Exercise Schizophrenia

You might not up to date with the current new trend....it looks a lot like a poor choice in exercise machines or a dissatisfaction with the current choice of work out machinery. Exercise schizophrenia simply manifests itself by randomly hopping from one work out machine to the next, possible elbow throwing is involved if said schizophrenic is having a moment. Exercise schizophrenia is not to be confused with the random jumping off a work out machine due to a charlie horse. I only talk about this because I think people might have confused me with the former, when in reality it was the latter that I experienced at the gym yesterday. YES, a charlie horse caused and abrupt stop to my stairmaster work out. The moment I realized that a charlie horse might happen I told my body, "body, don't do this to me in front of all these people." She didn't listen so the following happened, I groaned internally and then frantically tried to push the stop button but to not get it done in time. Then as my calf seized on me, I fell off the machine only to be helped up by a real cute boy, who, later asked me out...who would have thunk. In all seriousness, I did hit the stop button and I did NOT fall off the machine, but it could have happened, had I not been prepared on what to do in such a situation. Moral of the story...make sure you know the proper safety procedures for taking care of yourself at the gym, no one wants to make a fool of themselves. And lastly, I don't think that there is a condition such as exercise schizophrenia...but if there is, just remember you heard it here first.

Happy, healthy day to you, my friends
APK

So busy I forgot to tell ya...

So I had a pretty good day on Monday but I never got around to telling you about it. Soooooo, here goes it.... I woke up and actually wen to class, and on my way there I had to walk to lightrail but this nice gentleman in a golf cart drove me to the station so I didn't have to walk. Thanks Tim. Then there was a dj playin on campus which always gets me going. I got to work out, do laundary, cleena up a bit and get some work done. It was nice to feel productive. I know those things sound simple but all together they made my day.

till the next epic event hits.
APK

Threes Company...what about four.

There are some of us who remember the t.v show Threes Company, and we have all heard the statement "two's company, three's a crowd". My question is why aren't their any shows or comments about fours. I think that four is a divine number, here's the logic. I live with three other girls and it is working out for us, yes it might be a little crowded and yes it might be a little messier and yes we might have more arguments but...BUT the laughter is louder, the rent a lot cheaper, the friendships are richer, the memories are unforgettable and lastly life is a little closer to true. I say this only because I continue to get flack from people about our decision to live four peeps to a two bed, two bath. It sounds like a reality show gone haywire but the truth of the matter is that it is character building...and who doesn't want that? There are moments when I climb into my lofted bed in the 808 and wonder what the hell I got myself into, but then I remember almost peeing my pants from laughing too hard or being able to cry about a shitty day only to be encouraged by my friend. So I say to nay-sayers, get some more roommates welcome the good, the bad and the ugly, chances are you will have learned something about people, about yourself and your ability to be with people, and hopefully you will have peed your pants once. I say bring it on, I am ready for iron to sharpen iron, I am ready for the memory of the days when I lived in South Denver with 3 great girls during the recession.

peace, love and community,
APK

Swing Low Sweet Chariot

So I am back in the swing of life back here in Denver and I must say it has been welcomed. I will be super busy but I will take it in stride because the alternative is less appealing. And let's get real honest I just spent 1 hour filling out online surveys...I am a sucker. I am trying to figure out what theme my blog is going to take on this semester, one thing is sure it has to be good. So if you have any suggestions shoot them my direction. For now I am pondering the ways this life thing is going to pan out for me. Love you the most.

APK

Home Sweet Home

Well, you've guessed, I am back in good ole Denver , CO. I am happy to be in a place where most people know my name, and things are comfortable. I am most excited to get back into the swing of things with family and friends. These past 5 days have been pretty relaxing, I haven't had to jump into reality quite yet, but tomorrow brings a whole new bag of tricks. Tomorrow I get to start class for what I hope is my final semester of class, this brings feelings of relief and excitement as I near my goal or rather my calling of being a teacher. I am excited to continue to become the best Ashley possible and hopeful for many things this fall.

