Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Just do it.
Today I was feeling pretty good. I walked into my office and got a warm hello from the security guards as always and had the thought to do something for them. During my lunch hour I ran down to the convenience store 5 seconds from my building and bought them all oreos and milk. I ended up forgetting my wallet and had to go all the way back up, but that's not the point. Anywho- it was literally the equivalent of about $2 for all of the goods. It was slightly awkward giving it to them- we've never spoken. There is obviously a pretty large language barrier but the seemed shocked when I just randomly handed them cookies and milk cartons. I just wanted to show that the workers here actually do notice them. One guard said "Thank you very much for your kindness" and I walked to my little cubicle. I'll admit I was pushing myself a bit out of my comfort zone to do this but in the end, my advice is to just do it- just get out there and recognize the people you see everyday but end up just passing by. Anyways- that's my little 2 bits for the day.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Some confessions and a MAJOR!
This post is dedicated to my obsession for the past 3 days and an interest I've had since around the age of 11 or 12. I was a rather chubby kid.... like really. It was a dark time.... thus now it is secretive, locked in terrible photo albums of the past. Not really, but I'm not uber quick to pull out pictures of my chub rolls when friends come over. Nevertheless, being chubby isn't the best feeling for the self-confidence radar when you're 13. I remember countless summers where I would say 'I'm going to lose the weight, and come back to school and shock everyone'.... obviously it didn't happen for a while. Finally when I was 14 though, my freshman year in Miami, I sat in my counselor's office to sign some form and noticed a pamphlet on her desk for the 'Teen's get Fit for Life' program at our local community center. I wasn't too incredibly chubby at that time but still the self-confidence thing is a big motivator for a teen. I joined and let me tell you, it's the best thing that has ever happened to me.
It's because of that program that I lost 15 pounds and then have continued to stay active in highschool through cross country, swimming, and triathlons. I'm not exactly a stick-thin chica but let me tell you something... I can probably kick your butt in push-ups, p90x, or the mile. I'm really strong for a 17 year old and I'm healthy: I work out a lot and I eat pretty well for a teenager too. Don't get me wrong- I still struggle at times in the body I was given. Legs of steel, although strong, are not the most slender looking in the world of the media at the moment. But just because I have the running calves of a buffalo and the broad shoulders of our dearly beloved Michael Phelps doesn't mean that I have to feel any less attractive so I try not to let it bother me too much. If nothing else, I'll probably live longer than the skinny minnies who never exercise but eat crap... that'll be my revenge.
What is all of this talk of nutrition, exercise, and a lifelong goal for fitness about? Well I decided on my major at BYU- Exercise and Wellness. Basically, from there I can become a nutritionist, personal trainer, sports trainer etc. I'm excited!!
It's because of that program that I lost 15 pounds and then have continued to stay active in highschool through cross country, swimming, and triathlons. I'm not exactly a stick-thin chica but let me tell you something... I can probably kick your butt in push-ups, p90x, or the mile. I'm really strong for a 17 year old and I'm healthy: I work out a lot and I eat pretty well for a teenager too. Don't get me wrong- I still struggle at times in the body I was given. Legs of steel, although strong, are not the most slender looking in the world of the media at the moment. But just because I have the running calves of a buffalo and the broad shoulders of our dearly beloved Michael Phelps doesn't mean that I have to feel any less attractive so I try not to let it bother me too much. If nothing else, I'll probably live longer than the skinny minnies who never exercise but eat crap... that'll be my revenge.
What is all of this talk of nutrition, exercise, and a lifelong goal for fitness about? Well I decided on my major at BYU- Exercise and Wellness. Basically, from there I can become a nutritionist, personal trainer, sports trainer etc. I'm excited!!
