This made me laugh and smile for a good 5 minutes. So I thought I'd share it with my favorite people :D
7.31.2011
F***in True Love!
This made me laugh and smile for a good 5 minutes. So I thought I'd share it with my favorite people :D
7.30.2011
It's Saturday, and I'll post cause I wanna!
I mean, this is fantastico. I could listen to this all day.
She knew where to look.
A poem to God from Mirabai, an Indian princess from the 1500s:
All the knots in her heart."
| Do not leave me alone, a helpless woman. My strength, my crown, I am empty of virtues, You, the ocean of them. My heart's music, you help me In my world-crossing. You protected the king of the elephants. You dissolve the fear of the terrified. Where can I go? Save my honour For I have dedicated myself to you And now there is no one else for me. And one more line that spoke to me. Straight to the heart, with a bullet. "Deign to sever, O Master. |
I have a lot of knots that need untangling, er...or severing. Yeah, that's the more awesome option.
7.29.2011
Perfectly Acceptable Ashley
It's very acceptable:
- to tell your roommate, "I've trained you well," when she makes dinner AND breakfast for you (mmm...pancakes). I have a sweet deal going on!
- to use such words of encouragement as "Stupid dog!" and "Come on fatty!" when trying to walk Churro, my roomie's chihuahua, who doesn't really like going on walks. That lazy ass.
- for a friend to say "I wanted to punch him in the face and in the wiener!" and for me to reply, "Well that's some effective punching." My friends and I have sophisticated conversations.
- To watch the complete series of The Office as a sort of therapy session for your own work place. "You want a cookie cookie?" hehehe.
7.28.2011
Favorite Thing Thursday
These are a few of my favorite things:
Making ridiculous faces for the camera.
Daydreaming about Paris. Daydreaming is ok in moderation :) Ok?
Wearing dresses on sunny days.
Caprese Panini and Iced Coffee while watching women's soccer.
Oh yeah.
Finding this adorable picture at my work. The "here" is the university.
heh heh.
Oh really?
My roommate's gay dog. No really, he's homosexual.
What comes in the Latino Breakfast Plate???? I'll order it :)
Making ridiculous faces for the camera.
Daydreaming about Paris. Daydreaming is ok in moderation :) Ok?
Wearing dresses on sunny days.
Caprese Panini and Iced Coffee while watching women's soccer.
Oh yeah.
Finding this adorable picture at my work. The "here" is the university.
heh heh.
Oh really?
My roommate's gay dog. No really, he's homosexual.
What comes in the Latino Breakfast Plate???? I'll order it :)
7.27.2011
Why I'm a Man
My roommate and I decided last night that in a past life we were men.
The reasons are five-fold:
- We're more laid-back than other chicks.
- We have lived in our apartment for a month and haven't decorated.
- If we could grow facial hair, we decided that we totally would.
- We have yet to buy more toilet paper after running out a couple days ago, but we're not super bothered by this fact. Wait, that's disgusting...WE'RE TOTALLY DUDES.
- She and I are usually both single. No attachments! Ahhh...eternal bachelors...
***Dear readers, please don't think that I have bad hygiene. Ok thanks :)
7.25.2011
Marinating.
Last Wednesday, I went to a student's wedding. They were getting wed after just dating for 6 months--shotgun!
When I had asked the groom, "Wow, isn't that a little fast?"
He said, "I just knew. I knew."
Hmmm...
This makes me think about a lot a things. Is it true that when you find "the one" (put in quotations for a reason) that things are more uncomplicated? More simplified?
I think I have this jaded view of love, a view that was created through past bad experiences, but one that's hard for me to shake. I want to believe in the goodness of love, but mostly come to the conclusion that most men just have a one track mind, which makes me want to run the other way.
This has been one of those weeks where I've become a bit agitated with guy attention. And I always get in these moods when I feel overwhelmed by too many guys...the kind of mood where I'd like to be left alone. Don't mind my mood. And don't go trying to cheer me up. I'm not sad, I'm just marinating in these thoughts. Just for tonight though, my optimism is sure to make a shining return tomorrow.
*It didn't help that I watched Closer the other night. Talk about a movie that makes you rethink the validity of love!
7.24.2011
Music Challenge, Day 16: A Song That You Used To Love But Now Hate
I just realized, I've been dragging out this music challenge since April. Whoa dude! Oh well, it keeps me occupied...
