daisy of the galaxy

My "How To" for the day

2012-01-08T15:01:00.000-08:00

I'll be 28 in a few weeks. I'm not one of those people that will cry and get really upset when people don't tell me happy birthday. I mean, yes. It's nice and makes me feel happy when my birthday is acknowledged. I admit it. But I'm not going to go stab your picture if you forget. I just love any reason to eat, have a party and just hang out. So this leads me to the "How To" of today. Today's "How To" is...how to throw yourself a surprise party!! Whoopee!

So I've thrown this idea around in my mind...ya know. Would people think it was weird if I, me, Ashley, sent out invitations to my own surprise birthday party. I mean, really, how awkward would that be for them. I'm awkward anyway, and I can handle myself. But others sometimes don't know how to react. "Hey, I just got an invitation to Ashley's birthday party. She invited us to her own birthday party. And it's a surprise. I'm so confused." As will most people be. We are celebrating the moment when I was pushed out of my mother. How much more awkward can you get?

The reasons why I will throw myself a surprise party:

It's a totally fantastic idea that no one in the history of birthdays has ever pulled off. I mean, I've never met every person that was ever born. Could you imagine? I would be asking SO many questions like...what was it like wearing a corset AND pantiloons? Did your toga ever accidently fall off? Did you ever help build a cathedral or almost die of the black plague? See? So many questions so it's probably best that I've never met everyone, though maybe there was someone who had my same idea.
People would marvel at my wonderful acting skills when I fake my surprise face or marvel at my ability to outwit myself.
I get to choose what's on the menu.
I get to invite whoever I want.
I can make it a theme party because dressing up is one of my most favorite things to do.

So, how do I go about doing this? This is where I get the opportunity to outwit myself. I have no idea how to surprise myself. Any thoughts?

Moving on to my 2012 trip to who knows where. I think my friend Anna is going to come with me for a full week. She's up for whatever. We are for sure going to Paris, and I would like to go to Portugal again. I really miss the pastries, and I want steak, and the hostel was so much fun, and I want a painting from these Russian peeps, and I want to go to Sintra the fairytale land. So yes, I am repeating a country but who cares. Paris will be fun with a girlfriend instead of solo. There are just some places where it would be kind of lonely going by yourself. Like Barcelona was last year. So I do hope Anna can come with me!! And let's hope I save enough money.

To end this post, I shall share my favorite thing: TRIVIA. I love facts that make me think or laugh. Did you know...that a cat will clean itself with paws and tongue after a dangerous experience or when it has fought with another cat? This is believed to be an attempt by the animal to soothe its nerves by doing something natural and instinctive. I feel that humans do that as well except we use a loofa and body wash. Agree?

Go cleanse yourself, listen to Irish music, and get ready for my surprise birthday party!!!

Sad day in Spanish 3rd Even

2011-12-06T21:08:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite students left me. Yep up and left me to move to where? LOUISIANA. I'm trying not to be a hater but an appreciater, but it's not working at the moment. Carlos was the type of student who was always suspended, but somehow we connected. He had a B in my class which was probably the only B he's ever had. He truly was my favorite and the other students knew it. But it was different with him. I caught him cheating twice. He flat out was staring at another student's test. I'm like, "Dude! Hello...I see you. Fail with dignity." Then Carlos said, "Well I would if I knew what it was!"

That's when we bonded. He was spunky and could put up with my sarcastic comments because he knew I loved him. I love all of my students, but I have a yearning for Carlos to succeed more so than some of my others. I have faith that many of my kids will get into colleges and have successful jobs, but some of them like Carlos need the assurance from parents and teachers. I'm not sure he was getting that at home or at school.

I'm typing this, boo hooing (and listening to Irish music), and I think it's because I'm scared for him. I want him to be in my environment because I know that I would smother him with encouragement. I hope to goodness he gets it because he wants to do well. Why do the good ones always get plucked from me?? Tell me why baby why baby why baby why? I mean ya'll. Who's going to tell me that I sing "brutaful"? Bless that child. Pray for him that he will grow wherever in Louisiana they move. I've never been more attached to a class in such emotional ways. They are so special to me. Maybe this Irish music is making me extra weepy. You know...I love Irish music. I L.O.V.E. "Danny Boy". Classic Irish song for me...an Irish American :)

Irish music and nuns are my interest right now

2011-12-05T21:07:00.000-08:00

So I've always thought I was born into the wrong family. Don't get me wrong. I love my family...but I just wished they played the tin whistle and picked wildflowers in the meadow. Ya know? So I've always had an Irish fetish--music, movies, bands. Even my penpal, Donna Jean Dempsey, was from Dublin. We wrote for 8 years until college became too important for overseas friends. So as I sit here listening to Irish music and dreaming of green rolling hills and sheep and the island of Roan Inish, I have decided Ireland will be my next overseas venture. I shall see the family that really isn't mine, and I will talk to them using the few Irish Gaelic words I know.

I'm supposed to making a test out right now, but that's not going so well. I have big dreams of reading books over Christmas. I can't wait! My library is saying, "Read me you fool! You've been away tooooo long." Fear not, fair lass...I'm coming. So I was thinking the other day, "Wouldn't I be 10 times cooler if I could speak French?" My mind said, "Yes, your cool factor would boost and more people would stare at you strangely whilst you make fake telephone calls in French." So I decided, then and there, to learn French...wait for it...through song. YES! That's right. I got XM radio free over Thanksgiving weekend and the song, "Dominique" came on by the singing nun. It was a smashing hit in 1963. I downloaded it on ITunes and my French lessons started promptly. I love nuns. She's awesome. I felt like we would've been friends. Ya know on the swim team playing Marco Polo. She'd let me find her and win. That kind of nice, help you self-esteem friend.

I love me some Irish music. I've been planning out my wedding music for my wedding that will never happen. It's going to quite fabulous. I wish you were going to get to hear it.

A little family update: Tela is still pregnant! She'll be 33 weeks on Wednesday. She is still at Baptist in Little Rock. She's as cute as can be. No bigger than an ant hill, but we'll take what we can get. Those boys are feisty. I can't wait to meet them! As always, thank you so much for your continued prayers for Tela, Russell, and the twins as well as for the Jamison family. Thanksgiving wasn't the same without Poppa. I'm so thankful for my huge family to lean on. People say they don't think they could live that close to family. Well let me tell you something--you haven't been around mine. I couldn't live without them. It's times like these when those extra shoulders are needed.

Love love love ya'll! Peace and blessings!

Flashback to freshman year

2011-11-08T21:05:00.000-08:00

Freshman year of college that is. With the whole booger picking/eating incident in my class yesterday, my memories began to flow--the memories about my freshman year suitemate. I have two words for you: pot luck. That should tell you everything you need to know about her. We didn't choose her AT ALL. Now let me set the record straight and say that Lindsey and I loved April, our other suitemate. She happened to go pot luck too. And well, let's just say it wasn't good for any of the parties involved.

This poor girl. Now don't start thinking that we bullied her. We didn't. We might have laughed at her on occasion, but please don't hold that against us. She was a special girl; she was addicted to the television. I mean that literally. She would go into a trance and wouldn't even blink her eyes. Lindsey and I would find her in our room when we'd walk in from class, crouched down watching the tv. We called our parents and complained, but no. They didn't believe us. She loved cafeteria take out. She loved it so much she would leave her take-out boxes in the room for several days causing a mighty stench and flies to circle around. I remember April bought fans and clipped dryer sheets to them to help combat the smell.

We dealt with all of this for months until finally we put a stop to it. Our parents still didn't believe we were living with a smelly tv addict. So we took matters into our own hands...or maybe I should say into our own camcorder. With this tv addiction came the trances. She would't know if there was a tornado outside because she's be so enthralled in the tv. So we decided to record her for our parents. We sat the camcorder directly on top of the tv and positioned it to where she always stood. She came in after a three hour conversation with her grandmother (in which she spoke in the third person about herself), and the trance began. She stayed for about 10 or so minutes then left. Mind you, this was around 2 in the morning. Lindsey and I watch the video and low and behold we see our suitemate pick her nose and eat her boogers not once but TWICE! She then proceeded to clean out her fingernails...with her teeth.

Grotesque. I know. I lived with that. But don't worry fair friends. When our parents saw the video, they realized we were living in a poor hygienic state. We found a new roommate for this poor girl, and we then became a suite of three. Then we all lived happily ever after.

And did I mention that on the second day of school when I was still terribly homesick she used my brand new washcloth that I'd received for graduation to wipe her fecal matter?

I'm back if only for a brief spell

2011-11-06T19:22:00.000-08:00

Poppa, Granny, and me 2009

Stress is so underrated. My blood pressure is surprisingly low (102/60) for the month that I and my family have experienced. I know all families experience death and babies wanting to come out too soon, but it feels like we are going through this all by ourselves. October 13th we lost Poppa. I won't write a lot about that because it won't do him justice. I think he took one of my arteries with him because my heart is constantly hurting. It's times like these that make me want to move back to Jamison Road. I just want to be close to family...all of my family. And then my cousin Tela wanted to spice things up even more. Her twin boys are wanting to come out to play, but they are only 28 weeks. I'm going to be selfish and say that I am secretly glad she's here. I've missed her terribly, and we've gotten to spend lots of quality time together. For that I'm thankful. Now if we can just continue to keep those little toots in there!

Sometimes I wish I was on the TV show "Glee" so I could express myself in song without looking like a looney. I mean, I do express myself in song but with a price. My go-to girl has been Belgium singer/songwriter Agnes Obel. She's PHENOMENAL. I want her voice and her Princess Leia hairdo.

Agnes Obel and Harry Potter's owl, Hedwig (with a dye job).

I've read a couple of books. One was about a dog. I wanted to vomit because dogs are not on the top of my "I really love" list, but I pulled through. The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein is about life through a dog's life. It was pretty good--a very easy read.

Then there was Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt. Ooh child, I LOVED this one! It's non-fiction but reads like a fiction. Berendt really draws you into each character and develops each perfectly. Now I need to watch the movie. I've become so enthralled in Jim Williams and the murder that I've done my own personal research project. I know...I'm quite the intellectual. It also makes me want to go to a cemetery. I used to do that in college. One of my favorites was off Moore Street in Searcy. It was so old and had so much history. I loved reading the epitaphs. It's just weird to think that I'm reading about an actual person that may have done exactly what I was doing at that moment--discovering a person.

School is fantastic. My kids are gifts to me. I cannot thank the Lord enough for giving them to me. No more nausea all day every day.

Seven years ago today

2011-09-22T18:54:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, September 22, 2004

"This is my first journal entry in my first diary ever! Yay! Audra and I ate at Mi Pueblito before Hart church. We asked the nice Backyard Burger man, Phil, to church. He didn't come but gave us his number so we cold call him next week. But we won't. We heard he exposed himself to some girls (supposedly) so I'll just not ask him.

After church, Audra and I went for a walk. Right in front of Harding Academy, we saw a naked man. Penis and all. He was standing by a tree. He was just standing there silent, not even moving. We couldn't see his face because he was standing where his face was in the shadows. After we realized what was happening, ya know, that a naked man and his parts were standing there, we ran to the nearest apartments and yelled for help. I've never out run Audra in all my life, but I sure did tonight. We turned around and saw the naked man streaking across the street, get in an unlicensed silver car and peeled out. We reported it to Harding security, Dean Huckeba and the Searcy Police (they laughed in our faces). Now isn't that the weirdest story ever?!"

Anyone remember that story?

Things on my mind at the EXACT moment in time

2011-09-21T19:47:00.000-07:00

1. I’ve eaten so badly this week. And I wonder why I can’t fit into my pants. I have no idea how chocolate sauce just magically appears in the bowl in my hand. No idea. The banana under the chocolate sauce counteracts the butter, sugar, and (get ready for it) ~~skim milk~~ heavy whipping cream. Whoa Sally. Whoa donut ring on my belly. How in the world did you get there?

2. How I wish it would be light outside at 5:45 in the morning so I could go running. I did it for two weeks, but I have now stopped for two reasons. The first is my paranoia that someone will attack me because it’s dark and no one will know because I’m all by my lonesome. I wonder where that fear came from… The second is I am clumsy and sometimes trip. A girl in my book club fell running and fractured her elbow. I can just imagine myself walking back home, crying, with a bone hanging out of my arm.

3. The dream I had last night that my gap in my front teeth had returned. What a nightmare.

4. If I practiced Jainism, it would be kind of acceptable to walk around completely naked. Hhhhmmmm……………

5. It's strange that I suddenly appeared on a new television series last night. I suddenly got popular today and received texts from everyone about how the girl on the new show "New Girl" is just like you. In fact, she is you. No lie. So I watched it. And...I laughed. And...it's true. It felt like an out-of-body experience, except that I was in my body watching another body. Ya know?

Those are my thoughts. Sometimes folks, there are times when I think more than one thing. That's called mulitasking.

Summer reads

2011-08-18T19:05:00.000-07:00

So here's what I read over the summer:

Little Bee by Chris Cleave is AMAZING! This really opened my eyes to the problems in Africa. Yes, I know there are problems, but this book really sheds light on those situations there. It is very graphic in sections so prepare yourself for that. But hey...it's real and that's why you should read it. Read more about this book here.

I just found out there was a movie made from this book. Good to know. I read this while in Europe, and it took me a while...because I was in Europe. Who wants to read? It is an extremely quick read though and quite interesting. I learned so much about the Chinese culture. Read here for more info.

To be honest, I was not looking forward to reading this book for book club. I get the audio book from the library and was blown away. I thought this was a great piece of literature. And ya'll, I'm going to confess my ignorance--I thought Frank Lloyd Wright was one of the Wright brothers that invented airplanes. WRONG. He was an architect. Who knew...Anyway, this book tells of the love affair between Frank and Mamah. It was such a scandal in the early 1900s. If I'm being Frank with you (no pun intended), it would even be a huge scandal now. I loved picturing myself back then and reading about this in the papers. And the end was totally unexpected. Please don't read it first whatever you do. Read more about this book here.

If I had to choose a favorite, it was be this book. It's like reading the script of Gossip Girl--so deliciously good! It is about a prep school, but I recommend it for any age. It's a quick read because you can't put it down. Read more here.

Ok, so I didn't read as many books as I wanted. I have a great excuse though: globtrotting :).

Confliction and a revelation

2011-08-16T19:58:00.000-07:00

So, the first two days of school have come and gone, and the tears have been flowing. But they are not for reasons you think. I have such a fantastic group of kids and for that I count my blessings. This has been weighing heavy on me since school started yesterday. Sometimes students come in with the big head, and I can already tell what kind of students they are going to be. A girl came in with an attitude; played the right way we might get along. It was still too early to tell. We are going through the syllabus, I see some students getting sleepy so I begin to call on random students to read from the syllabus. I call on this one girl, the one with the 'tude, and she looked at me quizzically. I thought she wasn't paying attention so I directed her to the appropriate bullet on the syllabus. She reads the sentence, and we move on. A few minutes later, she raises her hand and asks, "Can I talk to you outside?" I said, "Sure thing. Is it something that needs to be discussed at this moment?" She said, "No, it can wait." She is very participatory in class and outspoken. Maybe I was wrong about her; maybe we will get along.

The bell rings. She is walking out so I yell to her to come back. I asked her what she needed to speak to me about, and she said (looking down to the floor), "Will you not call on me to read in class?" I asked why and she said, "The other kids make fun of me because I can't say some of the words." So I asked if she stuttered and then went on to explain that I used to stutter as well. She said, "No, I have trouble reading." I said that I would talk to the literacy coach. My first impression was shock. For a tenth grade girl to have willingly admitted that was beyond my comprehension because most girls at that age are embarrassed just to be wearing a shirt from Wal-Mart. My second thought was that she was lying to me to get out of reading in class. I can't help that thought. After teaching the juniors and seniors last year, they lied to me left and right about everything. It's sad I can't trust my students.

I thought about that all last night, and I decided to talk to the literacy coach today. We checked her literacy and benchmark scores. She was reading on a 4th grade reading level and tested below basic in literacy on the benchmark. My heart dropped. The literacy coach goes on to tell me that she is one of the hardest workers and strives to do well. She has, in fact, improved throughout the years. She is still on a 4th grade reading level however. It's no wonder she gave me a funny look when I asked her to read. That was at 10:30 this morning. I thought about her ALL DAY LONG. Yes, there are many students that can't read well and that read on extremely low levels, but something about this girl's brutal honesty hit hard. I got home and just sobbed. This is a situation where I feel so helpless. I want to help this sweet girl, but I have no idea how. How am I to teach her Spanish when it's difficult for her to learn her native language? And think of the guts she has to come and talk to me about that. I cried for her today. I have cried to my neighbor about it, and I have talked to God about it. Prayer sends clarity, but sometimes it's not right away.

