Failure for Life

So all I have to say is that I lasted 5 good days of hairy, gross, hot, itchy, unshaven legs. Last night I caved. It was the best shave I've ever had, and my legs feel so awesome. Who knew smooth could be so good? So I don't get $100 dollars - stupid - but I do get to look like a woman and not feel so disgusting in public. Believe me it was already long in just the 5 days.
Not only did I shave my legs, but I gave Devin a hair cut. It was only fair since he had cut mine - see previous post. And actually, I am not bad at giving hair cuts. I'd never cut a boys hair before (unless it was just buzzing it which needs no skill whatsoever). So I guess the past two days of my life have been all about hair - thats weird.
Also, I ran out of drinking water today but knew I was going in to town tonight so wanted to hold out for the grocery store, but i was dying of thirst - so i drank some tap water, and now i believe everyone about not drinking tap water. It's ok everyone, I'm not dying or even ill, but I did go by some clean water and lemonade.

Sasquatch Pact and Wartless

Just a short update: I am pretty sure I'm not going to shave my legs for the next 3.5 weeks. This is not just for fun, oh no. But it is another bribe/bet. Devin wondered how hairy my legs actually would get, and if I really would never shave them, so he offered me $100. I thought hard about it - for 1 whole day, but really, shaving is annoying, i'll get more tan if I dont, and I'll get $100 dollars effortlessly. The only real problem is I am usually in a bathing suit, and usually in public. It will get embarassing, but I'll keep you posted on how it goes.
Now for the REALLY BIG NEWS. The wart is finally gone! How many of you thought this day would only come by surgical removal?? Probably atleast 5 of you. Well it's gone and thats no joke. So congratulations pinky!

Gym Pranks

Pranks are something I have become very familiar with recently. I am fond of playing pranks on others and as most of you know it is a favorite past time for Lucy and I. I also secretly enjoy having pranks played on me - I guess I feel as if I am cool if anyone takes the time to laugh at me, make a joke of me, make me cry, or attempt to ruin my life. Are you thinking - 'ruin her life?!' That may actually be dramatic of me, but for those of you who don't know, pranks are not always fun and games. Prank: a trick of an amusing, playful, or sometimes malicious nature. (that came from dictionary.com - incase there are some sort of legalities about copyrights) Well, you see, since moving down to the USVI and even in the weeks leading up to the move, pranking was at an all time high. The boys love to prank me. Pranks usually include some sort of outlandish lie - such as, being engaged, smoking the reefer, drowning, having a "connection", etc. Never before have pranks been physical... until the night at the gym.
The boys and I went to the gym (at a resort bc we find hook-ups) to work out for a while. After working out we all planned on showering, but there was one problem - I hadn't brought any extra clothes with me and didn't feel like going back to the apt before going out to play for the night. Justin luckily had an entire extra change of clothes with him (so prepared and responsible), which I then put on after my shower. I really only used a tshirt bc it's not like my legs or butt got so sweaty that I needed new shorts. As I was getting ready, Devin and Matt decided to try to hit me with rocks from the sauna/massage room (for a visual: there are two hallways running parallel to one another. In between the hallways are massage rooms, which connect the halls. So the boys had access to the women's hall and vice versa. Also, the gym had closed by this time so there was no one in this part of the resort but us - dangerous). They did indeed succeed in hitting at least my knee cap. I made them think it hurt worse than it did so they ran away to take showers. I decided to even the odds and throw cold drinking water in each of their showers - which I did, and I got girl screams, and then boys running after me in towels. They each took some limbs and dragged me back to my shower, tossed me inside, turned the shower on, and ran away. I admit I asked for it, so I wasn't mad or dry.
Justin let me wear his extra pair of boxer briefs and shorts and I wore the top I worked out in. The gym had spray deoderant that I used, so I didn't smell bad. Don't worry. Also, me wearing Justin's clean boxer briefs was a bonding moment for us, because he too has worn mine.
There are no pictures of this event - where was justin?? But it is all true and now it's my turn to prank.

The Barbers

I let Devin cut my hair - only 2 inches, but you could tell it was shorter. It actually looks better than it did before. Matt and Justin each did some snipping too, so it was all together a group effort.

