Monday, August 30, 2010

It's the final countdown.

12 Days and I will be in London!!  
 "It's London baby!"  (Think Joey from friends.) 

 I'm so excited!   3 nights in London, 4 nights and Paris, and 3 nights in Rome.    Everything is planned and I can't believe it is coming up so soon!   I went shopping for passport covers today...cause you know... I needed my passport to be cute... and outlet convertors.   I think I have everything I need.   I've been trying to eat healthy and exercise these past few weeks cause I know once I'm over there it's all over!    All I want is bread, cheese, and wine for every meal!   

"What!?  Bread makes you fat!!??" 
 (One of the only funny lines from "Scott Pilgram vs. the World, which my husband made me see last night.)

The countdown has begun!


Monday, August 23, 2010

Just a piece of a story.

Okay, so… I’ve been writing.   It’s really because of all of you!  You have all inspired me with all of your wonderful literary works.   I’ve never considered myself to be a writer, but after reading all of your awesome blogs and works in progress, I’ve decided that I want in on the fun!   And because I’m a “rip off the band-aid” kind of girl, I’m going to share!   
 
Here is an excerpt from my work in progress.   I know many of you are wonderful writers, so I’d love your feedback.  It’s a little long, so if you read it all, you must really love me.  Haha.  Here we go:
 
butterfly
She heard the knock on the door, but she ignored it. She enjoyed her long showers, even though she knew she’d hear the complaints later from her roommate. It gave her time to think, and today of all days, she needed time.
 
The day had finally come, as she knew it would. And now, standing in the shower, the reality hit her. He was gone. She felt a lump forming in her throat, and she tried to shake it off. She had promised herself she would not cry over him ever again. After all, how can you cry over the loss of someone you never had to begin with?
 
“You are so stupid,” Autumn whispered out loud to herself. “You are so, so stupid,” she repeated. She could feel it coming, and she couldn’t stop it. She shook her head, and splashed her face with water. She never allowed herself to lose control, to feel anything for him anymore. What would be the point? What would it change? But on this day, here, alone in the shower, she had finally reached her breaking point. She let go of the breath she had been holding in, and with it, an outcry of sheer pain. The tears came quickly, and she sank to the ground, sobbing out loud. She buried her face into her knees and let the water run over her. She was suddenly flooded with a million emotions, feelings that she hadn’t allowed herself to feel. Sadness, pain, and worst of all, regret.
 
Looking back, Autumn couldn’t remember a time when she didn’t know Oliver. He was always just, around. Their mothers had been best friends for years, and they loved to tease the two of them about how they would someday marry.  Oliver was five years older than Autumn, and he loved to pick on her, he would mess up her hair as he would walk past, and would run laughing as she chased after him, screaming . Her mother loved to play the home video of her as a toddler proudly proclaiming “Ollie is my boyfriend!” She had loved him all her life, but Oliver barely noticed Autumn, at least not in that way, after all, she was just a child to him, just an old family friend.
 
When Autumn turned sixteen she began working for her father. Her dad owned a bakery, and after school Autumn would work behind the counter as a cashier.  It was a boring job, but she didn’t mind it so much, because Oliver worked there too. They began spending more and more time together, and it seemed to everyone that it was only a matter of time before their romance would blossom.
 
Oliver dated other girls through the years, and Autumn even dated other boys, but nothing ever stuck for either of them. Over the next few years, they grew closer as friends. They would talk on the phone for hours, go to lunch together, to an occasional movie, and even Autumn’s high school prom. He teased her about her “goody goody” disposition, and how young she was. He was a bad boy in all of the obvious ways, but Autumn didn’t care. She knew that someday he would settle down and be hers. They never spoke of love, or romance, and despite her best efforts, he never kissed her. But he told her often “you know, someday we’re going to get married, you’re just too young for me right now.”
 
And she did know, she knew someday they would be together. She figured as soon as she was older, that he would finally proclaim his love for her. She counted down the days until her eighteenth birthday, until she was finally an adult. She imagined him, showing up at her door, taking her into his arms, and kissing her in the way she had dreamt about for years. But sadly, that’s not what happened at all.
 
Her eighteenth birthday came and went, and nothing had changed. Sometimes she wondered if he even knew how she felt. Did he know that she was in love with him? It seemed so obvious to her, and to everyone else for that matter, but was it obvious to him? So many times she thought of just telling him. So many times she wanted him to just put her out of her misery, to let her know once and for all if they had any kind of future together. It was torturous, hanging onto a possibility.
 
The day it happened she had spent the night at his house. He still lived at home, and Autumn had stayed up late watching movies with Oliver and his mother, Donna. She fell asleep on their couch. When she woke up the next morning, she wandered up the stairs to find him rummaging through the refrigerator.
 
“Good morning,” she said, quickly running her fingers through her long blonde hair, suddenly aware that she must look like a mess. “I guess I fell asleep, thanks for letting me crash.”
 
“No problem.” He shrugged, pulling a milk carton from the refrigerator. He opened it, took a drink, and then put it back.
 