My little 6th grader brain thought this song was oh-so-fantastic and clever. I would crank this on my boom box, sitting on my inflatable chair (high class) in my beach-themed room, because I felt like Alanis understood me.
The Challenge so far:
day 08 - a song that you know all the words to
So, a song I used to love, but now hate. Well, truly, it's hard for me to hate a song I once loved. I am loyal, and once I love something, I love it forever. Yep. This even works for such songs as "Wannabe," from Spice Girls, or "Tearin' Up My Heart," from *NSYNC.
Yes, I am woman enough to admit those two loves. So stop judging me.
Buuuuuuuuuuuut, if I have to pick one song, here it is:
My little 6th grader brain thought this song was oh-so-fantastic and clever. I would crank this on my boom box, sitting on my inflatable chair (high class) in my beach-themed room, because I felt like Alanis understood me.
As I've gotten older and a tad wiser, one of my pet peeves has been the misunderstanding of the meaning of irony. I might explode if I hear one more person say, "I ran into Julie at the party! Isn't that ironic?"
No, no. Actually it's not.
And Alanis, you most certainly did not help by putting out this disaster of a song. I don't hate it, but I don't love it anymore...and well, it is kind of annoying.
The Challenge so far:
day 08 - a song that you know all the words to
7.21.2011
How 'Midnight in Paris' Taught Me Why It's Good to Moderate Nostalgia
I saw Midnight in Paris the other day. It was fantastic!
St. Germaine, how I love thee!
One of the fantastic rivers ♥
Hall of Mirrors, suckers!
Montmarte...where the artists and hippies hung out. I fit right in!
Paris in a nutshell.
It's as if a bunch of screenwriters came together and thought, "Ashley's going to watch this movie, let's make her eat this up!" And I did, I ate it up. I'm such a sucker for movies that are not only about traveling (with outstanding views of Paris and Versailles), but also about...dun dun dun...fantasy vs. reality.
I can't get away from this theme in my life!
There was a quote in the movie that went something like, "Nostalgia is just denial of the painful present."
Ouch! That struck a chord.
And then there was a point in the movie where Owen Wilson realizes that he's never happy where he is, cause he's always longing for somewhere else. And when he gets to that somewhere else, he longs yet again for another location.
Surely, I've posted about this enough on my blog, but I think it's good to remind myself often: I must moderate my day dreaming, wanderlusting, fantasizing ways just a little. Not completely, of course! But really, I can turn it down just a tad.
Sitting by the Rive Droite eating a pistachio eclair is not going to solve life's problems. Because, I love the saying, "Wherever you go, there you are." We cannot escape ourselves.
Love how I learn this crap all from a movie?
***
But because I only want to moderate nostalgia and not eliminate it, can I just show a few old pics from my 2009 trip? You have no choice!
St. Germaine, how I love thee!
One of the fantastic rivers ♥
Hall of Mirrors, suckers!
Montmarte...where the artists and hippies hung out. I fit right in!
Paris in a nutshell.
7.18.2011
The Progression of Anxiousness Into Epiphany
I've been going through some growing pains the last few months. While it's easy to succumb to negativity during such a time, I must look at it more objectively, as a season I'm going through.
I've posted this quote at least once before, but it's one that I always come back to, so here it is again: "To be interested in the changing seasons is a happier state of mind than to be hopelessly in love with spring."
We cannot always live in spring. One, this would make life boring. Two, what would we ever learn about ourselves? Going through uncomfortable/sad/anxious times is not desirable, but it always elicits self-evalutation. And for this, I always want these "seasons" to be a part of life. It's through self-evalutation that I always get my best epiphanies!
When we go through rough patches, I think we focus way too much on ourselves. Why is this happening to me? Why do I deserve this? The past few months, I've been thinking about what will make me happy a little too much. Me me me...blah blah blah. No wonder I've been bored, anxious, upset and a little down.
When you think about yourself, and only yourself, what a horrible existence that is!
I realized, it's been months since I've volunteered. I started to pray less, to almost not at all. My life started to revolve too much around Ashley, and no one else. My excuse was that I had too much going on and too much to think about: new job, moving, bills, tickets...the madness of it all! Now, I'm not perfecto. I do have a lot going on and I have been ultra busy, but I know better. And I know myself pretty well. I'm at my happiest when I'm helping others, in some way, some how...
