Octsnowber?- Academics

Aloha!
I can't believe that it snowed in NJ already!! Just one more beautiful reason to be in Hawaii!!
There is soo much to update, I will probably need a few posts to get through it all!

Let's start off with academics!!!

I had been overly stressed for the longest time for a presentation in my 610 class about banned and challenged books.... I let myself get completely worked up, and it ended up being a really great presentation!! Especially since I included a class activity, where I passed out children's books that had been challenged, and asked the class to reflect on why they may have been challenged.... it went really well!!
I also found out that I got my first perfect paper in that class!!! I had gotten A's in the past, but my professor had always taken a fraction of a point off for some reason, so it feels amazing to get a perfect paper!! It's ironic because I was convinced that my paper was doomed because I couldn't get ahold of the biography of the person I was writing about. Instead, I pulled from a variety of sources to create an image of her, and that was exactly what my prof. loved about the paper!!!

I got an A+ on my paper about choosing children's books based on their development classification for my 681 class...
this class is a bit slower getting work back to us, but I will take it!!

And my cataloging class, I had my first quiz, which I think I did well on, but we shall see!!

It's crazy that I have 6 weeks of classes left!! And then I have one semester of grad school done, and 3 more left!!

I have to say, I love being in school again... and I LOVE taking myself seriously as a student!! I think that it shows!

I made my tentative schedule for next semester, but I don't register until the 20th... but it looks like I will have room to take an edtech class.... I will have plenty of room, since as of now, I would only have class Mon- Weds. Not to shabby!

More updates later! Miss everyone!!

Two months!

I didn't realize when I posted yesterday, but it was my two month anniversary in Hawaii!! It's so weird, it feels like I have been here much longer...
I have completely settled in, and made some variation of a home here-- even though my heart is still in NJ! I have good friends, a good apartment, good roomies... , and a lot of good times. I am even slowly getting used to the weather... it's funny out here because the weather report always says like 85-87 degrees, but as my friend Debby says, even though the numbers stay the same, it feels different on different days.
The weather has been one of the biggest challenges to face here... it can get sooo hot. But, last night I used a light blanket and actually had my fan on the lowest setting... which is a big change from the days that I slept curled around the fan... although it is getting slightly cooler at night.

I find that I really miss fall... I never really liked fall at home, to me it meant that summer was ending, all the life was dying, and the world was about to be frozen... but, here, it still feels like summer. I would love a nice 70 degree day-- cool enough to maybe wear a light sweater, or some capris--- but it seems impossible here. ha. I also miss the leaves changing color, which always made me think of making waxed leaves with my Grammy...

I didn't end up going to North Shore yesterday, we just couldn't get our act together-- which was fine with me, since I have a lot of work...
I cleaned my room, and actually made my bed, and am typing this up at my desk, which I have never sat at before. I mostly do my work at the library or in the living room... but it's sort of nice to be alone and focused on what I am writing...

But, I should get back to work... so I will leave you with a shot of some of the beautiful trees that I walk past on the way to school:

Taking it all in...

Hey everyone!!

Monday I wanted to lay around and relax, but my friends Momo and Rach dragged me to a Polysasian dance group.... which was really entertaining, it was cool to see real island dancers.

Tuesday was another full day of classes, but I was so tired that I had to take a nap in between. ha.

Wed- we went out to celebrate my roommate's bday!! Yay- Paulina! We got her a lei filled with little bottles of Jack Daniels-- it was soo funny!!

Thurs- Did some homework and hung out with roommies and neighbors...

Fri- I went for coffee with Rach and Kiks, and then went to a meeting to make posters for Open Access Week-- the last week in October. I am making a poster about how people are creating books that they want others to sample or build upon, and the creative commons licensing that gives them rights for free... it's a pretty interesting idea for new creations! Creative people should def. look into it... and then came home and watched The Hangover...

Sat- laundry and homework day... but tonite I am renting a car with roomies and neighbors and driving up to North Shore to check out the great beach there-- home of the famous surfing competitions... and delicious shaved ice--- which I have not had yet!!!... and powdery sand beaches...
and then more back to homework!
Hopefully, I will have good pics to post!!

