:00.000-08:00

Ok, so it looks worse than the picture shows but it was an absolute terrible packaging job that the dunces over at Wal-Mart did. So my mom got me a Christmas gift from Wal-Mart and had to ship it since we don't live in the same area and UPS decided it needed a signature so I couldn't pick it up until the day after Christmas. So I went to pick it up and I was absolutely shocked at the packaging job and they lady at UPS said everything they get from Wal-Mart is packaged horribly. So kudos to you Wal-Mart you did it again, made even the simplest job a complete disaster!

Merry Christmas Moviehouse!

2007-12-25T10:46:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! I didn't do much, had a Christmas eve dinner with my dad since he had to work on Christmas day. I wasn't with my real family :( so that was pretty disappointing but I knew this Christmas was going to turn out the way it did, not being with family and all. But I am surviving and all is well. I got a lovely Atlas of China from my sister and $50 bucks from my dad. My mom sent me something but because UPS is stupid I won't get it until Thursday. So what did you get?

The picture above is my Christmas tree with that Atlas underneath it. I used my sister's old phone to take that photo so don't go thinkin' I got one of those fancy digi cameras for Christmas! hehe. Love you all...well my family anyway!! Who knows who else reads this blog. Hehe.

Pacific Northwest facts according to Jeff Foxworthy

2007-12-24T20:30:00.000-08:00

1. You know the state flower............. (Mildew).

2. You feel guilty throwing aluminum cans, or paper in the trash.

3. Use the statement "sun break" and know what it means

4. You know more than (10 ways), to order coffee.

5. You know more people who own boats rather than air conditioners.

6. You feel overdressed wearing a suit to a nice restaurant.

7. You stand on a deserted corner in the rain waiting for the "Walk" Signal.
(this one is my favorite, since it happened to me!)

8. You consider that if it has no snow or has not recently erupted, it is not a real mountain.

9. You can taste the difference between Starbucks, Seattle's Best, and Veneto's.

10. You know how to pronounce Sequim, Puyallup, Issaquah;Oregon, Yakima, and Willamette.

11. You consider swimming an indoor sport

12. You can tell the difference between Japanese, Chinese and Thai food.

13. In winter, you go to work in the dark and come home in the dark- while only working eight-hour days.

14. You never go camping without waterproof matches and a poncho.

15. You are not fazed by "Today's forecast: showers followed by rain," and "Tomorrow's forecast: Today's forecast followed by showers."

16. You have no concept of humidity without precipitation.

17. You know that Boring is a town in Oregon and not just a state of mind.

18. You can point to at least two volcanoes, even if you cannot see through the cloud cover.

19. You notice, "The mountain is out" when it is a pretty day and you can actually see it.

20. You put on your shorts when the temperature gets above 50, but still wear your hiking boots and parka.

21. You switch to your sandals when it gets about 60, but keep the socks on.

22 You have actually used your mountain bike on a mountain.

23. You think people who use umbrellas are either wimps or tourists.
(I take offense to this one! I have terribly curly hair that frizzes in the rain!)

24. You buy new sunglasses every year, because you cannot find the old ones after such a long time.

25. You measure distance in hours. ( this one I don't get, if you can tell me, please do so)
26. You often switch from "heat" to "a/c" in the same day. (HA! So true)

27. You design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a raincoat.

28. You know all the important seasons: Almost Winter, Winter, Still Raining (Spring), Road Construction (Summer), Deer, and Elk season (Fall).

29. You know the difference between ...Chinook, Coho and Sockeye salmon.

Always an adventure in Portland

2007-12-22T17:20:00.000-08:00

I decided to bypass all the hustle of Christmas by not going in any stores so instead of sitting on my butt in my house I decided to head down to Portland. I debated between myself going alone or inviting friends and ended up trying to invite friends who totally suck by the way! They either were busy...get this...shopping *scoff* or too scared of Portland to go. Sheesh, it's really not that scary people! Sometimes you even get a chuckle out of the folks who make Portland great. For instance today I was fortunate enough to see The Spinner again! A guy wearing the Scream outfit (not including the mask) and in place of the famous mask there was a hubcap spinning on the dude's face. HAHA! He would go up to people and ask them to spin the hubcap for him. It was terrific seeing him again, at least I think it was a he. I also was entertained on MAX by a "normal looking" man who was sitting very quietly then decided to pull out some sort of cotton substance and a needle and began to poke it randomly. I couldn't help by look at him and wondering why he was doing that and what else he was going to do. But he continued to poke the cotton as if no one else was around, every once in a while stabbing himself with the needle and not even a flinch when he did. I came to the conclusion it was some sort of therapy for drug addiction or something. Then my third and final story was just sweet I had to share it. There was this homeless man walking around with a gigantic wood box on a rolling cart. I didn't think anything of it until he walked by and parked the box right in front of me and opened it up and being the curious soul I am, I looked in the box. There were TONS of wrapped presents and various homeless people peeking inside grabbing a gift here and there. Their eyes were so bright and they had big smiles on their faces. I followed a couple of them to see what they got, and as they opened up the gift it was nothing more than a baggie full of band aids and floss, a half empty box of toiletry items such as fingernail clippers and nail files. I thought that was so sweet because those big ruff and tough guys were THRILLED at those silly items we all take for granted. Made me think differently for a moment. I have decided since I have nothing to do on Christmas day I have signed up to help feed those in need. I'm not sure how, but I'll find a way!

