The Autobiography of Ricky Ticky Tavy

Seasons greetings!

2011-12-23T22:32:00.000-10:00

Cold Outside- Erika (click here to listent to SONG)

Earlier this week I had the pleasure of getting together with a friend and we put this little song together in about an hour. Enjoy! and....

HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Sincerely e.

Find Me

2011-12-12T22:04:00.000-10:00

Sincerely e.

2011-11-23T09:14:00.001-10:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANG!!!!
I looked through my pictures today and found a few from the last couple years.


Angie and Tyken at my Graduation

Taking pictures at sharks cove.


With Bry at the May Day celebration

Drumheller in the summer

When Meika was born

Working on an art assignment

The WHOLE family

Our favortie, Hale'iwa Eats

One of Candi's many visits

Wish everyday could be like this

Plane ride home for alana's wedding

I was very lucky to get really close with Angie when we lived in Hawaii. I really miss hanging out almost every night, going to classes and studying together, and exploring Hawaii together. Have a great year ang, Love you

2011-11-17T20:57:00.001-10:00

Can you please watch this video and tell me this is the sweetest thing you have ever seen? It put one big smile on my face

Can you even imagine what it would be like to hear for the first time?

Sincerely e.

Krochet Kids

2011-10-25T05:15:00.001-10:00

As many of you may know, I really like to crochet! It's a fun hobby for me.

Anyways, I thought I might share a video from one of my favorite organizations.

Krochet Kids is an organization based in California, but employes impoverished women in Uganda (and I believe they now are setting up shop in peru as well) to handmake the hats and scarves and other things that they sell.

Each of the women put their name on the products that they make, and the person who buys the hat can look up the person and learn more about their story.

I really like this whole concept and thought I might share.

sincerely e.

Playlist

2011-10-23T20:30:00.001-10:00

Sincerely e.

What's in a name?

2011-10-10T21:06:00.000-10:00

I have (kind of) come to terms with the changes in my life, and decided it was about time to change the name of my blog once again. The change from "Straight A's and Beach Days" to "The Autobiography of Ricky Ticky Tavy" was a sad one to make, but I hope it will serve me well.

For the past three years straight A's and beach days pretty much summed up my whole life, and although it was not always easy, I loved it more than I could have imagined. It make me super sad to know that this chapter of my life has come and gone, but I'm sure hoping new doors will open soon to new adventures!

This is a picture that my friend took of my in my dorm room on my old school (film) camera. I am not sure if I like this picture of me, but I loved this time in my life, and I don't have a lot of pictures of me here, so this is a treasure.

As for the new name, you may be wondering where Ricky Ticky Tavy came from. Well I don't really know where it came from either, but I vaguely remember my sisters calling me that a long time ago when I was little. The only person who still (occasionally) uses this nickname is Alana. I have never had a lot of nicknames that stuck other than ERIK (a name I do not love, but my highschool friends love to use) and Papi or Pap (my roommates in hawaii ALWAYS called me this... I can't quite remember but I think it originated from Paprika, which is kind of like erika... kind of...)

I apologize that this was kind of a boring, pointless post that did not really say a lot.

Anyways, wish me luck.

Sincerely e.

Friday Night Cover

2011-09-09T18:36:00.000-10:00

Sincerely e.

Tomb cover

2011-08-25T21:38:00.001-10:00

Here is a new cover for Ya'll.

Sincerely e.

2011-08-23T11:34:00.002-10:00

Today I came across a Youtube channel that I loved so much I just had to show it to someone.

Here is the link to the channel.

Here is a just a few videos that left me in udder amazement at this combo's musical genius and creativity. If only...

Beat it Cover.

An original- another day (I swear you can't listen to this without getting all sunny and upbeat)

Single Ladies Cover (bry this ones for you)

And even and Angry Birds theme song cover

Appreciate.

Sincerely e.

I spent up all my Youth.

2011-07-12T22:07:00.001-10:00

Here is a cover for 21!

Step into my office.

2011-06-29T17:04:00.003-10:00

Okay. I admit this is a lame excuse for an office. I am as jobless as ever.

While I was in Hawaii Angie and I took a 3 week calligraphy class. I really enjoyed it and found it very soothing. Anyways, We used felt tip markers, but I have been itching to get my hands on a real dip pen and some ink. Ideally, I will get really good at writing, and be able to write addresses on envelopes for wedding invitations... or something. haha.

Until then I am content in "my office" practicing my letters, eating blueberries, while watching North and South. :)

Edmonton Day Trip

2011-06-29T16:42:00.003-10:00

On the weekend we had the Pleasure of hanging out with our cousins. On Friday the Gather's and Grandma and Grandpa T stopped by on their way to Edmonton. On Saturday we decided to join them at the Neilson's house.

On the way we wanted to listen to our music and Dad wanted to listen to his talk Radio, so we worked something out!

WE took a plethora of pictures that consisted of the entire Gather's family and about half of everyone else's families. As always, family pictures were pretty fun. For some of the pictures we had Uncle Daryl hold an umbrella to block the direct sunlight. ha. Sadly I don't have any pictures of that... i think someone else did snatch one.

After that some of the family went to ride horses. They started off in the arena.

Some of us who didn't ride horses sat on the side and watched.

needless to say it was very entertaining.

After they learned a few things in the Arena, they headed out on a wilderness adventure.
Dad only fell off his horse ONCE!

... Meanwhile, Kristi, Jacqui, Mom and I decided to try and figure out this "quick" game.
Apparently, this is a face paced game you should be able to finish the game in about 30 mins.... Not true

When everyone got back it was time to eat. Grandma made rice Bags.

Things got a little crazy and we had a deep-frying party that consisted of Greg frying up everything we could find, and us eating it. I think I still feel sick.

I believe this picture consists of one of Candi's cookies and a rice bag.

Finished cookie

Finished rice bag

Banana Bread... Troys Favorite

He is not blinking.. this is his banana bread face.

Pickles

Bananas... my favorite

The Pursuit of Happiness

2011-06-29T10:59:00.001-10:00

A few more Cali Highlights.

2011-06-24T10:03:00.003-10:00

Thinking about it there are a lot of things we did in California that I didn't get pictures of, and there is much too much to blog it all, so I am going to give some more highlights.

Not surprisingly at all, the food we ate was often a highlight. We went to a lot of really cool "hole-in-the-wall" kind of places with the BEST food, as well as some authentic food- like Italian, Peruvian, Japanese... Sadly I didn't get a lot of pictures of the food, I must have been too busy eating it.

One morning Bree and I met up with one of my fellow Psychology Graduate students Lindsey (funny side note, bree and Lindsey did not know eachother, but they are in the same YSA ward in California). She introduced us to a Breakfast place in San Clemente with delicious (and ginormous) breakfast burritos. When we were talking, for some reason Lindsay mentioned that she wanted to go to this place she saw on the food network's "best thing I ever ate" called "the waffle"- the funny thing about it was that a couple day's earlier Bree and I had seen the same show and were already planning to make a trip to eat their famous RED VELVET WAFFLES! mmm. The next day the three of us drove up to Hollywood! ( I didn't get a picture, but here is one from someone else's blog).

These were seriously SO good. The topping was a cream cheese frosting, and the waffles tasted like red velvet waffles, except lighter and with a crispy outer layer. I am going to learn how to make these.

While in LA we drove around down sunset and hollywood, rodeo drive and through the hollywood hills to find the Hollywood Sign.

(this is as close as we got)

Of course, we also stopped by the LA temple and the newly renovated visitor center.

(Sorry I'm all blurry)

Back to the food...
We tried some other cupcakes at a place closer to Bree's house.

The verdict was they look fancier than Sprinkles, but I didn't think the red velvet was as good as Sprinkles. I did, however, like the raspberry vanilla one better than the vanilla cupcake I had at Sprinkles.

Another trip we went on also led us to a crepe place in Irvine. I got a strawberry, banana, Nutella crepe. Probably my favorite thing ever. Doesn't it look good? I assure you it was.

On my last full day in California, Bree's little sister McKenzie graduated from High school and the day was full of festivities. We went to her graduation ceremony (outside and really hot) and then met up with most of her family (siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents) for dinner at Ciao, an Italian restaurant with a crazy Italian Owner.

Bree's family

Bree and her sisters McKenzie and Morgan

Bree and her brothers Tanner and Blake
( I had to put the funny one because it shows some of tanner's personality)

When we got home there was a visitor waiting outside Bree's Front door

next to Bree's Foot- Her grandma thought it was a baby tarantula.
Her uncle caught it in a container and took it FAR away.

The morning I came home I went with Jody and Bree to see Bree's dad at work at the Oakley Factory place (more like compound).

I think it looks more like Stark Industries

They hooked me up with some sunglasses!

In the Lobby they had real ejection seats from old bomber planes.

It was so sad to leave California and the Masters family

Tanner was so sweet. He told his mom he was planning to take Bree and I on a date to see Car's 2 and he was paying. Sadly I left the day before the movie came out! :(

More California Things

2011-06-19T20:38:00.003-10:00

California has been Great. We have been just been hanging out and taking it easy.

I have a little thing for cupcakes, and naturally, Sprinkles cupcakes was a place I needed to visit while I was in the State. I got two cupcakes- Red velvet and a Vanilla milk chocolate. The vanilla milk chocolate was pretty good, but the Red velvet was Amazing.

The other day Bree and I went to breakfast with her Mom and her Grandma who lives across the street. The food was really good. After Bree's Mom Jody said I needed to go to the Rainbow shop. (Rainbow's are flip flops that Californian's wear) She insisted I get my first pair of Rainbow's!

Later that day Bree's Mom and Dad took us to dinner at Shabu Shabu for Japanese food. I have never done the hot pot thing at a restaurant and it was a lot of fun and really good!
(sorry my eyes are closed in this picture, it's the only one I have)

Yesterday we had a wedding reception to go to in San Diego for some friends that we worked with in Hawaii- Lacee and Matt. It was so fun to be able to be there to celebrate with them.

...This is a little more like us!

While we were in San Diego we thought we would hit up a Pizza Place that was featured on Dinners, Drive in's, and Dives (as per my dad's request). The pizza was really good and they were tossing dough right there so we could watch.

Also in San Diego is the San Diego Temple! There is no way I would leave San Diego before seeing this temple! It is just as amazing in person- if not more amazing- as it is in the pictures.

Driving up the temple is just off the Freeway

Isn't it amazing?

Disneyland

2011-06-19T20:12:00.005-10:00

As many of you know I'm in California right now visiting my friend Bree from BYUH. On june 14th we made a much anticipated trip to disneyland!

This is us in the parkinglot! (Dad, parking was a dream!)

This is us excited on the trolley to the park.

Yay Disney!

Pirates of the Caribbean... or Indiana Jones, I can't remember, I was too busy having fun.

Buzz lightyear!

I think I'm defeating Zurg in this Picture

... for a bit of the day we jumped over to California Adventure. Sadly the letters were all covered up by construction. But I did get a few good pics

Haha I used to think this part of Little Mermaid was sooo funny.

We tried on a lot of Hats...

... and hooks

You can't see it great in this picture, but the Castle all lit up is pretty great

Disneyland, it was fun. Hopefully we can meet up again soon!

The Night Before Life Goes On

2011-05-22T23:44:00.000-10:00

Okay, I admit, it is not that night quite yet (and I don't have a cute boy who is going to miss me), but it is coming close.

I have completely mixed emotions. A few months ago this moment could not come soon enough, but it seems in the very moment I decided I was ready to move on to something new, a new life was created for me here- a life that I can't bear to leave.

The last few weeks I have made some new, amazing friends. I wish I had met them sooner. I wish I had more time to experience a "real" university life with them. Of all the time I now have to fill with life, it would appear all my time in Hawaii is spent; how Ironic.

I am not sure how to go about this change. Change is exciting, it is good, but that does not make it easier. It will be so hard to leave this place, and especially these people. I am not sure when exactly it happened, but Hawaii now feels more like home than anywhere else.

I have been making a lot of lists recently... things to get done, things to get rid of, things to pack, things to return... but today I made the hardest list of all..

People I want to see one last time before I go.

I have never really had this before. Of course I left home a few years ago and said some goodbye's but I knew I would come home one day and return to that past life. I can't say the same for this. I have met many amazing people that have helped me through so much. They were my family when I needed it, they taught me lessons I needed to learn, and said things I needed to hear, they have treated my with such love and kindness. I don't know how anyone goes about saying a last goodbye. OF all the things in life I have to look forward to at this point, that is definitely not one of them.

Life is so short. we are always coming and going.

I wish, for just a moment, that this moment could stay this perfect forever.

Sincerely e.

Mother's day

2011-05-08T11:52:00.002-10:00

Hmmm.. It appears I was wrong.

Today is Sunday once again... and it is pouring outside. Apparently not all Sunday's are Sunny. Who knew?

HOWEVER... that doesn't mean that all Sunday's are not amazing.

Today is another perfect kind of day. Dare I say I am loving the clouds, rain, and occasional lightning/thunder. There is something so calming about it all. You can just curl up in bed dry and warm while listening to the rain outside and for a moment time slows down.

About a week ago the Bishop called me into his office. I was a little curious as to why he wanted to see me just weeks before I leave for good, but I went anyways. Well, for some reason or another THIS girl was called to be gospel doctrine teacher every week until I move back to Canada. I have only taught one lesson so far, and it has already been such a blessing. The big guy must know I need some help and direction and a reason to learn more and study the scriptures. Preparing my lesson this week I have found so many answers and so much comfort. Also, people were so good to help me with my lesson and participate, and I just love to hear their experiences and testimonies. Such a great opportunity, even if it is for a short time, I have a feeling this experience will have a lasting influence in my life.

What else is great about this Sunday?

Oh yeah, it is the perfect day to celebrate AWESOME MOTHERs.

I myself happen to have one of the best. How did I get so lucky??? I am still trying to figure that one out... regardless, I am super lucky.

(insert picture of my mom and I that wouldn't upload here)

My mom has been there for me through every heartbreak, through life's trials and celebrations, she has supported me in all my endeavors, and has allowed me enough space to make my own decisions, but has always been there with loving guidance and advide. She has been a wonderful teacher, a mentor, and a friend. Her loving heart and testimony cannot be matched. She is constantly helping me become better, and will, without hesitation, give everything she can for all of us kids. She has taught me a lot about what it means to be a mother, and a divine daughter of our loving Heavenly Father. She has taught me about hard work, dedication, and perseverance. I love her so much and don't tell her that enough. I am so grateful and so blessed to have my mother.

I have also been blessed with amazing Grandmothers. I know that they both love me and want the best for me. I know they have unfailing testimonies and have raised their children in righteousness, and for that I am forever grateful. When I look at their lives, I hope that one day I can be like them.

To all the other mothers out there, or those righteous women who have shown me what it means to be a mother, Thank you!!!!! (sisters, aunts, cousins, friends, and leaders- sorry I can't name you all personally... there are just so many).

This song has absolutely nothing to do with anything that I talked about in this blogpost- I just wanted to share it with you.

Sincerely e.

P.s. Happy Birthday to my best friend Bree Masters.

2011-04-30T01:08:00.001-10:00

I liked watching the winning video's for the churches Internatinoal Video contest. Maybe you will too. CLICK HERE TO GET THERE

Sincerely e.

