Sunshiny kind of day

I have been sick since Thursday with a nasty flu kind of thing.

What is really weird is how it started out in my lungs,

and then moved to my head.

Wait...isn't that backwards? My body loves to play tricks on me.

So today I decided to take a nice stroll because it was a perfect, hoodie wearing, bird chirping, sunshiny kind of day.

If anything I figured that it would improve my mood,

maybe even my health.

(As you can tell, today was also a no make-up, extremely messy bun kind of day as well.)

Strolling around a near by lake, listening to songs like

Smile, Viva la Vida, and Beautiful Like You turned a

sicky, boring, blah feeling kind of day into

a happy sunshiny kind of day.

It's amazing what God's creation can do to improve your day. :)

*ash*

Not much to it...

Hi ya. So I just thought I would do a little update kind of thing. Just for fun, ya know?

What I've been up to:

• Working at the bridal shop on the weekends, and am all by my lonesome. Let's just say that prom season is in full swing, and that there should have been 3 of me last Saturday!!
• Watched "The Marriage of Figaro" in music appreciation today. We are supposed to write a 4 page essay on it, which is fine, but there is one problem. It was in Italian. I couldn't understand a stinkin thing. This is gonna be fun. Yup.
• I have been asked to flim a wedding in 2 weeks. I feel important. :)
• Beth is coming to visit in exactly 2 weeks and 3 days. Cannot wait!
• I am really needing some new pants... I have one pair of jeans that fit me. All the rest are seriously baggy in all the wrong places. (like you really wanted to know that...tells ya how boring my life is right now!!!)
• Helped throw a bridal shower for the first time Sunday. It turned out really well and the bride to be was really happy.

Words that mean alot:

• "Isn't it funny how day by day nothing changes, but when you look back, everything is different...." C.S. Lewis
• "Someday everything will all make perfect sense. So for now, laugh at the confusion, smile through the tears, and keep reminding yourself that everything happens for a reason. "
• "Sometimes good things fall apart so that better things can fall together."

Random things I'm lovin:

• My new desk!!!
• Taco Bell. I could seriously eat there everyday.
• Olan Rogers... funniest guy on earth.
• Sperrys. I wear mine every single day.
• Nature Valley Dark Choclate and Oats granola bar. mmmm.....
• American Idol. I keep telling myself I'm not gonna get into this year....too late!
• Sunshine. There is not enough of it lately, but when a ray decides to shine through, it makes my day so much better.

What I'm listening to:

• Sparks Fly- Taylor Swift
• Learning to be the Light- newworldson
• Misery- Maroon 5
• bluebird- Cristina Perry
• Breakeven- The Script

I have been in such a mood to make a slideshow or edit something...so I made this little thing the other day. What can I say? I was bored. :)


Hope you all have a great rest of your week!
*ash*

Farewell January

Can you believe that January is practically over already?

The older one gets, the faster time flies!

Well I know I haven't posted much lately....and guess why.

Yup, that's right. College.

That was my excuse last semester too.

But believe me, I would much rather be blogging

than studying for my Psych quiz!

So, here are a few things that I have been up to this month....

***********************

Video chatting with dear Beth Ann and her sisters.

Dressing cute and layering lots.

Snow-tubing with church friends.

Re-decorating my room. Got a new desk! Now I have a cozy nook for my studying!

(good thing...cause I'll be doing alot of it!)

And listening to Mindy Gledhill's happy little album...while dreaming of summer freedom.

Thoughts on Christmas and the New Year

Yes so I know that Christmas has been over for a while now.

But I'm behind...so...feel sorry for me and pretend Christmas just ended, ok?

Thanks, you're the best.

Well I'm just gonna show you a few picks of what I did over the holidays

because nothing exciting has happened since then.

So here goes. :)

I'm sure most of you know Beth, well, she gave me a hand-decorated

shirt with my most favorite quote on it.

She knows me too well.

Beth also gave Emi a colorful sock monkey, which Emi has fallen in love with.

She knows Emi too well too.