Working and Independence- Refreshing
I've had a few thoughts on my mind this week so I thought I might just get them out through writing:
Some of you may know that I'm working this summer as an intern with USAID in Bangkok for the Embassy. I've spent the last week doing quite a few things on my own: finding my way around downtown, taking the various transportation systems places I've never been, cooking and buying my own lunches and foods, and basically just being highly independent. At work I've been compiling news sources, attending conference calls, and delivering mail. I also started another blog- fitness as my witness- which is a nutrition and exercise blog. I've been making my own fitness plans and workouts to lose a few pounds before college as well. For the first time in a while I feel like I am doing things that actually matter- The things I'm doing at work actually make a difference in the big scheme of things
I don't quite know how to explain it. I tried expressing it to Katie today as we were successfully navigating the BTS system here in Bangkok during one of the busiest times of the day. She seemed to understand it fair enough- there is just something invigorating about being able to do things on your own. It's refreshing knowing that you can survive independently if you had to.
Although I love my friends and family I admit that I don't often like relying on them for everything all the time. It's also tough for me right now when all my friends are leaving Thailand because I don't like getting sad about them leaving. I don't like how having them leave makes me miss them- as stupid and ridiculous as that sounds, I don't like 'missing' people because I can't control it. I can't do anything about them being gone and yet I find myself getting emotional about it. I don't like feeling vulnerable about it.
That being said, I'm growing up. I guess that's what this post is about. I'm learning more and more about what I like, what I'm capable of, and what I can handle. I'm doing more and more things completely on my own and I find it to be empowering.
Some of you may know that I'm working this summer as an intern with USAID in Bangkok for the Embassy. I've spent the last week doing quite a few things on my own: finding my way around downtown, taking the various transportation systems places I've never been, cooking and buying my own lunches and foods, and basically just being highly independent. At work I've been compiling news sources, attending conference calls, and delivering mail. I also started another blog- fitness as my witness- which is a nutrition and exercise blog. I've been making my own fitness plans and workouts to lose a few pounds before college as well. For the first time in a while I feel like I am doing things that actually matter- The things I'm doing at work actually make a difference in the big scheme of things
I don't quite know how to explain it. I tried expressing it to Katie today as we were successfully navigating the BTS system here in Bangkok during one of the busiest times of the day. She seemed to understand it fair enough- there is just something invigorating about being able to do things on your own. It's refreshing knowing that you can survive independently if you had to.
Although I love my friends and family I admit that I don't often like relying on them for everything all the time. It's also tough for me right now when all my friends are leaving Thailand because I don't like getting sad about them leaving. I don't like how having them leave makes me miss them- as stupid and ridiculous as that sounds, I don't like 'missing' people because I can't control it. I can't do anything about them being gone and yet I find myself getting emotional about it. I don't like feeling vulnerable about it.
That being said, I'm growing up. I guess that's what this post is about. I'm learning more and more about what I like, what I'm capable of, and what I can handle. I'm doing more and more things completely on my own and I find it to be empowering.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
YAY GRADUATION!.... wait.... what?
Yes indeed, it has been exactly a week and a day since I have graduated from High School here in Thailand. To be perfectly honest with myself and any lone readers, my first week out plain and simply sucked. I said farewell to my two very best friends a week ago and all my other friends went on a Senior Trip to the beach here in Thailand. I did not attend because once again- to be blatantly honest, the fun consisted of alcoholic beverages and other things that are not quite my style. However this entire week I sat wishing for some sort of distraction or even just something to do. I watched more TV than should be humanly allowed, slept a heck-ton, and ate a bunch just cause I was bored.... The boredom food thing will be talked about in another post but anywho- onward to my thoughts on leaving the proverbial "nest".
I think I'm 99% ready to be living independently, but this week showed me that I'm not entirely 100% ready to leave Thailand. I'm a pretty good cook. I know how to clean. I'm perfectly aware of labels on clothing and how to do laundry (will I follow them.... hmm probably not so much!). Drawback include that I will sorely miss the ISB campus. The feeling of community and friendliness amongst both teachers and students, not to mention the insane list of activities that were offered here. But the hardest truth is I really and truly loved my friends here in Bangkok. Just thinking about the probability of never seeing any of them again makes me cringe. I've been so emotional thinking about it.