I think about her and wonder if her other classes are a safe haven for her. Students can be so cruel. I want to hug her and protect her and tell her, "Yes, you can do it!" And I will because that's all I know to do. I will create that safe place for her. I will worry about her and her success. It just hurts me because she works so hard. She asks for help and wants to learn. That's where I'm having the biggest issue. I'm so blessed, and I am thankful yet it has ruined my perception. I didn't have trouble in school. I had parents who read to me. I have such confliction inside of me, and I am torn up. Pray that I have clarity on how to help this willing girl, and pray that she and other students in her same predicament succeed. Even if success is just reading that one challenging sentence, pray that they have that success.

It's these moments in my career that I realize that this is what I am supposed to do forever. And I had the revelation today that I am meant to be in public school. Students like her keep me humble and allow me to remember everything I have. I can read. What a gift in itself. They have NO idea they help me in life. No idea. Remember to think about these precious souls, even the ones who drive us crazy, as you are reading your magazine or book tomorrow. Be thankful.

Happy thoughts

2011-08-06T06:02:00.001-07:00

Today marks the one year anniversary of PawPaw's death. I think about PawPaw all the time, and today will be another day devoted to thoughts of him--how influencing he was as a Christian and how he changed so many lives through ways of adoption. I will remember his contagious laugh and the twinkle in his eye. I will remember times like this: I went to visit Grandmother and PawPaw in June before he died. I made them two loaves of strawberry bread so they would have something to eat on for a while. He was eating the strawberry bread and said, "I like zucchini bread better." I looked at him with a "Well don't be honest or anything" look and we both just broke out in laughter. I saw it--that twinkle. And I heard that laugh. Doesn't that make you happy? I think about that time often, and I think about how good I had it.

We all have people we love and miss. Think of a happy memory today.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Chocolate Gravy recipe

2011-08-01T17:28:00.000-07:00

For those who have asked, here you go. Enjoy and let me know how it turns out for you!

In a skillet or large saucepan, mix:

1/2 cup butter, melted
4 tbsp flour
4 tbsp cocoa

Add:
1 cup sugar
2 cups milk
1 tsp vanilla

Cook on medium heat until thick, stirring often. I serve mine with homemade biscuits, but I'm sure it would be good as a croissant filling or on a scone. It makes a lot but is excellent reheated!

Southern women are different. That's a fact.

2011-08-01T17:18:00.000-07:00

My friend, Caroline, introduced me to a magazine called Gardens and Gun. She said there was an article in there that reminded her a lot of me, and she insisted I read it. So I did, and I will say there were parts of it that definitely screamed "Ashley!". You know, until you go out of the south, you don't realize how blessed southern women are. We have it all--beauty (I'm not trying to sound vain), hospitality, ability to cook, and respect for ourselves and others. The list could go on and on. Here is an excerpt from the article that really hit home:

               "To be made a Southern woman is to be made aware of your distinctiveness. The expectations. Which is why even the girls in the trailer parks paint their nails. And why you will never see Reese Witherspoon wearing sweatpants. Being Southern means handwritten thank-you notes, using a rhino horn's worth of salt in every recipe, and never leaving the house with wet hair. Not even in the case of fire. Because wet hair is low-rent. It shows you don't care, and not caring is not something Southern women do, at least when it comes to our hair. This is less about vanity than self-respect, a crucial distinction often lost on non-southerners. Side note: Southern women do not capitalize on their looks to snag men, though that often results. The reason we Southern women take care of ourselves is because, simply, Southern women are caretakers.
                An example: I have lived in the North for 15 years. In all that time, only once did another woman prepare me a home-cooked meal (and she was from Florida). I recently visited Tennessee for one week and was fed by no fewer than three women. Southern women are willing to give and listen. Southern women are also a proud lot. In any setting, at home or abroad, Southern women declare themselves [Well, you know what they say about us Arkansas girls...].
               Southern women know how to bake a funeral casserole and why you should. Southern women know how to make other women feel pretty. Southern women like men and allow them to stay men. Southern women know that manners count and that your mother deserves a phone call every Sunday. Southern women can say more with a cut of their eyes than a whole debate club's worth of speeches. Which brings us to what can only be called: the Baby Thing. Southern women love babies. We love them so much we grab their chubby thighs and pretend to eat them alive. This is not the case in the North or the West or the middle bit. I grew up, like all Southern girls, babysitting as soon as I was old enough to tie my own shoes. I was raised to understand that taking care of children was as natural and inevitable as sneezing. I was also taught that your children are not supposed to be your best friends. Southern women do not spend a lick of time worrying about whether or not their kids are mad at them, which might explain why there are rarely any Southern kids acting a fool and running wild around the Cracker Barrel.
                I want my children to know how to make biscuits. And to not feel bad about eating a whole heaping plate of them. "

You're asking, "Wow Ashtray! Did you type out the entire article?" No, I didn't. But I encourage you to go get this magazine. It makes me proud to say I am a pure-bred Southern woman.

So it looks like I'm headed to NYC on Wednesday!! My friend Jillian is apartment sitting in Manhattan and her mother very graciously paid for my ticket with her airline miles. Can you believe how blessed I am? I don't want to stop traveling, but...I have a job. I'm flying to Dallas tomorrow night, staying with Jillian's mom, and flying out to NYC Wednesday morning. I CAN'T wait!!!! I've been packed for two days...literally.

Another bit of good news is that I'll be at east campus full-time this year AND I get my own classroom! I can't wait to finally feel settled somewhere. I'll have a busy week of preparation when I return from NYC. I hope you all have been as blessed as I have been this summer. Please continue to pray for Aunt Tricia. Even rockstars like her need prayers :).

Peace and Blessings!

30 by 30

2011-07-28T08:55:00.000-07:00

Let's see how I've done the past 6 months!!

snow ski (I'm terrifed of dying)
Go to Hawaii
ride in a helicopter
~~go to a nude beach~~
parasail in the ocean
run a 5K
serve in a food kitchen
do a Bible study in a prison
Buy a tahoe
pay off student loans
~~backpack through Europe~~
lose three inches off entire body
play a song on the guitar (at least one but no wishful thinking)
fly fish
shoot and clean a deer
dive off a diving board without holding my nose
watch the mini series Pillars of the Earth and The Tudors
Date outside of type (someone with a tattoo or piercing)
Get a Macbook
Drive a really expensive car (one that turns heads) Note I didn't say own. I will probably have to rent it.
~~Study at a language school in Spain~~
body wrap
see Dave Barnes, Matt Nathanson, Ingrid Michaelson, Joshua Radin, Amos Lee, and/or Ben Harper live in concert
~~stay in a hostel~~
ride in a hotair balloon
play tennis (on the most basic level--that means having contact between racquet and ball which might be impossible for me)
go to California
go to Jackson Hole, WY
go to a dude ranch
rock climb

I've knocked a few off the list!

Aunt Tricia update

2011-07-26T10:30:00.000-07:00

My aunt got the results back from her PET scan today. The lymph nodes did show up as positive on the PET. However, they are too small to biopsy, and the doctor won't do anything without a biopsy. He wants her to come back in five weeks for another scan. Both breast and pancreatic tumor markers are normal. Dr. Tauer suspects it to be breast cancer that has become resistant to the herceptin, the drug she is taking for breast cancer. He is encouraged by the normal tumor markers though, and he said it could be something benign. Please keep praying for her! You can follow Callie's (my cousin) blog here.

Millions of peaches, peaches for me

2011-07-25T08:32:00.000-07:00

Remember that song by the band The Presidents of the United States of America called "Peaches"? Well, that was the theme song this weekend. I took five girls home to Nashville to put up peaches. It was a busy but very entertaining weekend.

We canned 45 jars and put up some to freeze.

We got there Friday around 3:15, and then hopped back into the car to go see my cousin Tela's house in Saratoga. The house looks amazing! I can't wait to see it finished. Tela and Russell are expecting twins in January so that makes it way more exciting! Then we went back home and started supper. I cooked fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, fried okra (from Dad's garden), cream corn (from Poppa's garden), and we did a salad. It was greasy and good! Mom made mocha cheesecake for dessert, so we devoured some of that. Then it was bedtime.

Of course I didn't sleep a wink. I just don't sleep well with people, AND if there is a sound (the fan making noise) I follow it the whole night. Needless to say, I was pooped before the day even started. For breakfast, we had homemade cinnamon rolls with cream cheese icing and fresh fruit (that's the healthy part!). Then the fun began! We peeled, chopped and cooked those peaches up! I was more of the teacher this year, and I coached from the side. They all made beautiful preserves. We got seven jars each. Not bad at all.

For an afternoon break, Dad took us all to the Coke plant to see the museum. I hadn't even been yet, so I was excited. It was so cool to see 100 years of memorabilia, some of it I hadn't seen before. There was an actual Model T Ford that we had to snap a picture in. We also posed on the forklift and in an empty semi truck. We could be the new Coca Cola spokesmodels. I can't wait to sign my contract. Granny and Poppa came over for supper. Dad grilled chicken, I made squash medley, and a Greek salad.

The Model T Ford

A little pose in an empty Coke truck.

Then the real cooking began. I made peach fried pies with the help of Mom and Dad. Granny gave me her sister's recipe. Dad rolled out the dough (I was shocked too), and Mom flipped pies while I filled them and crimped them. I loved spending that time with my parents. That's one of those things I'll always remember, ya know? The pies turned out great! It needs a little more of "something", but I'm not sure what that is yet. Dad says it needs more salt in the crust, so I'll try that next time. I've got to perfect them before I open my bakery; those will be a necessity.

It was a great weekend! I can't wait until next year. Who's coming?!

Let me backtrack to July 17...I went to visit Jonathan, Meredith, and Chandler Bryan. It was such a great visit! Chandler is the sweetest little girl, and she's so active. She took her first steps while I was there, so of course that filled my heart. I was scared she wouldn't let me hold her, but we quickly bonded. Oh yes. Two peas in a pod we are. And Mer and Jon are such loving parents. It's an out of body experience watching your friends with a child. It's an awesome feeling. I was sad to leave on Thursday; I wanted to take them with me.

Sweet Chandler

Chandler walking!

This is what I found on the day I left. She almost did go with me.

My next post will be London...and I have video footage. YES!

The Good, the Bad, and the Not So Pretty

2011-07-21T21:00:00.000-07:00

Hey ya'll. So since my trip, I haven't been inspired to write. It left me feeling incomplete in the sense that I didn't spend the time I needed to over there. It's not that I'm unhappy here because that isn't the case at all. I just need to spend more time rolling around in God's creation because ya'll, it is breath-taking. I'll go back next summer. FOR SURE. If you haven't figured out by now, I am writing again. Something obviously inspired me, so I will share that with you.

Let's start with the ~~ugly~~ or the uh....
The Not So Pretty

My Aunt Tricia who has battled cancer three times had to go in for a pet scan today due to swollen lymph nodes around her original breast cancer site. We won't know the results until Tuesday when Dr. Tauer returns to the office. I ask for diligent prayers on her behalf. You can read more about this on my cousin's blog Mostly Sweet

The Bad

School starts back for teachers August 8. Why?! Why can't we have until September?! I BEG YOU wonderful state department.
I was at dinner last night with my friends Annesley and Meredith. We went to a restaurant called Sangria and ordered different kinds of tapas. I was eating one of my favorite tapas that I had often in Spain and the tears began to flow. I miss Spain and the food and the people and the culture and outside cafes where the heat doesn't melt you.

The Good

I just got back from a wonderful visit with Meredith, Jonathan and baby Chandler. It's always hard to say goodbye to those you love!
I leave tomorrow for Nashville, AR with a group of wonderful girls for our 2nd annual peach weekend. Unfortunately, there may not be any ripe peaches but that won't stop us from having a fun time. That's fo sho. The menu for this weekend is yummy and heart-clogging. You don't want to miss it!
I still have to update you on London, so yay for me for getting to reminisce some more!! For those of you that could care less, go clip your nose hairs. That will be your intermission. London will be in a separate post fo schnizzel.

Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Barcelona

2011-06-27T12:10:00.001-07:00

Remember that song called, "Barcelona" by Jewel? I won't be held back. I won't be held down. I will lead with my faith. Hold me, release me, show me the meaning of mercy let me loose. Fly, fly, let me fly.

That's one of my favorite songs by Jewel because it's seems I'm always wanting to fly to different places. Today has been a great day in Barcelona. I was sad to leave my new friends in Mallorca but hopefully one day we can meet again. I woke up ready to shop today. I literally have shopped all day. Funny story...in Zara In the dressing room, this young American girl (I could tell she was American by Her horrible Spanish accent) asked me in Spanish if I liked her shoes. When I didn't answer within the first second (I was still processing the horrid accent), she repeats the question loudly and slowly as Americans often do to foreigners. I said, "Just speak English." She said, OMG! You look so foreign!" I was thinking, "Oh! Thank you! But...you sound like a valley girl. It's now 8:30 pm, and I'm sitting out on the terrace watching people on La Rambla--the main street in barcelona where all the people are. It has a very pedestrian feel since cars can't drive down the center. People are showing their talents on the side of the sidewalk wanting you to give them money. Thieves are at work trying to steal people's stuff. You know, today I almost got pick-pocketed. I say almost only because I had nothing in my pocket for her to steal. But her scrawny hand definitely reached into my skirt pocket to check. What a poor, pathetic mousy girl. I gave her a look of death, and I might add I was a head taller than she was. I also saw an old man going around to every pay phone check to see if there was money. Ahhhhh! The joys of people watching!

I did some damage at zara, mango and bershka. Let's hope I can fit it all in my backpack :). I ate breakfast at the hotel. A hardboiled egg, two pieces of ciabatta bread smothered in butter (of course), and mounds of fruit. I will talk more about the awesomeness of my hotel later. I shopped then took a break for lunch around 2:00. I took Rick Steves' suggestion and tried Restaurant Elisabets. It took me a while to find it. It wasn't on a main road, so when that happens I just go with God and hope He leads me in the right direction. He never fails. They have a lunch special for €11 (around $16) that includes an appetizer, main dish, dessert, bread, and drink. I thought that was pretty dandy. I got canalones with beef, grilled beef with French fries, cut up strawberries for dessert, and water. The beef was extremely fatty. My dad would have loved it. What little I could eat of it had a wonderful flavor.

I then walked down unknown territory to discover new things. I walked down one street then up another until WHOA! There is the cathedral of Barcelona. It was beautiful in it's gothic architectural style. I'd never seen a true gothic style before so this was fascinating. What a nice, large find on my walk! I knew then that I was in the Barri Gothic or gothic neighborhood of Barcelona. This is where the cool old buildings are. This is my kind of stuff right here: cool and old. I could've walked through there all day, but my feet and back were killing me.

I came back to the hotel to rest. Now let me tell you about Hotel Continental. I highly recommend this place to anyone traveling here. I know they have other locations as well. The rooms are great, completely pink I might add, and it's in a great location right on La Rambla close to Plaça de Catalunya. The greatest thing though is the 24 hour food bar. It's got all kinds of fresh bread, butter, and cereals. Their cooks make ravioli, yummy potatoes, rice with veggies...and fruit! Fresh oranges, kiwi, watermelon, honeydew, and pineapple. Drinks include pepsi products (ugh!), water, orange juice, milk, beer, and wine. There is also soft serve ice cream with toppings. All of this is available 24 hours a day and is pretty good. It helps save money!

After resting, I took another Rick Steves' suggestion and went to Fargas--the most famous chocolatier in Barcelona. You walk in and it smells like cocoa. I could sleep in there. I imagine this is how the chocolate factory smelt like for Charlie. I got four pieces for €3.47 ($5.20). Pretty expensive but who cares. Vacay!! I got a cream filled, hazelnut, caramel and toffee, and almond. So rich! My favorite was caramel and toffee. Then I had dinner at the hotel. I'm in for the night. It's sad I can't go out when it's dark; it's not that safe in the daytime.

I failed to mention the highlight of my last night in Mallorca. The band at the one star (that should give you some hint as to how awful they were) sang "Achy Breaky Heart" belting it in their strong Spanish accents and using a tambourin. It was quite lovely and very memorable!

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Do as the Germans do? No, no and no.

2011-06-23T09:53:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was probably my least eventful day. That's fine by me since I came to relax. We had two extra hours of class since class is canceled Friday. After class, I got a manicure. Those of you who know me know that I have the fastest growing and driest cuticles (or as my students say "cruticles") known to man. They were so dry and long that they were catching onto my clothes and bleeding. I found a place in Germantown, and she got the job done for €10 ($15). It was well worth it.