Welcome to October!!

I had an interesting week...

Monday- I helped out in another class, since I am a member of the Web Team, I have barely any experience in HTML-- but I was able to help a few students... go me. But, the teacher bought us a fresh lei--- it was soo pretty and nice of her. I worked with RACHEL on doing homework... and several coffee breaks.

Tuesday- I was a unicorn--- haha. I had a presentation about reference materials for folktalks, imaginary places, and creatures... and when I saw my professor the week before and made small talk about my presentation, I made a small joke about dressing up like a creature myself... and she loved it!! ha. I have been getting As in this class, but looking for something extra to get that A+, so I took it as a challenge--- and decided on making a simple unicorn costume! It was actually fun, my friend Debby took me to a fabric store to get some purple felt, which I think I can use for my Ursula costume... yay.
I had my presentation-- my class was actually delighted--- yay librarians... and I think my professor appreciated the effort. Not to mention that my presentation actually went really well. I have to say that I never realize how much I enjoy making costumes... it is in my blood, after all. I just can't sew, so things are held together with pins and Velcro.... haha.



Wednesday- I slept in and relaxed... and then started the research on my 610 paper that I had received an extension on... and had class... and then dinner and drinks with LIS girls-- including Debby--- and then the usual Senor Frogs, which is always a good time...

Thursday- I spent the day working on my paper.... reading tons of literature about Katharine Sharp whom was instrumental in professionalizing the library science degree program.

Friday- I finished my paper, and laid around... then Debby took me grocery shopping--- which is amazing, because I have been in such the mood to bake, but never have any ingredients. And then the roommies and girls decided to go to first friday- a celebration each month in Chinatown-- but we missed our bus, so we went out in Wakiki....

Saturday- Has been all about resting, making good meals, and now watching Bridget Jones.... I love this movie....

Enjoy the pics!! I miss everyone!!

Things are picking up

I have not been so great about updating... but, I just downloaded the blogger app- so I can do this on my phone!

Let's see- what is new...
Last weekend I went out with my LIS girls and had a great nite at Senor Frogs-- per usual... I saw Lion King in 3D--- I wish that they would make The Little Mermaid in 3D-- that would be awesome.
It was fun to sing-along, and remember being young... hahha.

This week, I have been pretty busy... October is going to be a stressful month-- so, I'm trying to get my self organized before the storm.
I've been a bit frustrated this week... I think I'm stressed and a bit burnt out.

Monday- I got super lost and took the wrong bus home... I guess I thought it was the A, but it was really the 9... and I unfortunately did not realize that until 30 mins later... the bus was super packed... and I guess I didn't hear the stops or couldn't see that pathway... I took a nice scenic ride out east of Manoa--- found New Jersey Ave--- what up!!
Also unfortunately, the bus did not stop anywhere near my apartment--- so I had to get off at a random stop-- I tried to call a cab-- but none answered, so I just walked home- with my 3 full grocery bags.... ugh. It was terrible.

Tuesday- I thought that I was organized and ready for class-- I made my lunch to bring to school, and had everything done... I was walking back from Yogurtland, not a care in the world... when I realized that I never emailed or saved a copy of my essay for my class in an hour--- luckily, Debby drove me home to fetch my work...
and when I got home, I discovered that they were spraying and doing maintenance in the apt- and I had to be out from 10-1 the next day...

Wednesday- Rachel and Kiks saved me and we all went to Denny's for breakfast!! Yum!!! Then, Rach and I went to Forever 21 and bought some super cute new dresses!!!
Came home and took a nap... then to school to hang out before class... and after class I went out with the roomies, apt girls, and LIS girls--- it was a great and late night.

Today is a slow day, but I must do some research and work....

Getting a clearer head

Hey all!!
I had a busy weekend and explored some of the Hawaiian nightlife... but considering that October is going to bring me lots of papers and presentations, I need to settle down a bit.

