Esther

Esther. by Beth Moore. That is the study we will be doing starting Monday January 10th! I am so excited to have a few more gals joining in on this exciting adventure as we grow close to each other while growing closer to Jesus. Let me just say that I am more than excited...I am pumped. I know that God is going to do a great work in each of our lives as we strive to become women after God's own heart.

If you are not in a small group, I encourage you to join one...or start one. Get a group of friends that want to grow closer to the Lord and learn together...it will change your life!!

Have you ever...

Have you ever had one of those days where it was awful you just felt no one was there...hello today...

Ps. 55:22 Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.

Relying on Jesus...the Ultimate Sustainer.

On this day...

On this day 1 year ago, I posted about getting low lites put in my hair. I did it, and it looked great, but after a few months and lots of time spent in the sun, my hair became that bleached blonde beach look au natural. I would like to say that I am doing something different with my hair this year, but I am not. I like my long blonde hair, and just cannot part ways with it. Sure it takes me a really long time to dry it, but I am a-okay with that. I am thankful for every single hair on my head.

I have noticed myself saying a particular comment lately...not with the same people because then it would get old, but I refer to it with everything...the comment "dead fish"...here is how I have used it...
-smells like dead fish
-you look like a dead fish
-i feel like im talking to a dead fish
-it's as dead as fish today
-i feel like dead fish
Where did that come from? Yes, I know...strange.

I sure do hope your Wednesday does not resemble a dead fish :)

Bueller...Bueller...Bueller...

I saw this picture today, and felt I needed to post it. I am a BIG fan of Ferris Bueller's Day Off! If you have never seen it...watch it now!

Sweet time.

Today was beautiful. The breeze was nippy. There was about 7" of snow covering the ground. Everything was white. It was wonderful. I have spent most of the day just lounging around. It has been quite wonderful, although, I did miss being with my sweet church family this morning. I slept in, and that was much needed. After being up about 30 minutes, I began to work on my devotion. 3 hours later...I finished up. Let me just tell you what a sweet time it was. I just wanted to keep reading and writing. I was soaking up every second of my sweet time with Jesus. I can say that my love for Jesus just deepened even more. He is teaching me and showing me new things everyday. I have been studying the life of David the past 9 weeks...1 more week of this study...and let me just tell you, if you have not studied in depth the life of David and the books of 1 and 2 Samuel, I encourage you to get the Beth Moore study of David. It will knock you off your feet with all the information you learn in 10 weeks about the life of this man after God's own heart and how his life is a forshadow of the life of Jesus. Since there is only 1 more week of this study, I am already beginning to look ahead to the new adventure we will go on and what we will study. I am excited and looking forward to the lessons and information I will learn, along with the other gals that are on the adventure with me. I am so blessed to have friends who want their lives to reflect Jesus and want to honor Him with their lives.

If you want to join us in our new study, let me know!! We don't meet up all the time, but we do keep each other accountable. So, if you are reading this from afar...or just want to know someone else that is studying the same thing as yourself, let me know. I would love to have more women who have the same desires of following Jesus to join in on this amazing journey!

Christmas magic

There is just something magical about Christmas. It is the time of year when everyone is about 75% happier...I don't really know if that is the exact percentage, but I am usually right about most things, so you can probably trust it. The other 25% that is not happier is because the stress of shopping and the spending of money. I know a BRILLIANT way to boost that 25% up...now it wouldn't make it to 100% because some people will probably hate this idea, but here it goes. Instead of buying gifts...why don't we just sit around and play games as a family. Enjoy each others company. Give each other the gift of time. I like. It's priceless. It's amazing, and maybe one day this will happen. The money you would have spent on someone else can now be saved and spent on yourself at a later time. I love buying and giving gifts, but I would rather everyone sit around and play games that I ultimately cream them at! The gift of winning...that is what I want, but I know that most people can't give me that...that is because I usually win :) Okay, bringing my ego back down...I recently lost a game, but to be fair, it was my first time playing it...excuses excuses...
Keeping my fingers crossed.

This may start a fire...

I probably should not even post on this, but I am going to do it anyway.

First off, I would like to say, I love everyone, no matter what your choice in life may be and on whom you love, I love you because Jesus loves you. Do I necessarily agree with certain lifestyles, no, but who am I to judge?

So, here is where I stand on the "Don't ask don't tell" ban being lifted. I don't think this should have been lifted...maybe turned in a different direction. Sure, people want to be themselves and don't want to have to hide who they are...so since being gay in the military is being lifted, why don't we allow all the men and women to shower together? I say this because I remember Adam telling me about boot camp and I remember seeing the big shower area that was used by alot of guys at the same time. With that said, if you know that your military buddy is gay, how uncomfortable would that make you having to shower together daily? I just don't see the point of seperating the men from the women if we are going to allow those who like the same sex to shower with the ones they like. I am not saying that being gay should mean you shouldn't be in the military. By all means, if you are willing and able to serve our country, thank you. I honor you for doing that. I just don't think its right to be able to platform that particular lifestlye when you basically live on top of each other in the military. Shouldn't our focus be on keeping America safe and not if John is checking Joe out? Let's keep our personal lives personal and stay focused on what really matters.

I have a little more to add...Obama isn't serving in the military, most of the guys that are signing this bill aren't serving in the military. If they did serve, it was when the lid was kept on this issue. And I am pretty sure most of them aren't gay.

The only thing I have taken away from what Obama said this morning was, "I say to all Americans, gay or straight, who want nothing more than to defend this country in uniform, your country needs you, your country wants you, and we will be honored to welcome you into the ranks of the finest military the world has ever known." I agree. Everyone is welcome to serve, but as I stated before, let's keep our personal lives personal.

Watch out America...this is repeal is going to cause trouble. BIG trouble.

Around the corner...

Admit it...you've missed me the past few days :)

Well, I am back. Christmas is right around the corner.

Hope you enjoyed this long post. Check back later for more Ashley...

Jeans and boots

Okay, back to a favorite thing. If you know me, you know that I wear jeans ALL the time...whatever the weather, I love to wear jeans. Unfortuately, I can only wear boots when the weather is cooler, unless I whip out my rain boots during the warm weather...then, I am complete. I would love to be able to wear jeans and boots all year long. Jean just go with everything, and boots make it more fun! A friend at work was making fun of me the other day because I always have a different pair of boots on. Some here at work have even started naming my boots...not literal names, but they tell me what I look like...for example, one day I wore my black rainboots...I also had a grassmasters t-shirt and hat on, so they told me that I looked like I was going to ride a tractor. Then I have a short black pair of boots and they tell me those are my motorcycle boots...and then my tall black boots, which they say makes me look like I am going to ride a horse. On a side note, the people I work with know exactly what NOT to say to most girls...I think it's funny. Back to the jeans deal...whenever my friends ask me what I am wearing somewhere...my response is jeans :)
Since it is cool all the time in Alaska, I could wear jeans and boots all the time. Another reason I want to move up north :)

Happy Birthday x2

Today is a very special day...not for just one person, but for 2! On this day, 51 years ago...which just so happened to be my PawPaw's birthday, he welcomed into this world his 3rd baby boy...my dad. How special is that?!? My dad and my pawpaw share a birthday! Both of these extraordinary men mean the world to me.

Dad- you are amazing. not only are you an amazing father, but you are a great boss. i am honored to work for you, and enjoy being around you every day. i know that with you, we will never have a dull moment. i am so thankful for you, your huge heart, your amazing personality, and your leadership. love you dad!!!

PawPaw- you are so special to me. you raised my dad to be a man...just like you. i love our conversations and you always make me feel beautiful. i am so thankful to have you as my pawpaw. love you!!!

