It's the End of the Year as We Know It!

Here are my goals/resolutions from last year with more detail and pictures - 2012 -

Here are the results:

1. Finish my CPA requirements - DONE!!!

2. Visit Natalie at FSU - FAIL

3. Publish 200 posts - FAIL

4. Walk, jog, or run 500 miles - FAIL

5. Be in bed by 11:30 every week night - FAIL

6. Lay out the next days clothes the night before - FAIL

7. Fix my hair 4 days out of the work week - FAIL

8. Keep up with the line a day book - FAIL

9. Take an Amazing Vacation - DONE (even if my amazing vacation did end with my foot in a boot! We still went to Hawaii!)

10. Send 5 pieces of mail a month - FAIL

11. Read 12 nonschool books - DONE 

12. Buy a new car. - DONE


So 4 out of 12 is pretty bad...but I did the big ones, and I let the "these will change my daily life" ones fall by the way side.

I've been working on my new ones for 2013 so maybe I can have a little bit better success, come back to see those tomorrow!

Have an AMAZING (and safe) New Year's Eve!!1

Thunder Up!

Natalie (my very spoiled sister) made one request while she was in Oklahoma, to go to a Thunder game. Since I am all for making your every desire come true I got to work.

Normally we get out tickets free* from Garrett's employer, however, that wasn't an option this time so I mentioned to G that I was going to buy tickets in the crappy section for $12 each. Unfortunately (or not?) everyone wants to watch the Thunder so tickets are in high demand, there are no "cheap" tickets to be had.

So I paid too much to sit in the nose bleed section, but Natalie was thrilled, and the game was AMAZING! It was worth it!

(*the tickets are given to us but G does have to pay taxes on the amount of the ticket (stupid))

The Thunder were playing the Dallas Mavericks and were losing almost the entire game. Down about 11 they just couldn't catch up. I was pretty sure there was no hope for us to pull out a win.

But, as usual NBA games don't get exciting until the four quarter! The Thunder started doing everything right and Dallas's luck had run out. OKC finally took the lead!

See my boot, it didn't fit between the seat and the wall so I had to keep it turned at a funny angle. It was so swollen and sore by the time we got home. Worth it!

At the buzzer a Dallas player threw up a 3-point desperation shot and made it to send the game into overtime. It was unbelievable. I don't even think the player could believe it.

The Thunder ended up winning 111-105 in overtime and it was so fun to watch! I'm glad I made the decision to spend too much money on crappy seats because it really was a great game to be at!

Natalie was so happy we were there so it was worth it! (I look exhausted, and rightfully so there just isn't time to sleep when my sister is here!) 

I am probably a little bit biased....

Today is my birthday. 

When you're born in December your birthday competes with Christmas. If you're birthday is in May you never have to worry if the holiday party is going to fall on your birthday.

When you're birthday is in the second week of December you always have to worry if you're going to spend your birthday taking finals.

I celebrated lots of 21st birthday is college....mine was not one of them. I had a 7:30 am final on my actual birthday and the day after my birthday.

When you're born in December they send you home from the hospital in a stocking. (oh how I wish I had a picture to show you I'll work on that) and when your Mom orders you a clown cake for your birthday party, you get a Santa Clause cake.  

Sometimes people buy you joint Christmas and birthday presents. If you know a December born person PLEASE do not do this. You would never buy a joint present for someone born in July. If you absolutely must, make sure to buy them something great for their half birthday!

Your presents are wrapped in Christmas wrapping paper.

I really think people assume you're just born with a special love for Red and Green.

December birthdays are an after thought. People just don't think about them.

Chances are if you were born in December, you REALLY love your birthday (maybe even a little bit more than Christmas some days)

So you might think it sounds like I would trade my birthday, like I wish I was born in the summer or the spring or the fall or any month but December.

But, that is not true.

I'm not really a believer in astrology, but I do think there are similarities between people born around each other.

And I think people with December birthdays are the best people!

Christmas wrapping paper, combined birthday & Christmas presents, spend your birthday taking finals, not being able to have a real birthday party because there just aren't enough days in the month. I would not trade those things to be born any other time of year.

I love my December Birthday!

I mean even Jesus decided to celebrate his birth in December! :)

Have a piece of non Christmas cake for me today!

A Series of Unfortunate Events

Oh hi!

Remember me!

So back in October I decided to do the 31 in 31 and I did alright until I failed and I blamed it on my kidney stone. (an excuse, but a valid one, I think)

Then came November when I signed up for NaBloPoMo. For those first nine days I was going strong.