Mozo Foundation and Invisible Children

2011-04-28T00:52:00.003-10:00

This inspires me. I love what they are doing and that the focus is on the youth. I have no idea why I didn't get involved with this while I was here- okay i guess I didn't know they were doing this or else I would have.

I was also inspired by this.

This week we had the Invisible Children Roadies come to our school. We watched the invisible children documentary (Tony) and I am still reeling almost two days later. I am completely overwhelmed when I think of all the worlds problems that need some attention, but I am also amazed at these people who give everything to help what and where they can. I would love to help with something like this.

Sunday's are Always Sunny.

2011-04-24T12:38:00.006-10:00

HAPPY EASTER

I feel like I have so much to say, and I am not sure how I could do so elegantly enough to give what I have to say meaning. This may be a bunch of random thoughts that you can read if you would like, if not, that's totally fine too :)

I remember when I was young I thought they called the first day of the week "Sunday" because it was always sunny. It was always impressed that even when it was cold in the winter, it was still sunny on Sunday.

Today is a beautiful Hawaiian Day. Everything about today feels calm, peaceful, and beautiful. It feels like springtime. It feels like the kind of day you could spend sitting on the veranda sipping lemonade and laughing with family and friends.

It seems that every day for the past couple weeks has felt this way. There is so much about life to love. I have so many blessing to be grateful for. The nature that I get to enjoy is breathtaking. There are so many people that surround me, that I come across, or that I learn about are inspiring. There are people that are good in every sense of the word. There are so many people who probably have no idea how what they do, or what they say changes me and makes me want to be a better person. I am beginning to learn that EVERYONE has the capacity to influence someone else for the good in indescribable ways. Even from a distance just watching a video (check out this video), or reading a blog, or seeing two people interact lovingly can touch me positively. Everybody matters. Everybody has talents and abilities to bless the lives of others.

I am beginning to realize that my time here in Hawaii, in university, is coming to an end. As with any big change in life, I have been thinking a lot about life; both past and future. Suddenly in a moment of clarity, I have been able to see my blessings, the tender mercies, and the results of of those pleading moments on my knees.

Looking back I know it wasn't easy, but for some reason or another, I don't remember the hard parts that well (which is a blessing for me- I guess I have always been like that, whenever I take a test I never remember the questions or details). I have had a lot of trials I have had to overcome. I have had to make some hard choices and take some leaps of faith, but I would not trade those experiences for anything because I can see how they have shaped me and how they blessed me with the opportunity to walk with the Savior. The Lord has always given me what I needed, and has kept from me those things that would have hindered me. He has taught me lessons that I need, or will need, and has loved me unconditionally.

I know some people think I may not have taken advantage of my time here in Hawaii and only studied; the idea too has also crossed my mind. BUT then I remember how I felt an urgency to come here when I did, and an Urgency to get my work done. I know that by following those promptings I have done what I needed to do here. I don't regret anything I have or have not done- given the choice I would not have done anything differently.

There have been times when I have had worries about what to do next. I would be a rich woman if I had a penny for every time people told me that psychology was kind of a useless major, or how you can't do anything with it and will need to go to more school to do ANYTHING. This was really hard for me to hear for a while, because I knew it wasn't useless but I could not get others to see that. I have come to a point now where I don't really care what other people think about it. It has already been well worth it. I have gotten everything I was seeking here at school. I did not decide to come to school because it was a career step, I came to get an education. AND boy have I learned a lot! What I have learned in my psychology classes has done so much to help me understand and help myself than I could have ever expected. My stress management class alone was well worth it. It has also helped me understand other better, and given me the chance to help those in need, or even just make friends with amazing people. My experiences as a Tutor, and an academic counselor in the counseling center, and as a student development teacher have been more rewarding than getting a diploma. All of these experiences gave me the opportunity to help and serve others, and in the process all the people I met blessed my life and taught ME so much. I can't describe the feeling of seeing someone you helped that was struggling get off academic probation, and graduate, and return to their home countries to bless the lives of even more people.

The Lord's timing and influence in my life has been amazing. Every little thing has been perfectly aligned. Even small things like being held up in a line somewhere making you in a certain place at a certain time to see a certain friend. I am so glad that I am here for this last spring term. I am lucky to have a couple easy classes and a flexible work schedule and TIME. I have been able to spend a lot of time enjoying friends and Hawaii this past week. Everyday really gets better and it makes me so excited and hopeful for the future. As I have been trying to be better and follow His direction, the Lord has poured his blessing on me and I am so lucky. I really am.

Last June (2010) I wrote a short Journal entry that only said "everything good happens in April". I think I was referring to ALL the wonderful things that have happened in the church in April (The resurrection, the reorganization or the church, etc.) I came across this message at the end of March this year, and really felt that it had some meaning for me this April (2011). April started off with conference, then Graduation and my family here, and so many other small yet amazing tender mercies from the Lord and I have seen everything good happen. It is amazing how you can see blessings and good things if you look for them.

I think that Easter Sunday is sunnier than all other Sunday's. I know that on the third day, the Savior overcame death and was risen. There is so much peace and comfort from knowing this and without this one day in history, nothing else would matter. I love the Lord with all my heart and will work forever to show my gratitude for that debt he payed for me and all those I love. He gave the ultimate gift. And He loves us all so much. With Him, we have NOTHING to fear.

I know these things to be true.

Sincerely e.

Class of 2011

2011-04-15T22:45:00.002-10:00

I graduated... well I am not officially done until June 1st.... I have two more classes.

But I did walk the stage and get to have my family here for a real Hawaiian Celebration.

As usual, I made a video to show the events. ENJOY!

Sincerely e

BYUtv - Turning Point: The Clarks & Eagle Eyes

2011-03-29T23:03:00.000-10:00

BYUtv - Turning Point: The Clarks & Eagle Eyes

When I see things like this I am reminded why I am getting my education, and that what I am learning is far from useless.

This warms my heart in so many ways!

Sincerely e.

Because you asked for it!

2011-03-23T20:40:00.004-10:00

Two Attempts at Lana Dawn

I swear the colors look better in real life. Seriously.
And Alana, I don't really think you actually have an abnormally large left arm.
I'm new at this.

Sincerely e.

the "little" girls

2011-03-20T00:21:00.001-10:00

<3

Had a good talk with both these girls tonight. It made me miss them so much more.
They are both so sweet and such good people.
20 Days. I can't wait :)

Song Ideas

2011-03-05T22:41:00.002-10:00

Alright Blogging world, family, and friends.

As you know, music is my hobby. Lately I haven't really had much time to spend on it.

Friday I got two ideas together and now I need your help to know which one I should finish (at least right now).

These are just rough ideas of what I might want to do.

Let me know which you think I should keep working on right now.

Excuse the abrupt endings and stuff.. I promise the good copy will be much better and actually finished :)

#1 Worksong

#2 Sail

Sincerely e.

Tyler Haws

2011-02-26T20:39:00.002-10:00

I recently read a psychology article about how some children labeled as "gifted" can often become anxious, afraid, and begin to lose their self confidence. Because these children are told they are smart, or good at something, they start to believe that these abilities just exist in them and come naturally. Along with this belief they also believe that they have a maximum amount of goodness, talent, and feel that they have little control. They begin to fear new things that they might not be good at. Instead of a "growth mindset" they developed a "fixed mindset".

I realized that sometimes I get discouraged because I get stuck in a fixed mindset. I start to believe that I have passed my prime, and I'm not getting any better. I have let myself compare myself to those who are the best, and when I don't measure up I feel like they have been given the abilities while I am just average.

The same day that I read this article, I also watched this very impressive video put out by the LDS church on their mormon messages for youth Youtube channel.

I am completely amazing at the hard work and dedication Tyler Haws has put into making himself what he wants to be, and not allowing himself to accept defeat or settle for less than he can achieve. I am a little intimidated when I watch this because it means that we can always do more and be better, but at the same time I am inspired and want to be this kind of person. I think that Tyler is a great beacon of light, and much needed role model. Right now I am thinking of the lines from the 13th article of faith, "if there is anything virtuous, lovely, of good report, or praiseworthy, we seek after these things." I want to share the good things in life that I come across with all of you (whoever reads this), and that is why I am posting this video.

I believe...

2011-02-04T15:16:00.000-10:00

Here is another quick cover to keep me sane!

I LOVE YOU ALL

*I need to be better at blogging

Sincerely e.

August Moon

2010-10-27T23:23:00.001-10:00

Today I felt like singing.

Gana Ganbat

2010-10-27T00:05:00.011-10:00

This update is mostly for me, but I feel that it may also touch the hearts of others so I decided to make it a public post.

I have been in the same ward ever since coming to Hawaii. I was very comfortable there and wasn't too excited to learn that I would have to move to a new ward when I switched dorms. Grudgingly I decided I needed to follow the direction given by the stake president and needed to attend the ward I live in.

Everyone in this new ward welcomed me with open arms and I had a calling, an assignment to talk in church,and had performed a musical number within a week of attending this new ward.

I was impressed when on my first Sunday my relief society President seemed to know who I was before I had even met her. My relief society presidents name was Gana Ganbat.

About a week ago I got an email from my Bishop telling us that Gana had been sick from some kind of virus, was in the hospital, and needed our prayers. I started including her in my prayers and on Thursday the Bishop forwarded an email to the ward from Gana stating that she was slowly improving and doing a lot better.

I received an email once again from my bishop yesterday informing us that Gana had been transfered twice to different hospitals and was receiving blood transfusions for "TTP"- although the doctors believed there was something else going on that they could not figure out. The ward was invited to fast today for Gana.

Here is a part of that email:

"Gana is very weak but trying to remain in good spirits. While she can barely lift her head off of the pillow, she asked me in a weak whisper: “Bishop, are the sisters doing their visiting teaching?” I also learned that she has given away a Book of Mormon. I was very humbled and uplifted by my visit with her.

I am deeply saddened to say that Gana Passed away this evening.

I did not know Gana very well but I could feel her faith and astounding love for the Gospel and for others when I was around her. I can honestly say that the last time I saw her a couple weeks ago she came up to me after church (I was feeling a little down that day) and gave me a big hug.

Please keep Gana's Family in your prayers. They are far away and knew little of her illness.

Life can change so quickly. We need to leave everyone we meet with our love and testimony as Gana did; it may be the last opportunity for us to do so in this earthly life. We need to share the gospel and recognize the importance of Visiting teaching and taking care of our ward family like Gana did. We need to always be prepared to return to our Father in Heaven at all times, in all things, and in all places.

I love you all deeply and I want you to know That I have a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and that through His loving atonement we can live together in the presence of our Father eternally.

Conducting 202- (video included)

2010-08-09T19:59:00.000-10:00

This should be self explanatory!

sincerely e.

First term!!!! Woop dee do

2010-07-23T11:18:00.002-10:00

Can You believe how fast the summer has gone! me neither.

It is weird having it be summer, but not having a summer vacation. I just finished Summer classes Wednesday, and then yesterday (Thursday) started first term Classes. Between doing my own finals, and helping with/ grading my students finals/ getting my new class set up/ starting classes it has been busy. That being said, the past week has been one of the best of the summer so far.

As a release most of you are aware that I like to make and record music.

This is a song that I wrote for my music final a about a year ago. When I performed it for class there were a few violins and cello as well, but this is the best I could do right now!

Enjoy!

and another cover just for fun

Two Weeks To Twenty

2010-06-29T14:38:00.006-10:00

I was sitting on my bed today,

Doing things like pondering life and stuff,

and I realized that in two weeks today

I will leave two decades behind me.

Yes, my twentieth birthday shall be here,

and I will no longer be a teenager.

AND WHY DO I BRING THIS UP?

Aside from the fact that it may take two weeks for a package or something to get to me ( just kidding), I decided I would solicit your help, and consolidate a list of things that I should do in the next two weeks before childhood evades me forever and I enter the realm of "adult".

Okay, so that sounds a little dramatic.

But really, we always make plans when we are young and twenty feels SOOO far away. Now that is just around the corner I want to use this as an excuse to get out there and push myself a little, or to get some things done i have been meaning to do, or to try something new.

Any ideas?

happy father's day

2010-06-20T13:47:00.005-10:00

To Everyone out there who is a father, to all the future fathers, or who has ever treated me like their daughter,

HAPPY FATHERS DAY!

I have an amazing dad and 2 grandpa's, and many others who have left their heritage to me.

This is just simple, and I know that the pictures don't change with the music (if I had a little more time I would have made sure to do that), but this is my fathers day gift to my dad.

Thanks dad for building us a home full of love and laughter!

LOVE erika.

P.s. i just got a new Mic :) this is my first trial with it!

Sisters

2010-06-02T09:53:00.005-10:00

I have been SO blessed to be surrounded by sisters. 3 older, 2 younger- which puts me somewhere in the middle WHICH IS AWESOME because I have been able to relate and develop meaningful relationships with ALL of my sister!

I think as mere mortals we shy away from lettings others know what we truly feel about them- these words being hidden or lost until a moment of tragedy or desperation.

I want my sisters to know How great they all are, how much I love them, and how beautiful they are inside and out!

CANDICE! (aka Candi)

I have always admired Candi for her courage to try new things. She has a unique ability to put herself in situations that may be new, or hard, or challenging and thrive. I Still am in awe when I hear the things that she takes on as an ICU nurse. I know it probably is not easy to be the oldest as it comes with a lot of responsibility and different expectations than us later-born counterparts, but Candi has always moved forward, seemingly without fear- going to school, graduating, getting a really good job that allowed her to visit us here in Hawaii Bi-annually. She has made an effort to not miss an important event in our lives, and believe me there have been a lot. Really Candi can do anything she sets her mind to do!

My favorite memories of Candi probably come with our annual participation in the Handel's Messiah orchestra. I remember not wanting to do it if she didn't do it with me, and we were always stand partners, which was good because I was scared of everyone else. I guess that is one thing that is OUR thing.

Candi is fun to be around and SOOOO generous and Loving. She loves to have a great time! She is always looking out for others and has chosen a careers where she is constantly serving others! It was so nice to have her here to hangout!

ANGELA (aka angie)

OHH Angie. I cannot even express how lucky I am to have angie here with me in Hawaii. I think it's safe to say that if she wasn't here, I probably wouldn't be here either. Angie has always been a nurturer, and she continues to take care of me here selflessly. SHe has ALWAYS stood up for me, supported me, and made me feel important. Whenever I needed help with any of my homework, I would ALWAYS ask angie because she is so smart, and always so willing, and has a lot of wisdom to share.

Angie and I have a lot of really good talks. I love discussing her Sunday school lessons, or talking about music, or having other conversations that run deep! I really love hanging out with Ang (which might get annoying to her) but I think she is SO fun and just the right amount of crazy. I love just being around her family at at her house no matter how crazy she might think it is because to me it feels Like home. She is so talented, creative, thrifty, and can figure out how to do ANYTHING.

I have learned so much from Ang about how to be an awesome wife and mother, how to have courage and strength in the midst of tribulation, how to listen to the spirit and fulfill callings. Angie is who she is, and I love that person. She doesn't need to be anyone else and I love that about her.

My favorite memories of angie are when we are both tired and laugh at EVERYTHING. and we sing duets, and things get a little crazy.

