Where the Heck Did April Go???

This can't be the last day of April! Insanity! This month has gone by so fast, and it wasn't even painful.... Normally April's a weird month for me, no clue why.

Made cards today at a friend's house, it was quite fun. It was HOT out today, in the high 70s and low 80s. I'm hot, sweaty and happy about this. :D What I'm not happy about is that I barely got any homework done, which means most of tomorrow will be spent doing homework. Saw "Sherlock Holmes" (finally), it was good.

From the Realm of Randomness,

Ashley

Studying Saps My Creativity

Studying=Tiredness. Tiredness=Lack of Creativity. Therefore, by the Transitive Property, Studying=Lack of Creativity. My goodness, I'm losing my mind.

I went over to school to study. Wasn't bad, got a lot done for Geometry and some stuff done for Algebra. I also got an orange cream smoothie from the coffee cart on campus, I loved it. Weather was nice, it was hot at one point! I was sweating! Yippee! Yes, you can tell I hate winter.

Watched Lost, ate Culver's food, nada más.

From the Realm of Randomness,

Ashley

67 Days...

Okay, I shouldn't start the official countdown until AFTER finals, but I noticed that Kenya is only 67 DAYS AWAY!!! So weird. But in a good way!

Anyway, um, performance class went okay. Hopefully I'll be able to rock at the final. We'll see. Geometry was okay, we did our LAST PROOF!!! YAY! Well, until the final, that is. Algebra was fun, took our last homework quiz. I can't believe I'm actually going to miss that class. A MATH class. God can be very funny sometimes....

Had a Kenya meeting, that was good.

From the Realm of Randomness,

Ashley

1 Class Down, 3 More to Go....

So, essentially, I AM DONE WITH MY CREATIVE WRITING CLASS!!! I submitted my last assignment today. I have enjoyed that class (and it's actually a really good class for it to be online), but it's always nice to have something like that off my shoulders. Now the only thing that's marring my excitement a little is my apprehension for the performance class in Piano.

I practiced for an HOUR and it doesn't feel like it did any good. No matter how much I tell myself that I'll be fine.... I'm still nervous. I'll be playing SIMPLIFIED versions of "Linus and Lucy" and "Moonlight Sonata". I'm hoping that I don't rush and that when I make mistakes (cuz I will), I won't get too flustered.

The rest of the day was average, though quite productive. Got a ton of math homework done. Though there always seems to be at least one problem that gives me grief.

Well, that's all for now.

From the Realm of Randomness,

Ashley

Happy Hug an Australian Day 2010

Yeah, where do they come up with these holidays??? So random.

Anyway, I had a decent day. It's weird, Mondays aren't great, but they're not as bad as Tuesdays. Ick. I don't know why Tuesdays feel terrible, they just are!

From the Realm of Randomness,

Ashley

The "Perfect" Date

This only makes sense if you've seen the movie "Miss Congeniality". In a beauty pageant, the contestants are asked questions, and one of the contestants was asked: "What is your idea of a perfect date?" Her response: "I will have to say April 25, because it's not too hot, not too cold. All you need is a light jacket." So that was a funny tidbit for the day, but unfortunately, it was kind of chilly, dreary and rainy. So it wasn't the "perfect date". Guess that'll come another day....

But church was good, Bible study was good, eyes still bugged me. I'm not feeling good about my math homework, I am so confused right now. Not good. Not sure how I will make it through the next 48-72 hours. But at least it's not a major stress-fest like last semester....

From the Realm of Randomness,

Ashley

Major Exhaustion

Okay, I know, I'm sounding like a broken record. Always exhausted.... But tonight I'm REALLY exhausted. I woke up too early (why did I think that would be a good idea?), and worked a hectic shift from 9-5. I am so tired and I was a ZOMBIE earlier. Seriously, I actually took a 10 minute nap. Normally I am physically incapable of taking naps, so that says something. I felt a tiny bit better after the nap, but still tired and stressed.... At least Noodles is good.

From the Realm of Randomness,

Ashley

Talk Like Shakespeare Day 2010

Good evening, good mistresses and sirrahs! The day in which one talketh like the good man Shakespeare hath occureth on this day. But it is of great misfortune to inform thee that I did not celebrate in the manner that I should have. I mostly participated in the noble sports known as "Work", "Farmville", "Sleeping in" and "Procrastinating". All of agreeable nature, but one can have too much pleasure in a life. Well, good night, I must go to bed. I am in a great state of exhaustion and twill overcome and grasp me if I allow it to. Adieu to all.