“Ollie! What have I told you about that?” Donna hurried in to the kitchen, swatting him on the back of his head. Oliver laughed, and quickly kissed his mother on the cheek.
 
“You know you love me,” he said charmingly. Autumn thought it was sweet the way he acted with his mother.
 
“Morning honey,” Donna gave Autumn a peck on the forehead, “have a seat, let me fix you two some breakfast.” Autumn climbed onto the wooden bench that sat behind their table, tucking her legs up under her.
 
“Ah thanks mom, but I have to run, I’m meeting the guys to play ball.” Oliver glanced Autumn’s way for the first time, “I’ll see you girls later.”
 
Donna looked at Autumn, then back at Oliver, “Oliver, you have a guest, don’t you think you could reschedule with the boys?” She eyed him carefully.
 
“Oh, it’s just Autumn, she doesn’t care, do you?”
 
They both looked at her.
 
“Oh of course not,” she said quickly, “I have to leave soon anyway, go play ball! I mean, you seriously need the practice.” Autumn laughed nervously and stuck her tongue out at him.
 
Oliver rolled his eyes. “Okay, see ya!”
 
And he was gone.
 
Donna turned to look at Autumn, eyeing her suspiciously for a few moments. She shook her head in silence, then began to make breakfast.
 
“You don’t have to make me breakfast Donna,” Autumn said quietly, getting up from her seat, “I really do need to get going.”
 
“Don’t be silly,” Donna replied, “you don’t have to be anywhere. Now sit and let me make you some eggs!.”
 
Autumn sat back down. She tucked her legs back under her and turned to look out the window. There was a butterfly right outside, and she began to stare at it absently. She wondered how long ago it had been merely a caterpillar.
 
“My son is an idiot.” Donna said suddenly, she cracked an egg on the side of her mixing bowl.
 
“What?” Autumn laughed, turning her attention back to the room, “You’re just now figuring that out?”
 
“I’m serious, he’s an idiot.”
 
She put down her spoon, and looked at Autumn. Autumn could see the pity in Donna’s eyes, and it made her suddenly embarrassed. Was she really as pathetic as she felt?
 
“He doesn’t deserve you honey.” Donna said quietly. “And if he can’t see how special you are…. He really is just an idiot. I love him! But he’s an idiot.”
 
Autumn felt the blood rush to her face, she looked down quickly and took a deep breath. She opened her mouth to protest, to say that she didn’t know what she meant, but nothing came out. What was the point? Everyone knew she was in love with him. She sighed.
 
“Thanks Donna,” she whispered, looking up at her. They stared at one another for a moment, and then she turned back to the window. The butterfly was gone.
 
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Sunday, August 22, 2010

If you really knew me...

First of all I just want to say that I'm so excited to have reached 200 followers!   I can't believe that 200 people are following my randomness.   Thanks so much to all of my friends, it's been so wonderful getting to know you all.

Speaking of my bloggy friends, Leslie @ A Blonde Ambition, opened my eyes the other day to this new show on MTV called "If You Really Knew Me."   Have you all seen it?   I hadn't watched MTV since Carson Daily hosted TRL and I was home from a day at High School... but after listening to Leslie's description, I sat down tonight to watch it.   It was so good!   The show travels to different high schools in an attempt to help bring kids together.  They profile the jocks, loners, stoners, geeks, and popular kids, and then put them through some amazing exercises together.   They share their secrets, insecurities, and fears with one another, and the results are really powerful.  Remember the scene in "The Breakfast Club?"  It's kind of like that!!  Definitely tune in.



So following Leslie's lead, here's my own little version of "If you really knew me."

If you really knew me, you would know:

I'm really scared of snakes.   Okay... beyond scared... more like terrified.  I can't even look at a picture of a snake without freaking out.  It's very annoying.

I have really crazy dreams all of the time.   Last night I dreamt I was "Veronica Mars" and I was dating Logan Echols.   A few weeks ago I dreamt I rode a shark through the ocean, and the shark had a seat cut out of his back for me to sit in.   Haha.

I have five living grandparents.   My mom's parents, my dad's parents, and my mom's grandmother (my great grandmother), are all still living and doing well.   I feel so fortunate to have them all in my life.

I'm late just about everywhere I go.   I hate that about myself.  I know that it's an awful quality.  My mom tells me that when someone is always late, they are saying to the world that their time is more important than everyone else's.   Sigh.... I'm working on it.   

I have a very addictive personality.   When I love a song, I can listen to it on repeat.  When I love a restaurant, I can eat there every night for like 3 months!  I totally go in waves with things.

I love to eat late at night.... though I'm trying to resist!

I remember kindergarden pretty clearly, and then 2nd grade through senior year.  I have no memory whatsoever of 1st grade.  Even when I looked up my teacher's name, it brought back no memories.   It kind of freaks me out, haha.

I love to make lists.... a trait I inherited from my mother!

Okay, so what about you?   
What would we find out if we really knew you?



Thursday, August 19, 2010

Summer... don't leave me.