ALANA (aka Lana)

My dear sister alana. Alana is just older than me, so that puts us on a whole other level. I'm pretty sure Alana has taught me all the basics about life. She probably taught me how to walk, how to sing, how to find joy in life, and gave me the essential knowledge in those early years. SHe was the sister that was with me on my first day of Elementary, Junior high, and high school. SHe was there when I went into young women's, she was there when I first went to EFY, she was there at my first dance. It was kind of a big deal that I had someone there with me because I was so shy and anxious. Even when I went away to University, she was in a similar situation at school in Provo, and we would email and talk a lot.

Alana and I have been on so many adventures together. Even if the car broke down on one of our roadtrips we wouldn't stop laughing and would always make the best of it.

The best thing about Alana is that she is a dreamer and passionate about everything she does. She is always willing to take chances and risks to get something even better. She is also SOOO much fun to be around and I always find myself laughing SO hard with/at her. Alana is always encouraging and supporting me in all my crazy ideas and pushing me to get out there a little bit more, WHICH I NEED! I can talk to her about anything, and she really is always there to listen.

I remember when we were little I always wanted to do everything she did and be her little sidekick. WE would make up dances together, cook together (and dream of being chefs one day), built things, and make all manner of messes together.

Jamie (aka JJ)

I don't know where this kid came from but I'll keep her. She is my first little sister (sometimes I feel like jamie and jenelle come in a pair- as different as they are, my memories of us are all three of us, the little girls) and because of that I feel Like her and I have special relationship too.

I absolutely LOVE Jamie's ability to be herself. She doesn't really worry what other people think, she is who she is and does what she wants and doesn't second guess herself. She gets ideas, and goes for it. She likes something, and dives in. She has a lot of spunk, and is really fun/funny. Jamie has confidence she doesn't even know she has, and I think that people are drawn to her because of that.

She is always willing to come take part in my crazy ideas, and she will always come with me if I just want to do something lame like go on a drive. I just LOVE this girl. SHe is so talented with music, and sports, and dancing, and she is really smart, and really, she has everything going for her.

Jenelle (aka jenellie)

Jenelle! She is just so cute.. i guess now I'm gonna have to say beautiful- she's growing up. I feel like Jenelle and I are a lot alike in a lot of ways, and I feel like I can really relate to her.

Jenelle is so wise and caring and just an all round good person. I often forget that she is 5 years younger than me because she is so mature and caries herself so well. She is always fun to talk to and has the best stories.

Jenelle is a little entreprenuer. Ever since she was little she was always coming up with ways to make money, and finding good things to invest her money in. She definitely has a mind for business.

Haha, when Jenelle was little she was my offical pony express. Basically she would do anything I asked her to. If she didn't want to do it I would say "unofficial" and then she would RUN to do whatever it was I asked before anyone else could. In retrospect I guess I MAY have taken advantage of her, but I still think it's funny.

I can't remember ever fighting with Jenelle. Really, she is so easy-going and doesn't like drama and is just SO nice you can't fight with her.

All of my sisters are beautiful! I used to feel like a got lost in the family because how does one stand out in a family of beautiful, talented, funny, kind, loving, and smart people. As great as my family is, I know it wouldn't be the same without me too. I think that is why we were all sent to the same family, because we need each other.

Do's and Don't

2010-05-31T18:56:00.000-10:00

1. DO study for finals and write papers outside amongst the Palm trees in the shade!

2. If for some reason, you decide the library is a better place to spend the day DON'T forget a sweater!

3. If you don't have any buttermilk (or milk) DO substitute with Alfredo sauce in your biscuits. It makes for tasty Biscuits and gravy.

4. DON'T eat these same biscuits with honey butter.... just don't.

5. DO cut up an old t-shirt around the neck and arms to give it new life.

6. DO braid a headband using the cut off fabric from your shirt!

7. DO spend the day at the beach on a sunny saturday

8. DON'T forget your sunscreen AND DON'T store your items too close to the shore when a big set comes in.

9. DO have a photobooth photo shoot with yourself and you are bored and tired of homework... yeah....

10. DO spend your summer in HAWAII and LOVE IT!

WE are not alone.

2010-05-31T01:10:00.001-10:00

I was reading this talk by Sheri Dew, and this line struck me.

"It is not good, nor is it intended, for any of us to be alone."

Sincerely e.

Ode to my Mother.

2010-05-08T21:20:00.007-10:00

I just wanted to say HAPPY MOTHERS DAY to my amazing mother and two Grandmothers... who are also amazing.

I was able to spend my break between terms with my mom and it was such a BLESSING to have her here. Especially since I had to move from one house to another, I had classes I was frantically finishing and she kept me fed, we went on all sorts of adventures together on the Island, and accompanied to the PCC- night show as my significant other.

I was also really lucky to interview and spend time with both my Grandma's when I was home this past Christmas. There are so many things about them that I had never known before and I was grateful for the opportunity to hear and record them talking about their lives. I know that they have lived their lives for their children and grandchildren. I am in awe at how much both have accomplished in their lives, how hard they have worked, and how much they have learned on their own. I aspire to become like them; Loving, committed, hardworking, intelligent, thrifty, giving, and selfless.

My mom has always made sure that I had everything I needed and more. She has spent hours upon hours practicing with me, taking me to lessons, the academy, orchestra, theory, work, school, and everywhere else I needed/ wanted to go.

I love how she always let us create and use our imagination. She always let us paint, sew, cut, paste, saw, nail, glue, and color whatever we saw fit for our 'projects'. She always supported my in my crazy ideas and because of that I have been able to go places and do things that I never would have imagined- I went on a summer exchange to Montreal, a music camp at byu, she arranged for me take the ACT the night before so that I could get into school, among many other things. One of the greatest things she has done was trusted me to go out into the world on my own, however she has always been there on those nights I just needed my mom.

She has always been an amazing example to me of compassion, love, and service. It used to drive me crazy how she was always doing things for other people, but admire her more everyday for it and I hope that someday I can serve as she does.

There are so many things that my mom has taught me, either by sitting my down and teaching me step-by-step, or by simply watching her example. She has made sure that I have been prepared for life. It took me moving in with roommates to realize that not everyone knows how to cook, or clean, or fix things, or to simply problem solve and be thrifty like she has taught me to do. I know it wasn't always easy and it took a lot of extra effort for us to learn those things, but I am so grateful she made it a priority.

I don't even think I'm being biased when I say I think I have the most amazing mother in the world! Come visit me again soon.

I LOVE YOU

Sincerely e.

Aloha from Hale 1

2010-04-28T14:53:00.003-10:00

ALOOOOOHA!!

So it's been A while since I actually updated my blog... (the dorky picture below is proof of existence) and I have to say a lot has changed since then.

I believe where the story ended a few months ago I was somewhere lost between (or within) midterms and finals, was actively trying to decide on whether to take a job in Institutional Research, had a conference planned in Boston at the end of may, and there was a pending Trip to India.

A few weeks before the end of the semester I made the decision to NOT take the new job, and to NOT go to India. Because of this decision a lot of doors were closed to me, and therefore the Boston Trip would also not be happening. Luckily I felt and continue to feel really good about my decision and know that it is what I was supposed to do at this time. Somehow I made it through finals and my grades did not suffer from all the chaos.

I was really lucky to have my mom and Jenelle here for my week off before spring term and we had a REALLY good time together. During that Time I also moved out of my high-class off-campus home, and moved BACK on-campus to Hale one. I now have an oven, and more fridge space.... these luxuries do not come for free... I spent most of my first week in here fighting off GIANT Cockroaches (we have a serious problem here because of the kitchen just outside the door ) and had a few termite visitors the other night, and just got an email about a bedbug problem in this particular dorm! I think for now the Roach and termite problem within the walls of my bedroom is now under control!

I have an awesome new roommate. Agnes Ng from Hong Kong. Served a mission on Temple Square. Loves to talk. Is refreshingly Honest. And just an awesome roommie.

I have now started a new Job as an online tutor for music (the stats class I tutored last semester is not offered during the summer) but the people I work for are AWESOME, so the change is great.

I am now the treasurer for the newly formed Canadian Club... we are going to go skating!

What I am really excited about today is that I just interviewed and found out I got accepted to do an internship in the BYUH counseling center in the Fall. I will get to work with students on academic probation, students with stress and anxiety, and maybe working on relations between the health center and the counseling center here on Campus. I am taking a stress management Psych class and really loving it. I am super excited to go in this new (statistics-free) direction.

Sincerely e.

Iosepa Rentals.

2010-04-01T23:12:00.002-10:00

Welcome to Iosepa Rentals! ( Wish I had pictures... but i dont....)

remember when....

-The the broken windows in our room and living room bang when its windy.

- The water in the bathroom sink sprays everywhere when you turn it on

-The water in the kitchen sink doesn't even work
( it used to be the hot water that didnt work, and then when we got it fixed it worked for a day and then stopped working altogether)

- We painted the fridge black because it was so old and RUSTY

- You have to be careful where you step on the deck because there are already several holes, and you could fall through with any little shift of weight.

-you have to be a giant to reach the cupboards

-The shower screams when it's on (really loud)

-You have to put roach traps everywhere.... and they are filled with roaches.

-Our living room furniture and kitchen table are all made of wicker.. yes the creek and crack if you move.

-We don't have an oven, so we have to cook everything on two little burners... that turn off about every 5 mins and will only turn on again after about 5 mins (it takes like 20 mins to boil water!)

- WE have to keep a towel next to our bathtub because and ( and I mean ANY) little drop of water that seeps out contributes the the hole being eroded beneath.

-Lock on the bathroom door doesnt work... yeah.

- There is toilet paper stuffed in random holes on the ceiling... we have yet to be brave enough to remove it

-Our TV doesn't work... so we tapped a poster of Jacob Black on it so it would still be useful

-Random scrambling on the ceiling... Rats? Hope not

-There is a random cat that sits on our shoes or against the front door 27/7! Really, no matter what we do, it is back the next day!

And last but NOT least... RANDOM POWER OUTAGES BECAUSE OF THE SEWAGE making WATER/POWER unavailable.... Right now only the lights in our little hallway and bathroom work... all our $10 milk is going bad in the fridge and the lights we have occasionally flicker. it's freaky

I will be moving back on campus in a little more than a week; therefore there will be a position opening at the Iosepa Rentals If you are interested.

Ode to Alana

2010-03-31T23:40:00.003-10:00

As previously mentioned, I was working on a little arrangement of Jesus Was No Ordinary Man and I Know That My Redeemer Lives. I Still have not gotten the full arrangement together, and I have yet to make a good recording and whatnot, but I figured I would give you an idea of what I am working on. Hopefully the summer will bring much more opportunity to work on projects like this. Let me know what you think.

Sincerely, e

It's that time once again.

2010-03-20T10:38:00.004-10:00

I have a little crush on Urbanears. I like them all, but I think my favorite are the ocean ones
(second in on the top row).

So we have come to that point in the semester.
Fly or die. Sink or swim. Fight or flight.

Admittedly, I do not look forward to this point in the semester. I know there are some people who live for this kind of challenge, for the all-nighters, and all the pressure... But lets be real, those people are weird, and have to be borderline manic to enjoy such masochistic tendencies.

Me?
I'm human.
I countdown the days to come.
I cross off the days I've lived through.
And only Dreams of the summer sunshine in Hawaii keep me going.

There is, HOWEVER, one project that comes about this time in the semester
That I absolutely LOVE
All semester I learn all about music theory and rules and stuff
and then, at about this time, we get assigned a final project that requires us to put all of that knowledge ( and for some talent) to good use and we get to compose some music.
Part of the final is a basic performance in class of what we composed.
These are the days in school that I live for and I am endlessly astonished at what people are capable of creating.

Last semester we had to write about a minutes worth or music for at least 2 instruments.
Mine included vocals, piano, 2 violins, and a cello.
I desperately wish I would have recorded it.
It was my first composition ever performed in public.

This year I have to include at least 3 parts (or instruments) and be at least 2 mins long.
I can't wait to get started!
This is the kind of project that I could spend ALL DAY and NIGHT working on and not even be upset. I could spend all my time working on this and never even be upset.
(that says a lot about me because I hate out of class work).

There are, HOWEVER, several issues with such a project.

1. I can get completely frustrated because I know how I want the music to sound, or feel, but I have a really hard time getting that out on paper. Especially if I dont have enough experience on the instrument I am trying to compose for.
It is like trying to say something, but not being able to express such things on paper.

2. I can easily spend hours upon hours on such a project and not even notice.
It also takes a long time to notate music.... a long time.
At such a busy time in the semester, this can be lethal to other responsibilities. Enough said.

3. I care a lot about this project, and as such, I want it to be perfect... which often, it's not

Anyways, I hope you are all having an AWESOME weekend.

Love ya

Sincerely e

Jeopardy

2010-03-18T00:07:00.004-10:00

Contestant #1- FRONK
(His first name is Kevin... but goes by His last name)

CONTESTANT #2- Tevita
(his real name is David... tevita is the Tongan version.)

CONTESTANT #3- YEs.. that's me

I don't know if you know, but this week is national Library week... or something. Naturally the Library is celebrating in all kinds of ways... one such way is lobby Je0pardy. The school owns this awesome Jeopardy equipment and I just happened to walking past when they were starting a new game. Naturally Fronk and Dave convinced me to play.

I wish I had a picture of the guy who was the host... He was probably the only guy in the world who would make a good replacement for Alex Trebek.

The first round I completely dominated ( I was the only one with positive points). I owe a lot of my points to my extensive knowledge of reality tv shows... I also had some pretty awesome random information stored in my head that came in useful. What was also helpful was the fact that the boys were much more risky than myself and would guess (which put them in the negatives).

Double Jeopardy Fronk gave me a run for my money... it was a close game. Due to the fact that I got BOTH daily doubles this round, and because of my daring nature (ha) I wagered EVERYTHING both times and came out on top. The topic was female vocal artists. I successfully answered all the questions in that category.

Final jeopardy I didn't wager anything (because I didn't need to to win) and it was a good thing I didn't because the question was about some sort of SPERP organization or something in Tonga....

IT was really fun to take a break from everything and I was proud of myself for participating. ha

Sincerely, e

Personal goal.

2010-03-06T10:22:00.002-10:00

Remember about a month ago when I set a whole bunch of goals, and then did not follow through on probably half of them? and then i didn't update. Well I can't really remember what I did and did not do, but I have a new goal for this week, and I encourage anyone who would like to to join me.

This past week I was either walking from home to school (or vice versa), from my house to angies (or vice versa) or from angie's to the school ( or vice versa)... I can't remember which, but I was trying to remember some of the scripture masteries I had to memorize in Seminary. I memorized them all 100 at one point, but I realized that i could only truly remember about 5 and a few random words or ideas from a few others. Of the ones I did have memorized, i could only remember the references of like 3 or 4

New Goal, Re-memorize one scripture mastery every week, and the reference, and apply it in my life. The scripture mastery I chose for this week?

2 Nephi 32: 8-9

8 And now, my beloved brethren, I perceive that ye ponder still in your hearts; and it grieveth me that I must speak concerning this thing. For if ye would hearken unto the ^aSpirit which teacheth a man to ^bpray ye would know that ye must ^cpray; for the ^devil spirit teacheth not a man to pray, but teacheth him that he must not pray.

9 But behold, I say unto you that ye must ^apray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall ^bpray unto the Father in the ^cname of Christ, that he will ^dconsecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the ^ewelfare of thy soul.