From the Realm of Randomness,

Ashley

Earth Day 2010

Yeah, I didn't do anything to celebrate. Though I guess the Environmental Club at school had a fair of sorts.... I missed it, though.

Anyway, my morning/early afternoon was productively fantastic.... And my mid-afternoon was fairly productive, got some nice piano playing in.... And then late afternoon hit. This and my evening were unproductive to the extreme. Oh well.

I am soooo thankful right now that I get to sleep in....

From the Realm of Randomness,

Ashley

Randomly LOST

Well, today was okay, unfortunately chilly (well, actually, not too bad, just chilly in comparison to the other days we have had). Piano was fine, chords and inversions were a little trickier. Geometry was okay. Went to Algebra prof's office and unfortunately I hoped that I would only take up 20 mins tops of my teacher's time, but instead it took an hour. Hate when that happens. Also means I missed Shakespeare's birthday party in the Atrium. :( Oh well. Algebra class was good, a lot of funny quotes and moments. I don't think I did well on my homework quiz, though. And I'm not too sure about the Geometry homework I turned in either. So this week has not been a good mathematical week. BUT I finished Season 2 of Lost. Man, I love that show. The cliffhangers are INSANE, though.

Well, here's to my attempt to go to sleep before midnight.

From the Realm of Randomness,

Ashley

Tuesdays=Mondays

Yeah, I just don't like Tuesdays. Because it means homework and work. Honestly, nothing else happened besides that. Yep, pretty boring day, hopefully tomorrow will be good.

From the Realm of Randomness,

Ashley

What Was My Title?!?!

Argh! I had an amazingly creative title for this post, really I did, and I can't remember it!!! Grrr.... Oh well, I've got better things to worry about.

Well.... Piano test went well, got a 96%. Geometry went decent. And Algebra was pretty good. My reputation as a math hater has OFFICIALLY crumbled. Because over break, I factored a ridiculous number. And I LIKED DOING IT. I'm going nuts! How did this come about? Well, you know how in math, the teacher will show you one method, and then a different method if it makes solving the problem easier? Well, that's what happened, if we went the "factor tree" route for 6th root √(35/32), we rationalize and get 1,174,405,120. Insanity. And I enjoyed doing factor trees for this? I'm still shocked. By the way, its simplified form is 16 6th root√70/32, which is reduced to 6th root√70/2. Sorry if that's gibberish for everyone.

Not much else, watched Lost. After EVERY episode they left an awful cliffhanger and it gets more interesting by the episode.

From the Realm of Randomness,

Ashley

Being Rushed Stinks

So, I was rushed getting ready for church because my body wanted to sleep longer. I was rushed with homework because I had a limited time to do it. I was rushed with lunch, because I needed to go to work. I was rushed constantly at work because it was so busy, causing yet another headache. Thankfully, I wasn't rushed to Bible study. Good thing, cause it was good. My stomach is hurting a little, though, not good. It's probably just from not eating enough/eating something off, it happens a lot. I wish I could have my iron stomach back.... Oh well.

Slightly nervous about my piano test tomorrow.

From the Realm of Randomness,

Ashley

My Motivation is ≤ 0

Hopefully the "less than or equal to" sign shows up. It was SO HARD for me to be motivated to do anything at all. It didn't help that my stomach was hurting for a little while (and I don't know why). Thank God I'm better now. I think one of my friends phrases it well: Why does procrastination feel so good until the night before when you have stuff to do and all you want to do is sleep? Crazy. Don't worry, I did get some stuff done, I had just hoped and planned way more done, and that didn't happen. At least geometry homework's done. Also, finally saw "The Blind Side". It's VERY good. See it if you haven't yet.

From the Realm of Randomness,

Ashley

Cheesecake is Good

So, Cheesecake Factory is pretty much awesome. Navajo sandwich and peanut butter cheesecake is amazing (of course, I wasn't able to finish it all there, I had to bring some home; yay for tasty leftovers!). Anyway, there's a random blurb for you.