Afterwards I just chilled. Since I can't go in the sun until my burn goes away, I washed clothes. And put on a concert while doing so. It made it way more entertaining. I'm sure I freaked out my neighbors, but hey! When in Mallorca...I had dinner at Cantina Vivaldi which is directly beside my hotel. The two German boys in my class, Thomas and Philipp, have been raving about it so I thought I've give it a shot. I ordered a vegetarian pizza called Pizza de Ortulana (eggplant). It had grilled zucchini, eggplant, and red bell pepper. I usually never choose a food with these items, but this was the only one that didn't contain seafood or olives. It was BUENÍSIMO!! I am so sad I didn't come sooner. I ate the whole pizza except for half a slice. I didn't care if I looked like a cerdo (pig), I was happy inside. I looked down while eating the last piece and saw that my arm had grown 2cm. I stopped eating immediately. If I come back looking like Marie Antoinette, it wasn't the cake that did it. It was the pasta!

Afterwards, Natalie wanted to show me the German district. There are so many Germans here that Germany considers Mallorca their 17th state. She said I wouldn't believe my eyes--she was correct. I had no idea this Sodom and Gomorrah existed. There were men in the streets handing out flyers. Of course I said ,"Danke." When I read and saw what was on the flyers (naked woman), I quickly through it away. One man that Natalie knew stopped us and began talking to Natalie. He saw I looked lost, and I told him I didn't speak German. I told him I was from the USA, and he whispered in my ear, "Can we go have sex later?" I looked at him with a evil smile and said, "Absolutely not." he asked why not and I said that I was waiting until after marriage. "What are you, Muslim or something?" I told him I was Church of Christ. He looked disgusted. What a perv. Anywho, there was this club called Paradise. We didn't go in of course, but in the club the strippers have sex with the men on the stage. Isn't that just dandy? A whirlpool of disease. It like at the fair, "Herpes! Hot off the grill! Get it while it's hot!". Ya know? I think I'll pass on that one. We didn't stay long. It's quite loud and obnoxious after a while. It's good to see German ways.

Today is the Night of Fire festival honoring San Juan. We are talking a bus to Palma where there are more Spanish people. I hope we don't stay out late. I'm already exhausted :). Peace and blessings!

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My world right now

2011-06-21T12:22:00.001-07:00

What a change from the good ol' USA. I am now on the island of Mallorca, but first I want to tell you a little about Lisbon, Portugal. The Lisbon hostel was my favorite hands down. It was homey and comfortable. They also did your laundry for free which made me extremely happy. We did a walking tour of Lisboa (as they call it) and learned a lot about the city. We also learned that the city is one giant hill. I should have nice toned legs after this trip :). We ate at the hostel the first night. The hostel mom cooked: chickpea soup with spinach, codfish with cream, and mango mousse. For €8 it was an awesome deal. Those who have ever traveled en Europe know it is impossible to eat a three course meal for that cheap. We got to know people in the hostel also. After dinner, we sat around the common room. Max, a guy who worked at the hostel, played the guitar and sang. I sang along of course. Then we went to bed around 12:30. I slept like a baby. I mean, come on, we'd been up since 4:00 am.

The next day trained to Belém which is a suburb of Lisbon. We saw a beautiful monastery and the Tower of Belém. It used to be an old watch tower. Of course I spoke in my English accent and took pictures acting like I was a prisoner. Classic Ashley being American and all. You know, a girl that worked at the Lisbon hostel thought I was Italian because of my dark hair and jaw line. And in Mallorca, this woman comes up to me in a frenzy speaking Swedish. I said, "No svenska." finally she understood that I wasn't Swedish. Now that's a nationality I never thought I'd look like. Yah. AND when I sit down in restaurants, they speak to me in Spanish and speak to everyone else in English or German. So yay for looking the part!!

So back to Belém...the Tower was great until you wanted to come down from the top. There was a dark, winding staircase where hardly two people could fit. It took FOR-E-VER!! I thought I was going to have a panic attack. After that experience, we deserved a pastry.

The Pastêis de Belém are so famous, and we wanted to try them out. The restaurant looks so tiny from the outside, but it goes on forever. You can actually watch them making the pastries. There were hundreds laid out ready to serve. José, our tour guide from the previous day, said Rey sell around 60,000 a day. They are €.95 cent euro. We got one each. They are the size of small tarts, and they are served fresh out of the oven. We sprinkled cinnamon and powdered sugar on them. And then it happened...the bite heard round the world. It was the best taste I've ever experienced. The flakiness of the pastry, the perfect texture and sweetness of the custard. It was simply--perfection. I wish I could describe it better for you, but words simply can't do it justice. It almost brought me to tears (literally) thinking about the masterpiece of these pastries. The nun's who hold the secret must sleep well at night knowing they have created the most divine pastry on earth. I figure Heaven will be like this but 100x worse. How can you speak words of such beauty?

That night, we had our farewell dinner to Lisbon and to Brian and Julie's part of the trip. We decided to go to the praised cafe Sâo Bento. They ask if we want smoking or non-smoking. We say non and the waiter directs us to a small room upstairs with five tables. You see who gets priority in this country. The walls had red velvet on them, and the chairs also. It was classy and quaint. We all ordered the steak Sâo Bento which is their classic filet with a cream sauce. It came with homemade French fries. The steak was the most tender I had EVER eaten and probably the beat tasting. The cream sauce was divine. It was so good that after we finished the steak, we sopped up the cream sauce like it was gravy.

Our waiter was in his '50s, named Manuel, and was precious. He was so tiny and cute. I told him I loved him in Portuguese "Amo-te" and he said, "I love you too.". He said it in English. What a precious soul. My meal was €27.00 euro. Not bad for the best steak in Lisbon. We left, Manuel walked us to the door and gave me two kisses on the cheek. He watched us to the cab like a sweet old grandpa.

We were sad to leave Lisbon. We'd met so many friends there. But it was time to say goodbye to them and to Brian and Julie. It wad time to build my own adventure, see what I'm really made of.

And then came Mallorca...the awesome little Mediterranean island. It was 81° today with the UV rays at 9. Let me put that into perspective for you: arkansas' UV ray was 2 today. With that being said, I laid out for four hours yesterday with my German friend Natalie. She is a bronzed babe, but I had to slather in sunscreen. I still burned like a pig being roasted. I'm in pain, but it's just on my backside. Who knows how that happened. Anywho, I couldn't lay out today, and I probably won't be able to tomorrow. So much for becoming a bronzed Mediterranean goddess. Poop.

To end my very long post tonight, I will tell you a story. This story is called "The Café", and it is a very good story. You see, there was this girl. She wanted to be a Mediterranean goddess, but she was so fair skinned that she burnt badly her second day in the sun. So all she can do is eat. She feasts on gazpacho, paella, pizza, and tapas. She gets rounder and rounder. The ocean could purchase her to be a buoy. But no, she sits in the restaurants by herself and listens to the people around her. It's a melting pot of cultures and ideas and languages. She is also listening to the music in the café. Her favorite songs of the evening were: "Alone" and "Visions of Love". She wondered what their obsessions were with 80s American music. Those were the only thoughts of the day. The End."

If I dont die of second hand smoke, I'll be back on July 4. Peace and Blessings to all and to all a good night!

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Portugal+Ashley=weight gain

2011-06-17T08:31:00.001-07:00

We landed in Portugal yesterday at 7:30 am. They are an hour ahead of Spain. My time clock is so confused right now. We find the hostel but can't check in until 3:00. I felt awful. I hardly slept the night before due to the extremely loud people of our hostel and the warmer weather. With that being said, I took a little nap on the hostel couch while Brian and Julie explored. "Are you crazy?" you ask. Napping is for babies. Well let me tell you. I was about to eat people alive so sleep was needed.

We did a walking tour of la Alfama and I got toasted. The sun is much stronger by the coast. It was a 2.5 hour walk and the town is all one steep hill. It was "bom" or good :). We were going to do a nice dinner last night, but we signed up to do the meal at the hostel. The hostel mom cooks a meal every night that includes a starter, main dish, and a dessert for only €8. We heard she was excellent so we thought, "Why not eat authentic food and meet new people?"

We showered and dressed then ate. The starter was chickpea soup with spinach. I licked the bowl. The main dish was codfish with cream which is what we would call a casserole. I was a big girl and ate the fish with a smile. Dessert was a mango mousse that was so rich I couldn't finish it. The mom was so sweet and cute. She was older and rounder, and said that if she ever went to New York she would eat a hot dog every day. Our dinner crowd was fun! It was a pessimist from Seattle, a car salesman from St. Louis, a tax lawyer from Paris, two college students from cincinatti, the girl who works there from Madeira, the guy who works there, and the mom. Good conversation with new friends!
After dinner we hung out in the common room. Max played songs on the guitar and we sang and got to know each other better. A girl from Germany walked in with a girl from austria. Doris, the Austrian, looks just like Blake lively. I mean, whoa. The German, Lea (pronounced like princess Leia), is beautiful and 19. She has been traveling for a year and has only been home for Christmas. Could you imagine??? Sometimes she will go two or three months without contacting her parents at all. She had such an interesting story. I wish I could've recorded that for my kids to let them know that being cultured and knowing three languages is the norm in the rest of the world.
We got up this morning, had breakfast, then hopped the tram to Belem. We saw jeronimo's monastery and the Tower of Belem. The tower was awesome! For those that have gone, were the tiny, winding stairs in the tower not the scariest thing? I was going down, people were coming up...tiny europeans + ashley = almost squashed Europeans. Then we went to a piece of Heaven on earth: Pasteis de Belem. It's the size of a tart. It has the flakiest (I'm for real) shell and it's filled with the best custard known to man. They bring them out warm, and you sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on top. I had three. I wanted more. I wanted to cry when I left because it felt like I was losing a friend. Oh flaky, yummy friend--I miss you already.
Right now it's 4:24, and I'm laying in bed instead of doing another walking tour. So tired and I can hardly type this. who even knows if I'm making sense.

Peace and blessings!

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Yelling

2011-06-10T12:11:00.001-07:00

I guess I wouldn't necessarily call it yelling. I'll preface with that. Laying out at the pool (my sister's old apartment pool btw), I was sitting in the water reading my Rick Steves' book on Spain. The pool is quite large, too large for this incident to happen. As I'm reading, water hits my face AND my book. It was a little girl shooting a water gun right at me from across the pool. I moved my book and said, "No" in a very stern voice. Her face fell and all eyes were in me. I went back to reading and was thinking, "I just scolded another person's child." The parent never said anything to me thank goodness. I realized at that moment in time that the teacher will never leave me. I haven't decided yet if that's a good or bad thing...I need a vacay. Oh wait! I'm going on Sunday :).

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So my mom ran over a cat today

2011-06-08T22:02:00.000-07:00

Yet it didn't die right away. Dad had to take care of that. Then one rode into town in the bottom of her Tahoe. Then one was found with its umbilical wrapped around its foot. It didn't die. Just thought you should know about the ways of the land.

My song

2011-06-08T13:30:00.001-07:00

My song for today (to the tune of my Bonnie lies over the ocean)

I'm trying to go over the ocean.
I'm trying to go over the sea.
I'm trying to go over the ocean.
So please pack my bag for me.

I'm feeling a bit stressed out now. My stomach feels queasy & sad.
I'm feeling a bit stressed out now.
Please help me not feel so bad.

My bag is too small for 3 weeks.
What was I thinking my friends?
My bag is too small for 3 weeks.
I guess I'll just roll in the sand.

(all together now)
I'm trying to go over the ocean.
I'm trying to go over the sea.
I'm trying to go over the ocean.
So please pack my bag for me.

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Transportation is complete!!

2011-06-06T21:35:00.000-07:00

FINALLY I have all transportation booked. With the itinerary change, I had to book a flight to Portugal and back to Madrid. And I had to book a flight from Mallorca to Barcelona. That was a doozy because there weren't many flights left. I booked with Vueling airlines so we'll see about that. I've never heard of them. I wanted to take a boat, but that was way expensive and nine hours at sea. I don't know how I would do since I get carsick in the passenger side seat of a car. Just letting you know that this time next week I will be sleeping in a hostel in Madrid. Oh yeah baby.

Bruise update: it's turning yellow.

Tomorrow is my last day of school. I will have officially made it through one year in the public school world. My roommate Caroline is constantly amazed at the how much my rap music repertoire has increased. I have such tough skin now. I am woman.

I bite the dust yet again

2011-06-02T10:17:00.001-07:00

Right after another teacher just paid me a compliment on how tall I was today, I am strutting my stuff down the hallway thinking, "I SHOULD wear wedges more often. They are comfortable, and I tower over mean children." Then, it happens. I'm walking on the first floor where all the hustle and bustle happens. The bell had just rang, kids were filling the hallway, and SNAP! I fall, due to my obviously still weak ankle from the fall prior to this one (april 29). No one, and I repeat, no one came to help me. Kids laughed at me. I felt like I was in high school again getting called all those ridiculous animal names. (if they could only see me now falling and surfing four pieces of pizza in my mouth last night.). So I pop up immediately and turn to everyone and yell, "I'm ok! I am ok!" they just stare and one kid even whispered, "wow!" at how quickly I popped up. If he only knew how often this happened...

- picture of my left leg that fell on my right foot. This will leave a lovely bruise.

Happy Thursday to all and to all a good day! Peace and blessings!

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Change of Itinerary

2011-05-31T19:57:00.000-07:00

So, Morocco is out. That's right. No camels or turbans or Jasmine costumes. It's just too dangerous right now, and we decided it was in our best interest not to go to an early grave (or to send our parents to one). So we have decided to cut Sevilla and Cadiz also. Our new itinerary is as follows:

Monday-Madrid
Tuesday-Madrid
Wednesday-Toledo
Thursday-Lisbon, Portugal
Friday-Lisbon
Saturday-Madrid
Sunday------------I'll continue as planned.

As sad as I am not to get to wear my Jasmine costume, we will all be safe and sound speaking Portuguese and learning about El Greco. More deets to come.

2011-05-25T18:57:00.000-07:00

You likey?! So here's what happened. I go in Ozark Outdoors in the Heights because I heard they had the best selection. I fully intended on just whipping out the big bucks and paying for one right then. BUT things took a beautiful turn. As the dude man was looking for the measurements (you know me, I had to know specifics), he said, "Hhhhmmmm. It doesn't look like they make that one anymore." It was still marked full price, and I KNEW that any store in that neighborhood would not mark anything down (It was marked for $230.00). I got the name, and I did some research on-line. REI Outlet had it for $142!!. Of course I got it. So yay for me having purchased the most important thing. Now I can start loading that baby up :)

Peace and Blessings!

The Land of the Blueberries

2011-05-24T20:09:00.000-07:00

Totally forgot to add in the bit of awesomeness in my last post. This will brighten even the awfulest of days, so please watch. Pretty stinkin fabulous.

Unicorns and the Land of the Blueberries

Hostels are booked!!

2011-05-24T19:40:00.000-07:00

Hello friends!! Brian got the hostels for Sevilla and Cadiz booked.

Sevilla http://www.oasissevilla.com/sevilla We got a room with four beds so hopefully they won't put a anyone else in the room with us!! This hostel has bathroom in the room and free breakfast. Seems fun! This one is going to run about $29.57 each.

Cadiz http://www.hostelincadiz.com/eng/ We are again in a four person. It's either a four, six, or ten I believe. Let's hope they don't book a fourth person, and it will be like a private room. This one is going to run us about $33.15 each.

So far, our housing total is $63.00 each. Of course, mine is substantially larger due to my extra time in Europe. I'd say $63.00 isn't half bad for two nights. Brian is still researching Madrid. It's so big it's hard to find a spot. We will be there three nights, so if anyone has any ideas let me know. Now on to Morocco...the more I hear, the less I want to go. All but one story about Morocco has been good, and that scares me a little bit. Those who know me know that I am not easily scared, especially when traveling. I've always traveled by myself, and I believe myself to be a very cautious traveler. I'm just getting more uneasy as we approach, but I am SURE it will be fine and dandy. Rick Steves' suggested the Hotel Rembrandt. Brian did his research and found that it is a VERY nice hotel, will run about 40 a person, and that it is located close to the consolate. Yay about that. Take that back. DOUBLE YAY!! Who knows what trouble could arise...maybe I'll laugh out loud or accidently pet a chicken that doesn't belong to me. Next thing I know, I'm in the stocks wearing a burka about to get my hand chopped off. Just a wee bit worried. Here's the link for the Hotel Rembrant: http://www.hotel-rembrandt.com/ The site is in French; it could say stuff like, "We hate Americans. Don't come here or we will kidnap you." Again, slight anxiety. Don't worry mother, anxiety comes in all forms. I just ate half a pan of rice krispie treats (which by the way ya'll travel well overseas when wrapped in foil).

