I am ALIVE!

Oh hello! Long time no blog! No worries...I am alive. Just living the life as a student teacher....been SO busy!!!!

Just wanted to check in...and say that TODAY is my LAST DAY of student teaching/college. SO NUTSO!!!

I can't believe this is really happening! I'm actually a college grad! Woo hoo!!!!!!

And in honor of that...here's a little pic :)

That's me! A USU Graduate!!! GO AGGIES!!

Help?

I need some help.

Go here to look at my professional portfolio (still a work in progress. Not all of the pages have something on them....but you'll get the idea.)

Just so you know, this is a portfolio of artifacts used to show I understand the INTASC standards (Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium) that as a teacher we are supposed to be basing our lesson plans on. This is a portfolio that schools will be looking at to see if they want to hire me, so I need all the help I can get. Let me know what you think, what I should change, etc.

Thanks!

Ash

Holy Moly

Oh hey...I haven't died. Well sort of. I'm teaching...hahaha just kidding. The other day, I was eating lunch with some other faculty members and we started talking about blogs. One of the teachers said that she didn't want to start one because it never would be updated because she's too busy. Another teacher said that she had a blog. We looked it up and she hadn't updated in about 2 years. So, you are lucky that I here, and that I am updating.

****Disclaimer....LONG Post ahead. :)****
(I hope it helps you procrastinate a little bit more)

So, let's start back at school yeah?

School is great. I love my students. They are fantastic. Don't get me wrong, they are....challenging....but who isn't? They say about everyday that they love having me as a teacher and think I do a good job. The truth is, I love being a teacher and couldn't imagine myself doing anything else (besides being a mommy). Sometimes, my students make it harder and make me really wonder why I chose this field, and really make me reconsider not having a preference at teaching middle school ;) but I really am absolutely loving what I do. I just hope that student teaching is as some people say...harder than the actual thing...maybe it's not. Shoot.

These last few weeks have been a tiny bit crazy. About 2 weeks ago, my brother went to the emergency room because he had some pain in his side. Turned out, he ruptured his appendix and had been "living with it" for about a week. They took him into surgery and he was in the hospital for 5 days. Funny enough, that same week, my older sister had knee surgery. (Nothing super serious...she has like no cartlidge in her knee, so they took some out a few months ago and have been growing it in a lab back east and then just put it back in.) But, she can't walk on it at all for at least two weeks and then will be gradually working it back up to it's best. They got discharged the same day and stayed at my parents house. My little sister had a tournment last week so I had to stay over to help my mom with the two sicklings. Between two of them, my mom was running all day. It was so weird. They are doing just fine, no complications, and my brother has now returned to his home :) But, yeah...busy two weeks.

Also, Halloween is here at Partyland! Here is one of my costumes for work this year...DO NOT LAUGH. :)

Meet Giggles the Clown. Here is also a picture of the entire outfit. I added the hair after this picture was taken.

Cute eh? hahaha....

I also have a bumble bee costume that I will take a picture of later.

Anyway, I believe that is all. Any questions? GO! (Oh wait...I'm not at school...hehe)

K, I may not update for another 2 years. Who knows. See ya later. 

Ash

No updates....

I should update. But I don't wanna. Cuz, I'm tired, and I'm ready to go to bed and it's not even 9. How did my life get like this? Oh...that's right....I turned into a teacher!

I'll update more when I'm feeling more up to it. Right now I want to plop in a movie and just veg. Cuz I'm tired.

And just in case you were ever wondering where I get my stubborness from? Yeah...it's my mom. Oh, and my dad. Oh, the ironic-ness of that! (Yes...I did just make that word up. And yes, I like it!)

PEACE!

Doctor Visit

I realized I forgot to update on the Doctor Visit. I had my medication changed and was given a blood sugar tester thing. Everyday for a week I've checked my blood and it's been normal. So, in other words, I don't have diabetes. Phew!

The symptoms from my medicine did last for a couple days, but yesterday and today, they have been pretty much gone, which makes me happy.

Also, our A/C got fixed today, so it's a joyful 77 degrees in our house. SO nice :)

And...I love teaching. My students today found out I had a Facebook. I told them even if they added me I wouldn't accept them as a friend. They said I should make one just for school then so they could be my friend. It's good to know they like me that much :) It made me smile.

Love you!
Ash

Talents

You know...it's funny. I've never been one to share my talents on a whim. Not with anyone.
I don't like to draw attention to myself.
I don't know why, I just don't.
I will play the piano if I am asked, but I will not just push my skills onto other people.
It takes a very long time for me to be comfortable enough with my audience to share with them my abilities.

So I must be comfortable enough with you. Because I'm going to share one with you, right here and now.

I like to design things. And I think I'm kinda good at it. Let me just show you...

These lovely ladies are just some designs I did while I was playing around.
These first two are an announcement that I did for one of my very good friends who is getting married next week. I really had fun designing them. I did it just completely for fun and showed them to her. She loved them so much, she used them for her announcements. I also created her insert cards.

Front

Back

 These next ones are announcement I've been "playing with" for the ones I will send out for graduation. I still haven't decided which I will use, but I like them. They're fun and quarky...which is me to a tee.