Happy Birthday boys! I hope that you enjoy your very special day...you both deserve it!!!!

New news

Well, the time has finally come for a break from school. I took my last test and turned in my last paper last night. I am free of school...until January, then it's back to the books. For now, I will continue doing everything else that I cram into my life...work and have a life. Yep, I will be busy!
I do have some good news to share...I am moving out of my apartment and into a cute little house with some friends!!! I am so excited! The move will take place at the beginning of February, so for the next month, I will be packing up my apartment as I anticipate the move! Really, you just do not understand how excited I am! Sooooooo excited!
5 more days till we find out what Amber is having! AHHH!!! Can't wait!
I am not feeling too silly right now...sorry to disappoint. I think I am hungry or need coffee.
Does anybody besides myself watch Sarah Palin's Alaska? Such a good show. I want to move there. Well, this past week, Kate Gosselin was on there, and let me just tell you I wanted to smack the woman. She did nothing but make ugly faces and complain the whole time. I think she thinks the world revolves around making her comfortable, and she just does not even seem thankful when someone else opens their own family's lives to share a fun expirience with. She is spoiled and needs help. Not that I have ever really been a Kate fan, but after seeing her this week, I am definitely NOT a Kate fan. Sarah Palin and the outdoors all the way! I want to shoot a shotgun and gut fish and camp in the rain.

You call yourself a Christian?

Warning: this is a rant. I have something on my heart, and I need to share it.

Do you call yourself a Christian? Do you? Well, what does Christian mean? Little Christ. So, with Christian meaning, "little Christ", what does this entail? Well, I believe this means that we should act like Christ. No, we will never be like Christ, but our goal and aim in life should be to strive to be like Christ. Need an example? I have one. Let's say you have a friend, a best friend, and then something happens in that friendship. Why? Well, because you realized that you were not putting Christ first, and so, you made a change to put Christ at the center of your life and want to strive to be more like Him. Awesome! But, here is the kicker... that best friend, whose life may not have had that big change like yours did, who may have struggles with things that you are no longer associated with...what do you do with that best friend? Well, as I have seen, you run away from that friend. You get up on your high horse, and ride away. Now, tell me, do you still call yourself a Christian? I mean, being like Christ and all, do you think he would have turned away from that friend who was struggling? ABSOLUTELY NOT. This is your time to sow the seed of Jesus and His love into that friend. To continue to love on and be there for that friend. The WORST thing you could do is to turn your back on that friend. Hypocrite. Maybe you are tempted with the things that friend does that you no longer want to be a part of...well, there are many ways you can still love on that friend, but if you turn your back on that friend and do not share the love of Christ with that friend, so in turn maybe that friend will find his way back to the Lord, I am not sure why you call yourself Christian. Another example, would be adults, who see that there is a young person who is not on track with the Lord...instead of trying to invest and nurture this young person, they totally turn their back on that person and are not doing what we have been commanded to do...LOVE. Love our neighbor as ourselves. To train those the way in which they should go. Come on now...is this you? Are you someone who calls yourself a Christian, but when it comes to a friend or a younger person who is not on track with the Lord, you find it easier to ignore them?
If you are reading this, and a friend, or young person, or just anyone comes to mind that you know you have not been showing the love of Christ to, I suggest you do something about it. If you are reading this and no one comes to mind, you probably are in denial because I am sure there is one person you can think of.
Lord, help me to be more like you in the area of reaching out and loving others. Even if I have been hurt, or it is just easier to ignore a situation, help me to put my feelings aside and show Your love.

Dear Santa...blonde confession

**disclaimer- this is a joke and it makes me laugh, and if I laugh, then thats what counts** :)

Dear Santa,

As a reminder to what I asked you for this Christmas...you only have about 12 days. Yes, I know some things develop quickly, but really now, you are pushing it.

I still believe,
Ashy

Okay okay, time for a blonde confession. On Friday, I really wanted 6 chicken strips from Chick fil a. So, my plan was to order 2 boxes of 3. When it was my turn to order, I ordered 2 boxes of 6. He told me how much it cost and I drove around. I was hungry, so I didn't ask why the price was so steep. After they handed me 2 bags I realized what I had done. They gave me 4 boxes of 3, and in 2 of those boxes there were 4 strips. So, the 6 strips I wanted turned into 14 strips. Moral of the story...trying to eat more than 6 strips will leave you feeling uncomfortable full...oh, and be careful when you order. whoops :/

Appearances are sometimes deceiving...

Have you ever heard the saying, "Don't judge a book by its cover"? Or, "Appearances can be deceiving"? Well, I have a little deceiving appearance to tell you about. This morning I got up, got ready for work and put on my jeans. But wait, here is where you are being deceived. This morning I actually got up and put on pajama pants that look exactly like jeans, but are incredibly comfortable. I literally have my pajamas on but no one would ever even know! They are professional looking enough to wear to work, yet I have the comfort of home with me. Could I have worn my actual pajama pants to work today? Yes, I just work in an environment that would allow it...would I though? No...that is something I will leave to my sister :) Instead I go for the feaux looking pants, the pants you think are actually one thing but are really not. As I sit here at my desk, with my comfy, yet stylish pj pants on, my thoughts go out to all of you that are wearing regualr pants and are not as comfy as me. :)

Anna

Since I mentioned Anna as being one of the name founders of dear dr love yesterday, I thought it only fitting to dedicate this next post to her. One of my best friends, Anna is halarious. I give major props to the girl for not killing me in the 5 weeks that I lasted at Liberty. You see, Anna and I were roomates...this was the time of my life where I was pretty much going completely off my rocker. I am pretty sure that everytime she came in the room I was sleeping, laying on my bed watching tv, or thoroughly cleaning something. I am happy to say that I am somewhat normal now...but I am another subject. I have many a memory with Anna. We were each others prom dates our Sr year of high school, took a road trip to see Lindsay and thought the Black eyed peas song Bumble Bee was cool...until we found out they said Imma Be. Anna Martin, you hold a very special place in my heart. Thanks for being there even when I was half crazy...*side note...I wouldn't have had to clean the sink everyday if you didn't come in and wash your feet in it* HAHAHAHA < I had to add that part :)

Love you Anners!!!

paging dr love

dr. love, you know who are. I thought I would dedicate this post to you. I remember when you were given the name dr. love. you were on the back porch with my younger brother giving him sage advice on love...let me just remind you that we were in middle school. i was inside with anna playing sorry, and that was when we decided your new name was dr. love. you are one of my best friends and always will be. we have so many memories, from singing in the rain, to the hot list, and when stephanie taught us lemons, and pillow fights, drama ministry, and so many more memories...i could write a book on our friendship. Lindsay, you mean so much to me, and even tho we don't see each other often, when we do i love how we pick up where we left off. our friendship never skips a beat. i love you girl. now, can you please put that dr. love hat back on and help a girl out. thanks! :)

Ice Coffee

Well, as all of you most likely know, I am a lover of coffee. This item #3 is not coffee, but my keurig. The one cup coffee maker. It is a beautiful and clean machine. No mess, just add water, and your k-cup...and in less than 30 seconds, you have your piping hot cup of coffee in your hands!!!

Now onto the topic of ice. Today, Bobby and I went ice skating at lunch. It was so much fun! I like to find different and fun things to do during my lunch break! It keeps things interesting!!!

Here are a couple pics of us...Dad called us Dorothy Hamil and Scott Hamilton when we got back :)

Gotta have fun!!!!

