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Japan!

Hi all!

So I'm really sorry about not being on the ball with my blogging. I was planning on switching over to a video blog via youtube buuut I tried that and I think I like writing better. I am going to continue to upload videos of my adventures to my youtube channel. I have one from Tokyo square (well that's what I'm going to call it; its not its real name) and I have a couple from Disney. I think you guys will like it J I'll put the links at the bottom of the blog so you can watch them if you want.

So lets start at the beginning. We got of the flight and walked into the airport following color coded signs through customs and such. Everything went incredibly smoothly and we met up with Shoji just fine. The first thing I noticed in the airport was the abundance of vending machines. They are a little different looking than ours, but basically the same idea. On top of selling drinks they also have machines that sell cigarettes and supposedly even vending machines for underwear? I didn't see any of those though. One cool thing about the vending machines is that they have both hot and cold drinks; if it is a hot drink the whole bottle is heated. The first purchase I made was a drink that tasted like cherries. It was pretty delicious J Not long after we got there, Shoji told us " Welcome to Japan, everything is smaller here" Lol! It's true though! Most drinks are 8 oz or less, and the clothing and shoes are actually in my size! Sometimes I'm even a medium!

It was probably a 1.5 hour trip from the airport to our hostel if walking time and train time are included. By the time we go there we were completely exhausted. There was talk of going out on the town for the night, but thankfully the majority decision was to rest up. We also learned that if you go out for the night you are out for the WHOLE night. The trains shut down after 10pm so everyone has to stay out till 5:00am. We didn't end up going out which I was actually glad about. The clubs had really high cover charges and we were always really wiped out after a day of adventuring.

The first day Shoji wanted to show us some tourist attractions so we went and saw Tokyo tower. The view from the top was intense. It made us realize just how incredibly massive the city was. After that we headed to downtown Tokyo which I REALLY enjoyed. There were giant screens everywhere with advertisements flashing and it was really fun to just people watch. I've talked to some of you about this already but oh my gosh I LOVE the style in Japan. I'm definitely not a fashionista or anything but the girls outfits were so cute! The most common look was shorts or a skirt with tights/leggings/knee socks and boots. Totally outfits I would like to wear, and even though there was a common thing, everyone also had a really unique look. Even the guys were fashionable; there was a lot of 3 piece suits, Italian shoes, and fancy haircuts.

The second day we went to Disney Sea at Tokyo Disney. It was awesome! I haven't been to Disneyland since I was really young so I could appreciate the architecture and amount of details in each attraction a lot more. Arial's house was incredibly beautiful, and there was a really, really cool "inside the earth" attracting that had a very realistic looking volcano that actually erupted.

I also want to talk about the food for a minute. I LOVE trying new foods and I really, really liked Japanese food. I didn't get to try all that much, but I liked all of it. The first night we had teriyaki chicken, which sounds lame, but was exquisite. It is definitely not the same as teriyaki chicken in the U.S. The second meal I tried was curry-noodle soup. I think this was my favorite. It was packed with flavor. Shoji was shocked that all of us girls finished our meals, there was A LOT of soup consumed. In the evening we went to a Japanese place Shoji picked and he ordered for us. We tried a kind of salad, dumpings, potstickers, a seafood medley, calamari, and marinated chicken kabob-like things.

Over all it was a good trip. I am really glad I went on the Japan leg not only because it was an awesome place to visit, but also because I got to know the other people in my group a lot better. Oh yeah, and also because I got to sleep in a cupboard bed and pretend like I was harry potter J I will post pictures of this later so you understand what I'm talking about…….but yeah, the beds in our room at the hostel were literally cupboards. It was pretty legit.

Okay! Well I'll try to write more often now that I've established a blogging game plan. I have to figure out a way to get it to work though because sometimes its blocked in china. There are ways around the firewall though so hopefully it won't take me long to figure one of those out. So my friends, until next time!

quote of the day: Take too many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you’ve never been hurt, because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you’ll never get back.

Here's my video :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-2Lt2FnZ2U

Hello Adventure

A lot has happened since I wrote my last blog. After writing it I vowed to write at least one more before I left because I knew my emotions were affecting my attitude. Now look at me....writing it with less than 10 hours left here...... I can't believe that I am flying out in the morning!! It's so surreal to me that this is actually happening. About this time last year I saw the presentation for study abroad in China but never thought it would be feasible but here I am.

