Last summer I went to El Salvador on a missions trip...and up until then I had never had any. Never wanted to try it, didn't have any interest. Until that trip, when every night after dinner my team leader would request a cup of coffee.
(Thanks John Mark)
After that week I was hooked. It also did not help that soon after returning from ES I went straight to Oxford.....Crick Road to be more specific. Where tea and coffee flow in a caffeine river that only stops when the students do (which is never). My friends, and junior dean, helped me to find the perfect cup of coffee and I have never looked back.
All this to say...There is usually a french press going every morning here. But in this last week I have not had time to go grocery shopping or get a new bag of coffee. It had been about 3 days since I had had any last night. Around 9 I started to get a headache and thought it was from a lack of water. But all night said headache persisted and remained with me through my morning classes. Finally around 12 I realized....
After a run to Kean and a nice iced coffee I felt instantly better. It was a close call...a little touch and go there for a second...maybe I have a little problem.
Thanks John Mark.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
partners in crime
So ASBg....I have found myself to be enjoying it a lot more than I thought I would. Katie, my other half, is great. I can always count on her for a sarcastic remark, turn to her with an inside joke or just laugh at a random situation. She is super fun, but has a get-it-done side to her as well. I love working with her and I feel like I have found another amazing group of girls through her. Fun, energetic, down to earth. Here are some pics from the latest all school party, some not-so-vanguard-approved things were done...but hey, who's gunna stop a great party??
Katie and I, rockin the bandannas and the commuter root beer float table...
David Vasquez everyone...
Courtney, a beloved ASBg President Brian (aka Trip) and Haley.
Sambam.
Love this girl!
Katie and I, rockin the bandannas and the commuter root beer float table...David Vasquez everyone...Courtney, a beloved ASBg President Brian (aka Trip) and Haley.Sambam.Love this girl!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
syllabus day
I think it is pretty much understood that the first day of class should go as follows.
a) Make sure you are in the right room.
b) Hear a brief bio from the prof.
c) receive a syllabus
d) groan about the cost of the textbook
e) read through the syllabus
f) get out early, maybe before half the class is done
The exceptions to this are once a week, 3 hour classes. I can see a prof using that time to lecture because they only have a few class times. In upper division courses this is acceptable as well. I expect to start the first day because of how much content there will be. Maybe this is just my school, but these things almost tend to be culture. Or maybe its because I am an English major, and it is hard for us to get anything done before reading the text...
However today I had a 200 level intro to science class (that meets twice a week) in which all things went awry. It started out normal, we got down to point "e" making fairly good time. Point "f" was coming along nicely when the professor suddenly put up a PowerPoint, and started to lecture.
No. Way.
Not only did he lecture through the entire first chapter but when there were only 10 minutes left of class he began into the second chapter of the book. Do you think there were any students paying attention? Did anyone actually hear him that last ten minutes? Don't get me wrong, I have good grades and I love to learn...but the first day? Really?
a) Make sure you are in the right room.
b) Hear a brief bio from the prof.
c) receive a syllabus
d) groan about the cost of the textbook
e) read through the syllabus
f) get out early, maybe before half the class is done
The exceptions to this are once a week, 3 hour classes. I can see a prof using that time to lecture because they only have a few class times. In upper division courses this is acceptable as well. I expect to start the first day because of how much content there will be. Maybe this is just my school, but these things almost tend to be culture. Or maybe its because I am an English major, and it is hard for us to get anything done before reading the text...
However today I had a 200 level intro to science class (that meets twice a week) in which all things went awry. It started out normal, we got down to point "e" making fairly good time. Point "f" was coming along nicely when the professor suddenly put up a PowerPoint, and started to lecture.
No. Way.
Not only did he lecture through the entire first chapter but when there were only 10 minutes left of class he began into the second chapter of the book. Do you think there were any students paying attention? Did anyone actually hear him that last ten minutes? Don't get me wrong, I have good grades and I love to learn...but the first day? Really?
friendship
I was telling someone about my friends the other day, "they pretty much do their own thing until you really need them. Then they drop everything for you".
I got an awful call last night. And the girls laid on my bed with me for a while. Sam played with my hair like she always does when I'm upset. This morning Beth gave me hugs when waves of emotion came, and Sam let me just lay in her office and cry. I saw Cristina and the crew on campus, and she stopped to pray for me. My boss told me to take some time for myself and encouraged me with a hug. I got encouraging text messages all day. During a half hour nap on the couch around 4 Simeon called...we talked for a while and then he stopped to pray for me over the phone.
The people in my life, are incredible. And I feel blessed to have these incredible people to walk through life with.