One of my favorite gifts that was given this year was the "Manly Mug" that Emi made and gave to Dad. It's pretty epic. We were given several of Leslie Ludy's books for Christmas as well. If you don't know who she is or read any of her books...you need to. They are terrific. You can check out the Set Apart Girl magazine that she publishes HERE. Well now it's time for the cousins. Yes! They were able to come this year! (if you don't recall, last year they couldn't come because of snow. stupid snow.)

We had a great time together being silly, eating too much......

playing tons of games, and catching up on life.

I also got to experiment with my cousin's photoshop and pentablet.

It was so cool and I officially want one.

oh my....gotta love my family.

So as you can see, I had a very nice Christmas.

And after catching up on all of your blogs, looks like you all did as well.

Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures of my New Years celebration.

But believe me, they would have been good ones!

I spent the evening with some kids from the college and career group from my church.

We ate a ton and played Quelf.

(In case you aren't familiar with Quelf; it is the most random, humiliating, funnest game ever.

So, go out and play it, like now.

You will love it.)

The year 2011 was full of big events: Some exciting, some not. Some happy, some painfully sad. Some good, some bad. Along with those big events came big changes. Change is not my friend.

It scares me to death.

Whether it's painting my room a different color or flying on a plane to the unknown. Whether it's beginning a new job full of responsibilities and commitment or graduating from highschool and beginning a new phase in life.

Little or not, I tremble and the word change... and God knows that. It seems like He did nothing in 2011 but bring about change

and push me out of my comfort zone.

Because of that, I would not necessarily call 2011 a "happy" year.

Sure there were some wonderful things that occured, but even in those fun times,

He was working on me.

I could constantly feel Him pushing me out of where I felt comfortable,

urging me to do what I didn't want to do.

It was a tough year. But looking back, if I had somehow skipped 2011,

I wouldn't be who I am now without it.

I have grown so much and have learned so many new lessons.

I can honestly say that I took my first steps into adulthood in 2011,

not because I graduated from highschool, but because of what I have learned about responsibility, leadership, and life in general.

2011 was a tough year and I keep finding myself wishing that 2012 would be a bit easier. Deep down inside though,

I just know that 2012 will be just as tough, if not tougher, as 2011.

I can easily worry about what changes are going to take place and what big events (good or bad) are going to happen. But why?

What good does that do? God has gotten me through, not only 2011,

but my whole life; and He will continue to do so. In that case, instead of dreading what 2012 has to offer, I am excited.

Excited to see what changes are coming, what places I am going to go to,

and what people I am going to meet and form a relationship with.

I am ready for the adventure of 2012

Crafty Wrapping

This year I do believe that giving will be more fun than recieving.

I have had so much fun wrapping my friend's gifts and making them all "fancy like".

I was thrilled to find that we had plain brown paper in the cellar and that I found a

whole box full of old ribbon that hadn't been touched for years.

Yay for treasures in cellars!

I thought they turned out quite cute, compared to my wrapping from the previous years. This is totally random but....should I grow my hair out or keep it short? I just can't decide! Everytime it gets about shoulder length I get impatient and chop it off again. This coming Sunday my sister Emi and I are going to sing our annual song, "All is Well". And then after that, our friend Brit is going to join us to sing "Mary Did You Know". And then Sunday the 18th, Emi, Brit, and I are singing a song that I was introduced to this year called "Labor of Love". It is a gorgeous song that is so touching. Here is a video of Point of Grace singing it similar to the way we are going to sing it. Tell me what you think. :)

A Quick Run-down

I'm back! I'm sorry I don't post much anymore.

I really don't have any creative juices or exciting things to tell you about anymore.

Each day seems to blend together now, and honestly my life is just plain boring.

But enough of my depressing thoughts on life...

I wanna give you a brief run down on what HAS happened over the past few months

that has stood out in my life, whether good or bad.

• Declared major
• Square dancing
• Worship team
• Best friends moved
• Got asked out
• Turned him down ;)
• Lost 12 lbs

Yeah...that pretty much covers it.

