Cemiyet (Part 5): The Sassy Miss Briss

I haven't done one of these in awhile! However, I think it's immensely important to showcase brilliant blog friends of mine. Community is everything in life...

(Cemiyet, in case you are scratching your head, is the Turkish word for community).

So, say hello to my lil' friend...

The Sassy Miss Briss

I stole the above picture from Brissa's blog :D

Well, technically she goes by Brissa, but I like to shorten names, because I am lazy.

How do I go about explaining the endearing eccentricites that make up Brissa? Let me start by saying that EVERY TIME I visit this little lady's site, I end up in a very unattrative laughing fit (with snort and all), which can be totally awkward at work.

Brissa sees the world like no other, with some kind of awesome bizarre shades on, and I want a pair. Once you take a glance into her world, you realize that life need not be so serious. This I admire greatly about her. Somehow Briss has the ability to turn the mundane into a brilliant comedy show, while still philosophizing on the deep mysteries of life.

She's a lover of harry potter, strange internet videos, laughter, cute clothes and embracing the odd in life.

This girl is an ass-kickin' genius!

Brissa, don't change your personality for anything...I'm pretty sure they only make one of you, and there is something extremely refreshing about being in the presence of someone totally unique. You. are. smashing.

Love,

Your New Friend Ashley ♥

You can visit Brissa's site here!

Perfectly Acceptable Ashley

It's acceptable:

• To find $40 on the floor of a bar and pick it up, only to feel bad the next day. Then I made the executive decision to put it in the collection plate at church. I can't keep that blood money! Don't laugh at me!

• To stare longingly at the cute boy at your neighborhood cafe. Was I drooling a little? Oops. Eye candy makes me a morning person all of a sudden. Cute Cafe Boy > Coffee.

• to dip a chocolate cookie in icing and proceed to stuff my face with it. I'M NOT APOLOGIZING. I certainly wouldn't apologize for that when I was 4 and I'm not going to do so now. What is it with girls saying crap like "Oh, I shouldn't eat that...it'll go straight to my thighs!" SHUT UP. The only thing making you "fat" and "ugly" is your attitude.

• to go for a sip out of your drink and miscalculate cup-to-mouth distance and totally spill all over your white shirt. YOU WOULD THINK I would have mastered drinking out of grown-up cups after two decades of practice. Nope.
  

My Plan: Preparing to Pack a Creative Punch...KAPOW!

(I added the KAPOW for effect)

devising sneaky plans...

As you may know, I want to really start utilizing the creative energy that lies within me, before it becomes unused, develops gangrene, dies and permanently leaves my body. I'd like to keep my creative limbs, thanks.

Here are the steps I'm taking to become one creative, round-house kickin', dragon-slaying, fantastically artsy girl!

1. Quit Facebook: Yep, I did it...er...for a little while at least. Inspired by a sermon at my church to fast from distractions, I took *now* as the perfect opportunity to take a hiatus from Facebook, the greatest time waster in the history of human existence. I already don't miss it (uh-oh...will I ever sign-on again?). The energy I used to waste away on FB is now being used to create stuff!

2. Create Something Everyday: This may be hard to accomplish every single day. But I'm going to damn well try. Some days are busier than others, but even if it's a blog post or a silly little drawing, I want to really start exercising those creative muscles...ohhhh, they ache from being dormant for so long!

3. Actually Send My Sh*t Out: I will not fall victim to the negative in my head. I've already been writing, re-writing and tweaking articles that I'm going to actually send to local newspapers and magazines. I expect a lot of NOs. But so what? Why not put myself out there more? It could have an awesome outcome!

4. Get Out of the Apartment: Lazing about the uninspiring surroundings of the familiar won't get the juices flowing. Experiencing life out on the streets, yo, is going to do that for me. I expect to be taking trips to the beach, or the cafe, or anywhere...people watching is a great muse! (shhh...I'm also trying to put together a trip to NYC soon, *if* I can swing it...I gots to try!).

5. Stay Away From the Alcohol: I don't want to become one of those artists. But really, I think I've been drinking a little too often, as a de-stresser from the workplace. So how about I substitute alcohol with art?

I was officially sober for this pic. That's the sad part.