Item #2

If you don't have one of these, start saving up for one. Yes, they are kind of pricey, but worth it. Well, I didn't actually have to pay for mine...my sister gave me hers. I told her that I would call it a loan because one day she will know just how amazing this piece of equipment really is and want it back. What is this amazing tool that I am so excitedly blogging about? The one and only Kitchen Aid Mixer. I have so much fun with this heavy load of a machine. It is heavy. My most recent experiment with this glorious item was making my own whip cream. All you do is take a carton, or however much you want, of heavy cream, add a splenda or 2, and turn that mixer on high. Let that beat until that cream is thick and fluffy. Here's an idea...while you are waiting for that instant gratification of whip cream to be made...which takes oh about 3-5 minutes...make urself a hot cup of peppermint coffee...then top that cup of coffee with your homemade whip cream. Let me just say, this is not like the store made redi whip that disenigrates in your hot drink, this stuff remains thick. Oh, dear friends, this is so good. Try it. But first, go buy urself a kitchen aid mixer, or borrow your neighbors...it will be love at first click

Things...

So, I have decided that some of my posts between now and Christmas will debut some of my favorite things. These can be things I already have, or things that I just think are the bomb.com. With each post, I will give a visual and then my explanation of why I just love whatever materialistic object I choose...item number 1...

Ipod touch fully loaded with every Glee song out there. I have this. This little piece of heaven goes with me basically everywhere. From the dock in my apartment, to the gym, on long runs, my office, in my car, starbucks...pretty much everywhere. I was sharing with a friend that I can feel so down in the dumps, but the second I start playing my glee music and dancing around my apartment, my mood totally changes. I would not be able to get through a long run or workout without that music flowing through my ears. It is my lifeline, my pick me up, my sunshine on a cloudy day. This is not to be in comparison with humans...they are cool too, but just remember that I am talking about items and not people. Anyway, if you want to have fun, plug in yo touch and blare that glee music...it will change your life :)

Random Ramblings and favorite things...

It is 10:15 on Saturday morning...I have been up about an hour. Sleeping in is wonderful. Know what else is wonderful? USA is airing Enchanted right now, and so you know what I am doing...watching it, with a huge grin on my face. Yes, this may be a children's movie, but it is my favorite. I have been told I shouldn't tell people that, but I am who I am :)

Moving on...I feel like I have something I am supposed to do this evening, but for the life of me can't remember...that has been happening a lot lately....

I really do not have much to blog about at this current moment in time, but I just wanted to get something new out there. my readings for school have been real interesting lately. I am not only learning things about me, but I am learning things that help me to be able to read other people. I know that the classes I am in and the things I am studying is what I one day want to do. On another note, I sent in my graduation application and have registered for my last few classes. I will have my associates by the end of may/beg of June. I am stoked! Most likely I will continue on and keep taking more classes, but remember, baby steps. First goal is almost complete. When I was chatting with my advisor yesterday, I just got this total overwhelming feeling of excitement and joy...and pride. Not a bad pride. I am just proud of myself for sticking with it. AHHHH!!! So exciting! :)

For now I will leave you, but check back tomorrow, I have something up my sleeve that is a totally materialistic idea :)

10 things...

I have something serious that I want to post about, but I currently do not have the book I want to quote from infront of me. Instead, I will post today 10 things that you may not know about dear ole Ashley...some of you most likely know all these things. Are you ready? This is a legen...wait for it, wait for it...dary...list...let us set forth now...
1) I read best when running on a tredmill or working out on an elliptical. I know that most people find it hard to read while working out, but I absorb so much more information when I am at the gym with the TV on, my ipod blasting through my ears, and a book infront of my face. Talent.
2) Whenever the conversation of TV, movies, actors, or anything in the entertainment busniess comes up, I get really excited. In pretty much every conversation, I can think of a song or a quote from a movie or tv show that goes with the conversation.
3) I am pretty shy. SHOCKED? I may seem very outgoing and chatty, but in truth I am a pretty shy person unless I know you...then the shyness is out the window.
4) If there was one place that I would like to live it would be Alaska. WHY?!? I hear there are alot of single men, and I just like the living off the land and gutting of fish aspect, oh, and the quietness. (I have been watching Sarah Palin's Alaska as of late) And I like cold weather.
5) I shaved my arms my senior year of high school and got them waxed right before I graduated and never shaved them again UNTIL 2 nights ago when I decided I wanted to shave them again. I now have naked, hairless arms and I love it! Makes me feel more feminine...not that hair is masculine, but I just like it :)
6) I have a huge heart for missions. My personal zone is students...middle school and high school students. I love to hang around them, to encourage them, to show them that living their life for the Lord is awesome. They have my heart.
7) 2 things that are huge stress reliefs to me are running and baking. When I run my brain can completely shut off...unless I read a book...but my brain completely shuts off any thoughts that might have been running through my mind. When I bake, I create something delicious and beautiful. Both of these make me very happy. A burst of seratonin and comfort food.
8) I have a secret crush on someone...but it's a secret so I can't tell you.
9) When I am home alone...which is often since I live alone, I usually have music blaring or I am rewatching episodes of Glee and learning their dance moves to the songs they sing. It is so fun!
10) and lastly, I don't like celebrating my birthday. I LOVE to celebrate other peoples, but when it comes to mine, I would prefer to be sitting on my couch with take out from Salsa Fresh and watching a movie...while wearing comfy clothes.
This was fun...I have many more things I could have shared, but some of them are not blog worthy and I just don't want you to know them...some are a little more comical, but I don't want you to think I am psyco...which you probably already think...but, that's okay because I am comfortable in my silliness :)

Shakin in my boots

Literally shakin in my boots...that's what happened this afternoon. There are two reasons why this happened...the first reason being it is sooo stinkin cold in my apartment. I guess I am just not as tough as I made myself be last year when it got down to 48 in my apartment. It was 60 when I got home today and I broke down and turned the heater on. The second reason that had me shakin in my boots was that I was startled. Why?!? After I turned my heater on, the smoke detector started chirping loudly and freaked me out. Imagine a deer in headlights look while running around in circles like a chicken with its head cut off. It scared me and all I could do was basically run in place. That is one thing that has freaked me out more than anything since I have been living alone. I can watch Criminal Minds or scary movies and it not phase me, but once that smoke alarm starts going off, I am freaked out.

Oh, on the note of being scared...when I lived at home, my room was in the basement, on the opposite side of the house, so no one could ever hear me. Well, this one particular time, I was home alone. My entire family was at the cabin and I was coaching the next morning so I had stayed home. Around 1 AM, I hear a VERY loud banging on my bedroom window...if you know where my parents live, it is kind of woodsy. So, this loud banging noise came along with my name being yelled...I jumped out of bed like a scared cat and screamed at the scary person. It was Adam...he didn't want to scare me if he came in the house and the alarm went off, so he banged on my window instead. I can still feel that fear thru my bones when I think about it...but it is also very funny.

Anyway, enough of this...I need to write a research paper for school, and need to focus.

Until my next story...

Friendship

First I would like to say YO! Hope your Tuesday is going dandily(is that a word?)!! My brain is currently fried and I needed to take a wee break from the world of marble and decided that blogging would be a great way to get out things that are currently stuffing my brain to its brim. Anywho, let me just begin by saying that I am so blessed with some pretty amazing frienships. We are currently going to the life of David at church, and I am also going thru a David study with some dear friends of mine. As I said yesterday, it is so cool to see how the life and happenings of David really parallel with the life of Jesus. Onto what I want to discuss today...friendship. On Sunday, one of our pastors talked about the friendship between Jonathan and David. Wow, what a friendship. Jonathan, so selfless, he knew that if David was around, the kingdom would never be his, but he loved David with a selfless love. His relationship was not passive, it was deep. My desire is to be like Jonathan. I jestfully told some of my friends the other night that they could be Jonathan and I would be David and they could give me their cloak and shield and warn me and seek me out, but the truth is, I want to be Jonathan. I want to be that friend who, no matter what, is there in the good times and the bad, in sickness and in health...yeah, I know that sounded like marriage vows...a covenant between two, and that is how friendship should be as well. Not necessarly just between 2, but a covenant. We will be there for each other to hold each other accountable, to encourage, to pray for, to just do life with. I want friendships that are not just surface, but friendships where we know each other and help each other. I can say that I have been blessed with many deep friendships that I know will last forever. Friendships where we hold each other to God's standards and lift each other up, but are honest when it is hard. ONe of my close friends even told me I couldn't pass as a teenager anymore because my face was mature...that is a close friend...she so could have lied and told me that I was just as young looking as the day I got my senior pictures taken.
I hope that you are molding friendships into your life that point you to the Lord.
To all my dear friends, you know who you are, I love you all so much and I am thankful for our relationship and how it is centered on knowing our Maker better.