I made it to Hawaii! I was excited to show you all pictures so you could live vicariously through me.

I was going to make it through the month of posting more and then this happened....


That would be me at Hana Health in Hawaii getting a splint on my ankle because it was broken.

You want to know what will put a damper on your tropical vacation faster than anything else?

A broken limb. and crutches.

Luckily I have Garrett! He rented me a wheel chair and proceeded to spend the rest of the week pushing me wherever I wanted to go!

Garrett is wonderful and was mostly patient with me (and has continued to be since we got home) but let's be honest it put a HUGE damper on my ability to shop in Hawaii. He just wasn't willing to do that. The man has his limits!

I did spend lots of time at the edge of the sand looking at the water. And if you have to be injured I guess paradise is an awesome place to do it!



There was still plenty of time to enjoy drinks by the water, just not with my toes in the sand. (and who needs pain pills when you have pink drinks by the beach??)

When I got home I got a boot instead of a cast. (which was overall disappointing at first but turned out to be a blessing because you can take that thing off when you're foot needs some air!)

And had the flu and strep throat at the same time! (I got those as a little gift in Hawaii too, I guess the ankle wasn't enough of a souvenir for the islands)

Then as a special bonus gift I got to have surgery to remove the kidney stone that was hell bent on staying inside of my body. 

Oh did I mention I got this scooter to ride around on until I was able to put weight on my leg, it's not nearly as exciting as it sounds, but it's like a million times better than crutches so I won't complain!

My 9 year old cousin rode around on it at Thanksgiving and said "You're so lucky!" I wasn't really feeling very lucky, or at least not the good kind of lucky....


I hope I got all the sickness, accidents, and medical misfortunes out of my system for awhile because I am really just ready to be health and whole!

So other than going to see doctors at least twice a week I spent the remainder of November trying to not fall too far behind at school.

I also learned a very valuable lesson, do NOT commit to blog every day! Kidney stones, broken bones you win universe! I'm not meant to be an every day blogger!

In other just as important news...

Last night I took my last final EVER!

and now comes the fun part of applying, studying, and PASSING the CPA exam!

I'll be back soon with real camera pictures of Hawaii (soon could mean January, no commitments from me!!)

Day 2 Maui!

I had big plans to have pictures up today. But, I am so tired. I couldn't miss day of posting.

Today we drove up to a volcano, had great lunch at a sweet little place, swim and had drinks on the beach.

Man island is the life. Being in Hawaii makes me miss living in Florida.

More tomorrow pictures and better reviews. I am off to read myself to sleep. (yes it's before 9:00).


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Maui!!!

We made it! Spent most of the afternoon sleeping.

It was a long day of traveling but we made it out to the beach this evening.

It's gorgeous! I am so excited for this week! I hope it goes extra slow!!



And good news I had a pain free flight!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

A picture of a sticker, but no cup.

My perfect post today was going to be the obligatory first red Starbucks cup AND my I Voted sticker...


As you can see we only ended up with one....

I was in a lot of pain yesterday and I think (in my not medically trained mind) that I have more pain when I'm not super hydrated, so all coffee and tea is out. Which means no Starbucks and no red cup (I don't like their hot chocolate).

I'm very worried about being in pain on the plane tomorrow so I'll do whatever I think might work....

Happy Election Day!

(pictures from Hawaii coming soon!!!)

Is it okay to admit this on the internet?

I'm somewhat of a conundrum, a list making planner that procrastinates. 

I love To Do lists and having all my tasks scheduled just so. The problem is I am easily distracted by shiny things and have a hard time completing things on my schedule. I also have a hard time estimating how long things will take, which messes up my perfect schedule. 

Twice in my (schooling) life I have been so overwhelmed with the amount of things on my To Do list that I’ve needed extra reinforcements. (I’ve always been lucky to have people that will help enable me meet deadlines (or let me copy their homework)) But, twice I have completely handed over the reins to someone else to do one of my assignments.

The first time was my junior year in high school. I needed a paper written for my AP English class, there were not enough hours in the day for me to get it done on time. My mom was feeling bad for me and even though she had just had surgery was willing to help me out. I gave her the topic and sent her on her way to write my paper from beginning to end while I worked on something else.