Yes, I believe that covers it for now. I'm in the beginning steps of this lil' plan of mine. I hope to one day dance in all my creative splendor (how do you like that corny analogy?!?). Even if no results are produced from such efforts, it's going to be fun! My little heart is beating with excitement over all the possibilities and paths a creative soul can take! Which way to go? Up, down, sideways or diagonal--let's take them all, beezys.

(Insert inspirational saying here, i.e. "The Future Looks Bright!")

Favorite Thing Thursday

1. Having High School Friends Visit

Andy, who goes by Andres now (so mature!), visited last week from Texas. His first response was, "It's so cold here!" ha! That's because Texas is a boiler room! We had a tremendous amount of fun frequenting wine bars and finding the best California Burrito. Next stop for Andy and me will have to be Vegas (we decided).

2. Coffee Addiction

MUST. FEED. THE. ADDICTION. COFFEE ZOMBIE! Aaaarrrrgh!

3. Remembering Aaliyah

When I was 16, I remember thinking Aaliyah was stunningly beautiful and simply fantastic. I'd watch "Are You That Somebody" and "Try Again" on TRL and try to emulate her moves. I even cried when I learned of her death. It's been 10 years (to the very day) since that plane crash and I thought it fitting to include her in my favorite things. 16-year-old Ashley approves.

4. Going to the Adele Concert



This is about the only video I took during the whole Adele concert. I didn't want anything in the way of me soaking in her velvety, gorgeous voice. I've never been so mesmerized by an artist's voice at a concert! If you notice, the audience is pretty silent because everyone just wanted to listen and not ruin the beauty of it. And to top it off, she did a rendition of "Can't Make You Love Me" by Bonnie Rait, which brought me to tears...AND I DON'T CRY IN PUBLIC. Dammit Adele! It was sooooooo damn good.

Removing the Cock-Block to My Creative Soul

...or a more graceful title...

I'm sitting here at my office desk, eating a rice cake with peanut butter, and pondering life, as usual. And what I'm pondering all has to do with this space, and these walls surrounding me, with the generic painting that has been added for a splash of color (I really think it has too much pink in it, I hate pink).

So, I've been at this job for about 3 months now. Of course, I'm still a newbie. But I've been here the sufficient amount of time to ask myself, "Is this what I want for my life? Is this a passion of mine?"

Hmmm.

Helping people is most certainly a passion of mine. As you probably know, I'm a university advisor. So, yes, I help people. The only problem is, universities are often run like businesses now-a-days; therefore, the job is not pure advising. This causes a bit of a dilemma in my soul...

Yes, my soul!

I think this is because I have a very creative soul, and I was most certainly born that way. When I was very young, I would draw non-stop. I remember I had this ravenous hunger to create, create, create. My dad has told me how I would go through a whole ream of paper in a few days, front and back.

What's sad is I don't draw anymore. What has been up with my spirit lately?

I do, however, write. This blog started as a professor's recommendation to "write everyday as practice." I've had this blog for over 6 years now. Obviously, my desire to create has not left me.

So, the next logical step is to ask myself, what am I gonna do about it? Am I going to spend this creative energy only on my blog, or should I push it further? Of course I should. I'll keep the desk job in the meantime (a girl's gotta bring home the bacon), but I'm writing this post as a reminder and a challenge.

I MUST DO MORE. I MUST NOT STIFLE MY CREATIVE SPIRIT.

This includes drafting articles and sending them out. Getting back into drawing (I secretly still love it so). Writing children's books and sending them to publishers (I've always wanted to do this). Getting in touch with greeting card companies for the heck of it (why not be a greeting card freelancer?). Painting, crafting, making random crap, etc. CREATING.

This is all in attempt in getting back in touch with 5-year-old Ashley who knew what was up! She's the one that knows the key to life...that we should only be doing what we love. Nothing could stop me from drawing like a maniac then. What's stopping me from creating now?

So, now that we've removed the cock-block, it's time to make those babies (creatively speaking).

"My business is to create." -- William Blake

Music Challenge, Day 20: A Song That You Listen To When You're Angry

Because, when you're angry, you want to blow shit up.

Naturally.

"So sick of your games/ I'll set your truck to flames/ and watch it blow up, blow up..."