The Church has an a great website to help. Click here to find it.

Comment and let me know if you are going to start this journey with me!

aloha

2010-03-01T23:00:00.003-10:00

I know that I am horrible and didn't do weekly highlights this past week. We had a pretty eventful weekend that was luckily not complete with a giant Tsunami. I also spent most of Sunday at angie's and their friends house (pikes). I have also been pretty busy with school and consequences of slacking off will mean no India for me!

BUT....

I just found out this morning that only the school only approved 12 people to go to the APS conference in Boston. My group leader chose me to GO. SO Boston looks like a go! TO prepare I now I have to do an extensive lit review on order effects and the sequential theory. Apparently I have to stand in front of my poster and get torn apart by crazy professors from Harvard, Oxford, Stanford, etc..

I also need to start building a professional wardrobe.... SO much to do. So little time.

Anyways. LOVE YOU ALL

Sincerely E.

Weekly Highlights.

2010-02-21T22:14:00.005-10:00

ALOHA EVERYONE.

To be completely honest I almost did not update my weekly highlights today because I am starting to fall out of the blogging trend.... And I had no pictures (solution= very low quality photobooth pictures)... and I often feel like no one really cares what MY weekly highlights are.

On to the Highlights.

ONE- President's Day
Basically I love Holidays. I love sunny days. I love Hawaii. I love the beach. I love costco. I love good music. I love wearing no makeup and my swim suit all day. I love meeting new people. and all of this happened on presidents day.

TWO- Date with Brylie
I love to take this little girl to the beach and out for a treat every once in a while. I just want her to know that I love her and we have some great girl time. She has a great imagination and was a great beach companion. We made all kinds sandy stuff.

THREE- Hangouts and late night talks with Angie.

Angie is always really good about me crashing all her plans and just showing up or inviting myself over on a regular basis. She probably has no idea how much it means to me that she lets me and always welcomes me. Really. I need it a lot. We had a good talk. And then It was late so I slept over! sleep overs are fun.

FOUR- Crafts.

WHile at Angie's house we worked on these!We have been planning to do this for a while.

I had so much fun doing it. I could make these things for hours.

I cant wait to wear them all.

And I can't wait to make more.

LOVE YOU ALL!

Sincerely e.

Weekly Highlights and New Song

2010-02-14T13:06:00.018-10:00

I apologize for there being no pictures (I just spent the last 30 mins trying to get them to upload!). I will still try to get the pictures on here within the next week of our mini vacation.... but to compensate for the lack of pictures there is a new video of a song I wrote (which has been intentionally placed at the end of this post so that you have to read everything... if, for some reason, you want to veto the reading you have my permission to skip to the end.)

There have been SOOO many highlights this week!

ONE- Ko olina getaway
This was by far the best thing that happened to me this week. Thanks to my Auntie Sharon, we (angie, mike, their kids, and I) were able to drive to the sunny side of the island and stay at the Marriott resort. We just hung out at the beach and pools all day. It was the perfect day. We also got to meet up with the Pratts from home. It was fun to see them and spend time with them. This was the first time I have ever really vacationed in Hawaii... Now I understand the big deal; to me Hawaii is usually just school and work and stress.

TWO- Foodfest
We had our semesterly (Word?) foodfest last night. That is when all the clubs (most of them are culture clubs) make food and sell it. Angie and Mike went on a date so I took the Kids with me. We ate hot dogs, some Philipino Spring Rolls, Acai bowls, brownies, and a few other munchies. Brylie kept making my roommates take her to go see Matt... A guy in the investment club who she has a crush on. She even gave him a valentine. In her defense he is really tall, good looking, and has a great smile... and he is like 23 or 24. Oh young love.

THREE- Lessons
I taught my first ever violin lesson. There is a girl I worked with in the library who wants to learn, so I decided to step up and try teaching. The First lesson was a huge success and surprisingly, I reallly really enjoyed it. I think I might like teaching violin more than playing violin.

FOUR- Statistics
Can I just say that I love statistics and all the places I am going because of it. I have an AWESOME job tutoring social statistics WHICH I LOVE. I love the people that come every night to see me and get statistically enriched. I am also ( If the school give me funding) going to a national conference in Boston, and a paid internship in the summer to INDIA. I am also working with my professor on a project to try to derive and algorithm for popular music, and on another project with Mike and his favorite professor (Wasden) on some economic models. FUN STUFF!

FIVE- MUSIC
I finally had the chance to record a couple songs that I have been working on. One is an original, and the other is an arrangement of a couple songs for alana mission (I will post that one soon)- Both were actually inspired by my sister alana. With limited time, they have not been recorded or anything at the caliber that I had hoped, and I wanted to add at least violin to the one I will be posting next week, but I figure I will never have the time to do everything, so I should post what I have! Hope you enjoy. (If the Video does not show up below, CLICK HERE!)

Happy Valentines Day!

Sincerely e.

Some more obsessions

2010-02-11T23:45:00.004-10:00

My new current obsession?

ELECTRIC VIOLINS!

I have had my eye on one of these for a few years now, but I was looking on ebay and saw a few and the itch for one is back... think of all the things I could do if I got my hands on one of these!

This green one kind of reminds me of that green ketchup that was popular for a few days.

This one is legit, and it has FIVE strings... that would be fun.

I have to say I LOVE the pastel colors. Both the pink and green are awesome.

I have to say this mint green one previously made by Hohner is my absolute favorite.
THey discontinued this model... sad

Sooo I am kind of a geek and drool over these like boys drool over cars.
.... I just reallly want to make some new/ innovative music.

That reminds me, I am working on something [originally] for Alana's Farewell thing.
I dont think I will have time to notate all that music, so It's going to have to be a video.

That and updates on my mini vacation (hopefully with pictures) to come soon.

Sincerely e.

I like this

2010-02-10T19:08:00.003-10:00

I was just looking at my other journal blog and found this from the day we went to the zoo a couple weeks ago:

I am Grateful for...

1. Sunshine
2. Saturday
3. A sister who drags me along on all her adventures
4. A brother-in-law who is more like a brother
5. A nephew who holds my hand
6. A Nephew and Niece who always invite me
7. Music. Indie church music
8. Long weekends
9. Long Drives
10. Rising to a challenge and making it through

It made me smile! Gratitude lists; it's a good thing.

Sincerely e.

We have arrived...

2010-02-07T18:03:00.001-10:00

The next 24 hours will be heavenly...

Weekly Highlights... and a little bit of sunshine

2010-02-06T23:45:00.005-10:00

We are ready for the olympics here at our house!
My roommate brought me an awesome flag to put up on my side of the room.

Now I can compete with the flag on the other side of the room.
(Brazil)

Other places represented in my house?
Well... I have roommates who are Japanese, Philippino, and Mongolian.

On to my weekly highlights.

One- Sunny Saturdays
I have deemed Saturdays and Wednesday afternoons beach days. With my luck, there hasn't really been a sunny Saturday or Wednesday since I've been back. This past week was pretty cold (I know its wayyy colder at home) but I spent the week in sweaters and actually even wore shoes.
Saturday, however, was the most perfect beach day; therefore I did what any normal person would do...
I went to the beach.

TWO- Continued Meal Delivery.
I was pleasantly surprise to have SEVERAL meals dropped off for me while I was at work this past week. Who were the culprits? Yep, it was most definitely Angie and Mike. They Still love me. I REALLY appreciate it. It is hard for me to get dinner in with work and classes.

Three- Leonards/ Malasadas
I love it when this truck comes to Laie. They come for a week every month or so and they sell Malasadas (kind of like a doughnut or scone dipped in sugar.)
The roommies and I indulged.
I look forward to the next visit.

That's all I have time for right now. We are headed out to stay at a condo in Ko'olina for the night. I am so excited to get out of this tiny town and head to the sunny side of the island for a miniature getaway.

Sincerely e

hey.

2010-02-06T23:32:00.002-10:00

Mini Hawaiian Vaca. Starting tomorrow.

More on that to come soon.

And Don't forget, Weekly highlights tomorrow!

Current obsessions

2010-02-06T01:17:00.005-10:00

Greetings from Hawaii.

As I have mentioned in the past, I tend to cycle through all kind of activities.

This week's obsessions?

1. Grooveshark.com
Why did I not know about this before? It is an online website where you can search for your favorite (well I guess it doesn't have to be your favorite) music. You can add these songs to your library and/or make playlists. You can search for artists similar to the ones you like and do cool stuff like that. The music database is also HUGE and awesome in every way.

2. Adrian- Metrofique

I am Addicted to music all the time (it is a lifetime obsession). This is the current repeat song on my grooveshark, and in my head. LOVE

3. Studies and Journals

This one may be weird, but I love reading up on the most current scientific and psychological studies. There is so much interesting information on relationships, behaviors, and explainations on why the world and people are the way they are. This is definitely a new thing for me, but I just can't get enough.

If you are interested some good ones to check out are:
newscientist.com
physorg.com
livescience.com

Some articles I found interesting?
Prayer increases Forgiveness
College-educated women more likely to stay married
Why kids get bullied and rejected

4. My new dark hair

I am beginning to realize that, although sometimes I get sad that things aren't the way they once were, I like change. I don't like to stay the same for too long. I get bored easily. I crave change.

5. Hair Accessories

I love the current style of big flowers, feathers, headbands, clips, and other hair accessories. I think the vintage hair pieces are SOOO cute.
I really want to make some cute things for my hair in the near future!
I LOVE these Hair Accessories.

Weekly Highlights- Time for a change!

2010-01-31T22:45:00.005-10:00

WHERE TO EVEN BEGIN??? I feel like there were SOOO many highlights... but can you really make everything a highlight? wouldn't that just make it an awesome life? Here are some of my TOP picks!

ONE- Tiny Size Chiclets.

Yes, you read that correctly. I did in fact come across Tiny Size Chiclets. I would have been excited to find any kind of chiclets, but tiny size was a definite PLUS!
This took me straight back to my childhood and i LOVE them just as much as I remember.... and I still find myself tempted to just swallow them instead of chewing them (it is Gum for those who do not know).

TWO- A shade or two darker!

I went from this.....

To this....

Do you see the difference? You should. It is WAYYY darker. And I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT.
I was in dire need of a change, and my hair was in dire need of some attention. I love that it is different enough to actually notice the change (the sun has lightened my hair A TON). *thanks angie for dying it for me... I just couldn't wait.

THREE- Dinner for ONE!
As I have mentioned before, Angie and Mike are WAY too good to me. Really its almost weird how nice they are too me.... ANYWAYS, this past week I was at work. I work from 5:30-10pm monday-thurdsay sometimes straight after class. These are my prime dinner hours so It is hard to get in a good meal that doesn't involve milk and special K. I was on gmail chat and mike asked if I had dinner yet... Of course I had not, so he brought me a delicious meal and a fresh baked zucchini bread. Definitely a highlight and I am so grateful for the thought and the notion!

FOUR- Family Movie Nights/ Dates
I got invited to an awesome movie night on Friday... The feature?
If you are thinking of harmonicas, salmon, Michael Jackson, old indian chants, and whales, you are probably headed in the right direction. Yes, that's right, we watched Free Willy. Did you know that "free" wasn't part of the whale's name? haha I'm kidding. But actually I used to think the whales name was Free willy..... oh to be a child.

The other night there was a random movie on and Brylie said
"Does that have Dwayne Johnson in it? "
"Ummm, No brylie."
Brylie's Reply:
"OH. If it did I was going to say, I'M SO IN!"

On Saturday we headed into town and saw this movie featuring Dwayne Johnson... You should be in too!

It was WAY funnier than I expected and a definitely GO SEE kind of movie. I have a feeling Papahashi is going to love it (dad go see it and tell me what you think.) I love being able to go to a movie and REALLY enjoying it and not having to worry about anything iffy being in the movie. CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER FOR WHOEVER MADE THIS MOVIE

FIVE- Surprises.
I am usually awkward and don't give much of a reaction, but I really do love surprises. (Side note, I also like surprising people... I am equally as awkward, and will usually give more of a reaction than if the surprise was for me... aka Jonas Brothers tickets and a certain sister's birthday... enough said) However, I don't get surprised very often, so when it does happen it is even more awesome.
This past week I got an awesome surprise from my sister angie!
She did a cover of the song that I had on last weeks highlights. (click here to watch it.)
My sister loves me.

In other news, I did not update my weekly goals for two reasons. ONE: I had zero time to do so and TWO: Instead of saying it wasn't a success, I'm going to say doing a good job will take time... so I need more time to master the things on my goal list. More updates to come!

LOVE YOU ALL

Sincerely E.

And then comes Friday.

2010-01-28T22:36:00.005-10:00

I am in love with dusk and night.

Don't get me wrong, I love the sunshine and new days and stuff... but I have always had a good relationship with the darkened hours, whether is be late at night, or super early.

I'm not sure what it is, but I think it might have to do with the feeling that time has slowed. It is the perfect kind of alone. All the problems, demands, issues, although they still exist, seem to take a rest. The thought of other people softly sleeping brings me a strange comfort. knowing everything will stay where you left it for a few hours, knowing where (or at least having a general idea) where all your friends and family are for a moment... it just makes me feel calm and at peace. I enjoy basking in those evening hours... maybe a little too much.

I love walking home after the sun has gone down with the stars above my head and a warm breeze blowing my hair back. Mmmmm.... I just love that feeling. -Where it is quite enough to hear my thoughts. I can really think. about life, about myself, about the ambitions I have, the person I am, the person I want to be. I can think about the people I have come across, or the people I miss. I can bask in old memories, or day(night)dream about what might happen.

My walk home Thursday night is my Favorite. Although I still have a lot to work on and life keeps going, I always get this feeling on Thursday night of encouragement. A feeling that is hard to describe, but translated to english it would say something along the lines of...

"Wow, it is almost the weekend again. How did the time fly by so fast? You never thought you could do it- at the beginning of the week it seemed impossible... but it's Thursday night, you're practically there and hardest stuff is behind you."

I can't wait to update about all my Weekly highlights on Sunday. And I hope to Update about my weekly Goals on Saturdays from now on.... I CAN'T wait.

Weekly Goals

2010-01-24T22:01:00.000-10:00

Sorry that I update my blog every two seconds now... get used to it...

Here's the deal.
I am really good at setting goals.
Like really good.
I can set a bajillion goals in a matter of moments.

The problem: Following through on said goals.
Even if I write down my goals
I have a tendency to let them drift from my mind,
lose priority,
rationalize as I overlook the goals I have set,
let myself get distracted from accomplishing my goals.

As much as I hate the idea of making you listen to my goals,
and realizing that that makes me vulnerable,
it also holds me to a certain level of accountability.

So along with highlights of the week past I intend to post goals for the week to come.
Some I make accomplish, others I may not, Some might be big, others simple...
but I plan to try... and it gives me something to blog about.

WEEKLY GOALS.
1. Daily scripture Study.
2. Arise to my alarm clock every day.
(this may sound rediculous, but it is actually very ambitious!)
3. Go OUT of my way to do a good deed or say something nice.
4. Go Funning at least 3 times this week.
5. Send a letter.
6. Make art in my art journal.
7. Make conversation with one person I don't already know,
or know that well.
(This one will be particularly hard for me.)
8. Clean my room.
9. Keep up with my Homework.
10. Let someone know they are loved.