BUT, no blog would be complete without some comic relief...so here goes it.
I am going to tell you about some of my more scandalous adventures in Costa Rica:

5. Swimming in my underwear 90% of the time, I only brought a one piece thus it was necessary to wear the underwear as a bathingsuit, why? To show more skin, duh.
4. Drinking Hot Chocolate...that had been steeped with weed. Yes team, I got high.
3. Make out #1 with Aussie kid(the scandal lies in the fact that I am unsure of his name)
2. Make out #2 with gorgeous French kid...noa great kisser though.
1. Hook up with Irish Kid...you will have to ask me about this one...too many details to share...one word: HOT!!!!!!

That's all I got, see you on the flip

peace,
APK

Nicaragua....say what?

Soooooo, I ended up crossing the border to a lovely country called Nicaragua. Forget what you´ve heard, this place is amazing. In my top two favorite places from this trip. As some of you might know I came down with a parasite...it was shitty(literally), but I was able to get some antibiotics for $7 and things seem to be clearing up nicely. I am going to go to the beach later and try surfing again, should be great, then after that, God only knows what could be cooked up. I am hoping that whatever happens it is memorable. I actually have more to say but I really have to get myself to the restroom...damn this thing. More to come when I come home.

Ciao,
APK

Adventure Costa Rica....long days, short weeks

Well Team, I have summed up my days for you but rarely have I given you my thoughts about this trip. Last night I was struck with the thought that despite what age, nationality, race, etc there is a striving in all of us that just wants to be liked for who we are. But in that pursuit sometimes we become less and less of who we truly are. In thinking about this I hope that I strive more and more to be me, wholly, without regard with how I am recieved. I also hope that I can run more and more into people who are striving to be themselves at any cost, at the cost of not being liked. I find it desperately sad that we fear not being liked, because I can´t imagine a world where being free to be ourselves isn´t the most attractive quality a person could offer. So, as I continue to travel I will continue to strive to be the most true me(though at times I still figuring who that is), and not to only strive for that but trust that is going to be the most attractive to the people I meet and from that fruitful relationships will be born.

My hope is that everyone feels the freedom to be themselves, truly and wholly.

can I get an Amen.


see you shortly...
APK

Adventure Costa Rica...no clue what day it is, oh the joy.

Well team, it is safe bet to say that Costa Rica is treating me well, you can take those bets to Vegas. I am in Manuel Antonio, huge popular National Park. It is sweeping beaches and epic mountainside in one fowl swoop. We(Tara,Patrick and I) spent the evening in Jaco, it was real interesting, just imagine a broke ass Vegas. I enjoyed watching people and teaching a 12 year old girl from Washington how to play gin rummy(she was spending her 13 birthday in Jaco, I gave her my deck of cards for a gift). Met another British kid, whom I easily fell into friensdship with, and we got to dance and see Jaco´s nightlife together, which on a Monday was very tame.

Spent a good portion of the day travelling, finally got settled into our hostel, which is the cat´s meow. Sadly, all I want to do is go to bed, tomorrow brings a new adventure of trekking through the national park.

As much fun as I am having here, I feel as though I am missing out on stuff back home, which makes me unsettled. We all know how I like to be in the thick of it. If you want to shoot me updates so that I am not totally in the dark, it would be greatly appreciated.

still glad, see you in .... days,
McBalla(apk)

Adventure C:R.....Days 9, 10, 11

Back in my favorite place right now Montzuma, i have not come alone, I recruited two solo travellers from Malpais...they are both great, their names are Patrick and Tara. To my pleasure they have fallen in love with this place as well.

On to more important news....

Day 9...I rented a cruiser bike in Malpais and road up and down the dirt road taking in the scenery and the tremendous surf culture. Had a meal by myself at the beach and was ab le to read and have some alone time, also attempted Yoga on the rocks overlooking the ocean, little sketchy.

