Change my Major? And other Happenings.

Hello! 

So, this week is pretty boring. I went to my classes Monday through Wednesday and they were pretty fine. I didn't have my Book of Mormon class or Biology, so that was a lot of fun. Monday we had topic proposals in English, and I had a great idea that didn't exactly work for out topics. So my teacher and I thought about it and we decided on the topic of Depression in Men and arguing the point that men are just as likely to be depressed as women are. It is a really interesting topic and when I checked out a book from the library titled Men and Depression and when the guy checked it out to me he gave me the weirdest 'why are you checking out this book' look. Whilst writing I figured out why it interests me so, which I'n not going to put on here, but I think its a pretty good reason. So, yeah. I'm pretty happy about my essay so far and it involved a LOT of research. Last thing that happened! So, Andrew got a Galaxy S4 and it was on my update, so they shut off MY SIM card and then couldn't turn it back on, so I was out of a cellular device with cellular reception. It sucked big time.

Tuesday was fine, we had a white glove which they didn't even really do, she walked in said we passed and went on her merry way, yay for us. Math was fine, we took a quiz and I honestly don't know how I did, it is a total toss up. In the afternoon I met with my debate partner for our debate in English and we talked about our points for our debate the next day. The quote was "Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth" -JFK and we were on the side that agreed with the quote. It was a really good debate in my opinion,  I feel like we both got our points across in a decent manner. Wednesday was the final day of classes for the week and I was supposed to get my SIM card, but the FedEx truck was running late, so I didn't get it. I was beyond frustrated. On Wednesday I went on a bike ride at SEVEN THIRTY in the morning to the temple, it was nice and made my legs freaking sore.

Thanksgiving was a good day. I slept in for a while and when I finally got up and showered I headed over to the Aloha Ballroom for our ward's thanksgiving meal. It was decent food and I ate way too much. After, I went into a food coma for a few hours and then went to the beach. It was so nice, since I hadn't been in forever because I was either too tired, too busy or the weather wasn't beach enough for me. It killed my feet, but I didn't get sunburned and it was really nice. I ate pop tarts for dinner because there wasn't any other food on campus.

Friday was a great day. I watched TV and did homework all day. It was rainy and yucky so I didn't get to go to the beach because I was cold for most of the day. That evening my and Litia went on a roomie date (like we do quite often) and went to see Catching Fire. Oh my good heavens. I loved that movie so much. On a side note, me and Litia are perfect movie buddies because we both get way into movies, so it works out nicely. We got Subway after and I ate half right then and then ate the rest for a night snack today. I also have taken to reading The Hobbit before bed after I have shut off my computer for the night.

Today was quite nice, I ate food. And watched the ShayTards. If you haven't watched their videos, you all should. They are vloggers of their everyday lives and I love them. They are Mormons as well, which I figured out about 2 minutes into the first video of theirs I ever watched. I figured it out by a picture of Christ they had (which is this one) and it is like the typical Mormon picture of Jesus. And then later they had a FHE board in their house. I was seriously almost screaming it made me so darn happy! (ask Litia, she was there).

Speaking of which, I am so grateful for him and everything he did. I am so excited to celebrate his birth, and this whole season!

So, yeah. Watch their videos, they are funny and clean and so great. 

Today I also cut out some snowflakes out of paper to make my bulletin board more festive, and its on Instagram, they're little but I am hoping to add more festiveness.  I'm working on getting lights maybe and making a red green and white chain to hang as well. I just LOVE Christmas if you couldn't tell :D

So to the title of this post... This week has been a soul searching week for me. I have been really thinking about my major, and I am wondering if I should change it. Having been shoved into massive research about depression, and communication, it has renewed my fascination with it. So I have been thinking that maybe I might want to go into a social work field, specifically in counseling. I remember back in like 9th grade it was something that had fascinated me and for a little while I wanted to be a school counselor (for counseling, not like setting up graduation stuff) or just being a counselor in general for troubled people. This appeals to me because I could move back to Utah and study there because there isn't a dire need to do it here in Hawaii, which would be just fine with me. So, yeah, next semester I am taking classes for my Marine biology major, just in case I decide to stay, but I have been praying really hard about and I am getting a comforted feeling whenever I am thinking about transferring to a school in Utah. So if anyone wants to pray for me... that would be greatly appreciated because this is something that I think could be a life changing decision. 

I cannot believe that it is DECEMBER tomorrow. Or in like 30 minutes here. Then its just over 2 weeks until I fly home! It so doesn't feel like it and it is weirding me out. I got some Christmas shopping done today, and I feel quite accomplished. I am so stinking excited to go home and to be in Utah again and to hug Brendan and my Dad and Mom and Hunter and Andrew and Hailey.

That is all for tonight, so yeah. I am quite a thinker at this time and place. :)

Been Thinking

Well, I think that I have been a thinker over the last month. Sorry for not updating, but I haven't really done a whole lot.

Honestly, I haven't been to the beach since my last post. It has been rainy and cloudy, and I don't like going to the beach when its like that. There have also been days when its got down to - 65 degrees - and we were so cold. Me and Litia just snuggled down in our room and camped out, our fans were even off for like 3 days. 