I went to the beach a bunch this weekend, I'm looking forward to exploring another beach besides Wakiki... there are serious rocks in the ocean, and I have cut both my feet on them. I am being especially careful since a woman boogie-boarding told me that her husband stepped on a crustacean and couldn't walk for a month. And I am trying not to hurt myself while I am here.
I swear this weekend, I shall visit at least one new beach.

I'm thinking of purchasing a waterproof camera-- to take snorkeling and to the beach... I need more pictures!!!

I had my first presentation in class this week-- it went well, but I def. went over my 9 mins--- it was more like 20--- but it's better to have more information than too less, right?

After class, I came home and started right away of my work for next week. I need to get ahead of all my work for October, or I will drown in it. I am finally feeling the grad school stress that I have heard so much about!!

One month

Hello! This is my new home... hahha
I have now been in Hawaii for one month... in some ways it feels like that amount should be at least 6 months, and in others, it feels like I just got here.
A lot of my friends from home keep mentioning to me about how happy I seem out here--- and they are right. I have a lot of great/amazing days. For example yesterday, I woke up around 11:30 and dragged Rachel and Kiki to the beach. We met up with some other friends, grabbed some subway and rushed to class- only 5 mins late.
After class, I got drinks with Rachel and Momo, and then we decided to go to Senor Frogs for their dollar drinks and dancing... and Kiks came too! It was such a fun nite-- with the slight exception of me eating a Cajun hot dog--- it was sooo spicy...

I'm thankful to have met such really great people, and to be part of an interesting and stimulating program.

A case of the Mondays?

I woke up around 5 am today... I thought that I would go back to sleep, but so far it hasn't hit me. I went to bed really early-- I know I was asleep before 9:45... but I was pretty exhausted from not sleeping the night before. I wish that I was up doing something crazy and fun, but mostly I am in my room watching Bones.

Let's recap the weekend: Friday I did homework-- but I really wanted to finish all my work for this week before Monday-- I just have a chapter of reading to do, but I left the book in my locker at school, I think I will head to campus today to do some much needed errands, and work in the library for a bit, on that reading and some other research.

Saturday: I slept in, hung around with the roomies, did some pleasure writing-- on a side note, I am reading this amazing book called Writing Down the Bones and it is helping me unlock from the writer's block that I have had for the past couple of months...
then, my friend Rachel came over and we took the bus to Wakiki to meet up with Kiki, D, and Alex for dinner then drinks. We went to Margaritaville for dinner and ate this huge platter of nachos. I loved the interior of the restaurant, ocean projections on the walls, blue wave floors... it was right up my alley.
We then hit up Senor Frogs for some serious dancing--- I had a really good time. I love dancing, but I love making new friends! I need to get a real camera to take pics-- I think i want an underwater one.

Sunday: I couldn't really sleep-- but got a chance to talk to mom and dad at a way earlier time for them-- and got my tickets for Thanksgiving! I am really glad to go home, Hawaii is amazing, but I majorly miss my family and friends!!!
I was super productive and started to work on a project that is not due for another week, but I don't want to be as stressed about school as I was last week.
Then the roommies and I watched a chick flick marathon of Legally Blonde, Princess Diaries 1-2, and I went to bed at 9:30-- which may be part of the reason that I was up sooo early!

A visit to the Library

Yesterday, a friend from class and I went to the Hawaii State Library to look for books for an assignment. I had never really been to that part of Honolulu yet, we took a whole new bus to get out there.
The library was beautiful, with a courtyard, and marble floors... it had a fully developed children's section with different sections for teens and middle schoolers. I could of spent an hour or more rereading the teen books that I read throughout high school...
I got books for an assignment due this week, and pulled some books for my future projects... I like that I am much more dedicated as a student than I have been in past years.

Afterwards, we went to the ball to grab some food. And I had a delicious burger with guac, cheese, and mayo... it was massive, but really hit the spot. I haven't been the same around red meat since my food poisoning, only a month and a half a go.... ack.

Classes, done.

A nice thing about having class only 2 days a week, is that my week is done on Weds!
And, after a hectic week of trying to get work done, next week looks to be a bit breezier.