I turned in her paper just as she had written it, and she received a D with the comment that the content was excellent but the paper was not well written…my mom was a teacher and should have been capable of writing a high school paper, she blames the medication from surgery…

This weekend Garrett volunteered to take an online test for me, I needed to do well and the tests are HARD so he had to study before he could do it. Quite frankly I was worried. Even though he went to school to study accounting (and does it every day) I wasn’t feeling very confident about his ability to take the test. I relayed the story of my mom’s D (and my disappointment in that) and sent him on his way. Saturday night he stayed up until 4:00am learning all the chapters of the test and was ready to take it Sunday morning. We ended up taking the test together (since I had some knowledge of what was going on) and we got an A!

D or A I am thankful that I have people in my life that will step up and help me do the hard, no fun things like homework when I need them!

Rambling

I was planning a weekend recap but I didn't take any pictures and had a pretty uneventful weekend. And honestly I just took some pain medication and I am not sure how long I'll be coherent. :)

My weekend went something like this football homework whine about my kidney stone repeat. Not much of a recap.

The good news is since I have class the next two days I had to go ahead and pack for Hawaii! I'm such an overpacker I think I could stay for a month and be fine. Oh well it all fit in my carry on (well except a few things Garrett will need to take) the big problem is I have no room to bring anything new home. I might have to see if there is anything that I can stand to leave home. I just always wish I had what I left. Maybe no extra room will save me some money. Or maybe it will just cause me to buy an extra suitcase for the way home.

Garrett will pack exactly as many white shirts as days we are gone. And some shorts. I'm a little jealous. Oh well.

Any packing tips?


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

BOOMER!

It's Game Day! 

My favorite Day

Win or lose I will always love those Sooners! 

(it is easier to love them win they are winning)

Aside from cheering on on my favorite college team I will be cheering on my favorite (undefeated!) fifth grade team!!

Hope you're having a good weekend!

It's not too late for a costume post right?

I never really meant to be that kind of person...you know the kind of person that dresses their dogs up in clothes, or worse costumes. Truth is I used to mock that person. 

But then somehow, somewhere along the way…I became that person. 

So if you’re sitting at your computer mocking me, shaking your head at how sad am I, or thinking it’s pathetic that I try to compensate for not having kids by putting costumes on my dog. I understand. I used to be you…but now I’m me. 

And I am embracing this new me.

The thing is I don’t think I’ll ever stop. I mean someday I hope I have kids, and I can guarantee you that I will dress my dog up in theme with the kids costume….

Kid wants to be batman? Great the dog can be Robin. Kid wants to be a princess? Oh good I've always wanted a unicorn. 

(an outtake! she's just so cute right?!?)

A monster has been created and I don’t think she’s going anywhere any time soon.

Happy November!!

via

Happy November!!

Unlike every single other person on the internet I am not really a fan of October. I don’t like orange, I don’t like the taste (or smell) of pumpkin, and I hate that the weather can’t make up its mind on the season so you never know if you need a tank top or a parka.

November on the other hand is one of my very favorites. Thanksgiving is my favorite family holiday. We all get together it’s a huge smorgasbord of food and family, without all the pressure of gifts. I love it!

Of course this year Thanksgiving has been canceled due to boot camp graduation (which is super sad!), but we are adding in Hawaii (just 6 more days!!!).

I think this will be a good November!  

Happy Halloween!

via

I'm not dressing up (I haven't in years) since I work mostly alone I figured it would be a little ridiculous. I did wear salmon (which is as close as I get to orange) and black so festive of me. 

Garrett waited until the last second to get his costume (even though I offered to help two months ago) and so  he ended up getting a costume that was way too small (he's Luigi (he was actually supposed to be Mario) to fit into a theme at work) and it looked like he was wearing a leotard and made for quite the comical morning, sadly I didn't get a picture....

Kuddles has like 9,000 costumes (including a brand new one this year!) I can't decide what she's going to be but I'll probably bribe her with treats and take pictures of her in all of them. Garrett requested this one...

Whatever I choose she will be extra miserable tonight with the all the doorbell ringing. She really doesn't like people! 

Here We Go Again...

Well I failed the 31 days challenge, but I'm not giving up I signed up for BlogHer's NaBloPoMO so maybe I can make it through November blogging everyday!

November is going to be a busy month; a trip to Hawaii, finishing up my last semester of school, hosting a welcome home Thanksgiving lunch for my cousin who is coming back from boot camp, and trying to remain pain free while passing this pesky kidney stone. So why not add something else, at least there should be plenty to blog about.

And I’m already ahead in one area of life…my Christmas shopping is almost completely finished! I just need gifts for my uncles, and my teenage boy cousins. (the hardest ones)

Just because posts without pictures are sad...