Peace and Blessings!

I hate visiting the Frustration Station

2011-05-24T10:54:00.001-07:00

Am I heartless when my students come up to me on presentation day and tell me they need to go print off stuff? Or when they ask me, "We aren't ready. Can we present next time?" Of course I say NO. How am I preparing them for the real world by saying, "of course you can present next time. The world revolves around you. Now here's your happy meal. Enjoy!"

Teaching isn't just about teaching content but character-things that will help them be successful. It doesn't matter if you work at a law firm or McDonald's, a boss is not going to put up with an employee who is not prepared.

I LOVE each student. Truly, I do. If I didn't I would call in sick to escape them. If it's not obvious yet, babying is not the way I love. It's tough love, I guess. I wanted these presentations to be a final booster to their grade, a way to successfully end the semester. The presentations have been detrimental to their grades. Frustration strikes its ugly head again.

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Europe trip update

2011-05-15T19:18:00.000-07:00

Here's the route.

Let me put it to you in layman's terms: this time next month I will be in Sevilla, Spain. That sends chills down every one of my vertebrae. I mean, really ya'll. Chills. To think I will be walking the streets in Spain, laughing with my friends, finding me a Spanish man, eating Spanish food, finding another Spanish man....the list could go on and on. 28 more days until departure, and I've already started packing. That's right. One can never be too prepared.

Here's the run-down of cities/countries:
June 12--leave USA/arrive in Madrid, Spain. Stay 2 nights.
June 15--leave Madrid, train to Sevilla. Stay 1 night.
June 16--leave Sevilla, train to Cadiz (oldest city in western Europe). Stay one night.
June 17--leave Cadiz, train to Tarifa. Ferry over to Tangier, Morocco, Africa. Ride camel dressed like Jasmine. Stay one night.
June 18--Leave Africa, fly back to Madrid. Stay one night.
June 19--Friends leave. I fly to Palma de Mallorca (island). Check in at language school.
June 19-26--I am living it up on the island of Mallorca off the coast of Spain.
June 26--Boat over (I think) to Barcelona. Stay 3 nights.
June 29--Fly to London. Stay 5 nights.
July 4--Back to USA unless I find travel buddies to go elsewhere.

Plane tickets are booked, my Barcelona hotel is booked as of five minutes ago, and language school is booked. Brian, my friend who lives in NY, is booking all hostels because he's awesome at finding the good deals. Jules and I are just sitting back and relaxing very impatiently (notice how I contradicted myself on purpose?).

Here's a closeup of the island. The little dot is the city where I will be.

The beach in Palma...I will be there so soon!!!!!!

Here's what I've spent so far:

big daddy plane ticket--1,181.00
plane ticket--Africa to Spain 55.18
plane ticket--Madrid to Mallorca 70.76
plane ticket--Barcelona to London 101.23
plane ticket--madrid to London 65.94 (this was my mess-up. It's non-refundable.)
language school--510
hotel in Barcelona--381

Total so far: $2,364.11

Here's what else I will have to pay for:

hotel in Morocco
hostels in Madrid, Sevilla, and Cadiz
train ticket from Madrid to Sevilla, Sevilla to Cadiz, Cadiz to Tarifa
boat fare from Tarifa to Africa
boat fare from Mallorca to Barcelona
any taxis or bike rental
meals

Things I need to buy for trip:

Flip camera--duh. How else will you see me make music videos?
back pack--remember this is all I am carrying
snacks to cut down on meal costs
a new water bottle
one of those under-the-shirt money things (someone told me I could borrow those but I forgot who that was so please speak up). That reminds me of that Eminem song: "Will the real slim shady please stand up, please stand up, please stand up." Remember? Does that ever happen to you? You say something that reminds of you random events in your life and you laugh all by yourself?

I already have me a stack of clothes that are ready to be packed up. They are old t-shirts I can leave over there. My debate with myself right now is what shoes to wear over there for walking during the day. Should I wear:

tennis shoes
Toms
chacos
flip flops

I am already carrying flip flops because that is a "can't do without" item, especially for the beach. Experienced travelers, please let me know.

You are about to see pics of the Hotel Continental Barcelona in...Barcelona. This is where I'll stay for three nights. The pics tell a story all by themselves. Just wait and see.

The front.

It's right off La Rambla which is the equivalent of 5th Avenue in New York.

You only thought blush and bashful were bad in Steel Magnolias. I will be vomiting pink. This is not an illusion.

The best thing about this hotel other than air conditioning is the 24 hour snack bar. It's included in the room price. So awesome and worth every penny. This will save me big money on meals.

This weird looking thing is the "electronic panel". I will have a key to turn on the electricity to the appliances in my room.

That's it for now. If you have been to any of these places, I would love your input. Right now, it's just me and good old Rick Steves. Have a great Monday! Peace and Blessings!

I am loving my freedom

2011-05-09T19:58:00.000-07:00

WOOHOO I am done with college FOREVER! No more homework, no more classes, no more late night studying. More reading, reading, reading. I have been glued to the television, catching up on shows from January. It's been amazing! I finished LOST (what a great experience), started Glee (another great experience). I truly thing Glee was made for me. Why I didn't know about the auditions keeps me constantly confused. I could have been Rachel but much taller and so much more cooky.

With the trial, graduation, and the end of school coming up, it has been a bit crazy. I am loving the freedom. I am also getting pumped about my trip. I leave in a month! Isn't that nutso? I have almost everything booked. It's getting very real to me.

I know I had more to say than this, but I can't seem to take my mind off of Glee. I promise to be more diligent. Peace and blessings!

Peace at Last!

2011-04-28T20:47:00.000-07:00

I'm so exhausted that I am sleep-typing, but I wanted to give a brief overview of today. I will give more details later because I need sleep in a bad way. Somehow I will have to wake up tomorrow and teach some children, so I need to get my sleep. Huff was found guilty on all five counts: aggravated robbery (40 years), aggravated burglary (40 years), second degree battery (6 years), terroristic threatening in the first degree (6 years), and the big daddy--kidnapping with a life sentence. That totals 192 years in prison.

I can't tell you the overwhelming love and support we have gotten from friends and family but also from the Little Rock police department. I have grown to appreciate the hard work they have done and continue to do. Throughout this ordeal, we girls have gotten to know the detectives very well. They, of course, celebrated with us tonight at YaYa's. Detective Eason was a protector and walked us to our car in the parking garage after the trial. Detective Martin, who was in charge of the case, said as we were saying goodbye that he hopes this won't be the last time he sees us girls. Well guess what? It won't be. I told him he was stuck with us. Detective Hopper is just a big old bear. I actually got teary eyed hugging him. In fact, I wouldn't let go until he said he really did have to leave. They have just grown to be a part of us. I have such a faith in our system knowing these men are protecting this community. I love it.

We can all rest easier tonight knowing that one psycho is locked away and can't harm any more women. His face will not haunt us anymore. In fact, I hope to goodness that he sees sweet Haleigh's face, the faces of her family, and my evil snarl at him in his nightmares every night. Good always wins in the end.

I'm living vicariously

2011-04-27T21:11:00.001-07:00

Through the CSI who testified today. She was so super cool AND she's German AND has a super cool French name AND is married to a French guy. I know. Cool. Now you ask, "Ashley, how could you possibly know this information?" Alas my fair friends, I shall tell you. I simply bombarded her with questions and started speaking to her in German. I only know the words goodnight and the word for iron. Then I found out she doesn't speak German, just has German ancestry. Yep. She was cool. So cool that I took a picture of her crime scene ensemble. No y'all...she wasn't aware of my obsession.

Admit it. You are jealous that I got to talk to a real CSI.

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Trial Day 1

2011-04-27T15:50:00.000-07:00

Days like this make me wish I could've seen my Pawpaw in action. I got to the court house around 8:45. I went directly to the witness room, the room where the witnesses wait until they testify. The jurors were chosen and then those who weren't testifying went to watch the proceedings. It was a full courtroom! Haleigh was the first one on the stand, and let me tell you. She was AMAZING! A total rockstar. I knew she would be fine up there, but she exceeded my expectations. She was cool, calm and collected. I was so proud of her! I can't imagine how difficult it was so look that piece of doodoo in the face.

I can't tell details, but it was a good (but long) day. Haleigh is requesting my chocolate sauce tonight, so Caroline and I are going to head over there around 8:30 for a little dessert party. One funny thing about the trial...When the detectives and the CSI were on the stand describing the house as they found it, they described each room. They began with Haleigh's room and describe hers as orderly with a stack of laundry on the bed. The southeast room (mine) was very messy with clothes everywhere and possibly some laundry that was not folded. The southwest room (Caroline's) was very neat and tidy with only jewelry on the counter. Hhhhmmmm....does this surprise anyone? :)

Trial Day 2 begins tomorrow at 9:30. Pray the jurors find him as guilty as a skunk. If they don't they are blind as bats.

Pre-Trial Jitters

2011-04-27T06:43:00.001-07:00

It's time y'all. The two days we've been dreading has arrived. We will finally see the nasty man go to prison for life--the man that hurt my roommate and invaded the privacy of our home. Pray for Haleigh to have strength during her testimony.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Sometimes I don't even know where to begin.

2011-04-26T17:47:00.000-07:00

So I'll start with what's heavy on my heart right now, and that is Eden. My eyes are wet right now from the many tears that keep rolling down my cheeks. I'm not a mother, so I know the feeling for mothers is enhanced ten fold. I don't care who you are, but the death of a child is the saddest feeling. I have written before about my co-worker, Beth who has taken a leave of absence from teaching to care for her terminally ill daughter, Eden. In her latest blog post, she writes about things she will miss about Eden. I can't even speak right now. There are tornadoes going on all around me, but this has my heart right now.

             From Life With My Angel:

              It's so strange. She's still here, but she's not. I'm so thankful I can still hold her
              and rock her see her smile and hear her laugh. I'm thankful she still knows me
             and everyone else who loves her.

I know to never ask why. The Lord truly does work in ways none of us will ever understand. For someone to have such the huge heart that Beth has to choose a child, raise her for a short time, and have her taken away. I honestly cannot imagine nor do I ever want to be able to empathize with someone. Sadness just overwhelms me. Prayer is vital.

A praise is the good report my Aunt Tricia received. She went in for her scan for pancreatic cancer and got the "ALL CLEAR" from the doc. She's unstoppable! If you don't believe in the God and his power after seeing the living proof in Trixie, you are CRAZY. I just have to be blunt sometimes.

On to the weather, which is acting totally crazy. The weather is like a really bad student; however, I can't write a referral and send it to it's administrator. One of my good friends from high school lives in Vilonia with her husband and baby. Their home was destroyed in the tornadoes last night. I can't imagine coming home to devastation. I'm so thankful I've been out of danger. Hopefully tonight won't be any different.

I am finally done with grad school. I submitted my portfolio Sunday night, and oh baby! It felt so good! Graduation is May 7, but I'm not walking. I don't want to waste a Saturday to be sitting in an auditormium. I think that's all I have to update. I'm pretty boring, but that is hopefully changing soon. I'll do an update on my big trip soon!

Major exhaustion

2011-04-10T16:49:00.000-07:00

Ya'll. I am tired. But what a good tired. Ya know from doing fun things. So let's back track to the weekend before this one, April 2. Libby, Jill, Valerie, and I traveled to Searcy, AR to go to the Avett Brothers concert. Little did we know that there was going to be a Harding reunion. What joy filled my heart! I just couldn't help myself. I saw people that I hadn't seen since graduation (5 years in May) or before. It was an awesome time! The concert was incredible and ya'll I mean it. They are such a lively band, such great performers, that I can feel their music in my soul. That's how moved I am. Some songs I actually cried either because the words struck a feeling within me or the banjo picking was amazing.

Avett Brothers

While on the HU campus, we thought we'd take Libby for a tour of Bison country. We took her through the front lawn and made fun of all the "young love" couples. Then we went to the fountain and took pics. Of course we had to take pictures to document this momentous occasion. I don't know how ya'll feel when you walk back in time, but I felt a tinge of sadness. It was very nostalgic, very surreal. As I looked back on places where we gathered for Kojie pics on Patti Cobb or the sidewalk where we walked every single day, it made me realize that I am getting older. I know, 27 years is not that old, but it's still older than 18. I look at those places and see how each event has molded me, and it makes me think about my possible children and how easily a life can be influenced for good or bad. Who knows if I'll even have kids, but I hope they get the opportunity to go HU (and of course be a Kojie).

Valerie, Jill, Libby, and me

Catching up with old friends Laura and Kari.

Can't go anywhere without a classic drink spill.

This past weekend, six Harding girls including myself, had a Friday night getaway to Hot Springs Village. Carrie's inlaws have a house there, and it made the perfect spot for a retreat and sunbathing. It was good to catch up with all my friends and just relax. I also got some nice color. Yes I was wearing sunscreen.

It was also Lana's birthday weekend so Carrie made a very yummy cake. I have such wonderful, generous friends!

On Saturday, we layed out on the deck. Lindsey's and Carrie's husbands decided to stop by and give us some company.

I drove to Searcy this morning for church then went to Caleb and Brooke's wedding shower. I feel like I've driven all over the state. Back to reality: grading tests and doing homework. Yay!

Peace and blessings,
Ashe

P.S. So I had a Bernice moment...Dad drove me back to Harding to get my car. I cannot find my keys for anything. I empty out my purse, and still no sign of my keys. I then call my sister to see if I left them in her car. As she's searching her car, I lift up my purse, and Voila! There are my keys laying in my lap. Dad and I have a big ol' laugh about that. He called me Bernice because why? I am my mother :)

The Pursuit of Happiness

2011-04-06T20:02:00.000-07:00

Do not be fooled. This is not the Will Smith one. Ya'll...this book was so good. It's by author Douglas Kennedy, and I now want to read more of his work. It really made me reflect on my life and the things I am doing. Is it right? Do I justify a lot of things? What would I do if I were in the situation Eric was in? I found my answers to be very interesting. Please read this book. I highly recommend. Read the synopsis here.

Also, it enlightened me on life in the 1940s and '50s. I find that time period very intriguing! Did you know you could get fired back then for "moral turptitude"? Back then, homosexuality, marital affairs, and having a child out of wedlock would get you fired fo sho. If that was the case today, many people would be out of jobs.

My latest read has poisoned me into wanting another master's degree

2011-04-03T11:26:00.000-07:00

I said I would NEVER EVER IN A MILLION TRILLION YEARS go back to school, but I am having second thoughts. My new friend, Sarah, got her master's in public health and has traveled many places through her work with the Peace Corp. She recently got a job based out of Atlanta, GA where she will be focusing on the country of Kazakhstan. She will be educating the people there about health and wellness. She won't have to live there, but she will get to visit often. She will be doing research about things they are doing now (drinking water from the river where they also dump their feces, etc) so that she and the others on her team can better educate the people.

That is exactly what I did in Guatemala six years ago. I also got to play doctor :). Her stories have lit a fire inside of me. What if this is what I am supposed to do in life? I love teaching, and I would still be doing that. I would be teaching a different subject to a different age of people. I would get to travel and help people in a totally different way.

Another thing that spurred these feelings was my latest read, The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver. This book has educated me on the Congo in Africa, a place which I have not been knowledgeable. It was so enlightening, and I didn't want it to end. My friend, Sarah, spent a lot of time in Africa during her time with the Peace Corp and said the book was very true. You can read the synopsis here.

So ya'll, I probably will not get another master's degree. I am content with what I am doing. Plus, I still want to open my bakery one day. I WILL do that too. Just wait and see.

Almost done!!

2011-03-31T18:05:00.000-07:00

I had my last observation for grad school today. It couldn't have gone better. I walk in from hall duty, and my kids say, "Meet Rosa. " They keep screaming that, and I finally ask, "Who's Rosa?" They were referring to my UCA professor, Dr. Hebert who was camped out in the back room. Oh how funny they are! It was a good day :)

Smooth day=tired Ashley

2011-03-30T16:11:00.000-07:00

I feel that I complain a lot. I'm sorry if I do. It's not really complaining but am opening up of my mental ducts. They need to be cleaned quite frequently. So today was the day I got my new students. Every seat was filled. The room's air conditioner sounds like there's a bulldozer in my room, but I try to overlook that small thing. Not one student was absent.

I forewarned the assistant principal that I may be sending some bugars his way with a big, fat referral. I had my referrals filled out and ready. Did I have to use one? No, not even close. I was amazed at how well everything went. It wasn't overly chaotic, no fights, only one girl cursed. I call that success! Now our next class meeting may be totally different. I'm not saying there won't be bumps in the road, but my old students know that I quickly dispose of bumps. No one will interfere with my educating another student.