School is hard. Its even worse with my horrible not skill of managing time. I am the hugest procrastinator. It is something that I am trying to improve upon, but I'm not so sure of how to do it but I really am trying. My classes are absolutely horrible, I am not doing well, and am considering changing my major to something that I can study in Utah. (I'll explain why later). My biology class is extremely hard, apparently the teacher isn't the best, so that might be a reason, but in any form, if I pass the class, I will be happy. It is really hard for me, this whole adjustment from high school where everything is given to you, to college where everything is assumed that you already know, and then more that you have never heard of. I find it hard to encourage myself to study really hard, and I can't do it in complete silence. I have learned this by my many attempts of studying in the library that didn't do any good. Right now I am in the process of distancing myself from watching TV and studying more, I really am working on it. As it is finals time, there are SO many things that I have to do, and sometimes there are times when I have to just empty my mind and not think about it, I think I want to really take up reading again to empty my mind. I think that is just about everything about school that I can think of.

My social life hasn't been the best, and I really have tried sometimes. Luckily, mine and Litia's eating schedules are relatively the same, so unless one of us is sleeping, we usually eat dinner together, which I really enjoy :D. A couple weekends ago, I literally spent the entire sitting on my bed watching TV because I did not feel well at all. I was exhausted and I also took a few naps that day. Litia dragged me out of my room and made me go to the caf to eat. The next Friday night I went to the Fall Ball by myself and some friends. It was so fun! And I was sore the nest day, and I spent a lot of the day watching TV because it takes me forever to get over a late night. We got back from the dance at almost 2 in the morning, so it was a late and exhausting night. Today is full of homework because finals and essays abound, so that is what I am working on today.

So lately, mostly this morning, I realized that living in Hawaii isn't for me. I do like warm, but I LOVE seasons. It has been a serious consideration, and I have come to that conclusion. Since I don't go to the beach, living here really isn't doing me any good. It id like living in Idaho or Oklahoma in the way that some things just take too long to get to. Especially here where everything that is really worth going to is like an hour away, and considering I don't have a car, or friends who have cars, I am stuck here. That is something that I really don't like, being so far away from things. I really started thinking about this this morning. I know quite a few people who surf, or boogie board, or body surf, so living here is great for them. Unfortunately, I am not like that. I don't love the beach. There it is, I think that I am someone who likes going on vacation to the beach, but living near the beach just isn't all it was cracked up to be.  So, yeah, I am going to stay here for another semester and then consider going to UVU to study Biology. And yes, this isn't something that I just thought of now, this has been weeks in the making. 

I am well aware that people think that I need to be here, and at the time I know that it was meant for me to go here, but I am having too many issues and I just simply don't think that it is worth living here. So there it is, all my fears, thoughts and problems. Let me know if anyone has anything to say... I love hearing what people think.

Thanks for reading

Jasmine

Busy Busy Jasmine

Well this last week and a few days has been quite busy. Which is so not like me at all since I got here.

YAY! Monday was great. Classes went fine, it didn't really feel like a Monday and Litia got me Pepsi. Oh boy that made me happy :). Tuesday I gave a biological thought in Biology. I did the video "The Impossible Shot From Above" about great whites. I think I did pretty well, and it wasn't something that everyone knows about. I also got a package from the Family! It was a complete surprise, and it made me very happy because I LOVE Halloween (and fall for that matter). I also got little sharkie gummy candies and I eated them because they are yummy and I like sharks . . . well, love them actually. They were so kind and gave me a little ghost with lights, and boy is it so cute just sitting on my desk next to my bed. Its so cute, thanks guys! On Wednesday I took care of my financial aid things so I can hopefully register for my classes this coming Friday.

Thursday was just fine. Some good things (I think) happened. I also went to a presentation called "Emma Smith: An Elect Lady", it was inspiring and I realized even more how strong she really was. Friday was not my most fabulous day. I had put off a bunch of homework, so I had to finish it really quick because it was our ward's Halloween dance thingy, and I wanted to dress up. So I did, as a zombie... huge shocker... and got there half hour early because I thought it started at 8, and it started at 9. Oh well, I was also like the only person who went all out on costumes, so I felt a little out of place at frist, but then I got over it and had a good time - trying not to notice everyone looking at me.

Saturday. Beach day! So, I went to the beach at like 11 with my friend Teresa, her friend Rachel, and another girl who's name I can't remember... She had a car, so we went to Waimea Bay. It was such a pretty day when we went! The water was coldish, but once we got in, in was great. I got sunburned... even though I put on sunscreen. Oh well, I had a great time. After that, I got so freaking tired. I figured out later that it was partially because of the sunburn, but only on my left shoulder and some of my back. That evening myself and 2 of my roomies - Maria and Bedi -  went on a haunted hayride that was like a 10 minute bike ride away. It was $20 and not really worth it. I mean, it was freaky when the people came out of nowhere acting like zombies, and almost touching you, but once they went away our brains kicked in and we were like, "this is kind of dumb, lets act really scared". Funny enough, there was a girl in the trailer ahead of us who FREAKED OUT every time. It was very entertaining to watch her reactions to the smallest things. We got back at like 10:30 and went to Food Land. We, well, I bought ice cream and we rented The Hobbit with a code I had from Redbox. Bedi and I set up shop on the floor of our room and watched it. It got over at like 2 AM and I was passed out long before that. It was a nice roomie night, other than Litia :(. 