Failed

Well I failed the challenge.

I do have a really good excuse though!

Monday night after class (and a really hard test!) I came home and Garrett was really bummed that he had lost his fantasy football game and I suggested we rent a movie to cheer him up. At 12:30 I finally told him I needed to turn it off because I couldn't sleep with it on and I was getting tired. Off to dreamland I went. For a minute.

Sometime around 1:45 I woke up in horrible pain and I was having trouble breathing. I stumbled into the bathroom and then came to back to bed. I woke Garrett up and he asked if I needed to go to the hospital. When I said yes he panicked (I am not a medical drama queen I don't go to the doctor when I'm sick until I've tried everything else) I was pretty sure I had ruptured some vital organ (and I might have been a little scared because first I was sleeping and then I was in pain).

I walked into the living room and was laying on the floor, whining and crying and moaning and telling him that it was getting better and I would be fine. Garrett called 911 (panicked remember) I was pretty sure even in that moment that it was overkill, but you know it was the middle of the night and I was in pain.

The ambulance and the fire truck showed up and there were 8 sweet men in my living room trying to find out what was wrong. Probably wondering why I was withering around on the floor....

They asked what my pain level was and I said "probably a 7 it's bad but not as bad as when I had Kidney Stones." (foreshadowing)

After a successful IV placement by the guy in training (ugh!) we were off to the hospital. Garrett was waiting when I arrived and Grammy and my Uncle showed up shortly after, and I kept saying I feel like such a drama queen. At this point it's 3:00am and I have three people sitting in the emergency room with me. When the guy came to take me to get a CT scan he said "Wow! You have quite the entourage in there" when I told him I felt like such a drama queen he told me I shouldn't feel bad at all I was so lucky to have so many people that love me. And he was right! I am so lucky that all of these people dragged themselves out of bed to come sit at the hospital with me. :)

The theme of the ordeal was this, they would come in and tell me it sounded like a kidney stone and I would tell them it wasn't because I have had kidney stones before and this pain was different, it felt different, it was in a different place. It was just different.

Joke was on me because it is in fact a kidney stone.

The good news is nothing is ruptured!

The even better news is that I am not in the unrelenting pain that I was last time I had a kidney stone. (the pain is there, I just have breaks from it)

The bad news is that pain is most likely coming (the stone is still very high).

The really really bad news is I leave for Hawaii soon and I am a little bit worried that I am going to end up with that unrelenting pain in Hawaii.

Right now we are waiting it out and praying I can pass it sooner than later, I am hoping to avoid surgery (last time that's how it had to be removed), and that it doesn't interfere with Hawaii.

I would not wish the pain of a kidney stone on my worst enemy. There are a lot worse things that it could have been when I got to the hospital, but I'm quite certain there is not much that is more painful than a stone!
  

Dear Ashlee,

You are awesome.

Love,

I'm not just saying that, it's true Ashlee

Dear Marching Band Ashlee,

Spend more time learning the game of football, Jeremy is a good resource, he'll draw you pictures to help you understand! :) You really love the game and it will save you some time in college. Plus it's always helpful to impress boys with your knowledge.

Love,
Can talk football with the best of them Ashlee

Dear Senior Ashlee,

Don't worry so much. Enjoy Florida. Go ahead and learn to drive. Don't stress out so much, really you have nothing to stress about. I mean yes your grades suck but now is not the time to worry about that, it's kind of too late.... Drive around aimless lots, have sleepovers, enjoy the people you love. And find a different prom date, yours gets in trouble and his mom won't let him go.

Love,
Thinks if your grades suck that bad you should have at least had a wee little bit more fun Ashlee

Dear high school Ashlee,

I know you think that you think your friends are mostly laughing at you, but soon you're going to learn that you're actually kind of funny. It's good to know and makes you feel happy, you like funny people. The thing is you're mostly funny when you're not trying to be.....try and remember that.

Love,

We will never be a comedian, but at least your friends aren't jerks Ashlee

Source: cmae-adayinthelife.blogspot.com via Natalie on Pinterest

Is it almost over??

Am I the only one cheering for October to end? This challenge has been....well challenging. Or maybe I'm just in a hurry for November because it means I'll be headed to Hawaii! :)

Anyway here's today's letter to me.