Monica

Funny title? Well, let me give a little explanation as to why I have titled this post "Monica". In the past year I have gotten into the show Friends. Yes, I know that I am a little late on this. I discovered that when I get home from work a couple episodes come on, and if I am a night owl I can catch the ones around midnight...anyway, back to the title. Monica is the clean freak, the one who always puts a coaster under someones glass and has a particular order to things. No, I am not to the Monica extreme, but I do relate to her when it comes to a coaster and a particular order. I have things the way I like them and I know exactly where everything is. As for using a coaster, if you ever come to my apartment, please do not take offense if I put a coaster under your perspiring drink as I do not want rings on my furniture. Trust me, if you paid for it, you would not want rings either :) haha.

This module of school is rounding the bend. I have 3 weeks left and then a long break. I am looking forward to the break. I want to reread one of the books I have been studying for school and just rest my brain. I can't believe that come June I will have my associates. It has really flown by. Thankfully. 5 classes to go!!!!

I have really been studying some awesome stuff in the life of dear ole David. So many parallels to the life of Christ. WOW oh WOW. I just want to share a couple of quotes from the Beth Moore study of David...which I recommend that you start like yesterday..."God can entrust a vision or idea to us that may be ours to pray about and prepare for, but not participate in directly" I thought this was cool It was referring to 2 Samuel 7 when David wants to build a house for the ark of God, but God had a different idea in mind. David had the vision and idea and prepared for it, but it was his son that made the house in the end. Pretty cool how the Lord works.

The quote I want to leave you with is another from the Beth Moore study. A friend reminded me of this yesterday as an encouragement."Somtimes we stand to learn the most about God form the situations we understand the least" Hope that gives you a sense of peace as it did for me knowing that even thought I may not understand my current situation, I can learn the most about God and from Him. I like His lessons...He is the best teacher and I long to be a woman after His heart.

Dear Santa

Dear Santa,

I would like a man by Christmas...you have 29 days...GO.

Love,

Ashley

Thanksgiving Thankfulness

There are so many things that I could write about that I am thankful for...my salvation, my freedom, my independence :), extended family, and way too many things to name, but on this Thanksgiving day, I am going to have to say, I am thankful for today. Today was a wonderful day. I ran in an 8k turkey trot, and then spent the day with some of the most wonderful people. I called it the Cox and Friends thanksgiving. Not only was there family, but there were friends, and it was just wonderful. We were all one big huge family. There was way too much food, but amazing. Playing cards to playing a virtual video game to just wonderful fellowship, this was just a wonderful day. I am tired, but as I sit here and reflect on today, I can't help but smile. I know there was a lot of work that went into getting everything ready. Mom, Dad, Amber, Bobby, and Daniel all had a part in making everything look beautiful. From the fire pit, to the yard, to all the amazing table decorations, I am thankful for them and how wonderful everything was. Even tho Daniel was not with us, he definitely had a part, and his whole family was missed. I hope your thanksgiving was wonderful and that you spent it with people that you love! Love you all. Thanks for hanging with me these past few days as I came back to the blogging world. I hope to stick around and keep this up...I'll just keep you on the edge of your seat. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Ash

Summit Sisters :) #7

This post goes out to a group of girls who just make life so fun! I am so thankful for each one of them and the friendships that we share. These are lasting friendships...girls that I want to stay connected with forever. They have blessed me in more ways than they know!! Sisters, I love you all very much, and I am so thankful for you. I love the time that we spend together and the memories that we share. You all mean the world to me!

Who are these amazing Summit Sisters?!? Well, here they are...

Megan, Sarah, Christi, Maggie

AshMarv, Sarah, Me, and AshDelappe

Robin and Ashley D

Ashley Childs and Sarah

Amy, Shyana, Anna, Christi, Becca, Maggie, Sarah, AshD, Molly, and Naomi

Ladies...you rock. This is A.Cox OUT!

Thankfulness...my parents

What do you get when you mix a Danny and a Diane? A pretty great family! I am so thankful that my parents tied the knot all those years ago...little did they know what they would produce. 31 years later, 4 kids, 5 grandkids, and alot of memories later, my parents are still going strong. I am so thankful for their example of a godly marriage, and their service to each other. My parents are the perfect team. They both make each other stronger. Like my good friend Rocky Balboa once said..."I've got gaps and she's got gaps...we fill each others gaps" My parents are like that and God is the glue that makes the gaps stick.

When I think of my dad, I think of an extremely giving man. He does so much and never expects anything in return. He is an example of a true giver. I want to marry a man who has a heart like my dad...still looking...haha

My mom is such a sweet spirit. She is very knowing...whatever she is reading, she studies and knows it backwards and forwards. She is a researcher, and I love that about her. My mom is also a giver...she is such a great example of the wife and mother I want to be one day :)

Mom and Dad, I am so thankful for ya'll. You both mean the world to me. You have taught me so much and are still teaching me everyday! Thanks for all you do for me and for our family. Ya'll rock!

*I would like to add that I am also thankful for all the spankings that I got. They have made for good stories...and lessons learned. :)

Cinco...

Hard to believe that I have blogged 5 days in a row...this might be a record...anyway, onto another thing I am thankful for...or should I say person since I have just been blogging about people...my older sister, Amber. I am a solo runner, but Amber is the only person that I can run with...I think it is the deep seeded competitivenss that we have with each other...but it is a healthy competitiveness. It is something that helps make the other person stronger. This is not only in running, but in life. Amber is strong, stubborn, annoying(when it comes to me finding a man) beautiful, kind...she is my big sister. One thing I love about our friendship is how we can get mad at each other and 5 minutes later be laughing our head off at something else. She has mastered the art of pushing my buttons and finds it VERY amusing. She is very special to me and I treasure our sisterhood and our friendship. Her eggo is currently preggo with my niece or nephew...I am so excited about another baby...and I am glad she is pregnant because she is super funny when pregnant...and when it comes to food, she will say anything to get what she wants...hahah! (Amber, you know what I am referring to)


Amber, my sister, my best friend...I love you very much!!!

#4- Thankfulness

This is a special post...this thankfulness post is about a very special guy in my life...Daniel. My older brother. The other middle child. What is special about Daniel? EVERYTHING! He is funny, crazy, weird, hard working, loving...and he gives the best hugs ever. When I think about Daniel, all I can do is laugh...everytime we are together it is pretty funny. Take tonight...he tap danced for me while I river danced. I love when Daniel calls me...I never know what kind of accent he is going to have or what he is going to say...what I do know is that I will be in stitches by the time we are finished chatting. It is always a treat when he comes into my office, I know exactly what he will do. He will leap onto my desk and then jump off...never fails. Daniel is strong. He is a great brother and an awesome friend. He is pretty good looking as well...haha. (stop blushing dano, you know your so fine...lol)

Daniel, I love you big brother. I am so thankful for you and all the memories we have and all the memories we make everytime we are together. There is never a dull moment when I am with you. You are the best ever.