What have you all been up to? I would love to know!

What I have been listening to:

• Breakeven- The Script
• Who I Am- Nick Jonas and the Administration
• Forever and Always- Taylor Swift
• It Will Rain- Bruno Mars
• Brighter Than the Sun- Colbie Calliat
• Beautuful Things- Gungor

I can Hear the Bells...

....well don't ya hear them chime?

*

*

*

Yea...I'm a fan of the musical Hairspray...don't judge me! ;)

*

*

*

So, I got a job! Finally!

I am now employed downtown at a local bridal boutique.

Ever seen those bridal shows on TLC?

I pretty much do that...only on an alot smaller scale.

I'm gonna let you in on a little secret...

it's alot more complicated and detailed than TLC makes it seem.

Today was my first day on the job and let's just say that my brain is just a tad bit fried.

My boss threw so much info at me that the ache that was forming in my brain eventually

moved down to my back and then to my stomach.

You have to measure guys for tuxes, order items from the catalog, steam the dresses,

help people figure out what they want (which is actually the fun part), and so much more. I'm sure I will eventually get the hang of everything, but I just want to make sure I know what I'm doing and do everything correctly. After all, weddings are extremely important! Even though this new job is challenging and confusing, I feel extremely blessed to have it.

God knew what kind of job I wanted and.... He won't throw anything at me that I can't handle.

I found this quote this evening that really encouraged me:

Courage does not always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying,

"I will try again tomorrow."

~Mary-Anne Radmacher

*********

If any of you have any questions "bridal" wise....let me know! ;)

I'm Off Once Again

Well it seems like I just got home but...I'm off to church camp.

I am now officially old enough to be a counselor. YAY! Now I get to wear the grown up wrist band! Not only am I in charge of my own cabin (with my sister's help of course) I am also the music leader. I always get so nervous because music is a very important aspect of church camp.

I want it to be fun, but not too crazy. I don't want it to be hard for the 3rd graders, but too easy and boring for the 6th graders. Know what I mean? So if you could pray for me during this week, that would be wonderful. I am not just a camp person...I don't like the rustic living, bugs, heat, and thunder storms. But in the end it is worth it because I know I have helped the camp out and pleased God. That's all that matters in the end right? :)

So good bye once again fellow readers.

No Place Like Home.....

.....except Summit!!

****************************

Man do I miss that place! Like a little oasis on top of a hill,

away from the everyday stress of life.

I must say, I recommend Summit to every one of my readers.

The speakers, literature, atmosphere, fellow students, staff, food, everything is epic.

I truly felt God working on my life here, in many different ways.

Like I said earlier, my camera and stuff got stolen so I don't really have any pictures.

If I end up posting any, they belong to other people.

Anyways, glad to be home. Glad to be back to the blogger world.

Missed ya'll.

*ash*

Another Update...

Hello, once again I have an update but it is not a good one.

While we were site seeing today our car got broken into and my purse got stolen which contained all my money, cell phone, license, camera, etc.

Some of my friend's stuff got stolen also.

We only hopped out of the car for a few minuites to take some pictures,

but I guess it was just enough time for something to happen.

I am especially upset that all the pictures I have take these few weeks are totally gone.

That bothers me the most, I just see each picture as a memory I'll cherish forever...

and now they are all gone.

So anyways, please pray that we will be able to get on the plane home ok since we don't have all the info we need. That's the big thing right now.

So yeah, lesson learned.

Never leave your valubles in a car unattended, or anywhere for that matter.

I once again learned it the hard way.

This is the 2nd time in like 3 years that my purse has been stolen.

Apparently God is trying to teach me something....what? I'm not sure yet.

Update From Colorado

Hi everybody! I'm not back home yet, but I finally have internet access!!

Oh how I have missed the blogging world!

Well I can't show you any pictures yet, but I just thought I would give you a little update. Summit is over and I am now at my friend's grandparents house here in CO.

They live really close to Rocky Mountain National Park which we actually drove through today. It was absolutely gorgeous.