I'm still learning how to play around on Photoshop. (Thanks to my dear sister who had it, got a Mac and couldn't use it anymore, so she gave it to me)

I hope you enjoyed me sharing some talents with you. Don't mock. Don't judge. This is just something I do. :)

In other completely unrelated stories...
In case you didn't know...Having an Air Conditioner break not once but TWICE in nearly 100 degree heat makes the house really hot and uncomfortable. Stupid dang AC fixer man. Should have fixed it the first time. Luckily I have a place to go for comfort and somewhere I spend all day while it gets fixed. It just HAD to break the Friday before a long weekend.

The Road Less Traveled

This weekend was interesting. I went to Logan for my student teaching orientation which wasn't   a waste...but I guess I learned a few things and I feel confident that I'm doing alright so I guess that's all that matter right?

Anyway, the reason the weekend was interesting is that Logan isn't my home anymore. I've moved. And as much as I don't want to accept it, everyone else has too. They've gone down different roads and moved on from what I knew them as.

Logan used to be my home. It felt right. It felt good. It felt like I was supposed to be there no matter how hard of a transition it was. Very few times did I ever want to just quit and go home, and usually those were the times that everything was hard and I just wanted a hug from my mom.

Logan isn't my home anymore. It didn't feel the same. I guess in a way, it gave me closure and knowledge that, "Hey, you are in the right place right now in your life and doing what you need to be doing."

So, if you look at my header, and the background picture, they are all about roads. I had a "revelation" of sorts driving home yesterday. In my rearview mirror I saw people I had passed. But I also saw the reflection of one of the stickers. It said "Utah State" (gotta show my pride!) Utah State is in my past. I love it. I will always keep the memories. But I'm moving forward onto bigger an better things, which are completely unknown to me at this point. But I'm taking the road less traveled and hoping it leads me to where I want to be in life.

Transition are SUPER hard for me if you couldn't tell....

School

Yes that is right. You're little Ashley is back in school again...but this time...she's TEACHING!

Well, student teaching that is. (And it's been a week, but a busy one so give me a break.)

But, so far I love it. I started actually teaching today and it was great. Definitely a learning experience that is for sure. But, I am going to progress everyday and get more comfortable with it and I'm excited. :)

That is my life.

Oh, and also, I have been randomly dizzy everyday since Thursday night. Like to the point where I can't stand without being sick and getting freakishly bad headaches. It's kinda freaking me out, so I have an appt. with my momma's doctor next week. She thinks I have diabetes (eek!) and I really hope she's wrong. But, if she's right, it will just give me that much more motivation to get healthier, ya know?

Just don't worry. I'll be fine. I swear I always have something going on health wise. I swallow a pin, I have a sinus infection, etc. I just want to feel good again!!! jkjk

Loves!
Ash

Just an FYI

9 hours of sleep in two days is not fun.

None at all.

Staying awake only by the blessed thing called caffeine is not so fun either. I had a COKE at 8 o'clock this morning. And I NEVER do that. Never. And I don't drink regular, I drink Diet.

Oh well. It helped. Home from work where I got "coached" to "pick it up and work faster" because apparently I was working slow. And I kinda was, but there were a hecka lota customers. Ugh...

I'm grumpy. So, I'll say hi to Bashful and Doc for ya, and give Dopey, a high five.

Peace out.

A Story

Once upon a time a young girl name Ashley lived in a house with her friend. To finish her college degree she had to work for 30 hours in a preschool called Discovery Clubhouse. But Ashley had this funny thing about her. She really like to wait until the last minute to do EVERYTHING. So, because of this, Ashley got to work in a preschool everyday to finish on time!

It was fun for a while, but then one day, all of the little 2 and 3 year olds were grumpy and made messes in their pants. Ashley was grateful that it was her last day there because she didn't know if she could take it anymore. The little children laid down to take naps, but they were so excited for their mommy's to get them they couldn't sleep. Ashley had to rub their backs and hold their hands when they finally closed their eyes. It was then that she decided it wasn't THAT bad to be with them. And she really loved it when they curled up with her on her lap to read a book or when they were sad. She couldn't wait to experience that with her own children, but realized that maybe she still wanted a few more years of freedom :) The end.

P.S. 2 and 3 year olds are SO much fun, but SO much work. I am exhausted after just 6 hours. It's no wonder they call it the terrible 2s or 3s. But they have so much innocence about them, and they love everyone. They didn't know me that well, but they would just curl up in my lap and hug me all the time. It was great :) 

P.P.S. I really had to do this for an internship. And I'm DONE! :)

Cuts, Hospitals, and a Funeral Make a Busy Life!

So..I'm sorry it's been a while since I posted...it's been a CRAZY week or so. How long has it been? Well how ever long it's been.

So just to update, I got my hair RE-cut and this is now what it looks like. It's exactly what I wanted and I am loving it more each day!

(And...I'm totally not trying to draw attention, but I look tan...must have gone to the pool that day ;))

So, that was the 26th of July. (Oh my heck...) On Thursday the 28th, I got a text from my mom that said she was just filling us on on some stuff that was happening with my grandma. Apparently she coded during and MRI and was now in the hospital. So, she ended up going down Thursday, coming back, and then going down again on Friday. I had to work, so I went down to Las Vegas on Saturday, expecting to have answers on what was going on with my Grandma. This is apparently what happened.

