Wisdom Teefers

On Thursday, I got the dreadful wisdom taken out of my teeth.  Four of my teeth are now less wise. And my cheeks are more poofy.

(Day #1:  I had my boyfriend and puppy keeping me company.)

Surprisingly, it hurts a lot more than I thought it would (for a lot longer as well). I thought I'd be out for all day Thursday, and feeling better by the end of Friday in time for a fun Saturday and Sunday. Nopers.

I'm still dependent on Percocet. I'm still using the funny looking sock wrapped around my face. My cheeks are slightly bruised. And I look like I'm smuggling peanuts in my mouth. I can't open my mouth very wide. All I want is a taco or meaty spaghetti. And I want my mouth to stop bleeding every time I eat anything other than applesauce.

 (Day #2:  Taking another nap with my puppy, b/c sleeping is all I seem to be able to do)

But either way, I am glad to have finally gotten my wisdom teefers out! Hopefully I will be off of the percocet soon!! And hopefully I'll get to eat something YUMMY! But for now, I am stuck with applesauce and a depleted bank account.

Surf Dawwwg

My mom bought Noki a super cute bathinsuit for summer!  He's just so cute :-)

Sugarland Concert

I have this sort of "luck" sometimes when it comes to winning things.  One of my recent winnings was 5th row SUGARLAND concert tickets up at Harvey's Lake Tahoe.



A few years ago, I had 5th row Tickets to see Sugarland as well.  I was bailed on by my date at the last minute (because he "forgot" to get the night off work) so I asked another girlfriend of mine to go.  She bailed on me a couple of hours before the show.  So I ran to Lina (we were all living in the sorority at the time) and beggggggggged for her to come with me.  Pleeeeeeeease!  1st my date bails, then a friend bails, I can't have my best friend bail.

1 problem - My little bolivian friend doesn't like country.  BUT she willingly said she'd come with me, threw on an outfit and off we were to dance away at the Sugarland concert.  This is when she fell in love with Sugarland :-)  Thanks Lina!

(This is how close we were!)

Anywho, since she ended up really liking Sugarland, I asked her to come with me again.  Hey, maybe we'll have to make 5th row Sugarland concerts a regular thing? 

Anyhow, the show was spectacular.  Jennifer Nettles has such a beautful voice and is filled with talent.  I like to think she should be Taylor Swift's mamma because she puts on an amazing performance and has so much PASSION.

A Night in the Country

This past weekend was the country music festival called A Night in the Country (Website) in Yerington, NV.  The performing artists this year were: Diamond Rio, Terri Clark, Chuck Wicks, and Blake Shelton (headliner).  To sum it all up, it's camping + country concerts + booze + friends + cowboy boots.  it doesn't get better than that :-)

We camped with the same people we camped with last year... I like to refer to it as "Brett and co."  We were in TENT CITY and we were part of the minority camping in tents.  The lucky ones had RVs = Air Conditioned Luxury.  There were probably close to 10 tents in our group, ours held 5 girls (Me, Kimmy, Leslie, Marie, and Ryann).

Last year, we all arrived with our country boots, an ice chest, and a tent.  So this year we came a little more prepared with an EASY UP for the crazy July heat.  Luckily we had 4 Easy Ups total so we had plenty of shade.

At the end of the night, Kimmy and I made friends with the guys at the KBUL tent trying to get free stuff.  Yes, we were those girls.  BUT we walked away with free tickets to the Knitting Factory show, some CD's, chapstick, and most importantly: MEET AND GREETS!!  Unfortunately, we missed the memo that we were supposed to arrive before 5pm to receive our meet and greets so we forfeited them.  Sad mittens, I know.

I also ran into my favorite ginger, it was so glad to get my dance on with her :-)  One of the booths this year had STRAWBERRY margaritas and they were amazing!  So delicious, probably the best selling item all night (at least according to my wallet).

The next day we went to the pool in Yerington.  The heat is unbearable so it's the best bet there is because we can get ready in the bathrooms before the show.  A lot of the kids our age go to the river and get trashed, but we were ready for some relaxing pool time with children and old men.  After we got ready we prepared for Night #2!  We again put on our dancing boots.

After the concert, Marie and I wandered around the camps for a bit.  I wish I would have gotten a picture because it's hard to describe the campsite area.  Basically, it's rows and rows of RVs and tents, and at night time it's one massive party!  You walk around the area, run into old friends, and conveniently make new friends.  It's a ton of fun!  This isn't something I would typically do... I've always stayed away from the party scene, but there's something so summer-y and country about camping in a field with country music blaring everywhere!!