Not much else, I'm so tired again. I'm starting to wish that I was a coffee drinker....

From the Realm of Randomness,

Ashley

Tax Day 2010

Thankfully, I did my taxes way early, so I had no worries. I do, however, feel totally exhausted. A wave of exhaustion just hit me. Weird.

Well, Thursday is my study day. And I saw a friend, yay! I got a lot done, from around 1pm or so, I didn't get enough done, I was just so tired. Then I worked tonight. That's it.

From the Realm of Randomness,

Ashley

National Be Kind to Lawyers Day 2010

I ran out of creativity for my title. So, what do I try to do when that happens? I find a random holiday. This one is quite bizarre. Yeah.

Today was a fairly good day at school. Piano was pretty good. Geometry wasn't bad, and when I got my test back, I found out that my proof was almost perfect!!! I am normally terrible at proofs. Algebra was good, there were some funny tidbits, but I honestly don't remember most of them. I'll have to write some down another day. Oh yeah, now I remember one: It was a REALLY nice day out, and some students thought that we should get out early. Our teacher said that instead we should stay in class longer. Then someone suggested that we have class outside. Our teacher said that if we can find sidewalk chalk, then that might be possible. No, no one has sidewalk chalk with them, but that would be funny if sidewalks were covered with formulas and stuff. Good times. Got some typing done. Dinner of spaghetti and garlic bread was delicious. Got through some of "Lost". Now some last minute stuff before bed.

From the Realm of Randomness,

Ashley

Good, Exhausting Day

Things that I like: Doing well on exams, going to Red Robin, getting together with the Kenya team to get ready for our trip.

Things I don't like: Getting shots, being overloaded with homework, meetings going an hour longer than they were supposed to.

That's the "Cliff Notes" version of my day, but I'll elaborate on one thing. I GOT A B+ ON MY GEOMETRY EXAM!!! That gets my average from a C- to a C! Okay, so it's still not fantastic and I'm still going to work hard, etc, but at least *some* pressure is off (cuz it probably means I will pass the class, I thought for a minute that I may not pass). Man, this has been a great week mathematically. Now if only I can get cracking on that homework.... So much to do, so little time to do it.

From the Realm of Randomness,

Ashley

Epic Win

Okay, first I'm posting two links which are neat. Well, this one is okay so far:

http://www.mathfail.com/

And this one is AWESOME:

http://funnyexam.com/

Anyway, today was nice. Geometry exam went okay. Now for the epic win: I GOT A 96% ON MY ALGEBRA EXAM!!! I was tied for the highest score!!! And I know who did tie with me: Earlier, me and this classmate (an older gentlemen, he's very cool) were talking about the exam and neither one of us thought we did fantastic on it. So it was really funny, when the prof was passing out exams, the classmate came up and asked how I did. I showed him mine, he showed me his and we high-fived when we realized that we got the exact same scores. It was funny. I was happy.

Not much else. Potbelly's sandwich for lunch was delicious.

From the Realm of Randomness,

Ashley

Busy Sunday

So, I can't type too much, got stuff to do. But church was good, a volunteer thingy that I did was good, small group was good. I am not a fan of geometry and I am crazy. Good night.

From the Realm of Randomness,

Ashley

Proofs, Headaches and Roman Holiday

Worked today. It was... quite hectic, though not as terrible as it could have been. I actually got some geometry studying in (tried to go through the theorems again and I did a couple proofs... I still stink at them, but at least I got more practice). But the shift was still bad. Why? Because my head was hurting. It ALWAYS hurts when I work, and today it's bad. It started aching in the afternoon; still hasn't stopped.

BUT on a positive note, I went to a friend's house!!! Had deep-dish sausage pizza (delicious) and watched Roman Holiday. It was good, made me want to go to Rome, though.

I am so tired, it's not even funny.

From the Realm of Randomness,

Ashley

I Don't Feel Like Being Creative

My energy is sapped, therefore I can't be as creative as I would like.

Anyway, went to the dentist to get a cavity filled. I have a horrible fear of needles and shots, especially if they are directed towards my mouth (I don't know why). So I mentioned that, if possible, I did not want Novocaine. Since my cavity was small, my dentist said that was fine, mentioning that I could always change my mind if I wanted. At first, it wasn't that bad, maybe felt a little weird, but definitely not terrible. Then towards the end of the drilling it started to hurt. I didn't ask for Novocaine, but I'm wondering if next time I should.... But it's done, though right now my tooth hurts a little. Oh well.

