For The Love Of Monday.

Mondays are my favorite. No matter how stressful they may be, they are always a sign of a fresh start. After reading Danielle's post on her five goals for the week, I decided to set my own. It's always so easy to get stuck on one area of your life that you want to improve, and the rest just starts to slip. What better way to keep yourself well-rounded than by setting five goals each week, in very specific categories that reach every part of your life. I'm feeling quite inspired as you can probably tell.


{Print by Livy Love Designs; Click image for source}

Nutrition- Kick the sugar habit for the week and drink lots of water. This means no giving in to the 'Wednesday Sweets' in the staff room, which for some reason like to appear every day of the week just to torture me.

Exercise- Yoga class Tuesday and Thursday night- there are no excuses for missing it this week.

Relationships- Make dinner for Jordan at least three times this week. I've been such a slacker in the housewife area, it's time to start working on that.

Creativity- Get caught up on my 365 project & make the star garland for Maren's birthday party. I will post more about this project soon.

MeTime- Finish reading The Christian Atheist.

Forty Days, Forty Bags.

After reading this post about the 40 Days, 40 Bags project, I knew I had to do it. While I've never fully participated in Lent, with the intention of ridding my life of something that takes away my focus on God, I figured it's never too late to start. For the 40 days of Lent (which I started a few days late) I am going through a different part of my house, cleaning it out and getting rid of anything I don't need. My goal is to clean my life and house of all the extra stuff, filling up bags and leaving more room for God. I've already finished my bedroom, and it feels great.



Ohh, I cannot wait until day 40. A fresh start, a clean house, and a happy heart is what I'm looking forward to.

New & Old.

New: I bought my first pair of earrings since I was a little girl (yipeee!). I have horribly sensitive skin, so wearing them is torture. But I recently learned that all you need is a little Neosporin daily to treat the irritation, and it really does work. I bought these Laura Lombardi brass bar earrings from Magpie & Rye, and I think I may finally be an earring kind of girl.





Old: While I was so happy to take a picture of my new earrings, I ended up wanting to cry. Can you see the wrinkles? Now, I know they aren't horrible (yet), but they are still there. I've always thought wrinkles and gray hair are beautiful on women, but I've never thought about them on me. Anyway, I'll be 30 in just 3.5 short years and I guess a few crow's feet are normal, but it's still a tad bit depressing. Maybe I'll start photoshopping them out hehe.

Party Pooper.

I think I may be completely alone on this, but I just hate Halloween. I've tried in the past to enjoy it, but I just can't seem to even fake it this year. Now when I was younger I liked Halloween, but only for one simple reason: CANDY! You all know how much of a sugar addict I am, so being able to collect pillowcases full of candy and eat it all... that was heaven. But besides the sugar high I was able to ride for about a week, the rest of the holiday was torture for several reasons.

1. I'm a scaredy cat to the extreme (see picture below). I have always had a severe phobia of clowns, and until this last year I slept with my light on. (The husband wouldn't go for it once we got married). So why in the world would I have fun on a night where everybody is out to scare the crap out of me? I really would rather lock myself in the bathroom then be around all of you vampires, monsters, and bloody creatures, thank you very much.

2. I can't handle the whole dressing up part. Wearing makeup, let alone finding a decent costume, is just downright stressful for me. Hello anxiety disorder. Although I did think it would be really funny if Jordan and I dressed up as Jack and The Beanstalk.

3. I like to be in bed by 9:30, and I am a complete hermit. Lame, I know.

4. Apparently I'm too old to Trick Or Treat. Who says a 26 year old can't go door to door begging for candy? Life can be so cruel.




With that being said, HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

A Perfect Fall Day.

One of my favorite things to do is to plan out exactly what I would do if I had a free day, with no obligations, no homework, and no worries. Here is what my 'perfect fall day' would look like:



9a Holy Yoga (I got the DVDs in the mail this weekend & I'm in love).
10a Breakfast & coffee with Jordan in the village.
11p Horse-back ride along the river.
1p Picnic lunch with (& prepared by) Jordan.
2p Apple Hill with a few favorite people.
6p Dinner at my parent's house.
8p Board games back at home.
10p  Fall asleep while reading a good book.

And, of course, the weather would be about 70 degrees with just a few fluffy clouds in sight, I would be able to sneak in a nap, all of my favorite people would be in town, and my hair would cooperate so any pictures taken would come out good. That's all I would need to have a perfect fall day, sounds reasonable enough to me. But enough day dreaming for one day, back to reality.

Image from weheartit.

Sugar Update.

While my original goal was 14 days without sugar, I ended up going 26 days! This is a huge accomplishment for me, as I will always consider myself a recovering sugar addict. Go ahead and laugh, but it's true. I was going to try and go for a solid 30 days without sweets, but Holly & Jeremy had a chocolate fountain at the wedding. How can anyone resist a chocolate fountain? I know I couldn't, I mean come on... look how amazing my dessert was. I've decided to start over and beat my new record. This is starting to become a fun game, and I've already seen a huge improvement on the scale and in my overall health.

On Being A 'Big Girl'.