So the second night Marie, Brett, and I were walking around and dancing at one of the campsites (there were probably 50 people dancing there) and Marie yells "I lost my phone!!"  So here we are, the three of us looking for her phone in a massive field of DUST with too many people around.  I'm creepily feeling around everyone's dancing feet... I think everyone was thinking I was crazy.  I even got one boy to lend me his massive mag-light so I could at least SEE something.  We checked the port-a-potty, we checked the truck, we checked everywhere and Marie finally found her phone!! .... in her pocket.  We took a photo for giggles.

Oh, hello phone.

That was my wonderful weekend in Yerington, NV :-)

P.S. I lost my ID :-(  If anyone finds an ID of a little redhead named Ashley Cray, I'd like it back please ok thanks.

Today is my Friday

Granny's service last night was wonderful.  I met MANY Theta sisters from several generations.  I met 3 past Presidents as well.  It was nice to see so many people show up for her "party."  My mom did a wonderful job of planning, and now we have Lemon Picata Chicken leftovers to feed us for the next few months.

I have tomorrow off of work because I am going to A NIGHT IN THE COUNTRY!  It's one of the best times I've ever had.  I get to put on my cowboy boots and dance the night away with wonderful friends.  Who could ask for more?  I will be posting several photos as soon as the weekend is over! 

No new news on the house.  I am still waiting for someone to turn on the water so I can start watering my (dead) lawn.  Everything in the house was "winterized" and I don't know the first thing about summer-izing it.  I want to get my lawn lush and beautiful!

Now time to go start packing for my exciting weekend filled with cowboy boots, country music, camping, and wonderful friends!

Too Open?

It's no secret, I'd tell my life to a stranger if he'd take the time to listen.

I talk too much sometimes, and reveal too much information, but now I'm wondering if it's a bad thing or not.  I have friends who tell me everything, almost too much sometimes, but those are the friends I am closest with because they're opening up to me. Telling me who they are.  They tell me things that lets me get to know them just-that-much-more.  In sorority terms, it's a "bonding session."

I have friends who keep secrets as well.  They never get too in depth with their life, and I only really know them on the surface.  That is quite alright as well, but at what point do you deserve to learn a little more about a person?

I hatehatehatehate it when people say, "I can't tell you, it's a secret."  Well SECRETS DON'T MAKE FRIENDS.  What I hate even more is if someone I feel truly close to and connected with says that to me.  If you love someone, why do you want to keep secrets?  Can't you tell them anything? 

I have a hard time sometimes understanding other peoples perspectives unless I've experienced it myself.  I asked a friend about this, and my friend said "People are fragile and scared to get hurt." 

So is it just a game?  Or are you really  scared to get hurt?  Last time I checked I'm super fragile with a low pain tolerance, and I'm not scared to put myself out there.  So why keep things from me for the purpose of simply keeping things from me.  For the purpose of simply having a secret of your own.  If it's really a true deep secret, you wouldn't even allude to it.  "Well there was this one time, but I can't tell you because the rest is a secret."

It drives me insane.  And the more I think about it, the more offended I get.

Summer Weekend

*Updated* I've had a fairly productive weekend catching up with friends!

Friday I met up with some old friends from high school.  We haven't really hung out since high school so it was good getting together again.  We went the "The Beach" which is the club at the Grand Sierra.  It was lame.  But the dancing was fun and regardless of how busy/slow a place is, if you're with fun people that's all that matters.  While we were there we ran into some old high school boys too so it was like a massive high school reunion.  Learn to love it!

Saturday was AWESOME.  I met with an architect about my house and what we plan to do with it and I CAN'T WAIT.  I have decided to turn the top into a 1 bedroom "unit" and the bottom into a studio apartment.  Who knows when it'll all be complete, but I loved the ideas that the architect had and my buyers remorse is slowly dwindling.  After that we went to lunch, and I came back to get ready for the SUGARLAND concert!  Lina and I had kickass seats.  There's no other way to describe our seats.

5th row

Directly in the middle

Dance central

We sang so loud and danced our little booties off.  After the concert in Tahoe we decided to go back to Reno and hit up Brew Bros because we weren't nearly done dancing.  The band at Brew Brothers was great... they played my favorite "Crazy Bitch" song so now they're on my good list :-)  We stayed until about 3:30am and then finally headed home.

I don't think my feet can handle high heels for a good month after Friday/Saturday dancing.

Tuesday I am having dinner/picnic with my lovely Ginger Jenn.  Time to catch up on LIFE and DRAMA and GOSSIP.
Wednesday I am having dinner after work with Robin :-)  I love me some Robin.

Dear friends - I love you all dearly.