The Challenge so far:

day 01 - your favorite song

day 02 - your least favorite song

day 03 - a song that makes you happy

day 04 - a song that makes you sad

day 05 - a song that reminds you of someone

day 06 - a song that reminds you of somewhere

day 07 - a song that reminds you of a certain event

day 08 - a song that you know all the words to

day 09 - a song that you can dance to

day 10 - a song that makes you fall asleep

day 11 - a song from your favorite band

day 12 - a song from a band you hate

day 13 - a song that is a guilty pleasure

day 14 - a song that nobody would expect you to love

day 15 - a song that describes you

day 16 - a song that you used to love but now hate
day 17 - a song that you hear often on the radio

day 18 - a song that you wish you heard on the radio

day 19 - a song from your favorite album

The One About Almost Lovers

"Everybody knows almost doesn't count..." --Brandy

Almost lovers, crushes, part-time lovers, flings...is there a real name for them anyway? I suppose the lack of a proper name for such a situation reflects the ambiguity of it all. And so it's fitting.

Forgive the following robotic post. If you were looking for something sappy, you're at the wrong blog. Get out now. I'm too logical by nature. So, let's be logical...

The horrible thing about almost lovers is that they don't "almost" hurt you. And they don't just take "part-time" energy. However, there's a philosophical view to this, right? What really gets hurt? Is it your heart? Or your pride?

The funny thing about almost lovers is that it makes you feel incredibly silly and prepubescent. Like you shouldn't be engaging in such behavior, when you know something is not going to work out, but you indulge yourself anyway. It's edging on the side of being insane, no?

The best thing about almost lovers is that they are the easiest to get over. You haven't really shared that much intimacy with them (depending on your situation, I suppose). The only relationship that's been built has been in the construction zone of your mind. So get the wrecking ball out. Crush that seemingly stable wall down. When you do, you'll find that it's made of paper, or sugar, or any other material that is unstable or dissolvable.

And then, you're free.

Ha, I didn't mean to write a guide on How to Get Over That Almost Lover, but it turned out that way. Maybe it was for myself.

I'll end here with a dialogue from Adaptation, which I saw for the first time 2 weeks ago. God, I love these lines:

Charlie: There was this time in high school. I was watching you out the library window. You were talking to Sarah Marsh.
Donald: Oh, God. I was so in love with her.
Charlie: I know. And you were flirting with her. And she was being really sweet to you.
Donald: I remember that.
Charlie: Then, when you walked away, she started making fun of you with Kim Canetti. And it was like they were laughing at me. You didn't know at all. You seemed so happy.
Donald: I knew. I heard them.
Charlie: How come you looked so happy?
Donald: I loved Sarah, Charles. It was mine, that love. I owned it. Even Sarah didn't have the right to take it away. I can love whoever I want.
Charlie: But she thought you were pathetic.
Donald: That was her business, not mine. You are what you love, not what loves you. That's what I decided a long time ago.

I suppose a lot of things in life are about learning how to regain the power.

The Anti-List

I absolutely loved this idea from Molly, so I had to post on it.

"The Anti-List" is a list one makes of things he or she has bravely (or not so bravely) tried and decided THEY DON'T LIKE.

As Molly puts it, it's about embracing who you are and who you aren't. So, without anymore unnecessary rambling, my anti-list:

• Sushi: Everyone and their Uncle Joe tries to get me to like Sushi. At the end of the day, my opinion stands: I DON'T LIKE RAW FISH. You can try to cover it in cream cheese, add hot sauce, seaweed, or any other distractor you'd like. I've tried it all and nothing has worked. If we go to a Sushi place, I'll order the Chicken Teriyaki and a Saporro, thanks.

• Mayonaise: I will only eat this in chicken salad. That's it. It's pretty nasty, otherwise.

• Going on Droppy Amusement Rides: Not sure what else to call them, I just know that I cringe when I see those rides that take you up to the highest of heights, only to drop you. DROPPY RIDES ARE THE DEVIL. I don't like heights! I'll do rollercoasters, but please, stop trying to convince me to go on these god-forsaken rides with you. I find no enjoyment from them, and don't appreciate being called a "sissy-pants" for not attempting.

• Pink (the color): Just because I am a chick, doesn't mean I am obligated to like this annoying and ridiculous color. Please don't assume that I want the pink straw or the pink t-shirt because I am female. Even when I was five years old, I was already savvy to the frivolity of pink. BAN PINK!

