Going Back to Preschool

I went into volunteering at summer school thinking I was going to be helping kids learn. Turns out I was the one who walked away learning something. I got matched up with helping a preschool class that was made up of six three year-olds. These kids are the most adorable, lovable, and opinionated kids that I have ever seen. They only want things done one way...theirs. While they might scream, run, drool, and constantly vie for your attention, you can't help but smile because they are just too darn cute.

Being with them for the past four weeks has made me realize how much I wish I was back in preschool. Sometimes I wish that I could randomly throw a temper tantrum whenever there is something I don't want to do. I wish I could go back to the days where a time-out, aka just sitting around and doing nothing, was considered a punishment. In high school, that would be a reward. I wish I could spend my days just playing without a care in the world. I wish I could have stories read to me and have recess and art time again. I would join right in with playing with shaving cream or having water day whenever I had the chance.

These kiddos have taught me a lot. First is that life is meant to be enjoyed and not to be spent being stressed and worried. The joy that these kids have just about life in general and how they can find hilarity in the smallest things makes me realize how my life could be so much better if I took the time to see the joy in everything. These kids just be themselves. There isn't any drama beyond someone stealing the toy they were playing with. Second is that time is flying by. I am going into my junior year and can't help but think to myself, "When did this happen?". I keep on having flashbacks to when I was in preschool and keep on feeling like it was just yesterday. And last I have learned that I really want to have a career that helps kids whether its being a teacher or not. Just from the 16 days I spent with them, my six little munchkins have changed me and will always have a place in my heart.

Spain Takes the Win

Spain's Fernando Torres crosses a ball into the Netherlands goalbox from the left side. Netherlands deflects the ball out but Spain regains control and passes the ball over to Andre Iniesta on the right side. Iniesta keeps calm and composed as the ball continues to bounce under his feet. He fires a shot right into the left corner. Goal.

It all came down to the 119th minute of the World Cup finals between Netherlands and Spain. Fatigued and exhausted, both teams were battling it out at Soccer City in Johannesburg. It was definitely an ugly match. 14 yellow cards and even a red card for the Netherlands team. I was surprised because both these teams usually play with such aritistry and poise on the ball. But, today, physical play and tackles were the highlights of the game.

There were a number of chances for Spain and Netherlands to score throughout the game. Both teams missed breakaways, missed shots, missed calls, and missed finishes. Despite all the missed opportunities, Spain was able to pull out with a 1-0 victory against the Netherlands. It wasn't the prettiest way to win the World Cup, but hey, a win's a win.

After the game, I watched the ceremony at the end. Netherlands walked across the stage first to receive their medal. The Netherlands team walked past the World Cup trophy with heads hung low and disappointed faces. Some even crossed the stage with tears in ther eyes. They could only stare at their silver medal with regret and shame. Next came the victorous Spaniards. Most of the team kissed the trophies as they walked by and received their gold medals. Standing on the stage, Spain celebrated and performed a victory dance. It was a truly proud moment for Spain since it was their FIRST world cup win.

Now, I was rooting for Netherlands to win th World Cup and was disappointed when they lost. But, I believe Spain outplayed them throughout the whole game. They deserve this win and the pride and glory that comes with it.

On the road

The road show continues, and I have few complaints other than missing Carson and the Mrs.

We've alread completed workshops in Georgia, Utah, and Bay Area. I just finished four days of training at Kansas State in the middle of the state. Thank goodness it was only 80-85 all week, it can be brutal here.

Now it's on to Phoenix and the Westin Resort in Scottsdale for Jostens Adviser University. I do enjoy the time with my pal John and with lots of intense advisers. Mostly, though, I'm looking forward to hooking up with my family in Orlando on Wednesday (don't get excited, it's another workshop).

So... all this gets me fired up for journalism in general. I love reading the blog and seeing what some of you are doing. It's such a nice alternative style or writing. So I hope you'll all keep it up.
We have such a good core of young journalists to build on that the direction of the Flash can only be more interesting. In particular I see multi-media exploding.

Looking forward to see you all.- Nichols

Summer of Trends

I am loving the freedom to blog about whatever I would like so this time I decided to step away from my normal sports reporting and focus on another love of mine...fashion. After a recent trip to the mall, I decided that I am in LOVE with the new trends. Although 80's inspired designs were still present, I loved seeing items from another great fashion era. Free-spirited, bohemian pieces representing the late 1960's/early 1970's are now being shown in stores everywhere. Just in the first second of stepping into Macy's, my eyes caught hold of a mannequin modeling wide-legged jeans, a brightly colored Dashiki and a low slung beaded belt. What tells the fashion story of the 60's/70's better than that? Also, one of my Mom's high school favorites were present throughout many shoe stores...platform clogs. I think these shoes are such a fun trend for the fall and it doesn't hurt that they will help give some height to my 5'1 frame. Another favorite of mine is the crocheted vest. This piece can go with pretty much anything. Because it is so versatile, it can be dressed up with a cute ruffled, floral dress or ripped jeans and a t-shirt. It really is my favorite trend for late summer/early fall. Another favorite is the jean jacket, which is also as versatile and will be perfect once the weather starts to cool down.