We also went shopping downtown and just enjoyed our beautiful Sunday.

I am sick with a cold, so I am really trying to get rid of it before my flight home Wednesday.

I would rather not have my head feeling like it's going to blow up for 3 hours.

Well, just wanted to say hi and that I have missed you all.

Hope you have had a great past two weeks.

I know I have.

Pictures will come as soon as I get home.

Tootles

*Ash*

Ciao, ciao

Packing seriously wears me out. It hurts my brain to go think through everything I have

keeping in mind, "what can I not live without for 2 1/2 weeks?"

This is how I pack. As by brain flys, my hands try to keep up.

So i end up just throwing everything in a big heap on my bed.

This is my "not amused" face.

And unpacking...even worse.

After I throw everything on my bed, I then roll or fold all my clothes and stick them in

big plastic baggies and squeeze all the air out of them.

It really does save space!!

Where am I going you ask?

I'm going to Summit Ministries in CO for 2 weeks.

Beth and I are going along with a few other friends.

Oh, what it Summit?

It is a worldview conference kind of thing.

You learn about stuff like post-modernism , socialism, and that everyone has a worldview.

And that we need to know what our worldview is as Christians, and know how to

stand up for it.

So we will be spending alot of time in class listening to lectures and watching movies.

But we also just get to hang out, play sports, and make friends.

Aren't the mountains in the background gorgeous!

Can't wait for the beautiful scenery!

So I won't be taking my laptop with me, so it will be a while before I post again.

Hope you all have a great next few weeks!

I'll be fine as soon as I get the plane ride over with.

Airports make me really nervous.

What about you? Do you like to fly or not?

Have a great one!

*Ashley*

School's Almost Out...

Good morning one and all!

I saw from my little poll thing in the top right corner of my blog that some of you want to see

more "What I've been up to" posts.

That's cool...

Glad you all care! ;)

So here is the latest on mi vida...

(speaking of poll, i know more than 4 people read my blog. so vote! only 2 days left!)

*********************

1. Today I get my stitches out of my lip and possibly a little cutting done.

People have been asking if I'm nervous and I'm like,

"No way! I'm actually looking forward to it...cause it's driving me crazy!!!!"

Plus...it's no big deal.

2. Been finishing up my school year, making sure I get everything done.

I'm getting out of school earlier this year so I have a ton to do in a shorter than normal time.

Also studying for my math entrance exam for the community college.

Can you say stress?

3. Getting ready for Summit. Seriously can't wait...2 1/2 weeks on my own with friends.

Sure there is quite alot of mental work involved, but hey..

studying about worldviews is better than math and 15 page essays.

(which i need to get done before i go...)

4. Been designing and drawing a cover for a book my friend is writing.

It's seriously looking pretty good if I don't say so myself.

I'll have to post it on my art site.

(the one above is not it)

Also been knitting a hat for a guy at church, does he know it's spring time?

i dunno...

5. I've been asked to be the music leader for two different camps.

(although i think i can only do one)

So need to figure out what songs to do and what motions to put to them,

also before I leave for Summit.

******************

Well I think that's everything important.

Feeling a tiny bit stressed, but hey...

how boring would life be if there wasn't a little stress and challenge involved?

It's one way how God molds me into what he wants me to be.

God bless,

Ashley

Accidents Happen...Even to Me!

Alright, I am not usually know to be clumsy or to get myself hurt.

But ya know? Everyone has those days....

Yesterday was mine.

*******

I was playing capture the flag with my youth group last night.

I was running after this guy who had our flag!!

(trying to save the day...ya know?)

And I collided head on with another girl who had the same idea in mind.

WHAM!!!

Yea...the result wasn't pretty.

She kind of got a busted lip, and hurt her shoulder cause she landed so hard.

My tooth got embedded in my bottom lip.

ouch...yea.

So I had to go get stitches and junk.

Here is the before picture.....