• Being Set-Up: No, I do not want to go out with your brother, whom you think 'is perfect' for me. Please stop scouting out men on my behalf. I'm not incapable, I'm just disinterested in going about love in a such a contrived matter. Because I relate to Jason Mraz when he says,"When I fall in love/I'll take my time/there's no need to hurry when I'm making up my mind." I'll never be able to rush or force these things. Love is already complicated enough, shouldn't it happen naturally?

• House Music: No. Just No. It's far too repetitive and annoying to stand much of that crap.

• Pity Parties: get. over. it. I don't indulge in this dramatic behavior. Mourning is ok, but then you need to get out of the funk, sister (or brother)! Don't hold on to what wasn't meant to be.

What are you anti?

Simon, you're such a drama queen.

Work has been busy. Which has been good, because sometimes I need a distraction from my own thoughts.

I've been downloading too many Simon and Garfunkel songs of late. Their overdramatic lyrics make me feel a little less crazy. Until I shed a few tears. When was the last time I cried anyway? It was probably long overdue...strong girls are allowed to cry, too.

Sometimes I'm too open on this blog. Sometimes I am secretive. This is an example of the latter.

I just gotta write it out, without having to explain all the Ws. Cause all the leaves that are green turn to brown, eventually.

Thanks, S & G.

I'm annoyed today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


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My keyboard hates me right now.

At least Smokey helps calm me down (refer to post below).

I'm also listening to Simon and Garfunkel and Kenny Loggins for good measure. Ahhh, calming down with each sappy song...

Music Challenge, Day 19: A Song From Your Favorite Album

If I had a favorite album, it would probably be Greatest Hits of Motown, or something to that effect.

I've already covered Marvin enough on this music challenge, so I give you my next favorite Motown artist.

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, Smokey. You do it to me well. And it's all because you get that a little tenderness goes a long way. They really don't make music like this anymore, and how many times do I have to mention that? I sound like a crotchety old woman. Listen chillins! This is that good sound in your ear!

The Challenge so far:

day 01 - your favorite song

day 02 - your least favorite song

day 03 - a song that makes you happy

day 04 - a song that makes you sad

day 05 - a song that reminds you of someone

day 06 - a song that reminds you of somewhere

day 07 - a song that reminds you of a certain event

day 08 - a song that you know all the words to

day 09 - a song that you can dance to

day 10 - a song that makes you fall asleep

day 11 - a song from your favorite band

day 12 - a song from a band you hate

day 13 - a song that is a guilty pleasure

day 14 - a song that nobody would expect you to love

day 15 - a song that describes you

day 16 - a song that you used to love but now hate
day 17 - a song that you hear often on the radio

day 18 - a song that you wish you heard on the radio

Finding What's Real

The other night I was trying to entertain my friend who was visiting from Texas, so I thought some dancing was in order. But what I often encounter when I go to a club, or sometimes a bar, is that I hit a point where I long to be somewhere else. I feel out of place, or restless, like that scene and those people could never really make my night.

I'd have a better time talking to an elderly WWII Vet, indulging in stories of valor, bravery and even pain. Because I'm captivated by the absence of bullshit, the lack of facade, and the immense wisdom to be gained there. And my heart beats for times when I can take a little kid to a playground, feeling their tiny hand trying to grasp my finger tightly, as they pull me toward the monkey bars and exclaim, "Look what I can do!" And I'm mesmerized, by their spirit and their life, and their ability to make those monkey bars something spectacular.

There is a period between childhood and death that we seem to lose focus on what's really important. Our energy somehow shifts to taking "all the right steps" in life, wherever those steps lead. And so I think, what am I really after? What do I allow myself to get lost in? Where am I wasting my time? How can I find the most genuine moments in life? Because those moments are what I am so very hungry for.

Deep down, we all are pure of heart. We may try to hide that truth with alcohol, or love interests to fight loneliness, or new dresses to make ourselves feel better in the moment, or any other mask we choose to wear.

I don't want to distract myself with all of that. I just want to find what's genuine and real.

The search continues.

My All Time, Top 5: Where to Next?

Traveling. My addiction and quite possibly the death of me. But no, that's not right. Why should I label something that I absolutely love with such negative connotations? I know deep down that traveling is actually the life of me.

Since I've gotten back from Turkey, I've been trying to get the root of why I love traveling. Do I use it as an escape from the everyday mundane? Do I fantasize too often about it? Do I think too highly of it?

