So much going on

So it has been a while since I have updated this blog. Since my last update lots has happened and there have been lots of things that have kept me busy. I have been busy with school, making my costume, volunteering, VEDO, and other stuff. I will give an update in each section.


School

I dropped my Japanese class. I was getting majorly stressed and overwhelmed by the class. I don't know how people can learn Japanese. I am fine with the oral part, but the written part is really hard for me. We are reading a new book in my religion class, and so far I like it better than the other. It might be one I actually read. Midterms are next week, but I don't have a midterm just a couple regular tests. First time I haven't had a midterm. After midterms I will get the paper giving me the PIN so that I can register for classes in November. I got accepted to the Universtiy of Idaho, I am still waiting to hear back from Eastern Washington University. My friends are starting to make it difficult for me to leave. Thankfully I will still be able to see them.



Costume

I got most of the shield done for my Link costume, just need to add the eagle. Most of the shirt is done being sewed. I still have to add the collar to the shirt. Then, I have to make the sword, boots, and gloves. Hopefully it will be all done for Halloween. I also am going to be making a Hufflepuff outfit for the Harry Potter movie premier, which can double as a Halloween costume as well. I am buying most of the stuff, but I am making the scarf and the robe. I didn't want to pay over $100 for a rob and almost $20 for a scarf. I would make the hat, but I haven't knitted a hat yet. I will make one after I learn how to knit a hat. Below are pictures of my Link shirt.











Volunteering

I volunteer usually once a week at Free Rein Therapeutic Riding. This place lets children and adults with different disabilities ride horses as part of therapy. I started this last year when two of my classes required Service Learning. I loved it so much that I have continued to do it. I started out as a Sidewalker, and now I lead the horses. I really enjoy getting off campus and doing this. It is part of what kept me sane and away from complete depression last year. I am hoping that I will get into Eastern Washington University so that I can continue volunteering here. They are 4 sessions held throughout the year. There is a fall session of 8 weeks, winter session of 6 weeks (I think), spring session of 8 weeks, and a summer session of 8 weeks. Right now we are in the middle of the fall session, and it will be over at the end of the month. One of my closest friends is an instructor at Free Rein.



VEDO

You may be wondering what VEDO is. VEDO stands for Video Every Day in October. I am attempting to do VEDO this year, which is a large part of why I have not updated my blog in awhile. I have missed one day of VEDO, but so far I am enjoying it. I am not doing any edits in my videos as I just don't have time to do edits, school, costume making, and volunteering. I don't get a lot of views, but it is a nice way to express how I am doing and what is new besides just text like here in my blog. If you want to view my videos go to www.youtube.com/user/amanakastegman



Other Stuff

I obviously finished my applications for University of Idaho and Eastern Washington University. Now comes the joy of filling out applications for scholarships. Although, I don't know how many I will get because of my grades here at Gonzaga thanks to lovely Inorganic Chemistry. The other thing I want to talk about is a sad for me. A great lady who has been a great family friend ever since I was really little died today. She has fought stage 4 ovarian cancer for a little over 2.5 years. She died this morning at 11:15 MST. My aunts had been staying with her to keep her company. She woke up and told my aunt "I hope that today is better than yesterday." She got up and immediately collapsed on the bed and died. I knew that she would be dying soon, I just didn't expect her die this way. I am glad that she didn't suffer for a long time like my grandma and great-grandma. I am glad that she is in a better place now without pain. Still nonetheless it is still hard and a bit sad. I wish that I could have spent more time with her when I was in Colorado, but there is nothing that I can do to change that.



I hope that you guys are doing well, and I will try to update my blog again next week.