Thankfulness...part three

I feel like ever since I decided to blog on some things I am thankful for, my brain has been in non-stop thinking mode...

Okay...drumroll...what I am thankful for part three...IN LAWS! Let me just tell you that I have a pretty amazing brother in law, and a fantastic sister in law.

First up...Natalie. I have known Natalie since I was in 5th grade...she was around when I got glasses, when I had braces...and pretty much every major milestone in a girls life. As the years have gone on, we have gotten closer and closer. She held off popping out my nephew until I got back from Europe and even grin and beared it thru my graduation. She is spunky and crazy, and I am so glad that she married my brother because I know that was a scary thing to do :) Love you Nattypoo

I met Bobby in the spring of 2003. He married my sister that December...ever since he came around, I have loved him. He is crazy, funny, and so honest. I get the pleasure of working with Bobby, so I see him everyday...if there were no Bobby, there would be no fun. He is infectious...when you are around Bobby, you know you are going to have fun. He has the biggest heart. As a girl, it is always nice to get insight from a guy about things...Bobby is who I ask. Because he is honest and has my best interests at heart, I know I can count on him to tell me what a goofball I am. Love you BooBoo

Natalie and Bobby I love you both very much and am so thankful that my siblings picked the best! You both help make the Cox family complete :)

I'll blog more about this little girl later, but I need to give a special shout out to BAILEY CLAIRE MEDLIN on turning 2 today!! Happy Birthday Bales!! Aunt Ashwey loves you very much!

#2 Thankfulness- my marine

As I mentioned yesterday, my PawPaw helped to give me a love for my country. Today I want to share that I am thankful for the men and women who serve our country. I am grateful to all of them, but I want to mention 1 name. Adam. My younger brother. Adam joined the Marine Corp after he graduated high school in 2007. He has served overseas, and is not serving stateside. Being the sister of a marine, I know that it is not an easy life. Adam has been demanded to do many things that I am glad I will never have to do. That is where my highest respect comes in. Adam answered his call to serve and went. He has served with great honor, and I am extremely proud of him. I am very glad that he is home for Thanksgiving...I have only spent 1 Thanksgiving without him...while he was in Afghanistan...and I am very thankful that he is here with us. Adam, I love you more than you know. You are such a strong and valiant man. You are not only a man of strength, but a man of tenderness. Thank you for your service to this country. You are my hero, and I even tho you are my younger brother, I look up to you in many ways!

Thankfulness

Exactly 1 week until Thanksgiving Day. A day that I look forward to every year. A day when pretty much most of my whole family is together. A day that is crazy fun... Cox style. I know no other way to have Thanksgiving than to have fun... whether the boys are running across the backyard dodging paintballs, shootings bows, playing capture that flag, wrestling, or just sitting around with our pants unbuttoned from all the amazing deliciousness we just consumed...and reminiscing on all the stuff from our childhood. So, in honor of 1 week before thanksgiving, I want to post each day with something I am thankful for...this will definitely not cover everything, as I am thankful for a multitude of things, but it will just be a little piece of me :)

#1 I will start will 2 very important people in my life...Granny and PawPaw. I am so thankful and so blessed to have them in my life. Let's start with Granny, one of the most amazing women I know. She has a beautiful voice, a sweet heart, and she really has a gift with her hands...playing the piano or organ, or sewing beautiful quilts (I am sitting snugly under mine as I type this). She means the world to me. Whenever Bachelor, Big Brother, Survivor, or Amazing Race are on TV, she and I are always chatting about them. I know that I can always talk to my Granny about anything...and she will always make me laugh...I like to think I get my silly personality form her :) Next up...my PawPaw. If there was ever a man that made me feel like the most beautiful girl in the world, it is my PawPaw. He is a man of great honor. He loves his country, which has instilled in me a passionate love for my country. My PawPaw loves Fox news...I always wondered why he watched it so much and so I began to watch it...there are alot of pretty blonde ladies on there...I know his secret :) They have been married for over 50 years. They have 3 strapping sons, 11 grandchildren, and 5 soon to be 6 great grandchildren. I know that my entire family would agree with me that Sylvia and James Cox are two extremely special people who hold very dear places in our hearts.

Granny and PawPaw, I love you both very much and am so thankful that I have you for grandparents. Thanks for always looking out for me and having my best interests at heart. I know that you both really look forward to the day that I finally get married...haha...it will happen...one day :)

Now to leave you with a picture of my sweet sweet Granny and PawPaw...

Can't live without...

I like to think I am a pretty simple person. As I was sitting here at my desk, sorting thru the mounds of paper, I began to think...what can I not live without? Well, I am sure I could live without certain things, but what would I not want to live without...that is the question...so here are the whats and whys.
1. Hand Sanitzer- I go thru so much paperwork everyday that has changed hands multiple times...been in different cities, towns, sometimes even states...seriously, I don't know where their hands have been...so, I keep a bottle of the most alcoholic smellin hand sanitizer parked comfortably on my desk.
2. Quilt- literally, it is my security blanket. Sure, that is silly that a 23 year old girl has a security blanket, but my granny made it, and not only is it gorgeous, but it is always there for me...it is my comfort and support. thank you mr quilt
3. Coffee- really don't need to say much on this. coffee is the foundation of my food pyramid.
4. Tennis shoes- if I could, I would wear tennis shoes everyday, but unfortunately, they do not go with half of what i wear.
5. my brain- actually, it works half the time, so I could probably live without this...
6. humor- i could dump everything, but as long as i had humor in my life, i would be set
I can't really think of anything else...in reference to #5, my brain isnt working...

The Heart

I am sitting in my apartment watching the brave and noble William Wallace be tortured while the townsfolk scream out mercy. Such an amazing scene when William does not scream out mercy, but freedom. "Everyman dies. Not everyman really lives." This is true. We will all die, but some of us do not really live. What does it mean to really live? I am sure many different people can give many different answers to that question, but to really live is to have lived a life that honored Christ. To have a personal relationship with Him, and to obey, trust, and honor the One True God.

We are the 2nd week of a 12 week sermon series...and let me just tell you...WOW. I started having heart stirs about 4 weeks ago when we had a 3 week series called Serve. So many things going thru my mind...and my heart. Today, as pastor was talking he was talking about things that give you stress and anxiety, things that consume you...I had pinpointed one thing in particular, and then he made the point that those are the smoke to the pile of the thing that is our idol. Wow, heart stabber. I had not recognized that I was idolizing this thing in particular. It is something that has been bothering me and stressing me a bit, and as soon as I recognized it as an idol, I just said to myself, "ash, let go and let God." That is what I am doing. It is in His hands. Yes, I know I will most likely think on this, and I am sure there will be more stress and anxiety, but I know that Jesus will take care of me and all that surrounds me. My heart knows the truth. Back to our new sermon series...it is on David...and we are going to be discussing it in our small groups as well. I am pretty excited...no, I am very excited.