Maybe. But one thing I know for sure is that it's my most ardent passion. So I will stop trying to disprove my love for seeing, discovering and uncovering the globe; instead, I'll embrace it. And with that...

I give you the Top 5 places I'm itching/dying/slobbering to go see, I'll try to hit them all up before the actual death of me:

5. Thailand

***

Can I go here NOW? PLEASE??? All I have to say is that I'm obsessed with that water. There's a magic dust floating in Thai air--I'm convinced--and I'm really wanting to breathe it all in.

4. Prague

***

I have a thing for architectural brilliance. I'm certain I would have some type of orgasm over the genius that is Czech architecture. I can't wait to stare, dumbfounded, with my camera in tow, taking in the views of all the buildings.

3. Singapore

***

Is this some kind of city of the future? I've seen the floating soccer field in pictures...can I go to a game there, please? And gosh, this is one of those cities I really want to experience at night.

2. Australia

***

I don't know why, but I am so intrigued by the plane in this shot. Part of me is dying to be a passenger on it, peering out the freakishly small window, trying to get a glimpse of my next adventure (but seriously, can't they make bigger windows?!? Leaves me so unsatisfied). AND LOOK AT THIS SCENERY. I don't think I have to say much about Australia, except that I find the people deliciously quirky and lovable (the Australians I've met in the U.S., that is).

1½. Malta

***

WOWWWWWWWWW. My jaw is actually agape at this very moment. No words. The way I'm staring at this picture is the way one would stare at their lover.

1. Italy

***

This is my number one. Mi Amore. Which is why I'm planning a trip here A.S.A.P. (next summer, hopefully). Cause frankly, I've been wanting to go here since I first stuffed my face with spaghetti in my high chair. I know I'm gonna eat up Florence. Can't Wait!

Alright, so I cheated and did more than a Top 5. But really, a Top 60 would be more accurate!

I've Got a Little Feisty in My Blood

The usual first impression that I leave goes as follows (so I'm told): totally sweet, somewhat shy and very amicable.

But don't be fooled.

Everyone that gets to know me learns that I'm a little too feisty. I'm eager to debate, I have strong opinions and, yes, I'll bite. And I won't be changing anytime soon. My dad calls me a driver. He's right. I'm strong-willed and I know the way I'm going, yessir.

And I'm so very proud of it. Because this feistiness, it pumps wildly through my blood.

It makes me think of my Grandma Helen, who despite being eaten alive my Parkinson's and cancer her last few months, never came across as weak or helpless. The flame inside burned passionately, as she'd grab a Budweiser and divulge stories of her glory days in the 1940s, sitting as tall as her fragile body would allow--a strong statue of a woman that I admired.

And I think of my Mom. Who endured years of beating from her first husband, and would try to accept it for the sake of her daughter, my sister. She'd get thrown against the wall, all 110 pounds of her, but she never let him break her; all the while, being thousands of miles away from her home country. She finally fled when she couldn't take it anymore and the bruises didn't foil her escape plan.

And I think of how I was the third attempt for my parents. There were two miscarriages before me, but somehow I held on and was even born six weeks early, itching to get out! Although my heart wasn't fully developed, my lungs were already mature--I was eager to breathe life in the best I could. Being an incubator baby, I even sported a mohawk haircut (so they could put little testers on me)--I was a week-old warrior.

And so this feisty attitude, I won't turn it down. I won't pretend to be dainty all time. If you piss me off, you'll know about it.

And remember, I warned you that I'm a biter. Don't say I never told you so.

My Perfect Saturday

Ahhhh. You know when you just have one of those great days? As if your lungs have expanded because you've been breathing in life?

Saturday was one of those days. It was a day where we did nothing more but shoot the breeze, take lots of frivolous photos and celebrate Lucille Ball's 100th birthday with some red lips painted on our faces (might as well have painted a constant smile on mine).

Oh wait, you wanna see the photos? Oh okay. Be warned, I said frivolous for a reason...

My chip is bigger than Lainey's; Ummm...flexibility much?; Christian feeding me gelato, and me totally hamming up this picture.

The silliest pictures were a result of us waiting for our friend's salon appointment to finish. When you combine a sunny day, a sense of humor, and a camera, this is what you get:

Notice Christian acting very sneaky...the progression of these shots cracks me up...