So recently, I've been filling my mind with thoughts of other people, and it's been so refreshing to let my mind breathe in that way!
I realize that it's impossible to be completely selfless, but this is an epiphany, remember? So let me revel in my utopian ways!
At the end of the day, this is about finding solutions to make my life more peaceful and balanced. So I guess, making it not about me is still all about me. Ha. What a paradox. Still, why not help others in the process?
I think you know what I'm getting at. So forgive this poorly edited post. Sometimes, one just has to write it out...
7.17.2011
Dear USA Women's Soccer,
You put forth a great effort, but you left me a little depressed. I feel as though I need some therapy after such a tense, nail-biting game (or a great massage...anyone?).
But I still applaud you.
I applaud you for bringing people together. Especially when I get to talk about traveling with Patrick, the random Swiss dude I met at a cafe down the street. Or when I get to cheer loudly and indecently with a group of complete strangers in that same cafe. We were all there because of you. So, thanks for that.
With love,
Ashley
P.S. Was I the only one conjuring up images of WWII? We played against Japan...in Germany? What?!? Oh, am I the only one who's not PC, like, ever? Oops.
7.16.2011
Perfectly Acceptable Ashley
It's perfectly acceptable:
- to consider building a fort with your coworker in order to combat boredom at your job. I swear, we're in our twenties!
- to concede to the idea that Wetzel's Pretzels may be the death of me. At least I get them unsalted. But then I add jalapeno cheddar sauce...yeah, I know...processed cheese is bad news, but how else am I going to attract a latin lover (with the jalapenos)? Like the way my mind works?
- to get really excited when I find out a place has Vanilla Coke. Now...I don't usually reach for the soda can. I tend to opt for water (with lemon, yum), especially because I know just how bad soda is for you. But Vanilla Coke, I'm convinced, still has traces of cocaine in it, because when I see it, I HAVE TO HAVE IT. *twitch*
- to read this Perfectly Acceptable Ashley post thoroughly and then come to the conclusion that I am a sloth and a glutton. Sigh. Two out of Seven Deadly Sins isn't terribly bad. It might even be acceptable.
7.14.2011
Favorite Thing Thursday
These are a few of my favorite things...
1. Going to Motown tribute concerts with my Music Soulmate, Ryan.
If you notice the rest of the crowd, Ryan and I are the youngest there by a considerable amount; which, prompted a cute lil' granny to whisper in my ear "I hope you youngin's are having fun!" Yes, granny...I love me some Motown!!
2. Reading the web site Damn You Auto Correct. CRACKS ME UP EVERYTIME.
3. Living in a new apartment with my "boo." Well, that's our nickname for each other. Her real name is Lainey.
Have you ever had a rommate that you just "jive" with? That's Lainey for me. We're not super neat freaks, but we know when to tidy up. We love watching movies together, not to mention her I Love Lucy collection. When the day is hectic, and I just want to relax and unwind, I know Lainey-boo will be up for a hangout. She's one of my favorite things :)
1. Going to Motown tribute concerts with my Music Soulmate, Ryan.
If you notice the rest of the crowd, Ryan and I are the youngest there by a considerable amount; which, prompted a cute lil' granny to whisper in my ear "I hope you youngin's are having fun!" Yes, granny...I love me some Motown!!
2. Reading the web site Damn You Auto Correct. CRACKS ME UP EVERYTIME.
3. Living in a new apartment with my "boo." Well, that's our nickname for each other. Her real name is Lainey.
Have you ever had a rommate that you just "jive" with? That's Lainey for me. We're not super neat freaks, but we know when to tidy up. We love watching movies together, not to mention her I Love Lucy collection. When the day is hectic, and I just want to relax and unwind, I know Lainey-boo will be up for a hangout. She's one of my favorite things :)
7.12.2011
7.10.2011
Finding Peace on a Sunday
Ah, Sundays, mi amor. I love Sundays because they are a rebirth of a new week.
I always get my best ideas on Sundays.
This Sunday has been about remembering that God is still there despite my absentmindedness in regards to Him. I read, and then he speaks to me, a gentle nudging from the pit of my stomach.
"Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind...Better what the eye sees than the roving of the appetite" --Ecclesiastes
My translation: Everything I need is right here with me. Trouble (or toil) is so very easy to chase, because it is flashy, desirable and leaves one wanting. But does it ever fulfill? Give me peace and tranqulity every day of the week. It is all about appreciating what I have, and not lusting about the horizon and its hazy shapes of nothing.