Sunday was, well, Sunday. I watched The Hobbit, to get my money's worth (Food Land is closed on Sunday). I really do like that movie, and all the Lord of the Rings' for that matter. It was quite a relaxing day, and that night I went to a multi-stake fireside and I really liked it. I ended up going by myself, but I really don't mind it at all. 

So, yeah, it was a much better week than the precious one and I am so grateful for those that helped pull me out of my unhappy place, and now I am being even more proactive about getting out. If any of you are reading this, Maria, Bedi, Teresa, and others - thank you so much. I really needed it, and there really aren't words to describe how grateful I am that you paid attention when I was too afraid to do anything.

A NEW WEEK! Yesterday was pretty laid back. I slept in a bit... even though I went to bed early. After classes I went to Food Land with Litia and Anastasia, and we went to Angel's after. I was craving some shave ice and that place is just so YUMMY! And for those who know, I did not tip it over this time :D go me! My tongue was nice and blue for English, nobody said anything, so maybe nobody noticed. Litia went to get her friend Danielle from the airport and I really like her :) she is SO nice! I went to dinner with Maria and Bedi, and it was a typical caf dinner. I wanted ice cream, and it was so yummy. I got triple fudge brownie - heavenly. I treated Maria and Bedi to some as well because I had flex dollars that don't roll over so I've got to use all of them before the end of the semester. I was so happy to go to bed because I was exhausted.

Today was pretty okay. Classes went fine, and I am pretty sure I did alright on my math quiz. I am hoping that I understand bio better eventually. I did quite a bit of homework today, even cancelled going to the beach to be a good girl. I went to dinner with Litia and Danielle and it was so entertaining. I love Polynesian people, in the most unracist way possible, and oh so positive. They are so nice, and having Litia as a roommate is a great blessing because I am meeting a lot of people because of her. And I really like her as well ;). 

Wellm hope I haven't bored you all to death, but that was my week or so. Enjoy.

~Jasmine.

Sorry.

This is going to sound horrible, considering that I really do like living here, it is so beautiful and I love the beach but I can't handle the social aspect of it all.

I have been trying so hard to make friends but it simply isn't getting anywhere. The people I consider my "friends" I don't see hardly at all. I see everyone else out all day and being with people and I want to do that. Every time I try to do something, nobody answers. I spend all my evenings by myself trying to figure out ways to entertain myself that doesn't involve sitting on my bed watching Netflix or YouTube. 

There is a girl I met, and she is nice and all. but I really think that she doesn't like me at all because every time I try to arrange something, she says no. Flat out no. Then there are her friends, who frankly don't like me and they don't try to hide it at all.

There is another group that I like being with but they are the same way. If I try to do something they say no, or just don't answer texts. 

I don't know what I did . . .  or don't do, but I am going so far from my comfort zone that I physically couldn't even do it 3 months ago. As I write this, I am seriously crying. I have tears steaming down my face and onto my keyboard.

This has all been building up for a couple weeks and I just couldn't hold it in anymore. I really don't know if being here is even right anymore. I am one of those people that loves being around people and having friends, and not having that has made me resort to TV again. I haven't been this bad with watching TV since like 8th grade when all I did was read books. This is so hard and even though I am trying with all that I have in me, all I am getting is rejection and it hurts. So much more than I thought possible.

Well, If nobody reads this I understand, I shouldn't be so whiney, but oh well. There it is, the truth.

Its almost Midterm!

Well hello everyone! I am stinky at updating this, I know :/

These last 2 weeks haven't been very eventful, aside from a few choice things. I didn't really watch all of conference, I slept through the morning sessions and watched the afternoon ones, so that's good. 

Well the last 2 weeks have been full of homework. A lot of it. SO on Monday, the 7th, I really needed to go to Food Land and I didn't want to go by myself so I asked my lovely friend Teresa to come with me. We went and it was a grand girl time. She is super nice - and not from Utah! she's from California :0. When we went I bought, and this is going to sound so random... Cereal (Crunch berries) Ritz crackers, and a multi-vitamin. I haven't been eating rounded meals at all, so hopefully I don't die of a lack of nutrients now (by golly they are expensive!). So on Tuesday I really wasn't feeling well, and honestly, I almost threw up . . . ew I know, so I hadn't eaten all day and I was shaking like a leaf because I was so afraid of throwing up because then I would have to miss class. I made a decision that day as well that I really need to study more for biology and it was reinforced on Thursday when I took my 2nd test. The rest of Tuesday was spent doing nothing because my brain literally would just stop its train of thought in the middle of me doing something, it was not a good day by any means.