Speaking of hurting, my hamstring on my left leg has been hurting like CRAZY for no apparent reason. It only happens once in a while, but still.... Not fun. Guess my body is just falling apart.

From the Realm of Randomness,

Ashley

Productivity and.... The Evil "S" Word

Well, woke up early and spent several hours at school. So worth it, though: I got two papers finished, practiced some construction for my geometry exam on Monday, went to my algebra prof's office for a little bit because word problems are evil. Well, something else is evil and happened briefly. It starts with an "S" and rhymes with "no". As in, "NO! It's April! It can't happen! STUPID CHICAGO WEATHER!!!" Okay, it wasn't that bad, but personally, snowing in April should be illegal. OOPS! I said the evil "s" word. *sigh* I don't like this weird weather.

The rest of my day was semi-unproductive, not looking forward to tomorrow.

From the Realm of Randomness,

Ashley

Way too Much on My Mind

Man... Today's been tough. And it wasn't THAT hard.

First, my Algebra exam. I don't think I did great. I was uncertain about many of the problems, confidence was so shaky and I completely blanked on the last four problems. And I was the last one to turn my test in, which I ALWAYS feel bad about when that happens. I saw a friend later and he told me I need to believe in myself and just be confident going into it. Easier said than done. No way I can take even the liberal arts math if I can barely get through high school math.

Also, I just watched a really depressing episode of Lost. No one died, no one got wounded or captured or anything like that, but it had to do with two characters that I love and it almost made me cry. I'm telling you, this TV show gets you HOOKED. It's like Harry Potter, even though the characters are fictional, you find yourself caring so much about them. Sad.

As usual, I have a lot to do tomorrow. Now let's see whether I can actually do it all....

From the Realm of Randomness,

Ashley

It Never Seems Like Enough

How is it that no matter how or how much I study for a test, it never seems like enough? Crazy. I have an algebra exam tomorrow and I'm dreading it. I feel like I can't do anything, it's awful. I know how to do almost everything, but once I take a test, a lot of it flies away, my confidence plummets and I feel like I let people down. It's times like these where I think I'm crazy for considering Precalc. Oh yeah.

I don't know if I've mentioned it, but I'm considering taking Precalculus in the fall, and Calculus I in the Spring. Why? Because I don't want to take the liberal arts oriented math class anymore, I'm not sure that I want to take Finite Math (the class you take after College Algebra), and I think I want to try going a more challenging route now that I'm getting a *little* better at math (though not spectacular. But then again, I'm not really spectacular at anything :-/). Plus, my current teacher is teaching Precalc and typically Calc I is taught by professors who are supposed to be (or are) really good. Main thing that's stopping me (besides occasional self-doubts): That people will think I'm crazy. Heck, I probably am crazy. My longtime reputation as a math hater (which may or may not be crumbling) has been well known among all my peers, relatives and acquaintances. I've struggled for so long and if I go on the road towards Calculus, the road will be long, time-consuming and difficult. But it would be worth it, right? I don't think many others would share my point of view, though. I'd probably get many odd comments about it....

Oh, what am I saying? I need to grow up and stop caring about what other people think. It's so bad. So petty. I just need to evaluate whether I truly want to take Precalc then Calc I or not.

But do you know what I REALLY need? To stop typing and get some final studying in before bed.

From the Realm of Randomness,

Ashley

"Happy" Back to School Day.... No Happiness There

Yeah, I am not happy to be back at school. I did well in Piano, though. Geometry was boring, as usual. Went to my algebra prof's office, and again, I took almost a whole hour in there. Algebra was not as good as it normally is, word problems and geometry.... ICK! And I'm soooo nervous about the test on Wednesday. Oh well.

Well, I need to do my best to finish my Geometry homework (I want to do it tonight so I can concentrate on Algebra tomorrow.

