Be Bright and Jovial

Happy Valentine's Day

2012-02-12T22:02:00.000-08:00

For Valentine's Day this year, I had to think seventeen hours into the future and be prepared. I'm typically over prepared and this post is no different. It's technically nine hours early but tomorrow is a full day for me! I'm not one for the care of being showered with flowers, chocolates, gifts and a card on this "holiday." Any relationship deserves that any day of the year, not just one preset day. Since we are apart, I made Jose a video of pictures of us so here it is. (ps if you are viewing via phone, my apologies)

I have a few Thank you's to say.

Thank you for still loving me through it all these past three years-

mostly for me and my silly/crazy/weird-ness,

~~my overly tanned skin~~,

my now pale skin,

indecisive hair coloring,

~~orange/gold hair at times~~,

loud laugh,

~~stubborn~~,

huge family,

late nights talking or saying nothing,

made up languages,

early to bed early to rise sleep habits,

my one to two genre of movie categories,

lack of cooking skills,

curly afro hair,

my closet full of "nothing to wear",

my lack of sports talent,

my differing ell-bee's ;),

different phases of makeup,

me without makeup,

crazy nail polish colors,

my hair shedding and being everywhere,

my request for pictures,

my amazing driving,

unlucky car problems and

most importantly for my big dreams!

To many more years of learning and growing together! I love you <3

Hair Day

2012-02-11T22:45:00.000-08:00

Today I went to the salon again after about three/four months. It literally takes all day. Overall, I was there about three hours. I'm not even sure where the time goes because I only sit with color on my hair for 30-45 minutes. The rest of the time is mixing color, cutting, washing, blow drying and other things but I feel that three hours is still too long. I deal with it though because my hair comes out fabulous! Since I can't afford to get my hair done every 6-8 weeks as recommended, my stylist does it so it's a natural grow out. I can still see my roots but to others, it's not so drastic. I was very pleased today and will share a few pictures! I feel blonde again!

the finished product from atop

before pulled up

after pulled up

with my face :)

Oh Target.

2012-02-09T13:55:00.001-08:00

In between classes, I did a few errands and after I went to Target. I was extremely happy with the savings I found today. Through the end of February, they have this bundle and save bodega corner where there's usually holiday stuff or seasonal things. I rarely go back there because it's usually not anything I would buy. The packages today, however, enticed me to go and look. I came home with three deodorants for me, three for J, two febreze air fresheners and two mascaras all for under $20! I couldn't be more thrilled. I have been needing new mascara but haven't bought any because mascara is a costly thing but I got two for one! When I was done walking the whole store, I realized that they still have the single items for full price up in their regular spots. I was so pleased with Target's clearance today. I usually am but it usually costs me more ;)
On another note, it's 70 degrees here today and I did check the weather before hand but didn't realize that it meant I should've worn shorts! My car was chokingly hot! I even am a little sweaty! I love this weather but it's still February!

Realization hit.

2012-02-08T22:16:00.000-08:00

Today was the first day since Saturday that I had nothing to set an alarm for-- I had work at 5 but nothing else planned. I was looking forward to a day of nothingness until I woke up and the loneliness hit. I woke up at my bright and early time but didn't need to so I forced my body to go back to sleep and that it did. When I re-woke up, I felt extremely bored even though I have a list of things I can do. I just didn't feel motivated to do any of them. I stayed in bed and watched some catch up tv but I was feeling a little sad inside. I realized I really missed J. I'll be the first to admit that I'm terrible with emotions so this is a once in a lifetime post! ;) I rarely feel that I miss people but when I do, I can't just let emotions flow. I put on a movie that I knew was sad and that could help me to cry and just get over the loneliness part and get through the rest of this separation. There's nothing I can do that he's not here. Hanging out with a million other people wouldn't fill the void of going to bed next to someone and waking up with them too. What movie did I put on? Why Dear John of course. What better of a movie could I put on than a sad military one? It is a really good movie with all emotions in it but it's definitely a tear jerker. After the movie was over, I was done being sad and lonely so I showered to get ready for work. It felt nice to shower and just get ready after all that. I was in much better spirits and moved forward. Of course I still miss him but not the shlumpy-do nothing miss him.
After work, I went grocery shopping and I am thinking what I bought will last me the rest of our time apart. On the days I go to school, I am always wanting snacks in between or even a real meal! So that was my main focus on what to buy and this is what I purchased:
Fruits/Veggies: broccoli florets, orange juice, pineapple, apples, garlic, oranges, salad bag, baby carrots, strawberries, frozen peaches, frozen mango, bananas, can peaches, corn
Meat: frozen chicken, ground turkey, tuna, lunch ham
Carb/snack: rolls, bagels, tortillas, animal crackers, Oh's cereal, lean pockets, eggo waffles, oatmeal, cheez-its, cheddar/sour cream chips, special k, spaghetti noodles
Other: soy choc milk, cream cheese, brownie boxes, altoids, chocolate chips, gum, jelly, miracle whip, peanut butter
I can't wait to eat it all to be honest!

Girl behind the blog!

2012-02-06T22:35:00.000-08:00

I am doing a vlog link-up and I love, love, love! this idea. I have voices of the blogs I read in my head and I think it's interesting how they actually sound to how they sounded in my head.

One year older and wiser too.

2012-02-04T21:29:00.000-08:00

Well not quite, today I am halfway to a new age. Now I am closer to twenty-two than I am at being newly twenty-one. Big day! haha. I had a long day today starting at 4:45 am. We barely got back from his parents house at midnight and those 4.75 hours of sleep sure could've lasted longer. J didn't pack for his overseas trip and we had to leave our apartment at 6 this morning so since we like our prime hours of sleep, he chose to wake up early the morning of his flight instead! Lucky me, I can't sleep with too much light or noise. A blessing and a trial. I was more than happy to wake up and spend the last few hours with him though. When 7 came and went, I was on my way to a work meeting at 8 and then worked from 11-5. Seems like a short shift but when you work in fast food, especially In N Out, it's tiring regardless of the hours worked. I got home and had some relax time and I was feeling like I could really sleep but couldn't get to that point of sleepiness so I turned on my Rosetta Stone and did some spanish practicing. It always puts me to sleep. Any type of reading sure lulls me. After a short hour and a half, I'm back awake and waiting for some sort of communication when he lands within the next few hours, hopefully.
To keep myself busy while he's away, I thought of a list of things to do to keep me occupied: work, school, homework, practice piano, practice violin, read for fun, read the scriptures, practice spanish, blog ;), maybe call some people the old fashioned way through my phone!, exercise, finish my to-do list on the fridge, clean, visit my brother's family who are so conveniently located about a mile away, etc.

I will be happy when these colors are reversed. Even though when that time comes, I know I will feel nauseous, nervous and excited! The distance does this to me!

I'm not sure if you can tell here but My Line Usage is 15 minutes (it's the tiny dark green part in the light green line). haha. I really don't talk on the phone! And this is after two weeks!!!

This morning, in the car, at the airport, with my cellphone, among a few others, inside my car...haha I'm just seeing lines cross those out to get to the real part of the sentence :P {prepositional phrases} And there's no real part!

Oh ps, yesterday, J's mom asked if I was pregnant because she keeps having dreams of a green eyed (me)/big eyebrow-ed (J) baby. She wasn't saying I'm chubby by any means and I didn't take it that way so it's fine. We're not. And I just say I don't like kids. Which is partially/mostly true. I am partial to my relatives but others kids, like the ones I see at work, just seem like handfuls! More handfuls than I can handle. We're way too young and too selfish still! I love me time and quiet time and my makeup done and hair and my list could go on forever. Maybe when we're 40 like when my mom had me! haha. Or just maybe never! Woo! I can't wait to see that movie What to Expect when You're Expecting. I'm sure it would be funnier if I've gone through the process and read that book but still wanna see it!

Okay okay, this is the end.

Sharing a talent

2012-02-02T13:02:00.001-08:00

In Matthew 25, there is a parable about Jesus giving three men talents and two of them doubled their talents while one buried his and remained the same.
I have been approached by one of my music professors to play in an orchestra on campus. I was definitely interested but I haven't picked up a violin in 4 years until this morning. (I temporarily buried my talent) I played the violin from 5th through 12th grade. I will admit, I was very apathetic with playing and would rarely practice or give much thought to it. You would think that with eight years playing, it would be a different approach. I never thought I would get too much better or could get too much worse. I remained in the same seat in my high school years. Never getting better but never getting worse either.
After class today, I spoke more with my professor about practicing and performing with one of the two groups here and I am definitely nervous. I will be playing as a volunteer because I have a schedule conflict later on in the semester but perhaps next semester I can play for credits. Like I said before, I was very impassive when it came to anything violin related. I'm hoping this is my opportunity to share talents I already have and to gain more talents. I know it will take a few practices to get back at where I was and then to get above that but it will be worth it.
This is the very start for me so I hope this journey is a positive one! Here's me on my journey to a more talented self!

No baking soda, no problem

2012-01-31T18:55:00.000-08:00

Last night, I was wanting to bake some chocolate chip cookies but sleep got the best of me. Tonight, I was needing them. I got off the couch to make some after watching last nights The Bachelor and was browsing some recipes. 9 out of 10 recipes that I looked at tonight had baking soda in the list of ingredients. I don't have any baking soda at the moment and was disappointed. I sat down and had a piece of cherry pie instead. The cherry pie was good but not a fix for some warm, home-made chocolate chip cookies. Shortly after, I googled "substitute for baking soda" and luckily something popped up. Something along the lines of using two to three times the amount of baking soda needed but using baking powder. I didn't know how well this would work but I got back up to try. I looked back through a cookbook and I came across a recipe that didn't even call for baking soda but for baking powder! I am glad I didn't have to do some sort of substitution after all. I had already glanced at this recipe and saw the baking part and assumed it was soda but it was powder! Yay! And let me just say, these cookies turned out splendid. The dough is a little different tasting than my average chocolate chip, I would say it is more similar to sugar cookie but with less sugar. Ha! Hard to explain. My sister gave a recipe book that her ward created a while ago. I think this is mostly a Utah thing but I've seen it a few times outside of there. Anyways, I followed it completely and never used a blender! I even separated the dry mix from the wet one. Not sure how much of a difference it really makes but the batter tasted great anyways. I had to bake them the full 12 minutes btw! Here are some pics along the way.

the mix pic

before the oven

my favorite "after" cookie

recipe!

after the oven

ps this mirror is my best friend for life ;D

A weird coincidence

2012-01-31T01:09:00.001-08:00

Sunday night I went to bed just like any other night. I wasn't sure if I would dream or if I did, remember them. It was a tossing and turning nights sleep and I did have quite the collection of odd dreams. Monday morning I worked with my manager and one of my dreams was that we had a store meeting at his house and that there were boxes of baby stuff everywhere and that his wife was pregnant. I contemplated on telling him about my dream because it's a weird dream and to have about some other couple from work. He gave me a weird look and told me that his wife is actually pregnant! I was surprised! He joked that I should get stocks in my dreams. Now only if I could control my crazy brain thoughts and dreams!
On a typical night, I don't remember too many dreams or share them with co workers but I did this time and it was definitely a weird coincidence!

Two in one

2012-01-28T21:04:00.000-08:00

I have a few things on my mind so they will be combined into one continuous blog.
First off, makeup review. Six months ago, I bought a new brand of makeup and it is 1/3 of the price of my previous. I know it was six months ago almost exactly because I blogged about it! Silly me. I fell in love with the visual effect on my face and on my wallet. For a $10-$13 makeup to last six months is amazing and I recently bought it again and I hope to continually be pleased with it. I also bought Carmindy makeup. She is the makeup artist on TLC's What Not To Wear and her clients always come out looking flawlessly amazing. I bought her airbrush makeup and I love it as well. I don't use it daily but when I do, I layer it with my mineral makeup for an even better and longer lasting foundation. I love trying new makeup's and seeing what works for me. I particularly love when makeup makes my skin seem smooth. I must also give some credit to a new face wash. It is the same brand as the mineral makeup and it definitely does what it says. They have three types: aging, moisture balance and redness. I have the moisture balance one because I hate the feeling of tight, dry skin but then by the end of the day having a greasy t-zone. This face wash has definitely balanced my face and I don't feel the need to moisturize moisturize moisturize! I still do moisturize but my face isn't skin tight at first and a greasy mess at the end of the day. It's always a huge plus for me when what's inside the bottles matches what the label says.
Now on to my other thing, it's kind of a disappointment in myself. I have been working so hard at work to get my next raise. I really thought today was the day but within the first few minutes, I already knew I'd screwed up and wasn't going to get it. The day got better over the next six hours and I had a flicker of hope but turns out, I didn't get the raise today. I made a simple mistake that I knew better than to make but I did it anyways and I think it cost me my raise today. I can still get my raise probably within a week or two but I was just hoping for today because I am tired of being on this position and ready for the next one. I have only been working with this company for six months and I already passed up a lot of the workers who have been there twice as long as I have or even longer. Nothing has been handed to me, I'm a hard worker and I get what I deserve. My common sense on the job just seems to be higher than some and I think this is why I advance quickly. Things just click. I will admit that with the level I am trying to accomplish right now, I don't have it all down but I'm pretty much there. So close! I feel that my manager knows I can do better and he'll wait until I get there to give me the raise. I was his hire and I feel he wants me to be perfect before moving up. My first day on the job, it only took me two hours to get my own drawer and be supervising myself and that's pretty unheard of there. I received my first two raises within two months and have been stuck on this third one for the past month and a half. Anyways, my whole thing in this is that it ruined my night tonight but after writing this, I am feeling better. I know I have slightly more to catch ahold of and I'll get there.