Island Adventures round 2

On Sunday we decided to go back to the bay we visited last week, also so Kirsten could experience it. Mainly thought because Devin and I wanted to jump the cliffs there. It's about a 15 min hike down, but instead of swimming the1/2 mile, we walked down past someones drive way and walked over a connecting beach land bridge to get to the island. Devin and I snorkeled out to the spot beneath the cliffs to check out the depth. The reefs there were great and had tons of fish - quite a few waves coming in and out of this area causing the water level to rise and fall. We decided the water was deep enough and clearing the rocks shouldn't be a problem. Devin climbed back up the rock coast of the island first, then my turn. I waited for the wave to come in and the water level just rose me up to Devin's level, but when I went to grab the rock I missed, the water level quickly fell and I had a little drag down on the rock. I got a few cuts but luckily I didn't even feel them and made it up the second time. I don't think I will have feminine legs by the end of summer. We climbed up to the top of the cliff - Devin jumped right off, I had to work up the nerve and finally just jumped (kind of face planting a little), then Kirsten jumped third. It was awesome! I've jumped the cliffs at Smith Mt Lake but jumping into the Ocean is way different. I was just so nervous I'd miss and hit the rocks below - phew! Devin and I climbed up and did a second jump - which I was more nervous for than the first! Matt and Justin got some good pics, thank goodness, so that you all will believe me!
We all climbed around the east side of the island and got to a pool of water we were going to swim across to continue on our exploration. I slipped on my way in and my pinky toe was stung by a sea urchin - my biggest fear of vacation bc I hate them. They just look scary and ever since Tasha get some needles in her butt I have been avoiding them like, I dont know, something terrible. After that I just decided to flop myself into the water instead of stepping in. I will later post a picture of these urchins so you will all understand their horror. Below is where it happened and you can see us tiny on the other side of the water.
We then decided to try to swim to another island. The only problem was that we didn't have any flippers or masks, so we were actually swimming there, we were in the open ocean water and not a bay, and the current was pretty strong. We got nearly half way there and I could literally feel the current and felt like I was swimming my little heart out, and not moving. I decided to go back and not risk my life. I felt like a huge loser for not making it, but next time I'll bring fins and a mask and it will be much better. We went around to the west side of the island and climbed up a big rock to rest.
We left our beloved island - the hike back to the car is the worst because you're way tired, it's hot, you're thirsty, and it's all up-hill. As we started passing the million dollar home on the way back, Devin and I decided we should try to get a ride back to the gate. I took off my shoes and thought I should pretend I was almost passed out and get in Devin's back to make myself look more pathetic for the situation's cause. Then, I changed my mind and decided to fake a sprained ankle - much better plan. Devin carried me down to their gate and we saw this bald man (not Matt). Devin explained to him I was hurt and wondered if we could get a lift to our car. The man approached us and asked what happened as he lifted up my leg to inspect my ankle - which was obviously fine, not cut, bruised, swollen or anything - so our only reaction was, to turn... and run! We just took off back out the gate and up the hill. It was worth a try, worth the tale, and a good attempt. But no ride.
That evening Haylie and Kristele (two of the sweetest girls at church, also from Utah) invited all of us, the elders, and the sisters over for dinner. They made an amazing meal and we were all more than happy to have a real cooked meal!
So Sunday was very eventful. Jumping the cliffs is one of my favorite memories, but to make this all even more intense - I found out from a local on Monday that the waters we were swimming in are supposedly highly infested with sharks! that's right - we swam in shark infested waters. They are there bc of the current and the fish (and those ARE true, so the shark thing has to be). Thank heavens I didn't have a mask to see below me, but next time...