After a day of being by myself I got dressed for the evening. The hostel that I stayed at was hilarious....the melting pot of the world. There were so many international peeps hanging out and enjoying each other, it was just brilliant(which I have picked up saying from some british chaps). The night began at the large dinner tables playing drinking games and laughing and doing the most ridiculous stuff, hands down the most fun night in Costa Rica. And if you know how I roll, the next step was dancing which we gladly rounded up the troops to head to a salsa bar on the beach(practically everything is on the beach here). So the rest of the evening was basically spent with 25 of the people from the hostel dancing. I found a lovely partner to push me around the floor. The story is not complete if I didn´t include the two British fellas that we met...GORGEOUS!!!!! At multiple times during the evening I wanted to lick their bare chests, because they walked around 90% of time without a shirt...it was dreadfuly hard not to attack. To add, they were a blast and I had a blast learning how to dance twirls with Ben and salsa with Rob. One of my favorite moments is when they gave me a man sandwich....best one I´ve been in, oh goodness. The night ended with lots of sweat and good memories.

Day 10...Headed back to Montezuma, napped and enjoyed dinner with new friends and reggae at the local bar. Slept well.

Day 11...Snorkling all day at isla de tortuga....splendid. BBQ on a white sand beach, volleyball with other tourists, and leatheback turtles making love is the ocean. Este fue perfecto. Once we got back from the island we showered and headed to the organic restuarant to watch a cooking lesson. Walked around the town a bit only to run into our most favorite brits...shared another meal with them. The rest of the night was spent meeting new people, playing cards, dancing, drinking. Good night...AGAIN!

Today is day 12... I think I might just take it easy and go to my favorite spot and read.

Tomorrow brings travel to Jaco, where the world surfing championships are occurring, what luck to stumble on that.

see ya in 10-11 days,
McBalla

Adventure C.R....Days 5, 6, 7,8

Well, suffice it to say I was swept up in the charm of the quaint little beach down of Montezuma that I had no time(or lost track of time) to keep up with my blog. So I will give you a quick run down of what has happened over the past couple days.

Day 5...Traveled from Monteverde to Montezuma via Puntrenas. On the bus a French family got their bag taken from the top shelves of the bus...kinda scary, glad it wasn't me, they got there stuff back. Once I got on the ferry I met two girls and I ended up splitting a room with them the entire time I was in Montezuma. Once in MZ I walked around then the ladies and I went of to a nice restaurant that literally backed up the ocean...and the seafood was great. Then bedtime....ah the the sweet sound of ocean to lull you into a wicked REM cycle.

Day 6...Early rise to lay by the ocean and get a tan, my surf lesson didn't begin until 1.30pm. Nothing too especiale. Then the surf lesson...I show up with Heidi(one of the girls that I am staying with) and we are met by a nondescript man named Mauricio.....entirely adorable. We walk about 40 mins to the beach where they say it is best for beginners. There were four of us in the lesson, we each have good face time with Mauricio...though I would have liked more, if you know what I am talking about(muah, mucho smooches). The lesson was great, I stood up a handful of times and learned some keys so that I could go out on my own. After the long walk back and a great shower the ladies and I headed out for another fantastic dinner....MZ has some great food joints. Again off to bed.

Day 7...We had decided the night before that we were going to move from our cabinas to a nice hotel on the cliff/outclove, so we packed up and moved on. And this is where I spent the next 6 hours....in a adirondak chair under the sun watching the ocean while reading a book, it was perfect. And there was a restaurant 45 ft away...thanks for paradise. The girls had taken a day trip to Malpais so I was on my own for dinner and this is where it gets funny.
I ended up at this little place and there happened to be a semi.cute guy there. WELL...he motioned to join me for dinner( I should mention that he is actually sitting to chairs away from me now) which I obliged. We got to talking...his name is Leo(from Lebanon). He was superbly interesting...I am pretty sure he ideas of us getting frisky...no thanks, if the U.S. thinks unafe to consort with the Lebanese I will surely follow suit. Anywho, he walked me about half way back then he peaced out.