I am still pretty scared/nervous about what it's going to be like. I've never been out of the country without my family. More than that though, I am just nervous about moving in to the next phase of my life. I'm really excited, but the real world is a little bit intimidating!

I am also really sad, but not in a bad way. It hit me when my boss said good bye that my time being a student at WSU is over. I am so incredibly glad I decided to transfer here. I feel like I grew into my own person, but most of all I am thankful for the friends I have made. I am seriously overwhelmed by the kindness of the Pullman family over the past couple weeks. Every one of you has really come through for me in your own way and I'm an incredibly thankful for it. I have really, really been enjoying my life! I'm not sure it could get much better :) It's totally awesome to feel like this, but it also means that I have something more to lose, which is unnerving.

Those are really the only two even close to negative emotions I'm feeling. I mostly am incredibly stoked to be starting my new adventure! I have no idea what to expect, but I'm counting on it being one of the greatest times of my life. Not only am I excited for China, I am also excited to get started at my job at Boeing, and get settled in on the west side. I have a feeling its going to be an awesome summer :)

All I know is that these days I find myself smiling a lot, especially when I am thinking about the people in my life, and the adventures to come. I may have gone through a minor rough patch, but I'm better for it now! I think I'm going to start a new tradition of ending each blog with a quote. You guys will probably of heard a lot of them or seen them on my profile, but that's okay because quotes are awesome.

"Maybe some women aren't meant to be tamed. Maybe they are meant to run free until they find someone just as wild to run with"

Reckless Abandon

I haven't written in while because I've been going through a bumpy time and I try my best not to write about issues if they affect others in my life. However, I need to write. I wrote a whole blog yesterday, then accidentally deleted it. I'm taking it as a sign that it wasn't what I should of been writing.

I also have avoided writing a blog because I don't know what to write. I have so many emotions going through me, and I jump from one emotion to the next so quickly that I'm having trouble sorting it out for myself.

I'm the kind of person that decides what they want, and then goes after it with everything that I've got. Whether its a sport, goal, friend, or boyfriend; its just how I roll. Call it determination, stubbornness, or whatever else you like. This approach to life has worked fairly well for me for the most part. I can blow through a lot of obstacles, and when I get knocked on my ass, I am so focused that I just shake it off and keep going. Sometimes though the obstacle is too big; its impossible to mow over or dodge, like a very, solid, large brick wall. However, I charge full speed ahead because that's what I do. Eventually I hit the wall and KABLAMO! I'm down for the count, sitting on the ground seeing stars, wondering how the hell I got there.

I've hit the wall enough times to have a little perspective. I know I will be okay and I know I just have to wait it out. That doesn't make it suck less right now though. I feel really helpless at the moment, and I don't like it, not one bit. For once, I don't know what to do to fix it other than wait it out. Not to sound like spoiled kid, but I freaking hate not getting what I want! haha

I leave for China in a little over 2 weeks. Craaaaazy. As with everything else in my life; I'm very conflicted. On one hand I'm really bitter and angry about going. I feel like it is kind of ruining my life (not to sound melodramatic or anything) On the other hand, I know that leaving for 9 weeks really can't be the sole cause of destruction. Along with that I'm really excited for such a crazy adventure and I am going to try my very best to embrace it. I'm excited to make new friends and try new things and buy lots and lots of super cheap stuff :) :) I have faith that the rest of my life with fall together as time goes on. I have an incredible group of people supporting me; I don't know how I get so lucky. On top of that I know I've got a lot going for me, and a lot to look forward to in the next year.

As of right now I'm not sure if the whole "reckless abandon" approach is a good one. I am pretty drained from the emotional roller coaster of the past year, yet there were so many phenomenal times and cherished memories that I can't regret it. I guess I'm going to just have to keep on rolling with the punches.