Wednesday was spent PREPPING FOR WHITE GLOVE CHECKS. Mostly doing my laundry and deep cleaning my room, vacuuming the carpets etc. It was kind of horrible. Luckily, I got to talk to one of my friends, so that made my relatively happy for the moment (if the same thing happened today, it would not have had the same effect at all). My homework took forever that day and I so did not want to deal with life. So this day I really missed Brendan more than I usually do. I'm not sure why, but I really needed a hug from him. I haven't had a hug in like a month... and I really like hugs :(.  Thursday was pretty okay. We had out white glove and we all passed, thank heavens. I posted on Facebook that I was having issues with Biology, and Uncle Michael gave me some tips and they helped! Thanks a ton Michael!!!

Friday, now that was not very good.  I slept in because a canoe came to Laie Bay, so my Hawaiian Studies class was cancelled, so I didn't have class until 3:40. I did homework for HWST and got a lot done on a pretty big project. that night I went and had one of my bi-weekly single movie nights. It was the Corpse Bride, and I realized even more that I do not like Tim Burton Movies, they are just too creepy for me. Saturday was a day that I did a ton. Oh my heavens. I got up really early - like 7:50 and went to a Relief Society activity. It was a get to know you one and we - sorry if this offends anyone - played a bunch of games that really made me feel SO awkward. I am trying to go outside my box a little, but it was really weird for me. That went for a bit and I tried to find someone to go to the beach with - I literally texted everyone I know here who's number I have - but to no avail, so I decided to go on my own. This was a big step for me because I do not like going places by myself here, I'm afraid I will get lost and be all alone and nobody would car (literally, nobody would notice if I just disappeared). Any-who  I went to Temple Beach. Isn't it so pretty?!?



So when I went to the beach, I was outside for like an hour and got sunburned - and I did apply sunscreen multiple times. But oh my, Saturday isn't over yet. Alex Boye was performing that night and I went! My friend met me outside my hale (he lives in the next one over) and we went over together. We, well he made us, sat behind bars so we could put our feet up without being all awkward. I had a really good time, and Alex Boye is really funny. I am so glad I decided to go, and honestly, I was amazed that my friend didn't just go sit by someone else. So, that made me feel a lot better about myself. I didn't go to bed early because we went to another hale and talked to a bunch of people until quite late. (once again, I was surprised he let me go).

Sunday. Fast Sunday. Well, my meals weren't any different because the school doesn't serve breakfast, and I am too lazy to eat lunch before church (mine starts at 12:20). It was fine, I don't think there was anything amazing about it, other than all the powerful testimonies. Ward prayer was fun, now that I have been to one. This guy Justin, who is also in my Book of Mormon class came and we talked. He was really nice, and I thought we would get along, I really haven't talked to him since... that kinda makes me sad. Maybe I will try to get to know him better, you should know why if you know me.

Wow. That was only a week! That was a pretty busy week. Wow.

Monday! Well I didn't do a ton, other than go to FHE (we were supposed to play Ultimate Frisbee, but we didn't) and talk to a few girls in my ward and hale. There is this girl Cynthia, as I later learned, who was playing my favorite Lindsey Stirling song: Crystallize. It was amazing, and I told her so. On Monday night it was rainy and I was FREEZING and felt like I hadn't slept a wink. Turns out like the whole campus was the same way, go figure, we all kind of looked like zombies walking around. Tuesday was the day that I really started worrying about my grades, getting a job and paying for school. I am seriously so stressed it isn't even funny at all.

Wednesday was Daddy's birthday! Don't worry, I have it now, and I am going to send it out hopefully Monday :/. I love you dad, and I can't wait to see you again! On this day I took my math test... 66%. I am ashamed. I cried, like tears were streaming down my face when I got back to my room. Thursday! Well I got a lot done in like an hour right before Bio. I did homework, which I have like never done. We are starting the Genetics Unit, which I LOVE! They are so interesting, and I like to think I understand it better than cell stuff. I took my bio test... 56%. These seriously are the WORST test scores I have gotten in my life. I don't even know what is my problem, it is worrying me beyond belief.

Finally, Friday. On this lovely day, my HWST teacher decided to let us forgo class and enjoy the 'aina. ( it is the land, or that which feeds). Instead of going outside, I got my housekeeping things and paper filled out. I figured that if I did it then, I could do more for me Saturday. The movie I watched, and I have dubbed Friday nights 'Date Night with Myself' because I don't have friends :(. I watched The Clash of the Titans, which I have been wanting to see for a while, and I quite liked it. Today! Well, yesterday technically, but close enough. I slept in and didn't even set an alarm. I got up before 9. I went to the beach with one of the girls I know, McKenna, and her "flatmates" as she calls them :). Anyways, I don't think they liked me... or the fact that I crashed their party... Well I did get a little burned, but that's okay! It wore me out. I came home, showered, ate and then slept. It was great. I ate dinner later and then watched the Addams Family. I didn't like it, and it was a waste of 2 hours, quite frankly.

Well, there you go. My boring adventures. I am probably going to post something tomorrow, or today rather... but nobody has to read it, I just really need to vent all my frustrations away, and sorry, but I will be vague. If you feel you need more details, just message me or something because I have NO cell service in my room, and that is where I spend most of my time.

Have a happy day all you people!
Loves, Jaz

Its already October!