My grandma (who is 75) was a little shaky on Tuesday night (the 26th) Then on Wednesday her speech was slurred. So they took her to the doctor and they ordered an MRI because it wasn't a stroke. Now she is petrified of any kind of thing like an MRI or whatever, so they put her under for that. Well, during the MRI she woke up and had a panic attack and ended up having a heart attack as well. That is when she coded (and for those of you who don't know...that's basically when she "died") and the hospital had to revive her. They did and transferred her to the ICU and had to put her on a breathing tube. On Friday, after not responding to any pain or touch at all, they ordered an EEG which measures brain activity. It took 24 hours for a neurologist to come tell us that the EEG was flat, which means she didn't have any brain activity and that she was in a coma. In her will, they had a DNR, and so we decided to stay until Sunday morning when they would remove the breathing tube and my grandma would pass away. 

Let me tell you what an odd experience it is to have someone you love be in front of you in body, but not responding to anything you say or do. I held her hand a lot, and no matter what anyone did, she remained in her unresponsive state. It was so hard to see my grandmother like this. Even though she has battled with illness and the effects of aging, she has always been so generous and loving to each of her grandchildren. I'm sure that if the circumstances were different in the way that she had passed away, it would have been a little easier to see her go. She suffered from a lot of different things and she was in pain much of the time, so I know that she is in a better place now. It was just hard to see her go like that. Her heart was very strong in the end. They removed the breathing tube and her pulse actually kept going for about 15 minutes afterward, but then finally it gave out and her spirit left her body. My sister and mom told me an interesting analogy. Her spirit was telling us that it was time to go, and they said it was like a toddler wanting to get out of a high chair/booster seat, saying, "Out!" the whole time but not being freed. Her spirit was like that for 3 days. And then finally, she was released, and I know she is in a much better place now. We had a viewing and a funeral for her on Friday and she asked to be cremated. At the viewing, she looked beautiful. So much better than I had seen her in years. And I was glad that was the way she was going to be remembered. 

That has been my week and a half, which also included 30 hours of work at various times of the day. But out of all of this, I am so grateful I have my family and the gospel to help us through this difficult time. It's so comforting to know that my grandma is somewhere where she isn't in pain any more and that I can see her again. To know this has made a huge difference this last week and I know that she is up there looking down on me.

My mom whispered to me shortly after she died that she was sorry the both of my grandma's were gone. I told her that it was okay. I was going to see them both in the afterlife and when that day comes, it will be a glorious reunion. Until then, they are there for me in spirit and that's all I need :) 

Please don't ever hestitate to tell the ones you love that you love them. You really never know when it's their time to go. Have a wonderful week! And the next time I talk to you, I will be student teaching!!! (probably...I'm INSANELY busy this week. What a last week of summer, eh?)

LOVES!

Ash

New Do's

Hey there! I figured since it's been a week I'd update you on things.
First:

TA DA!!!

I cut my hair! It's not as "good" as I wanted it to be...so I have an appointment with a girl that cuts my sister's hair next Tuesday. I wanted an A-Line and I didn't really get it, plus, it's a little bulky on the bottom. So, she's just going to shape it for me. But I like it. It's a change for sure. I haven't had my hair above my shoulders for a very long time. But, I had some issues with a hairdresser thinning my hair too much on my middle layer, which ended up creating a "shelf" like thing in the back. No matter what I did, it wouldn't go away so I had to cut it off. But, it's okay. I wanted to anyway, I was just too chicken ;)

In other news, I had a fabulous time at my family reunion last weekend. We quite enjoyed ourselves. I came home with a bad sunburn (including my head), a sore shoulder and a huge bruise on my knee, but...hey. We're camping. Gotta have fun! And I did! We went shooting, and I actually did fairly well for a beginner. I'm really not a good shot, but I did hit some clay pigeons and was gettin' the hang of it towards the end. I also learned a Swedish game called "Coob". Really fun game! But, the best part was just hanging out with my family. When we get together it's quite the riot and I had a lot of fun. But, my couch ate my camera and I couldn't find it before I left, so I have to get pictures from my dad's camera. 

Other than that, not much is happening in my neck of the woods. I can't believe July is almost over...that's crazy! It's about this time of the summer that I start itching to get back to doing something. I've had my "break" and now I want to be busy again. Less than a month!! Crazy! 

K, love you all. Bye! 

Ash

The Series End.

In honor of the LAST Harry Potter movie coming out this week, I would like to share with you some pictures. Who doesn't like pictures?

Can you believe that the series is over? One movie to see and everything ends? I've "grown up" with the characters (since they are all my age) and the movies, and now I can't believe they are finished! Granted, some of them could have been done better...well let's admit it. Most of them could have been done better...but still. It's over? So soon? It's kinda sad! 
Farewell Harry Potter! We will miss you! I mean...look how cute they were when they were younger! 
As for me...this weekend I am not going to see the new movie...I am headed to a family reunion! I'm so excited to see my family and spend some time with them! I will post pictures next week! I've been lazy this week because I haven't had to work, which turned out to be pretty lucky because we needed to have our air conditioner fixed and the carpets cleaned and someone needed to be home for each of those. Lucky I could be!!! I moving upstairs tomorrow and next week and then I will post pictures of that too! My summer is going better. I went to my ward for the first time on Sunday (the first time going for the entire thing) and I really enjoy it. There are a lot of people and they seem fun and interesting and have already been extremely nice to me. I'm very excited to get to know more people! 
I hope you all are having a great week! And some exciting news! Friday begins the countdown until I start (unofficially) student teaching! 1 month! 
Loves! 

I Love to See the Temple...

Lately, I've really dreaded seeing people or talking to people from school or that I haven't seen in a long time. Why? Because honestly? My summer has been really, really hard. I've never felt so alone in my life. Even when I'm surrounded by people, I feel completely alone. 