Sincerely E.

Weekly Highlights.

2010-01-24T13:15:00.000-10:00

Hmmm.... I feel like I spent too much time focusing on the things in life that are hard, lonely, sad, unfair, or that just don't seem to go my way.

It is so easy for me to look back on the week and see the things that went wrong, or are just not right (right according to my own definition of what right would be). When I do this, it is so easy, and impossibly unhealthy for my self-worth, self-confidence, and directly affects how much I enjoy my life.

I decided on Sunday's I am going to try to do a blog on my weekly Highlights. Bring light to some of the things that made me smile, made me laugh, and made me feel good about myself and my life.... So here goes. This is the first of many weekly highlights.

ONE: Wakey! Wakey!- Brooklyn
I absolutely LOVE this song that I came across this week. I Just couldn't keep this music to myself. I'm not sure what I love about this song, but I'm sure it has something to do with the classical training I have in music. It all just makes me feel SOOO good. It has been a long time since I have heard a song and had it remind me that I love music. Music has felt different lately, and I had forgotten that I love it. This song inspires me. It makes me want to create; To write music or make art or just stand in the rain.

TWO: FUNNING

I was a little hesitant to admit this one, just in case I STOP doing it and you will ask me about it at a later date and then... yeah. But then I decided I'm not going to worry about the future and those what ifs and just included it because it was a highlight.
Angie and I decided this week that we are going to start Funning (we call it funning because running leaves a bad taste in our mouths). We are starting out pretty slow, but I have enjoyed it thus far.

THREE: NEW JOBS AND RAISES
This semester I started a new job. I still work in the library, but now I am a social statistics tutor for the Psychology department. Although I sometimes feel inadequate because I am in no way an expert on all the curriculum, I love this new job so far. Reasons? Well for one, when no one comes, or if they don't have questions, I get to work on my own homework which is AWESOME. I also get a bunch of regular students who always come in and I really enjoy the company. I also really like helping them with things, and learning more about the subject and software myself. It's great. I also like that I am pretty much work for myself and don't have someone looking over shoulder every moment... not that I'm doing anything bad, it's just nice to feel that independence. Highlight this week was learning that I was getting a 50 cent raise. Not much, but a definite blessing.

FOUR: SUPER CITIZENS
I LOVE LOVE LOVE that I was able to be there to see Brylie crowned super citizen for the first time. I am SO lucky to be around for the big things that happen with Brylie, Tyken, and also Ang and Mike. It love getting excited with Bry about the things that are exciting for her. I think every kid (or anyone for that matter) needs people to be excited for them, to celebrate their accomplishments, and recognize them for the good that they do and the good people they are becoming.
I feel like too much is focused on where people have gone bad, but if we focused too much on where we have gone good, we can't help but want to be gooder.

(photo credit- Angie Takahashi)

FIVE: CALLS FROM HOME
I love checking my phone and seeing I have a new call from home. I love it even more when I get a new voicemail and when I check it, it says something as simple as
HEY Erika, It's mom. just calling to see how you are, or to tell you I love you, or just want to catch up, or I was just thinknig about you, or whatever else it might say.
Thanks mom. I love the thought That I cross your mind a few times a week!

SIX: Coming back to blogging
As I mentioned earlier this week, I tend to get obsessed with things, and then lose interest in them for a time before coming back to them at a later date.
For a while, the thought blogging made me cringe. I just didn't want to do it. AND i felt that no one ever read it anyways... and to add to that I don't have pictures or anything so it would just be boring. (I think I'm going to start saving for a camera.. I would love to be able to document more of my life in Hawaii.... Wishful thinking... haha).
I am glad to be back on the blogging scene for another blogging season. Hopefully this lasts longer than a few weeks.

Learn to be a scientist.

2010-01-22T01:11:00.000-10:00

I have already accepted I am strange, and I don't care who knows it.

There are two things that will be very clear after you read this.
ONE: I am clearly the queen of allowing myself to get distracted, and procrastinating... however I never procrastinate distractions.
TWO: I like to take pictures of myself... but not only myself, I like to take pictures of myself with books
THREE: I should probably start on my homework because I have a lot to do, and all I have to show for what I have done are a lot of pictures with books.

Life feels crazy with to do lists.
For some reason, when life seems manageable, I enjoy tossing things in by the handful
Until I add in one too many handfuls...

This research methods class is going to be the end of me.

So I currently have 2 classes with the same professor
(the same one who got me my current tutoring job and may take me to India and/or Chicago and/or Boston this year).
He believes all of us are as smart as him, so he works us hard.
I have to say I kind of like the challenge
and I like that when someone sets the bar high
we all adjust and become even better than we already are.

ANNNyways....on top of all the assigned homework, he has us reading two books for each class and then makes us write summaries and responses for a chapter in all 4 books (two pictured below) every week.
Each book takes around 3-4 hours a week (around 12-16 hours a week combined), and I write about 20 single spaced pages (combined) on a weekly basis. He gives us other assignments too (and I have other classes), and informed us that the reason he's taking it easy on us the first couple weeks is because it is going to get crazy within the next week.... oh gosh.

I am actually enjoying the reading in these books. I love science and find these fascinating.
They are also pretty easy reads considering she doesn't discover that it's him 'til chapter three.
I just strongly dislike the write up's because they take forever and are pointless.

Photo shoot.

WORK IT.

Time to get to work....

Sick Day

2010-01-20T00:38:00.000-10:00

Part way through MLK adventures with the fam, I began to feel ill. The same achy and horrible illness that plagued me when I visited grandparents over the holidays. IT hardly seems fair that I was ill then, and almost exactly a month later I came down with the same thing.

Anyways, I had planned to go with Ang and Mike to a BBQ they were attending, but on the way home decided i just wanted to crawl into bed, which is exactly what I did. I Had some homework to work on, so I alternated sleep, reading, and typing... all of which took place wrapped up in my covers.

I spent the majority of the morning, after a restless night, the same way and finally got up and took a shower. I had plans to keep myself busy in hopes that it might be good for me... however after I got up and started to get ready, I realized the best thing I could do for myself would be to take the day off.

I declared it a sick day. I emailed all my profs, sent in all the homework that was due, and slept all day. I was somewhere lost in unconsciousness when my roommate came in and made me eat some yogurt so I could take the cold medication she had for me. She's great.

I woke up for good at about 4:30 feeling much improved and decided to go to work. All-in-all it worked out well. I didn't miss anything important and feel like I am already mostly recovered!

Hello.

2010-01-18T11:03:00.001-10:00

HEY! remember me? Didn't think so.

I am the one that lives, works, and studies in Hawaii.

I occasionally make appearances in Canada, as Well as on Angie's Blog.

There are other things about me that even I don't remember right now..... BUT I digress

SO... I suck at blogging, but I love to Journal (although I haven't had time to do it the way I would like to lately). I have MANY many journals that I keep going at one time.

1. I have a regular, everyday, write by hand journal. I guess some might call it a diary... it would be the journal I would write all of my crushes names in..... if I had a crush. You get the idea. ;)

2. I have an artsy journal... In this journal I draw pictures or write quotes, lyrics to songs, or just a phrase about how I am feeling, but I try to make it look like art. I really like this one because, although it does not have details and specific stories, I feel like it depicts my emotions much better than any kind of writing could do. This journal is my Favorite... I guess it is the artist in me.

3. I have an online-journal-blog. This is also like a regular, everyday journal, but sometimes I can't write by hand for a long period of time and it is easier to just type it out. This one is good too because I can but links and stuff in it to make it a little more exciting. I can also access this anywhere I have a computer, which comes in handy.

4. Lastly, I have a video Diary that I update every so often. I used to update it every day, but now with roommates and stuff, I don't update it as often. This one is kind of cool because it gets the story, it gets the emotion, and it also shows the physical changes.... how long was my hair, what trends was I into... and just all that fun stuff you don't usually document.

This may seem pointless and confusing for future people to look back on and try to depict chronologically and whatnot, but there really is a reason behind my many journals.

I am the type of person to get really into something.... maybe almost obsessed. And then one day I just don't feel like doing it. No reason why not. I just don't. I usually cycle through a few other things, and then I may or may not come back to them with that same passion. It is like a song that you love, so you play it over and over and over, and then get bored of it. Some time may pass and then that song comes on the radio, or it comes up as you shuffle through your ipod, and BAM. You remember you love it and play it a few more times on repeat.
This always seems to happen to me (for example-making videos, writing music, writing... etc.). This tendency of mine may also be responsible for my nerves when trying to decide what to do with my life because I get bored or disinterested so easily.

Anyways. It had been a while since I had updated my art journal thing. Last night I came home and just had the urge to indulge.

This is a page that i did a while ago. (I know the words are backwards... I blame photo booth)

Then I decided to make a new one.

It was hard to decide what to do...

I've noticed when I think about it too much I don't like the results.

So I just went for it and tried to do things without thinking.

This whole book so far has been done with only black pens and markers....
HOWEVER, last night I was feeling like black did not cut it.

Here is what I created. (this too is backwards, but I'm sure you can figure it out)

This is a picture of me in my current state.

Just so you can remember who I am.

Merry Christmas Baby! ( and my proof of life)

2009-12-19T22:33:00.001-10:00

A few days ago Melissa posted an update simply proving she is in fact alive. It was also brought to my attention today that I have neglected my blog since halloween... I'm sorry if any of you thought I was no longer alive... so friends, family, friendly neighborhood blog stalkers, consider this proof of life.

SO I am home for Christmas, and it has basically made me the happiest person on the planet. There is something about coming home that nothing else can compete with, not even Santa. Everything is so familiar, so natural, and just right at home. And everything that has changed is brings pure excitement; I could not have asked for anything better for Christmas. I think it helps that it is Christmas time... hands down my favorite time of the year. I love everything about Christmas (being in canada makes it that much better) the music, the food, snuggling up by the fire, family, and especially the feeling. I get all giggly just thinking about it.

I love that I got a huge dose of family right when I got home at Grandma's Party. (Happy Birthday Grandma). I love that blogging has brought our family that much closer. I feel Like I know cousins so much better, even when we are the furthest apart we have ever been (melissa,I may or may not be referring to you- shout out). Being a child was great, but I love how growing up brings new dynamics to everything that allow us to enjoy life in a whole new way. ( I bet you thought I was going to say world... I almost typed it).

I think by now I am just rambling.... I just have so much to say.

I just saw this video and thought it was hilarious for some reason or another. It's appropriate for the season as well. MERRY CHRISTMAS! LOVE YOU ALL!

HALLOWEEN!

2009-10-31T19:46:00.001-10:00

Yes. It has been a while since I have blogged. I have a lot of catching up to do.

So it is halloween today, it is 7:48 in the evening and I am sitting in the library working on a test....

I am in dire need of a break so I will tell you the tales of my Halloween- that happened on days that weren't today.

On Wednesday I got invited to go to the Haunted Lagoon at the PCC. (by not one, but two boys named Ted) They did this for the first time last year, and it was such a hit they brought it back this year a millions times better.

I admit, I am a little baby, SO i didn't really want to go... BUT I am so glad I did. We had to wait in line for almost 4 hours, and I was with people that I didn't really know very well (which I think is risky on my part, it could have been disastrous) but we passed the time just talking and having fun. I went with a group of about 20 people, so the canoe ride was a lot of fun and I was laughing SO hard the whole time... got to love boys who scream like girls.

Last night I went to Angie's ward's Halloween party. I wasn't really planning to do much else yesterday, but after seeing how much fun everyone was having dancing, I decided I wanted to go to the campus Dance. I didn't have a costume, but Angie, being the mastermind she is, quickly thought up and Idea that was nothing short of brilliant.

Left to right: Relish, Ketchup, Mayo, and Mustard....
Okay, so it was really just ketchup and mustard, but the others wanted to get in
on the brilliance of the idea of condiments.

These are two of my roomates. Vanessa and melissa. More to come on my roommates soon i promise!

Can I take your order.

2009-09-07T01:41:00.001-10:00

I have had an extremely busy schedule since I have returned.

My new boss is killing me with things to do.

Always loading a ton of work on me.

It all needs to be done precisely. Intricate work. Hard on the fingers.

madam Libraaaaaaaaa-rian

2009-09-07T01:24:00.000-10:00

Okay, so I am not truly a librarian, but that would be awesome if I were... I could wear glasses and pull my hair back in a bun and wear pearls or something... but I'm not.
Instead I work here... the circulation desk.

To be Completely honest, I LOVE my job. True it is really boring,
however I really like the people I work with, I like books and libraries (I like that they quiet, yet busy) and that I get to see a lot of people I know.

I also take pleasure in stamping due dates and stuff on the book.

Although I am not allowed to do my homework, nor do I have access to the internet,
I also take great pleasure in reading the childrens books that come in.
I have always loved childrens books... I have to say though, there are some really weird ones out there.

I absolutely love the bags they have for the books. Aren't they cute? Such good quality too!

Iosepa Street

2009-09-05T22:06:00.000-10:00

THIS is me sitting at the table of my new place on Iosepa Street- i guess picture of the outside to come ;)

Notice how the furniture is wicker and covered with cheap sponge and dirty covers.
( I have plans to make new seat covers if I ever get the chance.)

My kitchen- yes, we do not have an oven. The fridge was rusted so the last girls painted it black. haha

another view of the kichten/family room!

The cupboards are really tall....

I mean really tall... I can't even reach.

These are just stairs....

Storage space

Storage space already filled with my roomates... storage?

The Infamous deck outside the other room.... I think its going to collapse at any moment.

My bed.

THere is something odd on the ceiling....

Toilet paper stuffed in a hole..... I have not removed it for fear of what I may find.

How weird is that?

2009-09-02T19:24:00.000-10:00

Believe it or not, I have been trying to update this thing with pictures and what not of my place, my work, and other festivities here, although things always stop working and I get frustrated, so that is still to come! I promise.

I just have a story to tell that has no pictures, so that is what this update is all about. If you don't want to read it, don't.

SO I am sitting at work, reading or playing solitaire or something..... really working hard, and up walks this lady who always comes and talks to a girl I work with, yet she is not here (I think they are both student teaching so they always talk about it). ANYWAYS, she walks up to me and says,

"Everytime I see you here I always think you look familiar like I know you from somewhere, but I figured out how I know you."

(I have no Idea what she is talking about, because other than work I don't think I have seen her. Naturally I am expecting her to say something about how she knows Angie or something and how I look like her... something along the lines of that.) She says,

"My kids bookmarked you."

(Okay, I know I work in a library, but I don't think I know what bookmarked means. Who are your kids.... there is no way they are old enough to know me.... why are they bookmarking me.... is that some kind of facebook term I don't know.)

"Yeah, they Love the Jonas Brothers and they watch your video ALL THE TIME! I thought you Lived in Canada.....etc"

Finally I start to make sense of all this. Basically her kids looked on youtube for videos involving the Jonas brothers and apparently really like mine and watch it all the time- I'm even bookmarked on their computer. I find it crazy that 1) her kids just randomly came across my video on youtube, and 2) that I randomly met this lady.....

The internet amazes me!

Aloha Update!

2009-08-17T20:53:00.001-10:00

IT has been far too long since I have updated on my life. During the summer I felt that my life lacked anything exciting to talk about. All I really did was make videos, so I felt justified in my updates.