Happy Saturday night and I'll be seeing myself in sacrament meeting tomorrow morning!

Two weeks down

2012-01-27T09:16:00.001-08:00

and fourteen to go! I am completely owning this semester. I have been doing my homework prior to the morning of class and have been going to class. Those are two of the things that love to slip my mind as I get deeper into the semester. I did take on an easier load so I can raise my GPA and get back into the swing of things. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel now with schooling. It's a wonderful feeling. I know I still have plenty of classes in front of me but I'm feeling less overwhelmed about the entirety of college. I definitely learned from the past and don't want to get back in that routine! "There is no future in the past." I can do this! I'm even early to class that I sit on the floor and take pictures while I wait ;D

Pinterest! Pinerest! Pinterest!

2012-01-25T09:11:00.000-08:00

There are always great ideas on Pinterest. Last night I made a cake that I could eat the batter of! It's ingredients were cake mix and a diet soda. I saw this pin but the way the girl who pinned it didn't take me directly to the recipe! {I dislike when people pin wrong :O} Anyways, I know we're supposed to give the original pinner credit but I can't help it if I want my pins to be correctly pinned! haha. If a pin doesn't take me directly to the source where there's the recipe, where I can buy something or how-to then I find it and repin that page so I don't have to constantly be clicking other pages to find what I want. Anyways, the cake turned out great and really moist. The best part was being able to eat the batter without my mother's voice in my head saying something along the lines of salmonella. I think I would rather have moist brownies though than cake so I'll try that next!
P.S. Do you change what it says beneath the picture or just pin it as is? I typically pin as is!
Here are some things I've found and like/love from Pinterest.

Source: andreasteed.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Important dates: birthday, dating, wedding, kids birthdays

Source: blogs.babble.com via Ashley on Pinterest

This is a picture of the brownies made with diet soda

Source: Uploaded by user via Ashley on Pinterest

How cute is this?!

Source: pinterest.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Music scores...yes!

Source: englishmuse.com via Ashley on Pinterest

pretty interesting...my blog name is from MacBeth! "Be bright and jovial among your guests tonight" I made this blog while I was in high school and for some reason I have always remembered that line.

Source: studiowicked.blogspot.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Fun dresses!!

Source: ca.mc309.mail.yahoo.com via Ashley on Pinterest

haha! Too funny!

Source: hotmessprincess.com via Ashley on Pinterest

I'm a visual person!

Okay these are a few! I don't want to get too carried away!

A Picture of Me

2012-01-24T20:26:00.000-08:00

It's been quite some time since I posted any pics so I took ~~one~~ a few today. My first class was cancelled so I had some extra time to get ready today. My hair is longer than it's ever been and I love it. It also my needs it's roots touched up! I know my smile is a little awkward in these but I wanted to use the better camera rather than the front camera which is no good at all! I guess I'm not so talented at trying to take a picture, be looking at the camera and smiling all at the same time! Here I am at 21 and 5 months and a couple weeks ;D

Not my average Sunday

2012-01-22T18:14:00.000-08:00

Today has been a little peculiar. It won't appear so until the end of this short story/documentation.
Last night, I prayed that I would be able to wake up for church among other things. This morning my first alarm went off at 7 but I really didn't need to wake up until 8 but I couldn't fall back asleep. (Last week I fell back asleep.) I knew that my prayer was answered in that way and so I did my usual browsing on my phone starting with email and ending with blogger. Right now, blogger is my only social networking and it definitely still can distract me but not as drastically as facebook, twitter or instagram. <--- facebook and intagram are underlined in red but twitter isn't? Is twitter a real word?? haha. Unless you count pinterest, I don't do any other social networking! ;D Anyways, I finally got out of bed and got ready for church. I went to the first hour of church and enjoyed the talks and music. The talks were on integrity, life goals and who we really are. I have been telling myself to go to church but it's like running, the hardest part is actually getting dressed and stepping out the door. I jumped that hurdle this week. I left after the first hour and came home and got ready for work. At work, I had a really relax day and I enjoyed it. I even got off early! And that rarely happens! Usually I'm there until just about the six hour mark. I have literally been there until one minute before the six hour mark. Soooo! After work, I was walking back to my car and I have to park across the street by a gas station because my work doesn't want our customers not to have spots. So as I'm walking, this woman approaches me and she asks if I have a car here and I said yes. She ran out of gas and was just across the bridge. She looked completely normal and I decided to let the good Samaritan in me come out. [Maybe I'm terrible by judging her by her appearance rather than her needs but it's the "don't talk to strangers" voice instilled in me.] She told me she was coming home from the airport and how she forgot where she was parked and talked my ear off for the two minutes or so that we were in the car. I was greatful for that because otherwise it would've been a really long and awkward two minutes. I drove her to her car and left feeling accomplished and happy with my choices. I did it because I like to do things that if it were me in the situation, I would want someone else to do what I did.
Anyways, this was my short procrastination before working on some homework!

Thank you for your service

2012-01-21T18:36:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, one of the nicest things happened to J and me.
Let me start with this, I got off work at five and J was getting off drill around the same time. My work is closer so I was home before and able to change before he got home. We were both pretty hungry so he decided not to come inside to change, we just left. J decided on P.F. Chang's and I agreed because you can never go wrong there. We waited for the forty-five minute wait and finally were seated. Half way through our dinner, this couple walks up to us and starts talking and the husband says "Thank you for your service" and the wife says "Be safe" and they shake hands and leave. This is really common for people to do when they see others in ACU's or what have you so we thought nothing more of it than that and that it was nice of them to tell J that. At the end of our meal, the manager of P.F. Chang's came to our table and started talking to J and telling us/mostly him about her brother who is in the military as well. Our waitress comes back with our bill and tells us that two couples have split our bill and were free to go. I was in shock and amazed at how generous people are. We definitely didn't expect that and will always remember the kindness we received. We are pretty sure that it was that couple that came up to us and possibly the manager but who knows. There are definitely angels among us.
In conclusion, (I know, I know never start a conclusion with in conclusion, it's already known...I just like it! ;D) I wanted to thank all the past and present military for their service as well. So, thank you. It really opened my eyes to a whole different lifestyle when J joined. There is so much more sacrifice than our life before. We have definitely learned to appreciate the small things but also to let the small things go.

Creatures of habit

2012-01-19T10:07:00.000-08:00

It's only the third day of class and it's already the same as every year. On the first day, we choose a seat and on the second day, if we liked it, we stick to it from there on out and if we didn't we find a more suitable one and stick to it. We no longer have assigned seats like in elementary school or even high school but it seems we assign ourselves the same seat or very near it.
I once heard that we do the same thing when we go in bathroom stalls. We either go for the closest, far end or middle and each time we go, we go in the same one or whichever is nearest. Now that you've read this you will probably realize it's truthfulness. It's weird!
I personally drive the exact same way to work, school, grocery shopping--anywhere that I may be going, if I've been there before, I'm most likely going the same way.
About a year ago, I heard a commercial on the radio from Kaiser Permanente saying to take a different way to work to exercise your brain. I tried this out going to my sisters house and I totally got lost. I took a different freeway from my normal route and ended up wasting time because I wasn't use to the direction or which way to turn. I did exercise my brain that way by not knowing where I was and having to find a way back! Randomly, I will think to get off the freeway at different exits to save time from traffic but it is just a thought. I never actually do it. I guess I would rather sit in traffic than change my habit. It seems it isn't even a choice anymore. Just routine but it is still a choice we make.
In the Kaiser commercial, it tells you that your brain is getting flabby--basically losing attention/focus and these are their suggestions to change this: do a crossword puzzle, learn a new song on the piano, eat with utensil in opposite hand, find a new route to work, say the alphabet backwards or grocery shop starting at the other end of the store. I don't know how many of these things you have tried but I have tried a few and they feel strange. I have definitely done the brush your teeth with opposite hand. I will just brush my teeth again with my regular hand because I don't have the good-clean-teeth feeling. I suggest giving any of these things a shot just for fun.

I'm not sure why we do this or where this accustom comes from. Maybe we feel safer being assigned a seat or using the same stall. Whatever it is, try something different and be surprised :)

Goodnight Moon Link Up

2012-01-18T22:29:00.000-08:00

While getting ready, doing chores or browsing the web, I constantly have my phone on the playlist Fav Country on shuffle. You would think with how high tech everything is these days that shuffle could do a lot better at it's job. I mean we have 3D televisions!! What!? Any ways, this song frequents my Now Playing and I keep it on every time. I love a good sing-along, that's for sure.

This is my link up! Go and do the same :) It's fun to go back to previous weeks and see what was in my head at the time!

Spring '12

2012-01-17T14:08:00.001-08:00

Is it really 2012? I'm still shocked by this.
Today was day number one and it went as follows:
10 pm (yesterday)- wash face, take out contacts etc daily night routine and try and go to bed
10:45- unsuccessful so I read to try and stop my brain from thinking too much
11-5am- sleep off and on (feeling much more like multiple naps and not a good nights sleep)
5:46- alarm goes off just as I was actually being able to sleep well, shower, do my hair, get dressed, print a syllabus
7- grab an apple and head for school
730-835 sit in on a class that I'm wait listed and have high hopes for (fingers crossed still)
850-1030- go to admissions office then to the bookstore and buy a book. Walk to my car and sit in and clean out my purse and car. Listen to the radio and wait.
1030-1150- have my world music class
12-130 go to the cafeteria to eat something for my stomach and I bought a cereal to go for work. Sit and wait for next class
130-135 sit in on wait list class and realize only two people were missing from the roster and left to go wait in my car again.
135-230 take a twenty minute nap in my car and be woken by a text from j on his work half. Text for his whole half then head to last class
230-320 piano, my favorite. I need to know how to actually play!!! My mon plays and my sisters but somehow I got skipped! ;)
330-10 go to in n out for work (I was pretty early but not enough time to go home and back.) I ate my cereal with milk from work and with a fork. I thought we had sporks but turns out they are forks. I remembered after I was done that we actually do have spoons for the shakes! Silly me.
1030- at the movies with J for Sherlock Holmes so I'll be getting home late!

Anyways, that was my first day and a long one at that! Throughout my school day, I saw five co workers! Five! I knew the school was small but that seemed excessive. Tomorrow is my only day off from work and I only have the 730 am class. I better get in to make waking up worth it!!
{taking this semester one day at a time!}

Country Music

2012-01-16T01:22:00.000-08:00

I have grown up around country music my entire life. My older sisters love it as do I. When I was younger, I went through phases of resenting it then loving it and back and forth and back and forth. Now, when I get in the car, country stations are always the first two stations that I check for good songs. I have learned to run to it, no matter the speed; as long as I can belt out my lungs to it, I can run to it. The past few years have really had some great sing a longs and always the good ol' classics like Shania Twain and Dixie Chicks are still fun. I wouldn't call myself a cowgirl by any means. (I've never farmed or anything close to it) But I don't feel that makes me any less of a country music lovin girl. I think part of the reason I enjoy it so much too is that it isn't vulgar like most radio music and mother has always approved of the clean lyrics! We can learn lessons from others words, forgive, get over problems and just live life to country music. As you can probably tell, I'm just listening to some good feeling country music and blogging! ;D However, I don't always like the mixes pandora picks out. It's either a hit or miss for me.
My iTunes top played goes as follows: Miranda Lambert (61), The Band Perry (46), The Band Perry (44), Carrie Underwood (42), LoCash Cowboys (39), Carrie Underwood (37) and so on. The numbers in parentheses are the number of plays. And those are just plays from my computer. My phone gets a lot more use of music playing than my computer.

Mums the word

2012-01-15T18:58:00.000-08:00

When it comes to having problems, I have my share but I like to think I don't have any unnecessary or avoidable ones. Some people I know just seem to seek out and search for things, make bigger deals or it just finds them! I like to think that I don't pass on gossip. At times, I know I do but for the most part, I keep to myself about others and what they share. I don't like to get all contained in other people's problems. This is sounding not so good and like I don't care about others but I do. For example, when I see people walking, I feel I should stop and pick them up and give them a ride. I have never done this because I don't know who they are and it could be dangerous, but still. And I always feel bad for cars on the side of the road because I have definitely been there and done that too many times! Now those were random examples but it's how I feel. I am a great listener and feel I am trustworthy to keep other's stories to myself. Now being a great listener doesn't mean I can reciprocate back the talking part. I am terrible at communicating anything, I admit. I do share fun ones with J and pass on family things between family but nothing that isn't/shouldn't/couldn't be shared.
After I heard that it is a choice to be offended, I started saying things that I could've kept to myself and at times, I felt I have had a "foot in my mouth" moment. Those are always awkward and I don't like inflicting insults upon people. "To be offended is a choice we make; it is not a condition inflicted or imposed upon us by someone or something else."-Elder David A. Bednar With this in mind, I realize people still get offended by things and this is why I am more likely to keep to myself than to share with others. Kind of ironic that I'm blogging this ;D

Anyways, I was in between dreams and half awake when this post came to mind and thus why I shared!