But hey, life goes on!! So my coping method this week was to storm the BYU website and find out about activities, gyms, classes, restaurants and all other things that it has to offer. The other thing I've been doing is tons of research on health foods and whatnot- but that's in the later post with the boredom food thing as mentioned before. Focusing on future BYU life has been a tremendous help this week. I've made lists of things to buy pre-college, things to do once I get there, and have been looking at meals I can make and places to buy food etc. For any seniors going through post High-school blues, I recommend the same thing. Maybe you don't have to go so OCD on the lists but just looking at prospective fun helps. So with that, I leave you with the three things I've learned this week.
1. Leaving friends (especially when there is a really big chance you'll never see them again) is just plain painful. Cry some, if you want... I certainly did. Allow yourself to be sad for a few days (or a week).
2. TV and taking naps doesn't really make the problems go away. If anything you just end up feeling like a fat-lard.... I do admit that the cheesy Bachelorette show on ABC assists with a good laugh though.
3. At the end of the day (or week) you just have to get over it! It's odd how even when I'm sad or feeling like so many good things are coming to an end, I know that I should allow myself to be unhappy. I forced myself out of the lame 'meh' feelings through the BYU stuff I did online.
Graduation can be invigorating, or painful, depending on the experience. Either way, though, college is just around the corner!! :D
Right before we threw our hats- I'm fifth from the center on the right top row.
HATS!
I think I'm 99% ready to be living independently, but this week showed me that I'm not entirely 100% ready to leave Thailand. I'm a pretty good cook. I know how to clean. I'm perfectly aware of labels on clothing and how to do laundry (will I follow them.... hmm probably not so much!). Drawback include that I will sorely miss the ISB campus. The feeling of community and friendliness amongst both teachers and students, not to mention the insane list of activities that were offered here. But the hardest truth is I really and truly loved my friends here in Bangkok. Just thinking about the probability of never seeing any of them again makes me cringe. I've been so emotional thinking about it.
But hey, life goes on!! So my coping method this week was to storm the BYU website and find out about activities, gyms, classes, restaurants and all other things that it has to offer. The other thing I've been doing is tons of research on health foods and whatnot- but that's in the later post with the boredom food thing as mentioned before. Focusing on future BYU life has been a tremendous help this week. I've made lists of things to buy pre-college, things to do once I get there, and have been looking at meals I can make and places to buy food etc. For any seniors going through post High-school blues, I recommend the same thing. Maybe you don't have to go so OCD on the lists but just looking at prospective fun helps. So with that, I leave you with the three things I've learned this week.
1. Leaving friends (especially when there is a really big chance you'll never see them again) is just plain painful. Cry some, if you want... I certainly did. Allow yourself to be sad for a few days (or a week).
2. TV and taking naps doesn't really make the problems go away. If anything you just end up feeling like a fat-lard.... I do admit that the cheesy Bachelorette show on ABC assists with a good laugh though.
3. At the end of the day (or week) you just have to get over it! It's odd how even when I'm sad or feeling like so many good things are coming to an end, I know that I should allow myself to be unhappy. I forced myself out of the lame 'meh' feelings through the BYU stuff I did online.
Graduation can be invigorating, or painful, depending on the experience. Either way, though, college is just around the corner!! :D
Got to sing with the choir at grad- "In My Life". I had a solo at the end as well... nerves.. heckyes
HATS!
Mr. Duffy- will always love this Jolly English teacher
Mr. Giles- The choir teacher of all choir teachers... 2 great years singing- hopefully more to come
Monday, May 7, 2012
Colgate Tri- 2012 Sometimes you just gotta run with it....literally.
Some of you may know that I've been training for my school sponsored Colgate Triathlon for a couple months now. I've spent hours and hours swimming, biking, and running. My goal was to smash my time from the previous year and I was certainly on par to do that.
A little background knowledge- Emmanuel is one of my buds here at school and he decided that he was going to sign up for it too. It was looking like I should come out on top for both the swimming and biking parts. Before race day, I had chugged the water, ate the carbs and was pretty set for smashing my times and possibly beating E-man.