I was pleased. Worn out to a T but pleased. I had new students come up to me later this afternoon to tell me that they had a lot of fun in class today and that I was a really cool teacher. I said, "I'm glad you had a good first impression, but don't be surprised if you end up hating me at the end of the semester. Impressions change." Hey, I'm only realistic. I hope all days will be as successful!

Weddings, trips, and other things

2011-03-29T18:20:00.000-07:00

Ya'll. What has happened to me? I have neglected my blog and look what happens. I have a book to write. First off, let me tell you about my latest book. I guess I should say books since it's a trilology.

They are so good! The best young adult series I've read in a while, and I highly recommend them. I also read The Splendor of Silence and let me tell ya. It stunk. This is the second book in my whole entire existence that I've not finished. It was so very boring. I DO NOT recommend.

So onto my life...my job is getting a wee bit more stressful as of tomorrow. One of the Spanish teachers is out for the rest of the year with a very sick child. I've posted her blog on here before. The long-term substitute they hired came for a week and left. She said it was medical problems, but it was probably those lovely angels she was hired to teach. With all of that said, the other two Spanish teachers and I will be carrying the load. I will get 14 students in my first period class which will put me at 27 crazies in one period. Lord be with me and give me the strength not to run away. It could happen, ya'll. It could. I'm preparing myself for the worst and hoping the worser of the worst won't happen.

Other than that, things have been running smoothly. I learn so much from my kids. I learned they are called Generation Rx for prescription drug abuse. Sometimes they tell me more than I really need to know, and I want to keep my innocence. Yesterday was "Free Hugs from Ms. Jamison" day. My 11th and 12th graders loved that day! I would make it everyday but that would take the fun out of it, ya know? As hard-headed and lazy as they are sometimes, I sure do love them. I love to see them do well on a test when they've been failing all the other ones, and I love to see their faces when they know a Spanish word without looking it up in their dictionary. Pure and simple love for these kiddos. Now don't let my love fool you...it's often mingled with frustration and a very tight weave :). My kids tell me my weave is too tight when I'm not in the best of moods.

April 29th is the day when all grad school assignments have to be turned in, yes sir. Rejoice in the Lord. That is a day I will remember forever. I hope to get done before then but who knows. At my rate of slower than nothing that might not happen. Graduation is May 7, and no, I'm not walking. That's my one day off from my students. I'm not giving it up to go sit in a gym fanning myself in my cap and gown. A N and an O spell NO.

Let's talk about spring break and how it was fun! YES! I kicked off spring break with a wedding. Say what? Not mine sillies. Harding friends Britton and Kaitlin tied the knot in Monroe, LA on March 19. Julie, Jill and I roadtripped down and made it a fun day trip. An awesome college reunion! I saw so many friends I haven't seen in five years, so it was nice to catch up with everyone. Of course the best part was spending time with Meredith and Chandler. Any time I have with my niece is a blessing!

The Bryans: Jonathan, Meredith and sweet Chandler.

Jules and me. Wat up roadie?!

Buggy and me

Jillian and her crazy friend that is ADD because she gets easily distracted and doesn't look at the camera.

Erin's daughter Sullivan meets Chandler for the first time. Future Harding cutie pies!

My best friend Meredith and me

The newlyweds: Britton and Kaitlin Burton.

I bought 27 new books at McKay's. I know. I am so bad, but I couldn't help myself. I think I have an addiction. Truly. I get a high when I'm in there smelling all that yummy paper smell and holding the words of goodness in my hands. I'm so glad I'm literate because I feel I would be extremely lonely without my books to fill my imagination.

Nashville, TN was rainy and cold, but that didn't stop the fun. I got to meet Blake for the first time. She is such a joy to be around--such a happy baby. Each time I looked at her, she smiled. She smiles all the time and is constantly on the go like her momma. It was great to be back with Cali and Audra and to spend some quality time with them. It makes me thankful for wonderful, Christian friends!

Blake and me on our first meeting :)

Audra, Beau, and me on our walk that quickly turned into a rainy sprint.

Friends together again!

Lauren and me before dinner at Mafiaoza's and Tin Roof. So great to see her!

I ended my spring break stopping in Memphis on my way back. I had dinner with a very lovely lady: Grandmother. That was the icing on the cake for me. It was a wonderful trip! I hope everyone is having a wonderful week!

Peace and blessings,
Ashley

Say hello to spring

2011-03-14T05:17:00.000-07:00

because it's rapidly approaching! What joy fills my heart! One of my most favorite things on Earth is being on Jamison Road in the springtime. I've talked about this before, and I'll say it again. It's magical, especially in the spring. Why? Let me tell you my people. The smells of fresh grass, the buttercups in the pasture, and cow manure (I know but it's such a familiar smell). I went home this past weekend to find everything was green, green, green! The boys worked cows this weekend, and Granny even remarked how green the cow's poop was. That's a good sign of spring time; they're diets are changing from eating green grass. God bless those cows! Isn't all of this exciting?!

Overall, it was a great weekend! Caleb and Brooke had their first wedding shower. It's still a bit strange that my little brother is getting married. Shouldn't he be playing t-ball or running around in the pasture with Matthew? Aw well. I will leave you with a little trivia for today. During his or her lifetime, the average human will grow 590 miles of hair. I think Crystal Gayle has us beat on that one. Have a wonderful week everyone!

This is Crystal Gayle. Can you imagine curling that stuff? That makes me sick.

HUMILIFIED

2011-03-09T17:37:00.000-08:00

Ya'll, I sometimes wonder if I'm even here. It's like I'm never where I should be in my mind. I know! That makes no sense but it makes sense to me so just go play by yourself. With all of this weird talk, I am reminded of a quote from the movie My Father the Hero. Remember that one? Gee, I still love that movie. That was back in the young Katherine Heigl days...and that boy was SO FINE. Ok so Andre, the dad, is talking to his girlfriend: "I am not there for you. Where ever I am I am never there, where I am! I wish you would all just leave me alone!"

That's kind of how I have felt the past two days. I think grad school decided to sneak up on me all at once (or maybe I just got lazy). Whichever one it was, I have grounded myself until all assignments are complete. I'm very serious people of blogland. I have grounded myself from LOST. I cannot watch another episode until all grad school work is complete. You better believe dog gone it that I am trying to finish by this weekend. I'm working like a dooooggggg. That's a line from I Love You, Man--my go to movie for a little laughy laugh.

I had a "I thought I wasn't going to graduate" scare yesterday. I won't go into details because they are long and boring, but let's just say there were tears (but no blood) shed. I guess I worry to much or just over think things in my head. WHATEVER it was, I think it's fine now. Last night was supposed to be devoted to researching my Europe trip, but I was stuck working on this stupid video and paperwork. Even this morning I continued working until 8:00. Yes, I was late to school (we don't have to be there until 8:15), but only by 5 minutes. As I'm driving to school on 630 taking the ramp for I-30, I felt that my toes were exceptionally warm. How nice on this chilly morning! Uh no, not so nice. I look down to find my toes were exceptionally warm because I HAD ON MY STINKING HOUSE SHOES! I mean, what looney toon planet was I shipped out of this morning? Who does that? I'll tell ya who. Crazies! Those are soon to be in straight jackets.

The Europe trip update: I have no idea. I am frazzled. I need help. I am excited but don't feel it. I don't know. Why can't I feel it? Because I don't know where I'm going after Julie and Brian leave me all alone. That's why. I need Brian to map out my trip for me.

What I'll be singing all alone in Barcelona...by myself...with no one to talk to...but myself.

When you're alone and life is making you lonely, you can always go downtown. When you've got worries, all the noise and the hurry seems to help, I know, downtown. Just listen to the music of the traffic in the city. Linger on the sidewalk where the neon signs are pretty. How can you lose? OH BUT YOU CAN BECAUSE I'LL BE ALL ALONE!

But no fear because I have a ~~very good~~ FANTASTIC movie that gets me in brighter spirits. In fact, here's one of my most favorite parts:

Have a good Thursday!!

A few things

2011-03-02T18:29:00.000-08:00

I am asking ya'll for a very special prayer request. I know all prayers are special, but please pray specifically for my friend and fellow colleague, Beth and her daughter Eden. Beth adopted Eden from Ethiopia in July. Eden has been very sick, and the doctors think she has a rare neuro disease called Metochromatic Leukodystrophy or MLD. Beth is a single mom, but she is not fighting this battle alone. The Lord is with her every step of the way, and it amazes me how strong she is. Please pray for Eden and for her to be comfortable. Please pray for Beth and for her peace of mind in this situation of unknowns. If you'd like to read more about Beth and Eden, click here.

Also pray for my former roommate, Haleigh. The trial is coming up on April 27. Pray that she has the will power to look that scoundrel in the face with strength and dignity.
Have a blessed Thursday!

My Top 20 and a neck bone

2011-03-01T17:16:00.000-08:00

I will be posting my top 20 reasons for going to Europe. This will be difficult for me because I have so many reasons. But I guess that's why they call them the top reasons. Whoa. I'm smart. Those will come soon. But ya'll, I must tell you about my fabulous lunch today. I walk into the teacher's lounge to grab my yogurt and granola, and low and behold there's free food! Praise to the Heavens because I was HON GREE. The smells take me to the fattening food world because it was soul food. It made me want to kiss my momma, but my momma was two hours away. So I just hugged everybody else.

They had greens (I don't like at all).

And cornbread (I prefer mine fried but I won't turn this down).

And fried chicken (My scalding is better).

Ooh goodness! And fried peach pies! Help me!

And--hold on to your stomachs--neck bones of a piggy. Not my cup of tea. My idea of a peaceful lunch is not nawing on some neck of a pig. That's just kind of weird, don't you think? Give me some bacon or something.

And homemade mac and cheese. Ooh I was a happy girl!

So if you ever want to end a friendship with me, serve me neck bone.

Europe bound baby!

2011-02-28T11:31:00.001-08:00

My dates are finally set! I'm going to western Spain and Portugal June 12-June 19 with my friend, Brian.

After he leaves, I'll attend a language school in Málaga in southern Spain on the beach. I'm looking into taking a weekend excursion to Morocco. If you've been to Morocco, let me know what you thought about it.

I can't even begin to express my excitement! If you want to come along, come on! The more the merrier :).

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LOST update and another important annoucement

2011-02-28T06:12:00.000-08:00

I've got three more episodes before I finish season 3. I don't know about your feelings towards Juliet and Jack, but right now, I hope a wave sweeps them off into the ocean in the dead of night so that a shark can have his dinner. Jack is being a turnip! Juliet with all of her calmness and crap. Well, you know what? Just go be calm ALL BY YOURSELF Juliet because you are a boobhead. I so wish I could say that to her face. But for now, I will just say it to myself. And to ya'll. AND how in the world did Locke's dad get there? This is just too weird. About Juliet, I do hope my feelings change about her because she is so pretty. I'm not being shallow or anything, but her bone structure is pretty darn awesome.

It's true. I could have found just a picture of Juliet, but Sawyer is so handsome. I mean, COME ON!

It's National Tooth Fairy Day!! I knew all of you would want to know about this day, so that you can celebrate it. It's February 28, and it makes me really excited because...it makes me thankful that the tooth fairy doesn't have to come get my teeth anymore. That would be pretty bad if I was still losing teeth at my age. Nasty, rotting, decaying teeth is not what the tooth fairy had in mind, happy people. Did your parents keep all of the teeth you lost? Mine did. My dad still has them in film canisters marked Ashley, Brittany, and Caleb. Maybe he wants to make a necklace. Hhhhhmmmm.

Me circa 1985. Even then I knew I loved my teeth.

Go brush your teeth and floss. Let's fight periodontal disease! Woohoo! To end this wonderful post, I will leave you with a Bernice quote. My mother, or G Unit as she is lovingly known, is famous for being funny and not realizing it. Here was a conversation we had yesterday about whether or not I should join the junior league:

Me: Mom, do you think I should joing the junior league?
Mom: What is it?
Me: It's a women's philanthropy group. (Here, I branch out into the pros and cons). So Mom, what do you think?
Mom: It would sound really good in your obituary.

Have a great Monday, and remember, anything you do today could go in your obituary.

Adventures of Ashleyberry Finn

2011-02-26T16:41:00.001-08:00

Wasn't it just a gorgeous day! I wanted to roll around in the grass like a dog, but I decided to go sit on a patio instead. Jill and I went to U.S. Pizza and let the wind blow through our hair. I may never get my hair brushed out tonight. Then we went to the new Brazilian bakery Rosalia's. Talk about melting in your mouth! Jill got a chocolate cupcake and I got a Carolina. Carolina must've been a fluffy lady because this pastry was stuffed with all kinds of wonderful mousse. Whoa.

And then, we did something bold. Something so daring I freaked OUT. We trespassed! There's this awesome house for sale on Lookout, and we drove around to see the back. Well, friends, the gate was open. It wad saying, "Come in. Your life wont feel complete." So we did.

Have a great Saturday night! Do something daring.

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Apple Cider Vinegar

2011-02-22T20:39:00.000-08:00

My sweet neighbor brought me some of this and a book on the benefits it has on your health. Does anyone drink this daily? I think I'm going to start. It definitely won't hurt anything, but if you've seen changes I want to know. Report back. Over and out.

I got teary eyed today in a parent conference. My excuse? Allergies. Do you think apple cider vinegar cures those too?

Do you ever have those moments when you are in the middle place of emotions?

2011-02-20T19:30:00.000-08:00

So I had lunch with my parents, Brittany, and Caleb today at Dixie Cafe. Not my choice, but I didn't complain. I even drove all the way to Cabot to eat because I hadn't seen my dad yet. I haven't seen my parents since Christmas or been home to Nashville since Christmas. I've been a very bad family member. I'll make up for it--I promise. By the way, this was the first time in a very long time that it has just been us five. No Waylan or Brooke this time. It was very strange but nice. Me likey.

I hug the parents bye, and no sooner than I drive out of my parking spot, the tears flow. Cry me a river, why don't ya. I was caught in this middle place of "little Ashley" and "big Ashley". It never gets easier leaving my parents whether it's in the parking lot of Dixie Cafe or driving down my dirt road back to LR. The tears always come. Of course they don't know this (I guess they will now). I remember my mother saying this when we would leave Memphis, how it was so hard to leave. In college I couldn't wait to get back to my friends, but now? Now I want to go back, but I want to stay. Those of you who don't live in the same town as your parents, please tell me you know what I'm talking about. There's just something about driving away and leaving. What if I never see them again? What if something happens to them? Sometimes I just wish I had my parents here all the time. Those of you who have that privilege, you have no idea how fortunate you are. To have people that can love you in person. That's life though. UGH! I'm not complaining. I'm just stating my feelings. A statation of the feelation.

Some think we look alike...

The Outsiders had their second meeting tonight, and I must say it went quite well. We actually discussed the book, and we did so quite thoroughly. We discussed House Rules by Jodi Picoult which turned out to be a very good discussion because it deals with Asberger's. Those types of issues can be very controversial and lead to very heated discussions. I hope we were that table that was annoyingly loud talking about awesome things. I'm sure we sounded intelligenter (or is it more intelligent?) (I do think it's more intelligent...) than everyone else talking with really big words. Our next month's read is Push by Sapphire. That will be very relevant to my students, and I'm very excited to finally read it. I saw the movie and was naseauted at such behavior. Truly naseauted that things like that happen. Every. Single. Day.

I thought my sweet little old lady neighbor died today. Caroline said she saw an ambulance and a police car there this morning, and there were tons of cars there this afternoon. She was however, sitting up on the gurney when they willed her out. Hhhhmmm...I will try to unfold the myster tomorrow. But just in case she did pass away, pray for her family. She was (or is) a sweet old lady. Either way, prayer is good and ambulances are bad. If you don't remember the one time when I called a woman from church about her husband dying, you must read this.

A little disturbing and then some

2011-02-19T15:19:00.001-08:00

Does this mannequin look a tad inappropriate to you? Close your legs young lady! How preposterous! My sister and I could NOT stop staring. In Dillard's btw.

My parents stopped through on their way home from Memphis, so I met Mom and Brittany for lunch. It's always an event with my mother or lovingly known as G unit. I got to witness my sister hop a curb. Let me tell you, she toe it up! Did you get my toe it up instead of tore it up? I wanted to sound cooler.

About my previous post, Jay is just a fan I met last night. He stalks my blog (creepy) and wanted me to give him a shout out. Whoa.

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Big Jay

2011-02-18T22:09:00.001-08:00

This is Big Jay. He is the man I want to marry in my dream life.

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I once knew this girl...