Day8...GOAL- Watch the sunrise over the ocean, then watch the sunset over the ocean. I woke up super early to watch the sunrise, now all I had to do was get to Malpais to watch the sunset, easy....not really. I hung around MZ till 2pm then headed to Malpais, but not before I ran into Keren G. Raz, good friend of my best friend in AZ. Suffice it to say I am heading back to hang with her in a couple of days. Soooooo.....Malpais/Santa Teresa, they should not call them towns but rather a long stretch of road where you cannot find anything. I walked around this blasted area for around an hour only to be led to my hostel by a flambouyantly gay Tico. Once I got to the hostel, I am sure I looked like I had been dunked in a pool because I was soaked....but since so much time was wasted walking I needed to hurry to the beach and get my sunset on....oh but who do I run into...LEO, wtf, "Holmes better not talk my ear off again, I gots a sunset to see", that is what I was thinking, but I was ever so polite. Moments later I was walking down the long stretch of beach to watch the sun lazily dip into the ocean. Mission accomplished!!!! Now to shower, eat, read and sleep. All I have left is to read and sleep. All is well.

Today was long and frustrating but I get excited about the coming days. Plus I read some cool stuff in Galatians about freedom and living by the spirit...excited to see what comes of that.


see you 14 days,
APKilla

Aventure Costa Rica...Day 5

Well, well, well...Today I felt like I was in my personal episode of LOST. I went hiking through the cloud forest with a French woman, I felt like at any moment a polar bear was going to pop out or maybe I could be swallowed by some black smoke. Minus Dr. Jack Shepard the jungle was pretty incredible, though it would be hard to live in that kind of climate for long. After the hike the french woman and I had lunch, ice cream and some souvenir shoppping. One of the things that is kinda irritating is that there are a lot of couples traveling together, which is cute but not good for my sense of independence. I am hopeful that my time at the beach will be good, I feel that I can be more independent, or at least be more social with others...I am hoping that there will be more people(that aren´t travelling with their partenr) at the beach.

BTW...I went on a coffee tour...it was so nice to have someone tell about what is going on, I have been doing things on my own for awhile so I keep making my own version of things.

Things that I have been doing to keep myself ooccupied during travel:

1. Eavesdrop on converstation...even if it is in a foreign tongue it is still intriguing plus I get to make up what they are talking about(which usually revolves around me, though they are most likely talking about the scenery)
2. Read
3. Practice my spanish with the locals....they think I am an idiot. I have had two real fun conversations(in english) with some locals.
4. Looking at my guide book, sometimes it is okay to look like a tourist becuase then people help you

Things that have freaked me out:

1. I had dream all last night that people were breaking into the dorm room to steal my stuff.
2. Two men from the Netherlands in their underwear...accidentally woke up while they were dressing...men in striped undies, kinda funny-kinda weird.

On my way to the beach tomorrow, pray for a place to stay and safe travel...haven´t gotten all the deats work out yet.

see ya in 17 dias,

APKilla

Adventure C.R.- Day 4

So today was my first legit day alone...loved it and hated it. I had to figure out what I wanted to do by myself, it was kinda hard because there is so much to do here. But I took a nap, then headed towards the center of things, about 35 meters from my hostel. I wandered a little, got some coffee ice cream, got more money, then stumblesd upon a music store. The people there let me listen to the music for sale via iPod. While listening, Orlando, struck up a conversation with me. We chatted about music and things to do while in town. It was just like making a new friend, he was highlight of my day. Second most favorite moment was srumbling upon a drumline practicing for something...it was incredible. I got a little choked up, I almost started to cry. There was something very special about seeing that. Maybe teh beat of the drums connected to something deeper in me, anyways, I feel blessed to have seen it. I think that I will grab some dinner tonight and maybe run into something fun. But tomorrow, I have plans to hike in the cloud forest, maybe a coffee tour, and then Orlando is deejaying tomorrow night so I might get to dance(shake my bon bon). There are some girls from Boulder here too, I might hang with them, I might not....wherever the wind blows I will go. I wish that you were here with me.