Living downstairs

2012-01-12T07:50:00.001-08:00

Now that I am in my 6th apartment/living space in 4 years, I am on the first floor. To be honest, with the way the stairs are set up and angled here, I am glad. It would have been a more challenging move. It's hard to tell in the picture, but the go up about 8 stairs, turn left and right to more stairs then you are at the top that is shared between two doors. (the picture is from the Internet, I don't feel like going outside right now! Look to the left!)
There is one thing though.. our upstairs neighbors seem to never sleep or be gone. Ever! They have two dogs to add to it. In this tiny 700 sq ft apartment, where J and I seem to barely have space for our belongings, two dogs and two adults is a tight fit! There really isn't too much to complain about with their noise except that booming of the base occasionally, constant moving, shower/toilet/sink water noise, the washer and dryer on, the games with dogs running back and forth and the occasional get together. It's not that bad right? And it really isn't. We've only been here since the 26 of Dec. I'm probably making it sound worse than it is.
Anyways, now I feel bad for people I lived above before! I don't have pets, I hate surround sound and it's booming, I love to be out of the apartment but I think I walk hard on the ground. It may just be these apartments though, because they aren't as high quality as the previous, that we hear all that we do.
Now we know, always live on top! We are praying this is our last apartment and that we will be in a house when it ends. Fingers crossed!

Editing blog posts.

2012-01-10T18:46:00.000-08:00

Does anyone else have issues with editing blogs?? I always try and update my military page by adding more blog buttons but only the added one will show up so all is lost and I start all over! Also, when I try and go back to older posts and add labels, it shows my most recent post with the post that I'm trying to look at's title.
Anyone else?? Are there solutions? Am I doing something wrong!?
Help me, please!

{I put this post in large font for extra help ;D}

Days off

2012-01-10T10:49:00.001-08:00

What I do on days off:
I have no children and no needy pets, I should definitely be able to think of things to do on my days off! I feel it's rare when I get consecutive days off but I got them this week and am half way through them and haven't done much. I guess that is the beauty of it for me. While trying to figure out what to do while watching television, half the day is gone. At that point, I get frantic and think of a million things that need to be done such as laundry, finish up stuff before school starts etc. In the meantime, I re-downloaded a couple time wasting apps. Im not sure how long ill keep them again because I miss my free time already! Also, I don't always enjoy seeing other peoples lives. It makes me a little stressed, to be honest. I just try and worry about myself and get overwhelmed. Then to think of others? That I don't really know! Ay,yi,yi! I'm in over my head with things and nothing! And now it's dinner time. As a good wife, on my days off, I make a wholesome full meal. Yesterday, I was successful at that. I always think we have nothing to eat but in reality we don't have fast food. I had about 30 before J got home when I decided to make dinner. It came out to be: a fruit smoothie for starts, chicken, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, chopped up cucumber/carrots/broccoli and brownies. That was my success point of my day off. Now for today? I woke up way too early for a day off and spent it still lying in bed on my phone. Am I a 50 year old trapped inside a young body!? I am just so happy to have school starting in exactly a week! I hope I get into two classes that I'm on the wait list for so I can have a full schedule. Otherwise I'll be part time. That will be fine too but I just want to have credits already! Okay so I'm typing on and on in this continuing paragraph about randomness! I should go already! {enjoying my days off}

Life!

2012-01-08T11:35:00.001-08:00

A few weeks ago I had a flat tire, then a few days ago a different tire blew out on the freeway. I was one exit away from my destination! Now I have two brand new tires and a safer car! Apparently you're supposed to rotate tires? I don't know. It's my first car and I'm learning things the hard way! At least I'm learning.

This post is just going to be some random things that I remembered about. In the beginning of December, I went with Jose to his monthly drill and it was to bowling. We hadn't eaten yet so we ate at the restaurant there. I took a picture of jelly and jam to compare. My dad always said must be jelly 'cuz jam don't shake like that. So I was comparing one next to the other!

We also went to the Folsom Zoo on one of our days off together. These days are rare so we try and get out of the apartment when they happen. This Christmas tree is decorated with Barbies! Too Cute!

Another thing on my car...it past it's 100,000 mile mark! Ah! Now it is old and traveled.

I am an aunt, again! Welcome Henry.

I am trying out homemade plugins and so far so good!

We went and saw MI3 in IMAX. It was my first time with a huge huge screen! It was so loud and huge that I felt nauseous and motion sickness. Too big for my liking and not worth the extra money!

One last thing...is this a giant burger or what??!

it's a cake!

Welcome 20-12

2012-01-03T13:11:00.000-08:00

Every new year is always welcome to come. These past few weeks have been a whirlwind of family, food, holidays and moving. This upcoming year, I will continue to blog for a record of my life...my online journal! Typing is much easier and faster than handwriting. I am ready for this year to begin and always to be over with. I like to know everything and need to know!! Patience is not my strong point by any means. I found a quote to try and keep me on track with patience, "Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience" Ralph Waldo Emerson And then to follow up that, "Avoid being impatient. Remember time brings roses."
I am going back to school in about two weeks and I am nervous to re-re-restart. When I think about school, it's always tried to be a top priority but then I think about 16 weeks and feel overwhelmed. This year shall be the year for continuance!
Aside from school, Jose and I will definitely have to see what the National Guard has in store for us. Korea is still in the plans for next month and we know six weeks is a short amount of time but we just want it to be here and over with! Jose's first year is almost to an end and we have 5 more to go.
This year I will be turning 22 and I don't even want to type that. Life hardly goes as we imagine and being in my 22nd year, I thought I would know what I want and be there and just so much more but that is the past.
2012 shall bring more memories, growth and experiences. I started reading the scriptures but this time from the back to front because how many times have I already started from the front and not wanted to read the same stories I know so I decided to start from the last book to the first. I have already read a few books and it seems to me that I haven't read them before because they are at the end and before I would give up after the first few books that I practically had memorized. It's definitely a new and different story for me. Thank goodness everything is available via Iphone. I read on there at night while Jose is asleep but I don't need a light on. I also have all the church magazines and talks available on an app. Everything is so easily accessible that there aren't many excuses I can make.
Another thing on this year's list is always to eat healthy and exercise. Always making it a lifestyle rather than a fad. It's an ongoing battle especially when I am thinking about that whole box of Nutter Butter's that I could eat in one sitting but I won't, I WON'T! When we go grocery shopping, I always keep in mind to collect multiple colors of food. From greens, to yellow, orange and red. So yummy when there are color choices.
Let's see, what else, my sending out real birthday cards kind of came to a crash already. I went to mail one and still haven't because at our apartment, the mail hole was too small for the card. It should have been mailed on time but it wasn't and hasn't been! Urgg!
Oh also on Pinterest, I saw something about flipping your hangers around at the beginning of the year and after you wear an item that the hanger could re-flip around. Half way through the year, if a hanger isn't flipped than it's time to donate those clothes. I did this because every time I go through my clothes to donate, there is a little voice in my head telling me to keep things that I don't wear because I could wear it, crazy voices!
Anyways, if you're still here, this year has lots in store for me and I am anxious! Ahh!

Jesus is the reason for the season

2011-12-09T22:53:00.001-08:00

I found this survey on a fellow blogger's site and I wanted to fill it out! It is the Christmas season! ;) Why are there no religious-y questions on here though? I mean it is Christmas!!

1. Eggnog or hot chocolate? Hot chocolate no doubt! Just the name of egg nog turns me away.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just set them under the tree? They are just set so that we don't have to wake up the parents until a decent hour but still have something to enjoy in the wee hours of the morning!

3. Colored lights or white? We mostly had colored as a kid but I have grown to become accustomed to white because I think it looks better and more ornaments match

4. Do you hang mistletoe? No and I don't think I've even really seen any?

5. When do you decorate for Christmas? Whenever. I rarely decorate for anything so if it even happens, you're lucky!

6. What is your favorite holiday dish, excluding dessert? Ham dinner and omelet breakfast!

7. Favorite holiday memory as a child? When I received an easy bake from Santa. I'm not sure why but this is one of my few memories of Christmas.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I honestly can't remember when I learned and I've always had young nephews/nieces so Santa is always alive ;D

9. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? Growing up we had ornaments mismatched from years of an aunt giving each kid a new ornament from some destination she went to that year along with handmade ones from kids throughout the year and anything else we wanted to add! Now I have a few matching ornaments.

10. Snow. Love it or hate it? Never lived in it but nice to visit!

11. Can you ice skate? Is this a real question? Of course I can, but am I good? I will just say I am sufficient to stay off my butt.

12. Do you remember your favorite gift? Probably the easy bake oven. It's really the on christmas that I even remember what I got...obviously it was an amazing gift!

13. What is the most important thing about the holidays to you? Nothing is really important about the holidays. It's just a different time of year, nothing special

14. What is your favorite holiday dessert? I'm going to go with sugar cookies. I can't really think of any special holiday dessert

15. What is your favorite holiday tradition? We used to visit San Francisco every year to see the giant Christmas tree and every once in a while we still go and see. Reminds us of times with Dad.

16. What tops your tree? Right now, nothing. Growing up, an angel.

17. Which do you prefer, giving or receiving? Giving because I'm the worst gift opener. I feel awkward with people watching me and waiting for a reaction. Even if I love it, I'm still awkward. I would always open my gifts and take them to my room so I could admire them without watchers.

18. What is your favorite Christmas song? It is the little drummer boy by faith hill. I also love the Elf soundtrack and Carol of the Bells.

19. Candy canes. Yuck or yum? Yum for sure! Mint all the way! Or even the starburst ones.

Sweat is fat crying

2011-12-09T10:52:00.001-08:00

How many times a year can I restart my workout plans? Well 365 and sometimes 366! I have started many workout plans and I end up ~~stopping~~ at one point or another. Today I restarted, AGAIN! Woo! I'm not one for a start at 2012 because how many of us even remember last years resolutions? I typically don't even have any just because of the success/fail rate. I started again today with running and it will try and be as so: Run each day a mile more than the last, starting with 1 and ending with 10 and coming back down and up. I get a day off every 5 days and the day after my day off I run the same amount of miles as the last day of running. So for example today is the 9 and I ran 1 mile, tomorrow 2, all the way to 5 and on the 14 I have my day off then on the 15 I start back with 5 miles. I will report back on how I'm doing with this on the day offs. *I hope since this is blogging, I feel more held responsible to these decisions!* We definitely shall see! Some workout motivation quotes: "Someone who is busier than you is running right now" "Suck it up and someday you wont have to suck it in" "You only regret the workouts you don't do"
On another note, I am getting over being sick and I hope it's the only time this winter. Being sick really is the worst. Bleh!

Source: facebook.com via Brandy Marie on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Alejandra on Pinterest

Free Write Wednesday

2011-12-07T18:49:00.001-08:00

Every Friday in my high school junior year we would have a free write. We were supposed to write whatever was on our minds. I decided to do this on my blog. If we couldn't think of anything to say we were supposed to write exactly that. Now it may seem that a lot of these are run ons or make no sense and don't go together but let's be honest, that's what goes on in our head. I decided to do ten minutes of free write and see where I end up. I'm trying not to erase any mistakes but it's so hard on a laptop when it's just natural to push delete. I feel better just saying all of that stuff even though it's nothing that's been on my mind. Lately, I have been trying to get out of the past, ie. deleting facebook and trying to get out of too many social media places. Most of the people I had on these networks were just people and to none whom I could have an actual conversation or tell something deep too. Maybe that's just me being a closed book though but thats me. On my best friend's wrist she has Shakespeare tattooed what's past is prologue and I've been giving it a lot of thought. It's such a true statement. Now don't get me wrong, if I could erase certain parts of my memory with a little stick like in Men in Black, I no doubt would. I wish I couldn't remember things that I remember and I wish I could remember things I would like to remember. Turns out, we can't and it's just a movie. Darn it! I'm definitely not saying that I don't want to be where I am in life right now because I do Im just saying that somethings are better left unsaid or unseen. I feel I put my foot in my mouth in far too many instances and that can't be taken back. Or when people ask whats your earliest memory, I wish mine was sooner. I cant remember anything before kindergarten and I'm only 21! What happened to my memory? I cant think of anythin I cant think of anything. I wish I could cry when I need to but it rarely happens. I feel I have been saying I wish all too often in this paragraph thing and it reminds me of Cinderella, a wish is a dream the heart makes...if that's even correct! Oh memory. I'm looking to do this free write thing once a week and feel free to join in...that is if you read all of this! It's my blogging kind of way of exercising and letting some stress out. Even though I'm not really venting, just blabbing on. Another thing, I would like to see myself how others see me. I mean people can tell us things all they want but for us to see it ourselves is a tricky task!
Well my ten minutes is up!

Goodnight Moon week 41 link up

2011-12-01T17:21:00.001-08:00

As I stated in today's earlier post, I was listening to Pandora and came across a Jack Johnson Christmas song and it is my link up! I like it a lot and wanted to share!

Caved in!

2011-12-01T08:56:00.001-08:00

As it turns out, we went and got a 4' tree to put on top of our table! It is our first married Christmas. I need to buy a few more ornaments from the dollar tree, so cheap there for the little circle ball ones! The first few were from Target but those were more money for less. They were very cute though.
I have been listening to Pandora's R&B & Pop Holiday channel and it's been great listens! Some N*sync and Mariah Carey oh and Jack Johnson. I didn't know that he had a holiday CD! The one song that I heard, I liked. Surprise, surprise for Jack Johnson...not!

One quick side-note...