The trend is so big that even the makeup lines and hairstyles are becoming a little more "groovy". No one shows this better in makeup than Urban Decay. They have a whole line called "Summer of Love" in which the products dawn the names of iconic places or things of the Summer of Love era. For instance, some names of their eye shadows include: Woodstock, Free Love, and Haight. Other than just having cool names, these products are also fun, psychedelic colors like shimmery teal, bright purple, even hot pink. This trend is shown in hair with side bangs going out and the return of the center part.

I think my favorite part of this trend is that it is so easy to make it affordable. With this horrible recession, it is the perfect trend because it is so easy to find these pieces at places other than expensive department stores. One place that I have found great items is Crossroads in Roseville. Crossroads is a store that "recycles" clothes, and it is so easy to find items that have a cool, eclectic bohemian vibe. Also, a few of these items are easy to make. At Nortstroms, my Mom and I found a crocheted sweater that I was completely in love with; then we looked at the price tag, which read something crazy like $40, and decided that there are better ways to have this item. I am lucky enough to have a mom who knows how to make the vest because of her own high school days, so we are currently planning on making one instead of buying it. All in all, I love the upcoming trends because they are affordable and so different than anything that we have seen in a while.

Whitney Port with a Center Part

Urban Decay's Summer of Love Line

Jane Asher: One of my Style Icons. Others Include: Leigh Taylor-Young in "I Love You, Alice B. Toklas", Whitney Port, and Evan Rachel Wood in "Across the Universe"

4x4

So I was at Sunsplash with my boyfriend and some friends the other day and we decided to go to In&Out Burger for lunch since it is just across the street. On the way there, my friend, Andrew, was like "Hey Ash, I bet you can't eat a 3x3!" (which is 3 patties) and I said back, "Yes, I can! I'll prove it!"
We get into the restaurant and everybody joins in and decides to get a 3x3. After waiting about 15 minutes, I go up to get our food and notice that something was very wrong! We ordered 4 3x3s, but they gave us 3 4x4s! Yeah, you heard me. 4x4! Apparently, you can order up to 20 something patties!
So we all laughed about it and had a competition to see who could eat all of there 4x4. I took the longest, but I'm proud to say that I finished every last bite and felt like an incredibly obese person afterward.
Warning: Never have a 4x4 and then go swimming in the wave pool at Sunsplash. Not a good idea. This was the most interesting part of my week by far ;D

Camera Phone

I have a digital camera. But it's not always with me. My phone on the other hand...is. And sometimes there's just moments that definitely need capturing. The other day our pool was doin something funky and made all this foam/bubble stuff at the top. I thought it looked pretty cool so I snapped a shot or two. ...And I'll just say that the picture never turns out as good as the real thing. But with some editing, it comes close.

So, I will give you the before: and the after:

Much, much better. This was when I realized I can do some cool things with water pictures, even if it is on my phone. So that is the point of this blog. To show you how cool water shots done with your phone can be after some good ol' fixin'.

Drops on the trampoline: after:

and for my last one. a cup in the process of being washed.

BEFORE; AFTER;

Not my best work, but hey, summer blogging requires three posts. And where else would I find somewhere to show these? You can tell that I clearly have too much time on my hands. But sometimes I just wish you could see simple things the way I see them. That is why I photograph.

The Last Airbender...?

So it's July of summer (already), and mine's been extremely laid back, to say the least. I've been sitting at home with my brother and watching copious amounts of television (Glee and Vampire Diaries, anyone?), doing the occasional community service, and hanging out with friends. Most recently, I watched the new movie The Last Airbender celebration of my friend's sixteenth birthday.

At around five in the afternoon, my friend and I went to the mall, extremely hyped up for the premiere. We bought t-shirts with Aang the Airbender (who is the main character of the movie) on it for twenty-two dollars. I wasn't too excited about the price, but I figured it would be worth it. It was the midnight premiere.

We headed to the movie theatre around nine or nine-thirty, and sat in the long line in the middle of the parking lot for about two hours. We eventually made our way inside the theatre and began the birthday celebration: balloons, an inflatable monkey, cake, singing happy birthday, etc. (the people in front of us were extremely annoyed). The anticipation for the beginning of the movie grew, and everyone cheered when the lights finally dimmed and the movie began. That's when I knew I had made a mistake.

If you've ever watched the show on Nickelodeon, you would know that the name of the Airbender is Aang, not Ahng. And he's the Avatar, not the Ahvatar. Multiple names were butchered in pronunciation, and as the movie progressed, the storyline continued to fail. I can't even give you a detailed summary of the story because it was massacred so badly. I was lost and confused, and the plot was not connected as a whole. I fell asleep at least ten times before I was punched or shoved awake, and when the credits finally rolled, I was upset.

I left the movie theatre disgruntled, but immediately cheered up when we drove to Jack in the Box at three-thirty in the morning to pick up fries, burgers, and Oreo shakes. When I arrived home, however, reality had began to set in. I'm no movie critic; rather, I'm usually pretty gentle with movies. But this one was simply a shame to watch. The twenty-two dollars (plus tax) I had spent on the shirt was utterly wasted. So was the twelve I paid for my ticket.

I guess what I'm trying to get at is: Am I the only one who thought that the movie deserved a big red question mark at its end?