i would have to go to work today, on the prettiest of days that we've had here this spring. my goodness, ohio really can be gorgeous if it wants to. what is so different from the "springs" that i'm used to in fresno, california is that it rains here like crazy one day, and the next it's sunny and gorgeous. this makes for bright green grass, blooming trees, and clear blue skies. i don't think i've ever had weather like that before. i do have to admit that the presence of all four seasons here is spectacular. 

i've been a little homesick as of late, with the semester gone and done, classes graduating, and people going home for the summer. i'm very jealous of those who get the privilege of being able to move home for the summer and not have to stay and work. but instead of hitting this summer with that attitude (one i definitely had last summer, which made the last one an incredibly long one), i'm going to hit it with a new perspective; one of blessings. 

i'm blessed to have not one, but two jobs in this sinking economy. i'm blessed to have at least some of my family with me everyday. and i'm blessed to be able to have two states to call home. as much as i claim to hate ohio, it will always have a part of me. 

here's to a long hot summer. now to just get my base tan down...

a couple weekends ago, i was finally able to make my way up to cleveland to visit the rock and roll music hall of fame. it was a bit pricey, but totally worth every dollar. it was an amazing experience, to be able to see costumes, original lyrics written on pieces of scrap paper, and instruments from the singers and bands that i have grown up to love. the glove michael jackson wore on his tours. the drum set modified and played by alex van halen. zz top's car. so many items, stories, legends that i had no idea about. i had never realized how relatively new the term and genre "rock and roll" actually was, in comparison to all the other types of music out there. but it is definitely the most influential. the museum was a whopping six stories tall, packed to the brim with things to do and see. and of course, a trip to the rock and roll hall of fame wouldn't be complete without dinner at the hard rock cafe.

tonight make me unstoppable
and i will charm, i will slice
i will dazzle them with my wit
tonight make me unstoppable
and i will charm, i will slice
i will dazzle, i will outshine them all

the prayer, bloc party

now love is like an ocean
take it down to the depths
yeah i'm taking you with me
taking every step to steal your heart


augustana - steal your heart


oh to have this sung to me...

what i've learned since coming to ohio...

average of a 30 degree winter is a warm winter

it's pop, not soda, apparently

people really do think californians see celebrities all the time

everyone drinks because there's seriously nothing else to do

drive 2 hours any direction and you're in another state entirely

cincinnati is gheeetto

they have a true and deep devotion to the buckeyes, mostly because the browns and the bengals suck

creepers be creeping everywhere

only californians known how to drive

50 degree weather is shorts weather

the cost of living is amazing

i say "dude" a LOT

they have prettier license plates than california

i have met some of the best people i know

i miss in n out, jamba juice, and my bank more than i thought i would

trying to find a job only sucks in california

the west coast truly is the best coast

my my, it has been quite a while...school has been, well school. busy as i'll get out 90% of the time. the other 10% is spent cleaning, playing volleyball, sleeping, and catching up on my shows. busy busy busy. this is what my life has become since moving here. my program, it's awesome. i've never been more stressed, out of my element, frazzled...and yet i find it exciting, fascinating, fun. i love it. so the sister and i are still setting up the she cave...longest process ever! but it's coming along and we have our fairy lights up! i love the way the white lights look at night. so pretty. it's like christmas year round. =] the "yoshida" is my light art on the wall above our beds. it's my masterpiece. 

not only have we been busy with school and setting up the she cave, we obviously have time for just chillin. i have met some amaaazing people and am actually very glad i came here. besides it being ohio, i'm quite enjoying my time here. but that post is for another day...;]

the top is me and erika at the midnight showing of the vow; we had a group of about 10 girls go out. the ticket is what the boys left on our car one day...thanks boys. the rest are random photos of me and jill. the one to the right -------> is of me looking out at the snow last friday from nora and vanessa's room. 

and lastly, i didn't get a chance to write about it, but the sister and i made the hour long drive to cincinnati at the end of january to see jack's mannequin and allen stone in concert. it was one of the best concerts i have ever been to. and i've been to a loooot of shows. allen stone opened up since he is still very unknown. not unknown to me, i heard him for the first time last summer and instantly fell in love with him and his voice. he's absolutely amazing. his passion for the music is transcendent. he makes you move without even knowing who he is or what he's about. he did a cover of bob marley's "is this love" and i have listened to it every day, multiple times a day, since the show. absolutely incredible. i can't get over how awesome he is. i will for sure be seeing him every chance i get. i love him.

jack's mannequin was amazing. enough said. andrew mcmahon is an inspiration, hero, all around amazing person. to come from where he came from and to be doing what he's done is incredible. take a look at his website. read his story. watch the documentary "dear jack". support his foundation. he will change your life. i promise. 

my my, it's been a while. i'm finally in ohio, though i'm still not quite settled...i'm finding it isn't as hard as i thought it would be to get used to not living in my beautiful home state. i think it has made such a difference that the sister was here already and is helping me get acquainted with the area and different people. it is a very tiny school but i think it's going to be real good for me. the program is amazing, but very intense. it's going to keep me busy busy for the next two and a half years. but i see the light at the end of the tunnel! a means to an end...i do like it here. granted i've only been here for two weeks, but i'm really liking it so far. the sister and i are still working on getting the she cave set up. when it's done i'll post photos.