OMG, Ashley's starting a blog!

So… I totally meant to start this yesterday. That is, until all the insanity ensued with my last-minute packing (not intentionally last-minute, of course… I just started later than I intended, and it lasted a lot longer than I had thought… Basically story of my life :P). ANYWAYS, I didn't really ever get a moment to just sit down and do anything all day (well, besides the plane ride… That was a lot of sitting…) with my computer. So, I'm starting this my trip blog a day after it started, but OH WELL! This will probably happen a lot - being caught up with what's going on, but that's probably a good thing/the point of this whole trip anyways, right? Remaining in the moment, and soaking up every second of the experiences I'll be having? I think so, or at least I'll use that as my excuse whenever I'm late with posts or whatever. xD

"Late?" you might be asking. Well, I guess I didn't explain myself as to what this really is, and just jumped right in. But, that too is probably going to be a recurrence with this blog. Because, basically this is intended to be a recording of my thoughts, emotions, memories, and experiences that I'll be going through in the next 6 months! And maybe it'll last longer than that, I don't know. I've always wanted to keep a blog, but never took the time to make one (plus, who would read it? xD), so my facebook has kind of become mine instead. As MANY people can attest to, by making fun of my loooooong posts, hahaha. ^^' Well! This can hopefully solve those problems.

First: Since I'm actually doing something exciting, I have people who have already asked me to start this!
Second: I'm procrastinating studying Japanese right now, since I'm terrified by how bad it's become, so I'm actually taking the time to create this! (which has taken just about half an hour, as I knew it would, but has been such a hurdle for me to get myself to do before ^^')
Third: Maybe I'll solve the problem with my facebook statuses always having a "See More" at the bottom. Maybe. Ok, probably not. ;P

Anyway! The plan is, to keep this up once a day, or as close to that as I possibly can. With a note or pictures of my day (or both), random observations about the country I'm in, or just thoughts going through my head. Hopefully I'll be able to keep this up (the pressure from knowing people will be aware of my failure to finish if that happens might be a motivating factor!), and carry through all the way to the end, alllllll the way in September, which seems so far away right now. Even if my long messages end up boring everyone who look at it and they quit reading, I'm going to do this for myself: so that I will never, ever forget my feelings about this whole trip. Because, I'm planning on this to be a life-changing half year, and I know looking back and being able to see those changes happen will be priceless when all is said and done. :)

So… yes. This is what you're getting into, if you plan on following this blog. Hopefully my posts won't all be so long, but I'm sorry in advance, since that is quite likely. :P Also, I plan on being as candid and crazy as I am in real life (or at least facebook), so the writing surely shan't be a sophisticated read. As, I'm sure you determined back in the first paragraph. :P But, I hope that it helps my lovely family and friends back at home and all over the world be able to follow my travels (if they wish, which alone amazes me that you would care so much!), and remain a part of the most exciting part of my life that is just about to begin! :)

...Just kidding, it began already. Dramatic ending failed. Oh well - my next post will cover the start of it all. x)