No, I don't mean big as in the 10 pounds that have crept up on me lately. I'm talking about me finally becoming a grown-up, against all odds. Even though I hated Eat, Pray, Love, it did get me thinking about my "word". And of course that was easy for me, my word definitely would be something along the lines of "youth/youthful". I am, and probably will always be, a five year old at heart [for more reasons than I feel like listing at the moment]. However, I've been growing up lately [hooray!] and even though I'll never loose my inner-child, I'm enjoying the peace that comes with maturity. Here are a few, somewhat silly, reasons that I know I'm becoming a real adult:

• I go grocery shopping every Wednesday & I love it.
  
• Procrastinating every single thing until the last minute has all but ceased.
  
• I remember to wear my glasses.
  
• My day planner never leaves my side.
  
• I now respond to Mrs. Gray. [This was a hard one to get used to]
  
• My skin has gotten thicker, and I've stopped letting people walk all over me.
  
• I'm taking care of myself, even going to the dentist regularly.
  
• I've accepted who I am, flaws and all, without giving into the narcissism that plagues so many.
  
• I'm [so] excited about my future, and am constantly thinking about Dandelion.
  
• I go to the early service on Sunday morning, instead of sleeping in until noon.
  
• I love my life, and everyone in it.
  

But, no matter how 'old' I get, there are some things that will never change:

I'll always be slightly odd.



I'll always think with my tongue out.



I'll always love presents.



... and naps.



And, of course, I will ALWAYS hate clowns.

Sweet Tooth.

Now before I begin, let me tell you what I mean when I tell you that I have a sweet tooth. I'm not your normal, I like to back cupcakes and have a candy bar on occasion, girl who likes her sweets. I am a sugar fiend/addict, and it's not fun. It was easier for me to quit my pack-a-day cigarette habit, than it is for me to turn down sweets. If I could have my way, I'd eat candy/cookies/cake all stinking day. And there have been plenty of days where I did just that. Now, it might seem a little silly and those of you that know me well are probably laughing because you know this is true. And I'm sure Liz will tell you about the cheesecake incident if you don't believe me. But really, I've had enough.

Here comes the good news... drumroll please... it's been 10 days! I haven't had any sweets. I even turned down the most adorable little cupcakes and cookies at the Stitch Swap! I know 10 days doesn't seem like long, but it's a huge accomplishment and I feel great. My original goal was 14 days, which I'm sure I can do. But now I'm thinking I'll keep going. What do you think? Maybe 30 days without sweets?

PS How amazing would it be to live in that candy store?

{Image from WeHeartit}

Oh, So Serious.

I have such a hard time keeping a straight face. While I may be good at fake crying/freaking out in order to get my way with Jordan, I cannot be serious when it matters. Especially when I try hard, and it's starting to become a problem. When teaching such young children, a lot of funny things are said and done, and it's my job to keep a straight face. But how in the world am I supposed to not laugh hysterically when a six year old comes running to me, screaming at the top of her lungs & crying hysterically, because someone called her a "buuuutt looooserrrrr". I mean, come on! A butt loser?! That's funny stuff. And when the whole class is giggling because someone farted, I can't help but laugh. Maybe I'm just extremely immature, as immature as the five year olds I'm supposed to be teaching? But oh well, it makes life fun.

Here is a good example of me failing at being serious. I can't even take more than one picture without posing like an idiot.

{Serious Ashley}



{The Real Ashley}

Four Simple Goals.

While I'm still working on my 2010 list. I really liked the idea of having four simple goals to accomplish in 2010, that aren't result oriented and are simple ways to focus on what it is that makes me smile. Elsie's 4 Simple Goals post inspired me to write my own, but then again I'm always looking for a good excuse to write a to-do list.

1. Read

Read more of everything. Read my Bible more often, read the stack of novels sitting next to my bed, reread old Real Simple and Natural Health magazines, read more blogs, maybe even read my texts books once they arrive for the upcoming semester, who knows?

2. Move

Exercise Move more often. Not as in go to the gym and run on a treadmill for hours, but as in moving for fun not for calorie deduction. This includes bike riding, roller skating, walking, yoga, hiking, swimming, and the list goes on.

3. Cook

Oh, Jordan is going to love it if I actually accomplish this goal. Have I ever told you how pathetic I am in the kitchen? True story.

4. Write

I love writing, but I don't do it enough. Maybe because I'm not very confident in my ability, or maybe because I feel like what I have to say isn't worthy of putting on paper? Regardless, it's something I enjoy so I'm going to start doing it more. Whether that means more blogging or more journalling... I'm going to get my words out of my head on on the paper or screen.

I feel like this is my own little version of Eat, Pray, Love. Without the traveling and life changing experiences, that is.

P.S. I added one more this week. I want to learn how to use my camera. I already took it off the automatic setting, but I want to figure out the rest of the little buttons and switches. I'm hoping to take a class through The Learning Exchange.

Applesauce.