Race Morning- Woke up at 6 the day of the race, ate my eggs bacon and peanut butter- I was prepared to kick butt. Off to the pool I went to get situated.
RACE TIME- The start went off and swimming I went. I finished the pool section full of adrenaline for the next parts. I had stayed on par with Becca (my sole competitor in the girls group) and finished about 30 seconds before E-man. Next came the biking. I sprinted out to the bikes and began pedaling faster. I passed by Melanie who was with Libby ready to cheer me on. E-man was only a couple feet behind me. I was gonna have to push it to beat him. I finished the second lap only 18 minutes into the race- I was looking GREAT. All of a sudden pedaling felt harder... E-man passed me. I was not gonna let that happen. I passed by my dad who was waiting to take pictures. He said "Come on! E-man just passed you!!" No less than 20 meters after that I looked down......my back tire had gone completely flat. I silently hoped it would somehow fill back up. I wasn't sure what I could do- find another bike? Go back to my dad? So for the time being, I just hopped off and started running. All I could do was laugh because I found it hilarious that I had put in so much work and yet reality was sinking in that I was certainly going to lose.
The song by "Stronger" by Kelly Clarkson came on my iPod and I chuckled as I shuffled around the lake to lyircs "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger!" Becca showed up behind me after a minute or two. She asked what she could do to help. She stayed with me for a couple seconds until I said to just go tell Melanie or my dad to find me another bike. She sped on to let them know. Well, I kept running. Little kids began passing me- and by little I mean seriously little- like 7 and 8 year olds. I turned my music up and kept shuffling. I got about a kilometer in and I see my Dad peddling down the hill on a small bike. When I say small, I mean pretty small.... His legs were flailing trying to keep up with the tiny peddles. He's yelling at me- CHANGE BIKES CHANGE ME!! So I give him the bike and hop on. the little thing. I chuckle as I notice the basket and bell attached to the front. I was going to finish that race is style! So I kept peddling, and finished the bike portion of the race on what shall forever be referred to as the midget bike.
The run portion began and I had tons of energy. Not sure whether it was from the laughter or magical powers from the midget bike, but I was feeling fantastic. I knew I was way too far behind to beat either E-man or Becca but I was sure as heck going to finish this thing. A few little kids who had started long after us and did shorter distances appeared in front of me so I ran up to them and encouraged them to pull through. They really were so close to the finish line... I had two more laps of the path to go. The volunteers were great though. I high-fived them as I passed, told them I'd see them again soon for my other laps. I finished the race in 52:53 and was never more proud of such a bad time.
Flat tire and all, I had finished 3 seconds before my time from 2 years ago. As I checked my splits I realized that I had cut 6 minutes off my running times from previous years. I calculated that I had lost about 8 minutes with the flat and switching to the maid bike. That would put me coming in around 45 minutes or faster which I would have been way happy with. I guess what that means is that, well folks, I'm going to have to do another one.
So, as Aaron's mother so eloquently put it- "That's life. Sometimes you can train for months and still end up riding a midget bike"
All in all, that was the best 2nd place medal I've ever received.
Sweaty and Smiling!
Love you Becca!! Thanks for your help, and letting me stand on the podium with you!
A little background knowledge- Emmanuel is one of my buds here at school and he decided that he was going to sign up for it too. It was looking like I should come out on top for both the swimming and biking parts. Before race day, I had chugged the water, ate the carbs and was pretty set for smashing my times and possibly beating E-man.
Race Morning- Woke up at 6 the day of the race, ate my eggs bacon and peanut butter- I was prepared to kick butt. Off to the pool I went to get situated.