I got an awful call last night. And the girls laid on my bed with me for a while. Sam played with my hair like she always does when I'm upset. This morning Beth gave me hugs when waves of emotion came, and Sam let me just lay in her office and cry. I saw Cristina and the crew on campus, and she stopped to pray for me. My boss told me to take some time for myself and encouraged me with a hug. I got encouraging text messages all day. During a half hour nap on the couch around 4 Simeon called...we talked for a while and then he stopped to pray for me over the phone.
The people in my life, are incredible. And I feel blessed to have these incredible people to walk through life with.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
some of the new regime
Bonding at leadership retreat.
Picture taken on move in day during the Parent and Student welcome.
on the inside
This afternoon I, as well as the rest of the Associated Student Body government, had lunch with the administration of Vanguard. I felt privileged to share my heart with some of them, and talk about the future of VU, knowing that they will take what I say seriously and consider it when making plans and decisions. As a group of student leaders we are looking to the future, I hope everyone else catches on soon.
After we had a photo shoot at Teewinkle park (where else?) and one by one each person and group lined up to take their pictures. I began to realize that I am excited to work with each of these individuals. I could see each of their personalities come out as the camera clicked, and as each team got together I began to think of everything they will accomplish this year. As ASBg we have really bonded together, and as a part of student leadership as a whole we have become part of a team. I am excited for Vanguard this year.
-not part of the intended photo shoot, this just happens naturally.
Monday, August 17, 2009
learning to drive
"just get in the car.."
The 2007, black Acura TSX I have been riding around in most of the summer has grown on me. The first time I met her, we rode around the block, I was sort of impressed, "pretty nice" I thought. But since then, I've gotten to know her a bit better. Sort of like a friendship, when you take the time to learn quirks and acquire fun memories- if it is a natural friendship you may not even notice its happening until one day it hits you and you think, how did that happen?
"On the streets, windows down, on the freeway, windows up."
"I don't care what it is, as long as its hitting!"
Custom installed in the trunk of the car is the clutch ingredient. Not one, but two 12 inch subs are the catalyst for this driving experience. Sitting in the back, with the volume turned up to 38 my clothes and hair blow forward a bit. You can imagine what she sounds like cruising down the PCH, or up the 5 freeway toward Anaheim.
You can only drive this car after having proven yourself, and your driving skills. Its a trust thing I think, and once the trust has been established the keys are readily entrusted to friends. I have to say that driving the car puts a smile on my face every time. I'm learning to read her, to know the dimensions and what she is capable of. I feel privileged as someone who has earned this trust and love every new memory while driving. These memories define my group of friends- we turn the bass up as loud as it will go, roll down the windows, and dance the whole way.
The 2007, black Acura TSX I have been riding around in most of the summer has grown on me. The first time I met her, we rode around the block, I was sort of impressed, "pretty nice" I thought. But since then, I've gotten to know her a bit better. Sort of like a friendship, when you take the time to learn quirks and acquire fun memories- if it is a natural friendship you may not even notice its happening until one day it hits you and you think, how did that happen?
"On the streets, windows down, on the freeway, windows up."
"I don't care what it is, as long as its hitting!"
Custom installed in the trunk of the car is the clutch ingredient. Not one, but two 12 inch subs are the catalyst for this driving experience. Sitting in the back, with the volume turned up to 38 my clothes and hair blow forward a bit. You can imagine what she sounds like cruising down the PCH, or up the 5 freeway toward Anaheim.
You can only drive this car after having proven yourself, and your driving skills. Its a trust thing I think, and once the trust has been established the keys are readily entrusted to friends. I have to say that driving the car puts a smile on my face every time. I'm learning to read her, to know the dimensions and what she is capable of. I feel privileged as someone who has earned this trust and love every new memory while driving. These memories define my group of friends- we turn the bass up as loud as it will go, roll down the windows, and dance the whole way.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
letter home from utah
Dear Mom,
I'm in Utah this morning, the weather is nice here in the desert. I'm sitting in a tow truck and I can see my car in the rearview mirror. But don't worry, the driver, Jim, knows a guy who is going to help me out.
Oh, and I may need some money to fix this.
Love you,
Ash
I'm in Utah this morning, the weather is nice here in the desert. I'm sitting in a tow truck and I can see my car in the rearview mirror. But don't worry, the driver, Jim, knows a guy who is going to help me out.
Oh, and I may need some money to fix this.
Love you,
Ash
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
shakespeare weekend part I
The Wooden O Symposium, Shakespeare Conference.
I left my house around 3 on Sunday, after I stopped to get some horchata, headed for Las Vegas and Amanda. I studied Shakespeare with Amanda (see picture on right) in Oxford and she presented a paper this week on "As You Like It". But anyways...