First Near Death Experience for real

So this picture sums up my day yesterday, but let me back track to start with my near death experience from friday.
It all started on friday night when we took a taxi downtown. The taxi driver was late and we had to sit and wait on the road for him so when we got downtown the boys didn't want to pay the full price that the taxi driver was charging. Kirsten and I just went to the side and I had given one of the boys my money already. What it all comes down to is Devin calmly negotiating with the very uneducated, large, black island man taxi driver and trying to knock two dollars off each of our fair, Matt getting frustrated by the entire thing and backing up Devin, and Justing walking away because the man was so stupid (occasionally coming back to make comments such as, you know you're a jerk). The driver started to swear and yell at Devin and out of no where slams him up against the side of the taxi, nearly threatening his life. Brave and daring Devin remained calm, telling the man he had his money but needed change - obviously change Devin did not get, but instead was robbed $20. Thats right, we ended up paying more than we were even charged. The daring and brace Devin was fine in the end, and can now say he almost fought a 300 lb island taxi driver. After Devin's $20 dollars was stolen, the guy ran to the taxi and sped off into the distance. Matt read the license plate aloud and wanted to call the taxi service right away. In my opinion, they are all part of some sort of transportation mob. We plan on never using this taxi service again - not like we could even if we wanted to. SO that started the night out with a bang, leaving you all with danger experience one.

Weekend of Near Death Experiences

Man what a title I gave this post? I don't actually think I really came that close to death, but I would say it was a possibility atleast once a day this weekend - good enough. I am really sorry but this post is about to get long, so prepare now or just x out the window and resign (is that the right word) as a fan of amandavirgin.
It all started with friday, duh. And I didn't get blown off by the boys, so I will give them lots of credit now, especially if they ever read this... I never thought theyd blow me off... now no one gets to find out about my island boyfriend though.
So on friday I met Devin, Justin, and their friend Kirsten (now my friend as well) down by the ferry for a fun filled day until I had work. We decided to drive to a beach/bay that wasn't overly crowded. We ended up driving to the sugar plantation, which is an historical site with ancient ruins of such. I'm not sure any of us were as concerned with the history of this place as we were about breaking the rules to climb on everything. I first wiggled thru a small hole that looked like a castle window.



As soon as we started walking on other things a larger black woman hollered and told us to get off the ruins (all most all pictures seen are illegal). We then went to the other side of this large cylindrical structure that was tall (i was going to estimate its height in ft but I cant). It was over a story tall to get to the landing where you could walk around on the inside. I'll post pictures later. But Devin climbed up using footholes and I climbed half way and he pulled me the second half. It was an awesome view and way cool to be in the middle of this thing.




We then walked down to Anenburg beach and swam in the water - it was very hot outside, as usual - but still not as hot as home bc it's not humid, so I am happy no matter what the heat index is here.

We ate at Margarita Phil's - mexican! I miss my plaza. Then I had to go to work, which is always fun - seriously.
After work was one of the first near death experiences, but it will wait for the next blog bc I have to get ready for work now. I guess that means the title of this post is not fitting.

oh yea, day 3/4

I forgot about this...
Day 3: which would be tuesday. you know, this is actually hard to do because I had to ask allison what day it was to even start thinking back 3 days. anyway... On tuesday I slept in and talked to kara and nate (who i one day hope to lose my lip virginity to), also i believe haley was on the phone and we all know that talking to them made my day in itself. It rained, so I stayed in for a while and then ventured downtown. Downtown means Redhook ferry and Cruz Bay. This is where there are shops, restaurants, bars, markets, hair braiding... all that. I went downtown and waited for the boys. I didn't want to be bored so I noticed this very old old ancient old man sitting on a bench. I had seen this same man the day before sleeping on that same bench. I know it was the same one bc he was wearing a necklace with like 7 coconuts on it - and that is just not normal. So i sat on the bench next to his and started talking to him - kind of. He was talking to an iguana and the woman next to him was very pretty bald woman - and thats not sarcastic, she really was. She told me I could feed the cereal that had spilled in my bag to the iguana. That started an argument between her and coconuts over whether or not iguanas eat wheat, since thats exactly what cinnamon toast crunch is. Just so everyone knows - they do. My new bench friends left me and then I met the boys. We ended up stealing some wood and going to a beach to build a fire. The boys doubted the whole idea since it had rained that day, but they are heroes and built the fire. I brought some of VA to the islands and taught them how to roast pigs in a blanket. Hot dogs will also be off my top 5 foods list.
Day 4: Wednesday it is! I don't even remember what I did yesterday morning, but I do know I started my work training! I'm working in a small clothing/jewelry boutique. We sell the famous St. John Hook Bracelets and they are actually really nice - the best ones. Handmade and brought to our store by the designer herself. Most of the jewelry is handmade by island locals actually - very cool and very artsy so I have to like it. I started my training with the only other employee (besides boss will), Christine. She is a character. She has dyed blonde hair and almost looks a little Asian but she's not. She always says that her sales were bad because it was too hot outside, and she always says she can't pronounce her words because it's too hot in the store. Today will told her that temperature stuff is crap. I'm going to buy her a hand held fan before I leave. She has two kids in the states and lives with her Boyfriend here - his name is that of a famous boxer, well in a movie. I think. She is so sweet to me and teaches me everything, atleast twice because she forgets she told me once already. All in all my job is awesome. I'm even allowed to sit down - im living the all american dream.
Who I met those days:
coconuts: the man who wears fruit as ornaments. Oh, and he told me he wasn't sleeping on that bench because he has conquered sleep, making that impossible.
christine: fellow turtle employee who is probably my best girlfriend here - I know about her love life, she knows about mine (or lack thereof)
peter: i forgot to mention this but he works in another jewelry store and invited me to happy hour - everyone calm down. I did NOT go - he's old enough to father me