RACE TIME- The start went off and swimming I went. I finished the pool section full of adrenaline for the next parts. I had stayed on par with Becca (my sole competitor in the girls group) and finished about 30 seconds before E-man. Next came the biking. I sprinted out to the bikes and began pedaling faster. I passed by Melanie who was with Libby ready to cheer me on. E-man was only a couple feet behind me. I was gonna have to push it to beat him. I finished the second lap only 18 minutes into the race- I was looking GREAT. All of a sudden pedaling felt harder... E-man passed me. I was not gonna let that happen. I passed by my dad who was waiting to take pictures. He said "Come on! E-man just passed you!!" No less than 20 meters after that I looked down......my back tire had gone completely flat. I silently hoped it would somehow fill back up. I wasn't sure what I could do- find another bike? Go back to my dad? So for the time being, I just hopped off and started running. All I could do was laugh because I found it hilarious that I had put in so much work and yet reality was sinking in that I was certainly going to lose.
The song by "Stronger" by Kelly Clarkson came on my iPod and I chuckled as I shuffled around the lake to lyircs "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger!" Becca showed up behind me after a minute or two. She asked what she could do to help. She stayed with me for a couple seconds until I said to just go tell Melanie or my dad to find me another bike. She sped on to let them know. Well, I kept running. Little kids began passing me- and by little I mean seriously little- like 7 and 8 year olds. I turned my music up and kept shuffling. I got about a kilometer in and I see my Dad peddling down the hill on a small bike. When I say small, I mean pretty small.... His legs were flailing trying to keep up with the tiny peddles. He's yelling at me- CHANGE BIKES CHANGE ME!! So I give him the bike and hop on. the little thing. I chuckle as I notice the basket and bell attached to the front. I was going to finish that race is style! So I kept peddling, and finished the bike portion of the race on what shall forever be referred to as the midget bike.
The run portion began and I had tons of energy. Not sure whether it was from the laughter or magical powers from the midget bike, but I was feeling fantastic. I knew I was way too far behind to beat either E-man or Becca but I was sure as heck going to finish this thing. A few little kids who had started long after us and did shorter distances appeared in front of me so I ran up to them and encouraged them to pull through. They really were so close to the finish line... I had two more laps of the path to go. The volunteers were great though. I high-fived them as I passed, told them I'd see them again soon for my other laps. I finished the race in 52:53 and was never more proud of such a bad time.
Flat tire and all, I had finished 3 seconds before my time from 2 years ago. As I checked my splits I realized that I had cut 6 minutes off my running times from previous years. I calculated that I had lost about 8 minutes with the flat and switching to the maid bike. That would put me coming in around 45 minutes or faster which I would have been way happy with. I guess what that means is that, well folks, I'm going to have to do another one.
So, as Aaron's mother so eloquently put it- "That's life. Sometimes you can train for months and still end up riding a midget bike"
All in all, that was the best 2nd place medal I've ever received.
Helping E-man put on his cap.
The three of us, tied at the start.
You can't quite tell from the angle, but this is the replacement bike. Basket, bell, the works.
Coming up to the finish line!!
Woot woot.
Love you Becca!! Thanks for your help, and letting me stand on the podium with you!
14 Things I LOVE
Our Quick Write in English- We were told to write down the first 14 things that came to mind:
- Rainy Mondays or Fridays.
- Being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
- Being with Melanie when she is hyper
- Exercise
- Changing to become better over time
- The opportunity to live in Thailand
- Being friendly to others
- Giving/ getting compliments
- Michael Pollock’s humor
- Talking with my parents.
- Laughing with my brother and sister
- Technology
- Surprises
- A full Night’s Sleep
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Burning Theatre... 2 Years Worth
Today two fellow classmates of mine, Alex and Ben had a burning party where we ashed 2 years worth of notes from our IB HL Theatre course. We exchanged horror stories from the class and burning our major assessments and never ending piles of packets. We had no gasoline so we used trust Axe body spray which tends to make me gag, but it was worth it to torch the pains that class has brought! I can say that I wouldn't have rather spent it with anyone other than Ben & Alex though. Those two boys kept me sane. Here are some pictures of our burning party and then there is a short video of the remains at the end.
Getting the fire started with a guide to theatre!!
Using AXE as a blowtorch.
Getting the fire started with a guide to theatre!!
Burning now. Irony? Yes indeed.
The remains..... Farewell Theatre.
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