2011-11-29T21:24:00.001-08:00

I deleted/am ignoring all of my ~~social media~~ except for my bloggy blog. I know I had a few of you on Facebook, IG and whatever else I was on! I did love being able to know about people's lives without actually talking to them but now I will be forced out of the social media to actual social interaction. You should try it. It was often a weird convo when friends would tell me things and I would be like, "I know, I saw on Facebook" etc (speaking of etc..I dislike with a passion when people put ect...what does that stand for?? Ec tetera?? Do they even know the real word??) Plus social media in casual conversation gives me a headache and a sense of loser-ish-ness. I cannot tell you how much more free time I have! It's amazing!! haha :)
...I still have Pinterest..I don't consider too much of social interaction. Okay, just thought I would let you know. I will now leave you on this Tuesday with a great quote that I need to engrain in my brain. {rhymed!}

Source: weheartit.com via Kristin on Pinterest

Christmas Decorations

2011-11-29T20:54:00.001-08:00

I'll admit, I'm not one to decorate. After discovering Pinterest and other crafty sites (such as Michael's and Martha Stewart) I try to do something, anything! This Christmas season, Jose and I will be moving...oh the dread! We have thought about getting an ~~artificial tree~~ every year and haven't or even a real one, like my family. This year is no different, especially since we will be moving. This morning, we went into our leasing office and asked about renewal and again the price went up. I couldn't bear it so we signed our 30 day notice right there. With an hour to spare before work, we searched for apartments. In that time, I checked availability for multiple apartments and received a few emails in reply. After I got off work, we went to check one out and tomorrow we will check two more then that's it. Tomorrow, we will know where we will be moving either right before Christmas or right after. Anyways, (I know I jump around a lot...I type what I'm thinking! Hopefully you follow) back to decorating. I have recently seen (<--- correct grammar???) the cutest wreaths on Pinterest and I went and bought 45 mini ornaments to make one. When I got home to look in my closet for a wire hanger, I realized I don't have any because they are a pain and not very sturdy for clothes and just bothersome to me in general! My supposed wreath turned out to be a straight garland to hang from our fan! Nevertheless, I still enjoy the few decorations around the house.

Family Gathering

2011-11-28T21:12:00.001-08:00

Well I am finally getting around to some family pictures from Thanksgiving! This year, Thanksgiving was at one of my brother's house and we all participated in making the food! My part's were the appetizers and pies. I took to Pinterest for my pies! And they turned out really good... for the most part! I made a little mistake on one but it was still edible. For appetizers, I just brought veggies with ranch and a sourdough bowl with spinach dip. Although I love being in adulthood, I do miss second day turkey sandwiches now that it's not at Mom's house anymore with me living there! (Better for the winter pounds I suppose!)
Back to my pies. I made a Snicker's pie and peanut butter pie! I looked for pies out of the norm because I don't typically like pie at all so I found some that I would like! And they both were easy to make and delish no-bakes! The one mistake I made was on the snicker's pie. I put a whole can of dulce de leche and it was only supposed to be 1/4 cup! Yikes! Came out a little more carmel-y but I just froze it instead to set it!

Source: blogs.babble.com via Kymberlee on Pinterest

Source: oneordinaryday.wordpress.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Overall, I had a great time with family! What's better than great food too?! Sorry for the embarrassing pics fam...I took them when no one was looking, while eating!

Booster Seats.

2011-11-25T18:38:00.001-08:00

I am glad to come from tall genes...
The current law in California for booster seats is 60 pounds or six years old and starting January 1, it's going to change. It will be if you are 8 or 4'9. I know plenty of adults that are pushing this height limit and I'm sure they're glad they are older than 8! ...
Yesterday at Thanksgiving, my sister in law brought this up and I was curious about it! I'm not sure when kids start to grow to 4'9 and beyond but I'm pretty sure it's after being 8 years old for most! Or if at all ;) I feel bad for all the 5-7 year olds that were 60 pounds and are under 4'9 because just when they thought they got rid of their boosters, mom has to whip them back out! Poor kids!!

and yes, I will follow at a later time with Thanksgiving stuff!

Game nerd!

2011-11-21T14:25:00.001-08:00

...not me. José is. When the new Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 came out, we went at midnight! It was pretty cold outside waiting but anything for him :) It was pretty funny to see all the people waiting and to be honest, I expected more! It only took a total of 40 minutes so I can't complain... Too much ;) It was definitely something to remember and blog about!

So much, so little

2011-11-21T13:01:00.001-08:00

Oh Blog! I have so much to say yet so little! It has been quite some time since I've blogged. Sometimes I avoid the whole blogging world because I'm not sure I have anything to share or that I want to share things. This blog will be a thankful one though since it is Thanksgiving week! I would rather do it on here rather than around the table at Thanksgiving ;D
*My husband- for dealing with allll of me (and my family too)
*Family- for always having something easy to say when 'tell me something unique about yourself' comes up and more
*friends- who love me through thick and thin
*contact lenses- so I can see every leaf on a tree and blade of grass
*technology- my phone/computer for letting me keep contact with people, meet new people, share stories, document pictures, find something to laugh about... and the list goes on for technology
*makeup- so I can cover up acne...ugh! and accentuate my eyes :D
*clothes, food, home, car, job- all the things that let me live my life comfortably
*health- being sick is no fun and I've been pretty good at keeping myself above it
I am thankful for a whole lot more and I am disappointed to say that I need Thanksgiving to step back and remind myself of all the things I have rather than what I don't have or what I want.

11/11/11

2011-11-11T21:10:00.001-08:00

Today is my favorite number day. I am the eleventh child in my family and ever since I have had a favorite number, it has always been eleven. Not many can say they are child number eleven or that they are even one of eleven. Even for me to type this, it sounds unbelievable! I wish I could have done more to celebrate but instead my 5 hour shift at work turned into an 8 hour! And hubby is working all night tonight so I won't see him all day today! Happy Veteran's Day to him!! And to all who have served, will serve and are serving. A fellow military spouse shared this quote with me and it also goes perfect with today. "This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave." -Elmer Davis.
This was just meant to be a short post about my lucky number day times thrice and about Veteran's Day. I hope everyone is well!

Here are some pics from like 6 years ago when I visited my sister in Virginia and DC!

Back to Blonde!

2011-11-07T12:04:00.000-08:00

So almost a year ago, I decided to let my hair grow out it's natural color and here I am to say that I got it done! I am happy to say that the color came out more than amazing! I am thrilled with it! I am a blonde and can't deny myself anymore! :P I had my roots lightened a tad bit a few times so they didn't look terrible but I haven't had blonde around my face in a long time! I feel so much more bright and bubbly just with my hair color! One side note is my hairdresser said my hair is really dry. I always thought that dry = dead but she said not to confuse dry with dead. Yesterday I went on over to Total Beauty Experience to get some shampoo and conditioner set...I have yet to wash my hair but I will! I also got some at-home waxing kits. It's hard to inflict pain on yourself... The facial set that I got is very gentle but the one for my legs was a bit more painful! haha. Still worth it!! (I hate shaving!!) It has literally been about 3 weeks... gross! Okay well here are some pics!

Ps...don't mind my many self portraits and random faces... just focus on hair! haha..

I don't even look blonde!!

If only I had her baby soft hair/color!

Probably the biggest contrast

the day of..I was tired..

after!

after! much better hair pic but I look mad!! haha

Military Monday

2011-11-07T11:13:00.000-08:00

Today is Monday and everyone in the Military know Military Monday! (Wear red!) Well today, I am actually blogging about the military. I know, rare! This past weekend, J had his monthly drill and during it I get a text that says, "I'm going to Korea". When I got this I was happy and sad at the same time. Full of emotion! We have been talking about this since he came back in early September and the decision is here. I think we were both kind of pushing for him to go. I know I will miss him terribly but as the saying goes, Absence makes the heart grow fonder. He hasn't told his family but in time, he will. It will only be six weeks. I say only because it's not an actual deployment (although considered). I can definitely deal with six weeks over a year! I know many MilSpouses have countdowns of a year or more. This six weeks will start in February which means no Valentine's Day for us! But that's no big deal since, even being married, I think Valentine's Day is a pointless "holiday". We can spend money on chocolates, flowers and cards any day of the year! ;D

Sometimes He embarrasses me...

2011-11-02T22:34:00.000-07:00

but I still love him!
Yesterday, we were walking the mall and in the middle their is just about every type of phone distributor. I typically try to ignore these people and their kiosks and walk faster. We were about past T-mobile and the guy working decides to yell out, "What type of service do you have?" My hubby decides to yell out, "VERIZON, verizon all the way!" At this point were still walking and I'm turning all shades of red and feeling too hot for winter. We were busting up laughing but I was embarrassed still.
He's silly...one of the reasons why I love him!

Letting Darth Vader know he will bust his lego butt up!

Goodnight Moon song link up

2011-11-02T21:45:00.000-07:00

I am linking up again! A friend of mine put this song up on her facebook/twitter accounts and I fell in love with it. It is such a sweet song/story.

There ain't a fight that she can't win
That's my baby
And she's my kinda crazy

Oh yes, Pinterest!

2011-11-01T23:37:00.000-07:00

So I haven't ever blogged anything I've found on Pinterest but here goes. My friend Macy introduced me to this site and at first it seemed all too crazy but now it's normal ;) I've tried a few things and been slightly inspired. If I was a stay-at-home-non-mom I would definitely do more. Or maybe if I had some better skills! haha! If you're not already addicted and have an iPhone or plenty of time to waste on a computer, Pinterest is for you. Or Wanelo.com. That one's pretty cool too. Anyways! Back to Pinterest.
Most of things on here, I WANT to try. Oh and Marissa, if you're reading this and haven't been on pinterest, TONS of cake ideas!!! :D

Source: thekitchn.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Cookies in 90 seconds on waffle maker
I tried this waffle one and it didn't work out so great for me. I need to try again though bc I had oatmeal ones and it was just a mess with even sticking together!

Source: thepioneerwoman.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Nutella Cookies
So I had my sister-in-law make these and they didn't turn out as delicious as they sound. Still good but so nutella-y.

Source: decorate.tipjunkie.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Brick for bookends
So durable!! Man, thinkers these days ;)

Source: etsy.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Key Hooks
I'm in the process of something like this right now. It's not identical but the idea grew from this.

Source: roomzaar.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Washer and dryer in the closet
Brilliant!!!! Never have to walk anywhere or carry anything or lose stuff along the way!

Source: d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net via Ashley on Pinterest

Kitchen accessories
A very easy decoration for a kitchen!

Source: emilyaclark.blogspot.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Frame the Mirror
Looks so much more finished than just a mirror!

Source: homeinteriorszone.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Stair drawers
This would eliminate the bucket of shoes by the door! Totally need!!

Source: lifehacker.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Drain Ice
How many have seen the ice bucket end in just water?? This eliminates that and makes it less messy!

Okay, okay I know there's quite a few but it was my first one! Hope you enjoyed!

"Why Kim Kardashian should not be a MilSpouse"

2011-11-01T23:11:00.000-07:00

That was the headline that caught my eye this morning from the daily Military.com website and to be quite honest, I was completely surprised and also dragged in! Now I will copy and paste this short article because I find it also a tad bit ridiculous but my condolences go to the both of them.

"First and foremost, let me say that I am ashamed to be writing this. I ignore reality TV stars like it is my job. I learned who Snooki was even after President Obama, and I cannot say I am a better person for it.

But some things cannot be ignored — particularly when they clog your Facebook newsfeed. One of those things, I am sorry to say, is the ridiculousness of reality star Kim Kardashian and the reported reason for her divorce.

Are you ready? This from Fox News:

According to a report from TMZ, the couple was at odds over where to finally settle down. Humphries was reportedly passionate about settling down in his native Minnesota, and Kardashian simply wasn’t going for it.

While there is very little (or zero) evidence that Ms. Kardashian would make a good military spouse as it is, this just clinches it.

If you can’t handle the “duty station,” don’t get married.

Let’s be clear — I am in no way claiming being an NBA star like her husband and a servicemember having anything at all in common, except maybe that sometimes they both find themselves in cities that were not their first, second or even last choice. Sometimes, MilSpouses know, they may find themselves in Minnesota.

Analogy over.

And yet. Anyone have a spare pair of big girl panties they’d like to send this woman?

If you ever see her lurking around a servicemember, you may want to give her this little tip: sometimes you get stationed somewhere that blows. Think it over before you have a $10 million wedding.

Goodnight Moon song link up

2011-10-27T23:24:00.000-07:00

Okay one more!! hehe ;)
I like this song of the Britney Spears and would like to share it here on my blog!! I just love the background music.
Song link up with Goodnight Moon

Liebster Blog Award

2011-10-27T23:12:00.000-07:00

One more for the night!
I received another award and I am thrilled! Thank you Stacey!! I really wanted to blog when I got it but everything else had my time!
I received the award from Simply Me

Definitely check her out!

[I copied and pasted :P]

A little note about the Award...

The Liebster Blog Award is given to up and coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers. Liebster is a German word meaning dear, sweet, kind, nice, good, beloved, lovely, kindly, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome.

To keep this award going, pass the award along to 5 other new deserving bloggers who have less than 200 followers.

The rules for the Liebster Blog Award are:
1. Thank the giver and link back to the blogger who gave it to you.
2. Reveal your top 5 picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog
3. Copy and paste the award on your blog.
4. Have faith that your followers will spread the love, too!

My picks:

Have fun with it!! :D

Thanks again Stacey!!