2010 in a Nutshell :)

So I've been feeling conflicted on whether to do a summary blog of 2010 or to do a "lessons learned in college blog." I am not in a pensive enough mood right now to do the "lessons learned" blog so 2010 summary it is. 2010 was a emotionally charged year full of a lot of personal growth. I feel like I grew into myself and am coming closer to solidifying my values. I'm going to write this blog kind of survey-style, but I'm making the survey questions myself :)

Most Valuable People:

Mom - this year definitely had some downs and I always turn to my mom when I need someone to talk to
Kyle - being 10 miles apart was awesome. It was so nice of him to include me in his friends' group and activities
Isaac - for making me laugh, being a great friend as well as a great boyfriend :) Also for making my 21st birthday so much fun when it had the potential to be lousy.
Ben - it's so nice to have a good solid friend I can be my crazy self around, and for skydiving of course
Katharine and Dave - best roommates ever. Seriously.
Dave - for being that glimpse of happiness I needed during a very unhappy stage of my life
Sergey - for being such a good friend to me even after everything went down
Tom & Jesse - best MIS buddies ever
Kerri & Sam - for accepting me into the p-fam so quickly and bringing some much needed girl time into my life.
Paige - I'm so proud of everything you've done and am thankful we've stayed in contact. It meant a lot to me when you came to visit


There's probably a lot more, so sorry if I left you out. I'm really thankful for everyone in my life :)

New People: Sam, Kerri, North, David D, Mark M, Tyler, Jesse, Hank, Jaimie, Brandi, Matt, Kseniya, Big Dave, Brent

Highlights:
Fourth of July at my cabin with family and friends
-21st birthday
-being Daisy Duke for Halloween :)
-hanging out with the p-fam in Pullman
-Getting interviews at Google
-meeting so many fantastic people at the internship this summer
-weekends at the cabin
-June in Pullman
-New Years :)
-intramurals

-laughing until I couldn't breathe

Accomplishments
-multiple internship and job offers
-4.0 GPA spring and summer semester
-forcing myself to be more social and make new friends
- winning the 448 project as well as the Business Case Competition :)

Things to do differently in 2011
-not so many failed relationships!
-open to trying new things
- don't let certain people walk all over me

-don't try to escape from my situation; instead try to fix it.

Lessons Learned

The biggest lesson I learned was to be more open minded about trying new things.

Also, I learned how incredibly important it is to be accepting of others. Just because they have different values and a different focus than me that does not mean they are wrong. In fact, it helps to balance me out to have friends with different ideas than myself

Going after my goals with reckless abandon has never hurt me in the long, even if my goals end up changing.

I am a major lightweight.

Confidence is magnetic.

My horrendous sense of direction makes navigating to new places in Seattle very difficult.

Favorite New Shows:

Modern Family

Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Hobbies

Racquetball

Snowboarding

Tennis

Music

(New) 3Oh!3, Train, Owl City

(Favorites)

Taylor Swift, Usher (but just one song)

Movies:

ummm I can't think of any favorites more just the fact that there are a ton I need to watch in 2011....

Books:

I discovered Patricia Briggs who is an excellent author and I loved the series I read by her. Also, I'm reading The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo right now. Its pretty great.

Failed Goals:

Not reading through the Lord of the Rings series.

Losing contact with some of my friends from back home.

Not finding a church/making an effort to go to church

Favorite Gift

GPS

Well thats all I can think of right now. I can't believe how much my life has changed in this past year. Its madness. I know by this time next year I will probably be saying the same thing. Its scary and exciting at the same time. Thanks for reading everyone!

New Years Goals

I've never been too great at New Years Resolutions. I used to make super ambitious ones like to not fight with my brother for the whole year or to not eat anything remotely unhealthy. Needless to say, I would fail miserably, usually within 72 hours of making the resolution.

I also have never been really great at setting life long goals. During sophomore year I went to this workshop put on by the head editor of the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" books and his talk was about what all successful people have in common. His message was that the successful people he knew had created a bucket list(list of goals to achieve before you die) at a young age, and had persistently worked through the list during their life. I attempted to start a bucket list, but I was not very good at making one of these either. My goals and aspirations changed to much, so the only thing I have consistently had on my list is white water rafting down the Grand Canyon before I die. This seems like a really empty list to me.

Needless to say, at times I was concerned about being successful in the future since I didn't follow these stereotypical traits of successful people. However, I realized at some point that I was completely forgetting about something I did every year that worked way better for me then any of the silly methods listed above.