I had a really good day, I woke up and skyped with mom and Aaron, and dad....
then with Melis and Lyla!! WHom smiled when she saw me!! Aw, I miss her!
Then, I talked to April! Thanks to all my friends for keeping in contact with me!

When I finally got to campus, I met up with some friends at Yogurtland! Yum!
And then we had class... which, was actually not so bad today. I was super focused and asked a lot of questions... and knew what I was doing when it came time to practice. Go me!

But, what I really like is connecting with the other grad students... it's nice to be with people whom know how you feel, and are in the same new boat as you.

Weekend events

Friday- I went to an LIS (Library and Information Science) pau hana which means end of work/school. Basically a chance to grab some drinks and food and talk. It was fun to get out and meet more fellow students whom are also new to Hawaii and ready to explore it! I have def. not been exploring as much as I would like to, but as school has started, you get into routines and it is hard to take a break from that. But, I have a lot of free days-- so I should get up and out.

Saturday- I was a good girl and stayed home to do work... I read for three hours and didn't even make a good dent in my work.

Sunday- I had a great experience at an event called Floatopia-- where people gathered on all kinds of water floaties and hang out in the shallow end of the ocean. Some people were on baby rafts and whales... it was quite the experience. It was good because it reminded me that I am still young and capable of having fun, something that I forget as I often call myself a dinosaur.

Monday- I woke up super early and watched the sunrise... I think it's good to do that every once in awhile--- it reminds you that each day begins anew. It is peaceful and calm in the morning, and even slightly cool-- which is an amazing feeling in all my 87 degree days. And I spent my labor day, laboring on two papers which are due tomorrow... and I am almost done with both... enjoy the sunrise above--- it's slightly blurry, but still beautiful!

Check out my room!

Here are some photos of my room-- send me pictures to hang up... it does not look this clean anymore... ha. Notice my sweet double bed.

September 1st--- My east coaster family and friends will be starting to introduce sweaters to their wardrobe, and I am still living in the tropical heat.

I have been in Hawaii for 18 days... it feels like it's been a few months. I'm still getting adjusted to island life, some days I don't have to stick my head in the freezer to cool down... and I mostly have the bus lines that I use down... but, the time difference is still hard to get used to. I hate waking up at 12, and having it be 6pm at home. And, of course I could get up earlier, and I mostly do-- but it's still a big time adjustment.

I think I will be exploring some more beaches this weekend, so more photos to come!

Sorry- let's recap!

Sorry-- just realized that I haven't written in a few days!!

As school started, things picked up all over the place!

My classes seem interesting and challenging--- my cataloging class seems more of the latter...
I'm also taking a great class about books and media for children-- which is right up my alley... and my other class is about the functions of a library.
I've met some great people in my classes...

Thursday- I started to explore the nightlife a bit-- I went out with one of the roommies and some girls down the hall... we live around the corner from a classic dive/ college bar.

Saturday- I was going to stay in and rest, since I have a slight cough, but when everyone suggested going to the beach-- it was too hard to resist--- we went to Waikiki beach.... it was nice to swim in the water--- but the bottom was really rocky... i need some good swim shoes...
and laid out in the sand for a bit... it was nice to get out and see more of Hawaii then just my apartment and college...

Hopefully, I will have more adventures to report!

Last day of vaca

Tomorrow I start classes... then I will actually have a purpose for being out here.
I am excited for a number of reasons-- but more importantly two---

One- to jump into my program and be back in the school environment

Two- to set in an AC classroom--- it is seriously hot in Hawaii... and I am not used to having no AC, I think I will need about 10 fans and at least 3 cold showers a day to cool off.
But, if this is the tradeoff for no snow, ice, or winter falls--- then I shall take it!!

Wish me luck-- I'll let you all know how it goes!

Settling In

It's hard to imagine that I haven't even been here a week yet... it feels like so much has happened in such a short amount of time.
Today, I was lucky enough to have the use of my roommate's father's car--- so I got to go to Walmart and get almost everything that I needed... hopefully, I will be done getting settled soon.

Then, my other roommate and I went for dinner in the suburb of Manoa-- which is above the campus--- it was gorgeous up there-- with lush, green mountains. This is the Hawaii that I was picturing!!