Everyday I come home feeling exhausted, wanting to update my blog, but having a million other things to do that actually have deadlines and repercussions if not completely, and those things always take the cake (the cake=my time). OR, I open my computer with good intentions of updating my blog but either, 1) get abstracted by a facebook conversation, or 2) I fall asleep. It is amazing how easily I fall asleep these days. I can't ever seem to get anything really done because I am always falling asleep in the process. I don't take a lot of pictures, so I apologize right now. (another reason I don't blog... I feel pictures are the best part.)

ANYWAYS, In the three weeks I have been back at school I have....

-moved into my House on Iosepa street. I timed it. about 10 min walk to campus, 8 to Angie's, 6 or 7 to the beach, and about 5 to foodland! What a great location.
Side note, I have yet to unpack all of my clothes....

- After a LONG and frustrating job search, I got a job on the spot watering plants.... and after I had accepted that I got an offer at the library (front circulation desk). Needless to say I took that one instead, and I really Love it! (they made me close by myself on saturday and I had never done it before, It was scary being in the dark library all by yourself... so eerie)

-I have completed 3 novels, and am just over 50 pages into the fourth. (all of the novels are about teaching and learning..... and all from the perspective of an english teacher- not my favorite genre... not my favorite class)

- Got Extremely exciting news from team Jonas saying I was a finalist, then a runner up for the Fly with ME covercontest. SOOOOO exciting. there were hundreds of entries and just the nod in my direction is cool. I get a small gift too... I wonder what that is.

-I taught FHE in my ward here. I have never taught a lesson to the whole ward before... dare I say, It was fun!

-Played the violin in a family ward.

-Went to the beach by myself and read for hours.

-Got stung by a blue bubble when I took Bry and Tyken to the beach.... not a fan of blue bubbles, not at all

-went skating for the first time in a couple years! Yeah I know... Hawaii of all places. for the record it was SOOO much fun.

-Went on a sister date with none other than my sister. The car broke down, I cut my foot, we had the BEST (and only) acai bowls i have ever tasted. (in Angie's Case, there were the best, but NOT only acai bowls she had ever tasted) and I got new slippers (mine broke, and thats when I cut my foot).

-I wake up everyday at 5:30.... except on weekends... but I still have to work saturdays.

- I go to Angie's house almost every day (sorry ang) and just hangout Like a third child. I also like to go there because sometimes I get to see my boyfriend.. His name is Krew. He is sooo cute and makes me feel so loved. I am not trying to brag, but he legitimately has a crush on me. If you don't believe me, ask my sister.

Okay, so that is really all that is new... SO more updates to come.

LOVE YOU ALL!

erika

To Be With You

2009-07-11T07:54:00.000-10:00

Surprise, surprise another song! This is really as eventful as my life gets these days.

Yesterday my friend Troy (he was the other lead in Crazy for You.. with me) showed me this song, and said he wanted to do a cover. I loved this work of art, so I was definitely IN. He came over last night and the rest is History.

The song is To Be With You- David Archuleta (American Idol runner up).

Sorry there is no Video.... But I hope you enjoy the music. Troy sang, I sang backup, he played the piano, and I made up the strings!!!

Turn Right

2009-07-04T14:51:00.000-10:00

I did another cover... If you want to see it click here!

MYFLYWITHMECOVER- a Teamjonas contest

2009-06-30T21:21:00.000-10:00

there is this contest.... I want to win... it drove me to do this.....

I LOVE THIS

2009-05-09T06:18:00.000-10:00

I came across this while trying to occupy myself at work.

Let me Know what YOU think!!!!

Hallelujah

2009-05-04T20:49:00.000-10:00

I did a cover of this song...

I did it for my sister....

The one SOOO far away....

I miss her....

I could always run to her ( literally) when I felt lonely, or stressed, or tired, or just because I wanted to hangout wiht her....

Lately it's too far to run...

I don't like that...

Now I have to fill her void by wearing cheesy aloha shirts and fake tropical flowers in my hair...

It still doesn't help much...

TO hear the song, click HERE

You tube'n? me tube'n too.

2009-05-04T20:40:00.000-10:00

SO....

recently I started a youtube channel.

I mean I have be a youtuber for a while, but I have never put any videos on.

With the summer here it seems I have a lot of time on my hands.

Rather than sit around and facebook, I figured I'd enhance my skills at movie editing(as you have seen in my previous posts), guitar, singing, and whatever else I can get my hands on.

a few days ago I uploaded a cover of Tyler Hiltons- Missing you, on to Youtube. (click here to watch it)

Tonight I was checking out Tyler Hilton's youtube channel and was surprised to find MY cover of HIS song among a small number of videos on his favorite video list. ( for proof, CLICK HERE)

I was super excited to see that... stuff like that never happens to me.

Knowledge from me to you!

2009-05-02T15:25:00.000-10:00

This is the result of another slow day!

I just thought I would share the love and the knowledge to those who already do, or are considering drycleaning their clothes.

Kinda lame I admit... but enjoy.

A day in the life!

2009-05-02T05:44:00.000-10:00

SO, as many of you know, I have worked at a dry cleaners for the last few years. It is an easy job, one that I am good at (I don't know if anyone can be bad at it), and it pays. AND when I needed a job this summer, they welcomed me back.
Now there are a few downfalls of this job,
1. I don't always work close to home
2. I have to work at many different locations
3. I mostly work alone, all by myself
4. I often work Long days... 9 or 10, and sometimes more hours.

These are all thing I can deal with okay,
BUT the very worst thing about working by myself, long days, and an easy job is...

I GO CRAZY TRYING TO FIND THINGS TO DO.

really, IF I do happen to have the internet, you can only read so many blogs, and check facebook every so often. You can only read so many novels during a day and not get bored. And you get to a point on minesweeper where you are so good, you can't even break your own high scores anymore.

That brings me to this video I am about to show you.

It is a result of having nothing to do.

It is about me.

You may laugh.. I can take it.

and i would just like to say that I had all my work done before I did this. I had also finished a novel, and was up to date with facebook. This was a last resort.

...a journey into my life.

Remember Me in Paradise

2009-04-07T16:32:00.000-10:00

I meant to do this a couple weeks ago but I didnt....

This semester I have been working as the E.D or Executive Director for the Family Life BYUHSA Vice President. Basically this is a really fancy name for someone who gets delegated the extra work and supervises at BYUHSA events. Under family life our big events are the on Campus movies that happen about once a month, and the balls.

The fall ball was a lot of fun last semester, and I had mentioned to my friend Jahna, who is also a BYUHSA VP that I would love to help with the next one. She remembered this and helped me get the E.D. job. The VP I was working for got really sick this semester in the middle of Ball planning, so the BYUHSA team decided to split the work up between the 6 of them, the other E.D for family life and of course me. I was assigned to work on decorations with my friend Jahna and loved every minute of it. Jahna really let me take control and do a lot of the ideas I came up with.

I felt really important because I got to plan meetings with PCC to scout the venue and discuss all the arrangements. Because this was pretty much the last BYUHSA event for this team we also got to spend most of the remaining budget. I got to go into town (honolulu) Curtesy of BYUH cars and use the school credit card. Although it was a little stressful near the end as credit cards did not work and things needed to be shipped here in a small amount of time, I was really happy with how it all came together. The day of we had A TON of volunteers come help, including Angie who was a SUPER big help, and some of my other close friends.

CLICK HERE to see some pictures of the decorations. Thanks Angie for picking up my slack and posting them. The ball turned out to be a hit... maybe the best to date.

Quarter of a Century and Still Going Strong!

2009-03-24T22:47:00.000-10:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CANDI!

I can't believe Candi is already 25..... I feel like yesterday she turned 16, and I was like 10 and I couldn't wait until I turned 16 so my life could be like hers. I remember I was the first person to drive with Candi when she got her license. She gave me a ride to an achievement day activity and I bragged to all the other girls about how cool Candi was...

She still is pretty cool. One of my favorite memories of her in the last year was when Our parents were in Hawaii and we decided to go to the movie 27 dresses together. The perfect chick flick for us. Being well educated by our parents, we took our own snacks to the movie; Grape juice and cheese strings. Hahah, it made for the perfect combination.

As the oldest in our family, Candi has always led to way and been the first of us girls to do or be a lot of things. She is the first daughter born to our family, the first to go into elementary, then junior high, high school, and university. She will also be the first to graduate University. She was the first to drive, to play a musical instrument, to play on a basketball team, to get a real job, to get her own car, to get her wisdom teeth out... and the list goes on.

I just love this Girl! I hope you have the best birthday ever and I wish I were there!!!

I meant to write I longer, cooler post, but my time to do this is limited until I finish my homework.

2009-02-25T10:31:00.000-10:00

So after I finished my video for my last post, I was looking through this footage, and thought I would quickly throw it together for some entertainment. I know all the changes and movements are not on beat, as a University student, I don't have time for such tedious tasks! Anyways, Enjoy.

Time to blog... I think so!

2009-02-24T23:11:00.000-10:00

A couple weeks ago a friend of mine approached me and asked if I would do a musical number for his Sunday school lesson. Of course I agreed to do it and asked what he wanted me to do, and he said he was going to leave that to inspiration. I was kind of worried and didn't really know what direction to take this. I tried just playing a few songs in the hymn book, but it just was not right. I prayed about it some and finally asked Angie if she would help me out. Being one of the best sisters ever, she agreed to do it.

In the next few weeks I pondered what we should do. I went to Angie's house several times and although we talked about it, we never really prepared anything.

I have to admit I was a little worried we wouldn't figure out what to do, but on Friday night after we went to the play, we wrote down all our ideas of what we could do. What happened after that is kind of a blur to me. I have no idea how it happened, but suddenly we had this arrangement of Jesus Was an Ordinary Man, and I Know That My Redeemer Lives put together. We tested it out on Angie's friend and neighbor Hillary, who gave us the okay, and decided this was what we would do.

Sunday came around and I was feeling confident in what we decided to do. After practicing one last time in Angie's car, we went to Sunday school. According to me, it was one of the best Sunday school lessons I have ever had. It started with a really nice musical number. I was a cool arrangement of I am a Child of God, sung by three guys, and the lesson was really powerful.

Angie and I performed near the end of Sunday school, and Justin introduced the song using the poem, The Touch of the Masters hand....

Twas battered and scarred, and the auctioneer
thought it scarcely worth his while to waste much time on the old violin,
but held it up with a smile; "What am I bidden, good folks," he cried,
"Who'll start the bidding for me?" "A dollar, a dollar"; then two!" "Only
two? Two dollars, and who'll make it three? Three dollars, once; three
dollars twice; going for three.." But no, from the room, far back, a
gray-haired man came forward and picked up the bow; Then, wiping the dust
from the old violin, and tightening the loose strings, he played a melody
pure and sweet as caroling angel sings.

(at that point we started playing our song... the video is not that great, but it is mostly for the audio)

(he finished with..)
The music ceased, and the auctioneer, with a voice that was quiet and low,
said; "What am I bid for the old violin?" And he held it up with the bow.
A thousand dollars, and who'll make it two? Two thousand! And who'll make
it three? Three thousand, once, three thousand, twice, and going and
gone," said he. The people cheered, but some of them cried, "We do not
quite understnad what changed its worth." Swift came the reply: "The touch
of a master's hand."

And many a man with life out of tune, and battered and scarred with sin,
Is auctioned cheap to the thoughtless crowd, much like the old violin, A
"mess of pottage," a glass of wine; a game - and he travels on. "He is
going" once, and "going twice, He's going and almost gone." But the Master
comes, and the foolish crowd never can quite understand the worth of a soul
and the change that's wrought by the touch of the Master's hand.

Myra 'Brooks' Welchi

I think that this was one of those times where this lesson and experience was just for me. I felt that I learned more from this than anyone else, so if it benefited no one other than me, it was still worth it.

Rant

2009-02-16T11:50:00.000-10:00

Living in the dorms is not that bad.... but there is one thing that DRIVES ME CRAZY!

I have a tendency of putting off laundry... It is not because I don't like to wear clean clothes or anything, In fact, I LOVE having an assortment of clean clothes to choose from the problem is this.

15 Washers (which may or may not be working)

+ 12 Dryers (which also may or may not be working)

+Approximately 600 collage girls with wardrobes equipped to impress

= PURE MADNESS!

Let me take you on a journey with me. It starts in my room where I keep all my clothes. Along with my clothes I have to wash towels. Because the beach is so close I have both shower and beach towels. These can be heavy and take up a lot of space in the washer/dryer. In my room, I sort my clothes into whites, darks, and reds (going to a school where the school colors are red and gold, I've accumulated quite a bit of red.) I then carry down as much laundry as I can to the laundry room which is down the stairs and on the exact opposite side of the hale, I usually have to run back up to my room to separately carry down towels and detergent.

Next, and this tends to be the biggest challenge, is finding an empty washer. This requires a lot of waiting around, and tenacity. You see, an empty washer is a hot commodity, and when a new girl walks in, every one watches her hoping she is removing her clothes, and when she does you better have your clothes in before anyone else... its kind of like musical chairs....

Once you get your clothes in you may suddenly realize you have no money on your laundry card and have to load it in the hale office. More often than not, you just happened to do your laundry at a time the office is closed and have to wait around until it opens again.

When you finally get the washer started you have this awkward amount of time you are not sure if you should go do other things, or stick around to ensure that the other girls let your clothes finish their cycle. Or, in the case of a friend of mine, ensure that some random local girl does not walk out with your clothes.

Of course, after you wash your clothes you need to dry them. This is also an issue, because for some odd reason there are less dryers than washers, and a third of them are usually out of commission....

oh man.

AND, if by any chance you want to air dry your clothes, the humidity makes it impossible. They stay damp for DAYS. and evidently the humidity in your room increases tenfold... and your bed is practically wet....

Once my clothes are clean and dry I have to carry them to my room. This always takes two trips, not fun, not fun at all.

Needless to say, Laundry day is never a highly anticipated event. I usually leave it for a day when I have nothing else to do, for example.... presidents day.

A Life Lesson!

2009-02-10T19:32:00.000-10:00

SO, a couple weeks ago I was looking through a Japanese cookbook (Well I was looking at pictures... I couldn't actually read it) with my friend Emily (pictured above) and mentioned how sometime I wanted to get in touch with my Japanese roots and make some Japanese food. She took me up on that and invited my over to make some Gyoza! mmmm...

My friends Jahna and Bree came too.

She taught me the real way to prep the Cabbage...

Emily and Jahna

A work in progress...

Bree's first time making rice!

Emily showed us what to do. First we put a bit of our mixture in the center. Then we wet our finger and wet the edges.

She also showed us how to fold the outer edges.... she can do it really fast effortlessly... but she IS Japanese.

Bree's Creations.

Jahna trying to get the skins apart.

ME making the best gyoza ever.

My creations... not to bad in my opinion.

Finished goods. SO DELICIOUS. Or as the Japanese ( and Brylie) say OISHII

Etadakimasu!

I will do this later

2009-01-21T22:26:00.000-10:00

Blogger and I aren't friends right now....

... I even had pictures to upload.

Now I remember!

2009-01-19T22:15:00.000-10:00

Living in Hawaii is definitely a unique experience, especially as a student at BYU in Laie. I can honestly say that it is NOTHING like I expected it would be, but it does exceed any expectations I did have. With the craziness of school and the recent rainy season, sometimes I forget why I live so far from home and that I even live in Hawaii.