Halloween Time

2011-10-27T22:58:00.000-07:00

Since my last post, I feel a lot has happened so this may or may not be a long post! When I try and recall what I actually did, things usually get left out so here goes my memory! I feel I am behind on everyone else's blogs as well. Definitely time to catch up!! Well my two weeks ends tomorrow and I'm pretty excited! For my first week after, I have plenty of hours at In-N-Out to make up for quitting there. I also got my second raise! I am thrilled! It's only been a few months and I received two raises!! :D
Anyways, one of the first things I remember doing is taking a trip to Apple Hill. We walked around for a few hours and enjoyed some apple doughnuts. It was a nice day getting away from home. On that same weekend, my cousin had a baby shower and I won the "guess how big around she is" game. I remembered at my friends baby shower that even though she looks big for her, she's still short and isn't that big around. I used this to my advantage and cut a short string! After hanging out with girl family all day, I came home and decided to take a surprise trip to a corn maze. I have never been to a corn maze because my mom always told me it would be bad for my asthma. Turns out we went to a Guinness Book of World Records corn maze and was supposed to be super hard. I'm not sure how we got lost and crossed half of the maze when we thought we were following the map and came out in a total of 30 minutes! It was a good thing though because I was feeling wheezy. Mother knows best. It was still a fun time seeing all the pumpkins and running around with the pumpkin carts! Still children on the inside.
Another exciting thing that happened is I finally, finally got my military ID. My picture is pretty terrible but that's okay. It's really a nice thing when places do discounts. I recently found that Old Navy does military monday discounts. My new license also came in the mail and has my married name on it. Pretty exciting stuff to see it on a license.
This past friday, some of my cousins and their band Brown Shoe had a concert downtown and Jose and I went. It was the first time I have been to one of their shows and it was very good! I loved seeing them again and hearing the band live.
And another thing that happened was my friend Brittany was in town and she recently had a baby named Ace and they stayed with me for a few days! It definitely showed me that kids definitely change your life. You cannot be selfish at all and have to change your day around to accommodate them and those in themselves were enough to reassure me to not have any!!!!! (note to self :P) Of course kids are hardly planned but that's my stance on children. I've been this way for over 9 years now. (since I could babysit) I am an aunt of 21 and counting and that's plenty for now!! And now I am back to work now that they are gone. It's been a good October!

trying on a mask at Target

at the concert with cousin Shana and bro Jared

Jose jumping off hay at the maze

Heath

Hubby <3

Just threw this in there for good measure ;) a mask!!

Bert lol!

We went to lunch with Jordan and shopping while he played with the kiddie toys

Cute lil' Ace at my wedding dinner party ;) he's a keeper!!

Two weeks notice

2011-10-16T23:14:00.000-07:00

After having two jobs for over a year now, I put in my two weeks notice at the tanning salon. For the past few months, I have simmered down my tanning and DH loves how white I am. (even though I feel like a ghost!..good thing it's almost halloween) In-n-Out pays me way better, is more consistent with hours and time flies so quickly when I'm there. It's nice to be around people all the time rather than being the only worker in the salon for hours on end. I am appreciative though that the salon was my in between job. It got me to where I am now. The one thing I will definitely miss is getting paid every Friday. It's really convenient to have jobs that pay on opposite fridays so I was always getting some source of income on Friday. Now I'll have to pay closer attention to spending and every thing that comes along with that. I will also miss the occasional free tan!

Monday night date night

2011-10-11T14:06:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, I decided to force Jose and I to go on an actual date. I only had a short shift in the middle of the day and wanted to do something fun and out of the apartment. We had several ideas in mind like going to mini golf, movies, apple hill, pumpkin/October stuff, make things from pinterest etc. We ended up going to dinner at Chevys then going to the new bigger Roseville galleria! It is so big now! It was already big before but now it's about twice as big. After walking around for a while, we decided to go to Thunder Valley Casino. I have only been to one other casino and didn't gamble or play. This time I did and I made $10 into $60! My max was $81 but after I cashed out the first time and put $20 back in, I lost that! But I still gained! Yes it was exciting but only because I gained. If I lost I would've been not so chipper! Being raised Mormon, gambling is looked down upon and so I never did it. Even yesterday I felt a little weird but I wouldn't say I'm addicted or anything dramatic! Just a little fun that the 21+ crowd can do! ;D

Aging

2011-10-09T18:31:00.000-07:00

Whenever I think of becoming old (ie. gray hair and elastic waist pants) I think I never actually want to get to that age! At what point in your life do you begin to change over to an old person wearing stretchy pants, being known as grouchy and going to sleep at 5pm just to wake up at 5am!? And when did they forget how to go the speed limit? I always think to myself that that will never be me. I will always get dressed just the same yet age appropriate. Im sure every 21 year old that sees old people tells this to themselves but slowly and surely we all become it. I have always said this and recently Jose told me well what about Jennifer Anniston. She's almost 50 and looks good and is fashionable still. Yes, yes she is but she is also an actress and in the public eye and extremely wealthy with a personal stylist. How many of us have grandparents that are as stylish as her? None? Okay, case and point! Not that we don't love our grandparents but when did they go from being in the crowd/hip/cool to what they currently are? When their kids had kids? I'm not sure but all I know is that I hope to never find out when that point in life is! Forever young.

Verbal communication

2011-10-08T23:52:00.001-07:00

One of my many faults is lack of/being terrible at verbally communicating how I'm feeling, what I'm thinking... basically anything and everything. If i have something to say than I do but if not I'm pretty blank inside. Kind of like those cards -blank inside-. Several times in a conversation I've completely forgotten what I'm even thinking and wanting to say. It's a terrible trait and doesn't get me far. My written communication isn't much better but I try with this blog! English has always been my least favorite subject. If only my mouth was capable of what my fingers are getting more used to. Also, i never cared much for public speaking, talking on the phone and I'm not the greatest story teller. Internet is so useful but I think I'm slowly but surely losing the rest of my verbal communication!! Ahh! What to do! Read more perhaps? Not sure on that one though because, once again, it's not a team sport! Haha! Okay, well have a fantastic day/night! (depending on when you read this ;) )

Start of Fall

2011-10-06T22:22:00.001-07:00

In the first few weeks of Fall, it went from 90 degrees to 60 degrees and rain! It was a quick change that happened literally overnight. I do love my summertime and summer weather but I have to say the cool nights have been nice for running. (nice besides the rain!) I'm definitely not a lover of rain. Already I have had hot chocolate with marshmallows (and burnt my tongue), worn slipper socks (from my sis Mel) and made some rice crispies. The rice crispies turned out perfectly chewy and remained soft. I thought I would share the ratio: 6 cups of cereal, 6 cups of mini marshmallows and 3 tbs of butter. Seriously so chewy, sticky and great! I did also use our crockpot again! Turned out really good! I'm liking cooking food while not really being home. So convenient since I'm always working. It has definitely been a good start of fall. Fingers crossed for it to stay this way!

Grocery shopping

2011-10-04T09:53:00.001-07:00

I have a love for grocery shopping with Jose. I hated doing it alone when he was gone, but now that he's back it's so much fun! It probably takes twice as long as it should but we have fun with it. It's also nice to go to a store that's open 24 hours a day so we can go whenever we please. The later the better because there are less people! Yay for less people! This morning I put some chicken and BBQ sauce into my new crockpot and when I get off work at 1 today I'm hoping to have some really good BBQ chicken on rolls! Mmm! Sounds so good! Can't wait to be off!!
We also bought some nectarines and unfortunately for me I bit into one this morning and spit it right back out. There was a brown spot on the inside and I was too much in a rush to cut it out and eat the rest. Yes, it's still at home on the counter with a piece missing. They looked too pretty not to buy though! Look!!
Anyways, I see grocery shopping as a fun outing again rather than a chore :)

Getting older doesnt always mean growing up

2011-10-02T09:25:00.001-07:00

I hate when adults act childish. It's really pathetic. Grow up!

...just something on mee mind ;)

Grab Box

2011-10-01T00:54:00.000-07:00

Yay! I have a grab box! It took me a while to find a site that actually was simple and showed me easily what to do! I'm pretty proud of it! (I got the html code here)
Now it is 1 a.m and I have a long day of work ahead of me tomorrow/today! Ahh! Oh well, I'm still glad I did it!
Sincerely,

Bass Ackwards

2011-09-29T23:57:00.000-07:00

Well the rabbit is out of the hat! I got married on Friday, September 9, 2011. There was no big change so honestly it feels exactly the same. And yes, I said that right off the back because that is the most common question I have encountered. I just got my new Social Security Card today and tomorrow I have an appointment at the DMV and then I need to go to my Wells Fargo and then change school records and oh so much more. It's a hassle to change a name! Anyways, now I am legally Ashley Nicole Miranda... three first names ;) I was honestly surprised when I got a few texts today about the announcement-- wasn't expecting it for a few days.
Now on to the title of my blog. I have always been the one to do things backwards in my family. I haven't ever cared what others think in the end. At first, it definitely can take it's toll but I make my own decisions based on me, solely. Selfish, I know! So needless to say, pretty much no one knew I was getting married. I jokingly told my mom sometime last year that we got married in Vegas and she believed for about a month but now it's real! But we still didn't get married in Vegas. And to be honest, I'm not sure she even knows yet! Only a few people in California have contacted me. So either the announcement will get to her or she'll read it on here (as well as my other sibling more than a day away via mail)
Disneyland was our secret honeymoon/birthday's/2 year anniversary combined all in one. It has been a good first month (almost!) but it really has not set in! You might ask yourself, why keep such exciting news to yourselves? Well, we don't need anyones permission first off and more than that, it was for OURSELVES. Marriage is between two people and two people alone. We don't need a reception or any special attention/gifts because we have everything we could possibly need and then some! Thank you for all of your congratulations! Hope this all finds you well!
P.S. I am officially an Army Wife now. Oh future, what will you bring us?!

A HUGE thank you to my nephew, Jordan, for keeping his big/loud mouth quiet and shut!! And for taking awesome pics! Love ya! I have to say, I was worried it wouldn't stay a secret for long ;) Thanks again!!

PSS THIS WAS MY EXCITING NEWS! :D

Thank You Thank You!!

2011-09-27T14:28:00.000-07:00

I love connecting with others through blogging!

RULES:

1. Thank the person who gave you the award and link back to them.

Thank you, thank you to Rosemary over at My Life's Adventures... I am so thrilled to be a part of the military blogging world! I'm still in my first year of Mil life but it's growing on me. Thanks for reading my random thoughts ;D

2. Share 7 things about yourself.

*I am the youngest of 11 --all same parents

*I ~~moved out~~ of my mom's house a week after high school graduation and was still 17

*I am worried what world my future child(ren) will grow up in

*I love home cooked meals but hate taking the time to make them

*I had braces for 14 months

*I wish I had better handwriting...it still looks the same from when they gave us paper with extra big lines and dashes in it to try and learn how to write back in grade school

*I am a taskmaster and like things done the right way... it can be a negative thing at times >.<

3. Pass the award along.

The life I never thought I'd have...

Confessions of a dreamer

laceymaybelle

chambanachik

As it were or even if it weren't

Deployment Woes

Going the Distance: An Air Force Couple

Iron & Sunshine

Life is better blonde

Life is the messy bits

Oh what a life!

Simply Me

Sweethearts in ABUs and Scrubs

The hostess with the mostest

4. Contact each blogger and let them know they have received the award!

Spring cleaning!

2011-09-27T10:55:00.001-07:00

I love the feeling you get after organizing when everything is in it's place and cleaned up. Yesterday, Jose and I went through our apartment and did a lot of cleaning. Aside from all the sneezing and sniffles, it was pretty successful. I hate holding on to things but I do it anyways. Daughter like mother... We had a garbage pile, donate pile, random cords/old electronics pile and even a few toys to give to my nieces and nephew. I'm not sure how we accumulate these things. Growing up, we had a closet that was full of random sheets, pillow cases and blankets and we were already starting one of those for no necessary reason. Those went straight to the donate pile. No need for excess! We started from the front room to the back and we still have the bedroom left but that's only laundry to do. The bathroom is probably the most dramatic because underneath the sink was a million old/watery lotions that I held onto and finally got rid of! I'm happy to say that this will help with moving because I have carried too much excess with me between apartments. So thats just a little bit of my spring cleaning update in the fall!

Ps is it really October this weekend??

Fill in the blank Friday

2011-09-23T15:37:00.000-07:00

I am reposting and replying to Thrifty Military Wife

1. The best thing I did all week was go swimming on some of my time off! It has definitely been a warm week!

2. A good hearty laugh makes me super happy.

3. Pets are fun to have, but also time consuming and money sucking :P

4. Friends and family are the best thing about my life.

5. With the cooler weather I am looking forward to being able to wear jeans! Although I love warm weather, I like to be comfy in jeans and a sweater! (hopefully not too much of cooler weather ;D

6. Something thats on my "wish list" right now is camelbak. For running outside and not carrying anything!

7. This weekend I am going to work and relax are my plans. Nothing more :)

That's all folks!

What goes up must come down

2011-09-22T14:27:00.001-07:00

And I'm not talking about gravity! I'm talking weight. I know it's a lifestyle and a way of life but with less than 100 days left in 2011, it has me thinking of new resolutions. I'm pretty sure one of mine is always to eat better/ exercise more-- along with the rest of the world's! In 2012, I should follow in my sister's steps and do other ones that can be more of yearly rather than lifelong. I know it's a ways off until new years but I need to get thinking on what I really want out of 2012. I really want to exceed in school and continue my education. That's probably going to be my number one since I've taken off so many semesters. I know I'm not a failure but it's hard to think positive when I'm staying exactly the same and not moving forward. "...Onward ever onward, forward pressing forward..." Time is definitely not waiting on me! I still think I just graduated high school when in reality were in the beginning of my fourth year out! I know I can't go back in time so I'm moving forward! I definitely started this post thinking I was going to talk about weight and it went a completely different direction! I guess other things were on my mind. Walt said it right! And another quote I like is "People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily." - Zig Ziglar
Whew! Feel much better after typing this out! I keep too much in my head! ;)

Mother dearest

2011-09-21T21:36:00.001-07:00

I saw this on Pinterest and I had to blog it! I can't even tell you how many times I've heard this from my mom! Love you mom!