Then, people ask me what I've been doing about it. And I don't know what to tell them.

Because honestly? I haven't been able to do that much. I don't know where to meet people. I have only been to my singles' ward a total of 3 weeks, and 2 of those weeks I had to leave either right after the sacrament or after sacrament meeting to go do a floor set for work because my boss called me and asked if I would. When your boss calls you...out of 20 or so other people you call...it's a really good sign and I really don't want to disappoint her because she is awesome. But not knowing anyone here has been extremely difficult. I've spent 2 full months here and nothing has gotten any easier for me. I still miss Logan so incredibly much. The only people I talk to are people from Logan. I thought moving out would make it better, make it easier. And it hasn't really helped .

Like I've said, I've never felt more alone in my life. And lately I've taken to praying that I'll find at least one person to become my friend. Best to rely on the Lord right?

I'm not telling you this so you'll feel sorry for me. I'm merely explaining the situation I have been in for the last two months so you can further understand what happened tonight, and why it was so special to me. 

I went over to my parents house for some company because my roommate was at work and I had nothing to do. I got there and hung out with my dad and little sister for probably a half hour or so. Then, they left to go to Las Vegas for my little sister's softball practice. So, I was all alone at my parents house. I figured I would just stay there until my mom came home from work at five. She didn't get home til 7. By that time I was actually heading back home, and caught her down the road. We exchanged hellos and she said she was at dinner with my other sister, Staci. I told her I was just going home. (And as I was driving, I couldn't contain my thoughts and tears from streaming down my face because it became more apparent as I sat at my parent's house for 3 hours how alone I really was.)

I looked out my window and saw the temple a few blocks away and made a decision I would go at least sit close to it. (I actually haven't been to the temple in an incredibly long time...it's actually very sad)

I parked and started wishing I had my camera, because it was a beautiful summer night and I wanted to capture it. Luckily, I did have it! It was in my purse! So, I got out and went, walked around a little bit, and sat down on a bench. As I was sitting there, thinking about everything I was feeling, I immediately got this feeling that I wasn't alone. I had someone with me always no matter what. And that even if it was to get closer to him, that was enough reason for me to be here in St. George. (Because lately I've been questioning exactly why I'm here.) I nearly started crying as I was sitting there...but I blame the fact that the tears had already been dropping previously before that. I just felt this warmth and almost like a hug come over me. And I couldn't contain the happiness I felt. I noticed that I was sitting in a beautiful place (even if it is a little hot sometimes) and that Heavenly Father has given me so many things to be grateful for. I mean, I heard birds chirping and everything, it was a perfect scene, like one from a movie. After that, I felt better. I felt that I can do this. I felt that no matter what the reason that I came here for, no matter how hard it is for me, I need to make the best of it. And part of that challenge is finding out how. 

Sam, one of my best best friends, suggested that I learn something I've always wanted to do. 

Naturally when he said that, I thought of cake decorating.

But instead, I took to playing with my camera and capturing some pictures. 

I know that my Heavenly Father loves me. I know that he is there for me. I know that I'm not alone. 

And I know that you aren't either. No matter what has happened, or how you feel in your relationship with him or the gospel, he still love me and you. I promise. And he knows what is happening in our lives and he has a very special plan for each of us. All it takes is faith and trust in him for us to see our potential.

I hope you all are having a great week! 

How? Why? Whaaaaa?

I don't normally go all political and express my opinions on here, but this is one I can't ignore. It doesn't seem right to me. Two words? Casey Anthony.

I believe she killed her kid. I do. I just don't understand that she was found not guilty. There was more than enough evidence to show she did it. I can't believe this....How did she get off COMPLETELY free?

If any of you haven't been following this, it's a big case that happened in Florida. Casey Anthony is the mother of  sweet little 3 year old that died in 2008. No one knows when, no one knows how except her. And she hasn't said a word. The little girl was last seen by someone other than her mom in June of 2008. For a month, Casey lied about where she was, that she was with a nanny and then in July...a month later...she comes up as missing. You know all the shows you watch on murders and trials...yeah. Real life stuff here.

They ended up finding the body of this cute little girl in December of 2008. It was completely decomposed. They have evidence of her shirt, her shorts, and that a decomposing body was in Casey's car. There was evidence suggesting she did it. Computer internet searches and traces of chloroform. I don't understand how she came off clean!

Because she was found not guilty, she doesn't do any jail time for it. Nothing. She never got on stand, never told anyone what went on during that time Caylee was missing. NOTHING. Just sat there and looked innocent I suppose, but how could you when you know exactly what happened to Caylee? She was found guilty for giving police false information on four counts, so now she gets up to four years in jail. That's it.

Sometimes I wonder about our legal system. How can a cute little 3 year old girl be killed and dumped down the street and the mother not be found guilty. I'm sorry I can't relay the entire story to you...there is quite a bit. But if you're interested in it, read up on it. It's interesting.

I do understand that there wasn't a lot of evidence and the evidence and defense did a great job countering anything the prosecution said. I mean, it never came out how she was killed. But...she was killed. Her body was found on the side of a road that had been covered in water the entire time people were looking for her, dead or alive. It took a month for them to report she was missing. A month. It all adds up, in my head anyway. The mother was a partier, liked to go out and have fun, and of course you can't take a 2-year old to a bar. So she did what she thought was best.