Where are your hands going, Christian?

HIGHLY INAPPROPRIATE :)

After our scandalous photo shoot (there are more dorky photos I refuse to show), we decided to wander over to a cafe, naturally. Good thing we were in Little Italy and I was in the mood for a cappuccino.

I was loving the indulgence. Can't wait to one day indulge in real Italy.

We returned to the salon to find that our friend was finally finished. That's when Shakira came on the salon's radio. When Shakira plays, you can do one of two things: 1. Pretend that you are nonchalant and sit in your chair, or 2. Let the beat take you over and have a dance party.

We chose the later.

Bethany and I are actually shimmying here. The only way to tell is to look at my key necklace.

Sadie, the hairdresser, teaching the girls how to shake their hips.

I love it when I capture candids when no one realizes ;)

Dancing in salons works up an appetite, so next we devoured a meal in the heart of Old Town. Afterwards, I stumbled upon a divine sign:

How convenient! I've been looking for those.

No, you dork. Not imaginary swords, there are real ones if you follow the arrow!

The sword shop had every sword imaginable, and even some weapons I'm pretty sure are illegal in the U.S.; maybe that's why I wasn't allowed to take photos...hmmm...

We ended this perfect day with a I Love Lucy marathon, and I was complete. It was all a reminder that it doesn't matter where you are or what you are doing; rather, it's completely about who you're with.

So won't you join me next time?

Music Challenge, Day 18: A Song That You Wish You Heard On the Radio

ROBYN!

I picked this little fembot powerhouse dragon slayer (all appropriate words to describe her) because she'd do quite well on the radio. But for some odd reason, she's not getting played. Makes me question what exactly drives the top 40 to the top 40. Hmmm...

But I digress.

If you're in a dancing mood, play a few of these tracks, and you will be transported to another dimension. Just wear some kind of protection (like armor), this little Swede packs a major punch.

Some of my favorites, accompanied by favorite lyrics from the song:

1. Hang With Me

"But don't fall recklessly, headlessly in love with me, cause it's gonna be/ all heartbreak, blissfully painful and insanity, if we agree...you can hang with me."

2. Indestructible (this video is NOT very suitable for work!)

"And I never was smart with love/ I let the bad ones in and the good ones go..."

3. Call Your Girlfriend

"You tell her that the only way her heart will mend is when she learns to love again/ and it won't make sense right now, but you're still her friend."

4. Be Mine

"There's a moment to seize/ every time that we meet/ but you always keep passing me by/ No, you never were and never will be mine."

Oh, and did I mention that Robyn held my hand when I went to see her in concert? Yeah. I'm special.

The Challenge so far:

day 01 - your favorite song

day 02 - your least favorite song

day 03 - a song that makes you happy

day 04 - a song that makes you sad

day 05 - a song that reminds you of someone

day 06 - a song that reminds you of somewhere

day 07 - a song that reminds you of a certain event

day 08 - a song that you know all the words to

day 09 - a song that you can dance to

day 10 - a song that makes you fall asleep

day 11 - a song from your favorite band

day 12 - a song from a band you hate

day 13 - a song that is a guilty pleasure

day 14 - a song that nobody would expect you to love

day 15 - a song that describes you

day 16 - a song that you used to love but now hate
day 17 - a song that you hear often on the radio

Perfectly Acceptable Ashley

It's acceptable:

• to have a Curious George stuffed animal sitting on your dashboard. I'm a grown-up. And every time my dad sits in my passenger seat he says, "That little shit head is staring at me!" ha.

• to be a *little* excited that new Beavis and Butthead episodes are coming out. Say whaaaaa? Maybe because it reminds me of the good ol' days of being in 5th grade and sneaking to watch MTV when my parents weren't looking.
  

It's NOT acceptable:

• to stay in your apartment after suspecting a gas leak, because we thought, "Oh well it's too late to call anyone, so we'll just brave it and keep the windows open." I did check to see if Lainey was still breathing the next day, because I'm sweet. Apparently it's smart to LEAVE the premises when even SUSPECTING a gas leak. Soooo, yeah. Probably the dumbest thing I have ever done...and I'm sharing it with you fine people! Lainey and I were laughing for over an hour, thinking about HOW DUMB WE WERE.