Let me share my heart for a moment...I have changed my major back to Psychology:Christian Counseling...and I am pumped. Class officially starts back tomorrow, and I have already started reading. I know this is what the Lord wants me to study because I know I will either work in a church or school or some place where I can help point those who are hurting to the only Healer. I am excited, I am ready, I am honored.

okay...I am out of thoughts for the moment...actually, I am just really distracted...:)

In the zone...the comfort zone

Comfort zone. Where most people like to be. Where I like to be. I like to know the details. I like to know what is going on, to feel comfortable. I, I, I. Are you catching my drift on all thos I's? Not that it has to be about me, but I just like to know. Here is an example...my leap of faith I took to go on the YP's beach trip...sure that was out of my comfort zone in many ways, BUT I sneakily turned it into a comfort zone. You see, Adam, my brother, is one of my comfort zones. He knows me...and he knew that I wouldn't go if he didn't...so I went because I had my comfort zone there. Sure, being in your own personal bubble is not a bad thing, but when you never step outside and put yourself in a position of vulnerability, you probably won't get too far. I am learning this. I have 2 levels of comfort zone/personal bubble. The personal bubble...I will begin there...touchy feely...that is not me, but I am slowly but surely changing that, and it feels great!! I think that it all spurned from insecurities that I have had, but let me just tell you that a hug can make all the difference...I actually would like one right now...okay people that know me, pick your jaw off the floor. My other level is as I stated before, I just like to know what is going on where I am going. Not someone who likes to be caught off guard. For the few people out there who have ever asked me out...and there are few...a "date" would be something out of my comfort zone...so I make excuses and never go...or I go, and am not me...I am quieter...and embarassed because I am not in my zone. Wow, I am really sharing my issues...HAHA. Anyway, I am learning and growing, and want to be put in situations where my comfort zone is not there, and where my bubble boundary is breached. When I really look at my life...I am only in situations I am comfy with...family business, live alone, I drive and never ride...holy smokes...control issues. O boy do I crack myself up. I am going to stop sharing now...you are seeing too much of me...and im getting uncomfy :)

Early bird

At 3AM this morning I awoke and was filled with energy. I don't know about you, but until my alram goes off, I do not want to be awake...even to go to the bathroom. I treasure every ounce of sleep I get. Maybe I woke up so early because I went to bed really early...anway, I decided to move to the couch and see if I would fall back asleep there, but then I thought...yes, I can think that early...why don't I use this time to pray. For the next 30 minutes I prayed for family, for friends, and many other things...then I was REALLY awake...so, I did my devotions. What a sweet time meeting with Jesus so early this morning! I am a bit tired now...it is 6:20, but at the moment when I was praying and studying, I was filled with overflowing energy. If it wasn't dark outside, and if my dad approved, I would have gone for a run when I finished. I am normally an early bird, but this morning I was an extreme early bird. It makes me want to meet with Jesus every morning at that time, but to be completely honest, I know I will have MAJOR difficulty with that.
Here starts a new day. We all have a choice to make every morning when we get out of bed. Are we going to honor the Lord with our thoughts and actions, or are we going to be debbie downers and sulk in dumb stuff that happens? Whatever goes on today...if it is not all that fine and dandy...laugh it off. Praise the Lord for blonde moments, and stubbed toes...seriously it's funny...it may not be at the moment, but really...it is funny.
A quote a read in my Beth Moore bible study...and I won't get the words exact because I do not have it right here with me, but it goes a little something like this..."we may not be able to change the way we feel, but we can change the way we think, which will in turn change the way we feel." So, how are you thinking today? If you think negatively, trust me, your day is going to bite. Be like Peter Pan...think happy thoughts...and then you can fly!! :)

Booty Camp

It is 11:45 on Saturday morning. I have been up since 6...started running around 6:45, and ran 9 miles. Got finished, changed, got some coffee, and then headed to boot camp. I am going to call it booty camp because it really kicked my booty. I am a fan of a challenge. Even though it was incredibly hard, it was incredibly fun, and I will definitely do it again! We did an obstacle course...and then we split into 2 teams and competed for time. I am proud to say that my team won!! Woohoo. BUT, I will give major credit to our shaved time to Jerry. He is amazing, and a pistol when it comes to this stuff! Next we went and hung out on a wall...which was a major quad burn...and well, ouch. Then we lunged for 5 minutes. When I got home I looked at the 3 flights of stairs that I climb many times a day, and could barely get up them. Haha. I have even already had issues getting off the floor to walk into my room...which is 2 feet away from where I am sitting. HAHA. So awesome! Love it!

I am so excited about this afternoon! I am going to the Clemson v UNC game with my sister, Jana, and Brian. Amber and I will be representing our Tigers where Jana and Brian are pullin for the Heels. This is going to be ALOT of fun!

I am a busy bee...and I love it!

Count down

I have begun my countdown. Counting today...Molly and I leave for NYC in 10 days!!!! WOOHOOO!!! I am sooo excited! We depart in the morning on the 16th and will return to NC on the 19th! On Sunday, the 17th, we are going to see Mary Poppins on Broadway...which I am EXTREMELY excited about! Other than that for sure, I am not 100% positive what we will be doing...whatever it is, I know we are going to have a blast! Upon arriving back in NC on the 19th around 2:30...our plan is to go to the NC State Fair and eat dinner...which of coarse means we will be eating delicious junk! Yay!!!
So much is going on right now...let me just name a few
I found out my sister is preggers with Baby Medlin #2!
NYC
finishing up these 2 classes and then starting 2 more...hopefully I will fare better in the next 2!
And more stuff, but I won't share all my enchanting details! :)
2 posts for October...go ASHLEY!!! hah

Need to know

How can I share Jesus with those that I work with? What is the right time and how do I bring up my faith? I know that I work with many people that are Christians and love Jesus, and I have no problem whatsoever chatting with them and talking about things to pray for each other for, but when it comes to the ones I am unsure about, I just do not know how to go about it. There is a small language barrier in some cases, but what is my excuse for the ones where there is no barrier? Why am I not being more bold? I know I can have shy moments, but not around these people, who I have known forever. And then there are friends, people I have known basically my whole life...people who I like to believe have a relationship with Jesus, but I never bring up because I am comfortabe. But I need to know. I want to know that we will be laughing together one day in heaven. I know that when asked to give your testimony, sometimes it is intimidating, and you would rather just keep your mouth shut. A week ago I visited a new small group, and having known these people for about 15 mintues, I was asked to share my testimony. My blood started pumping and I got really excited! What a neat way to REALLY get to know your new friends than by sharing what Jesus has done in your life!! Then, a few days later, I met a new friend, and immediately we shared our love for Jesus and what He has done in our lives. Talk about instant friendship right there! With all this said, I need to know. I need to know where you stand...I want to know your testimony...if you aren't a Christian, talk to me...tell me why. I just want to know the when I get to heaven I am going to see all of you. So, for those of you that read my inconsistent blog, please take the time and share with me...either leave a comment here, message me on facebook, or email me at aecox5@gmail.com
I can't wait to hear from you all.
On a side note...please pray that I can be bold face to face with people at work and with friends that I am around. I am praying for you as well!! :)

As of late.

So, what has been going on in the world of Ash as of late. Well, I will tell you. EVERYTHING. I feel like I am the ball in a pin ball machine...being bounced around every which way. I love it. It keeps things interesting, it keeps things fun...and I am all about making sure things are fun!
I was in New York last week from Wednesday to Saturday...a whirlwind of a trip, but so awesome! I chaperoned the senior trip from NRCA...and I made some really great friends! There are many adventurous things that happened, from getting soaked on the beast, to trying new foods with dad...not to mention some fun convos that went down on the bus...ohh and modeling pictures. I had a blast. I am totally looking forward to when Molly and I board our flight in October and head back to the Big Apple for an amazing girls weekend!!!!
A few weeks back, Amber and I finally ran in that half marathon we had been so diligently trainging for. It was amazing. She did amazing. I finished. I got my medal. It is hanging on my door knob! Now onto the next half...
Lady Antebellum concert is tonight...YAY!!!! Tailgatin and some good ole fun!
Oh, did I mention im still taking classes...yeah, I won't talk about that...let's just say, that is the only unfun thing going on right now...
until I decided to grace you with my shananigans again...this is all she wrote :)

Heaven in your mouth

This may be a funny title for a blog post, but hey, this is Ashley over here...what else do you expect?
Here is the low down on this heaven in my mouth. I am a lover of ice cream. The filling in the cracks after a good meal, or just a nice cool splurge...which I do very often. Orea McFlurries, Cookies n Cream Handspun Milkshakes, and Birthday Cake Remix from Coldstone are amoung my favorites, but let me just tell you what blows them all out of the water...an oreo/reese's milkshake from cookout. HEAVEN IN MY MOUTH! The combination of the 2 is sensational. You get your chocolate, your oreo cream, your peanut butter, and of corse, vanilla icecream. Seriously, if you have never tried it, you are missing out.
With that being said...anyone wanna go to cookout?