From the Realm of Randomness,

Ashley

Happy Easter 2010

Happy Easter everyone! He is Risen.... He is Risen Indeed! Went to two church services today, both were nice. I have a couple songs stuck in my head that are rather appropriate for the Easter time. One is a fave of mine, listened to it while driving:

In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;
this Cornerstone, this solid Ground,
firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone! who took on flesh
Fulness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones he came to save:
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied -
For every sin on Him was laid;
Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain:
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave he rose again!
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me,
For I am His and He is mine -
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath.
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.

And here's another, during the 11am service I was at, love it:

Everyone needs compassion
A love that's never failing
Let mercy fall on me

Everyone needs forgiveness
The kindness of a Savior
The hope of nations

Savior
He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save
Forever
Author of Salvation
He rose & conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave

So take me as You find me
All my fears & failures
Fill my life again

I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in
Now I surrender (I surrender)

Savior
He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save
Forever
Author of Salvation
He rose & conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave

Shine Your light &
Let the whole world see
We're singing
For the glory
Of the risen King
Jesus

You're the Savior
You can move the mountains
Lord You are mighty to save
You are mighty to save
Forever
Author of Salvation
You rose & conquered the grave
Yes You conquered the grave

And another, at the service at my family's church:

God above all the world in motion, God above all my hopes and fears, Well I don't care what the world throws at me now, It's gonna be alright!  Hear the sounds of the generatorions, Making loud our freedom song, All in all that the world will know Your name, We're gonna be alright!  Cause I know my God saved the day, And I know His word never fails, And I know my God made a way for me, Salvation is here.  God above all the world in motion, God above all my hopes and fears, Well I don't care what the world throws at me now, It's gonna be alright!  Cause I know my God saved the day, And I know His word never fails, And I know my God made a way for me, It's gonna be alright!  Cause I know my God saved the day, And I know His word never fails, And I know my God made a way for me, Salvation is here.  Salvation is here, Salvation is here and it lives in me, Salvation is here, Salvation in God means to set me free, Salvation is here, Salvation is here and it lives in me, Salvation is here, Cause you are alive and you live in me! Salvation is here, Salvation is here and it lives in me, Salvation is here, Cause you are alive and you live in me!  Cause I know my God saved the day, And I know His word never fails, And I know my God made a way for me, It's gonna be alright!  Cause I know my God saved the day, And I know His word never fails, And I know my God made a way for me, Salvation is here.  

Anyway, thought you might be interested. Both services were good, nice way to remember that Jesus is risen. Even though I remember it from time-to-time, it's hard to dwell on most of the time (sad, I know).

The rest of the day went fine, watched "Cars" with the fam., did a little homework, did a LOT of Farmville (yay!), and chatted on the phone with a friend. Good day.

Well, my break is officially over. School is back tomorrow. Ugh, not sure if I'm ready. 

From the Realm of Randomness,

Ashley

Okay, Break's Over

Do you know that wonderful, relaxed feeling you have when you're on break? Whether it's a school break, or work break, or any kind of break at all? Well, that feeling has evaporated today. Now there's pressure to get all my homework done. Even though I have been fairly consistent, it still doesn't feel like enough. I took a "practice exam" for Algebra today and I am SO glad that it is Wednesday and not Monday. If it was Monday, I would be so screwed. Though I am getting better at my piano pieces.

Anyway, I had the first Kenya meeting today, and I am even more exciting about the trip. It's starting to feel more real. And I think the team is really cool.

Well, that's all for now.

From the Realm of Randomness,

Ashley

Good Friday 2010

Wow, hard to believe it's Good Friday already. Went to the service at church, was a nice way to remember and reflect that Christ our Savior died for us.

Did a bit of homework, now I'm starting to feel less relaxed and more stressed. Grrrr....

It's actually HOT here; isn't it wonderful???

Kind of dreading tomorrow, I have a LOT to do and not sure when I'm going to do it all. I have the first Kenya meeting tomorrow. I'm having a little bit of excitement and nervousness (most of the team members fall under the "I've seen at church but never been formally introduced to" category, so there's some nervousness there with meeting people). But it should be good, just the first meeting for anything is always difficult, even if it is for something wonderful.

From the Realm of Randomness,

Ashley

April Fools with Fiddlers

Today was April Fools Day. Nothing exciting about that. Saw a friend for lunch, that was nice. Saw Fiddler on the Roof, that was very nice. I'm wiped, good night.

From the Realm of Randomness,

Ashley