Exciting news!

2011-09-21T20:44:00.000-07:00

I have some very exciting news that I would love to share...

but now just isn't the right time! Soon though, soon!

On another note, Jose went to his first meeting after being back and he leaves for 3 weeks to Massachusetts in January for training and possibly 6 more to Korea. Oh the joys of the military lifestyle. Now I have to mention that this is all by ear so far because plans change and frequently but I'll keep it posted.

Blogger on my phone!

2011-09-20T07:55:00.001-07:00

So I was browsing around on the dashboard and saw blogger's blog that they have an app for it! I immediately downloaded it and here I am trying it out. A few months ago I was trying to do blogs from my phone but it wasn't working out so well on Safari in a tiny version as it now is on the app! The texting scenario doesn't work so great either! Hopefully I will keep up with my blog! And I do have tons of pictures from my phone that go unseen! Success!!

Day 3

2011-09-19T23:31:00.000-07:00

Day 3 was more of shopping, walking around and just getting on a few more rides! The main entrance was already ready for Halloween time. Some rides we went on were: Matterhorn Bobsled, Alice in Wonderland, Pinocchio, Splash Mountain, Indiana Jones, Peter Pan's Flight. We walked through the Sleeping Beauty Castle, Downtown Disney and the Island. We had a great vacation but unfortunately, for me, I had work work and more work the next week! I was ready to go home but ready for another work week.

California Adventures!

2011-09-19T19:45:00.000-07:00

I forgot to mention that on the first night we ordered in chinese food! Anyways, Day 2 we started out at California Adventures but we were only there for a few hours. Most of it was shut down or blocked off because they are making Shingle Springs... which is pretty awesome but not when it's under construction! So we woke up and went to Denny's for a good hearty and wholesome breakfast then we were off to enjoy day two! Our first ride was Soarin' Over California of course because that is a classic! I like that one even though you kind of get motion sickness.

Jose was in charge of picture taking this day. Just in case you're wondering why there are more pictures of just me rather than us! After Soarin' we passed this mural thing of looking down a street but a parade was coming so we had to be quick!

We also went on The Hollywood Tower of Terrors and I really did NOT want to go on it. I was screaming the entire time! I would have to say it is my least favorite! Especially when you're at the top floors and you can see outside before and during your drop! Definitely did not want to go on that again! I am looking to Jose to save me ride picture ;)

This is me walking to my death!! (Hollywood Tower of Terrors)

We saw Lightening McQueen, Tow Mater and a dance party with Phineas and Ferb. Jose really loves cartoons. I will come home on any given day of the week and what's on tv? (Or at least the last thing on tv?) Car-freaking-toons!

Here we are as life-size toys! *Curvy Barbie with her Latin Lover ;D On the second day I really wanted some cotton candy. It definitely smells better than it tastes but still good!

We went on the water ride and then we were off back to Disneyland! Nothing too exciting going on in California Adventures.

Back in Disneyland, we tried going on rides we didn't already go on and go a few second timers. We waited the hour (longest) wait for Star Tours and I'll be the first one to say it, was not worth the wait... With an hour wait, this ride should be pretty awesome and it wasn't! Oh well, now we know not to wait in line!

I wanna say the next ride was a railroad type one. My brain is foggy on some names now. Our second time around we had our hands up for Space Mountain, now that I knew Disneyland were child rides, my favorite!

Lastly, we went on Astro Blaster and helped defeat Zurg!

After day 2, we walked to a little Mexican restaurant and they only accepted cash and this made us eat like 20 minutes later due to lack of ATMs! It was a good day!

Let the memories begin...

2011-09-18T00:08:00.000-07:00

Jose has been home almost two weeks now and I don't know where the time went! I worked 7 days straight then on the 8th day, we were on our way to Disneyland! We have always wanted to go together and after months of training for Him, seemed like a good time to go. We drove all day Friday-- even past Anaheim to San Diego-- and stayed the night at my brothers house. His kids are too cute! We went for a night visit to the beach and a tour of UCSD. In the morning, we woke up and had an awesome breakfast then we were on our way to the happiest place on earth. Day 1 consisted of Disneyland all day! (I had never been on many of the rides at DL because I have always been terrified of them so I was nervous waiting in line!) Our first ride of the day was Space Mountain and we got front row seating! I imagined it way worse than it was and then I relaxed about the rides. It was pretty windy in the front of the space ship so in the first picture I'm wiping away tears.

Next was Submarine Voyage. We journeyed with Nemo under the ocean! It was pretty stuffy inside the submarine and I can't imagine being in one longer than the five minute ride! Ugh! While waiting in line, we saw some Jedi fight.

After our underwater journey, we went to the food court and paid ridiculous amount of money for food. I took a picture of a receipt that we bought "Disney chips" but I'm 100% positive there was nothing Disney about them except for their price!

After food we ventured over to It's a Small World, one of the rides I couldn't wait to go on. We passed the Disney castle and saw a knight in shining armor.

We walked around for quite a while, seemingly in circles trying to figure out which ride to go on next. We passed the Matterhorn and came across Tarzan's Treehouse and right next to it was Indiana Jones! A definite ride to go on.

We went on the Jungle Cruise and saw lots of animals and heard plenty of corny jokes! While waiting in line for Splash Mountain, we saw Winnie the Pooh from afar! We got front row on the ride and I was terrified!

We tried on a few mouse-ear hats then we were off to more rides! Mr Toads Wild Ride, and Mickey's Soundsational Parade! Hooray for characters! And all of this fun only completed day one! We walked back to our hotel and on our way we found a dollar! Oh yeah! What more could we ask for?! ha! We were hoping to go and see the fireworks but it was a long day and we passed out instead! I will stop here for now and actually post it because it has just too much more to add and for you to keep on waiting for my awesome time at Disneyland ;D P.S. They took out the lettering of California and the Mickey Mouse Head ride! So many changes!!

Working on an update!

2011-09-13T11:20:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am back to the blogging world but it is taking forever to load my pictures! I'm not sure why but there will definitely be a long update today. (hopefully!)

My prized possesion

2011-08-29T00:26:00.001-07:00

Saturday at work, I was working the drive-thru pay window and when the customer pulls up, I greet them right away and the first thing the passenger says is "Did you have braces?" and I smiled and said yes! And then we go on to talk about braces for a minute and then he says, "Don't forget to wear your retainer!" As he's talking to the driver about how perfect my teeth are, the driver tells me they look like perfect little chiclets! It was definitely a random and funny conversation but it made my day! I love my teeth and I do have permanent retainers but also a removable one. Tonight I am trying to be more proactive about regularly wearing my retainer! Thanks random customer for reminding me! And thank you to my mom who got me braces! I have to say I would probably be a much different person in my adulthood if I hadn't had braces in high school... always thankful for them!

Running music: help!

2011-08-18T13:40:00.000-07:00

I have recently started running consistently again and I'm thrilled. I told myself that if I can spend hours on the computer, I can definitely make time to workout and not be fat/lazy! haha. And besides, I love the after feeling of running and the health results. My one downside is when I'm on the treadmill and I have 10-15 minutes left, songs that could motivate me to run in the beginning, I can only listen to the first minute because I get bored with it. So I am looking for upbeat songs throughout the entire song! I hate having to skip so many songs because my mind is just wanting to be done running and listening to monotonous music! I've thought about using Pandora for a huge variety but I don't want commercials and not have the ability to skip! Right now, I can run to country, rock, rap--basically all music. Anyways, let me know of any songs that you feel you can run to for days! Thanks :D

Finally!

2011-08-17T22:09:00.000-07:00

In approximately two weeks, I will be reunited with Jose and I cannot wait! It has been a long 4.5 months. I have had to figure out things to do by myself and I am so ready to not be alone anymore! Distance definitely has it's ups and downs. I feel I have been on a roller coaster this entire time and it's about to end. It's definitely been a learning and growing experience and will continue to be for at least the next 6 years on his contract. I'm still new to the Army life and it's so annoying how everything is last minute and no communication to the soldiers but we get by. Like for example, he doesn't have his plane ticket home yet and they don't set it up until the week he leaves! So I don't even know when he'll really be home! Bleh! Besides that, I'm just so excited! Tonight he asked me if I knew what I would wear to pick him up and I hadn't even thought about it! Ahh! All the butterflies are coming back again and I'm probably going to be nervous for the next two weeks!!

Creativity Flow

2011-08-15T17:49:00.000-07:00

I recently was introduced to Pinterest and ever since I have just wanted to decorate my apartment! I had the night off tonight so I went to JoAnn's and bought a few things and put a few things up on the walls! I did talk to one of my sister last night and slightly steal one of her roommates ideas but mine isn't quite as cool but definitely a good start! I know I still have a long ways to go before decorating is complete but I'm pleased with the beginning!

Horsey, horsey on your way...

2011-08-05T22:35:00.000-07:00

We've been together for many a days. So let the tails go swish, the wheels go 'round. Giddyup! We're homeward bound.
Growing up, I frequently heard this song as my dad would sing it with a child on his leg, bouncing up and down. All kid's always want more of this game. This is just one of the many quotes/songs that my family and I remember about our dad.
When I made a blog, my older sister had already made one and she used part of one of his many sayings, "The price of rice in China" so I went off of her idea and came up with horsey on your way. It's sort of a small tribute to him and that he'll never be forgotten. Harry-hose-uh-fonts (sound it out bc I'm not really sure on a spelling) is another one. Now most of these make no sense but we all knew what they meant growing up. Anyways, now we can all no longer question what my blog name is! :)
Happy Birthday Dad!

Scrapbooking

2011-08-03T10:03:00.000-07:00

While I was reading "The Five Love Languages" it suggested that we encourage our significant other (or anyone really) to take an interest in something they already like but have set aside for one reason or another. I tried this out and suggested that he draw again. I only have a little flower drawing that I keep on my dashboard and I want more! He took a liking to my idea and drew me another picture when he had spare time in AIT. I can't wait for it to come in the mail! When I suggested this, he wanted something in return. I can't draw so that was immediately disregarded. It took me about ten minutes to decide that I wanted to make a scrapbook of us! I am definitely trying to be a little craftier and I love things to pass my time! I didn't even tell him what my plan was but he guessed it anyways! He knows me too well. Last night I started putting the scrapbook together and I did three pages! I am surprisingly proud of myself! Here is a page to share:

P.S. I'm always open to ideas on how to make it better or easier or any good scrapbooking shenanigans!

Wee Bit Wednesday

2011-08-03T08:56:00.000-07:00

Lately, I have been really into blogging and finding other blogs to keep me occupied and entertained. Wee Bit Wednesday has a set of questions that she posts and I chose to repost this week! (Earlier on my blog I reposted questions from another blog and I'm not sure if it was part of this same thing or not!) Okay so here we go!

{one} what was one thing that you valued when you were a kid?That I valued as a kid? Or that I look back now? Well I love looking back and remembering making forts, jumping on the trampoline and playing outside all day. I'm not sure I really valued things as a kid, but I can see this now as an "adult" ;)
{two} what was your favorite (+ lease favorite) subject in school?I always liked math class, it just came easier than others. Least favorite is going to have to be everything else! haha. No, I always say English because essays are terrible!!
{three} do you remember your first love?Yes, of course! We're still together <3
{four} what one pet would you love to have?A monkey… duh. (same response as Wee Bit, I don't know where we all get this idea of having a pet monkey and it being awesome! Probably from Ross on Friends)
{five} would you rather live in the country or in the city?I don't mind where I live as far as setting. Ideally, I would like a happy medium because too far country and there's nothing around, too far into the city has no parking and traffic galore!
{six} what do you love about blogging?Looking back at my posts and remembering where I was in my life at that time.
{seven} what is the first website you visit everyday?Gmail! I have access to too much on my phone but always email first.
{eight} will you or have you joined google+?I have...and I'm still confused about it really.
{nine} what is your favorite scent of candle/air freshener?I like tropical ones. I love the frebreze two scent ones!
{ten} how would you describe your style?I think it's transitioning. I wouldn't necessarily claim a style but I used to wear all relax clothes and now I'm trying to have a more grown up approach. I could wear jeans and t-shirt everyday!

Makeup!

2011-08-02T15:31:00.000-07:00

I have to say, I love makeup! It is so fun and can enhance your look in a very positive way. I am okay with going out without any on, but I always feel better when I do. Obviously at the lake or pool I'm sans makeup but you get the point. Makeup is used everywhere these days-- even on guys. Anyways, my point to this schpeel is that I tried a new mineral foundation that is 1/3 the price of my previous and works amazing! I am completely amazed at how well it evens out and how long it lasts during the day. I used to use bareMinerals Matte and the new on I tried is Physicians Formula 16 hour Airbrushing Loose Powder and I love love love it! It stays on alllll day (even through sweat) and keeps me looking flawless and non-chalky! It blends well with the color of my skin and I am really just so pleased with it. A co-worker of mine actually recommended the brand of minerals because she knew that I typically wore a more expensive kind. I am always looking to try new products that 1.work and 2. are less expensive.