2011-02-17T17:40:00.000-08:00

...who cooked mashed potatoes for her roommate dinner. She got so hungry that she ate a bowl of cereal to help tide her over. 30 minutes later her roommate still wasn't home, so she ended up eating the entire (large) bowl of mashed potatoes. Can you believe that someone, a GIRL, would do that?

(It was me, and this is my "wow, I just ate a lot of mashed potatoes so stop judging" face)

Peace and blessings!

My Birthday Extravaganza (and my award)

2011-02-15T19:07:00.000-08:00

It was a blast! Caroline and I had our joint birthday party at Ferneau again because it was such a success last year. Being in a place with all of your friends is so awesome, so why not do the same thing again. Nine of our friends had dinner with us in the private room at Ferneau. This is where the fun began. As I was opening my presents, I flung a piece of tissue paper out of the bag and it landed on a candle. Flames shoot up. I calmly poor three glasses of water on the fire. My friend Valorie was amazed at my calmness. I just have to remind her I put out "fires" every day at school, and I must be calm and collected.

Besides the fire, I had a wonderful time. Wearing a mask and getting all gussied up is so much fun! I even wore fake eyelashes!

The Birthday Girls--Caroline and me

My favorite part--cake!

My fabulous friends--Valorie, Sarah, Caroline, Jill, Carla, Emily, and me.

The roomies--Caroline, me and Kristi.

Lastly, I must tell you about something. This will sound indulgent, but it truly was shocking. I got an AWARD today at the faculty meeting!! I know, right? I got the I Challenge Students award, and I was chosen by Mr. Allen, the principal. He said that when he came in to informally observe my class, I was differentiating instruction. He talked about the rap I created, how I got the students to give me the beat, how I let my hair down, and made a fool of myself just to get my students' attention. I was shocked for a number of reasons: 1) When it is a day I am at the other campus, we aren't required to come back over for staff meetings at the other campus. Mr. Allen emailed me and asked me to be at this one. I thought I was in trouble. 2) I am the new teacher on the block. 3) I knew deep down in my heart that I was differentiating my instruction but I was just trying to prevent my students from falling asleep...again. I have to think on my feet. No wonder my voice is so hoarse.

So yay for me! That gave me motivation to finish the race...which will be over June 8. Poop.

Valentine's Day for single people is...

2011-02-14T21:01:00.000-08:00

Chance and Ashley--two big boys at one tiny table.

AWESOME! Who's wallowing in their own sorrow? Not me, little lambs. My friend, Chance, decided to have people over to his house tonight for a little duck and deer time. I loved the idea because I love me some deer meat fried up real nice. A little mashed potatoes with gravy and of course some gravy and ketchup mixed up for my deer steak dipping sauce made my my evening complete. Chance grilled duck kabobs that were out of this world. I'm now a duck fan for sure. And we had cupcakes to boot made by sweet little Anna. I had a wonderful day with friends and good food! You know I'm a sucker for good food :)

Chance, Patrick, and Ashley

Do you have a boo thang?

2011-02-14T13:55:00.001-08:00

Y'all. My students speak an entirely different language; some days I need an interpreter. Today I learned the following:

1) a person who sings really quickly to a beat, throws their hands around in a punching fashion, sags their pants, and wears bling is NOT a rapster. It's rapper. I guess I've been hearing incorrectly all these years.
2) One of my students asked if I had a "boo thang". I said, "No." She asked, "Why not?" I said, "Because I don't need any butane." Then did she begin to speak more clearly so that I could understand. A "boo thang" is a boyfriend, in case you were wondering. I could have swore on homemade macaroni and cheese that she said butane.

And who says learning stops after college? Pish posh!

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A little Valentine's Day trivia for ya

2011-02-13T21:00:00.000-08:00

• About 3 percent of pet owners will give Valentine’s Day gifts to their pets. (This is why I don’t have pets. I thought this percentage would be higher.)
• Some people used to believe if a woman saw a robin flying overhead on Valentine’s Day, it meant she would marry a sailor. If she saw a sparrow, she would marry a poor man and be very happy. If she saw a gold finch, she would marry a millionaire. (Seeing that I have no idea what kinds of birds those are, I guess I’ll just be surprised.)
• The Italian city of Verona, where Shakespeare’s lovers Romeo and Juliet lived, receives about 1,000 letters addressed to Juliet every Valentine’s Day. (I can say with confidence that I have NOT sent one of those.)
• The first televised tour of the White House aired on February 14, 1962. First Lady Jackie Kennedy hosted. (Two words: elegantly appropriate.)
• Hallmark has over 1,330 different cards specifically for Valentine’s Day. (Again, I can say with a crazy amount of confidence that I have NOT sent one of those.)
• Valentine’s Day has a higher percentage of male buyers than any other seasonal occasion. Fifteen percent of all valentines are purchased by males, compared to most other holidays, in which 90 percent of cards are purchased by women. (so overrated…I’m not bitter. I promise.)
• The oldest known Valentine was sent in 1415 A.D. by the Duke of Orleans to his French wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London. It is still on display in a museum in England. (Bless his heart…don’t you wonder what it said. I just can’t imagine what romance you can fancy while being in chains. I would want clean clothes, pizza, a cheeseburger with grilled onions, and crystal lite. Love? Hhhhmmmmm)

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! And if you don't have a Valentine and love being single and sassy, come join the fun at our "It's so awesome being single" party. I'm cooking deer steak and mashed potatoes with gravy. Don't want to miss it!

House Rules

2011-02-13T07:31:00.000-08:00

My latest read was a book about a boy with Asbergers being tried for murder. Jodi Picoult (I found out it was pronounced pico as in pico de gallo) writes about very controversial topics. I love reading her books because I become more knowledgeable about certain issues like Asbergers or leukemia. She'a always a good read, so yes, I recommend this book. Fo sho! Now I am on to read The Splendor of Silence by Indu Sundaresan. Please don't ask me to pronounce that name.

By the way, did you know that dogs are mentioned 14 times in the Bible? I know. Me either.

Roots

2011-02-12T12:01:00.000-08:00

I love art, and I especially love teaching art. That's why I love spring semester so much. I tie in more culture, and although I love music, it's hard to do higher order thinking (something the state pushes) with songs. SO...I do art. I wanted to really draw the students in and get them interested in such a vital part of a culture, so naturally I began with Frida Kahlo. She is by far my favorite. Yes, I know, she was a bisexual. But I think that makes her work so much more awesome. I believe we would have been friends...though I would've had to make my views very clear to her.

Roots by Frida Kahlo

I only showed five paintings, but this one is one of my favorites. It's called Roots, and it really speaks to me. My students loved it because they can relate to being connected to something. To being grounded to something even they may wish otherwise. I could read it on their faces...some were wishing they weren't born and raised in the projects or to have parents that deal drugs. I saw it in their faces because I know their backgrounds. And it makes me think of my background, my roots. Being raised on a farm in Nashville...I have no words to describe the feeling it brings to me when I think about it. Every wonderful word you can think of describes how I feel about my roots.

My roots--Solid Rock Farm

My biological roots. Mom and Dad in high school. Weren't they lovely? Dad + Mom = ME

Have you thought about your roots lately? (and I'm not talking about your hair)

When life gives you snow, make food!

2011-02-09T23:39:00.000-08:00

My neighbors that live directly across the road asked us to come over and eat lunch with them today, so of course I make a bee-line for the food. I was a little reluctant to go because I hate being out in the cold and hate the snow. But food always brings out the best in me, so I went. There were six guys and then Caroline and me. Word got round that I make a mean chocolate chess pie, so I told the boys that if they could round me up 2/3 cup Crisco, I would whip them up a pie.

Low and behold, 20 minutes later I get a knock on my front door. I get the Crisco and the baking begins. Ever since my momma taught me how to make my own pie crusts back in the day, I have never, ever used a pre-made one. Homemade crusts taste so much better (in my lowly opinion). I remember when I first began making pie crusts, I would ruin them. I would tear the crust or add too much water. But now I've got it down to an art. It's quite therapeutic. I put on Lisa Hannigan and The Format and work away.

I made the pie. With the extra crusts, I smeared butter on top and then sprinkled it with sugar and cinnamon. I baked that and took that over there as well. I think that treat might be one of the finest tasting foods that's ever melted in my mouth. It truly does melt if you eat it right out of the oven. When I say right out of the oven, I don't mean right out. Let it cool just a smidge or it'll melt your taste buds :).

We all ate soup then chowed down on pie and crust. We played Apples to Apples then some other random game that was super fun. I love me a good game! We spent a good five hours over there. I'm sure we will be seeing more of them tomorrow since we are snowed in...again.

All of this snow makes me want Jeremiah Johnson to knock on my door and tell me that I make really good biscuits. Ooohhheeee! He. Is. Fine.

September 22, 2004

2011-02-09T10:11:00.000-08:00

This is my first journal entry in my first diary ever! Yay! Audra and I ate at Mi Pueblito before Hart church. We asked the nice Backyard Burger man, Phil, to church. He didn't come but gave us his number so we could call him next week. But we won't. Clay Kiihnl said he exposed himself to some girls (supposedly) so I'll just not ask him.

After church, Audra and I went for a walk. Right in front of Harding Academy, we saw a naked man, penis and all, standing by a tree. He was just standing there silent, not even moving. We couldn't see his face because it was in the shadows. Audra and I ran to the nearest apartments and yelled for help. I yelled, "There's a naked man in the trees! There's a naked man in the trees!" I think that was the first and only time I will ever outrun Audra. The man streaked across the street, got in an unlicensed silver car and peeled out.

We reported it to Harding Security, Dead Huckeba and the Searcy police who literally laughed in our faces. Now isn't that the weirdest story ever?!?

From the diary of Ashley Jamison, junior year of college

Say HEY for my BIRTHDAY! Hey!

2011-02-08T18:30:00.000-08:00

My 3rd birthday with the cake my mother made and the dress my mother made. She's pretty awesome!

So yes, it's been a while since I"ve last posted. Which means, yes, I have so much to tell you. First of all, I had a FABULOUS birthday. It was just a normal day...I know. How can normal be fabulous? I was at the good campus first of all. They are such little blessings to me. I love them so much. Even the ones that can be stinky sometimes. Not as in their actual smell but their behavior.

Side note: listening to Rogue Waves cover of "Every Day", the James Taylor song. I just needed to tell you. And it's ssssooooo good.

Back to the birfday (that's how my students' say it), I was also observed for the first time by my UCA professor. It went stupendously. I couldn't have asked for a better lesson or better students. She said she was very impressed, and then in her email to me later that day she said, "Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your classroom earlier today." I might have given myself a pat on the back. I get observed all the time but coming from my college supervisor, I was impressed with myself. Maybe I just had the big head because it was the day I came into the world. Who knows but I spanked it.

At lunch, my colleagues surprised me with a cookie cake. I was so like, "OH MYLANTA!". So shocked. I loved it. It took me back to college when one of my best friends, Erin, would get a cookie cake for her birthday every year. We loved it when her birthdays came around :).

It wouldn't be a birthday without my heroicness. My friend, Libby, called and said she was stuck around the corner. Her car was smoking...literally. I went to save the day. Bless her heart...she was just trying to bring me my birthday present.

The smoking gun.

For dinner Caroline, Julie, and I went to eat at 1620. Since we are having my big celebration on Friday, we didn't want everyone to pay for two expensive meals. It was just the three of us. It was yummy! I'd never eaten there, and C and I had a groupon. Yeah we did. Just call the bargain hunting virtuoso.

Then the snow came. No school on Friday, so I went to my babysitting job early. I sat for a family with two wonderful kids from Friday until Sunday night. It was nice money for my travels this summer. Look out Europe! I'm coming to see ya!

No school tomorrow. Look out for posts from the past--the journal is coming out. Beware.

Fettuccine and s'mores

2011-01-31T18:20:00.001-08:00

I will never lose weight if I keep eating like this.

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Back pain

2011-01-31T13:51:00.001-08:00

I have MAJOR lower back pain. How? I have no idea. It's not work out injury because I haven't been working out. I'm guessing bending down to help kids all day. Please give me ideas on what to do. Dying here.

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Brunch of the Munch: Overhang or Overhung?

2011-01-30T22:09:00.000-08:00

HU girls brunch: L to R Lindsey Holbert, me, Jillian Hicks, Valerie Hendrix, Amanda Burroughs, Carrie Scott, Lana Summit, and Callie Lillard. Oh and we can't forget Marie Antoinette.

My weekend. I'm going to skip Friday because it stunk. Saturday. I liked Saturday. It was our monthly (although we haven't had one in several months) Harding girls brunch. It was so great to see everyone and catch up. We heard all about skiing accidents and overhangs. It. Was. Amazing. And the food was superb. We had hashbrown casserole, french toast casserole, breakfast casserole, sweet, yummy, sticky bread, sausage balls, and nothing healthy. Julie was supposed to bring our one healthy dish, and she was a loser and got sick. Such a loserface, but we still love her. I made a new recipe, Blueberry Scones with Melted Peaches, and I was quite pleased with it. The melted peaches part gets everyone. How do you melt a peach? What is a melted peach? I think that Rachael Ray wanted to be really creative. That's my guess.

Then I went to Oaklawn for my friend, Carla's birthday. Did I ever see Carla that day to wish her a happy birthday? No, I did not. I hope she had a splendid day. It was my first Oaklawn experience, and it wasn't too shabby. I'd much rather be riding the horses then watching them run, but oh well. And it would have been even cooler had Mary Poppins come out on a carousel horse and wowed the crowd. I probably would have peed.

My heroine: Mary Poppins

My family from Memphis was visiting so I got to spend the majority of the day with them. It was great to see my Aunt Tricia and celebrate the good report she got last week. No more cancer. I've still not written a song, but I am feeling inspiration. It's coming, and it's gonna be good. Possibly a rap.

Have a great Monday everyone! And just to prepare you, I found this under my bed:

This is my diary from junior year of college. I will be sharing entries. This was the only time in my life when I kept a diary. I can't wait to share my deepest, darkest secrets with you :).

Major headache

2011-01-27T14:45:00.001-08:00

Mali wouldn't start this morning. Of course I worried ALL day about if I was going to have to ride the big yellow school bus with my students tomorrow. They are still working. :(.

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Home - Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros Acoustic Cover (Jorge & Alex...

2011-01-24T19:07:00.000-08:00

How talented is she? To have an ear that early is amazing.

ALL CLEAR!!

2011-01-24T14:08:00.001-08:00

Aunt Tricia's scan was clear. No more cancer. This is one of those moments when even the best superlatives won't suffice. PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW!!!!

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Why do we have to grow up?

2011-01-23T21:36:00.000-08:00

Why can't we just stay little? I remember when the only worries I had were if I would get to play with Tela and if I was going to get another spanking when Daddy got home. Boy could we get into stuff! There was this one time when Tela and I found baby rabbits. We took them back to Tela's house, and low and behold they start foaming at the mouth and acting all crazy. Aunt Jacque told Ace to shoot them because they were rabid. Rabid Rabbits. That was tragic. I just thought they were excited to have a new home.

Or take the time when I rode my bicycle to the mailbox to get the mail (yes, my bicycle had a basket) and the bull in the pasture started making really loud noises. I thought it was going to attack me, so I sat under the mailbox and cried for 45 minutes until Uncle Danny drove by and got me. Now I know it was only talking to the female cows saying, "Hey snazzy lady. Want me to by your baby's daddy?" I would love to go back for one day and just live. Live without thinking about cancer and death and bills and ALL THIS STUFF that we think about. Wouldn't you just love to roll around and get dirty and only have to think about the chlorine bath that will come later to get all the sea ticks off? I sure would.

Me with my cousins Tela, Wesley, and Seth. Another glorious day of looking like hobos. Notice how much taller I was at three years old. I'm the second oldest behind Wesley.

The backsides. I won't put the bathtub picture up, but let's just say a bathtub with four filthy children=the blackest of water. So gross yet so awesome.

My Aunt Tricia's cat scan is tomorrow at 11:15, and I'm nervous. The weird thing is, I'm probably more nervous than she is. She's one of the strongest women I know, and she's such an example to me. If she can get through cancer three times, I surely can do anything. Did I pray enough? There's always room for improvement there. So many thoughts run through my head about how things used to be when I was younger. Trips to Branson, taking old timey photos, the Branson trip where Callie got pink eye, I got the stomach virus and got asthma (rough one), and the many foster babies my aunt and uncle have nurtured over the past several years. And who could forget Moe Bandy? We were groupies. Americana all the way, baby! But, the time we will remember most was when I peed my pants while playing hide and seek and then choked on cheese pizza and almost DIED.

All I ask is that tomorrow, you pray. A simple, honest prayer asking for a clear scan for my aunt that she may have peace of mind and a rested body. I will keep you posted.