A huge part of me is so glad that in the church we have a very strong adoption program. When I watch shows like 16 and pregnant, I see that adoption has such a bad reputation because people view it as  "giving your baby away." But just think. If Casey, for example, had realized that her entire life would change because she had a little girl and decided that instead of keeping Caylee, gave her to a couple who couldn't have children, this little gir'ls life might have been saved.

I'm sorry for going on political and expressing my views. I don't normally do that. But I love children, and to see them suffer for a parents' cruel mistake and decision, it just tears at my heart. Literally. And just because a group of 12 people was won over by one side in a court room, nothing will be done about this little girl's life. Nothing. Wow...what a system we have.

**Disclaimer...I don't expect you to believe what I believe. These are MY opinions on THIS particular case. I love America. I do. I'm lucky to be here in this country and have the freedoms I enjoy. And I do agree with due process and right to a trial by jury. If I were ever to have to go to court I would rather have a trial by jury than have my fate decided by one man or woman. It's just really hard to agree with a jury in a case like this. Maybe they saw something I didn't in Casey Anthony. I mean...I've only been following the case for a day and a half! But I've read as much as I could on it, and this is what I got from it. Of course, reading something and being there give completely different perceptions.

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday! I hope you all realize the freedoms we have in America and the happiness it provides to each one of us!

Holy cow it's been forever. I'm very truly sorry. It's been a crazy few weeks. I've worked. That's pretty much all it's been...but by the time I get home I'm just to tired to do anything and I don't like updating when I don't have something to write about. (other than advertising for Bath and Body Works ya know? ;))

So I moved...from my parents house!! I moved to a place with my friend Melaniya. I have known her for a couple years from Partyland. I moved on Monday and so far I like it, except for one thing. The roommate. Her name is Victoria. She's nice, but she's got the personality that is really hard to get to know. So I'm scared to talk to her about getting internet because she pays for it. So I don't have any. I either use Mel's computer or I come to my parents. My house gets lonely anyway so I like the company. I also don't have any room for dishes or food yet...Mel is supposed to clean out the cupboard so I just have to wait for that. Until then I keep what I can in my room and I just haven't gone shopping yet...I will soon I think...I need to stop eating out. It's probably cheaper to just buy food than to drive to my parents everytime I'm hungry right? Right.

And in 2 weeks, I'm moving again...just upstairs though no worries. Victoria is moving out on July 8th so I am moving into her room after that. I didn't know she was moving out so soon or else I wouldn't have moved downstairs. As soon as I move again, I will get pictures mmmk?

It's been really nice being out of my parents house. I find it easier to keep my room clean because I'm not so squished into a room with nowhere to put my things, ya know?

AND...I'm getting excited to student teach. I even dreamt about it last night...But it was that Shelli had her baby early...but don't you worry. It was like...today...and well...the baby was supposed to be happy and healthy. It's 27 weeks along so it's not likely. Don't worry Shel...it was just a dream. Do you know how many weird dreams I've had? Yeah...just talk to my roommates from last year...

K. I'm done. I don't know when the next time I update will be. So I'm sorry about the recipes. I put two up this week just because I missed.

Kloveyoubye.

Semi-Annual Madness

First of all, thanks for all the comments! You guys make me feel loved :)  Oh, and the new recipe is up so take a look!

So last Friday, the semi-annual sale started at Bath and Body Works, which is where I work. And oh my heck, it's been crazy. I'm pretty sure that I sold over 1,000 or 2,000 dollars (since I was on register most of the day...) Too bad it's not on commission because I'd be making bank!!!

So, if you haven't checked out the sale yet, you probably should. If you don't have a BBW nearby, go here. Or if you have certain classic scents you can get them here as well. That's all that I've been doing the last week.

I did go to my new ward yesterday. I LOVE IT! I tell ya, ward's make all the difference and I really loved that ward. It's always weird for me to go to ward's the first few times because I don't know anyone, but it will get better :) Hopefully, I'm moving soon! The carpets have to get cleaned and then I can move! YAY!

K, I'm done. Loves!
Ash

New Design...Any Ideas?

So...I just redid my blog (pretty much...there's some things that are still there)
It was a much needed redo. I don't have cool things on my blog like other people, but I like it. It's me :)

And I have a new page. It's a recipe page. Check back every week for updates (I promise I'll be good and update every week.)

But I need ideas on other things I could do. Any ideas? Does anyone read this besides my mom and Shelli?  haha just kidding just kidding.

Yeah, just leave me a little comment.

Kthanksbye.

Ash

Swimmer's Ear

Did you know that that's a thing? I mean yes...swimmers have ears, but there is actually something called swimmer's ear. And guess who has it? Oh yeah...haha me!

So basically, I guess it's this thing that happens when water gets trapped in your ear and ends up with an infection. And let me tell you...it hurts! It feels like my ear needs to be popped but it won't, and I can't hear anything. I swear...I always have something wrong, if it's not a pin, it's something else!

Other than having the ear of a swimmer, summer is going good. Like I said, I have a job. Don't really have any shifts yet (next week...finally!) and I'm getting hounded by my parents everyday. It's not like I love sitting at my house doing nothing...I just don't know what else to do. But...good news!! I finally have a place to live. I'm waiting to move in until one of the showers gets fixed but I have a place to live that I can actually put my clothes in my own room and in drawers! I'm gonna have drawers again! I got excited, so on Saturday, after a long morning of cleaning (and by long...I mean LLLLLOOOOONNNNNGGGG...okay not THAT long) my mom, little sister, and I went to Ross and found some bedding. And it's SO pretty. and it's grown up. Not "college" looking. It's great. I love it. And it matches decorations I already have. It's great. So now, I plan to work on getting a night stand, and a dresser type thing to fix up so that I actually do have drawers ;)

Really I have nothing else going on. I'm looking for a craft project...so if you have any ideas, let me know. PLEASE! okay. I'm done being bored. well...not yet.

kloveyoubye.