Happy August!

2011-08-01T11:39:00.000-07:00

Lately, I have been unable to come up blog postings! I am still at this point but I can always say Happy August! I love August! Best month out of the entire year. No school and no rain-- a perfect combo. :) Enjoy it!

"100 Things Your Kids May Never Know About"

2011-07-23T10:49:00.000-07:00

I was on Yahoo! this morning and this was one of the articles. I enjoyed reading it and I didn't know some of the things it was talking about but it just seemed to ring true. You can see the entire list here. Here were one's I particularly favored:
Inserting a VHS tape into a VCR to watch a movie or to record something.
Playing music on an audio tape using a personal stereo.
Scanning the radio dial and hearing static between stations.
3-D movies meaning red-and-green glasses.
Watching TV when the networks say you should. Tivo and Sky+ are slowing killing this one.
That there was a time before ‘reality TV.’
Wires. OK, so they’re not gone yet, but it won’t be long.
The scream of a modem connecting.
5- and 3-inch floppies, Zip Discs and countless other forms of data storage.
Blowing the dust out of a NES cartridge in the hopes that it’ll load this time.
Joysticks.
Having to delete something to make room on your hard drive.
Finding out information from an encyclopedia.
Using a road atlas to get from A to B.
Doing bank business only when the bank is open.
Shopping only during the day, Monday to Saturday.
Phone books and Yellow Pages.
Newspapers and magazines made from dead trees.
Actually being able to get a domain name consisting of real words.
Filling out an order form by hand, putting it in an envelope and posting it.
Not knowing exactly what all of your friends are doing and thinking at every moment.
Carrying on a correspondence with real letters, especially the handwritten kind.
Privacy.
The fact that words generally don’t have num8er5 in them.
Waiting several minutes (or even hours!) to download something.
Putting film in your camera: 35mm may have some life still, but what about APS or disk?
Sending that film away to be processed.
Having physical prints of photographs come back to you.
Getting lost. With GPS coming to more and more phones, your location is only a click away.
Answering machines.
Using a stick to point at information on a wallchart.
Pay phones.
Vacuum cleaners with bags in them.
Taking turns picking a radio station, or selecting a tape, for everyone to listen to during a long drive.
Remembering someone’s phone number.
Not knowing who was calling you on the phone.
Actually going down to a Blockbuster store to rent a movie.
Trig tables and log tables.
Finding books in a card catalog at the library.
Swimming pools with diving boards.
Writing a check.
Looking out the window during a long drive.
Roller skates, as opposed to blades.
Cash.
Libraries as a place to get books rather than a place to use the internet.
A physical dictionary — either for spelling or definitions.
When a ‘geek’ and a ‘nerd’ were one and the same.

Okay, okay I know I liked a lot of them but they all made me laugh, smile and remember things because even today, a lot of these are gone! The ones I didn't put on here I either didn't know what there were as it was or just didn't reconcile with me! I'm not even sure that's the correct word to use haha. Alright, enjoy!

Meant to be

2011-07-21T22:20:00.000-07:00

This is an extremely exciting post from me! Exactly a month ago was my last day at my previous job for numerous reasons. One of them being that I was going to be gone for about a week and was planning on quitting anyways. So I did without another job lined up. A week ago, when I got back from South Carolina, I decided it was time to "job hunt." I have always wanted to work at In-N-Out and well now I do! I went to check on my online application (everywhere is doing all online now!) and the manager said he gives everyone a chance when I asked him if they were hiring so I had an interview the next day. Yesterday I finally got my call back to ask for another interview and of course I said yes and tonight I had it. The manager said he would call me tomorrow if there was an opening but it only took him an hour to give me a call back! I was so ecstatic!! Omgosh I am still smiling about it!! I have a friend from my hometown who went to Hawaii with In-N-Out and also Amsterdam and Ireland! I thought that was amazing to get to travel to cool places for work! Anyways, I am now employed at two jobs! I know this doesn't sound exciting but I'm excited because without my second job, time has been passing slower for me. Slower time passing means more time away from my love and that's no good!
Back to the meant to be part, Jose kept telling me things happen for a reason and maybe things were meant to be and now I can finally say there is truth in that. I have looked back at my life several times going over different scenarios of how my life could've/should've/would've been. Not saying that I don't love my life now and where I am at but I have thought about it and it is really crazy to think about how the choices I made or even things out of my control have gotten me where I am. I had a call-back interview with another job but I was unavailable for that interview but as it turns out, a girl that I work with currently got that job anyways. And a week I knew that a job was hiring, I was out of town and unable to turn my application when I wanted. So now here I am being thankful for everything that has happened and how it has happened. I've always known that I'm a valuable asset to anywhere and I love when other people realize this ;D LOL! My mom told me that now I have a feather in my hat. Or something about hats and having a feather in it. I'm not too sure how it went but regardless, it basically meant that I'm awesome! haha okay okay now I'm gloating. Enough! Good night!

Thankful for technology

2011-07-20T18:30:00.000-07:00

So since I have been back from South Carolina, I have been able to Skype with Jose just about every night, if I am available. It has been wonderful and made it so much easier to get questions answered and just chat and see each other and hear his voice and laugh! I am so thankful that he now has his phone and that his phone is capable of video chatting! I love love love it! So here is a picture that I took while Skype-ing! I know I look silly but that's okay :) Just wanted to share my joy of video chatting! I have also video chatted on Gmail, Yahoo and FaceTime! So many different ways these days! Yay for advancement in technology :)

"The Five Love Languages"

2011-07-20T18:18:00.000-07:00

About a week or so ago, my sister-in-law started talking to me about this book by Gary Chapman that her friend had told her about. I just finished the book tonight and I enjoyed it. Before reading, I took the test to see where I stood and I had Jose take it as well so I could know where he was. We both scored almost the same! Throughout the book, the author says how rare it is to find a couple who have the same love language. Lucky for us! I'm glad I came across this book though because even though we have the same languages, I don't always communicate in any language. So now I'm hoping I can add things to our daily life to make it that much better. While I was reading, I wrote down some quotes that I thought I would want to look back on and reread without searching though the whole book so here they are!
"We cannot erase the past, but we can accept it as history. We can choose to live today free from the failures of yesterday."
"The most important thing you can do for your mate in a time of crisis is to love him or her."
"Love doesn't erase the past, but it makes the future different."
Now if only I could have these in mind at alllllll times! ;) I don't like how anger can make me blind to things I know. I am always striving to work for a better tomorrow in my "Book of Life" and that doesn't come without trying.
The end.

Beastly

2011-07-17T11:26:00.001-07:00

I finally watched this movie and I have to say I did enjoy it. It's basically a modern version of Beauty and the Beast without any singing. My only complaint about the movie is that they could've chosen a better actress than Vanessa Hudgens. Well the guy actor was probably equally bad. I did think that Mary-Kate Olsen did a great job :) Nevertheless, still made for a definite movie to watch and/or re-watch. Whenever I watch movies like this, I'm always glad that they're not actually real because what if I turned into a beast from being so mean?? That would be terrible! So every time I see movies with bullies, beasts etc I always try and make myself more conscience of how I act and react to things. Obviously I'm only human and tend to resort back to my natural ways but it's a start. And it's a start that I start over and over! ;)

CAUTION: Picture Overload

2011-07-15T09:52:00.000-07:00

I decided for my 100th blog I would upload a bunch of pictures because most of my blogs lack in that area! So here we go! And ENJOY! And I pre-appologize if anyone doesn't approve of pictures of themselves/their kids etc ;D

Cute nieces

cute nephew

this was the 7th attempt and best one

Carrie Underwood, thanks ruh-shell

herself!

...

natural models

bestttt

one of my million self portraits

birthday drive

pretty beach-ness

la-lan

she's standing perfectly in a shadow and looks photoshopped

seems so long ago!

yes, yes it does!

BCT grad day, we didn't take any pics together!

my first rivercats game!

Dinger!

two thumbs up

love these two, yep i said love ;)

cousins

everytime I see this, I laugh

Lily!

bieber non-fever

how cute is he?!

Sadie!

Haleigh and Noah all grown up

the witch will see you now

jordan!

cameron!

Well I have a ton more I could add but these are just some highlights!

Ahh! Clean sheets.

2011-07-13T16:46:00.000-07:00

I love clean sheets! They smell so good and look so good and feel so good. Nothing bad can be said about clean sheets. Anyways, today I made some mexican rice and I made some pinto beans and some chicken! The rice turned out fabulous, the beans are tasty and the chicken was a little salty but still yummy! I should open my own mexican restaurant! haha. I'm joking. I had an interview today and it went fabulous! Just waiting for a call back to see if I fit in their schedule! I would love love love to!

I wasn't as happy putting the sheets on as this lady but I liked the picture.

False Pretentions...

2011-07-12T20:08:00.000-07:00

So I'm not at 100, soon though. This is number #98. Turns out blogger counts unpublished ones and I had a couple of those. I deleted the blank ones and published the short drafts! So now I'm back down to 97 and now 98 :D Perhaps I will do something cool/creative still...

‎"Distance is not for the fearful, it is for the bold. It's for those who are willing to spend a lot of time alone in exchange for a little time with the one they love. It's for those knowing a good thing when they see it, even if they don't see it nearly enough." --Unknown

Career hunting!

2011-07-12T16:24:00.001-07:00

Websites seem to think career sounds way better than job! It does and doesn't at the same time. So today I have been checking up on applications and submitting some more and it all seems very hopeful! It always does until you get the "unfortunately" call. I still have high hopes though. I have an interview tomorrow and others said to wait a few days and they will call me with information. Ahh! So wish me luck, luck and more luck! When I quit my last job, I knew I was wanting to find another nighttime job and now that it's been past my vacation and 3 weeks down the road, I'm actually trying! Woo! I still have my college goals in mind, just trying to figure my way to everything! It's hard for me to be patient but I don't have much of a choice this time around. Lately, I have been watching "Parks and Recreation" on Netflix and its quite hilarious! I would have to say I would love to have April's job! Or Leslie's. Or anyone in the parks department. Even Jerry! ;)

PS this is my 100th post! woo! I wanted to do something cool/creative but I forgot until I just remembered ;)

I wish that I could have this moment for life...

2011-07-07T16:56:00.000-07:00

For life.
My South Carolina visit was amazing! I wish it never had to end! (or that He could at least be back here with me) My flight got in on the 5th and I pretty much slept that whole day! Flying is never good during bedtime. Finally, on the 6th, it was family day! They had a short ceremony and then we got to go on the field and get them! It was a good day! We went bowling, to a museum, saw some lakes and other things on base. It was so good just to see him again. When they are in uniform, they are not allowed to show affection so the whole fist day went without hand holding, hugs or kisses! It was almost worse to see him but not be able to hug him than it was to be away from him! I did enjoy alll of my time there still :) The next day was graduation and Jose was holding one of the flags so he was in the front and very easy to spot! It seemed like a long hour but I was so happy when it was over! Time flew by too quickly when we were together! That night, I drove to Myrtle Beach to see my sister and her fam! It was a short visit but a good one! Now I have seen the Atlantic Ocean. And been in it's warm water! I was set to leave on Saturday but I stayed and extra day because Jose had a weekend pass so I got to be with him the whole weekend! It seemed so long but now so short. I can't wait for the next 8 weeks to pass. At least he has his phone now and not just snail mail! :D Oh and my pics of Mel's fam are still on my phone and mostly on her camera so none of those today ;)

Fish are friends, NOT food!

2011-07-02T12:15:00.000-07:00

So as you may know, I despise most all seafood/fish- anything from the ocean! Occasionally I eat tuna but when I do, it tastes nothing like tuna! It might as well be chicken. Yesterday, I was at PF Changs with a friend, Sarah, and we got some soup thing that had "Pork wontons, mushrooms, spinach, water chestnuts, chicken and shrimp in our homemade chicken broth." I didn't order this and didn't know that it had shrimp! Sarah didn't know either so when we got it, the server served us (imagine that) and there was definitely shrimp in it! I have never actually eaten any seafood/fish but just the mere smell and sight of it make me nauseous! I have been at other restaurants and considered tasting things but never have. PF Changs seemed like a nice enough restaurant to try shrimp. Yesterday I did try the shrimp in the soup. I chewed it and spit it in my napkin! Gross, I know. The taste wasn't too bad. From what I remember, it just tasted like butter. The reason I spit it out was because I couldn't handle the texture and chewing it! It was so weird!! My first contact with shrimp: it was me and my sisters at a friends house for general conference and they had shrimp for a light dinner after our feast around midday. I almost passed out sitting at the table so I had to go lay on the trampoline to get away from it! This was quite a few years ago! Probably when I was 14 or possibly younger! I can't keep track of time anymore! Well this was me being brave but not brave enough ;D Here's a picture from Shark Tale!