Did I mention my feet hurt?

25 Things

(I stole this from Anne)

1. I’m sensitive.  I take things to heart.  I can’t change it even though I’ve tried so hard to
   .
2. I have freckles on my lips, I think it makes me unique.
3. I hate being labeled.  Even though I am girly, I don’t like when people create limits to what I can do.  If you say I can’t I’ll be the first to try to prove you wrong.  Even though I was in a sorority, it doesn’t mean I have no substance.  Please don’t label me until you get to know me.
4. I lovelovelovelovelove to Volunteer.  I love to help others.  My heart hurts when I see struggling people or animals.  I want dearly to clean the birds from the oil spill (but unfortunately you have to own a hazmat suit).  I get teary-eyed when I see the SPCA commercials.  I cringe when I hear people say the word “retard.” 
5. I don’t like mushy food.  Mashed potatoes, yogurt (unless it has granola), oatmeal, etc.  I don’t care how tasty it is, I can’t handle the texture.
6. I have no filter, especially around those I’m very comfortable around.  It may be inappropriate, and I apologize if I’ve offended anyone.
7. I don’t like coffee, and I don’t think I ever will.
8. When considering actions and consequences, I live by the rule, “If you’d be ashamed to tell your grandma, don’t do it.”  I like to think my grandma would be proud of the things I do, not ashamed.
9. I love lakes
10. I wish I were more organized. 
11. I want a pet chipmunk
12. I love the oh-my-gosh-I-think-I-may-pee-my-pants type of laughing the most.
13. My main goal in life is to be in a country music video.  Ambitious, I know.
14. I found out recently that my friends think I’ll be the one to have 10 crazy little Ashley’s running around.  I think it’s funny and I LOVE that they think that of me!
15. If I could live in the life of anyone for a day, I’d be a stripper or Russian Spy (…preferably the redhead Anna Chapman).
16. I’ve wanted to help build an orphanage (or simply volunteer) in Africa since middle school.  It’s true.  Ask my mom.
17. My nails are always uneven.  My pedicure is usually chipped.  I’m girly in an un-girly sort of way. 
18. I have cankles.  Don’t judge.
19. I have 2 beautiful little brothers (Keenan and fellow-redhead-Nathan), an older brother Matt, and an older sister Tara.  I also have a step-brother Bryce, and step-sister Jen. 
20. I bought a house… and I’m having buyer’s remorse.  Can I give it back now?
21. I feel lucky to have had my heart broken once, and to have used that experience to hopefully prevent another heartbreak with a wonderful boy.
22. I never drank in high school.  Not once.  I was very naïve and thought alcohol was mean and scary.  Not to mention illegal and I’d probably get caught and grounded or arrested and put in prison with men who tried to taint me with their mean scary tattoos and bad breath.  I’ve learned a lot since then.
23. I’m goofy, weird, rambunctious at times, and I show my emotions more than I’d like.
24. In the sun my eyes almost turn green.
25. I’m very shy at first and easily embarrassed.

Camp and Climb

I had a wonderful weekend!  I got to spend alllllll weekend with the boyfriend (which doesn't happen too often) so I was happy as a clam.

We decided to go camping and climbing.  

I love love love camping.  

I love campfires.  

I love going to sleep smelling like campfire.  

I love s'mores.  

I love camping food. 

I love sleeping outside.  

I love the smell of the forest.  

I love being disconnected from my phone/computer.

I LOVE it all!

Friday we found the BEST campsite in Castle Crags State Park.  It was a beautiful campground and we got the BEST campsite there.  Really.

We cooked an amazing BBQ Chicken/Corn on the Cobb Dinner (with S'More dessert, of course).  Then we made sure to get to sleep early because we had to get up early on Saturday morning.

 (Real men make fire)

Saturday we woke up bright and early, ate a full breakfast, then headed off to begin the Castle Crags journey.  The information regarding the approach wasn't plentiful so we wanted to give some extra time.  Good thing.

We began our approach, and at first I was optimistic.  Hiking a steep hill, sweating from places I didn't know you could sweat from (Aaron's butt was soaked), and loving the burn in my butt from hiking such an incline.  After half an hour I asked, "Are we there yet?"  Nope.  And who knows when we will be.  I continued to ask this question until finally we broke free from the forest and saw Mt. Hubris.  IT WAS SO FAR AWAY!  Like we-are-never-going-to-make-it-unless-we-get-a-go-cart far away.

 (See... SO FAR AWAY!!)

 (Aaron trying to snap a picture, but I was BEAT)

(Aaron at the beginning-ish part of the trail)

(That's what we climbed!!)