I cannot believe that it is already October! It came so fast! So, since its October, I have officially lived her in beautiful Laie, Hawaii for over a month. Wow - time flies quick.

I know it has been a while, but I have been really busy. My classes are going well, I always have a bunch of homework to do and it really stresses me out.  Lets see... these last few weekends, I have gone to the beach every Friday and/or Saturday. We always go at night because that is what works for me and my friend. I really love the ocean now, and have a really good time actually getting in the water. (I know! surprise of all surprises! Especially at night!)

One Friday night me and my friend Anna went to the beach at like 8 and watched the moon rise. I swear, that was one of the coolest things I have ever seen! It was so beautiful and big and majestic. I really was amazed. So, Saturday my friend asked me if I wanted to go hiking with him and some friends, and it was the falls behind the PCC so of course I said yes! It was a day out of my dorm and I met a bunch of new people. I was a good hiker and got to swim once we got there. So, yeah, I really like hiking here. Church is great also, my bishop is pretty cool. And I can finally pronounce his name :0. I got called as the Relief Society Chorister - the only thing I can really do! haha.

The week of the 22-28 was pretty hectic. I took a math test and did horribly. I studies hard, and thought I knew what I was doing - I didn't have any idea. I also updated my phone, that week. I really didn't like it at first, but I am more used to it now. On that Thursday, one of my roommates, Bedi, asked if I wanted to go to an opening social and then Latin Dancing. We went and it was really fun. I danced with a couple guys and they were pretty good! :) It was a blast! And yet another night not just spend in my room, and getting to know my roommates better. The 27th my friends were all busy so I texted another friend to see if he could assist me in getting out of my room on a Friday night. Thankfully he did, and we ended up going to the beach - Hukilau -  with a bunch of people he knew. We piled about 8 people into a 5 passenger car, and I was sitting on someone's lap I had met like twice before... quite an adventure. anyways, I had a blast talking to people and getting into the ocean. I was wearing my one piece swimsuit, so all the sand a seaweed that got in there was just stuck. So, I was itchy. We stayed there for a while, but left at about 1 AM because the guys we were with were going to hike Stairway to Heaven at 2 AM. Right at the end of being there, something had stung my leg and foot, so I was in some pain and my leg mostly around my knee was red and swollen. Luckily it went away quick, so it wasn't anything to worry about. The day after (Saturday) was spent cleaning. I cleaned my room and did my laundry and watched Netflix. It was a productive day. 

Okay, this next week was pretty full, and really busy. I took a bio test on Monday and bombed it. It was so horrible, I really need to step up my game in that class. On Thursday night, I watched a movie, Finding Nemo (or well, part of it) with some friends until we had to go back to our hales. It was fun, and a nice thing to do because I had been shut in my room all week. On Friday mt friends were busy again so I went solo to the free movie on campus, Beautiful Creatures, and I really enjoyed it. Yesterday I had cinnamon rolls from a friend during the second session of conference and then went to the beach - during the day - with another friend and her friends. It was a blast! I really do like the beach! Later that night I went to another free movie on campus with my friend McKenna. We should not be allowed in movie theaters, we are so loud! We saw Battleship and I really liked it. I loved how there were so many references to the game, we sure giggled about that.

Well, sorry it took so long, but my life has its ups and downs. I'm just trying to live until I get to go home and see all the people in Utah! Its only like 2 months away now.

~Jaz

This is new

Well hey everyone. Sorry, it has been a really busy week. I started classes and for most of the week if I wasn't in class I was either eating or in my dorm (doing mostly homework).

So, yeah, my classes are going pretty well, I like them well enough even though I have a lot of homework. The one day that I got my homework done pretty early, I spent the rest of my evening helping people with their homework. I really enjoy helping people...

So, yesterday was a blast. I did not spend very much of my day in my dorm, which was an achievement. I went on a Segway tour with my Uncle Erick and Aunt Kathi. It was a blast and the views were amazing. After that we went to lunch at Seven Brothers - I REALLY like their burgers, they are just so yummy. I also bought a one piece swimsuit that is pretty cute if I do say so myself, for a reasonable price.

I came back to campus, and went with my friend Anna to get ice cream. It was fun. We wanted to go to the beach, but it was dark and we were both really tired. We did eat dinner when we got back and  - surprise of all surprises - my other friend came and sat by us. He's cool.

Then even later, my roommate Maria asked if I wanted to go to the beach, and I said yes. It was a blast, so yeah, I have now done something somewhat rebellious. So, yeah, I really like it here.

The Last day with my Parents - and the first day of school

Hello Everyone! It has been a busy couple of days here in the beautiful Laie, Hawaii!

Sunday was the final day that my parents were here on the island with me. They decided they were going to go hiking with a friend and since it was the last day that I would see them in a very long time, I decided to forego church and go hiking with them. We learned multiple things on this day. 1 - hike in flip flops. it is wet where you 'hike'. 2 - wear a swimsuit because it is highly likely that wherever you are going is going to make you want to get wet. 3 - wear bug spray. or your legs will get eaten alive by mosquitoes. 4 - wear sunscreen, its a longer hike than you thought it would be.  Overall though, it was a lot of fun. The waterfall was pretty and I really wish I would have had my swimsuit. Once we were done,  Adam took us to North Shore Tacos. It was pretty good, I got sweet pork tacos. For someone that doesn't like stuff like that, I thought it was delicious. We went to Adam's house after so mom and dad could get into their church clothes for the devotional. 