Memory Lane...and then some

It is always fun and enjoyable to take a stroll down memory lane. I decided to go back and read my blog of what was happeneing around a year ago...back in September of 2009 was when I decided to take the leap and move out of my parents. I loved living at home, but I LOVE living by myself! I also joined a church, but never got plugged in...which is so incredibly sad, but the good news is I have found a church that I am so plugged into and just want to get even more plugged in!
OKay, I am so over memory lane...let's talk about this half marathon I am slaving over. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE to run! I have been doing all my training on the tredmill...which I am fine with, but once you pass a certain amount of miles...8 being my number...the tredmill has just gotten boring. This afternoon I will quickly run my 5 miles on the tredmill, but tomorrow morning, Amber and I will put on as little, but modest clothing as possible and hit the sidewalks. We have a 9 miler to pull outta ourselves tomorrow, but I know we can do it. We have already chatted about where we will have our water stops and the time we are pushing for. Just a few more weeks until race day, and I am getting pumped! We will do our weekend long runs together, and our short 5 mile runs on our own. I can say 5 miles is a short run because after you run 8, you live for only 5.
Fall is right around the corner...what I look most forward to is the cooler weather, my coffee addiction steps up a notch, college football, high school soccer, and my most favorite thing is sweatshirts and jeans...and now that I have a cute chair on my deck...naps on the deck wrapped up in my quilt that my Granny so beautifully made for me!!!
64 days till NYC!!!!!

What a weekend...

Wow. Talk about an extremely fun weekend! Met a new friend, watched some baseball, lost some money, met more new friends, ran 8 miles, went out on the lake, bonfire, church, lunch with friends, and small group cook out!! I had an adventuresome weekend...it was awesome(lowercase a)!!!
The sermon at church was off the chain yesterday! There was a guest speaker, whose name I cannot remember, but his initials are J.J. Anyway, wow. The Lord really used him to speak to all the Summiters!
I am having some issues at work this morning. As I was throwing the football last night, when I caught it, it hit a couple of my fingers strangely, and now I have 2 swollen and very sore fingers. Oh well, I had fun, so that trumps the issues...plus, no pain, no gain...although that statement doesn't really apply to this current situation, it is still my favorite situation.
An update on the running. I felt like an old lady. My joints, my bones, my head...everything was sooo sore while I was running my 8. It was painful...but, no pain no gain. I got through it and I am looking forward to my 2 5 milers and my 9 miler this weekend. Just a few more weeks and a will have finally completed my 1st half marathon!! Woohoo!!!
I am looking forward to my afternoon...I will be plopped at Starbucks having devo time!!

secrets

This is it folks, this is what you have all been waiting for...Ashley over here is going to reveal some of her deep secrets which I don't think many if any even know...are you ready? can you handle the truth? classical music. absolutely LOVE it. piano's and violins...holy cow. I know some people love a good rap song and yes, I love a good Black Eyed Peas song to get me pumped up before a workout, but play me some classical music and I get pumped in a calm way. Were you able to handle that secret? ready for another? i have many...but, i dont think i want to share them all right now...so, i will keep you on the edge of your seat about knowing Ashley's crazy secrets...
I need a new layout for this blog that i am failing at...i need something inviting, something that will make me want to blog. so, if you know a site that has cute layouts, let me know. i need to spice things up here, so that when i read my own blog i am not drowing in ugliness, but creativity.
oh, by the way, it is FRIDAY!!!!! although i feel i have alot going on this weekend, i am pumped and excited! as soon as i get my long runs over with everything will be chill. with my ramblings being rumbled, i am going to get back to work.

OMG...Ashley is ALIVE!!!

Yes, that is a true statement...I am alive and very well indeed. Before I begin with all the random things that make up my interesting life, I would like to give a shout out to one of 2 or 3 people that actually read my nonsense...Amanda Geer Hadley this is your shout out!! Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your BIG day!! I was honored to get to be the program attendant, and what really topped it all off was catching the bouquet at your amazing reception! You were one gorgeous bride, and your wedding was perfect! I wish you and Chesson every happiness!!!

As I like to say...let me bring it back to center (meaning me)...this summer has truly flown by. I have met some amazing people and done some pretty amazing things! I cannot remember what I blogged last so I will just give a quick run down of July...I went to the beach 2x's...the first time was with some friends and we were there all weekend...the second time I left my apartment at 3AM, drove to the outer banks...got there by 6AM, picked up my friend...we stopped fr=or breakfast and were back at my apartment by 10AM...that beach trip was the most fun!!! Went to an amazing wedding!!...painted, did serveRDU with Summit serving under an amazing leader and awesome friend...we were doing Extreme Makeover:Library Edition!! We have one more work day and then it should all be finished!!! The big thing that has been going on is training for my half marathon. Amber and I are running on September 5th in Virginia Beach!! We are both pumped and excited!! I love beasting those runs! I feel like I could take over a small country! I have crossed some things off my summer bucket list...and my new years list too...all in all...I am loving life!

the BEST thing that has happened is how much my relationship with the Lord is growing! He has placed some amazing people in my life! My prayer was that the Lord would bless me with a friendship where we could grow in the Lord and encourage each other...I not only got 1 friend...I got a slew...talk about awesome blessings! I have a friend, Sarah, who I am currently studying Proverbs with. We are keeping each other accountable in making wise decisions...let me tell you, if you want some wisdom, open your Bible up to Proverbs...you will get punched in the face...in a good way. Another study I am doing is called Breaking Free by Beth Moore. I am doing this study with Shyana. Let me just tell you what an amazing study this is. Seriously, grab a friend and do this study. We are only on week 3 and I am amazed at how much the Lord is teaching me. What makes it even better is that we are meeting once a week just to discuss what we are learning. We talk about it during the week too just to make sure we are staying faithful in studying God's Word!! I could go on and on about what I am learning, but I will stop now.

Okay...I have typed enough...I am now going to eat Mexican food...until next time...whenever that is :)

Ready to begin...again

My last post was simply a statement...not really a post. After speaking with some friends last night, I do believe that it is about that time that I start to blog...again. Where do I begin? So much has happened since April 10th...the last time I actually posted something somewhat decent. Let me see...I went on a Young Pro's beach trip with Summitt and met some AMAZING people, whom, I know, we will be friends forever!!! I turned 23...woohoo...and now feel so much more mature and grownup!!! Okay, yes, I usually say that because it sounds funny. Can you really feel that much more grown up in just a few days...my answer YES!!! I don't know what it is, maybe it has been because I have been sarcastically repeating it that it has just set in that I do feel more mature and grown up. When I say mature, I do not mean that I don't joke or have fun...trust me, I like to have fun...good clean fun!!! Moving on from my suddenly blossomed maturity...I am just busy busy busy. I do sooo much! Stay up late...which is not an Ashley norm...get up early...which is an Ashley norm...hang out with people all through out the week...which is so much fun and I get my energy from the people I am with, but do love some good ole me myself and I time on the couch!! Ohh....I am currently training for a half marathon...and I am trucking along! My sister and I, and a friend, and possibly some from my small group will be heading up to Virginia Beach in September to the Rock and Roll Music Half Marathon!! I am pumped and ready!!!