We never got a go-cart.  All we got was sweat soaked clothes, a good butt workout, and a hankering for ice water (with  lemon please).  Since the information regarding the approach was so minimal, we didn't really know where the trail broke off to head to the base.  All we saw was manzanita bush. 

So we bush-whacked it.

And I have a million bruises to prove it.  I think each Manzanita bush was personally out to get me, and I can't count the number of times I yelled, "owwww mother EFFER!"

Aaron:  "You ok?!"

Me:  "Yes *says in a pouty fashion* but owwie"

Me again 5 minutes later: "Ahhhhhh OUCHHHH!"

Aaron:  "Babe what happened!"

Me:  "Manzanita Bush bit me *says in a pouty fashion again*"

I've realized, I can be quite the drama queen.

FINALLY we get to the base.  It was such a long approach!!!  But I couldn't wait to climb.  The route looked amazing, and I wasn't let down the least bit.  

The route was beautiful.  It was 6 pitches total, and the hardest being a 5.6 [so it was fairly easy :-)].  It was wonderful the entire time.  I slipped only once, and I completely blame myself.  See, have a knack for picking out the HARDEST way to go up the route.  So after I slipped I thought, "shoot, I wonder how Aaron did this" and looked over to see his protection on the other side.  I had to traverse over but I finally got it... on the actual route (not my made-up-harder route).  

After we finished, the views were amazing.  We sat on top for a while snapping photos and taking in the view.  We made sure to get a picture with Shasta in the middle.

(This is me!)

(And this is me doing a happy dance)

After we rapelled and decended, we hopped in the car, purchased more fire wood, and had a dinner of champions:  Hot Dogs and Veggies.

Did I mention I love camping?

I a

Bloggys and Mags

I have become addicted.

I never understood why my  friends would bring magazines to the lake or pool when we would go.  "Whoooo wants to read a magazine?  BORING."  Kind of like when I was little with McDonalds french fries + Happy Meals... "Why wuold they put these in here? No one likes them."  Little did I know, I would become a french fry addict.

Currently I am ADDICTED to magazines.  It's a recent development.  I love the recipes.  The tips.  The eye openers.  The DIY.  I've been reading a lot of the fitness-y ones because I feel like they keep me slightly motivated to stop eating french fries.  My parents get "Sunset" at their house, and I've read the two they currently have a few times now.  Like I'm going to find something I missed the first time around or something.  Poor Aaron gets to hear me say, "Look at this recipe!  I'M GONNA MAKE IT!" a little too often.

And Bloggys!  I LOVE finding new blogs and reading them.  I'm totally addicted.  And I love when my friends make new posts (hint hint) so I can catch up on their life.  I love looking at the pictures, and I love hearing rants about things I've ranted about before.  It's wonderful. 

Extremely Happy

... except I just realized I got NO picutres! 

I have had a great weekend :-)  One of those weekends where you realize the people you love.

Friday night:  Best Friend Lou Night
It's a shame that Reno was extremely LAME on Friday, but we still had fun :-)  It was so weird, everywhere we went was empty.  But I got to hang out with my best friend, and I met some interesting people (some of Lina's new friends).  I got home around 4am, and it wasn't one of those "I've wanted to go home since midnight" nights, or one of those "I did WHAT!" nights... it was pretty chill, but still fun.

Saturday Day/Night:  Errands/Pammy
I made a post about this last night.  I got some time to have the longest chat session I've had in a while.  Pam understands.  She's one of those people who passes no judgement so I feel completely comfortable talking to her about anything and everything.  It was wonderful :-)

Sunday:  Poolside Pina Coladas and Summer Planning
Kimmy and I went over to Jess's Aunt's house for some sunbathing and girl time.  Jess's Aunt has an AMAZING home and SUPER NEATO pool. It's an infitini salt water pool.  It was beautiful.  We made tons of summer plans which include:

• A NIGHT IN THE COUNTRY (I can't WAIT)
• Tahoe Rafting
• River Rafting (yes, the two are different)
• Reno Rodeo
• Camping
• Girl Movie Night
• Rib Cookoff
• Tahoe
• And more but I'm brain farting

I am excited for the weather to start getting warmer again!  This weekend was wonderful!

On a side note, I REALLY REALLY WANT TO GO ON A CRUISE.

And on another side note, MY MOM BOUGHT A TRAVEL TRAILER!!  Eeeeeck!  Time to really have a blast at A Night in the Country.  :-D :-D :-D

Alike

Have you ever met a person that you feel like you instantly click with?  Those people you feel for some weird reason you can talk to about ANYTHING and EVERYTHING (this may, or may not, be a good thing).

