College Girl

Fun roomates? Check. Hot guys in the ward? Check. Great food? Check. English professor that looks like Matthew Fox from Lost? CHECK!

My first week at college was awesome (see above check-list). I enjoy all of my classes, my professors are all intelligent and engaging, none of my roomates are suicidal (Chelsey, that one was for you!),and I'm not overly stressed out yet. Another thing that's really fun about BYU (and slightly strange) is that everyone is so freakin' nice! Seriously, everyone says hi to you, even if you just walk by them on the street. Actually, it's a little bit creepy, if you really think about it. All those strangers walking by you and smiling and saying hello...

In all seriousness, BYU is one of the most beautiful campuses in the world! It's so green, and the mountains provide the perfect backdrop for any view on campus. I love that I have an hour between my Biology class and my English class because then I get to sit outside and just soak up the sunshine. It's especially helpful that the weather has been GORGEOUS. I love open air campuses; I think that's the reason why I loved AES so much (the amazing courses helped a lot too).

Anyways, that's pretty much my first week of school for you. It wasn't too exciting--although I was excited when I found out that my English professor looks like Matthew Fox, and that there's a Clark Kent look alike on campus, and that a Hayley Joel Osmond look alike is in my ward. I'll let you know when something REALLY exciting happens.

Jon Schmidt

I think that one of the most amazing pianists ever is Jon Schmidt. His music is so beautiful, and I love playing his songs (when I ever sit down to play at all). My favorite songs are Waterfall and Song of the Ocean, although I have a new book of his and there's yet another beautiful song called The Fishing Stream. Anyway, I just found a new Youtube video, and Jon Schmidt has done it once more, folks. He meshed the song Love Story by Taylor Swift (one of my favorite country songs to date) with Viva la Vida by Coldplay. He wrote this piece, accompanied by an extraordinary cello player, for his seven year old daughter, and I have already fallen in love with it. Here's the video:

Goodbye India

Airports are so much fun, aren't they? I really hope you just shook your head and said, "Ashley, I think the past two days of pure boredom have addled your brain because airports suck!" If you didn't, you need to exit this page. Now. I'm afraid I don't tolerate airport lovers (and in case you were wondering, that beginning statement was simply dripping in sarcasm).


Now that that's over with...I am currently sitting in the somewhat comfortable armchair-like seats in front of Gate 1 in the New Delhi, India, International Airport listening to the (very loud) PA system calling for passengers to board the plane or (as is common in India) to wait patiently as the airplane crew try to fix the "technical difficulties" the plane is undergoing, so that the delay will be as short as possible (thank heaven that's not my plane). There's also a 12-fingered man sitting across from me (perhaps I should go up and say, "Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father; prepare to die!"), but that's beside the point. I'm afraid that the time has come to say goodbye to India. And I'm a little bit ashamed to say that, in so many ways, it's quite a relief to say goodbye to India, and all 1.2 billion of its inhabitants. It's a relief to not have to look down at my feet every time I go outside because I'm afraid that the ground I'm walking on has been used as either a garbage heap, a spittoon, or a lavatory. It's a relief not to be stared at every where I go. It's a relief not to have random guys trying and take pictures with me as I'm walking around a tourist attraction. It's a relief to be "normal" again. And yet...


...when Surender (our driver) asked me when I was coming back, I told him, somewhat vehemently, "I'm never coming back to India!" Almost immediately after I said that, a strange sensation swept over me. I was sad. How could it be that I was sad to be leaving India? I'm not really sure if I can answer that question yet. I do know this: India has changed me forever. And I honestly don't mean to be cliche. India changes everyone who passes through, even on fleeting visits. I'm pretty sure that country has a way of bringing out people's true natures. I'm sorry to say mine happened to be rather aggressive, much like my wonderful father (which is probably why almost every Indian guy in the New Delhi 3rd Branch under the age of twenty is afraid of me). No matter, it was an amazing (and highly frustrating five days out of seven) experience, and I don't think I will ever forget my two and a half years in India.

So it's goodbye India, hello whatever new adventure awaits me!

Graduation or The Missing Senior Page

Last Tuesday, I received my High School Diploma. It was the weirdest, coolest thing ever. When we walked onto the stage, I had the strangest feeling that I didn't really belong up there--I kept saying to myself, "I'm only fourteen; I can't be graduating!" But I'm not 14. I'm 18. And I did graduate. As surreal as the whole experience was, I did it. I shook hands with my principle and the director of the PTA, and I received my Diploma.

AES--while it did have some bad moments--was an amazing school, and I am so glad I went there. The classes are fun and interesting, the teachers are excellent (they actually help you see the point of what you're learning), and the grounds are absolutely stunning. I mean, I love it when kids can go outside while they are in school, rather than having to sit in a cinder block for seven hours a day, like kids who go to high school in the States (not that I'm dissing on the schools in the States!), and seriously, having a million gardners on hand EVERY DAY makes the grounds look pretty much amazing. And yes, even though the IB was disgustingly hard and time consuming, I'm glad I did it.