Breath of fresh air

2007-12-12T19:31:00.000-08:00

Ahhhh my first quarter of college is over. I had two finals, one in math and one in Fitness. The algebra test was harder than expected but I passed, I should have an A in that class...maybe a B. I should have an A in Fitness because my teacher is awesome!! And probably a C, hopefully a B in photography because my teacher is horrible!! Well anyway...that's an update for now. Have a great day!!

Too much money

2007-12-05T22:03:00.000-08:00

Some people just have WAY too much money. I was performing my normal job duty of running from the PA's office to the courthouse when I walked past this car which had a poster on the side rear window. It had a normal looking dog pictured and a note saying "reward $5,000". Alright, seriously looking at the pic of this dog, it can not be worth $5,000 but I guess because I'm not much of a dog lover I can't comprehend plunking down 5 grand for a dog. I am a cat person and if my cat Russian, may he rest in peace, was stolen or got lost or whatever I'd be extremely sad and don't think anyone would bring my cat back to me for $50 which is all I could afford. So whoever spends $5,000 on a dog has way too much money. That's all.

Breathtaking

2007-11-26T22:28:00.000-08:00

I was flying back home to Vancouver and in between sleeping and well...sleeping I caught a glimpse of Mt. Hood. That was the most beautiful image I've seen from an airplane. I wish I could have gotten a photo of it. If you ever get the chance to come to Portland, try to catch that glimpse. Absolutely breathtaking.

Quotes

2007-11-23T13:47:00.000-08:00

So I have a website in my favorites folder that I look at every day. It just makes my day fill up with happiness. I am going to start putting these little quotes or sayings up here as long as the guy who writes them doesn't get mad. I would like to meet him one day and tell him how wonderful he makes my days. I hope you all get every drop of goodness out of these that I get. And if you don't like them well to bad! hehe. OK, I should be doing homework so I better skittadle.

All is well

You are enough, just as you are. This moment is enough, just as it is.
Everything you truly value is with you always. The power you seek is yours when you choose to act.

Those things that seem to limit you and challenge you can also create a path to greater strength. Right now you are already connected to your greatest possibilities.

Your achievements and successes do not make you who you are. They are some of the ways in which you most sincerely and lovingly express who you are.

The disappointments and setbacks do not take anything away from the value of your life. They give you the opportunity to more fully understand, appreciate and expand that value.

Whatever is happening, all is well. Everything that is, is yours to experience, to value, to love and to fulfill.

-- Ralph Marston

Changing...

2007-11-16T08:47:00.000-08:00

Most things in our life change...fashion changes, music changes, jobs change, people change, school schedules change, even the curriculum at schools change. But one thing in all the years that schools have been a great importance that has not changed is writing on the bathroom walls. The most recent writing I enjoy is written on the art building bathroom wall of the far left stall and it says "bathroom walls...the original Myspace."

Instructors are biased

2007-10-29T21:16:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

Sorry it's been awhile but I've been extremely busy...busier than I thought I'd ever be but it has paid off in some respects. So far I have an A in Algebra,(which for those that know me that is a HUGE feat.) an A in Fitness and again for those that know me that is a huge feat as well! But photography, the class I thought I'd be the best at and is my favorite subject and passion I get a C. *sad face* Pretty ridiculous considering I am there every single class and in the darkroom pretty much every weekend and some weeknights. I was going to diss on some of the students in my class that are getting better grades than me for half the work, time and effort but I have decided not to give specifics due to this being the internet. This instructor hasn't liked me from the very first day I get the impression anyway. He makes sarcastic jokes that I try to brush off but now after getting this review I know he doesn't like me. But I know my photos are great and don't need to have some instructor tell me otherwise. Anyway, those are just my recent problems I've had. Thanks for reading!

Worst smell in the world

2007-10-08T22:51:00.000-07:00

Mixed dryer sheets and stale (or fresh) cigarettes. 'Nuff said.

What Halloween costume are you wearing?