PuraVida
see you in 18 days,
APK

Adventure C.R....Day three

Today was mainly relaxing. Spent and hour by the pool, walked around town a bit and then I spent 6 hours at the most amazing hot springs with my new british friend Kyle, who actually happen to the anxious computer person. Anywho, It was phenomenal. I have to jet and catch my jeep/boat/jeep to monteverde...more to come.

see you in 19 days,
apk

Adventure C.R....Day 2

Well after a semi descent night rest I woke up to the sun and an empty dormroom. I got dressed then met my little travel partner in the common area. Today we went to Cerra Chata and Fortuna Falls. In my infinite wisdom I wore my chacos...not ideal for hiking in the slippery mud and steep hillside. I was unable to make it to the top, but I was able to go back to the waterfall for a little swim and relaxation, which if you know anything about me, it's more my style. Afterwards I met some cute boys from our hostels and they offer us a ride back....so nice and adorable....Shady Lady might make out with one tonight, just kidding. I am safely in my hostel about to shower and get ready for this evening...I hoping it brings some dancing or hanging out with people. My day was/is really great. Some man behind me seems real anxious to use the computer so I am going sacrifice mine to him.


see ya in 20 days,
APK

Adventure C.R....Day One

I arrived at dawn, only to watch the sunrise via airplane, then taxied myself to the bus stop where I only had to wait una hora rather than the anticipated 4 horas. Met my first travel buddy...her name is Ashlee and she is from Michigan. I am soooo grateful for her right now. Then we travelled 4 horas to Fortuna when there is an ACTIVE volcano called Arenal, I will be staying in this area for about 3 days, then to the coast. I am ready to show this country who APKilla is. Picture me brandishing my guns....finger guns of course. Keep praying and I will keep receiving His good blessings.

see ya in 21 days,
apk

Costa Rica or Bust!!!

So I leave for Costa Rica in approximatley 10 hours and I feel pretty relaxed about the situation. I have packed my bag and gotten all the necessary unnecessaries(3 separate sized hair picks). I am currently watching King Arthur while booking my first hostels and registering for my fall semester, multitasking at its finest.

So I am not entirely sure how I am going to work keeping the blog/facebook/family updated but the plan is a simple one. I will try to update all three whenever I get a chance to get on a computer. My hope is that I will be too busy to keep a detailed account, besides who needs all the gory details...welp, think again who doesn't want them.

I do have a few thinks that I am semi-concerned about:
-Since I have made NO plans I fear that I might miss out on all the fun. I really hope that I stumble upon some real interesting and fun things. Essentially, I fear boredom.
-I have choosen to go this trip alone, but in that choice I fear that I might not ever meet anyone or that people will not invite me to come along or that I won't be bold enough to ask to tag-along.
-And lastly, I fear that I might get taken advantage of or mugged(not terribly scared about this one though)

Overall I am expectant, not too excited because I don't know what to expect. I just want to be there so I can get the party started. I am hopeful for huge things to happen.

peace, love and prayer
APK

M.I.A

Sorry team...just been busy and a smidge lazy about keeping up with the blog. I am currently trying to get some shit done before I head out on my adventures in Costa Rica. I will keep a more accurate telling the events that occur while galavanting around the beautiful beaches and jungles. Thanks for being patient...Amy and Jenny, pretty sure you are the only one who read my blog.

peace love holmes,
APK

Top things that you should know about Denver...

1. Washington Park was recently re-named "Hotness" Park due to its 90% population of hot people...keep up the good work Denver.
2. Best Gay Happy Hour is anyday at noon at Cheesman Park...bring a blanket, booze and a boy. (do gay men have jobs, because I am convinced that they don't, lucky bastards)
3. The Nuggets will most definitely break your heart...better luck next year.
4. Summers are the best time to be here.
5. Must have patios items....bad ass picnic tables, sun, wine, snacks, friends and some fun.
6. A baby does not have the same affect for women as it does for men...I have definitely gotten the "you slutty unwed mother" look alot...my suggestion, get a hot bod and take that to the park, not a baby.
7. Rollerblading is making a comeback...who would have thought.
8. Brunch and Happy hour are really the only time you should go out.