I feel like summer is almost over and it's depressing!!   The older I get, the faster it seems to go by, and the less I feel like I have time to actually enjoy it.  Oh to be 10 again so I can spend everyday playing outside!   Tomorrow I'm spending the day at the pool with my friend Wendy, and I couldn't be happier about it!  

On a side note, this week we were working outside and snapped some pics of my baby, Yoda, chilling in the sun.   Isn't he so cute?   





He's my little snaggle tooth.  
Mama needs to buy him braces.







Have a great weekend!!!

Hoping to find some new followers, I'm almost to 200! 
 If you're new here, be sure to enter my giveaway.  





Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Giveaway Giveaway Jiggity Jig

Hey everyone!   Don’t forget about my giveaway from CSN Stores.  It’s this really cool wine rack that holds 6 bottles.  I hung it in my dining room and it’s the perfect size.

002

Yup, I’m aware that I need to buy some more wine!  One bottle just doesn’t do it! 

Anyway, only like 12 people have entered, so your chances are good!  Enter HERE.  

Add a comment below on this post and get an extra entry!

ashsignature

Songs that move me to the core

I guess we all have the songs that move us, that remind of us someone, some place, or some moment in time. Maybe it's just the lyrics, the melody, or one word... whatever it is, these are some of the songs that can stop me in my tracks, that move me.

"You say go slow, I fall behind, the second hand unwinds..."


"We keep coming back disassembled and I keep losing this fight..."



"I'm not sorry, there's nothing to say..."


"Stay with me, this is what I need, please..."



"Nobody said it was easy..."



"Perfect make up but you're barely scraping by, 
and you can't fake it hard enough to please everyone..."


"I don't know who I am without you, all I know is that I should..."


"I believe in yesterday..."


"I can live without you, but without you I'll be miserable at best..."


"I've never been the kind to ever let my feelings show, and I thought that being strong meant never losing your self control..."


"And though there may be darkness, there is still a light that shines on me, shine on till tomorrow, let it be."


What are the songs that move you?


Thursday, August 12, 2010

Follow Me, Chickadee

Happy Friday!  Well... almost, it's actually 11:52 on Thursday as I write this.   I'm participating in "Follow Me, Chickadee Fridays" this week.  It's time for me to make some new bloggy friends!



In sadder news, today it stormed and our power flashed on and off... and my mac died!!!  It won't turn on at all.  I'm hoping for a macstore miracle tomorrow.   I'm going to be uber depressed if it's fried.  : (

Don't forget about my Wine Rack Giveaway, there are just a few entries so far!

Welcome to my new friends, can't wait to meet you.





Tuesday, August 10, 2010

How is your race?








There comes a time when every life goes off course. In this desperate moment you must choose your direction. Will you fight to stay on the path while others tell you who you are? Or will you label yourself? Will you be honored by your choice? Or will you embrace your new path? Each morning you choose to move forward or to simply give up. Because it's only when you´re tested that you truly discover who you are. And it´s only when you´re tested that you discover who you can be. The person that you want to be does exist, somewhere in the other side of hard work and faith, and belief, and beyond the heartache and fear of what life has. 
-One Tree Hill




Not knowing when the dawn will come, I open every door. 
-Emily Dickinson 


How is your race?



Monday, August 9, 2010

Sort me out

I lack organization, in every way possible.   My home, my car, my time, my thoughts.  I wish I had a personal organizer for my life.   Someone that could reach into my head, sort out my thoughts, categorize them with color coded tabs so that everything made sense.   One of these days I'm going to find some focus.  


"Close your eyes, clear your heart, cut the chord."



Friday, August 6, 2010

Hide your kids, and your wife, and your husband….. ready to laugh?

This is possibly the funniest thing I have ever seen.   I just had to share it with you.    It’s 4:30 on Friday and it’s time for a laugh:

Okay…. now watch this one:

I want to be friends with these people, I’m pretty sure I would never be bored!!!

Don’t forget about my wine rack giveaway! 

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Thursday, August 5, 2010

Yeah...so I'm a journalist.

Wanted to tell you all about my new little venture.  I'm now a writer for examiner.com.   I'm the Louisville Vegetarian Examiner!   Please check out my first article, I'd really appreciate the feedback!   Plus I get paid based on how many people read and subscribe to my page.  haha!

If you would be interested in becoming an examiner for your town, you can apply by going to their main page.  Be sure to tell them I sent you!

Oh and don't forget my wine rack giveaway, there are only like 8 entries so far, so chances are good!

Hope everyone's having a great day!

Monday, August 2, 2010

Wine Rack Giveaway!!!!

I love CSN stores!   They have such an amazing website where you can access over 200+ online stores.  They recently contacted me about doing a review and giveaway, so of course I was very excited!!   I chose an item from one of their websites, Just Wine Racks. 



Isn't it cool?!  And guess what.... thanks to CSN Stores... you can get one too!!   One reader will win this wine rack!

There are several ways to get an entry:

1.  Follow my blog and comment below to let me know (1 Entry).
2.  Visit CSN's website and comment on another product that you'd love to have (1 Entry).
3.  Tweet about this giveaway, (@ashleybstone) (1 Entry per day)
4.  Blog about this giveaway (2 Entry's)