And after....ewww. I look terrible!! Good thing I took all the pics for the Nancy Drew Fashion Week earlier!!! Anyways...mom doesn't like the way my stitches look, so I am going to a doctor or two this morning to get a second recommendation. So...please pray for me! Kinda nervous about what they are going to do. ciao! *Ash*

Getting Healthy is Fun! (sarcasm...)

*Must have.....craving....gonna die.....ahhhhh!!!!*

In case your wondering, that's what's going through my mind right about now.

Let's rewind first.

Hi! My name is Ashley!

Ok, too far....

ahem

Last Monday, I started a supertyduper strict diet. I mean, it's crazy.

Here is what I cannot have:

bread (or anything with yeast)

anything vinegary (no pickles! whaaa!!!)

dairy (which is hard since i put cheese on everything!)

sugar (including gum)

So yes, ummm...it is quite hard.

This is what I feel like.

Mmmm.....gotta love those greens.

Why am I doing this to myself you may ask?

Cause I have tummy problems, and I am sick of it.

And so far it is working! Haven't had a tummy ache since!

So after 9 days, I gradually introduce one thing at a time back into my diet.

If it gives me a stomach ache, it's OUT OF HERE!!!

****************************

Not only am I not eating....I am working out everyday too!

And boy am I feeling it. It is hurting my arms just typing this!

I'm such a wimp... My friends showed me this awesome website produced by this really cool (and toned)

chick who has really quick and tough workouts.

Her link is here.

Usually her instructions are on the site, and the video is on youtube.

Warning! Her outfits are quite immodest. Just thought I would let ya know.

Thanks Emily! Thanks to you I'm sore! Gosh...some friend you are... ;p

Just kidding, if I lose weight, I owe it to you!

Are you tearing up yet? tee hee

Life is Like a Carousel....

......Sometimes your up, sometimes your down.

*************************

Hi everybody! How are you all on this Sunday afternoon?

What are you all doing for Valentines?

My family usually goes to the local DQ with our grandparents to get blizzards.

I could totally use a Butterfinger or Heath Toffee one right about now.

Just for kicks, what is your favorite blizzard flavor?

There are only 30 flavors to choose from!

(can't be that hard right?)

*****************************

Ok, enough about ice cream...I am seriously making me want some.

Changing subjects....

So one thing I have been doing for Valentines is some cake decorating.

I am not a cake decorator.

I am too lazy and impatient to do a good job.

But this time I decided to change my attitude and do the best I can do.

This first one is one I did at a girls spa night.

The lady who was supposed to come teach us stuff was late cause her car broke down.

So we decorated cakes and made bath salts while we were waiting.

Mine was supposed to be a valentines cake, but it looks Christmasy.

So....it is what ever you want it to be. :)

My sister and I then decorated two cakes to take down to the ER.

(our church takes meals to them once a month)

This is the one I decorated. It turned out better than I even hoped for!

That's what I get for being patient!

I need to do it more often..... nah.

This is the one Emi, the cake decorator of the family, did.

They are both so cute! But not has been so fine and dandy. Friday night our cat Danny had a stroke and lost the total use of his back legs. He was in bad condition, so we called the emergency number for the vet and got him in. The Dr. said that since he has heart conditions anyways (and enlarged heart), he most likely had a blood clot in his aorta artery. He said there wasn't anything they could really do except give him some medicine to calm him down and keep him over night. The next morning they called to say that he died in the night. *********************** I don't really talk to many people about this because alot of people think I'm dumb to be so torn up about it. True, he was just a cat. But he was also my friend and companion. He made me laugh, made me mad, made me feel better. I enjoy animals. I like being around animals more than people. I can understand them better, they don't talk back, I know how to deal with them, I can read their body signals, and they don't stab you in the back. My pets were my friends when I had none. (am i dramatic enough? gees...) I think you get the picture. I'm sure many of you have had a pet die, and my case is nothing special. But I'm a dramatic baby so....need I say more? ;) ********************** Well on that happy note. I hope your weekend went better than mine. And if not, just take comfort that we are in the same boat. luv ya guys. Ash