Dear June 18, 1991 Ashlee,

So, I have some news....you already know your mom is going to have a baby today, and you are mostly excited for that baby (remember back when you wanted a sibling?). The thing is the baby is not the brother that you have your fingers crossed for. It's a girl. A sister. Her name is not Nathan, it's Natalie. She's nothing like you imagined (first she's a girl) second she has brown hair and lots of it. She kind of looks like a baby animal. When you wake up tomorrow you're going to think it was a bad dream, that'll make everyone laugh. Except you. When you agreed to the sibling you only agreed to a brother, you spent nine months thinking of your little brother Nathan so this comes as quite the shock (guess what is going to be even more shocking? When your mom has another baby in 18 short months and that one's boy...) Anyway I'm getting off track, lots of people are going to talk about this new sister, and talk about how cute she is....she's going to get a whole lot of attention, your attention. You've been only you for 9 years 6 months and 4 days so sharing is hard. I'm here to tell you it gets harder, you tolerate that sneaky little girl, but really she's just kind of a brat. There are some good things though, when you're home alone (probably too old to be scared) you wake her up and she always keeps you company. You get better babysitting jobs because her friends parents hire you. And when you let her hang out with your high school friends you can see the excitement radiating off of her and that is kind of cool. But over all she's just not what you bargained for.

That is until you leave for college. I guess maybe it is true that absence makes the heart grow fonder. Some how that small little bratty attention stealer turns into one of your very best friends. Just tonight you walked through separate Targets half way across the country from each other and chatted while you shopped.

So even though tomorrow morning you're going to wake up and be disappointed and you might not quite think having a sister is worth it over the next 10 years, your heart is going to change.

Someday you're really going to love that little hairy animal. So try not to be too hard on her...

Love,

Thankful for that little sister I never wanted Ashlee

Dear 5th Grade Ashlee,

I know everyone is always telling you how smart you are. I know you love that recognition. You're always winning some contest or another. And I'm really proud if you. But I'm here to tell you that you can't get all that far on just smart. You have to set goals and work hard for what you want. Good news if you apply yourself (don't listen to me and you'll be hearing that a lot over the next 15 years) you can do anything. Also, don't be too bummed you didn't get picked to be captain of the patrols, you can't be winner of everything.

Love,

The Ashlee that wishes you would have worked a little bit harder so she didn't have to pick up all the slack



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Broken...no...Shattered.

Dear Ashlee,

Remember when your trusty Otterbox broke and was no longer protecting your iPhone? Remember how you really wanted a cute monogrammed phone case but you didn't want to spend the extra money on getting a monogrammed Otterbox? So you just got a cute regular hard case...and it was so cute you didn't even worry about it. Remember how you're the CLUMSIEST person on the face of the earth? And now you have a broken iPhone screen that makes you want to cry because you aren't eligible for an upgrade until January. Please just spend the extra money and get the otterbox it will save you in the long run, when you're replacing your new phone.

Love,

Heartbroken over a phone Ashlee

Dear Ashlee,

Most of the time it's better to keep your mouth shut than to correct someone. Especially if your in front of other people.

Love,
If you don't like it they probably don't either Ashlee


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Sleep, FTW

Dear small afraid she's going to miss the fun Ashlee,

Please your nap time wisely. You won't miss much and I could use the sleep!

Love,
Insomniac Ashlee


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

You can't really carry a tune either....

Dear Sixth Grade Ashlee,

You're really not very good at playing the viola. And let's be honest you don't practice much so you probably won't get much better. I know you picked orchestra over band because band makes you take chair tests in front of everyone but I'm hear to tell you that when Kristen decides to join marching band in 9th grade you want to join too, so you don't get left out. So one weekend you and Kristen convince your Mom to buy rent you a clarinet (it seems like the easiest to learn). It works and you join marching band (you're awful at the clarinet too)  but maybe just maybe if you pick it from the beginning you'll be a little bit better. If not the good news is the band director tells you to focus on the first note and last note of each song and you're really good at marching!

Love,
The not so musically inclined Ashlee

Sometimes you bite off more than you can chew.

Dear Freshman Year of College Ashlee,

Do not take an 8:00am class your first semester of college. I realize that's later than your high school started but college is different than high school. You won't go. That's going to start you on a slippery slope of missing class. Honestly 10-12 is your window of actually making it to class. See if you can make that work. Why we're at it let's stick to 12 hours until you get adjusted and do not take Economics (or at least drop it when you realize you're the only freshman in the class. That is not a good sign, no matter how smart you are.) We'll try and add some more second semester. Good luck!

Love,
Oh the things I would change about that year Ashlee



 

Almost Missed a Day....