make money and break hearts

If Tj were my brother-in-law then he would say that is my vacation living motto: make money and break hearts. The latter is not very true at all, but make money is!
This morning I started with a morning on the beach, ending in me being burned in only various places - just beautiful. For lunch I ate PBJ, which I will never write again because that is what I eat for lunch everyday - at the end of this journey, it will no longer hold a top 5 spot for my favorite foods. I then ema.iled my mother, who has insisted (which means I have to) email her every day stating that I am still alive - can anyone help me think of any creative ways to say this? I need about 35.
After my sun filled morning I headed to work. Really this was day 1 of work because I didnt just have to watch. It was a very successful night! Lets just say I make as much in one night as a thought I'd be making in one week, merely working retail. It is much easier than making poor customers sign up for a GAP card. Plus I meet a million people and we all know networking is the purpose for our college years.
I'm supposed to hang out with the boys tomorrow and their new friend, but I have a feeling I'm going to be blown off, and if thats the case I will just call up my island boyfriend.
Who I met today:
Bali Bob - my new old man friend who looks like tom hanks from castaway and like every other old man on the island, wears a button up shirt, unbuttoned.
Dr. Mike - the st john dentist and the only thing I could think to talk to him about was my wisdom teeth - lame of me. He did tell me where to get ice cream, so he's the man
Matt - boy who works at the lumberyard and he's british, born on tortolla
ahhmed - island boyfriend

Welcome to Love city

Well friends, I've been here for 4 days and I could probably write a book by now. Let me just give you the highlights of my random life.
Day 1: the boys picked me up at the airport and surprised me with a birthday cake! yea it was a surprise to me too. We went to a beach that really no one knows about and were the only ones theres. We swam half a mile to this awesome island and walked/climbed around the entire thing - the most beautiful place I've ever been to. There were so many great shells and the view from the top of this island was well worth my trip here. The only thing that scared me were the sea urchins that supposedly covered the coasty reef where the waves met the beach. Luckily Im a girl and got piggybacked! The swim back was a little harder bc by then I was getting tired. And so you all don't get the impression that I'm an olympic swimmer, I did have fins and a snorkel mask.
Day 2: I went to the dolphin market and oh boy am i gonna lose some weight here. I bought hotdogs (not even all beef), celery, tuna fish, mayo, ketchup, two apples, dish soap, and bread. mmm sounds good ??? well sounds expensive - 27 dollars for JUST that. Yea so then I HAD to find a job. I went all over Cruz Bay looking for things. No one needed a waitress, no galleries needed any help, BUT will at the Turquoise Turtle wanted me 3 nights a week and I get commission - not bad for my first day of searching. I took him up on the offer of course.
Monday night I started on a drawing and got to spend some time on the phone - I know I still can't break away from talking.
Well living on an island doesn't bring with it great internet connection - day 3/4/5 will be posted tomorrow.