The devotional was good... me and dad took a nap, but I heard the end. We went to the Laie temple visitors center and it was pretty. I got a blessing and it was very comforting. They came to dinner with me in the Cafeteria, and then they said goodbye. I got a little teary eyed, but I felt okay. I slept good, and watched a lot of Netflix before bed to relax me.

This morning I got up at like 7:15. I practically just killed time until 11. I went to my classes and they went just fine. I think that I am going to do okay. I got wifi on my laptop, so now I can use it during class. I met this guy and we talked at dinner. It was new to me.

So yeah, today was good.

Thanks for reading :)

~Jasmine

Last Day of Orientation

Well here it was folks, the last day of orientation. We had a breakfast at 8:30 and then we got together for a welcome and an intro program thingy. Once that was done, we had a program called Academic Realities, and it pretty much gave us a lot of information about what we have to do to get done with school in a good time frame. Once that was done I went and check my financial standing and got a job application for the PCC. We ate lunch and I came back to my room to eat.

At 12:30 ish I had a one stop student services where we learned about a lot of different things on campus. I got done with it pretty quick and was getting ready to go snorkeling with my parents. We bought snorkel gear - super cheap, and I get to keep a set. The place we went was super murky, so we didn't see a single thing in the water. It was quite fun though. 

We got done at the beach, and we came back to the house. Me and dad went swimming in the pool and it was really fun, much to my surprise. I think I am starting to actually like swimming, strange enough. We went to dinner at Seven Brothers (really good burgers!) with my dads friend from college and it was a fine time. We went back to the house and watched some TV then we all started to get really tired, so here I am. Back in my dorm.

My parents are leaving on Sunday night and I'm really not sure if I am really ready for them to leave yet. I am going to miss them so much, and I am really really starting to miss everyone at home.

Wish me the best of luck - school starts on Monday :)

~Jasmine

This is getting real!

So today was one heck of a full day! I got up really early and have gotten a lot of stuff done. When I got up (at 7 ish) I got dressed then went to breakfast. At 8:30 we were supposed to have a campus tour, but they all got pushed back, so we didn't go until after 9. It wasn't the most informative tour ever, but I learned a little and got a planner.

 Once we got done with that, we were going to go to the temple, but it just didn't work out. So my parents left campus and I went to make myself presentable. I went and got my mailbox (if anyone wants my address, just message me on Facebook or something and I'll let you know what it is) and then went and got my picture taken for my student ID that I get tomorrow. I met some people I met for lunch at noon then went to a New Student Orientation activity. Once that was done, we went to the PCC and got to experience it. It was super amazingly awesome and if anyone ever comes to Hawaii, totally go there (even though it is expensive, it is well worth it). 

My group was lucky because the NSO guy that was in charge of us works at the PCC as a tour guide, so we got the real thing. We learned about all the different islands and saw a bunch of shows from Tahiti, Samoa, Tonga and New Zealand. We got pretend tattoos with paint and they are really fun. The canoe ride was a bunch of fun, our guy pushing the boat was from Fiji and he had a wonderful sense of humor. 

My parents decided to go to the PCC today too, and in the evening they were going to go to the luau and show. Our tour got over at 5, and I wanted to go with them, so I did. The Luau was fun and I ate WAAAAYYY too much food. The show after," Ha: The Breath of Life" was so amazing. Back a while ago we saw a fire dancer at a Jet Blue party and we thought it was cool. Oh my heavens, they had like 20 fire dancers here - so  much more awesome!

So, yeah, today was fantastic. And seriously, anyone is totally welcome to come say hi if you're ever in Hawaii!

Love you all lots, and loving it here!

~Jasmine

Sharks! and Weirdness

Hello there!

Sorry I'm a night late, but I just didn't have internet last night to update this :)

Yesterday we went SHARK DIVING! We got up at the crack of dawn because we're on Utah time kind of and we ate breakfast. We had Froot Loops. We finally got ready and went up toward the North Shore to go see some sharks. We got there really early and went to a beach near the harbor. I got in the water a little bit and it was super duper warm and nice. Finally it was time to check in, and we headed over to the boat. The first thing we had to do was sign a waiver and pay for it. We did it and then sat down on the boat.  

The other people that were in our group were interesting. There were 3 couples (at least one were on their honeymoon) and 2 girls that the captain let go for free (we think that he was trying to impress them or something). Next we set out!

Our ride out was 15 minutes - 4 miles. It was fairly smooth and an easy ride. I really enjoyed it. Then we got to the cage. Just out in the middle of nowhere.The Captain said that it was 700 feet deep at the place we were at. Freaky! Well, they told us that there would be 2 groups with 20 minutes in the water each, so the sooner we got in, the better. Well, Dad hopped right in. I was a little nervous, but when I saw hi getting in I decided to go with him. 