My whole life, before I moved here, I always saw Hawaii as a place where it was always sunny, and where you had all the time in the world. It was a place people talked about and everybody wanted to go to.

Interruption... Fire alarm... BRB, (I hope)

Okay, so we just had a fire drill. It is 10:30 and most girls were in their rooms. Outside it was Cold (by Hawaii standards- when I first got here I loved it at night because it was still warm enough to wear a T-shirt and shorts. Just now I was out there in sweatpants and a Hoodie and I have to say, I was shivering).

Anyways....

After I have lived here for Exactly 5 months, I can say that it is not all fun and sun here in Hawaii. I am not complaining, I just have to say that people that live here are regular people who have jobs, go to school, go to church, have families, etc. and may not have time to go to the beach everyday. AND.... I was previously unaware, but there is a lot of rain in the rainy season and some days the sun does not shine and occasionally a chill in the air, who would have known. With that said, there are SOOO many reasons I love it here and special moments where I think "Now I remember why I live here."

Reasons Why I LOVE Hawaii

(in no particular order!)

Before moving here I never understood the phenomenon of 'going to the beach' or 'laying out'. This was completely foreign to me. Most of the beaches I have been to had cold water and lots of people and I just didn't really get it.... I can't believe that I lived so much of my life without it, and it will be greatly missed when I go home. I love going to the beach when the sun is beading down and the sky and water are clear and blue. You don't even really have to do anything at the beach, just being there is calming and relaxing. Believe me, laying in the sun and taking a nap, listening to the sounds of the ocean is the best remedy for a LONG DAY.
the ALOHA spirit- I love the spirit of the people here.... I love the way they interact with each other and how they value family, friends, and the sacred things of this life. I love it when people I have never met before treat me like they have known me forever and sincerely care about me.
As a person who is guilty of stressing and worrying over everything, I love the laid-back way of living that Hawaiians and polynesians live by. There is never any reason to rush. Even when they may have somewhere to be or things to do, people will take the time to stop and talk to you- I love this, because it makes me feel that they really care about me, and are willing to sacrifice some of their time for me. They are the most patient people too- I guess they need to be if people don't rush to make appointments or whatnot.
I love the diversity of all the people and all the different cultures that I have had the opportunity to be exposed to first hand. I love that I can learn about things I have never even heard of before. I can't wait to come home and make all the things my friends have taught me to make... otai, jamroll, shoyu chicken to name a few. I love seeing people do things differently and learning why. I do, however, still get thrown off guard when someone is asked to say a prayer in class and they start praying in another language- I am just never expecting it!
The music. I think polynesian people have the most beautiful singing voices- enough said.
I love that Angie, Mike, Brylie and Tyken live here. I couldn't tell you how many times Mike has given me advice or let me know about things I didn't know about school and teachers and stuff like that. I don't think I would be able to survive here without at least one of my sisters- and Angie qualifies. I love to see all the funny things Bry and Tyken do, to see them grow and play with them. I feel that spending so much time in TVA (campus housing for married students) has helped me learn things about being a good wife and mother (when the time comes) that I could not learn any other way.
Bree Masters!- Bree lives two doors down from me in my unit and is my best friend here. In a lot of ways we are a lot alike, we like the same music, we don't like to dance, we are both adamant about getting our homework done, we like to bake, we do not like drama, we are always trying to make the other go first in lines at the cafeteria and we both don't have boyfriends (this is an essential quality in a best friend, in order to spend all your time together and not have a feeling of third-wheeling going on at all). I love Bree because she is sincere and really wants to do what's right. Everyday we go to breakfast at 7:30, dinner at 5 and to the gym(a new addition to our schedule) at 8:00.
Although I sometimes loath it, I love the fact that Campus is pretty much the only thing in Laie and almost everyone is mormon. Many students would say we live in a bubble. Sometimes this is hard to handle, especially when you have some free time, the beach is not an option, and you have nothing to do. The thing I love about it is there are not a lot of wordly things you have to worry about- and there is a lot of opportunity to feel the spirit. Sometimes I don't even have a clue what is going on in the world- but with how depressing the news is lately, it's kindoff nice to just enjoy the better parts of the world.
I love the opportunities I have here. Small classes, small student body, and numberless church and school activities that EVERYBODY attends (as there is a lack of things to do other than go to foodland) creates the perfect atmosphere to get to know people really well and get involved!

Those are just a few of the many reasons why I love it here... again I am sorry there are no pictures.

Guess who's coming to town...

2009-01-15T16:49:00.000-10:00

Guess what I did today? ( or at least my dad did while I was talking to him on the phone...)

I bought a one way ticket from Honolulu to Calgary! I can't believe that there is so little time that I could actually get a plane ticket home. So the big travel day is April 15th at 10:50pm Hawaii time, which means that I will be home on April 16th. This leaves me a few days to hangout without any school or worries on the beach/in the sun with Angie, Mike, Brylie and Tyken, and friends that will be graduating after the Spring term, who I wont get to see for a while!

I am super excited! Although I LOVE Hawaii and life here, I really miss the simple pleasures of 'home', and my family that isn't here. I figure I've got a good deal, Summer's in Calgary with parents and 4 of my 5 sisters, and Winter's in Hawaii with Angie, Mike, and their kids....

P.S. The flight didn't cost anything because it was SUPER cheap ($209 taxes included) and My dad had a credit with Westjet from when the family came in November which completely covered it. WOOT WOOT!

I just thought I would let you know I'm still alive!

2009-01-14T21:47:00.000-10:00

Okay, so I am horrible at taking pictures at opportune moments, or else I forget to bring my camera all together ( I know, that's not very Takahashi-like).... but I am still alive and breathing. Sorry if you are reading this and are turned off by the fact that there are NO pictures, I don't think I have even taken any in the past couple months or over the holiday's.

A lot has happened since the last time I updated my blog...

I had my first Christmas away from home, and without the whole family. It was weird, especially because the weather did not feel Christmasy and unfortunately the weather did not agree with my plans to make this a true Hawaiian Holiday and spend every day at the beach. I was really grateful to have Angie, Mike, Brylie and Tyken around, as well as the Neilson Family to spend my time with. We had a lot of fun just being together! Christmas eve and morning was especially fun as I got to be there to see Brylie and Tyken share the joy of Christmas! Kids really do make it a special time of the year. I was also glad that Ang and Mike let me sleep at their house and dine with them many-a-night... I love staying there because it feels much more like home.

Lately Angie and I have gotten into a crafty mood. Around christmas we made a TON of sugar cookies and decorated them, and baked a lot of other goodies. We have been painting and creating things, which is something I don't do enough, but LOVE.

I started back into school a week ago and so far I am really enjoying this semester. I feel like I finally have a hold of things and am used to University life and now I can start living it. I got promoted to first chair in the BYUH string ensemble which is a big accomplishment for me. I have also just started as the assistant to the Family Life VP, which I think will be really fun. I get to help plan and bring campus movie nights and formal Balls to life. Today, which was my first day, I had to go to the VP team meeting in place of Mele, the VP I am under. Two of my friends here are VP's so it was really fun. My dorm neighbor/best friend, and now work out buddy Bree and I decided we want to start going to the Gym and walking or biking or whatever we want there on the weekdays, and go to the beach and swimming on saturdays. Okay, I might be speaking too soon because we just started yesterday, but I have a really good feeling about it.

I can't believe that I will be coming home in 3 months! .... that is NOTHING. It's weird that I have been here for 5 months already, I feel like I just got here. I am getting excited to see all my family and friends that I have been missing!!!

Sooo... it may not be too exciting, but that is my life at the moment!

Mele Kalikimaka!

2008-12-12T21:14:00.000-10:00

Sadly, I am not going home for Christmas this year. It was fun to have my family here, but sad to see them go, as I knew they would be enjoying a white Christmas at home with a Christmas tree and everything. Due to the weather and lack of winter activities here, it doesn't really feel like christmas at all.

Tonight I played for the Graduation Celebration dinner with my quartet (it was postponed from last night due to rain, and there were many people who couldn't come tonight, because the rain had caused a power pole to fall across the main highway not too far from Laie). I got back to my Hale just in time to say goodbye to my really close friends that live in my unit. My friend Bree's mom sent her this cute little christmas tree.... It is actually real, and smells as a christmas tree should. Bree was going home, so she let me have it for the Holidays!

I was soaked from walking back to my hale in the rain, so I put on some comfy clothes, turned on the lights on the tree, and just listened to the rain!

I am really going to miss everyone for the Holidays. The dorms are starting to feel a little deserted, but I think I will enjoy a little time for myself to relax take it easy this Christmas!

Hawaiian Snow Day!

2008-12-12T20:49:00.000-10:00

On Thursday I woke up to the sound of heavy rain, thunder, and lightning. This was apparently really exciting to all us girls in Hale 3, as most of us were in our Pajama's on the the balcony just watching! This is what we saw (haha, the clothes on the clothes line.)

There were boys out skin-boarding in the parking lot out our window.

I talked to Ang and she said she wanted to take some pictures of everyone out helping in TVA, so I decided to walk over and help her with her kids and what not.

I walked through the Halls at the school and there was so much water falling everywhere, I kept slipping... I thought I was going to break my back!

This is usually a huge field this direction... Now it is the schools new lake.

A closer look... yup, still no field.

The trucks headed to TVA, in a gigantic puddle.

The puddle spoken of above.

The sidewalk/stream.. and my feet.

Pretty self explanatory.....

From the stairs in Angie's building.

The Hot Chocolate we brewed.

The food we brought in a wagon.

All the TVA woman, sipping hot chocolate.

The men doing what they were doing.

The house across the street.

Okay, this was taken by a friend of mine... but it shows the craziness....

Luckily for me, I found out while I was at Angie's place that my English Final got cancelled... woot woot.

2008-11-28T02:21:00.000-10:00

I know Angie already posted this, but I think it deserves to be posted as many times possible.

I feel there is nothing I need to say about this, just watch and enjoy!

Happy Hulaween!

2008-11-01T10:55:00.000-10:00

Halloween here is really fun. Everyone decorates a lot and go all out for the Holiday. I wasn't planning to dress up, but Jacqui told me I should be a greek goddess because she couldn't, and most of my friends were kind of dressing up to, and I just didn't want to be the odd one out... SO I gave in, and with some help from Angie, became a greek goddess for a night.

This is Bree and I just before heading over to 'the house' we spend most of our time at. She is a hippie... if you didn't already figure that out.

So, we tried to get a picture of us all together, but that was much harder than it should have been. We asked Justin to take a picture of all us girls before we headed over to the Laie stake YSA dance, but he took about 10 pictures, we figured out that the whole time he was just taking pictures of Feli. HAHAHA.

We tried again on our way to the dance when we saw a friend on the street, but it is was a little too dark, and we got eggs thrown in our direction in the process (apparently that is a big thing here, there were eggs EVERYWHERE on the street.)

Finally when we got the dance, we asked some random to take a couple pictures of us. I would not be able to survive without these girls! They are all pretty awesome! I was the greek goddess, Melissa was a gypsy, Jahna was a 'thug', Jasmine was an 80's girl, Bree was a hippie, and Feli was a Rugy player.

We decided to stop by the Hale Halloween party for all the single students at BYUH, so we left this party and walked over there. On our way it started to rain REALLY HARD and it was super COLD! but it was kind of fun! After the Hale party we went back to the house and put on a scary movie... I fell asleep in minutes. It was a pretty fun night!

I guess this means I'm it!

2008-10-23T19:49:00.000-10:00

ALANA DAWN, tagged me. So here goes!

1. Where is your cell phone? Jamie and Jenelle inherited my 'Canadian' cell phone, and now, sadly, I am lacking...
2. Where is your significant other? otherS- some in Calgary, Utaha, and even here in Hawaii
3. Your hair color? is the same as it has always been, just brown. Although I think it may have lightened a bit since I have been in the Sun more.
4. Your mother? Loves me, I look like her 3% more than my dad.
5. Your father? Is in edmonton.
6. Your favorite thing? Laying on the beach. I used to think it was overrated... it really is everything its cracked up to be.
7. Your dream last night? I don't remember what happened, but I know it was interesting, because when my neighbors down the hall came to get me for breakfast, they woke me up at a good part.
8. Your dream/goal? To inspire someone
9. The room you're in? Like alana, I am also in the Library, i spend an excessive amount of time in here.
10.Your hobby? Music.... making music, listening to music...
11. Your fear? failure
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? ill be 24... long finished school, and who knows where else
13. Where were you last night? the library, and @rtimos... a gala like thing promoting peace internationally.
14. What you're not? excited about tomorrow's exam.
15. One of your wish-list items? hmmm.... My whole family to come here! SOON..... wait, that is actually going to happen
16. Where you grew up? Calgary Alberta Canada
17. The last thing you ate? Dinner. It was spaghetti and meatball (no 's' we only got one) it was pretty good. I enjoyed it
18. What are you wearing? I took off my flip flops when I got here.. so no shoes. Jeans, the brown shirt that alana and jacqui got for me before i left, my watch ( i never take it off, even in the ocean, its water proof)
19. Your TV? I dont have one... I use my computer to watch anything. Or I go to angie's place ( that is if the cable is working) or the hale lounge.
20. Your pet? I have a gecko that lives in my room. I rarely see it, but it is kinda pink, and it keeps the bugs AWAY!
21. Your computer? is good..
22. Your mood? tired and unable to focus
23. Missing someone? missing most...
24. Your car? Haha, I wish
25. Something you're not wearing? a winter jacket... not even close
26. Favorite store? the only store here is foodland..... so i guess that wins.
27. Your summer? was so good. the weather here is always summer, but the schoolwork throws that off a bit.
28. Love someone? Of course
29. Your favorite color? Blue, Red, Green, Purple.... okay, i cant just pick one
30. When is the last time you laughed? like 2 hours ago at dinner. SInce that time I have been SOLO.
31. Last time you cried? hmmm... I dont know. Hard to say.

Takahashi Look-alike Meter

2008-10-22T22:58:00.001-10:00

I have always had a hard time trying to figure out if I look more like my mom or my dad... According to this I look more like my mom by 3%. So basically, I am pretty much a perfect mix. What do you think?

MyHeritage: Family tree - Genealogy - Celebrity - Collage - Morph

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

2008-10-15T21:07:00.000-10:00

I was planning to do a blog about our family fun beach day, and thanksgiving, and I will still do it at a later date, but I felt I should really do this instead!

I owe an ENORMOUS thanks to Angie and Mike... and their whole family. I really don't think I would have survived the last couple months without them here. Things would have been SO much harder and I would probably not want to stay here at all. Ever since the moment I got here they were always making sure I got everywhere I needed to be and did everything I needed to do. Even when they lived in Calgary before here, I could always count on them to help me out and I loved hanging out at their place. Things have not changed here in Hawaii and I am so grateful for that. They never hesitate to take me with them into town or let me stay at their place or let me invite myself over when I need to get away from the dorm or need to be around family.