I just got done having a movie date with Pam.  I have no idea what the movie was about because we chatted the whole time.  And it's not that fake conversation where you're trying to think of something to say... It's that can't-stop-talking-and-accidentally-changes-subjects-quickly-because-there's-so-much-to-talk-about-and-so-little-time conversation.  I LOVE THAT. 

Either way, it made me happy to have a girl night and chat and get some stuff off of my chest.  It feels so good when you complain about something, or vent to a friend, and have her say, "I KNOW THAT HAPPENS TO ME TOO!!!"  It makes you feel a little less weird and out of place.  Pam has a much different background that I do, so It's very interesting to chat with her and listen to how her past experiences have influenced her current experiences.

Pam is a great friend, and it's eery how alike we are in quite a few ways.

Sad Day

Granny passed away 2 nights ago.  She was a strong woman who lasted 94 years.  And when I say strong, I mean she'll give any waiter a run for his money if he tries to take her coffee too early.

Granny and I shared a bond that I wish upon ANY grandmother/mother/daughter/sister.  We shared that Theta bond which was a wonderful experience.  I wish I could say more, but I'd like to leave it at that.  Goodbye Granny - I hope in heaven the men are cute and the White Zin is plentiful.

"Where's my Ashley?"

Oblivious?

I saw a quote just now:

"I wonder how many people I've looked at all my life and never seen."

... and it SPOKE to me.  Or yelled at me.  But I actually think this all of the time.  And I also look at the photos I've taken with my friends when we're out and about and I see all of the people (making goofy faces) in the background and I wonder, "how many pictures am I in the background of?  Do I look like a total goober?"

I try to pay attention and notice the little things, but I really wonder sometimes how many people I've been around, looked at, been in class with, and never even NOTICED them for whatever reason.  I always wonder if people know who I am that I don't know.  It's always so weird when someone comes up to you outside of class and says, "How about that test?!" and you think, "Either this person is border-line-crazy OR they're in my class."  It's usually the latter. 

I just wonder sometimes how oblivious I really am...  I would like to be notice so maybe I should start noticing others.  That's how it works, right?  Do unto others as they do to you, right?  I'll notice you if you notice me. Got it?  Good.

Alabama Hills - Rock Climbing

Last Sunday and Monday, Aaron and I went to Bishop, CA for a tiny rock climbing adventure.  I LOVE CAMPING, so we decided to go Sunday and get our camp on then do the rock climbing on Monday.  We must have had our lucky pants on because we happened to find a PRIME camping spot on MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND!  What are the chances!  Lucky pants, I tell ya.  Typically I have the bad-weather-80mph-wind-gust-freak-snow-storm weather luck.  It was a great weekend, needless to say.

 (Being classy tanning on the bench... why?  BECAUSE IT WAS WARM!)

We had a gourmet dinner that Aaron brought and we both cooked (marinated steaks, grilled veggies, corn, and mashed taters... although I don't eat mashed taters).  Then after I introduced Aaron to s'mores.  I ate three.  I love camp fires.  I love the smell.  Sitting around them while it's chilly outside but your face it burning.  Smelling like dirt/smoke.  LOVE IT.  So I was in heaven.  I think this was the first time we've ever gone camping and I slept totally 100% completely warm.  HEAVEN! 

The next day we woke up bright and early and headed to the Alabama Hills.  The weather was supposed to be mid 80's so we wanted to get an early start to beat the sun.  The first wall we went to was a beginner wall with a bunch of easy routes including a 5.1, 5.3, and 5.5.  We started on a 5.7 which was pretty fun (the rock is super grippy).  After that we did a nice little 2-pitch route (sorry for my lack of technical terms) which was GREAT.  I really enjoyed it!  It had a slight scare factor to it because the holds were TINY.  You really had to rely on your feet placements and the gripping from the rock.

(this was the route we did, you can barely see Aaron at the tip-top)

After that route I was pretty drained by the sun.  I've concluded that I'm sensitive.  I'm sensitive to the cold, I'm sensitive to extreme heat, and I'm sensitive to mean people.  I'm just an all around sensitive gal.  Take me or leave me :-)  Luckily, we timed it PERFECTLY and the new wall we went to had SHADE!  We went to the Shark Fin which was something Aaron had been eye-balling.  There was a massive boulder resting against the shark fin which provided SHADE!  I was in shade heaven.  Pre-shade I used Aaron's massive hat to keep slightly cool, it saved me.

The Shark Fin was pretty neat, there were several routes.  Aaron did two, but I was pooped and only did one.  

While we were there, we met some people from the Bay Area who recommended we visit the ARCH!  I love arches... and stuff.  I think they're so neat!  So we hopped in the car, rolled down every window, and drove to the arch-area.  