2007-10-07T14:19:00.000-07:00

I've decided to wear this costume this Halloween. I don't know if I'll be as happy as THIS guy but how unhappy can one be when wearing the legs of a donkey?! What costume are you wearing this Halloween? Come on, you know you want to be a kid again!

Been busy but not boring!

2007-10-04T22:19:00.000-07:00

So I have had about 24 hours of sleep in the last two weeks so that tells you how busy my life is right now. School has pretty much taken over my life, as it should I suppose. I've had lots of things happening though, like I was almost crushed by a huge tree!

I was taking photos of Fort Vancouver and as I was just finishing up photographing the gazebo and was walking toward a cool building there was this HUGE tree off to the side of me and I heard a big cracking sound as if it were lighting and I just stood there freaking out then I saw this tree with a diameter of approx 6 feet round come crashing down in front of me. I had my camera off and it fell to quickly to get a picture of it falling but that would have been cool if I got that shot!

But anyway...that is one of my adventures as I learn new things and realize everything happens for a reason and you all should go to the website www.greatday.com there are some good quotes there, a different one every day.

Talk like a Pirate/Pirate Festival

2007-09-20T18:30:00.001-07:00

In honor of the Pirate Festival this weekend.

A new place to live

2007-09-12T10:50:00.000-07:00

I have officially moved out of either of my parents house! My new place is small but perfect for me. Like I have said before I am a scardy cat so I like to know no one is in my home and it is very easy in this home because I can see every nook from my bedroom. Who needs a big home when it's just one person especially someone that will hardly ever be home! I will post some pictures up when I have more than just stark white (or in this case, yellow) walls to show you all. I thought I'd have decorations up the first couple days of moving in but I have learned that it's not possible especially when you have little furniture to decorate with! So until then have a great day and listen to The Weepies!

Beautiful world!

2007-09-09T21:26:00.000-07:00

What a spectacular photo of a sunrise! Isn't this world just amazing?! My dad took this photo when he and my brother went out to sea to catch fish.

This photo was taken in the bay of the Pacific Ocean on the Washington coast near LongBeach. A very small fishing village where everyone knows everyone and if they don't know you, they soon will!

I hope you all get a chance to visit the ocean some time in your life. It is amazing just to sit on the sand with your feet buried deep into the surface as you watch the waves crash into the rocks. Staring out at the endless water knowing you are only an ocean away from another country!

Happy Birfday whoop de do! Happy Birfday to meeee!

2007-09-05T10:27:00.000-07:00

By the title of this wonderful entry you can tell it's my birthday. Yah! Some people don't like birthdays but I do! It's the one day that is mine and anyone else who's birthday it is today! hehe. I am one day younger than Beyonce Knowles I just want everyone to know! Haha.

But as the years go by, less and less people give gifts which is perfectly fine. All I really care about is having a card and being said Happy Birthday to. (but the gifts are nice too!) I have told people to save their money and donate it to my CHINA fund next year when I come an askin' for it.

I think my favorite part of my birfday is my grampy and grammy singing Happy Birthday over the speakerphone to me. SOO CHEESY! but I know it comes every year, never skipping a beat. My brother is probably rolling his eyes right now! hehe.

So to all you who read this that don't know me. Just give a big wish to me because I am awesome and love to be loved! (wow that sounded really egotistical huh?! I'm really not like that)

Injury

2007-08-28T19:13:00.000-07:00

I guess I played racquetball too hard the other day cause I killed my elbow. Now the doctor tells me I can't play racquetball for a MONTH!! A freaking MONTH! Other than that nothing new with me. Oh well I guess getting a new apartment and job is new too. Starting school in September is the BIG thing though and I am very excited about that. That's all for now!

Redneck Rollercoaster

2007-08-18T14:48:00.001-07:00

Just for Wes.

Big fish!

2007-08-16T09:40:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of my brother who caught a lot of fishies! But the catch limit was only two, he could only take two home with him. These are Salmon. I am a vegetarian so I don't know what the difference is between fish (please no veggie jokes or talks!) but these fish are supposedly endangered and the only ones you can catch without going to jail are the hatchery ones. I am not an expert on these things so if I get the lingo wrong or whatever please accept my apology!

My brother is a natural fisherman! He was catching them left and right! My dad hadn't caught any so they switched places and my brother caught a fish on his line! Poor dad. hehe.

This, I think, was one of my brother's favorite moments from his vacation. So I thought I would share it.

Back home

2007-08-12T20:02:00.000-07:00

Well I am back home after a week and a half of running non-stop! Just a short summary of my trip right now. Later I will break down a few of my favorite moments for you all because I know everyone is waiting on pins and needles to find out what I did!