Ashley

12 days and 22 years

Okay first of all...I didn't realize it had been that long. Oops! My bad? With all the craziness of checkouts and moving, and then the slowness of my life after that I have been brain dead and lazy for the last 2 weeks. But no worries...I am back and doing good :)

First...I'm one year older but not wiser. That's right folks...today is my birthday. I'm now the great age of 22. TWENTY TWO! That's crazy!

But whatev...birthdays come and go. However, every year, I get more and more surprised at how great my family and friends are. One of my best friends, Sam, called me today and sang to me (with my almost constant insistence that he stop) and then we talked for about an hour. We hadn't talked for like 2 weeks so it was great. Then some of my other besties, Melaniya (Mel for short) and Lacey threw me a party! It was just us and Lacey's hubby Brandon, but it was perfect! I'm going to Salt Lake tomorrow morning, coming home Sunday and then we're having a family party. So it's just gonna be a crazy birthday weekend!!!

As an update, I now have a job. Well...one for sure, the other kinda. The last two weeks I have been picking up a 9-yr girl named Sylvia from school and watching her until 5:30. It's been kinda boring but I get paid $10/hr even if I don't go (depending on her parents schedules) so it works. and as of this last week...I work at Bath and Body Works! (again...it's one of my many weaknesses!) I sure do love that store and working there. It's so fun! I'm excited. I also may have found an apartment. I'm living with my parents right now in a room that is a sewing and scrapbook room with a bed. There is no closet space and no dresser so I'm still living out of suitcases and boxes. I'm sure the mess is driving my mom crazy. And the apartment I thought I had fell through. Mel needs another roommate and so I'm most likely moving in to a huge room with a closet, AND a walk-in closet. I'm pretty excited. Oh, and only $250 + utilities...how awesome is that?

I'll be better at posting...I promise. LOVES.
Ash

Goodbyes.

I really hate goodbyes. 4 years ago, I cried because I was leaving St. George and moving to a place I had been to once and with hardly anyone I knew. Today (and yesterday...and Friday...and last week...) I cried...and cried...and cried....because I was doing the same thing but back to St. George. Why does change have to be so hard?

I said goodbye to everyone I knew the last few days and now live somewhere I hardly know anyone anymore. I know this is where I need to be, but it's just so so hard to remember that when I'm saying goodbye. I seriously have cried SO much the last few days, I don't know how I have tears left.

On Friday, my really good friend, Sam, surprised me with a campfire up Logan canyon with my really good friends, Sarah, CJ, and Ben. Those are the people I'm gonna miss the most. I had to say goodbye to all of them that night, and it really sucked. But it hit me really hard on Saturday, when I realized it was my last day in Logan.

So, now my address is with my parents, and I had to say goodbye to my life in Logan and now hello to my future. So weird.

Placed.

I haven't updated in a while. It's Finals Week give me a break.

And I've been busy. :( Only 3 more days until I'm done and 5 more as an RA!!!! I'm more excited for the RA one...

I love it when people complain about their finals week. I just say...finals week is *^%* for RAs. Yup. We get to check out 60 something people, studying for finals, and complete every gosh darn thing for the year. All in one week. I'm going to be MIA for a while.

BUT...I GOT PLACED!
Got the email 15 min ago that I am OFFICIALLY placed with Mrs. Barnum at Desert Hills Middle!

I'm pretty freaking excited! Can't wait for it Shel!

Ashley

Weekend Happenings

Oh hey there.

This weekend was great. Friday, I had the opportunity to become a True Aggie, but instead I hung out with a friend. It was fun. I secretly kinda wish I would have gone to True Aggie night, but I didn't want to kiss a random person that I didn't know...especially since I've never kissed anyone...shocked? Most people are. I'm not. (Duh...) Even if I wasn't gonna kiss anyone it would have been fun to go with my roomies. Oh well.

Saturday, I worked. Woo. Then, I colored eggs with the same friend. Again...it was fun. Good to hang out with him before I left. Twice.

Sunday, my roommates slept through our 1:00 church. Don't ask how that happened, but it did. We then got ready (at like 5:00...haha) and made side dishes for our combined dinner with Elise's brother. He made ham, his roommate Tom made potatoes, Elise made bread, Bri made fruit salad, and I made Macadosha Cake. HMMM! Want the recipe? Prolly not...let's just say it contains 1 lb. of butter. It was a wonderful dinner. We then laid around the rest of the night.

At midnight, my other roommate Bri and I went to Smith's to get balloons for my other roommate Lauren's birthday. We just got back from dinner at Chili's. Hmm...it's good. But I'm stuffed.

And best news? I got an $1800 scholarship next year and I'm basically done. I just have to go to classes, and finish one more thing before finals.

Last week of classes! Then finals...and I'm FREE! :)

LOVES!
Ash

Loves and Hates

I love that I only have 2 1/2 weeks left. But I hate that I'm leaving all of my friends behind.

Had a minor breakdown last night...no worries. 