It was wonderful, and I was in heaven.  It was nice to finally:

1. Camp while it's warm and not blowing million-mile-per-hour-hurricane-winds
2. Have WARM weather
3. Not be shivering while going up a route
4. Not have a steep 45 minute approach to the wall
5. Have nice cold water waiting :-)

It was a good weekend.  Even though I missed Tim McGraw and Lady Antebellum :-(

"Healthy" Work Snacks

With my new “budget” I have attempted to set for myself, one thing I have tried to quit is buying food from the cafeteria at work (or  going out to lunch).  To do this, I need to have a variety of work snacks to keep me going and keep my attention.  I don’t want snacks like Doritos (although those would keep my attention HANDS DOWN!), I’m trying to do this whole “somewhat healthy on the days I feel like it” thing.  I do pretty well!  … with the exception of my recently developed cookie fetish.  These are the recent snacks I’ve been bringing to work:

Yogurt and Granola

I eat this almost every morning for breakfast.  Aaron and my mom would be so proud because I NEVER eat breakfast (I haven’t since middle school).  My favorite granola is the Bear Naked – Fruit and Nut granola.  I can’t eat yogurt alone b/c the texture is Nasty McNasterson, so I have finally found my favorite granola to combine with it.  I’ve tried other granolas, but this is my favorite.

Cottage Cheese with some Orange Jello (the sugar stuff)

I’ve always wanted to like cottage cheese, surprisingly the texture doesn’t affect me, but the taste is… odd.  I have an amazing Jello Salad Recipe (courtesy of my Aunt Peggy and Grammy), so this led me to start eating cottage cheese with a little bit of Orange Jello Sugar stuff to give it some taste.  Tose Jorres says it looks like puke, but it tastes nummy.  I could eat the whole carton, so to prevent this I’ll usually only eat 2 tablespoons as a serving.

Flat Bread/Wheat English McMuffins

… with butter or penut butter.  I blame Aaron for the flat bread.  And YES I KNOW it’s “English Muffin” not “McMuffin” but “McMuffin” rolls off the tongue nicely, and I like to call it that, so I’m going to call it what I please J 

Popchips – BBQ Flavor

I blame my Aunt Peggy for this one.  This is for when I’m considering, “I want something new to eat… vending machine anyone?”  Bad, bad vending machine.  So I’ll munch on some Pop Chips (I got Court hooked on these).

Tuna Packs

They sell those little snack pack things for Tuna, and they’re actually quite good!  They come with a little mayo packet (I’ll use half of it) and a packet of relish, and some crackers.  I’ve only gotten the StarKist brand, but I recommend them.  Nummy.

Pepper Triscuits/Laughing Cow Cheese in Light Swiss

I blame my Aunt Peggy, again, for the cheese.  But if you haven’t tried this, TRY IT!!  It’s good on wheat thins too, but I LOVELOVE the Pepper Triscuits so I combine the two.

Carrots and Hummus

Mmmm enough said.

Campbell’s Select Harvest Chicken Noodle Soup

I don’t drink the broth, because broth is GRODY, but the chicken pieces are actually good and REAL pieces of chicken.  The noodles are whole grain and stay firm (another texture issue for me).  This was more of a “winter snack” and I rarely crave it, but it’s nice to have when I want something warm and the “Spaghetti and Meatballs” downstairs in the  cafeteria is calling my name.  I get the little microwaveable cans, so it’s easy to nuke and throw away.

Fruit

On the mornings (or evenings) I feel extra motivated, I’ll cut up strawberries.  Now that it’s FRUIT SEASON I’ll probably be bringing in plums and nectarines/peaches.  MY FAVORITE!  Oh!  And Cherries!  I love fruit.

That’s pretty much it.  If I remember anything else I’ll add to it, just for future reference.  Occasionally I’ll go to the  cafeteria to get a hardboiled egg.  One snack I’ve considered bringing in is a yam (or sweet potato, I forget the difference) and microwave it for a HEALTHY snack.  Aaron’s mom made these once in the microwave and ever since I’ve thought, “What a great idea for work!”  Another idea I heard once was a cut up cucumber with a little vinaigrette (or light Italian).  Sounds tasty. 

10 Things

I was listening to the radio today and it was talking about this girl who was 23 years old and recently laid off from her job.  This caused her to downsize from her apartment to a trailer, and from this event she wrote an article describing the 10 things she couldn’t live without (some of which were booze, TV, school, etc).  This got me to thinking about the 10 things I can’t live without, so I’ve been pondering all day trying to make a list.  This is what I have come up with (in no particular order):

#1 Ice

I like my stuff cold.  When I went to Europe in the 7^th grade I learned really quickly how much I take advantage of having ice readily available.  I love ice.  I want my milk as cold as possible.  My water to stay chilly.  Etc. etc.  I’d hate life without ice.  