Dear 6th Grade Ashlee,

You're going to change schools this year, and of course you're going to pitch a fit. Remember you hate ANY change....I'm here to tell you that it works out. In fact it might not be a bad idea to just go at the beginning of the year it will save you from being suspended. You are going to make a lot of amazing friends. Just go with the flow. It will all work out.

Love,

Thankful for that change Ashlee

Dear October 10, 2006 Ashlee,

Please stop thinking and do in your heart what you know is right, what you want to do. Stop worrying about what other people will think. It doesn't matter. I don't know how things will turn out, but even when I try to imagine the worse case scenario (we're good at that) I know it's not worse than the feeling of not trying to say good-bye. The only thing I can guarantee you is that tomorrow will be too late.


Love,
Still no good at saying hard things Ashlee

Just do it!

Dear 7th Grade Ashlee,

Do your math homework!

Love,

Every Ashlee After you!

Dear 3rd Grade Ashlee,

Don't wish for glasses. Your wish comes true. No matter how hard future Ashlees wish our eyesight does not improve. Glasses are not so fun.

Love,
All future blind Ashlees


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Dear Ashlee,

Know when to take a break and just be with the people you love.

Love,
Should be studying instead I am cuddling Ashlee


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Nine Majors is Two Too Many.

Dear Freshman (in college) Ashlee, 

I have so much advice for you, there are so many things you should know. But, let's start here...nine majors is a little bit of overkill. I'm going to make it easy for you, in order to change history in the least amount I'm just going to say this. GO WITH SOCIOLOGY. It won't help you reach your goals, it's not actually where you'll end up, it's not even a little bit the choice, but it's the beginning step of the road less traveled. Avoid all science majors, business majors, journalism majors, education majors, and let go of the dream of minoring in French. I can tell you right now it's just not going to happen. Take the classes you enjoy try to do well in them and you'll figure out the right direction...eventually. 

I'll be back to talk to you, you need a lot of help!

Love,
I might choose to relive my freshman year if given the choice Ashlee

Not so brave anymore

Dear fearless (ha!) Ashlee,

Enjoy roller coasters while you can. I hate to be the one to break it to you but somewhere along the way in your old age you developed a fear of heights. This really makes roller coasters no fun. So ride as many as you can before it brings you to tears.

Love,
Afraid of even more Ashlee



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

The cure for anything is saltwater.

Dear Lives in Florida Ashlee,

Enjoy the beach. I know you take for granted that it takes you five minutes to get there, but someday you'll long to be able to spend some quality time thinking while listening to the sound of the waves. So go as often as you can and just enjoy everything it has to offer. Remember to protect your skin while you're there, tan skin is not worth the wrinkles. I promise!

Love,
Land-locked-Ashlee

Wishy-Washy-Ashlee

I am already bored with my challenge choice...and questioning my decision to not just have less of a theme on the blog for the entire month. I almost quit or amended the rules. In the end I made a decision and chose a challenge topic and I'm going to stick with that. :)

Here is today's letter to me:

Dear Ashlee, 

Your inability to make a decision is annoying. I'm not quite sure when the constant waffling started but I do remember that time in 9th grade that Sir-Bob-a-lot pulled the car over and wouldn't drive us to dinner until someone decided where we were going to go. I remember that you would have rather gone home than been forced to make a choice (turns out SBaL couldn't make a decision either and that's why were were stopped in the first place). It's really strange because you are the most bossy person I've ever met (well tied for bossiest) and I feel like that should make you a good strong decision maker. It doesn't. You wait until the last possible second to decide where to go to college, you change your major 9 times (only to end up back in college (and changing your mind about what to do at least twice on the way back!), you miss out on great opportunities trying to make a decision. Frankly it's exhausting so please just don't worry so hard about making the wrong decision and stop trying to make sure your decision will make every person happy and just make a decision! Here's the thing I wish I could tell you that you grow out of it but you don't. IT.GETS.WORSE. Like when you are by yourself and trying to decide what to eat for lunch you sometimes have to pull the car over and try and make yourself decide that way, and lots of times that ends up with you turning the car around and just not getting anything because it is easier than deciding. So if you could just work on this problem, for us, I'd really appreciate it. 

Love, 

The older wiser smater  older Ashlee

PS you hung out with that other bossiest person recently and you remembered that she also can't make a decision to save her life. It made dinner a real problem when it was just the two of you since there was no one else around to decide....maybe it's a bossy people thing.  