I spent the first four days in Utah camping with some of my family and that was pretty fun. I am not a camp in a tent kind of camper so it wasn't as fun as when I went camping at Seaside, Oregon in a cabin. The only thing that made the camping in Utah better then the camping in Oregon was being with my family.

Then my brother, his wife and my 10 month old neice drove to Washington on their vacation. Like I said we went to Seaside and camped in a cabin and spent some time on the beach.

Then we drove up to Seattle and walked around Pike Place Market which was cool as always. A woman got slimed with a fish that the guys were throwing at her. We went to get the best donuts in the world but they had run out by the time we got there! There were signs for the donut line that went all the way down the hall, so those donuts must be spectacular!! Next month when I go up there I will be sure to get there plenty early.

My brother and his family went home yesterday and it was sad to see them leave. I miss them already!! That cute little neice of mine is just the sweetest thing ever! I love all my neices and nephews I couldn't ask for a better family.

On a side note; Hi Sarah! I didn't get down to Cedar or otherwise I would have dropped by! I hope you are doing well!

Welcome to Utah!

2007-08-03T10:01:00.000-07:00

I went back home this week to visit the family and oh the memories come rushing back. The children kicking the back of my chair the ENTIRE plane trip, the endless stressing, no trees, extreme hot temperatures and you can't forget the drivers...oh you can not forget the drivers. Although, somehow it is comforting to know you can drive like crap and no one cares. I love to come back home because it makes me remember all the reasons I left!

Yes, I have only been gone four months but you start to act like the place you live. For example, I smile at everyone in the NW because it is almost necessary to do so because so many others are smiling at you! I smile at folks in the stores here and they look at me like I have come from outer space. And don't even THINK about talking to them. It's like talking to yourself when you talk to folks around here. Rarely does someone have a conversation with a complete stranger here. My mom is probably steamed that I am giving such a negative view of this great state so I better talk about the good stuff as well. And there are good things such as the mountains; I do miss the mountains. Then there are the streets; the street addresses here are so easy to learn. I still have yet to conquer the addresses in the NW. I just realized in the last couple days that Fourth Plain overlaps highway 500. Anyway...you have to be there to know what I mean. Ok, sorry got off track there for a second, back to Utah. Other things that are great are just personal stuff such as my family are here and I miss them very much. My wonderful brother who makes the best food on the planet.

I am here for the next two days so I'll have more to talk about later!

the dimes

2007-08-02T15:12:00.000-07:00

This is my public announcement for the month. the dimes are my favorite new band. Go check them out at thedimes.com. You can hear a few of their songs which is great! I first saw this band at the Tuesday Tunes at the Square and they had such energy and charisma that you can't help but tap your toe. So here is just a small insight to the music I am enjoying these days.

Scared to death!

2007-08-01T08:57:00.000-07:00

So as I was saying, going to Portland is always a treat. There are weirdos all around but once you walk around for more than a day those freaks start to look like everyone else and you tend to just walk right by them. While I was waiting for the train I happened to see a family of tourists. They couldn't look more like tourists if they screamed it from the rooftops. The mother was clutching her handbag so tight her knuckles turned white while the father was doing is husbandry duties and holding her from the dreaded weirdo's all around. The daughter and son were looking around with their jaws dropping from every sight of the tattooed man, homeless woman who smelled disgustingly of B.O. and, of course, the 50 year old woman with her hair standing straight up in a mohawk. But they were mesmerized by something or someone who sat to the right of me. I didn't bother to look at what they were staring at because I was too busy laughing at them looking scared to death.

I then remembered back to how my sister and I must have looked as tourists for the first time in Portland. We were scared of everything and if someone looked at us in an improper way we would run the other way hoping they didn't follow. We clutched our purses probably as tight as that mother, again, hoping no one would rob us. I looked back at that memory and thought how the weirdo's must have laughed at us!

Ah, tourists aren't we a great people visiting another state in hopes we have fun but not talk to any of the locals?!?! The next place I go I will interact more with the people of that city because how many people actually want to do harm to others, really? The percentage is low. Look at my brother, who travels EVERYWHERE and I do mean everywhere in the world and he is perfectly healthy and only encounters problems in Mexico (and that was just once).

Now that's not to say I will trust everyone I encounter. There still has to be a bit of worry traveling to another area but I don't think I will freak out next time when someone looks at me and smiles.

Busy city

2007-07-31T21:52:00.000-07:00

I have been to Portland many times but today it clicked that it is actually a city! A very busy and lively city! I've never lived in a city that is so full of life. They have these concerts in Pioneer Square every Tuesday and Thursday during the lunch hour and TONS of people attend. After it is over they just stay there either reading, getting on their laptop or whatever but they just stick around. I went to the Japanese Gardens for three hours after the concert was over and when I got back to the Square it was STILL so busy!! I guess I'm just not used to it coming from a ghost town!