#2  Lotion

I have only ever met 1 person who likes lotion more than me, and that’s my best friend Carolina.  We share the SAME obsession about avoiding dry skin, especially our feet.  The worst feeling ever is having dusty feet (for example, at the beach).  I think this is when Lina and I fell in love – when we realized each other’s love for lotion.  Oh also when we both pulled out baby wipes (at the beach) to wipe off our feet, followed by lotion.  Can you say “Match Made in Heaven” ???!

#3  Friends

I thrive off of my friendships.  I need girlfriends to talk to.  To chat with.  To whine to.  To giggle with.  I have some amazing friends, and I’d be a horribly lonely and depressed person without them.  I love having friends, and I love making friends.  Between my best friends, my boyfriend, and my family, I’d like to think I’m well off  :-)

#4  Garlic 
Enough Said

#5  Cookies
Chocolate Chip, White Chocolate Macadamia Nut, and everything in between.  This also encompasses pazookies and other “Sweets.”

#6  My Education 
It has made me who I am, and it has provided me with the experiences I have.  Without my education, I don’t know who I would be or where I would go in life.

#7  My Camera/Pictures
I feel like I easily forget experiences (such as vacations) so I try my hardest to take pictures as often as I can.  There’s nothing better than pulling out an old photo and remembering all of the memories from that single picture.  I hope 20 years from now I can look at my pictures from 2010 and say, “I lived an awesome life when I was 23, and here are the pictures to prove it.”  When I look at an old photo I’m instantly overwhelmed with an abundance of memories that I probably would never have remembered.  You can’t put a price on memories.

#8  My computer/iPhone
I’m a total technology junkie.  I wouldn’t know how to survive in that mean world without my ability to cnn.com, google.com, allrecipies.com, GPS maps, text message, etc.  

#9   Pasta/Garlic Bread 
Seriously, my favorite food.  

#10  A Car 

I understand I totally take advantage of my vehicle.  So many people don’t even have a car, and I couldn’t imagine life without it.  Midnight jaunts to walmart, driving across town to see my parents, driving to work, meeting friends for lunch, and so much more.  Although my lovely car is far from perfect (thank you check engine light), it serves its purpose and gets me from A to B.  


Otay your turn!  (Jenn I know you read this, so you should make a "10 things" list too... ok go!) :-)  Aaron you read it too... I'd be curious to see what yours is like (#1 Ice Axe, #2 warm sleeping bag, #3 Cliff Bars...).

Engaged!

My Beautiful Sister Tara is engaged!  She'll be getting married toward the end of this year.  I just wanted to post one of her beautiful engagement pictures because I think it's amazing!

Yup.  That's my sister.  Great genes, eh?

Luck o' the Irish?

Am I even Irish?  I know I have red hair, but Jenn has red hair and she's not Irish.

Anywho, I felt like making a post on my lucky winnings lately.  Seriously, I should be investing in the lottery.

Within the past year, I have won:

• A trip to the bahamas
• Backstage passes to meet Jake Owen (well, actually, Lisa won them)
• Sugarland 5th row concert tickets
• Tim McGraw/Lady Antebellum Tickets
• Moola Palooza Tickets
• Subway Prize Pack
• SNUGGIE

Uhmm... that's all I can think of right now, but pretty sweet right?!  I'm totally on a roll.

House Update:  I realize I will need more than I realize.  Little things that you take for granted (NOTE:  NOT "GRANITE"...  Pet Peeve is when people say "take it for granite").  Things like a microwave, coffee table, toaster, cutting boards, decoration, etc.  I can't wait! 

FINALLY!

I'm done with my finals!! Thank. Goodness. My brain is exhausted.

Now if only the weather could get better because I'm ready to ride my bike and get my tan on :-)

San Diego Pics

Here are some of the pictures from San Diego!

(The view from dad's balcony)

(My cruiser!)

(Me and Dad)

(Me and Aunt Peggy)

The Beginning

.... of summer is almost here!!  I can't wait until I don't have any more exams, homework, class, etc after work.  I'll get off of work at 3:30 and... BE DONE!  This is also known as: Summer.