**there is must more to know but these seemed to be the most important.

Happy summer you crazy denverites,
apk

Five Top Faves of Mother's Day

5. Learning about Immigration and Jesus at Church
4. Shopping
3. Dinner with my Maja @ Table 6
2. Cleaning my room and getting rid of clothes
1. Yo-Yo, and I ain't talking ebonics, those Chinese really knew what they were doing when they created that gadjet.

you'll never believe this...

blogspot doesn't actually make sure you use the right words in the right order, or check if words are missing. basically it does jack for my grammar and spelling issues, thus I look like a bumbling idiot on my blog. I guess I am going to have use all that info. that I told my A.P. English I would never use...dang it.

peace,
APK

Top Five Reasons why I like Amy Loyd...psuedo-Roommate

5. She laughs at me, makes me feel funny.
4. She is in love
3. We are going to learn Spanish from our semi-bilingual roommate.
2. McSquatter, McFeels-a-lot, and McTheWorldRevolvesAroundMe.
1. Silliness is always around the corner...that is the joy of Jesus.

obviously there are more reasons why I love my roommates but these are just snippets of out truly great realtionships.

peace,
APK

My Top Five Pet Peeves of the Liongate...

5. I can never watch t.v. in the t.v. room when I want to.
4. Game room closes at 10pm. It seems that I always want to play around the 11pm hour.
3. Indoor Pool
2. Hot tub is located in the Dungeon...there is nothing hot about that.
1. Cranky, pink jumpsuit wearing neighbor without a life who yells at for taking her laundary day...dang it Dorothy, you told once already.

Top Five Reasons Why I like Jenny Loyd...my roommate.

5. She goes to bed early, truly inspiring.
4. She indulges me and my frivolous obsessions
3. She is somewhat bilingual
2. She keeps candy around(I sometimes sneak some...oops!)
1. She is a beloved friend and there might be too many reasons why I like her.

peace,
APK

Top Five reasons I like Coffees Shops...

5. Quirky Employees
4. Yummy Treats
3. Ability to look like I am doing important things with my laptop, when really I am updating my facebook status.
2. People watching
1. Um...coffee

Top Five Easter Weekend Moments

After much contemplation we have decided that we will count from 5 to 1, build the anticipation a bit. So here goes it...

5. Fritta with the Family
4. Dinner with Mamacita
3. He is Risen
2. Deviled Eggs/ Chicken Divine
1. Reading, reading, reading

till next time... APK

Top Five for Today...

Top Five Foods that Start with P...(topic idea from the Boss and I don't mean Tony Danza)
1.Pizza, like there was any chance that wouldn't first
2. Pineapple Angel Food Cake
3. Penne Pasta...with almost anything on it.
4. Peanut Butter...by the spoonful
5. Papas Fritas

It was struggle but we worked it out...good job team.

peace,
APK

My Top Fave's

I have been on this kick of asking people about their top five, or most favorite(fill in the blank). It gave me a blog idea...I am going to do a series of Top Fives/Most Faves of various different topics. The topics will vary from serious to absolutely ridiculous, all will let you look into my life and all that is glorious in my life. Sooooo, here goes the first...

Top Five Sports to Play:
1. Volleyball
2. Tennis
3. Pickleball
4. Frisbee(ultimate, golf or otherwise)
5. Badminton

Get Ready for the fun...

APK

Spring Break...round 2

This past week was my spring break from school...it really didn't turn out to be much of a break. I woke up early almost every morning and had things to do everyday. To me a break indicates some kind of rest and relaxation, which is why I am so happy that my classes were canelled this week. When I say cancelled I mean my teacher didn't show up today(without any notice) and since she is the teacher for both of my classes I guessed that she wouldn't be around for my second class. The rest of week was cancelled do to a conference that most of the teachers are going to. Sooooo, this week, is going to be my rest and relaxation. I will try to sleep in, I will get the necessities of life done, plus I will enjoy the days that I can have to myself. YAY!!! My hope is that the weather will participate my plans, but I will make them regardless of what mother nature throws at me. Here's to round 2...