The other day I was having a really hard time. I sat in the backyard, on my hammock, for what felt like forever. I don't want to go into detail, but let's just say I was having a rough day and the sun was going down. I was upset, cold, and searching for something. That's when I asked God, "Where are you?". When the words came out of my mouth, I was actually a little shocked. You know when you feel/say something that you know comes straight from the heart, and your brain hasn't even had the time to dwell on it? Well, just at that very moment Jordan walked through the back door with a bowl of hot, homemade, applesauce from his dad [when he makes applesauce he always brings me a bowl because he knows how much I love it]. I quickly grabbed the bowl, and cried. I don't think applesauce has ever meant that much to anyone before.

Do you know someone that needs a bowl of hot applesauce?

PS Isn't the picture my sister took amazing?

Two Things.

1. I have always been in love with the classroom. When I was little I would come home from school and beg tell my sister to play school with me. [If she didn't want to play by my rules, then fine... she could find someone else to play with]. And to top it all off, I have been in school for 21 years and I want to be a teacher. So after realizing all this, what did I decide to do? Yup, I have a little wooden desk in my front room now. So when Jordan is at work, I can play school all by myself!



2. I saw Ramona and Beezus on Wednesday and I fell in love. I remember reading the books when I was little, and I even have a Ramona The Pest T-Shirt. Now I know my taste in movies is a bit immature, but if you love Disney Channel Movies as much as I do- you will love this one. I should do a post with my all time favorite movies, because I'm not sure you understand just how ridiculous my taste in movies is. Who else cried when they saw that the new Chronicles Of Narnia was coming out? Yeah, didn't think so. Anyway, you should really go see this movie. If for nothing else, Uncle Hobart is pretty darn adorable.



See, I told you so:

My Life, In A Nutshellhouse.

When I was in high school I thought the world revolved around my getting straight As. Needless to say, I graduated at the top of my class with a 4.2 GPA. What was next? Well, going to a University of course because settling for a Jr. College or even a State School was just out of the question. I wanted to conquer the world, and show everyone just how successful I could become so I went to UCSB. I was going to become an engineer, because I thought I loved math. Well, it turns out I didn't really love math I was just exceptionally good at it. Fast forward a year and I'm back at home, depressed, and without any direction. That was until I decided I had gotten it all wrong. Being "successful" wasn't what I wanted, I didn't even know what that meant. Money didn't make me happy, so why was I trying to make the "big bucks" anyway. I didn't want to be stuck behind a desk for the rest of my life. I loved people, I loved kids, and I absolutely adored people with special needs. So, that's how I got where I am today. 8 years after high school graduation, and still in school. But with a smile on my face.

Oh, I did fail to mention that in between all that, I changed my major more than 5 times before I finally figured out I wanted to be a special education teacher. This is a list of my majors, ridiculous huh?

1. Engineering
2. Math
3. Women's Studies
4. History
5. Speech Pathology and Audiology
6. Liberal Studies (finally)

One of the things I struggle with often, which I'm sure a lot of people do, is remembering that it isn't the material things in life that make us happy. They are just kinda nice to have around when you are bored!

For example,

I want my own bike. I had to sell mine to make some money, but thank God I have an amazing sister who is letting me borrow hers. Who needs a set of wheels when you have family like that?



I would love to own a bunch of different gadgets. But then again do I really want to get sucked down that path? Now that I think about it, I'd rather save my pennies for a month of garage sale shopping.



This is one that's hard to get out of my stubborn head. I really (really really) want a nice camera. I love taking pictures, but I think I can wait until I have the excuse of having a child to take pictures of.



Now that I got that off my chest, it's time to play housekeeper.


Images from WeHeartIt.

Oh, Happiness.

There are so many things to be happy about right now. I just wish I could focus on the good all the time, and stop dwelling on the negative side. But then again, I wouldn't be me if I wasn't freaking out over every mishap in life. Regardless, here are a few things that are making me smile.



Uno.

I start [student] teaching Kindergarten on the 23rd.

Dos.

The school is 1.5 from my house, which means I'll be riding my sister's bike to work. She let me borrow her amazing cruiser while she goes to Africa. Talk about a good sister, huh?

Tres.

I was able to find a ridiculous amount of adorable/affordable/appropriate clothes for teaching. I will post pictures soon, because trust me when I say- I found some good stuff!

Cuatro.

I'm going roller skating Thursday night with Liz and Katie. And yes, I plan on showing off my superspeedskatingskills.

Cinco.

I'm going rafting down the river, not once but twice this week! And I'm pretty sure this is the tannest my albino self has ever been.

Seis.

I'm going to see Romano and Beezus tomorrow.

Siete.

My sister is having a 2nd Saturday fashion show next month to raise funds for her missionary work in Africa. I think I already mentioned it, but she is stinking amazing.

Ocho.

I'm helping Jordan's cousins make wedding invitations and wine labels for their October wedding. It's going to be at Jordan's grandparent's house in McCloud. I couldn't be more excited for them, or for us... because any excuse to go up north makes me a happy camper.

Nueve.

The grass is growing in our backyard. You have absolutely no idea how happy this makes me. Jordan has been working his butt off for quite some time to get grass to grow back there again, and it finally is!

Diez.

I downloaded an Ataris' album that I listened to over and over and over again, about 7 years ago. Talk about bringing back old memories, it's getting hard for me to take these headphones off.