I absolutely love Portland, Or. it will be hard to leave it when the time comes to move to finish college. There are such different people here; weirdos, crazies, business folks, normal parents with children, strange parents with strange children! Anyone you can think of you can most definitely find them here. All the different events that happen here too. I just couldn't list everything that happens here there is just too much! If it wasn't so expensive to live in Oregon I might consider it! But where I live is pretty close and still pretty cheap to live! I'd recommend this place to anyone! :)

An official resident

2007-07-28T20:09:00.000-07:00

I am an official resident of Washington State. I received my drivers license today! Washington is very strict on giving licenses. First you can't use a debit or credit card to pay for the license you MUST use cash. Then they want all sorts of forms of ID to prove you are you and you do indeed live in the state unlike those folks who go from state to state just to get licenses. Next the woman asked me for my Utah license and gave her both my DL and identification card and she was just flabbergasted that Utah would give both ID's out. (Washington only gives you the DL but I think you figured that out on your own.) So then I had to take the eye test and it was pretty extensive as well, checking eye sight, color that sort of thing. So after getting my photo taken I walked out with a temporary DL! Yay! They let me keep my Utah DL which is cool because it has a good photo on it.

One of my favorite falls in the world!

2007-07-20T21:45:00.000-07:00

Those of you who know me know that I LOVE waterfalls. The best kind of waterfalls are those you can swim in and hopefully the water is warm when you get there! But most of the waterfalls in the pacific NW are not warm...actually they are darn right cold. But the chance to stick your foot or two in them is heaven to me! I want to introduce you to Snoqualmie Falls; I think one of the top 5 waterfalls of all time in my mind anyway. This is a breathtaking waterfall if you ever have a chance to see it, do, you will not regret it. To get to the bottom of the falls you have to take a steep mile or so walk down which I have never done but will do someday.

I, unfortunately, did not capture this image. I must give credit to Michael from Fort Lewis, WA and no, I have no idea who he is. I just took this photo from http://www.snoqualmiefalls.com/ and hope I don't get in trouble.

Yes, I know...

2007-07-15T17:23:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I have done anything with my blog. I doubt anyone is still reading it but I am still here alive and kickin'. I just don't have anything to say unlike that awesome LIVEEARTH post I wrote last week. I had the weekend to myself because the father and *her* went to the coast; so I had a taste of what my life will be like when I move to my own apartment in September. I really enjoyed not having to do the dishes every second of every day. I enjoyed leaving my homework on the coffee table until the next day. I didn't like being by myself at night but that is something I'll get used to because I have never liked being by myself at night. My scardy-cat syndrome as I like to call it comes out at night. So I was going to go to Seattle but I decided against that. Then I was going to go to the Japanese Gardens in Portland but then I thought to myself...and I said it just like this "Hey, save that going out time for when the weirdo's are actually home. Spend what time you can watching t.v since you know you never get to otherwise" So that's what I did. I watched movies.

I rented Singin' in the Rain, Notes on a Scandal, Japanese Story, Devil Wears Prada and Persuasion. My one line reviews for each. Singin' in the Rain is darling, cute and almost as good as An Affair to Remember and Roman Holiday. Notes on a Scandal is creepy and after watching it you need a shower. Judy Dench is SOOOO creepy. You seriously feel icky from her performance. Japanese Story is boring, I got it obviously because of the japanese guy but he wasn't great either. Devil Wears Prada is wonderful. Persuasion is sorta boring, watch Pride and Prejudice, much better Jane Austin film. Ok yes, I know Notes on a Sandal is longer then one line. The only movie I'd recommend is Devil Wears Prada. I wasted $14 on the others.

Hey! Hey! Look at that, I found something to occupy a couple minutes of your time!

No posts

2007-07-07T22:28:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

I haven't had much to say these days which is why I haven't blogged for a while. As we speak I am just sitting here staring at the computer trying to think of something witty or intelligent to say and nothing comes to mind. I have to impress my graduate degree toting brother and it stresses me out!!! he he.

Oh, oh, I thought of something to say. I have been watching this LiveEarth concert today and it is really cool but isn't this concert missing the point? All of these people had to drive to the concert, which causes pollution. How many water bottles did they sell and are probably sitting on the ground causing greenhouse gases and littering. (I got that little tip from the commercial, aren't I smart?!) Not to mention all the lights that were on the musicians while they sang which causes an energy problem. Don't get me wrong I worry about the earth but doesn't it seem like people only talk about global warming in the SUMMER??!! No one talks about it when there is 32 inches of snow on the road.