peace,
APK

O' Shenanigans with Salley

Sooo, Saturday I had the entire day off...what a huge blessing. I spent the morning reading in bed, the afternoon with my fun roommate, and the evening with my good friend Nathan Salley, the muse for this particular blog. Nathan and I have a fun friendship, filled with "that's what she said" inappropriateness, good converstation and fun. Saturday evening was no different, we started off by galavanting around the lower highlands/lodo area of Denver taking fun pictures and goofing around, this built up an appetite to which we satisfied at the Vine St pub, afterwards we were going to go to my "penthouse"( I use the term loosely, my roommate informed me that the penthouse is the top level and we are only on the 8th level) to watch a movie. As we strolled ever so casually into the Liongate, Nathan make an inappropriate comment about the pool, so I proceeded to show it him(my first mistake). As we joked around, I threatened to push him in(second mistake), the last mistake made is when I said he wouldn't throw me into the pool fully clothed. Never challenge a person with a few screws loose...it never ends well. SPLASH! That is the last sound my iPod and cell phone heard before they died. Thankfully, I held on to him tightly so as to have this experience to share with him. Am I mad...not really, but I am bummed that our phones don't work and that I will have to replace my iPod, but overall a worthwhile experience. Just thinking about us walking back up to the "penthouse" soaking wet is worth the laugh. I thought it would take me more than a day to get over the losses of my most expensive toys but I am good for now.

Suffice it to say...shenanigans with salley are always a good thing.

peace,
apk

Oh, this kid

Check this out...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDI6GuAyo94&feature=related, this kid is now pimp, its all fun and games until you don't get yo money.

What the hell am I doing...?

So it has come to my attention recently that i might be a little bit of a flirt...and when I say a little bit, a friend described it as my type of personality...so you can interpret what that means. But what I did not realized until recently was that flirting may lead to a date...which in years past it has not, so shock and awe was experienced when my starbucks barista asked me out on a date....yikes. But in all actuality I was excited and interested in this kid. Turns out that I am not really interested in him past friendship but it was good experience. It is always nice to be liked and pursued, but I know that I might not be a dating person. Ultimately, I just want to marry my best friend. I don't know who that is, but I know that dating is hard and awkward. SOOOO, the big lesson is, try not to flirt, but when you are good at something you want to do it all the time. We will see in time what happens. C'est la vie...

peace,
apk

Obsession...not just a Calvin Klein fragrance

Some might say that obsession is a negative thing...I say phooeey...I love my recent obsessions(obviously). What are they you might ask....well what the fans want, the fans get:

1. Tall, One pump white mocha, two pump toffee nut, non fat, no whip latte
2. Dance Flicks(in particular, STEP UP 2: The Streets...nothing is hotter than some city white kids throwin in a little Missy 'Misdemeanor' Elliot and dropping it likes its hot)
3. Raquet Sports...pickleball rocks my world...holler
4. Happy Hour...need I say more.
5. Books that are in a series...why let the good times stop.
6. Costa Rica
7. Conversations that speak truth
8. Lobster Mac and Cheese
9. Laughter

Those are the things that I have recently been enjoying and craving for my life.

till next time,
apk

The sillyness of life...

SO the last couple weeks have been peppered with moments that have made me laugh out loud...First, I was walking around Wash Park and this lady was either singing or talking very melodically to her dog, thank God another person heard and we laughed together. Another incident at Wash Park was when a man in tight black spandex leggings was singing as he rollerbladed, totally classic. Next, I was just minding my own business on University, gettin myself a Jamba and I glance to my left only to happen upon 12 inches of crack, not the kind you snort with your nose, but rather of the gluteus maximus kind. The cab driver had no shame in his game that day, he put it out there for all to see. Others moments include listening to three very straight men talk about their excitement over the local gay bar(they happened to be slightly drunk), my roommate fell off the ottoman because she was laughing so hard, and I keep laughing at people's facebook top 25 lists.

I am glad that my life isn't devoid of sillyness or moments that represent joy. I love laughing and I hope that the next couple weeks can be just as silly, I crave gut busting laughter, so bring it.

Adventure Quotient...

This adventure that I have been planning to Costa Rica, is getting out of hand...in the best ways possible. I just found a farm in which I can volunteer at and get to see all these other great things, it will only cost me $10.oo a night to stay there if I choose to stay there more than a week... ok, done! I was searching through some options for surfing and let me tell you that I might be reaching my max level of excitement right now. If you know anything about me, this trip is a big deal and every moment that it draws nears the more excited I get, as well as, nervous. I am starting to plan so that puts my worries to ease but there are moments when I get a little freaked out that I don't have anything planned. I just keep thinking how great this is going to be for me. I am going to get after it this summer...holler, woop woop!