Of course, school isn't just about the classes you take--the people you meet in high school can really make or break your experience. I have met some amazing people. First, I'd like to give a shoutout to Audrey Walbridge and Natasha Sharma. You guys MADE my senior year. Honestly, without you two, I would have spent my senior year pretty much miserable and alone. Thank you. Second, to Miss Maddie. I feel so incredibly lucky to have found my second best friend in you. Oh my goodness, how on earth could have I survived India without you? Going out every weekend, staying up until two in the morning, having Moti Mahal and Tropicana Apple Juice at my house practically every Friday, exploring Delhi, and eating more food than should be humanly possible--these are all memories that will be dear to my heart forever. I'm so glad we're going to college together! And finally, to Hannah Lorraine. Wow, you are the coolest best friend ever. I mean, who else would calmly (and supportively) let their best friend move to India, and remain their best friend, even though they only get to see their best friend every six months (...if that made any sense...at all...)? I love you; you're like a sister to me. You are an amazing person, Hannah, and don't you dare let anyone tell you different. I'm so excited for our trip!

I would be a horrible daughter and sister if I didn't tell my family how much I LOVE THEM! My parents are--seriously--the coolest parents on the planet. I know this from careful observation of other people's parents. My parents have given me everything I could ever ask for, they've helped me through good times and bad, and without them I would be more than a little lost. My sisters, while they do drive me crazy, are wonderful, wonderful people, and they make me smile every time I talk to them. All I can say is I love you guys a lot. A whole lot.

How's that for a senior page?

Dear Mom

Dear Mom,

I know I don't tell you this often enough, but you are the most amazing woman I have ever met. You are patient, kind, charitable, sociable (when you want to be), longsuffering, humble, and an amazing maker-of-sandwiches-and-pasta-salads. I look at you most days, and I think, "Wow. She does so much for everyone. I wish I could do the things she does without hesitation." I think it's wonderful how you can give so much of yourself to the people you love, and to the people you know, and to the people you don't even know. That's a precious gift--to be able to love so much--and it's one I hope I learn one day.

I know that there are days that I drive you crazy. I know that, while I've never been a "rebellious teenager," there are many occasions that I am grumpy and sulky (like tonight, ha ha). But never let those grumpy, sulky days make you think that you are not my hero. I am so grateful for you, and your love, and your support. I am grateful for the times when I've had a rough day and you simply let me cry on your shoulder. I'm grateful for the countless pieces of advice I've received from you over the years. I'm grateful for every shared moment and for every long talk. I'm going to miss you, more than you can ever know, while I am at college (and the years after that), but not just because you cook, clean, and do the laundry (although I have to admit that I will miss that too). Don't worry too much though because I plan on calling you and writing to you every chance I get. Just because I'm moving back to Utah doesn't mean you're off the hook--you're still going to hear about every little "exciting" detail of college.

I love you so much, Mom. I hope you had an awesome Mother's Day!

Life Lessons from Marley

Just yesterday I finished reading Marley & Me which, in case you haven't read the book or seen the movie, is an amazing story about a horribly mischievous dog who loved his life and his family unconditionally. It's one of the sweetest stories I have read (and seen) to date; I cried during both the movie and the book. Although it's a wonderful book, Marley & Me is more than just a story about a wonderful dog. Through Marley, the story re-learns one of life's most enduring and most sobering lessons: Life is so short, and one day it will be gone.

"What a dreary thing to say on your blog!" You might say this, and you might began to move your mouse up to that little red box in the upper right corner of the screen, but just wait. Give me a chance. I think that it's important to re-learn this lesson because, although we've all heard it a million times before, we seem to forget just how precious life really is. And how quickly life slips past us. Just yesterday I was moving to England. Now, I'm 18, graduating, and going off to college. Even as I think how insane it is that time moves so fast, I think of all the experiences I have had during these past 18 years. I think of my time in England, Australia, Utah, and even India, and the cultural shocks I have been through which have made me more open to the world. I think of the multitude of vacations that I've been on with my family, and of the wonderful memories we all share. And then I think, "Wow. My life's been good!"

I don't plan on stopping there. Not only did Marley & Me bring back to light the fact that life is incredibly short, but Marley also shows the reader that, really, it's ok to have fun. So that's what I'm taking away from this book. Life is short--apprecite every moment of it. Don't be afraid to stop working for just a little while (not too long because, as sad as it is, we all have to work) and simply play.

Letters from home

I love letters. Their awesome. And I'm talking about true-blue, write it yourself, stick-it-in-an-envelope-and-give-it-to-the-postman letters, not emails or messages on Facebook (although those will do in a pinch). Those are the kind of letters that make you feel all warm and lovely inside because when you get those letters, you know people really love you.
Now, I will be the first to admit that when it comes to letters, I am not the greatest at keeping up correspondence, even with people I really care about. Since I just received a wonderful letter from the lovely Madeline, I have decided to re-commit to the whole writing letters thing. So here goes:
World, I promise I will try to answer every handwritten card or letter that comes to me via mailbox (excluding letters/cards from dentists, doctors, or any other businesses).
So send me your letters!