My life is moving at an incredibly fast pace right now and I'm trying my hardest to keep up.  I have recently acquired this nasty thing called "Too Much Responsibility."  I'm totally okay with paying my own bills and being locked into a 1 year lease, but now am I technically locked into a 30 year lease?  I know I can rent or sell, but it's just so scary to actually have bought a HOUSE.  My step-sister Jen bought one recently... with her husband.  My step-brother Bryce bought one recently... with his girlfriend Tracie.  And here I am, little ol' Ash at the ripe age of 23 buying a house on my own.  AM I STUPID?!

... sometimes I think I am.  Then other times I think that this could possibly be an amazing learning experience, or a detrimental learning experience.  Either way, I'll learn.  I suppose.

In order to buy a house, one needs a JOB right?  I'd love to explain my job dilemma over bloggy time, but I figure it's probably best to keep this info a secret until a more definite answer comes about.  But I have a mega-dilemma right now, just to throw that out there.

Once again, I want answers.  I want someone to coddle my in their arms and say, "Darling Ashley... here's how you should play your cards for the next ten years."  Can someone get on this?  Kthanks.

My Budget? Cash Moneeeeey

So I’ve never really had a “budget.”  I don’t go around spending my entire bank account, I have a mental idea of what is in my bank account, but I’ve never specifically allocated money to “a budget.”

In order to increase savings and decrease frivolous spending, I have decided to create a BUDGET (dun dun dun). 

Because of my recent new purchase (A HOUSE) it is time I start saving as much as possible to prepare for my car taking a dump, anything in the house breaking, and managing my money in general.  I am proud of myself!!

I recently set up a recurring transfer from my checking to my savings to begin my budgeting process (Step 1!).  For me, if the money isn’t in my checking account, I won’t see it as free-to-go-shopping money. 

Out of sight, out of mind. 

I am going to try to use the envelope system because it comes highly recommended (by people I know, and internet sources).  The envelope system consists of withdrawing cash, designating it to a specific “envelope” (such as “Gas” or “Entertainment”) and using that money as a budget for the month.  This is the website I’ve bookmarked: Budget Website

I’m excited to start my budget!  Up until now, all I’ve saved is 3 months worth of expenses if anything ever happened to my job.  My aunt told me when I first started working that you should always try to save 3 months worth of rent/payments/etc. in case my job goes KAPUT.  So I’ve done that, but saved the bare minimum I’ve needed.  I shall now start saving more!  WEEEE!  I shall name you budget, and you shall be mine.  You shall be my budget.

Oh, I also may start coupon clipping.  No joke.

Happy Birthday Mom!

She may or may not be 54 today...

Nummy Cookies

I have this new addiction

Baking Cookies

I don't know when or why it began, but nothing is better than craving something sweet and having freshly baked cookies ready to be consumed.

Om nom nom

I think Courtney has a love hate relationship with my cookies.  She loves me when I bake them, and loves to eat them, but pretends to hate it.  "Ahhh more cookies?!  I GUESS I'll have to eat another" haha.  She loves me (... Court... you'll miss me).

My newest creation is White Chocolate Macadamia Nut cookies.  They're THE BEST ever!  I adjusted the recipe to reflect my nummy tastes, and they turned out perfectly. 

I'm currently in the airport, daydreaming about these nummy cookies so I thought I'd make a post to pass the time.

P.S. Do you know what I hate more than anything?  Copiers.  Not the machine.  The person who isn't intelligent enough to make his (or her) own decisions or come up with their own unique ideas.  So they have to steal the ideas of others.  I know people says "you should be flattered."  No.  I'm pissed.  Don't steal my idea that I was so proud of... the same idea that you gave me NO SUPPORT on.  So congrats to you, you unsupporting fucker, congrats on stolen ideas.  

For now I will stay in the San Diego airport and continue studying for my horrible BADM 730 exam that gives me nightmares  :-)

The Glass House

Pictures to come  later...

I'm at my dad's beach condo i n San Diego.  "Beach Condo" usually consists of a condo 3 blocks from the beach, but close enough to call it a beach house.


NO WAY!!  This place is a glass house on the BEACH!!!

An elevator to the room
A TV that comes down from the ceiling
A button you push to make the blinds come from the ceiling
Every wall (even the bathroom) is a class wall

It's a glass house no doubt. 

The condo I  stayed in last night (next door) is a 2 million dollar glass house.  Can you believe it!!?  This place is spectacular.   There is top of the line technology in this home.  The shower is a steam shower.  My dad  paid $15,000 for the time he is staying here!!!!!!! 

I may never have this opportunity again, so I am taking full advantage.

OH!  I forgot!  Free beach  cruisers.  Mine is pink :-)

I hope my new blog layout is cute, I worked long and  hard on it, but it's all MINE and I made it all by myself!

That's all  she wrote :-)