:),
ash

FULLY?

Tonight I sit saddened and perplexed at the condition of our hearts. The Bible tells us that Jesus died so that we can be in a right relationship with our Creator, but what is that relationship supposed to look like? After a conversation with a close friend, I am suddenly struck that relationship with my Creator must include relationships with others. When we aren't being pursued by others, the pursuit of the Lords seems distant, why? The Bible says we can't survive on bread alone...hence the need for others in our life. My friend has been processing what it means to be fully known and fully loved. Someone might argue that those are inherently tied together, my friend believes that it is much easier to be fully loved than fully known. I agree, we also talked about how if we all knew each other fully, it might be a lot harder to love each other fully. Why would God make that hard to do, why should we ever feel a void when we know that we are fully loved and fully known by God? Because we are human and were created for relationships, and without them I don't necessarily think that we truly know God or love God fully. "What you do to the least of these, you do to me"(paraphrased verse from the Bible), if my pursuit of others isn't to fully know them and to fully love them, what does that say about my relationship with Jesus....to me it is says "Your shady". Shady in the regard that you aren't following what Jesus asks of you.
SIDENOTE: For those of you who don't share my faith please know that this is my attempt to figure out how it is really supposed to be, not how the church has created it to be, and to forwarn you, I will fail(daily) so don't see it as hypocritical but rather a damn good effort.
I guess what I am really saying is that it makes me sad that people walk around our great green earth and feel as though that they aren't fully known or fully loved by God, and the root of all of that is, that people have not pursued each other to know or love them fully. Now is the application, what relationships do I hold back getting to know someone, and what relationships do I not let others in? How do I change that? Ultimately I hope it leads to a better knowledge of how wide and deep my Creator knows me and loves me. I fear that it will take time, but I do feel that it hugely important.

New Year = New Adventures

SOOOOOO, I am real nervous right now because I just bought my first internatioanl flight. I am going to Costa flipping Rica this summer, by myself. "What the hell were you thinking?"...you may be asking yourself this question...well to be honest I am not entirely sure that I was, but I am confident that I am going to have an adventure. To explain how I got to point of booking a flight at 11:24 pm on a wednesday night might help those of you who know me in understanding why I made such a brash decision. Well, it goes little something like this....at Lola happy hour on Monday a friend asked if I was going this summer, to which I replied "NO" and then began listing off a bunch of reasons why...I made them sound legit, though I knew that it was fear that held me back from doing what I really wanted to do. After expressing some of those fears I realized that, though they are in fact real fears, they didn't represent the reasons for going...LIBERATION, FREEDOM, GROWTH.

I am going and I couldn't be more excited/nervous about the whole endeavor. This trip represents a chapter in my life that reveals my character flaws and strengths, and hope for adventure. YAY!! I will keep an update on how I feel about the whole thing but for now, I feel like a dangerous woman...watch out world I am coming to get ya.

Cecil "THE DESIEL" Sapp

This was the night of multiple "celebrity" sitings...John Madden(kind of a jerk), that asian kid from the "Heroes", John Lynch, and my favie------------> former CSU alum, Cecil Sapp. He is a real great guy...this was last season when the Broncs had a fighting chance and Shanahan still ruled the field.

What will the future bring....

New beginnings kinda scare me, because there are always unknown variables which means that there are things that are out my control. I have a combo of feeling for this new year, part of me wants to vomit at the thought that it could end up being another hard year, the other part is excited for new experiences, new friendships and maybe some adventure. Soooo, how do I step into the good, the bad and the ugly? I have a sense that it is going to require a lot more of heart than I might be willing to give...my prayer is that I can allow it (whatever "it" is) to affect me to my core and that I will get to a place where giving of my heart is simple.

To end new beginning are scary, but I hope to learn how to embrace them with excitement rather than with trepidation.

Happy New Beginnings to all...

Ash