I love that my sister wants me to be there for her this weekend at a program she's in charge of. But I hate that I might have to drive 6 hours to get there and do it again in 2 weeks. 

My mom thinks I shouldn't be guilted into it, but who can say no to this? 

She's gonna kill me for putting this up. She's a dork and I love her.

I love Logan, but I hate the weather. Especially when it can't decide which season it wants to be in. 

I love the Residence Life staffs. (That's who I work for...) But I hate the way that housing is going and I'm glad to be done. 2 1/2 weeks! 

I love my IWA girls. But I hate that next Tuesday is our last activity and I had to miss last night's activity because of said banquet above. 

I love St. George. But I hate that I feel like I'm leaving half my heart in Logan. 

If you can't tell...I'm feeling a little nostalgic. 

K....I'M Done. 

PEACE! 

Well...It was Brought

So...you know how last post I said, "What else can you throw at me? Bring it!" Well...it was brought.

Tuesday, I swallowed a pin. Yes, that's right. A sewing pin.

Don't ask me how the heck it got in my stomach, but as I was sewing and holding it in my teeth (like most sewers do..) it slipped down se throat. I felt like it was stuck in my throat and tried to prevent myself from swallowing. I was at the sewing lab, so I drove home (in my broken car...don't worry I made it) and had my roommate take me to the ER. Let me tell ya, that was quite the story to tell them.

They took some X-Rays, found that it wasn't in my throat (like I thought) and found it in my stomach. They kept me there because of the feeling in my throat just to make sure that it wouldn't swell or do something else. I was fine. They sent me home after being there for 3 hours. Hmm...I love the ER.

And apparently I love it a lot because I had to go back yesterday.

While I was there the first time, they told me that these things pass pretty easily but if I had any problems to come back ASAP. It was just a precaution for things so I didn't think anything of it. But, at about 4:30 yesterday, I got this really intense sharp pain in my side-ish stomach, and could barely walk. I was doubled over, and literally freaking out. It hurt so bad. I called my mom (who I call pretty much almost immediately for everything) and she said to go and get it checked out.

I went, they took X-rays, it was on the right side of my body, so they ordered a CT scan. I saw it there...this little white thing in my body. Weird feeling. We found out nothing was punctured, nothing was preforated at all and everything was fine. It was EXTREMELY good news. I wasn't hurting anymore, but I asked them why it might have done that. Apparently, at about that same place it was hurting, there is a really sharp curve in the intestine and the pin probably scraped the edges. I can still feel it in me...it's just uncomfortable.

So, needless to say, this has gone down as the most eventful week of my life as well as the most expensive (kinda...besides school) because between my computer, my car, and my little ER visits, I've racked up almost $750 in payments I have to make, not to mention insurance stuff that I will insist on helping my parent pay because of this weird thing that happened. And to a college student...that is a heck of a lot of money.

I just want this stuff to be over. Seriously. No more. I don't know if I can take it.

It's okay, next week WILL be better (it's got to be...what else can go wrong)

Oh...and things always happen in 3's don't they? I'm at #3.

Ash

When it Rains...

When it rains, it POURS.

And I'm not just talking about the fact that 3 out of the last 4 days it has been snowing non-stop.

I feel like I complain a lot. I hope I don't. These are just the "exciting" events in my life that I care to share. I'm not looking for sympthathy. just merely informing. And since you probably are doing the same thing I am (procrastinating the inevtiable thing called homework) or something similar, it may give you something to laugh about.

So, do you remember this post? or this one? If you didn't realize from these posts, my computer is my baby. Seriously...I am on it all the time. And yes, I use it for various things, like entertainment (gotta catch up on my shows!!) as well as for homework.

Well guess what? My computer is currently at the IT center on campus. Either it has a virus that has basically shut it down, or the hard drive is crashing. Either way, I don't have a computer for a few days, possibly longer. And right now, when I'm trying to work on two huge projects for the end of the semester, that totally blows.

It's fine. Thursday was quite the trying day. No worries. I read my scriptures that night and basically I got "told" that I just needed to stop freaking out. Everything would be okay and it would work out.

So, I took that to mean that I really needed to stop freaking out. It ended up not bugging me as much as it could have. And now, I laugh because, well, then my other baby (my car) decided that it couldn't make it to Wal-Mart (a 5 min. drive) without overheating. So now, not only do I have to pay for my computer to get fixed, my car wanted some attention as well.

And surprisingly, I'm not in a bad mood because of it. I'm doing just fine, laughing at the whole thing, because what else can you do? There is no use worrying about it! Yes, I'm going to have to be a little tight on money for a while, but when am I gonna learn to manage my money better? Yes, I'm gonna have to learn to depend on other things besides my two little babies that are my life, but what better way to learn to depend on the Lord instead?

And at this point, I'm just kinda saying, "What else can get thrown at me? Bring it!"

So, even though it's pouring right now, the rain will clear up and bring a bright beautiful day outside (which funny enough, is exactly what it is like.) There is always a clear sky. We just have to be patient and wait for it!

Hope you had a wonderful weekend! Loves!
Ash

I'm Such an FCSE Major...

Really...it's unreal. And yes, we have a "type"

I know I've been an FCSE Major for the last 4 years of my life, and I love it. But until just recently, I didn't realize how perfect it is for me. Wanna know what I do in my spare time? I look at comforters from Target or Amazon to "design" my next bedroom. Because did I tell you? I might have found an apartment in St. George. My mom is looking at it sometime soon. I will try to get pics. I'll explain below exactly why..