I was not even prepared for how in awe I was. The second I got in, all of my nerves went away immediately. The I felt perfectly safe in the cage with 5 sharks and a barracuda around me. (well, the barracuda was scary, but the sharks were so awesome.) The sharks that were there are sandbar sharks and they weren't too large, but so amazingly graceful. It was also the shortest 20 minutes of my life! The captain told us that er had 5 minutes left and I didn't want to get out of the water.

We did get out, and the next group got in. Mom was part of it and she had some problems with her snorkel. She put it in the wrong way... We got a giggle out of that experience. She also had a good time, and was totally glad she went. 

So shark diving is totally something that I think everyone should do at least once in their lives. Seriously, consider it. 

After shark diving we came back to Laie to shower and then get lunch. We went to a place called L&L Drive In (or something like that). It was okay, nothing special except for the fact that it was Hawaiian Food, not American food. We were fed and much happier when we went to Pearl Harbor. We all got lost a little on the way, but made it eventually. The only thing we did was go to the USS Arizona Memorial. It was humbling, and really great. 

Once we got finished, we went shopping at Target for all the various things that I need for my dorm. It took a while and I also got a bike. Thanks Grandpa!

I got to my dorm and Mom helped me set up shop. It went okay, I have a lot of stuff... Well. eventually they went back to the house and I was left all alone. My roommates didn't show up. I just kept myself occupied and eventually went to bed.

One of the other girls came in at 2 AM. 

I slept pretty well, and I am still nervous for my parents to leave, but I have a feeling of peace. Also, reading the Book of Mormon really helps me. You should read it.

Enjoy your days :)

~Jasmine

Travel. Leg 2 to Hawaii

Hello everyone that cares enough to humor me! Today has been just about the longest day of my life. I got up really early (California time) and we ate breakfast at out hotel. Right after that we went to the airport to catch our flight to Hawaii! 

When we got to the airport, we got stopped for "random vehicle checking" all because Mom tried to take a picture of the LAX sign. It was pointless. When Grandpa R dropped us off, we were off. It was quite easy to get our bags checked and get through security. We had a little time to spare and I called Brendan and we talked for a short while.

We got on the flight and it was a large plane (much larger than I had ever been on). On the row I was on, the two people between me and the other seat got there really late because they were at the bar and didn't know that it was time to board until their names were called over the intercom. So they were fine, just a little late.

The flight went to take off and I wasn't nervous or anything, jut worried about what the heck I was going to do on a plane for almost 6 hours, not by a window. I read my book and they came along with drinks. I like Jet Blue better because they give you the whole can with your drink, not just a tiny little plastic cup with ice taking up most of it. It was fine though. The greatest thing with karma happened. The guy on the other end of my row got whiskey and ale. So, he had his cup all filled with alcohol - and the bottom of the cup cracked and spilled all over his seat and the lady next to his seat. I feel sorry for the lady, but it was kinda funny seeing the look on his face when it spilled. The flight attendant went and got new pads for the seats, and all was solved. Oh, also, the guy right next to me had quite a bit to drink and I could tell he had a little much. Not really bad, but he was really chatty.

We got a complimentary lunch on the plane and it consisted of yucky pasta, decent salad and a macadamia nut cookie with a little bucket of water. It wasn't the worst thing I had ever eaten - it just had practically no flavor. I was just hungry though, so I was good with whatever. One thing that surprised me was that with lunch came a free glass of wine (the lady behind my mom was so happy about that). People got so excited for it, and they were checking ID of the younger passengers. I settled for apple juice and it was just swell. By the way, I swear I was the last person (passenger) on the whole plane to get my lunch. It took forever! It was kind of okay though because I was running out of stuff to do.

Once lunch was over I decided to take a nap (like most of the rest of the plane). I probably slept for about half hour or so, which was fine because I was exhausted. When it was about an hour and 20 minutes till we got to Honolulu, I moved over tot he window seat so that I could watch us land. It was really fascinating, but it still hadn't sunk in that I was going to Hawaii. I got a little teary eyed that I wouldn't go back to Utah for quite a while. Especially missing Brendan,,,

We landed just great and our baggage claim was like on the other side of the island it seemed, it took quite a long time to get there.  All of my bags survived, and we went to get our rental car. They have shuttles here that take you to the car rental, and our darn shuttle just wouldn't stop unless we made ourselves a darn spectacle! Well we made it and got ourselves a car. We then started to make our way to the house and it took a while and was super pretty.The house is small and quaint, but Hawaii esque. Once we got here, we waited around for my Grandma and Jeff to get to the house. Once they were here My parents took me to check in to my dorm at BYU Hawaii. 

I am so glad that my parents didn't just put me on a plane and say "see ya". We got it figured out where my room is and stuff, and they left me to my own devices to get a little settled in. I started to put my things away, but then they came and I went with them to dinner. We went to a place called Seven Brothers and the hamburger I got was messy and delicious! We went to a SHAVE ice place and it was good - until I spilled it all over the table :/. 