It all started freshman year during basketball season. Our coach made us right down goals for the season. My main goal was to play varsity by the end of the season. However, I was afraid of being judged or being considered arrogant for thinking I was even capable of this goal, so I didn't write it down for them to see. I kept thinking about the different goals I had and finally wrote them down over Christmas break. I expanded from basketball season goals to goals from the whole year. For the most part, I forgot about writing them down, but when I achieved my goal of playing varsity I definitely remembered. In my enthusiasm I went and wrote the date I achieved the goal in very excited writing. It was an incredible feeling. After that I forgot about the goals until the next Christmas break, but when I found them again it felt so good to read over them and check off the ones I'd achieved that I decided to do it again.

Ever since that year, at some point over Christmas break I will write down my goals for the upcoming year. I value the fact that they are completely private. I can make each goal as ambitious or petty as I want, and I can say from previous experience that they range from the goal to talk to my crush to goals of long term mission trips or obtaining a full ride scholarship. Shoot, this year I even made a new years wish, because its my goal list and I can do whatever the heck I want :)

Going through the prior years' goals never gets old. I get to see how my focus has changed, and what goals I've reached. It's an awesome feeling, and its something I plan on doing for the rest of my life.

So for all of my friends out there, I challenge you to do the same. Sit down and think about anything you'd like to accomplish in the next year, and write it down. Put it away somewhere you'll be able to find it in a year, and then forget about it till this time of year rolls around. It'll be well worth it.

when you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on

A lot has happened since I last wrote. The couple weeks of happiness and bliss ended very abruptly. I think it started with shitty weather over thanksgiving break cramping my style. Then came the the series of phone calls and texts the night before thanksgiving that came persistantly until i answered. Wanted to prevent another 45 missed call night so I answered and got entertained by "he who must not be named." I just say this because I feel that's how my family approaches him, like he's effing Voldermort or something. The call left me unphased, as I am in a great relationship, and have been unphased by this fellows shenanigans for the past year at least. However, I managed to let it slip to my lovely mom the reason I was so drowsy the next day. Somehow the info was passed to my dad, who drilled me over the breakfast table where my grandma was listening. An anger possessed her that I've never seen before and she let me have it. I have never in my life had her yell at me, so myself and the rest of my family members were fairly astounded to say the least. So I guess that's what I get for trying to do a good deed for an old, (although admittedy crazy) friend. Ooops

Next we were launched back into school, where I must say, I feel like teachers were giving this very specific message "You enjoyed your Thanksgiving break? WEll F*** you. We are going to make your life hell" Along with three final exams to take (2 weeks before finals) I managed to get my car stuck 3 times in 1 evening, kill my battery and have to revive it at 5am, spend $586 on tires, and play a key role in our team losing in an intramural basketball game. To top the week off I got a little too enthusiastic with my celebrating on Friday and learned that I in NO WAY can handle taking 3 shots in 1 evening. Yipes. Let's just say when it comes to puking I was going for a marathon, not a sprint.

To say the least, it was a rough week, but I survived, and all the thing that happened were fairly petty. Being busy 18 hours a day will prepare me for later in life I'm sure. The next week took its toll on me too, but some good things happened during this time as well. I got to go to my first ever Apple Cup, and even though we lost, it was lots of fun. I've been up to the mountain 3 times to attempt snowboarding; although I'm not sure how I feel about the sport, I love the adventure and the challenge. I've made new friends, and bonded with old ones before they head off into the next chapter of their life.

Shockingly, I didn't do super well on my 3 tests. I've had a few minor meltdowns and if you were one of the people who helped me through; thank you.

I guess what I've learned these past three weeks (or re-learned) is: things go wrong, people steal your ideas, people get sick, people say things that hurt your feelers and sometimes you fail. It's okay though. Life goes on because when things go wrong, someone's act of kindness helps you out of a rough patch. When people are jerks, you're friends will be there to back you up and laugh it off. When you're sad, you have people to hold you both literally and figuratively. Lastly, when I fail I learn much more about how to be successful in the future. I'm not sure where that came from or if it makes sense. I need to get back to studying though. I'm looking forward to reconnecting with everyone over break!