Have you ever had to tap your leg for your words to come out?

2011-01-19T21:27:00.000-08:00

I have. I stuttered so badly in the 2nd grade. That's when it was caught anyway--in Mrs. Alford's Christmas play. Yep. I was the Christmas fairy angel thing, and I had to tap my wand on my leg to make my words come out. Do you know how humilified I was? I mean, come on. I had to endure 2 or 3 (help me mom) years of speech therapy with a woman who would open up a package of Smarties at the end of the week and say, "Pick one." She ate the rest of them right in front of me. What brought on these wonderful memories was my wonderful students making fun of a sweet girl in my class that was stuttering. You better believe I went off.

I told them when it all started. Let's see, there was "train track face" in kindergarten from the eight stitches between my eyes from my "running into a parked car" accident. In 3rd grade it was "four eyes bug eyes" for wearing my lovely purple floral spectacles. I hated that bus ride for so long with nasty Tina Pumila. yuck. 4th grade was "fat load" by two certain boys that I had the pleasure of hearing my mother chew out. A few years past, so the boys whipped out the big guns. 9th-12th grade the names were "Smoshly the blue whale", "the beast" (and they would growl as if the name wasn't painful enough), "dinosaur", and "wooly mammoth". As they kindly reminded me then, I will remind you know. Those are the four largest mammals that ever roamed the earth and sea.

After I told my wonderful students these stories, they asked me "Were you fat or something?" I said, "I'll let you be the judge. I have the same pink polo (child size 16) that I wore in the 6th grade." All of their mouths dropped because they realized I have been the same size since 6th grade and I'm not a gargantuan by any means. I love seeing the realization hit them...the truth that kids can be so brutal.

It took me years, years, years, to even have an ounce of confidence about my appearance. Luckily I had wonderful parents that always told me how beautiful I was inside and out and wonderful friends. But still, it's like I needed that confirmation from my peers. I have been there, and it isn't pretty. Did I hold a grudge? Absolutely. Those boys that called me those names made me feel skeptical towards all boys. After my freshman year of college, I came back to Nashville for the summer and one of those boys who called me names asked me out on a date. I LOVED the fact that I told him, "Absolutely not" as I smiled and walked away. I secretly relished in his being rejected by "the beast, the dinosaur, wooly mammoth, and smoshly the blue whale."

Do I still feel insecure at times? Yes, but I am believing more in myself. I have precious students whom I love dearly. I truly do. But I see in them things that they will learn the hard way unfortunately. As much as I reach out to them, you know they will go down paths more commonly walked. It's weird being a bystander. For all those boys that made fun of me, this is what I think of you:

Who could possibly make fun of this chunky, blond-headed angel?

By the way, new favorite band is the Avett Brothers. Download immediately.

The Avett Brothers

I am an Outsider

2011-01-19T05:34:00.000-08:00

Yes, I am. It's official. We had our first book club meeting last night. Right now, it has only three members: Valerie, Annie Marie, and me. We decided on the name The Outsiders for our book club we are all outsiders in some part of our life--not necessarily in a bad way but an outsider all the same. We discussed The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo last night, and we ate wonderful delicacies for a reward. Maybe we should actually read The Outsiders as one of our selections...

I'm stuck like glue to LOST. I began season 2 last night and am intrigued by this creature named Desmund. Who is he? Don't tell me. Don't give me the slightest hint. This show does scare me a bit, especially when I watch it at night. The music is scary, the PEOPLE are scary. I need a Jack to keep me company while I watch. He's such a Hottie McScottie! And then there's Sawyer, who I believe I will grow to love. Don't correct me on that either. I just HOPE TO GOODNESS Jack and Kate hook up because this has gone on long enough.

If Ethan didn't creep you out, you have major problems. Major. Poor Claire. All she wants to do is spit her baby out.

And then there's the Amazon woman Danielle. She's nuts. I'm sure she means well (although she did take Claire's baby), but her hair is so sad. I have compassion for her just because of her hair. I want to reach through the screen and brush it so badly.

Season 2 here I come. The hatch is open!

Ghoulish

2011-01-18T20:27:00.000-08:00

I was having my students describe themselves today for their penpal letters. One particular student, we'll call him Sam, is quite peculiar. I'm peculiar, so I have free reign to call others peculiar as well. Sam is different in many ways. Sometimes he says random things. When I ask him what it means, he says that only he and one other person know the secret language. I always say, "So cool. Maybe you can teach me." And then I get the stare...not a scary stare. A stare that says, "Maybe one day I will let her in on my secret language." He's contemplating. Well, today he asked me how to say "ghoulish" in Spanish. I'm usually not surprised by the strange things he says, but today I was caught off guard. I said, "You think you are ghoulish?" He said, "Yes, and dark." I had no earthly how to say ghoulish in Spanish. When would I use that? I looked it up and went on my merry way. He's a sweet kid. Peculiar? Yes, but aren't we all?

The Queen of Awkward...let everyone down

2011-01-17T21:03:00.000-08:00

Ya'll. What is going on with me? While in Houston, nothing embarrassing, humilifying, or weird happened. Ok take that back. Maybe one slight thing. I knew things were going to be normal when I asked my friend Valorie the following question, "So maybe I should go around talking with an accent? Ya know, so I can liven things up a bit?" She said, "Uh no." She gave me a "I live in Houston now, and I'm too good for accents" look. I got you, Val. Saved by the bell.

I had a great weekend with my friends! I ate horribly, but I was on vacay so it's okaykay. I shopped til I dropped. Geez, there are muchas tiendas (a lot of stores) in that town. I don't know if anyone has told ya'll this, but Houston is BIG. Ok, so Val and I were at Nordstrom Rack in the dressing rooms. I come out to check out my bad self in the 3 way mirrow and OOPS...the door locks behind me. I'm really scared of the girl who worked the dressing room counter. She looked like she could eat me for dinner. So to avoid the giant girl (I can call her giant girl because people have called me that...and I call myself that), I have to crawl under the stall. I somehow get a gigantic bruise on my thigh. How I don't know because my thigh just touched carpet. I also got a terrible awful carpet burn on my elbow. What I do to avoid the giant girl. Oh and then giant girl walked by as Valorie was asking me if I liked the top she had on. I told her she looked like she had a disease. Giant girl did NOT like that comment. I'm thinking, "What giant girl...did you design that blouse? If you did, it should be banished and burned at the stake."

I drove in Houston. That's right...I, Ashley, drove in the big city. After leaving the hyperventilation station, I drove the 2.7 miles to church on Sunday. I didn't have to go on any freeways (thank you good Lord) because I might have died. But look at it this way. If I did die, I would have been going to church so maybe God would smile down upon me.

I also finished The Help while in Houston. You know you have a bosom friend when you can go on a vacay and read with your friend. I arrived Friday night; Valorie and I read until 2:30 in the morning. We read aloud to each other, with our southern voices. Why they didn't choose us for the parts, I have no earthly. If you haven't read The Help, YOU MUST. It's a work of art, the way Kathryn Stockett writes in the voices of black women in the 1960s. Amazing in every way.

Have a blessed Tuesday everyone. Peace and blessings!

A Humble Reminder

2011-01-14T23:01:00.000-08:00

I have officially arrived at the Coulter Bed and Breakfast! I am now safely in Houston, TX to begin my luxuriously long weekend with my wonderful friend Valorie. I'm so pumped; I've never been to Houston. Be ready for many awkward moments!

I have to tell you about a conversation I had with one of my students. So I won't violate FERPA, I will call her Alice. First of all, let me preface this story by telling you what happened on November 16. I went to a workshop (teachers, I know what you are thinking...yuck) that changed my life. It changed the way I will teach forever. It was called Teach Like a Rockstar, and Hal (the rockstar man) caused me to laugh and cry. But most importantly he allowed me the opportunity to think about why I actually teach. Of course, I wrote down the obvious: to help students succeed, because I love Spanish, because I love kids. Hal said that wasn't good enough. I needed to search my soul to find the real meaning. And then it hit me. I teach for those moments when I see the light bulb go on, the student gets the information, and produces. I get chills and sometimes misty eyed. THAT is why I teach. I also teach because I know I am the hope some of those kids have.

The next day, I go into my classroom, and I tell them why I'm here. I said, "Thank you so much for coming today. This is going to be your best day ever, and I love you." And one girl said, "You don't love us." And I said, "Yes, I do. Let me tell you why. I come here every day to see the light bulb come on, to see you trying something that is difficult, and it makes me proud." Then another girl said, "Say it again." I wasn't sure what she was wanting me to say again, so I told her my reason again. Then she said, "Say IT again." Then I realized she was wanting me to tell the class I loved them again. I told them, and she said, "I love you too." I knew she meant it, and it felt good. She smiled from ear to ear. From that moment, each student was more motivated...every day. The results were amazing! I told them I love them every single day. I still do.

That was my preface to this. Alice came into my little office one day during lunch "asking about an assignment." I knew she wasn't there for that assignment, but I wasn't exactly sure why she was there. She's super smart, but she's not very talkative. The flood gates opened, and she said she wants to go to college. I told her she can. She said she wants to learn Spanish so that she can talk to Hispanics when she's a doctor. I told her she can. And that's when the tears came. She said, "But I live in the projects." It was a humble reminder of the weight these kids carry around. They think they can't ever get out of the conditions they currently live in, that there will never be opportunities for them. My thoughts melted. I wanted to cry with her, but I said, "Alice, I grew up in the country on a farm. You can't get more country than that. And look at me? I teach Spanish." She then proceeds to tell me about her sister that has been living on the streets for seven years, since her father's death from a drug overdose. And her longing to just talk to her.

These moments haunt me. I can't let them go. They are a constant reminder that no matter how frustrated I get at my students, they are my students. I am their Spanish momma, and I love them. Sometimes I just need reminders.

Another One Bites the Dust

2011-01-12T21:13:00.000-08:00

The "other one" I'm referring to would be yours truly...me. Oh ya'll. Sometimes I feel like my life is out of a movie. I'm just so darn awkward. One of my students told me today after I tripped on the extension cord that I was a catastrophe magnet. Well thank you! I love being told that I'm so very catastrophic. Let me tell you about last night...

So my friend, Jill, scored me a ticket to Govenor Beebe's Inaugural ball last night. It was very last minute; she called me at 4:36. I had to be ready and at her house by 7:30. More than plenty of time for me (I don't require much), but I still have to say it was last minute to make me sound important. I mean, come on, I was going to the ball. Luckily, I had a very long and very fancy maxi dress I had purchased to wear on New Years. And luckily I didn't wear it New Years. This dress, however, was so long (the longest maxi dress known to man) that I had to wear my tallest heels which put me at a whopping 6'1". The dress still touched the ground.

We get to the ball, and I check my Forever 21 coat. I felt sorry for it sitting amongst all the non-fabricated wool and mink coats. Poor thing. We go in and Jill wants to know where all of her friends were. She asked me, the gargantuan, to find them. Don't worry--I did. After the Gov. and his wife had their first dance, two other girls and I took to the dance floor. Why should a perfectly good dance floor go to waste with such fine music playing? We start dancing and the singer of the band comes down from the stage, grabs my hand, and pulls me back onto the stage. OF COURSE I eat it up! He introduces me to the crowd of a few thousand people. I do the beauty pageant wave (I was in the midst of political royalty), and then he said, "When the music starts, dance how you feel." Say what??? That's right. He was entrusting me to dance. Has he ever seen me? So I start. I do the sprinkler first, then whatever else comes to mind. THEN they start singing "Apple Bottom Jeans." Whoa. I had to go low in a ball gown AND five inch heels. But I did it, and I did it like a lady. He helped me down from the stage after the tons of applause, and then they went right into the "Cupid Shuffle."

I was totally a groupie now. They loved me! I stood at the very front of the dance floor, pointing and making faces at the singers. We were in a love relationship. I felt so famous that I danced in my own row. Please keep in mind that I am the tallest girl out there. Ok? So, I'm dancing away and there's this part in the dance where you kick. Well, I kicked just a bit too hard. My legs (oh yes--both of them) fly up into the air. I land on my right cheek/hip and also hit my shoulder. I am dazed out of my mind. Did I really just fall in front of thousands of people at the inaugural ball while posing as a Democrat? Why yes, I believe I did. I get up and keep dancing, despite the pain. I. Am. A. Trooper.

I felt the stares, the whispers, as I hobble off the stage. I smile. At least my hair looked fabulous!

Four Years Ago on this day and at this very moment in time...

2011-01-11T07:47:00.000-08:00

I was due in court for a traffic violation (had wreck), but luckily the judge was a patient at the eye clinic where I was working at the time. I used my charm and wittiness to con my way out of actually going to court and missing work. The judge allowed me to do a court conference call by phone. And do you know what I had to do for him? I had to give him a big ol' hug. Sweeth thing! Ya'll thought it was going to be worse didn't you...dirty minded people you are.

2011-01-10T20:19:00.000-08:00

I've had to make a few changes thanks to the comments from some of you. And also from my abstract thoughts...thoughts that I had once had but that were stuffed in the back of my brain somewhere. They've resurfaced.

snow ski (I'm terrifed of dying)
Go to Hawaii
ride in a helicopter
go to a nude beach
parasail in the ocean
run a 5K
serve in a food kitchen
do a Bible study in a prison
Buy a tahoe
pay off student loans
backpack through Europe
lose three inches off entire body
play a song on the guitar (at least one but no wishful thinking)
fly fish
shoot and clean a deer
dive off a diving board without holding my nose
watch the mini series Pillars of the Earth and The Tudors
Date outside of type (someone with a tattoo or piercing)
Get a Macbook
Drive a really expensive car (one that turns heads) Note I didn't say own. I will probably have to rent it.
Study at a language school in Spain
body wrap
see Dave Barnes, Matt Nathanson, Ingrid Michaelson, Joshua Radin, Amos Lee, and/or Ben Harper live in concert
stay in a hostel
ride in a hotair balloon
play tennis (on the most basic level--that means having contact between racquet and ball which might be impossible for me)
go to California
go to Jackson Hole, WY
go to a dude ranch
rock climb

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

2011-01-10T09:49:00.000-08:00

Whew! What a book! Talk about keeping me on the edge of my seat. If you have not read this, you must. I will say it is a bit graphic, but it is so worth it. This has been on my reading list for quite some time, and I needed to read it for book club. Here's the synopsis http://www.amazon.com/Girl-Dragon-Tattoo-Stieg-Larsson/dp/0307454541/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294681267&sr=1-1 I got a little queasy in some parts. My stomach obviously can't handle as much as it used to. I also watched the movie yesterday. I had heard a certain scene from the book was very graphic in the movie. I can't tell you what scene, but it's true. I cringed. However, the movie was pretty true to the book...as well as a movie can be. I highly suggest both! Now on to read The Help.

Main characters Mikael Blomkvist and Lisbeth Salander. She makes me want to get tattoos and piercings...and smoke.

This is so hard but here goes...

2011-01-09T22:41:00.000-08:00

I thought it would be so easy to complete this 30 by 30. I was so WRONG! Here are the twelve things I've come up with so far (please note that these are in no particular order):

snow ski (I'm terrifed of dying)
go to Hawaii
ride in a helicopter
go to a nude beach
parasail in the ocean
run a 5K
serve in a food kitchen
do a Bible study in a prison
Buy a tahoe
pay off student loans
travel to 5 different European countries
lose three inches off entire body
play a song on the guitar (at least one but no wishful thinking)
fly fish
shoot and clean a deer
dive off a diving board without holding my nose
watch the mini series Pillars of the Earth and The Tudors
Buy a Clarisonic from Sephora
Get a Macbook
Get an airbrush tan
Study at a language school in Spain
body wrap
see Dave Barnes, Matt Nathanson, Ingrid Michaelson, Joshua Radin, Amos Lee, and/or Ben Harper live in concert
stay in a hostel
ride in a hotair balloon
play tennis (on the most basic level)
go to California
go to Jackson Hole, WY
go to a dude ranch
rock climb

Woohoo! Yes, it was late. I'm still waiting to see everyone's so get busy!!

30 by 30

2011-01-08T10:23:00.000-08:00

Have you done your list yet? Post time is tomorrow!

LOST is driving me nuts

2011-01-07T16:06:00.000-08:00

I can't stop watching. I'm still in season 1. Claire and her baby daddy are fighting. He just dumped her. And you know what? That's bad and all, but all I can think about is whether Kate and Jack are going to hook up, get together, love on each other, etc. PLEASE can someone tell me! I'm going nuts. I just wish they'd get on with it.

Have you ever noticed how the iPhone autocorrects and sometimes it comes out ALL wrong?