And we stopped for some ice cream around our apt-- tried these mochi balls-- basically some sort of sweet rice that is cooked down and blended-- it has a marshmellow-y taste and feel to it.... and inside is creamy ice cream. I had vanilla-- not too adventurous, and split a mint- chocolate chip. I will def. be getting more of those in the future!

I have one more free day before classes start on Tuesday--- hopefully, it will give me more time to adjust!

Pictures will be coming soon!!!

Moving In!

I am now in my new home for the next four months.

So far, the place is not exactly what I expected, but it's close to campus... I get my own room- with a double bed (for all of you potential visitors), there is a pool, so that should be fine.

And, it's only temporary and brings me glorious internet, which I have missed dearly.

I'm procrastinating my unpacking a bit--- partly because I am me and lazy, and also because I think once I unpack, I will be reminded that I am actually doing this. And then maybe my breakdown will happen... and I will never be fully ready for that.

Plus- I need to buy sheets, a fan, hangers, and tons of other items that I won't think of until I need to use.

Alright, I guess I have to begin somewhere. Wish me luck!

same old Amy

The other day I had a series of Amy moments.
I woke up early to an odd email from my housing place saying they were missing my deposit check... so I panicked thinking my mail had been tampered with, desperately searched for internet to check my account balance, emailed her back, and waited.
Then I rushed off to the graduate school orientation... running to catch my bus, I tripped and skinned my knee. Doing a class fall where you know you're going down, and could maybe stop yourself if you had any sort of reflexes- but I don't.
Walked off the pain, caught my bus with a slightly bleeding leg, and arrived at campus- ready to face the room full of grad students--- only to discover that the orientation was 2 days from then.

I thought that all of these tail-spin circumstances would have me running to the airport, to pack it all up and call it a miss, go home and see my family, friends, and dog.
But, I prevailed. And got a boost of confidence for taking care of me.

And don't worry, they found my check, my knee is only slightly scratched, and I prob won't make it to the actual orientation because that is my move in day. But, it's okay.

New day, new me!!

Today was my Orientation.
I sat through many presentations about library and information science and felt more and more sure about my decision. Which is good considering today was the first day of my next two years.
During some down time I was chatting with another student about all the freshman walking around, thinking back on my years as a freshman RA, and recounting how dorky and awkward everyone seemed. I remembered watching everyone struggle to reinvent themselves, put their high school days behind them, leaving relationships, stereotypes, social habits at the door as they entered a whole new chance at life.
It didn't take me long to realize that I was in the same boat in many ways.
I am in a new place, a new career path, making new decisions, and figuring it all out on my own.
My reinvention? It's less harmful to my liver as the freshmans'. My reinvention seems to be allowing myself to be myself and take my work and my self seriously.
My advisor said that I seem like someone whom will do really well here, so I take her compliment and say it back to myself. I know I will do well, I am capable of great things, and now is the time to show it to myself.

Journeys

I'm sitting on a plane to Honolulu. It is my second ride of the day.
I started my day in tears; goodbyes are hard- ESP family ones. I expected the homesickness. But, I don't think that I really really that I will be living away for so long. I got that I was leaving, but somehow not that I would be gone.
I hope that as I complete each leg of my trip to feel more and more okay with my decision. As of now, I am still literally in transit about it. But, when I close my eyes to sleep, I see Amy happy. More specifically, a future Amy walking on a beach smiling in a vibrant turquoise dress. I guess for right now, that is enough.

Aloha New Jersey!

Hello... or should I say, Aloha!
I leave for Hawaii in about 30 hours.... just writing that down makes me feel uneasy.

I am beyond excited to start a new chapter in my life, start on a new adventure, but it is almost impossible to begin a new phase without looking back on the one you are leaving.
It's hard for me because I am leaving a really comfortable and loving home filled with great family and friends that I would love to be around forever.... and it would be so much easier to leave a bad situation.
But, I think a wonderful life sometimes requires hard work. So, I shall persevere through it all, and hopefully succeed!

Follow me on my next chapter in life, and we can see together if I shall make it in Paradise!