There is soooo much more going on, but I need to head to Starbucks before work...let me just say one of the most exciting things that I am pumped and excited about...as I was sitting on the floor chatting with a friend...Molly...talking about how I wanted to go to New York again...the next thing I knew, she and I were booking our flights for October...so spur of the moment...so exciting!!! I know that we are going to have an amazing time!!!

Okay...I must depart...until next time, and I do promise(Amanda) there will be a next time!!! ;)

Birthday!!!

Guess what?!?

Today is my birthday!!!! Happy 23rd Birthday to me!!!!

I gotta feeling...

Have you ever just randomly had that feeling that it is about time you blogged again?!? Well, I got that feeling as I was walking to Starbucks this morning. I know that I have been away for a little bit...when you spend 9 hrs on the computer at work, and then come home and spend an additional 4 hours doing homework...the computer gets old. My computers and I spend WAY too much time together. Anyway, it's about time that I put up a new post...

I will just start with this past week...CRAZY, but AWESOME!!! I did not have any coaching this week since the school is on spring break...what a blessing...I did not know that I would be SWAMPED with school work this week...God knew! He always has my back! I like going into work early...I have been coming in earlier since soccer season is going on...it is peaceful. The phones don't ring that early...unless my favorite Greensboro man calls me :). I feel that I get sooo much done between 6:30 and 8...it is amazing! I did have a bit of trouble getting my young bones outta bed every morning...I know, I am young, and proud to be! :)

AWESOMENESS report:

Things are really picking up at the world of Marble. Well, things are picking up for the whole company, but what I see is wholesale marble orders...oh, and ALOT of people bringing in applications...or new people being hired. I think that I ran the company dry of paper and staples this week. Speaking of stapling...my electric stapler is out of staples and has been for over a month...I should probably order or go buy some, but I have just been using the old hand held...I miss my electric stapler...he really is a good teammate when I have loads of paper to pair up!

Okay, let me just state that I LOVE Michael Buble. Now that I have said that, I can get on with my life...or not, let me say it again...I LOVE Michael Buble. His voice, his music...wow...not to mention, he is dashingly handsome. I am currently being serenaded by his beautiful voice!

Well, I know that many of you have waited to here this, but...I am in LOVE...with my quilt! :) Haha! My Granny...my AMAZING Granny, made my sister, Dad, and older brother quilts...and then she made mine...it is PERFECT. We snuggle, cuddle, hang out...perfect. I told Granny last night that any guy I ever meet will be compared to this perfect creation! Haha!

What is that I hear?!? Nothing...which means I need to fold my warmly dried clothes!

Enjoy this gorgeous Saturday...until next time I sit down on blogspot...

an incredibly happy, content, and joyous me!

schoolin.

It is time for my schoolin update. I am into my 3rd module of college courses! Hooraay!!!! I have 2 more weeks left in this module...then a 10 day break...and then 4th mod starts! I am trucking along! By the middle of May, I will have completed atleast 24 of the 60 hours I need to get my associates! Yay! I say atleast 24 because I might add another class to the next module. I am loving taking online classes. Sure, some of the classes I am taking I really don't care much about...I have to take them because they are required...but it's all good in da hood. I am just bookin along.

I had 3 tests to complete this week...and I am here to report that I did very well on all 3...yay!!! I also have a paper due by 11:55 pm on Sunday night...I have not started on the paper yet...I am a last minute paper writer kind of person. It gives me a boost to get it done and I don't ponder too long. I'll write it tomorrow.

The one thing I unfortunately do not get is a spring break. Bummer. Oh well, I really don't care.

I am hoping that by May 2011 I will be finished with my associates...this can happen...no, this will happen. That is my goal. Since I will still be taking classes over the summer...this is going to happen!

I am learning a lot of things these day...not only with school, but with life...I like to learn...some things need to be drilled in thru my thick skull.

Still learning...

again.

The salsa was just so amazing the other night, I had to have it again! Of corse, there was none left over, so I had to make a whole new batch...I forgot to buy a lime, but it was still delish! I could eat this by the spoonful...oh wait, I was doing that.

2 spices/seasonings that I cannot live without are Cayenne Pepper and Garlic Salt. The cayenne pepper gives foods a little kick, and the garlic salt gives food a little more flavor. I like to add the cayenne to my scrambled eggs in the morning. Gives it a punch and helps to get the metabolism running...and my metabolism needs running...I'll take what I can get.

It was FREEZING at soccer practice today. I'm sure my nose was running, but I couldn't feel my face, so for those of you reading this...if I had snot on my face, my apologies...I was completely numb. When I was leaving, a girl passed by my car and I attempted to wave to her...my fingers wouldn't move they were so stiff, so instead of waving with my fingers, I just had to shake my hand up and down to even get a visible wave...im sure I looked dumb...I was just sooo frozen

work and biscuits.

So, last night I was craving homemade biscuits, but I didn't have all the stuff. So, after work today I went to the store and got the rest of the ingredients because I had to have me a mouth watering buttery biscuit. Next time I make them, I will use a smidge less salt than it called for...I am not into salty biscuits...just moist and buttery. I didn't have a biscuit cutter either, but lumpy biscuits are just as tasty!!!

Welcome to my office. Here is where I work all day everyday! I love my office...it is at the end of the hall...only one way in...and totally secluded. It does get lonely back in the hole sometimes, but I enjoy the quiet, plus I can hear Bobby from across the hall, so I know I am nottruly alone. :)

This is the cutter...I slice and dice stickers here...ALOT of stickers

Last, but not least, this is my view...other than looking at the computer, I get to look at that gorgeous machine outside my door. His name, Mr. Lanier. He is the man in my life. I like to dance with him, and when he is having a bad day, I give him and kick and yell at him. For the most part he works perfectly, but occasionally he gets sick. Yes, I know...I'm cool...but seriously, dance parties with Mr. Lanier are pretty fun/funny!

Now to end the day with a math test and begin working on english!!!

salsa.

I am having trouble remembering to get my camera and take pictures while I work...hopefully, I will remember next time.

I love chips and salsa...who doesn't? So, today, I decided I wanted to make homemade salsa. I got the recipe from thepioneerwoman.com. Let me just tell you, she was not kidding when she said it was the BEST! From the onion, tomato, garlic, cilantro, jalapeno, and cumin, you can taste every ingredient in this salsa! I then melted pepper jack and monterey jack cheeses on tortilla chip. Oh my stars, the combination was just sooo delicious!!!!

As you can probably tell, I am on a in the kitchen kick. As I said yesterday, it is a get away for me. I absolutely love the experience! Trust me the picture doesn't even begin to explain just how good it really was! I think I am going to by some jars so I can keep it for a little longer.

baking.

I absolutely LOVE to bake. It is like therapy. When I am in the kitchen nothing else exists except the project I am working on. So, as I was reading one of my favorite blogs yesterday, and I found the perfect chocolate recipe that I needed to make for a co-workers birthday. You see, Scott is a HUGE lover of chocolate. It is called Life by Chocolate. And seriously, it is ALOT of chocolate. You can find the recipe on http://thepioneerwoman.com/. After you take one look at her amazing blog, you will be hooked. Here are some pictures of the cupcakes and cake round after they were made, and after I added the Ganache. I am very pleased with how they turned out, and I cannot wait to take them to work tomorrow! Also on the recipe it says to put a hershey kiss inside. I wanted to put the kisses that have white chocolate, but I couldn't find them, so I used the ones with caramel inside. Gives it a little flavor other than chocolate.