I think if people try to do a little it can help a lot. I am all for people using reusable water bottles though. I hate those stupid water bottles! They hurt animals. They are just left for no other purpose. They just clutter up the environment. Those are my thoughts on the issue.

Lacamas Lake

2007-06-29T18:31:00.001-07:00

How beautiful and green these two photos are!! When people wonder why I put up with my allergies here....well this is the reason. I haven't even touched the surface of what there is to do here.

You're not going to run me over!

2007-06-23T21:42:00.000-07:00

Cute story, I thought:

I was walking back to the train in Portland today and as I was walking I saw these three lanes of traffic just all the sudden stop in their tracks. I looked ahead and saw two pigeons on the road just walking back and forth in one of the lanes. One thing you do not do in Portland is hurt any animal or you will be hanged by your toe nails (as my dad likes to refere it) So these pigeons are just walking around and finally the driver gets impatient and just starts to drive and the pigeons quickly walk to the second lane and begin to just walk back and forth. Meanwhile I am laughing my head off because I figured out they are just bugging the people in the cars, they knew exactly what they were doing!! So the second lane driver gets angry and starts to drive over them and the pigeons quickly run to the next lane again!!! The same thing happens AGAIN in the third lane!!! My gosh this was hilarious to watch. So finally the pigeons fly off and go to the sidewalk. I just thought that was so funny how the birds KNOW we won't hurt them!!

Lord, I want you to remember this story when you are racing your pigeons. They are SMART!!

We all live in a yellow submarine!!

2007-06-19T20:10:00.000-07:00

This is a float that I helped put together. All the floats have to be made out of live plants, flowers etc. (except for the structure of course) See the yellow on the submarine? That is made from Straw flowers, these are real flowers but feel like straw, I cut all the pedals off these flowers and stuck them on the submarine. It was a pretty cool float.

Just for Kisty....

2007-06-17T18:02:00.000-07:00

No, not the cheese booth, the hot man in the yellow wifebeater!!

One of many

2007-06-16T17:14:00.000-07:00

Best. Bread. Ever.

2007-06-14T20:16:00.001-07:00

What I've been up to...

2007-06-12T17:52:00.000-07:00

So I've been busy...very busy. I actually have friends now! Guy friends! Friends that actually WANT to hang out with me. They are normal human beings that don't care about what your size is or what color or style your hair is. They don't care who YOU know or what YOU can get for them. Just regular people who want to have someone to talk to also. Those of you who know me, know why I go on this rant about friends. No need to explain.

I went to the Portland GRAND Rose Festival on Saturday which was so fun seeing the alpacas and horses that almost bucked a woman off it's back! I was able to snag a tour of the USS Bunker Hill, which is a very cool military ship. I never thought I'd say this but men in military uniforms are hot! hehe. The tour took us up and down a lot of ladders that were almost vertical and scared the crap out of me! Not only were they almost straight up and down, the steps were small and WET! Slippery. Very, very slippery. I thought I was going to break my leg or worse. But it was worth it being able to see the neat stuff they do. I was able to see a military bird (that is military lingo for helicopter hahaha!) I took pictures but they were just regular old 'take 'em to the lab to develop' kind so I don't have them yet.

Well that is pretty much it. I will do something fun again and be back to tell you all about it! :)

Who says parades are boring?!?!

2007-06-05T21:50:00.001-07:00

I met the legendary Jimmy Hendrix at the Starlight Parade in Portland, Oregon!!! Who knew he was there all along! I guess Jimmy likes parades, he was hootin' when the trolley went by!

Love the geetar, Jimmy! I hope that two dollar bill got ya home ok!

Spectacular news!

2007-05-31T17:33:00.000-07:00

I GOT A JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not so good news to my mother I am sure. That means..........SHE'S STAYING IN THAT DREADFUL PLACE!!!!

Now I am off to spend what money I do have; venture downtown Portland and watch the ships float by while snapping photos with my new digital camera!!!

Asher's new digs

2007-05-28T13:53:00.000-07:00

Can you spot the turtle?

Yes, the pool is a bit dirty.

So I built a new place for my turtle, Ash. It's pretty nifty don't ya think? Actually, my dad built it, I sorta just stood there and watched and occasionally scratched my arm against a screw that was sticking out of the board.

First thing Ash did when I put her in the new place is ran laps around it about 500 times (ok, exaggerating but still a lot) and finally decided to lay in the HUGE pool. I say HUGE because she used to have a pie tin as a watering dish. This new plastic tub could fit two other turtles, so it's nice and large for her to swim around in. She set up her new living space, no not under the shade in the cool wet dirt where she usually burrows, she wanted to burrow under the grass. She is so very odd. I guess she has to be if she is around me! So that is now where she lives the majority of the time. She comes out to do a lap or two around the box, eats, swims and goes back to her little spot under the grass. I will eventually get her a playmate but probably not until after I get back from China, so I don't have to find two turtles homes while I am gone. For now she is all alone but I think she likes it that way. Either way, she is used to it. She has been alone for the last 13 years except for me blabbing to her!