Day 1

Dear 8th Grade Ashlee,

I have this vision of you crying in the cafeteria because life seemed to be going so well and it was all about to change as you headed off to high school, seriously you must have been having a really emotional day because that was ridiculous! I get it, change is scary, but sometimes staying in your comfort zone is way worse! All change is not bad, high school and college they will be so much fun! Life outside of 8th grade (or whatever change you are struggling with) is exciting! Sure you will have different friends (I don't know that you talk to any of the people from that 8th grade lunch table any more) but the important ones they are still there! Change is inevitable learn to get excited about it! Order something new at a restaurant every once in a while, it's worth it.

Don't be too consumed with the way things were to miss out on what's going to be!

Love,
sometimes-I still-struggle-with-change-but-I-would-never-cry-about-leaving-middle-school Ashlee

31 days of letters to Shlee

I had already decided to try to get back into blogging by committing to having a post every weekday in October all on my own. (actually I meant for it to be September but I lost track of time...) 

I have heard about Nester's challenge before but, I really thought I needed to have a specific topic to blog about and I just can't commit to that kind of blogging. Unless of course there is any interest in 31 days of pictures of the cutest dog, or 31 days of pictures of my hair not being fixed before I leave the house, or maybe 31 things I wish I had done differently the first time I graduated from college. All that to say I was perfectly happy to sit out and not be joining Nester's 31 Dayers.

 But, by the 57th post on the 31 days of blogging in my Google Reader I just couldn't resist I whipped up a quick amateur "graphic" (neglecting my work duties and homework) and decided to play along! 

I almost went (semi) themeless (I even had the paragraph typed up and hit publish) when it hit me, I can't do 31 things I wish I had done differently the while I was getting my undergrad, I just don't think I could think of that many things. But, I can do a twist on a popular writing topic and write 31 letters to the Younger Me. I'm coming up on a milestone birthday (30! eek!) with that comes lots of reflecting on all the years, decisions, and events that have made me, me. I have lots of good advice for that sweet younger Shlee. And if I happen to run out of advice for her I might throw in a few to future Shlee just for good measure. :)

  If you want to join in, or see who else is go on over to Nester's and check it out. 

Sometimes it takes me longer to think of a lame title than it does to write an entire post...

This is what the weekend looked like...

Lots of rain and cool temperatures.

Perfect weather for not doing much, except lazing around and watching scary movies. And that's exactly what we did. Monday came too fast (it always does!) and I cannot even begin to grasp the fact that it's October. I wanted time to move this quickly when I was younger always counting down to my birthday or the next big break from school but now I wish it would just S L O W down. I have lots of things to look forward to and lots of count downs in my head but the exciting times get here and then they are over just as quick as the started.

This little bit did not want to get out of bed this morning (probably because she woke us up at 4:00 to take her out, which she never does!) it took every ounce of willpower I have to get out of bed and make it to work this morning....

Here's hoping for a great week!

Have a great weekend!

Is it the weekend yet?

It's only Tuesday? I can already tell this is going to be a looong week.

Garrett joined a bowling league...it's a work league (his employer is huge and has lots of fun things for employees to do).

When I think of bowling I think of the movie Kingpin. I mean is there a more ridiculous hobby?

I told my 16 year old cousin about it he said "that's almost as bad as the chess club" little did he know that G was in the chess club in college...love that nerdy guy :)

In typical Garrett fashion he has taken on his new hobby with the greatest passion, he will be the best armature bowler that league has ever seen! Which means that on Friday he bought himself a bowling ball, bag, and shoes. :) And then we played a few practice rounds.

I'm horrible but I guess with all the practicing I'll be breaking a 100 before too long.

Since this football season is promising to be a long one for my Sooners, I might as well get excited about bowling too.

Is there such thing as bowling season? Bowling tailgates? Cute outfits to be worn?

Free time!

I had planned to blog every (week) day in September. that didn't work out so well for me. obviously. I'll give it a try in October! maybe.

The good news is I'm not behind in school. The bad news is I'm behind almost everywhere else.

Except with cooking, two weekends ago I made 15 recipes for a total of 30 meals. That makes my life so much easier! But, not quite as easy as when Garrett brings food home from work.  

I had three tests this week (still one to go). I'm so ready to live a life that does not include school. (that previous statement is not necessarily true if I could live a life that included school but not work, I'm all for that!)

There are so many things on my to do list when I'm finished with school

1. read for fun! - I hid my Kindle so I'm not tempted. must read about Accounting for the next two and half months.