I headed out on the 15, horchata in my hand, sun on my back and Brave Saint Saturn playing as loud as it would go in my car. I had forgotten that California turns into desert outside of Orange County; Red rocks, sand and lots of sage and brush. I got to Amanda's house as the sun was setting, and the yellowy orange sunset was reflecting off the hills..
"And I believe, the sun also rises, lighting our paths and chasing the darkness away... so far away" - Reese Roper, (disc numero dos).
I left my house around 3 on Sunday, after I stopped to get some horchata, headed for Las Vegas and Amanda. I studied Shakespeare with Amanda (see picture on right) in Oxford and she presented a paper this week on "As You Like It". But anyways...
I headed out on the 15, horchata in my hand, sun on my back and Brave Saint Saturn playing as loud as it would go in my car. I had forgotten that California turns into desert outside of Orange County; Red rocks, sand and lots of sage and brush. I got to Amanda's house as the sun was setting, and the yellowy orange sunset was reflecting off the hills..
"And I believe, the sun also rises, lighting our paths and chasing the darkness away... so far away" - Reese Roper, (disc numero dos).
Friday, August 7, 2009
life as it happens
A few weeks ago I sort of just let myself fall into life completely. See I spent the majority of my summer worried about working, jobs, money, bills and rent. And a few weeks ago I just stopped worrying, and let myself resolve completely to dirt poor, and dirty.
I have a friend who has been teaching me a lot about life and how it works lately. He is your model ENFP, and for those of you who aren't familiar with the Myers/Briggs personality test this is your typical people person. Everywhere we go he knows someone or makes friends. He is your super active, hyper active, go go go extrovert. He is always doing something, and has no problem calling 20 people out of the blue to pull together an amazing event.He gets stuff done, knows what hes doing and has a tun of fun doing it. We listen to really loud, fun music in his car and he is a total source of joy in my life. It is because of his influence mostly that my last few weeks have been so incredibly....summer.
I get up early in the morning, most of the time with plans already set for the day. Coffee is a must, and from there the day just takes me and I go with whatever happens. I always have plans for lunch, for dinner and for after dinner. Beach days have been frequent and I must say my tan is the best it's ever been. We go out dancing, out to coffee at night and taco Tuesdays (dollar tacos!) happen almost every week. I have been gardening a lot, and I must say our garden is up to par. As much as I can I work, nannying, around the Orange County area and make almost enough money doing it. Eating at the Robecks and hanging out with the kids has been a highlight of my last few weeks. Those kids just won't stop growing!
While all this has been happening I find myself meeting new people and surrounding myself with friends who are just legitimate. I feel so blessed to be surrounded by a great group of people, who share a love for what I love. They are encouraging, fun, active, artistic people who have worked their way into my life. It was hard for me when most of my friends graduated in May this last school year, but now I am in no way worried about this next year. I live with 5 of the most amazing girls, down the street from 6 of the most amazing guys and so close to so many others!
These last few weeks of my summer have been completely unstructured, go with the flow weeks. I must say I am sad to see it end, but thrilled to see how things change and grow throughout this next semester. But for now I'm just going to keep doing what I do.
I have a friend who has been teaching me a lot about life and how it works lately. He is your model ENFP, and for those of you who aren't familiar with the Myers/Briggs personality test this is your typical people person. Everywhere we go he knows someone or makes friends. He is your super active, hyper active, go go go extrovert. He is always doing something, and has no problem calling 20 people out of the blue to pull together an amazing event.He gets stuff done, knows what hes doing and has a tun of fun doing it. We listen to really loud, fun music in his car and he is a total source of joy in my life. It is because of his influence mostly that my last few weeks have been so incredibly....summer.
I get up early in the morning, most of the time with plans already set for the day. Coffee is a must, and from there the day just takes me and I go with whatever happens. I always have plans for lunch, for dinner and for after dinner. Beach days have been frequent and I must say my tan is the best it's ever been. We go out dancing, out to coffee at night and taco Tuesdays (dollar tacos!) happen almost every week. I have been gardening a lot, and I must say our garden is up to par. As much as I can I work, nannying, around the Orange County area and make almost enough money doing it. Eating at the Robecks and hanging out with the kids has been a highlight of my last few weeks. Those kids just won't stop growing!
While all this has been happening I find myself meeting new people and surrounding myself with friends who are just legitimate. I feel so blessed to be surrounded by a great group of people, who share a love for what I love. They are encouraging, fun, active, artistic people who have worked their way into my life. It was hard for me when most of my friends graduated in May this last school year, but now I am in no way worried about this next year. I live with 5 of the most amazing girls, down the street from 6 of the most amazing guys and so close to so many others!
These last few weeks of my summer have been completely unstructured, go with the flow weeks. I must say I am sad to see it end, but thrilled to see how things change and grow throughout this next semester. But for now I'm just going to keep doing what I do.
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