Here are a couple pictures of my turtle, Ash. Isn't she just so CUTE?!?!

Out and about

2007-05-27T20:19:00.000-07:00

This is the MAX. It gives me a seat whenever I need one.

This is usually how I get downtown Portland.

This stop is in the heart of Saturday Market.

The Saturday Market sits right along the waterfront

which makes a beautiful backdrop.

This is a picture of the other side of Saturday Market.

Nothing really to say about this one except the architecture should be noted.

I love how Portland keeps things like this intact.

There are two parts to the Saturday Market, this side

is for anyone to sell items (i.e anywhere in the world).

The other side is strictly Oregon made. I got my sister

a strictly Oregon made item, which is cool!

(picture of item soon to come, after she receives it)

I just thought this was a cool mural of the reggae legend Bob Marley.

It is located above a cool record store which, when

I get some money, I found something my mom would enjoy!

This mural is located a few blocks in from the waterfront.

Rollerblading

2007-05-24T19:50:00.000-07:00

Since I have been out of work, I've been trying to keep myself busy. Especially now that the good t.v watching is over except for the few comforts of Las Vegas, Monk (BIG smile) and Dead Zone. But that doesn't keep one entertained very long so I decided to start up a hobby that would both let me lose weight and have fun at the same time. So I gave rollerblading a crack at it, and it is quite the exercise regiment. I haven't fallen yet but I bought wrist, knees and elbow pads for that inevitable trip on a rock.

It has taken me a week to just master rolling up and down the driveway. I mustered up the courage to roll along the street a few days ago and 20 minutes later I wanted to lay down and die. I was so out of breath it was not even funny. So yesterday my wonderful brother and I decided that I would start at 10 minutes and roll my way up to 20 and eventually to an hour. Besides running I heard it was the best exercise that is fun too. As soon as I get a job I am getting a membership to a racquet ball club that is just a couple miles away so I am excited about that.

On a side note- I am also going to buy a digital camera as soon as I get a job to put more pics up here. I have lots of regular pictures but until I get a program (ahem, A.K.A! hehe) that I can actually run, my pictures will be limited.

Wish me luck with the rollerblading!! :)

Am I expecting too much?

2007-05-22T07:15:00.000-07:00

Am I expecting too much from Hollywood? I recently rented a few "Oscar" nominated films, Dreamgirls, The Departed, Babel, The Queen and who could forget Borat. I never saw Little Miss Sunshine but my sister did and I know she didn't come back raving about it. All of these movies were touted upon as the greatest movies ever. I guess I am just not seeing the greatness in any of these movies. They all lacked a quality you expect to see in an Oscar film. I know everyone has their opinion and I know a lot of people liked The Departed but I was incredibly bored with that movie. Dreamgirls was an ok flick but I was expecting something great along the lines of The Gladiator or A Beautiful Mind but I just didn't see it in any of these films. If any of these films were to win it should have been Dreamgirls, if we had to choose between those movies. Definitely not The Departed.

So I just wanted to ask am I expecting too much from Hollywood? I think Hollywood has gone down hill. I need another A Beautiful Mind, The Aviator or something exceptional like that before I will watch those awards again.

Highway 101

2007-05-18T08:21:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the late post. It's been interesting trying to figure out the scanner thing here on a new computer and not having a Paint Shop Pro program doesn't help matters. But on to the exciting stuff.....

My sister and I went on a mini vacation before she went back home. We had a blast visiting all these little towns and meeting new people. I wish I would have been more open to stopping at the places my sister wanted to stop at. But all of you who know me, knows I am a planner and my plan was to be at the beach by mid morning because I heard a group of people put out blown glass globes on the beach in the morning for people to look for and I wanted to be one of those people! But of course like so many of my other adventures, I didn't get what I wanted. Oh well, there is always next year!

So, we drove down Highway 101 along the Pacific ocean and it was beautiful as always. We went to the sea lion caves which were stinky but pretty cool. There were about 100 lions in the cave and there were two particular lions who seemed to be putting on a show for the folks watching them. One was standing on a rock and the other was swimming in the water. The one in the water was biting the one on the rock. It was very cute to see but I am sure that lion was very serious about getting on that rock! The cave itself was kinda creepy, very dark and cold. My sister and I both forgot our cameras (yes, DUH!!!) so we bought disposables and none of the pictures inside the cave turned out. :(

Then we stayed at the Umpqua Lighthouse campground which was pretty neat. I thought it was on the beach but it was near a lake instead. We stayed in a yurt. If you have never seen a yurt, there is a picture above there. This campground was surrounded by TALL trees, it made a beautiful sight. My sister and I hiked through the forest to the beach and that was an amazing part of the ocean! It had a sand dune and walking on the sand was incredible! You could walk right on the sand without sinking in.