It is really nice that Mike is also an accounting major, or I would be completely lost. He has helped me make sure I am taking all the right classes, advises me on teachers and always makes sure I know about all the extra forums and meetings. Thanks to him and Angie I got my application for scholarships on in time... I probably would not have even done it without them. He also does other things like gets my out of country voting ballot, and orders movies that we will all enjoy on netflicks. I also LOVE the things that Mike cooks when I am around. It is all so good, especially compared to the cafeteria food I have become accustomed to. Mike is so funny and Angie and I always have a good laugh when he is around. He definitely reminds me of my dad in a lot of ways!

This girl is MY angel...a. Sisters are the best, especially when they are your best friend too. I can't even express how grateful I am for Angie and all that she does for everyone, especially me. Since I have been here she has not only been my sister and friend, but she has been my tutor, psychiatrist, walking buddy, and the best example of a mother, and what I want to become. She has the best advice and insight and is SO smart. She is ALWAYS willing to help me with my homework, even though she is busy and has no obligation to help me. It's been nice to have her to talk to as well. There are so many things I can't always talk about with other people here, or times when I need to vent and she is always there to listen as I go on and on about things that really aren't a that big of a deal, but she listens nonetheless. Having that ear is really something I need to continue to function, and it really means a lot to me. It is also nice to have her here, because sometimes at night I might feel lonely and everyone else from home is long asleep, I still have her to talk to. One of my favorite things here is the walks Angie and I take. I always look forward to it. It is the perfect break from school, I always feel so good after and it's a great opportunity to enjoy Hawaii while I am here. She is always doing little things for me here and there, not because she has to, but because that is just they way she does things. She may no recognize the affect it has on me, but It really means a lot.

Angie is always doing some sort of activity and never ceases to surprise me with the things she does. She is so talented in music and art and really creative. She is not afraid to try new things, and take on big projects. I really want to be like that! I love to hear here play her guitar and sing!

It is fun to be around Angie.... the other night her, mike and I all almost sprayed out our sprite at different times because we were laughing SO hard. I was laughing, and choking, and that made me laugh harder! It was pretty funny. She and her friends always welcome me when I am around, and I enjoy spending time with them too! I love to watch them as young mothers and see how they interact with their children. They are all such great examples of mothers and I really admire all of them. As I watch them I know there is a lot that I can learn to prepare me for the future when I may have a few little ones of my own. I can also see the strength of testimony Angie has. She always recognizes the ways the Lord blesses her and is so humble and charitable. Honestly, I can't express how grateful I am to Angie! ... What would I do here without her?

It is so fun to have Brylie around. She is always thinking up the craziest things and saying the funniest things. There are so many lessons that can be learned from her. She is so smart and insightful and a real teacher. I love seeing her with Tyken- she just loves that boy so much! She is always trying to show him and teach him things. She is so encouraging when she tries to help him walk, or tries to cheer him up. She always makes me feel accepted and likes to have me around, almost as much as I love being around her. She is a really good kid and it's nice to have her around to show me what I can do to be better. She really takes the things she sees and learns to heart. You can tell there is always a lot going on in that little mind of her's. She always invites me to her room, and lets me sleep in there with her when I stay over!

I just LOVE her so much!

I just LOVE this boy. I love to just have him around. I love to hold him and cuddle with him. I love that when I walk into Angie and Mikes house, he always gets so excited and gives me a Gigantic smile. I love that you just have to look at him and he will always grin at you. I love how he can make me smile, just by being himself. I love when I sleepover, waking up with him in is crib next to my bed, just staring at me, so excited to see me wake up. He is so easy going and most of the time just SO happy. I love it when he sings and when he tries to talk! There is something about a little child. Just having them around can make you want to be a better, and forget all of your troubles and worldly stresses. Tyken is just SO cute!

I am really grateful for Angie, Mike, Brylie and Tyken. They have been such a blessing to me and I feel like there isn't anything I could do to show my gratitude enough!

My New Calling...

2008-10-12T13:23:00.001-10:00

So I got an email this past week and I have been called to be a 'ward choir participant'. Participant because you don't necessarily have to sing if you do not feel comfortable doing so, and just helping with other things.... I'm not sure what else there is other than singing. Anyone can be a Choir member, but there is a specific group called as participants. Anyways, I will definitely be singing. We had our first rehearsal today, and we are singing some really beautiful music, so I am definitely excited.

It's interesting that one of the things I miss most about home is the singing and the abundance of music. We are always singing at home, and in the car, and at the store... just everywhere. I really miss that. I can't do it in my room, or in the shower here, or in the car, because I dont have one....

In the evenings at home I would always get my mom to play the piano while I sang. It is something I especially like to do as a Sunday activity or at times when I am feeling stressed, sad, when I want to feel the spirit, or when I am feeling unsettled in any way. It is the way I calm myself down, and find peace, and it can even strengthen testimony. Music is just SO powerful for me and is something I can really identify with. It is hard not to just be able to do that here anymore. Some people work off their steam by going for a run, or taking a nap, etc. but this is my way. Sometimes I go the practice rooms here and play my violin (I wish I had more music, and an accompanist) but I am So grateful for this calling where I get an excuse and opportunity to serve in a way that I love! They said in choir that they debated for a long time about who they should give this calling, and they felt really strongly about who they called... I guess the Lord really knows me and knows what I need and blesses me with ways to fulfill these needs!

The Calgary Temple

2008-10-07T21:58:00.000-10:00

All the way over here in Hawaii, I am SO excited at the announcing of a Calgary Temple. So excited I decided to do a SHORT blog about it.

I found an interesting article on LDSchurchtemples. com that made some interesting points. Not only is the new Sarcee ring road going lead straight to the temple (well, pretty close), but the new LRT extension will go right there too. It says in this article that this station was originally planned to be finished in 2023, but in last November, City council approved and funded a 2011 completion. This should be about the same time the new Temple will be opening. I really don't think that is much of a coincidence, and really goes to show how by small and simple means the Lord brings things to pass. I'm sure we will see many more miracles as planning and construction begins. I do have a question... dad maybe you know the answer... who designs the Temples?

Just a quick Update.

2008-10-06T16:16:00.000-10:00

I am sad to say that I was a little disappointed by BYUH Idol on Friday. Everyone sang two songs this week, and I guess it was a little much, because almost everybody forgot the lyrics... one boy even pulled out a tiny piece of paper in the middle of the songs with the word on it. It kind of reminded me of when David Cichy was in that play and he wrote his lines on the palm of his hand...

Anyways, the program went way too late, and as the theme was ballads, it seemed like a very long night. I would have to say the highlight was the dance presentation put together by our very own boys basketball team.

I know that is not much of an update, but I don't have much time right now. 'later days'

The Wheels on the Bus

2008-10-02T18:43:00.000-10:00

SO, I think that I am really bad at this blogging thing. I feel like i never have time to blog and when I do I have nothing to write about and no pictures, or I start writing something, and I fall asleep in the process.... I feel a bit guilty because I check everyone else's blogs several times a day and get so disappointed when they don't have a new post, and yet I never update my own. I do have a lot of homework I need to tackle right now, BUT I think that blogging might help me clear my mind a bit....

So last Saturday some of the girls from my Hale (my dorm) and my ward decided to take a trip into 'town' (Honolulu). Although we live on a smallish island, this is a much bigger deal than it seems. Seeing as though we are all students, none of us has a car, and we therefore have to take 'The Bus' (thats what transit is called here). You pay 2 dollars, and can go basically anywhere on the island, which, with gas prices these days, is really not that bad, except for the fact that to get from Laie to Honolulu takes 2 hours. We decided to be ambitious and make the trip together. The way there seemed much longer than the ride back, and although I would not want to do it every week, it wasn't that bad.

Our destination in Honolulu: Ala Moana Mall, more specifically, the Food Court. Originally we were planning to shop, and then eat if we had the time, but when we got there food was the only thing we cared to do there. We were all so excited to be in a city with lots of people, and the choice of whatever food we wanted. The cafeteria food they feed us really isn't that great, and the menu repeats itself every week. I find myself eating only to sustain life, not because I want to eat the food, which is so not like me. If we don't want to eat cafeteria food our only other options are the seasider, which sells the same food as the cafeteria, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut.

ANYWAY, the foodcourt turned out to be the Highlight of the trip, or the month... I have Spaghetti with Chicken. It was SO GOOD!

We went to a total of two stores (forever 21 and the Jean warehouse) oh yeah, and we dropped into Claire's for a bit and tried on all their Halloween stuff and what not. This was a sleeping mask I thought was pretty funny.

We ended up waiting almost an hour for the bus, and spend almost 2 hours on the bus. It may seem like a complete waste of time, but in a small town like Laie, we really weren't missing much.

Jasmine and I waiting

Bree and I seated together on the bus.

Melissa, Jasmine, Chantel, and Sunny on the Bus, So excited to go home.

The long bus rides and eventful day had taken it's toll on us. Most of us fell asleep on the way back.

We ended the night with BYUH-Idol ( Modeled after American Idol). My favorite contestant sang the opening song in Aladin, complete with all the parts. Even better, it was roots night, and you had to sing a song from wherever you were from, and he is from the Philippines, so none of it is in english. You HAVE to watch THIS! and you will understand!

School events like that are fun because the whole School comes out and watches (again because there is nothing else to do here). It was the second week and tomorrow is semifinals- I can't wait! Maybe I will even Blog about it.

In Response to Your Responses:

2008-09-08T13:39:00.000-10:00

The head on the gecko was actually huge, it is not just the angle of the picture. I found it hard to believe at first too, it was just So out of proportion.

If I would have known there were bugs like this everywhere I would have seriously considered going to another school. I am glad to be there... The beach and the sun are all great reasons to come here, but the bugs are a problem for me. I haven't even been sleeping well lately because I know they are lurking around and most of them are nocturnal.

WARNING... THIS IS REALLY GROSS!

2008-09-07T00:59:00.000-10:00

So... I have found ONE thing about Hawaii that I completely despise. And that would be....?

THE BUGS!

Just thinking about them makes me cringe... ewww. My dorm has a courtyard in the middle, and around the outside there is a door to enter your hallway (which is ALWAYS open) and another for your room. If you go straight through the first door and keep going straight, you would walk right into my room (or door, if the door is shut). I believe that

as a result of this, we (my roomate Manami, and I) get way more bugs in out room than the other girls in our hall.

This all began not long after I started sleeping in my dorm room, and woke up one morning with some kind of bug bites all over my leg. In the next few days they got swollen and hot and really hurt. The worst part was that I did not (and still don't) know what kind of bug had done this to me, and therefore did not know what to do to cure the bites, or prevent getting more.

The couple of nights after I got these bites, I was actually pretty scared to sleep in my bed... who knows what's was lurking in there????

A few days after that I was up late finishing some homework, and what did I see climbing all over by my roomates bed?.... A sick, gross, cockroach. The thought of that alone makes me feel like I have bugs crawling all over me. I am now super paranoid! I tried to kill the pest, but it was just too fast, and I admit when it started to move, I got a little jumpy!

A couple days later, I was working on homework... aga

in, and out of the corner of my eye I saw this little guy. I nearly had a hard attack because I though it was another cochroach, and just did not want to have to deal with that!

DO YOU SEE HIM???

Lets look a little closer....

and closer yet!

He is still kind of gross, but I would way rather have this guys around than some of the other bugs I have the pleasure of taking on.

I went a little crazy today and cleaned as best as I could. I washed all my sheets and bedmat... On my bedmat I found some sick kind of bug thing crawling along. I don't even know how to describe it. It was not a "bedbug" or flea... but definitely in the same category, and just plain disgusting. I Killed that thing! BUT under my bedmat, embedded in the seams of the mattress, there were traces of some old bugs. Nothing alive, but it still had me all freaked out.

As I said I washed everything and vacuumed my mattress, carpet, and every nook and cranny like 5 times.

Tonight when I got home from bowling, which is another story in and of itself, I saw yet ANOTHER sick bug. It was crawling on my roomate's headboard. Thankfully, Ang and I picked up some spray that kills bugs on contact. I grabbed it, apologized to my roomate for the possibility I might get on it on her bed ( for the record, I didn't) and sprayed the little guy. Before this encounter I didn't even know what kind of bug this was, but was later informed it was a pincher bug, or as some people call it, an earwig.

If you don't know what it is, you most likely don't have them crawling around where you live... and are SO lucky.

Needless to say I am now hesitant to sleep in my bed, put on clothes (for fear they are burrowing amongst my clothing) or just sit in my room. I always feel like I have bugs crawling all over me, and am really starting to go crazy!

Hopefully we don't get anymore roomates moving in, and I can learn to keep them away from me!

Every Sha-la-la-la Every Wo-wo-wo Still Shines

2008-09-04T23:11:00.000-10:00

SO... as petitioned I started a blog. I don't really have much to write about, but I will try my best to keep you updated with what's going on in my life here in HAWAII. I am making lots of friends, working really hard, enjoying the sun, and the beach, and having a good time. I am really grateful that I have Angie and Mike and their kids close... I would not have lasted the first couple weeks as I have without them. I am so lucky to have them around to take me places, show me the ropes, or just act as a safe haven.

I also love getting to know Tyken! I missed him and Brylie so much, AND of course Angie and Mike. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR EVERYTHING! You guys are the best! I owe you more babysitting hours.

It seems like I have been trapped in my room doing homework since school started. (I did manage to take a must needed trip to the beach after class on Wednesday.) Tonight I finished as quickly as I could and then I, with a couple girls that live down the hall, met some other people in the game center and played a couple rounds of pool. We had a lot of fun, and even though I was not very good, it was nice to go out for a bit.

Last night I felt REALLY homesick for the first time. I had been alone in my room for a few hours, and wanted desperately to just call up someone in my family... but I still do not have a phone, and It would have been after midnight in Calgary. When I am on the computer I like to use Pandora, which makes a music station for you based on the music you like. Randomly it played two songs that were comforting. The first was You're the Inspiration-Chicago, which reminds me of Alana and THIS summer project. The next one that really stood out to me was Yesterday Once More- The Carpenters. If you didn't know, we listened to The Carpenters quite a bit when I was Young, and as a result I LOVE their music. It always reminds me of when I was younger, while driving around to do all sorts of errands with my mom, having the music turned up really loud, all singing along. When I heard the song, memories came flooding back, which made me feel a little less lonely, brought a smile to my face, but also made me a little sad. The words of this song really mean a lot right now! Here they are...

When I was Young

I'd listen to the radio

Waitin' for my favorite songs

When they played I'd sing along

It made me smile

Those were such happy times

And not so long ago

How I wondered where they'd gone

But they're back again

Just like a long lost friend

All the songs I loved so well

Every Sha-la-la-la

Every Wo-o-wo-o

Still shines

Every Shing-a-ling-a-ling

That they're starting to sing's

So fine

When they get to the Part

Where he's breaking her heart

It can really make me cry

Just like before

It's yesterday once more

Lookin' back on how it was

In years gone by

And the good times that I had

Make today seem rather sad

So much has changed

It was songs of love that

I would sing to them

And I'd memorize each word

Those old melodies

Still sound so good to me

As they melt the years away

Every Sha-a-la

Every wo-o-wo-o

Still shines

Every Shing-a-ling-a-ling

That they're startin' to sing's

So fine

All my best memories

Come back clearly to me

Some Can even make me cry

Just like before

It's yesterday once more.

Sorry my Blog isn't very exciting!.... I would Like to start a new Petition to get Papa Hashi updating HIS blog in the new future... All in favor say I!