2. Watch a million shows on Netflix that everyone is always talking about that I've never gotten to see!

3. Cooking!

4. Blogging

5. Crafting

6. Organizing.

Just to name a few!

Just some bullets.

* I successfully finished my first week of the semester! 15 more to go.

* I forgot how exhausting it is working and going to class, 17 hour days are looong! 

* I am already a little overwhelmed at the thought of missing a week of class at the end of the semester.

* But I think Hawaii will be worth it :)

* I dropped a class today and felt a little guilty about it. I really like that professor! 

* I want a new camera for Hawaii; I have it narrowed down to three (I think) 

* I spent too much of my day trying to get in to the Lilly Sale yesterday

* Then spent too much money because I was excited I was in.

* Now I’m on a spending freeze until Hawaii! 

* Which means I hid all the flash sale sites on my facebook.

* The dog hates that I’m back in school, she’s been crying a lot L

Back to School!

Today is my last ever First Day of School! (I think.)

21 Augusts of my life have been filled with back to school shopping (my favorite!), anticipation, and new beginnings.

It seems crazy that this may be the last time I'm walking into a classroom as student. The awkwardness of trying to figure out where to sit, not too close to the front, not too close to the back. Hoping you know someone in the class. No matter how old or young you are there is nothing that matches the feeling of the first day of school!

I don't have a special new outfit picked out, and no one is driving me to class. But you better believe I have all new school supplies! I'm so excited for this last first!

Movies!

Garrett and I went to two movies last weekend, and watched two at home! I wanted a relaxing weekend and I got it the form of movies!

We saw Total Recall which was good. It wasn't the best movie I've ever seen and I kept imagining what the original was like with Arnold Schwarzenegger in it. :) Garrett loved it though and that's saying a lot because he's so super picky when it comes to movies.

Saturday night we saw Hope Springs, it wasn't really what I was expecting. It wasn't funny. I cried. (of course, I cry at everything) It focused on sex a lot, like the entire movie. It just wasn't my thing. The other people in the theater seemed to really like it. It just wasn't our thing. I didn't like It's Complicated and I would say this movie is similar, so if you liked that one go for it.


Sunday we watched The Faculty, which Garrett informed me was THE movie of high school (just aged myself there). I'd never heard of it and I'm pretty sure it wasn't the movie at our high school, but what do I know we spent our weekends watching Evita and Luck of the Irish


Sunday evening we watched The River Wild  It was intense and I cried. It was really good. I did have nightmares that night though. I was a little surprised that Meryl Streep had marital problems in this one too. She's been married for 34 years, for being in an industry where everyone gets divorced like it's no big deal I can only assume it's a pretty happy marriage, but she has the actress in a struggling relationship part down! The movie didn't revolve around the relationship it was just kind of a side thing.

Garrett goes to the movies for the popcorn, and he almost always has it eaten before the previews are over. I used to always wait until the movie started but I've adjusted to his ways :)

Happy Friday!

I woke up so happy this morning! and not just because it's Friday.

I have so many things to be happy about...

I love and appreciate G so much and thinking about it makes my heart happy!

I have a relationship with my younger cousins that I only dreamed I could have since we have such a large age difference between us.

We decided to get a cleaning lady a few times a month! :)

I have an awesome family, that has quirks, is  little bit crazy and doesn't always get a long but in the end we always pull together.

I have the best dog ever!

Football season is just around the corner! Boomer!

My sister is my favorite! and surprise weekend visits from her fill my love tank right up!

I'm planning a trip to HAWAII! (Is it bad that it's three months away and I've already started my packing list?)

I think this semester is going to be a good one!

And it doesn't hurt that it's the start of the weekend!

Vacations!

As soon as a vacation ends I start planning my next one, vacation planning keeps me sane!

Garrett and I are very lucky.

His Parents live here...

And my Mom lives here...

Anytime we go "home" we are going to an amazing vacation spot!

This year I thought our only winter trip was going to be to Florida, and honestly after the cruise last year I was really excited to just spend the week on the beach eating at some of my favorite places, merging my two lives (Garrett has sadly never been to my hometown!)

That trip is almost completely planned, and I've been basking in the glory of how amazing it's going to be! And that was enough for me, one glorious winter trip.

That is until this weekend when Garrett sprung the most amazing news on me...

We are going to Hawaii!

I'm so excited! I'm already dreaming of my packing list! And a new camera! I've been itching for a new camera for awhile and I just cannot commit to one but now the search is on!  

I love vacations!