There is a picture there of my sister near the campfire that we attempted to build. HAHA! That was a hoot. If I ever got lost and had to make a fire, I would die. I have never made a fire before and it was an interesting experience!! Then making smores. Oh don't get me started on those!! Sheesh, you'd think I couldn't do anything! I guess I have always had people doing stuff for me. I didn't think I was spoiled like that but apparently having 4 older brothers to do all that for me, I was spoiled. I am sure a lot of other stuff happened but it was a while ago and I have forgotten. I had to get all the pictures developed and that took a week. Geez I really gotta get me a digi camera. Well thanks for reading and sticking with the blog :)

Destination:Washington

2007-05-07T10:48:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!!

Me, Kisty and Grandma have made it to Washington safely. Kisty and I arrived at about 11 p.m last night and it was a pretty good drive. I don't like driving at night especially around the Columbia River. That wasn't very fun but we did it thanks to my wonderful driver sister! (and a kind truck driver's reflective trailer to guide the way) Grandma drove with my dad and arrived about 12 a.m. My sister and grandma will spend the week with me before driving back home. My sister and I are going to the coast tomorrow and the next day and spending some last few minutes together. I will miss her but she knows we will always stay in touch through email and phone and this blog so all is good! The radio stations here in Washington are great! They play a lot of cool music I never hear back home. Well I am hungry and going to eat a cow (and you know that is hungry!) if I don't get something soon. Therefore, we are going to go eat Sweet Tomatoes on the riverbank. Love you all lots! (Thanks for the support, Lord!)

Leaving on a coal train

2007-05-04T18:18:00.000-07:00

Tonight is my last night with my mom. I spent the last week with her and my family and it was wonderful! We went out to dinner a lot, baby-sat my new born neice who is the cutest bug ever!! Tomorrow my sister, brother and I drive to Grace, Idaho where we will spend a day and night before driving 12 hours to Washington. I will start my adventure there going to school and living on my own. I will miss my family but I can't live in fear of being alone because if I did, I would never do anything and create a future. I'd be a caged animal the rest of my life and I just can't see myself like that! I love my family!!! :)

The semi-family outing

2007-04-25T11:54:00.000-07:00

Ok, I was waiting for some beautiful pictures of Zion Canyon, where we went on our day trip, but my brother isn't sending them. So I will have to put them up whenever he gets his rear in gear and emails them to me. This makes me think I need to buy my own digi camera so I don't have to ask others. Anyway, the day started at about 11:00 a.m when my brother and his family came down from S.L.C to visit and haul my furniture back up there. We had 7 children all under the age of 11, you can just imagine! Oh my it was an adventurous trip. I give my mother more credit than I already did, she has 6 children. Of course the 7 children were split between my sister-in-law and her twin sister. They were all very sweet and well-behaved as much as a child can be right?!? We drove down to Zion Canyon about an hour away and decided to go on the Emerald Pools trail. My sister-in-law has a bad knee so we didn't want to go on a treacherous hike, and we thought this one wouldn't be too bad. We started the hike and it was uphill almost the entire time! It wasn't strenuous but it wasn't very pleasant either! There was a huge drop off that you could see into most of Zion Canyon which was SO beautiful! (Which is why I wanted the pics, ok I'll quit being disgruntled) After a while it started to drop downhill and it was actually a very beautiful trail and I am quite proud I was able to last considering I don't do a lot of hiking. It took us about 5 hours which included the lingering at the three pools. Those pools were gorgeous! They weren't very deep but still no one went in them because it would sanitize the water and you don't want to do that because it is drinking water for the animals that live in Zion. We didn't get home until about 11:00 at night because we went to eat afterwards. It was a great day!! I enjoyed being with my family and meeting new people. Again, as soon as I get pics I will post them. :)

Yay! Some of my family is visiting me!!!

2007-04-20T20:45:00.000-07:00

So my brother and his family; which consist of an awesome sister-in-law, one neice and two nephews are coming to visit. I am very happy they are coming!! They sort of are coming to visit me to haul my living stuff up to storage before I move. They are mostly coming to visit my sister-in-law's twin sister though. It will be fun to see those little munchkins again. It has been quite a while. I still have to deconstruct all my furniture and bed. That'll be fun.

15 days and counting...