Oh, and I make centerpieces for the IWA Spring Banquet too. Yup...here's a snapshot of what I did.

I found a metal bucket (you can see the white one in the right picture) and filled it with easter grass and daisies. Then, I took some floral wire and folded it into a little stand thing so it could hold the picture. The theme was "My Soul Delighteth in being Centered in Christ" And because it's around Easter time, I decided to do something springy and Easter-y. So I got little baskets, and filled them with easter grass and candy and easter eggs. There was also tulle and rocks down the center. I thought it was cute.

But really...not a lot of people can find all of that (above) at the Dollar Store. I'm not bragging, I'm just saying...

So, maybe you are wondering why I'm finding an apartment if my parents live there. Basically, it's a few things combined. 1) It's hard to live with my parents after living on my own. And not just for me, for them too. 2) My parents don't have room for me and 3) the apartment is $225 a month including utilities. For St. George, that's amazing. I'm pretty stoked. And it's close to my house and still in town. BONUS!

K, that's my life. Loves!

I PASSED!!!

I'm excited.

I passed the Praxis.

Which means I'm one step closer to student teaching and graduating.

HALLEJUIAH!

I PASSED! I PASSED! I PASSED!

:)

No I didn't die...

Just in case you were wondering. I got sick. :( First, it was the throat, then I was fine and then BAM.

I got hit like a ton of bricks and it was a full on head to toe crappy poopy cold. (That's a new one for ya huh?)

I have been in bed for the last 4 days. Everytime I got up, I felt extremely tired and got really hot. My mom thought I had mono. Don't worry...I got tested and I don't (THANK GOODNESS)

Oh and haven't been to class since Thursday. You better bet I'm going for the rest of the week. And all of next week. And maybe the next one....

Oh...and just in case you were wondering...I ended up with a sinus infection. Don't think I've ever had my head feel like it's full of something other than my brain. But it definitely does now.

Am I better? Getting there.
Is it crazy I have ONE MONTH left? Pretty much.
Am I stoked? You better believe it.

I'll fill you in with more later. That's pretty much been the last week and a half. No kidding. Let me tell ya, kleenex, cough/cold medication, and ibuprofen have become my new best friends and whoever invented them...yeah, they should get something freaking amazing.

Loves!

What is this Feeling?

I know what it is!!! It's one of the best feelings I've experienced!

And it's the feeling that I did GREAT on a test.

Today, I had two...one in Textile Sciences, and one in Food Science.

And guess who did well on both? Oh that's me.

Definitely not gonna miss taking tests though, that is for sure. I fill like I have filled in so many dang circles to last me a lifetime.

Also...I have another feeling. And I'm not liking this one so much. In the last 3 days, I have seen 8-9 people that I have gotten to know in the past. It's like, all of a sudden, I'm being reminded of how much I'm going to miss when I leave. There is a possibility that I may never see some of these people again. And that makes me sad. Incredibly sad. To the point where it brings tears to my eyes when I think about it. Why do I get so attached so fast and so hard? It's a little bit annoying honestly.

But, I know that this is the best decision and choice for me at the moment. As I was thinking about it last night, and praying about it, I realized that I have no desire to student teach here anymore, and that St. George really is going to be the best place for me. As hard as it is, I have to move on with my life and grow up...as much as I can anyway...

Alright, long weekend ahead. Nothing planned but work. Hope all is well! Love ya!
Ash

Just to Inform You...

I think I did pretty good. I'm feeling not too shabby about the two tests I took. I finished extremely early on both...which may or may not be a good thing, but I have always been a fast test taker so it makes sense. I will find out the results in April! So I will be waiting to hear! After that, I turn them into the Education department and get told (officially) where I'm student teaching! That's if I pass...which I'm really really hoping I do.

I also just wanted to say that I love you. Yes, I do. The last few weeks (and days) have been crazy and meh, and somehow I still manage to get through. I'm sorry for all of the negative words I may have said. Sometimes, my brain doesn't work fast enough to tell my mouth to shut up. In this case...it would be my fingers. So yeah.

Here's to hoping you have a wonderful week! And also that my roommates will keep our apartment clean...I spent forever cleaning it on Thursday. But...I'm betting that won't happen! It never does!

Love ya!
Ash

In Less than 24 hours

I take a test that determines my future for the next 6 months.

K not really.

I just take the Praxis. and the PLT.
Woo hoo.

Wish me luck!

Strep, Mono, and Rash, Oh NO!

Oh yes...

I came home on Thursday, excited to enjoy the lovely weather of St. George, and to enjoy the company of family and friends. And to get away. As much as I love Logan, I have to leave every once in a while because I get overwhelmed.

So then, I come home and guess what?

Kenzee (my little sis) has mono. And strep.

And now she has a rash because of both of those.

So the last 5 days, I have been at home with her, taking care of her, and her schoolwork, and will probably get it in six weeks. Lucky me! Just in time for finals! Woo...hoo...

In other news...congratulations to the tons of people getting engaged all of a sudden! Guess it's that time again! I'm headed back to Logan for the last month and a half tomorrow and I take the praxis on Saturday.

And funny enough, as much rest as I've gotten in the last few days, I'm still not wanting to go back to school and I don't want to work on anything. I hate senioritis...I really do.

Okay..I'm done whining. I'll be better next post, promise! Peace Out!

Ash