(don't judge me)

*hangs head*

Ashley Jay's Pieces of Wisdom (at 26)

The only reason I'm writing this is because I want to look back one day and see what I figured out about life up to this point. Maybe I will do another one when I am 34. Then 52. Will I have this blog that long? Who the hell knows? All I know is I'm going to pick random ages...because it's fun.

So, onto what I know about life, thus far:

1. Don't name your kid an overly common name, like Ashley. It gets rather annoying.
2. Stay away from charming men (don't think I've learned my lesson just yet).
3. The less make-up one wears, the more and more beautiful she begins to feel. I'm really starting to figure this one out.
4. Red wine has magical powers.
5. The answer is forgiveness, every time.
   
6. I know I will finally feel real love when I hold my first child. None of this romantic nonsense really does it for me.
7. There will come a time when I am less bitter about love. We go through phases in life, I've come to accept.
8. Traveling may be the remedy to all the wars and misunderstandings in this world. Learning about other cultures has taught me more than a 4-year degree ever could.
9. Being a twenty-something is certainly not as fabulous as it's made up to be. I don't think I've ever been more confused!
10. Oceans and seas are mighty healing.It's like being in the womb.
    
11. Praying makes a difference.
12. Peanut butter and chocolate (especially combined) can turn your day around.
13. In the end, just give me my family and dear friends.
14. The hunger for money is insatiable. Beware of living that life.
15. Don't let fear rule your thoughts, learn how to just go for it!
16. Adversely, know when to not go for it. Sometimes no is the answer.
17. Diets are a joke.
18. Purple is the greatest color in the whole of the universe.
19. Make sure to wake up each morning and thank God you are alive.

Of course, I'm pretending to know some things about life, which is laughable.

Feel free, dear readers, to add. Your life advice? Do tell.

You're Stranded on an Island...

My co-worker, Michael, likes to ask me ridiculous questions at work to bide the time. So, in true office tradition, he asked me "Ok, if you were stranded on an island, what three things would you bring with you?" with the side note of, "And you can't bring a man."

Before answering, I asked, "Okay, do I have a supply of water?" The answer was yes, you have all the food and water you need to survive.

So, then I could proceed with my answers:

1. Books to read.
2. A volleyball.
3. Chocolate.

To which Michael replied, "Don't you want internet connection instead of books?

"No, not particularly."

"Why the volleyball?"

"I'll need a friend...just like Tom Hanks did."

"But you didn't say anything that will help you get off the island."

"Why am I getting off the island?" I asked, to which he just stared at me.

Conclusions from this interaction:

1. I question everything. Before answering the question, I answered with a question.
2. I didn't even think of getting off the island. Maybe this is a sign that I need a vacation.
3. I'm not-so-novel with my answers. I'm not particularly clever. But I know what I want.
4. I can't live without chocolate.

Yeah, that sums it up. So who's living on the island with me?

Music Challenge, Day 17: A Song That You Hear Often on the Radio

Haven't you noticed that Adele is EVERYWHERE this year?

The reason is obvious to me: she is a shining example of the way music used to be. A time when Ella Fitzgerald was singing in smokey bars, Lena Horne was lighting up the screen and Billie Holiday was bringing. it. home.

I don't pretend to know terribly much about the big band era, but I do know good music when I hear it.

Flash forward to the new millennium, and you'll find that most of our famous singers cannot actually sing. In a robotic shift the world seems to be adopting, auto tuners have infiltrated the air waves. It's disgusting to me that we've gotten to this point.

And then came Adele.

It's no wonder her second album shot straight to number one, and all of her shows are sold out. People are craving real music.

So here's to a song that is a bit overplayed, but oh-so-appreciated:

The Challenge so far:

day 01 - your favorite song

day 02 - your least favorite song

day 03 - a song that makes you happy

day 04 - a song that makes you sad

day 05 - a song that reminds you of someone

day 06 - a song that reminds you of somewhere

day 07 - a song that reminds you of a certain event

day 08 - a song that you know all the words to

day 09 - a song that you can dance to

day 10 - a song that makes you fall asleep

day 11 - a song from your favorite band

day 12 - a song from a band you hate

day 13 - a song that is a guilty pleasure

day 14 - a song that nobody would expect you to love

day 15 - a song that describes you

day 16 - a song that you used to love but now hate