2011-01-06T21:04:00.000-08:00

My friend, Jill introduced me to a website that loads texts that have been messed up due to autocorrect. http://damnyouautocorrect.com/page/4/. There are some very crude words in there, so Grandmother and Mom, don't be offended. Some of these caused me to double over with laughter...like the one below. Take a look. I promise you will laugh.

Oh Happy Day! (Oh Happy Day) Oh Happy Day! (Oh Happy Day)

2011-01-05T20:48:00.001-08:00

...when the counselor's washed (ooh), when the counselor's washed (ooh), when the counselor's WASHED (high note) eighteen students away. Lalalalalalala (Lalalalalalala) Lalalalala (Lalalalala) THEY TAUGHT ME HOW (oh they taught me how) TO SCREAM (to scream) TO SCREAM AND YELL (to scream and yell) SCREAM AND YELL AND THEY TAUGHT ME HOW TO GROW TOUGH SKIN!

That was the day I had today. It was like Christmas on January 5! I found out that 18, yes EIGHTEEN, of my students from the bad campus dropped my class. I got a little misty eyed. You have NO IDEA (maybe some of you do) how difficult it is to teach a class with students constantly disrupting because they don't want to be in there. Well Merry Christmas to you too because I think we both got what we wanted. Trust me...I LOVE many of the students at that campus but some will be better off without my class. I wish them the best of luck in their ventures!

Now on to the second happy of the day...my new bookshelf! I bought it from World Market, and I'm in love with it. My friends Jill and Kirstin helped me assemble it tonight. So much fun!

And to the last happy of the day...I got three new students in my 3rd block class today (I was at the good campus). They transferred from within the school. I asked the male student at the end of class, "How are you feeling about this class so far? You look a little worried."

"I feel extremely overwhelmed." I told him to give it another day or two. Then, as I was walking away, I heard the boy sitting next to him whisper to him, "Welcome to the hardest Spanish class of your life. You will die." I turned around quickly, and said, "Why, thank you!"

I prepare my kids for college, that's for sure. Happy Wednesday everyone! Peace and blessings!

GO HOGS GO!

2011-01-04T17:17:00.000-08:00

WHO'S EXCITED! I am so pumped. Intently watching the game tonight with my home girls Jill and Caroline. You better be calling the Hogs!

Back to school, back to school

2011-01-03T16:21:00.000-08:00

Everytime I return to school from a break, whether it's summer, Thanksgiving, or Christmas, I think of Billy Madison singing "Back to School". Weird, I know, but I'm weird. We had a teacher work day today. I was so glad not to have students, but I KNOW that on Wednesday when the little toots return, I will look like the picture below.

Where did the holidays go? It makes me want to burst out in song, "Where are you Christmas? Why can't I find you? Why have you gone away?" Wish me luck everyone...I'm ready to pop, drop and lock it. And REMEMBER to work on your 30 by 30. I forgot to add in yesterday, but your 30 things must be things you can control. For instance, I can't put on there that I want to be married by 30. I can't control that. But can I control what I eat? Heck yes. Control.

30 by 30

2011-01-02T18:02:00.000-08:00

Ok, so here's what is going down. New Years Eve, while my friends and I were enjoying dinner, we shared the highs and lows of 2010. Then we shared our expectations for 2011...things like getting a rug for the sitting room (Caroline), going to the beach (Jill H.) and getting back on the exercise bandwagon (me and I think everyone on the planet).

Tonight, Sarah, Jill H. and I were discussing our thoughts over dinner. By the way, we are officially calling our meetings the "Nights at the Roundtable" (get it??). I know...so clever. Jill said she was going to make a list of 30 things she wants to accomplish by the time she's 30. Sarah and I loved the idea, and we are also going to do it. We all feel more zealous about 2011 and feel that it is going to be a year of production and "firsts". I'm so excited to see what's going to happen, and I want you all to join in with us. I think this is such a fun idea. I mean really, I do. I don't know about you, but I need someone to hold me accountable. I ate Mexican tonight, and I only had five chips (I know...so strong). The girls held me accountable.

If you are past 30, no fear! That just means that you get to do more. 40 by 40, 50 by 50 and so on. Yes, you will have time to do all these things. Welcome to the EXPECTATION STATION (I don't know what my deal is with stations...I've always had stations. Just go with it.)!!!!!

The deadline for your 30 is next Sunday, January 9. You can comment here or email them to me at ashleypjamison@yahoo.com. Can I get a whoop whoop AND an Amen??

Midwives

2011-01-02T11:05:00.000-08:00

This was my latest read. I finished it a few days ago, and I must say it was awesome. Not expecting the end which made me really excited. The twists are my favorite. It was also very informative about midwives and their practices. I knew what a midwife was, but I had never ventured to find out more about what exactly they can and cannot do. If you have any spare time or just love to read, pick this up. It was featured in Oprah's Book Club if you go by Oprah's word and don't trust mine. You may check it out from the Jamison library free of charge :). Read the synopsis here http://http://www.amazon.com/Midwives-Oprahs-Book-Chris-Bohjalian/dp/0375706771.

Let me know what you think!

2010 Recap

2010-12-31T15:14:00.000-08:00

This has been a year of firsts for me and year of emotions. I have so much to be thankful for: a job, my health, and my family and friends. Here's a look at my spontaneous (haha), and eventful life:

My cousin Ace got a "no cancer" report from the polyps they found in December 2009. However, he was diagnosed in November with a rare autoimmune disease called primary sclerosing cholangitis. It affects the liver, and it is so rare they don't know much about it. We accept it, pray without ceasing, and keep going.
My aunt Tricia was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this fall. It has been such a rough battle, but ya'll...she is one tough lady. She has two more chemo treatments then will go back for a scan in late January. Please pray that it comes back clean. This is her third battle with cancer, and she is quite the fighter. You can read more about her progress on my cousin Callie's blog www.mostlysweet.blogspot.com.
A first for me this year is teaching in a public school. Whoa and whoa. I go from the quiet grounds of CAC to excitement every minute (not always good excitement) at NLR. I have learned SO much this year. I've learned that I have much tougher skin than I ever thought possible and that although you may think you have a lot on your plate, there is always someone struggling more than you. I am so thankful for this job, and I am excited to see what next semester holds for me.
My precious roommate, Haleigh, was attacked in our home in May. Talk about a tiger! Considering everything she went through emotionally and physically, she is doing remarkably well. I look to her with so much admiration, and I hope I can be that durable when I face my fears. Continue to pray for her as well. The trial is set for April 27th.
I lost my first grandparent in August. Paw paw suffered from ALS and was so ready to go home. It was a strange feeling not seeing him or hearing his laugh at Christmas this year. Why there has to be death and sadness I will never know.
My sister was married in November. Thank goodness I love her husband because I can be mean to people I don't like. That's just me being honest.

I am looking forward to 2011. I don't make New Year's resolutions because I never keep them. I just try my best every day. Hopefully that's good enough. I hope each of you has a wonderful beginning to the new year, and I hope to see you all this coming year. Peace and blessings!

Ashley in Wonderland

2010-12-28T13:50:00.000-08:00

I was in my own little world for 3.5 hours. I took reinforcements (pumpkin muffins) to hold me over, but they would only last so long. By 2:30, I was starving and decided to end my search of books. I ended up with 37 books for only $133.78. I am so very happy about my new selections! The Ashley library is now open for business!

Ooh baby do you know what that's worth? Ooh Heaven is a place on Earth.

2010-12-28T07:29:00.000-08:00

I am going to Heaven on Earth this very day--right after I write this. I have been anticipating this visit since I was there last March. I spent a total of five hours there last time and came out with two huge boxes of books. I'm going in for the kill this time. My "Books to Buy" list has 101 titles. I am so excited! It was so hard to sleep last night. So, in order to house all of these books, I bought a new bookshelf at World Market yesterday. It was 50% off. I actually had to go back and buy it online but I got a discount on shipping. I am so pumped because I have looked for 2.5 years for a bookshelf. I am sooooo picky about furniture. I want it to look classic to match my bedroom furniture, so my finding a bookshelf and actually purchasing it is extraordinary.

It's so great to be back in Nashville, TN. I drove from Nashville, AR to Nashville, TN on Sunday--a 7 hour drive. Not too bad. I have one big concert in the car. Don't worry Mom, I didn't film myself. She gets mad at me when I film while driving. It's better than drinking and driving or putting on makeup and driving. I've done the latter before and took off Mr. Littlefield's side mirror my senior year of high school. Oops.

More details on the trip to McKay's (a.k.a the Trip of My Life) to come. Stand by.

My Dad said that this girl reminded him of me...

2010-12-23T23:16:00.000-08:00

Should I be concerned???

Hey Tell Highlight #1: Dooky Ball Face

2010-12-23T18:54:00.001-08:00

This is a conversation between my friend Valorie and me. Hey Tell gives you the liberty to call your friends ugly names...like dooky ball face.

http://www.badongo.com/file/24861772

Hey Tell Highlights of 2010

2010-12-23T18:06:00.000-08:00

I don't know if you have this app on your iPhone yet, but you MUST get it. So many moments in my life have been shared over this walkie/talkie-app. I, unfortunately, don't know how to post multiple media files in one post, so I will have to do so separately. If this persuades you to get Hey Tell, add me and we can make beautiful messages together.

It's Official: I'm LOST

2010-12-23T06:19:00.000-08:00

Last night I embarked on a new journey...Season 1 of LOST. Why? I've heard so much talk about how "awesome" and "addicting" this show is for so many, so I thought I would see what all the hype was about. So I subscribed to Netflix which I'm so excited about. I had no idea how much I'd missed out on the last two years of my grad school/full time job career. Mind you, I won't graduate until May, but I am going to squeeze some TV action into my life.

So, my thoughts on this show: I'm a tad squeamish and freaked out after watching the first four espisodes. Ya'll, it's so weird because I used to ride roller coasters and watch horror movies with the best of them. Now? No way Jose. I got so sick to my stomach when I saw the blood. AND then I just got spooked. So spooked, my friends, that I had to do a walkabout the house and check rooms and bathrooms and the closet where the washer and dryer is located. For the record, I did not get the gun out to do this checking. Maybe I shouldn't watch it when I'm home alone? Just a thought...
It is very addicting. I watched four episodes straight in a row. I only have one concern. The realisticness of the monster thingie. I'm thinking, "Oh come on...really?" I have a feeling this show is going to have a lot of symbolism which I LOVE in literature so maybe I'll like it in TV as well.

I will keep you posted on my progress, LOST fanatics.

Mary Christmas and a Wedding

2010-12-17T11:41:00.000-08:00

Yes, this is a 10th grader. And no he was not being funny. It was such a good thought though! I was grading essays today (for the semester exam), and one of the essays was about comparing the Day of the Dead or Christmas to the U.S. festivities. One girl answered, "We call mines holiday Christmas, and they call theirs Virgen Mary." aaawwww yes well...not quite so. It amazes me that even if I gave them the exact replica of the test, they still wouldn't study it. I feel things were so much different when I was in school and that wasn't that long ago. I would love your imput friends. Are students different today than they were even a few years ago or was I totally sheltered and oblivious? Be nice now...I know I'm oblivious to a lot of the happenings around me.

Brittany's not a little girl any longer. She's now a married woman! We absolutely love Waylan, and we are so happy for them both. The wedding was a bit chilly, but it was beautiful. It was small (small for our family is large for others) and intimate.

I feel it in my fingers...but not in my toes because it's so COLD! The worst three months of my life have offically begun. I know what you're thinking. It's ironic that a person who hates winter SO much was born in the coldest month of the year, February.

I think congrats are in order for...me! I just finished my last graduate class EVER! I will have freedom now. Instead of leaving school to go to class, I can now stay at school. This excites me because I am so behind in life...TV shows and more importantly books. SO SO SO behind. I'm making up for lost time because I: 1) joined Netflix to catch up on all the TV shows and movies I've missed the last two years of my existence, 2) checked out four books from the library, and 3) joined a book club. WHOA! I know, right? Excitingness is happening right here at the Chalet.

Jamison Road

2010-11-24T15:42:00.000-08:00

To love a place so much...this is a difficult feeling for me to describe. The outside world pulled me, and I am now outside sitting on the tailgate of my Dad's truck. I couldn't escape this enchanting weather. The wind is perfect. The temperature is perfect. The sounds of bugs and the wind...perfect. The smells of the country. Oh the smells! This is the first time in a very long time that I've felt at peace with things. I listen and I look and see so clearly the way things are supposed to be. God is everywhere. I love this place. It always brings me home to where I need to be. I cry as I write this, at this very moment, because I know I will not feel this peace again for a long time. The cold will come, I will go back to the big city and get back to grad school and teaching. I will forget what this peace feels like. But for right now, I will feel it. I will bathe myself in it. I will think so freely for this one moment. I just had to share.

Wedding pics of Brittany and Waylan's wedding to come soon. Happy Thanksgiving!

Brush Your Shoulders Off

2010-11-09T17:52:00.000-08:00

HAPPY FALL!

One of my best friends in the entire world got to come visit during my four day weekend. It is so wonderful to spend time with Meredith and Baby Chandler!

Ya'll, I'm not going to lie. The past few months, there have been a whirl wind of emotions. Love, hate, sorrow, self pity...you name it and I felt it. After a four day weekend, I am much improved and ready for Thanksgiving. Oh I love me some Pilgrims! God bless America and the Mayflower. Through all of these wonderful emotions, I have had to say to myself, "Brush your shoulders off." You said it straight, Jay-Z.

I said that to one of my students yesterday. She was a bit confused after we learned definite and indefinite articles. I told her that it would come with time and practice, and I also told her to "brush you shoulders off." Dead (I mean dead) silence...then LAUGHTER! We all got tickled, and I just had to stop teaching a giggle. They just took me down left and right. "Oh no! That's old school." "You said that sooooo white." "You are too white." "You listen to Jay-Z?" "She obviously don't listen to no straight (cool) stuff."

We just laughed and laughed and laughed until...I was the only one laughing. Those who know me well know that I laugh at myself more than anyone else. I just can't help it! I'm just so weird and goofy that I tickle myself. So I am laughing out loud, by myself, and that gets the kids going again. It is so GREAT to laugh with your students! There are those times when it's ok, and you can achieve so much more from your class just from laughing with them. There are many, many, many times when I want to slap them silly or as they say, "Boy, I'm gonna hit you upside yo head."
Caroline's first time to eat AND to cook deer steak. Everyone has to have the deer steak experience of eating and frying it up real nice :).

It's just so very difficult to form relationships with students in such a tough environment. I went into the school year thinking that I was going to help all the kids that needed help. Well let me tell you, I was WRONG. Maybe I am helping in some way. Maybe they haven't let their guards down. All I know is that I am just trying to survive mentally every day. That's all I know right now. I made a B on two grad school assignments. I told myself I wouldn't cry--it's just a grade--it doesn't matter. But then I realized I just have to survive (and of course, pass ).

So yes, I am good. Healthy as a horse. It's all about perspective, and that is a very hard concept for me. You always think you have it the hardest when, oh no girl and boy (if there are any that read this), there's always someone out there that has had a poopier day.

Dinner with Chance and Timmy B.

Halloween party!

Updates:

Aunt Tricia--has taken two rounds of chemo. Read the latest here at http://www.mostlysweet.blogspot.com/. Please keep Trixie in your prayers! She started a new drug called Tarceva this week, so please pray that it's effective and that the side effects are mild.

Brittany and Waylan--they are getting hitched on November 20. I can't believe it's finally here. On a sadder note, their Maltese, Duke, was run over and killed yesterday. They are devasted! It's like losing a child. Duke was even in their engagement pics. Pray for them as well!

This my sister and Duke.

My Many Faces

2010-11-05T14:21:00.000-07:00

Fall is here! So excited for a weather change. I hate winter but love fall so I will soak up every minute. The best part is wearing boots every single day. Yay for that! School is getting better; I'm getting used to the differences. So many funny stories. Grad school and full time job are catching up with me. I have no idea how people do this and have children. I think I would cry and eat terribly every day of my existence. It's catching up with me so much that I made B's on two assignments. That's not normal. One and a half more months then freedom.

I've had the past two days off. It has been so nice. Meredith and baby Chandler were in town, so I've spent these last two days with them. It has been so wonderful! I love them so much and wish I could see them every day.

Here's just a little preview of my life in pictures:

Me, Sarah and Jill eating at The House for Sarah's birthday. They have a pretty good burger.

Jonathan and Mer on their previous visit to Searcy.

Karson, my favorite red-head.

Lauren and me before the Boom Kinetic concert. Who's the pale one???

Loved seeing my Audra in Hot Springs over labor day weekend. It was such a wonderful surprise!

Little C and Big A :)

Halloween pics to come soon!