Please, please, always give me peace.
I always get my best ideas on Sundays.
This Sunday has been about remembering that God is still there despite my absentmindedness in regards to Him. I read, and then he speaks to me, a gentle nudging from the pit of my stomach.
"Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind...Better what the eye sees than the roving of the appetite" --Ecclesiastes
My translation: Everything I need is right here with me. Trouble (or toil) is so very easy to chase, because it is flashy, desirable and leaves one wanting. But does it ever fulfill? Give me peace and tranqulity every day of the week. It is all about appreciating what I have, and not lusting about the horizon and its hazy shapes of nothing.
Please, please, always give me peace.
7.09.2011
Living Above the Fantasy
Le Sigh.
I don't know where my head is at these days. What I do know is I've been struggling with the idea of fantasy vs. reality quite a lot recently, a notion I've always thought about since I first saw High Fidelity, my favorite movie ever.
I'd like to think I'm a fairly realistic chick. But every once and again, I get swept up in fantasy.
The fantasy of a far away land, the fantasy that a charming boy can create...I need to remember that they are just that--fantasy.
Reality, what is tangible and in front of me, is what I need to focus on more often. Make your reality ideal, remember? Of course, this is never a simple venture, but I'm up for a challenge!
And so, the last few days I have gone to the beach, walked to neighborhood bars with friends, said yes to going places when someone asks, and have participated in this idea of living more for the moment.
This is all in attempt to make my reality supersede my fantasy.
And because it is fitting, I encourage you to listen to one of my favorite Jay May songs, "Edge of Desire." Totally listening to this right now!
"Young and full of running/tell me where is that taking me/ just a great figure eight/ or a tiny infinity..."
(and while this post is ambiguous, it is still cathartic for me, so forgive the mystery)
I don't know where my head is at these days. What I do know is I've been struggling with the idea of fantasy vs. reality quite a lot recently, a notion I've always thought about since I first saw High Fidelity, my favorite movie ever.
I'd like to think I'm a fairly realistic chick. But every once and again, I get swept up in fantasy.
The fantasy of a far away land, the fantasy that a charming boy can create...I need to remember that they are just that--fantasy.
Reality, what is tangible and in front of me, is what I need to focus on more often. Make your reality ideal, remember? Of course, this is never a simple venture, but I'm up for a challenge!
And so, the last few days I have gone to the beach, walked to neighborhood bars with friends, said yes to going places when someone asks, and have participated in this idea of living more for the moment.
This is all in attempt to make my reality supersede my fantasy.
And because it is fitting, I encourage you to listen to one of my favorite Jay May songs, "Edge of Desire." Totally listening to this right now!
"Young and full of running/tell me where is that taking me/ just a great figure eight/ or a tiny infinity..."
(and while this post is ambiguous, it is still cathartic for me, so forgive the mystery)
7.08.2011
Perfectly Acceptable Ashley
It's obviously acceptable...
- to be proud when my coworkers request that I make the coffee, because I am good at it. Yep, sounds about right. Addicts tend to be very particular about their drugs :)
- to dance at my desk to "Wanna Be Startin' Something." I know my coworkers LIKE IT. Or um, they have no choice. *hangs head*
- to find it extremely amusing when you pass by an adult book store with a sign that states, "PARKING IN REAR." Am I a teenage boy or what?
7.04.2011
Music Challenge, Day 15: A Song That Describes You
There are undoubtedly many songs that could fit in this category. We all have different sides to our personalities, and it's a difficult task narrowing it down to one song.
The Challenge so far:
day 08 - a song that you know all the words to
However, this particular tune hits it right on the nose for me. This is Ashley's brain, heart and soul summarized in 3 minutes and 56 seconds:
If there's one thing I'm good at, it's seeing the bigger picture. More than one person has told me I'm wise (whaaaaa?).
If there's one thing I'm good at, it's seeing the bigger picture. More than one person has told me I'm wise (whaaaaa?).
I move on well, I love deeply, I smile widely (with a dimple on one side), I cry with fervor and I always make sure to belly laugh. To everything there is a season, and I acknowledge each season for the lessons it instills within.
And yeah, yeah...I'm kind of a hippie that loves 60s music. You love me :)
By the way, Happy Fourth of July!
The Challenge so far:
day 08 - a song that you know all the words to
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