Summer days

2011-07-01T13:54:00.000-07:00

Ahh Summer days! I love the summer for many reasons. BBQ's, pool time, lake, tan, beautiful weather that you can go outside in, walks runs biking in the sun- basically everything you could ever want to do you can do in the summertime! (besides snow fun) People are happier all around! Sunshine just makes any day better! Yesterday, I went to the Sac State Aquatic Center with my brother Jared and it was my first time there! I have lived directly across the street from this place for over a year now and never went! Boy was I missing out! I was nervous to go but glad that I went. We rented paddle boards and paddled around the lake for a few hours. We found a bridge that was semi hidden from the main part of the lake and one that was in Jared's Four Bridges half marathon and we quickly went up and jumped off! The water was freezing but definitely cools you off as soon as you get in! No need for minutes in there, seconds will work just fine. Today I got some nail polish and chose to paint them the blue because it is July and the fourth is coming up! (as it does every year ;) ) Here are some pictures. One of paddle board just in case your not sure what it is, the nail colors I bought and me with my blue nails!
PS I changed my music to summer-ish sounds for me :)

Distance Makes The Heart Grow Fonder

2011-06-29T22:14:00.000-07:00

I would consider myself one that likes distance from people! I do love spending time with others, but I have always enjoyed Ashley Time. As I have gotten older, I have become more accustomed with keeping contact and missing people. Surprise surprise! With Jose being gone, it makes me appreciate him so much more than I had before. So many emotions have come over me with having him gone and not having direct communication or seeing him for months at a time. I know I say lots of cliche' things on here but things really happen for a reason, you just have to find the reason! I really don't have much more to say on this, there's more in my head but it's just not coming out! I guess that's why I haven't blogged too frequently this week! But I will have tons to write about South Carolina next week! EEEEKKKK!! So exctied!

Precioussss!

2011-06-24T14:12:00.001-07:00

So my sister Melissa emailed me this photo this morning! It definitely makes me miss the summer nights sleeping on the trampoline! So on another note, I left my windows down in my car last night and i didn't have much in there but of course it was taken! I'm not even upset about it. They took my only rain/snow jacket so I'll have to get another one this winter and they took a halloween blanket that my mom just gave me to keep in my car, one shoe, and some love letters from my love! The letters were the things that meant the most and that I cared about but they were from a few years ago when we first starting dating so it's alright still. Nothing too dramatic! So thankful for no broken windows too!! Alright well enjoy the picture! Oh and it's me, Jared, Rachelle, Cameron and Jordan.

2011-06-22T21:37:00.001-07:00

"We are all a little weird and life's a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love."
— Dr. Seuss

Lessons Learned

2011-06-22T14:53:00.000-07:00

So I just got back from a counseling appointment with Sac State and it turns out that I haven't been going there for so long that I now have to reapply when I have 60 credits as a transfer student! If I had just gone there last semester, I would've been fine but I signed up at FLC last semester! This song just comes to my mind and heart thinking about today and the past. Carrie Underwood "Lessons Learned" I'm just thankful that I'm still young and have most of my life ahead of me.

"Lessons Learned"

There's some things that I regret,
Some words I wish had gone unsaid,
Some starts,
That had some bitter endings,
Been some bad times I've been through,
Damage I cannot undo,
Some things,
I wish I could do all all over again,
But it don't really matter,
Life gets that much harder,
It makes you that much stronger,
Oh, some pages turned,
Some bridges burned,
But there were,
Lessons learned.

[Chorus:]
And every tear that had to fall from my eyes,
Everyday I wondered how I'd get through the night,
Every change, life has thrown me,
I'm thankful, for every break in my heart,
I'm grateful, for every scar,
Some pages turned,
Some bridges burned,
But there were lessons learned.

There's mistakes that I have made,
Some chances I just threw away,
Some roads,
I never should've taken,
Been some signs I didn't see,
Hearts that I hurt needlessly,
Some wounds,
That I wish I could have one more chance to mend,
But it don't make no difference,
The past can't be rewritten,
You get the life you're given,
Oh, some pages turned,
Some bridges burned,
But there were,
Lessons learned.

[Chorus:]
And every tear that had to fall from my eyes,
Everyday I wondered how I'd get through the night,
Every change, life has thrown me,
I'm thankful, for every break in my heart,
I'm grateful, for every scar,
Some pages turned,
Some bridges burned,
But there were lessons learned.

And all the things that break you,
Are all the things that make you strong,
You can't change the past,
Cause it's gone,
And you just gotta move on,
Because it's all,
Lessons learned.

[Chorus:]
And every tear that had to fall from my eyes,
Everyday I wondered how I'd get through the night,
Every change, life has thrown me,
I'm thankful, for every break in my heart,
I'm grateful, for every scar,
Some pages turned,
Some bridges burned,
But there were lessons learned,
Oh, some pages turned,
Some bridges burned,
But there were lessons learned,
Lessons learned.

Rodeo Beach & Fort Cronkhite - Marin Headlands

2011-06-21T10:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, my mom was headed to another siblings house! This time it was Brian's. He had us meet him at the beach because it was 20 degrees cooler there than in San Rafael! It was a perfect day at the beach! We just stayed for a few hours then went back for some bbq hot dogs and we got to see Bri-Bri play some some basketball at his high school! It was a good day overall! Despite all of the driving! Here is a picture I found on google of where we were! For a little information, Fort Cronkhite used to be a World War II military post!

Music is my muse.

2011-06-20T11:00:00.000-07:00

On May 9, Rashizelle posted the quote that, as kids, we saw everyday hanging above our piano. ‎"Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." She did it in perfect timing because at work, my manager asked us for a quote, a picture of ourself and something that we are saving for. Anyways, after chatting with my manager about my quote (she loved it) it made me realize how frequently I look to music to either calm me down, get me jazzed, ready for dancing, ready for running, accompanies me on car rides for minutes-hours and the list could go on forever! And I also love hearing songs from my younger years and it reminding me of good times! Can't go wrong with a little N*sync ;) Music has made me ecstatic and feel invincible, too overwhelmed that I cry, calm me down from a "rage" and every emotion there is out there. I doubt that there has been a day in my life that has not involved music in some way. It is a wonderful thing! I love music!
Some of the songs I really appreciate these days are:
"Remind Me" Brad Paisley ft Carrie Underwood (love song)
"Bleed Red" Ronnie Dunn (reminds me to forgive)
"Keep in Mind" LoCash Cowboys (family love)
"Secrets" OneRepublic (relaxing/exciting depending on me, I love the cello in this one)
And a ton more! Obviously I am in my "country mode" these days so 3 out of 4 of these listed are country! Don't get me wrong, I need some upbeat for running but those are just unlisted for now.

Dinner for One.

2011-06-18T22:50:00.001-07:00

One really is the loneliest number! I have definitely learned this over the past 2 months! Tonight I made some chicken alfredo pasta and it tasted delicious! I wish I could have enjoyed it with my SIT though. (Soldier In Training) To keep me from being "one," I have been with family and friends more often and trying to converse with others more than I normally would. I have learned a lot and I appreciate a lot more things than before but just wish these next few months were done with! Or at least be in July! Today, David, Stasia, Landen, Lydia, Rowan, Jared, Heather and my mom all came over to swim! Fun times in the sun and pool :)

background update

2011-06-17T00:15:00.001-07:00

So as you can tell, I updated my background. I realize it is a little difficult to read (unless youre on a phone, they have an easier template for phones!) but I made the font bigger and tried to put darker colors! I just wanted a bright and summery update! I made the little black and white collage, as you can tell from the randomness of it, then added some colors! There is a LEO sign, a girl laying on the beach, I LOVE YOU in hands, hand holding, more beach, treble clef/music, ice cream cone, dress and a funny-faced kid! I hope you enjoy and continue to read! Let me know if anyone is really having a hard time with the colors and being able to read! Alright, goodnight! Enough blogging for one day ;)

Countdown!

2011-06-16T22:19:00.000-07:00

So I have neglected blogging for a while! It happens all too frequently! I am back today after reading my friends and feeling inspired to update! She is so good with it! I should be too! I have had some exciting and some not so exciting news that I could've been sharing with the blogger world!!! haha! So I booked my flight and reserved my hotel/car for Jose's graduation from boot camp! WOOOOO!! I am so excited! I have not seen him since April 25 and before this, I saw him everyday for over two years now! I have 20 days until I see him! (not including tonight b/c there is less than 2 hours left of today) The first day is family day and we have to stay on base and visit and the next day is graduation and he can leave the base! I am so excited to see him and how he's changed and hear everything that isn't in letters! (Boo for snail mail) At 7:45 pm on the night of graduation, he has to back at his base. I will be departing with him for another 3+ months. Difficult but easier than the first three because he will constantly have his phone and communication! :D I'm thrilled! After I leave him, I will see my lovely sister who lives in Virginia! I haven't seen her in 2 years and havent seen her fam in even more!! I'm excited for my vacation but not for the traveling! Oh well, it will be worth it! In good spirits today, just hoping for a letter tomorrow or Saturday since I haven't gotten one all week!! Ahh! I have been mailing a letter off faithfully everynight! Well for the past two weeks anyways. I wasn't so great at it at first but I am now!! Okay well this is an update! and here is a pic of me for updates! haha. I feel lame posting ones of just me but oh well! ;)

Haleigh Ann!

2011-06-16T22:18:00.000-07:00

Hey all! My oldest niece, Haleigh, has started a blog! So check it out! She is adorable!!
<33

Jillian Michaels

2011-06-07T13:49:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, I went over to Heather's and hung out for the day. It was a pleasant visit but isn't the reason for this blog! We went to a Raley's and we had been talking about diet, exercise, eating right etc etc and I had previously bought Jillian Michaels "Making the Cut" book. It's specifically designed to lose those last stubborn 10-20 pounds. Anyways, we were in the check out line and I saw the DVD that I also wanted to try of hers so I bought it! Today was the first day that I tried it out and I have to say that even on level 1 of 3 total levels, out of a 30 DAY SHRED, that I was feeling pretty weak after and totally burning throughout my muscles! It is only a 20 minute video! I decided I would do each level for ten days to equal out to the thirty day shred, but just thought I would share! I still went and ran 5K on a treadmill after just because I have been running more consistently lately so I don't want to lose that endurance!
Until next time, be bright and jovial among your guests ;D

best phone call

2011-06-06T10:54:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday, I had no work at either job. I was planning on having just a relax day and it was! I had a salon meeting from 7-9am then had a free rest of the day. A friend and I had a shopping/tanning/eating day. No big deal, just relaxing. We were at the Roseville galleria walking around and talking and walking. At 10:43 am I had a missed call from José and I saw this at 10:47 and was completely devastated! He left me a voicemail and he sounded so sad that I didn't pick up and I felt terrible that I missed it so I tried calling him back and was sent to voicemail. My heart sunk and my eyes were watering up. Now keep in mind that not many friends have seen me emotional just because I either hide it or just purposely don't talk about certain subjects or just any other thing to not show a "weak" exterior even if my interior is weak. (run on sentence much?) haha I'm making this blog off of my phone as I wait at the car fixing place because my car turned itself off last night and I got towed home. Anyways, that's all besides the point. At 10:48 I had an incoming call from José Adair Miranda!! I was soo happy and had the biggest smile across my face! It made up for the time he's been gone (April 24) til now and until I get to see him in July when he graduates boot camp! We only had 8 short minutes that we got to talk but it was more than enough to just hear his voice and to hear him tell me that he loves me. I know it means the same when I read my snail mail letters bu it is seriously like a million times better hearing it! This was probably the most exciting thing that has happened in a long time! Anyways this is just a short update on me and what not because it is slightly annoying typing paragraphs on my cell phone!
Until next time! <333

10 Questions

2011-06-02T19:47:00.001-07:00

I got this off of my friend Marissa's Blog! And crazy what the first question is! hahaha.

{>one} have you ever fainted?
Oh yes, most definitely! I've hit my elbow and fainted, my sister was burning my ear with a curling iron and it overheated me and I fainted, over the top of my brother when his arm was broken, from not eating, hit my head on a tub from fainting, and seeing my dad in the hospital. So many things make me faint! The most recent I can think of where I felt that "feeling" and layed down bc by now I'm a pro at this was probably my freshman year in the dorms. Ugh! I feel sorry for my niece Lydia who has had similar reactions!

{two} what is your favorite casino game?
I don't have one because I don't know how to play any! I recently went on a quest with some friends to Jackson but I literally watched because I was too tired to do anything else.

{three} do you have a good sense of direction?
No! And a perfect example of this was after moving away from Turlock the week after graduation, I drove myself back (in my sister's car, thank you!) and I literally passed allllll the exits to Turlock. I got to Lander and realized that maybe I had gone too far! It was night time in my defense and I never really drove around town growing up! But still sad!

{four} laptop or desktop?
I'm going to have to say laptop because it's sooo convenient! And light and just easy to take on the go! And I spoiled myself with a damn awesome one ;)

{five} what is your go-to hair style when having a bad hair day?
Fresh out of the shower, curly but typically I will pull it back in a pony tail or leave it down and wild with a head band maintaining it a little bit. Sorry I can't choose haha.

{six} do you read the newspaper on a daily basis?
No! I'm terrible! I don't even watch the news so I never know what's going on. The sad truth is, if something happens in the world (like the japan earthquakes?) I find out on facebook because people just loooove to talk about the most ridiculous things on there!

{seven} do you have a favorite celebrity chef?
If I had to choose one, I would have to say Rachel Ray (sp?) I don't really follow or watch but I have had a few of her recipes and I enjoy watching her half talk show half cooking show if I'm ever home at that random time of day.

{eight} what TV show would you like to make a guest appearance on?
Um I would like to make a guest appearance on How I Met Your Mother! I think that show is hilarious and I would love the setting!

{nine} do you have satellite radio in your car?
I wish! I just have radio! I have a CD player but it doesn't like to play CD's! I know, weird right? Right!

{ten} what was the last movie that made you cry?
Well to be honest, I've been an emotional wreck lately so like every movie I've seen lately has made me cry but the most recent I would have to say is No Strings Attached.

Alright well enjoy and possibly repost? Feel Free!