I decided to stay at the house with my parents tonight because I don't have a pillow, fan or lamp to sleep with. Tomorrow night I get to stay there though, and then for a long while...

Well, that was my day. Tomorrow morning we are going diving with sharks and shopping for my stuff to live with.

Wish me luck because I an getting homesick already... When walked into my dorm and my parents said bye, I nearly passed out. I told them this was too much at one time. It really is. 

Leg 1 of the Journey to Hawaii

Today marked the first leg of my adventure. Today we flew out of Utah to California, where we hung out for the day before we go to Hawaii tomorrow. It has been a really exhausting day and I am ready to be done with it (its almost time to be done).

This morning started really early, for good reason. I was waiting fro Brendan to come over before he had to go to church, and I had to be packed because we were supposed to leave our house at 9:15. Let me tell you, being with Brendan for that short time made my day. I got to be around him and have his arms around me - I was perfectly content. We said goodbye again and the second I left his side, I broke down and cried for a good 10 minutes.

We flew out at like 11:30 ish and got here about 12:30 local time. My grandpa picked us up from the airport and we went to explore Los Angeles. We went to a place called Norms for lunch and it was pretty cheap and a ton of food. We went around some of Hollywood and then to a place, I don't remember the name, but you ordered cookies and they made cookie and ice cream sandwiches. It was really delicious :). 

We went to the Griffith Observatory and it was quite interesting. It had a pendulum and was all about the planets and stuff like that. People were parking like a mile away, and the walk there was all uphill just to look at the LA Basin. We got a good spot and the view was pretty cool, but not worth walking that far.

We were going to go to the beach after, but it was too late, so we came back to the hotel. Its kind of in a creepy part of town, but its a bed, so its okay. 

Well, tomorrow we fly to Hawaii. I am really nervous, and it is going to set in for reals that I am going to live 3000 miles away from everyone I know. It makes me sad, but I really want to go to school there and I know that that is what is right for me at this time. It may change, but for now, I know that is where I am supposed to be.

Wish me luck. I love you all and already miss you!

~Jasmine

One Day and Counting - God be with you till we meet again

Today was my final day in Utah. The last day until this new chapter in my life begins.

I had to finish all of my packing. There was still a TON to do, and I was completely stressed out. There were still things that I needed to get, and I was just ready to explode.

So I started to pack and get ready into the afternoon, and finally, when all that was practically left was washing my clothes and packing them, Brendan came over. I was supposed to be packing while he was here, but you know us, we mess around and don't get anything done. This was essentially no exception. It was so fun though, and totally worth it as the last day to spend with my boyfriend of 9 months (pretty good, huh?). 

So we spent a LONG time together, like 7 hours. Just the way I like it. Messing around and just being, well, a couple, and us. As everyone who knows us together has seen... We ate food and talked and practically made fools of each other, all with the watching eyes of Hailey. 

Practically the best 7 hours of my life.

So finally, as 11 o'clock rolled around, it was time to say goodbye for now. I was saying goodbye to my best friend and the boy that stole my heart and changed my life. It was so hard, knowing that the only time I would see him is through the screen on my phone or computer. The only ways to talk to him are through technology. And only heaven knows when the next time I will be able to hug him again (after the morning I leave - cause he is going to come say bye, isn't that so sweet?) So, yeah I cried. A lot. And the thing that made my cry was looking up and seeing tears streaming down his face as well. Real tears, from the man that has never cried over anything. That's powerful.

Words can't even express how truly grateful I am for this guy. His acceptance of me, and his love for me, are something that never made any sense, but it felt right. And because we were both willing to give all we had, our relationship was comfortable and great. I experienced the hardest thing I have had to face, and eventually, we will be together again, and I can smile. ( it sounds like he died or something - believe me, he is very much alive.)

I have been really mushy, I'm sorry... actually, I'm not sorry. I love Brendan and I don't care who knows it. My mom likes him, so that's pretty much all that matters.

Well, wish me luck. I love you all. and God be with YOU till we meet again!

~Jasmine

This is the Beginning

Hello Everyone! 

This blog is for all of you friends and family to keep up with me as I am making the most dramatic decision I have made in  my life. Going to Hawaii (almost 3000 miles away) for school.

As many of you know, this was not an easy decision, and it still pops into my mind if I have made the right choice to make this move. I have been packing, and it is so stressful trying to decide what to bring, and hoping I don't forget anything that is absolutely necessary. I am really excited to make this move, but it is freighting as well. 

Here it comes, The Reason for my questioning. You see, 10+ months ago I met a guy. We went to a dance and we were pretty good friends. Eventually, I started to like this guy ( as I have done many times in the past ), and it was so different from those other guys I had known. Months passed, and my feelings for him were stronger. We started dating, with a lot of things going against us. And now, I am happier with him than anyone else other than my family and my best friend. He really is my best friend and I love him with all my heart. Leaving him is the hardest thing that I have ever done, and I really really don't want to have to say goodbye. 

As I am packing, I cry a little... okay, well a lot. I am really nervous, and here I sit at 1 in the morning, it hasn't really really hit me yet that I'm moving in less than 36 hours. Wish me luck, I am going to need it.

~Jasmine