Day 280 - Day 281

June 8 - June 9, 2010

Ok, first off...I swear to God I would lose my head if it wasn't attached to my shoulders! You hear this saying all the time, but lately it's proven to be more than correct! I used to get so irritated with these kinds of people. Karma is coming to kick me hard! So, the whole car situation...ugh! I rented a car while my other got fixed, okay? I returned it yesterday. I was in a bit of a rush because of a prior business engagement.

My friend picks me up from Enterprise and we leave. I get a call about 30 minutes later from Adam. "Hey Ashley, it's Adam. Umm...you left your debit card in the rental car and I think you may want to pick it up."Huh....of course I left it in the car! I didn't even realize it! I wasn't even paying attention. I did get it today, but seriously? The girl who had absolutely everything in order, has nothing with her life in order. It's kind of liberating being the complete opposite of what I once was. But it still drives me nuts when I'm not organized! ;)

Tuesday: Happy Birthday Michelle! That's my boss. Tuesday was a good day. I was out of the office promoting "The Hottest Bartender Competition" coming up in a couple of weeks! Whew hew! I went to Delray Beach, which is such a cute little place! The shops are so quaint and the restaurants are so fantastic! You basically take your pick of anything you want. Here are a few of my favorites:

Cut 432
Cupcakes Couture 
The Office
Delux
Tryst

After work, we meet at Blue Martini for Happy Hour. I think I've been to one before, but I can't remember. It's such a hot little place! We hang out there for a bit then head to Rocco's Tacos for Michelle's surprise party! I love surprises! And mexican food? Please. It's my weakness! ;)

Just check out their website! It's so much fun! Last time I was here, there was a mini-person dancing on the bar wearing a sombrero and mexican poncho, drinking Patron from the bottle! I love it! Website!

So, there was one problem. Hence the mexican restaurant, most things were in Spanish. Well...I had to use the restroom and I'm standing there staring at two doors. Mind you, the doors didn't say "hombre" and "seniorita." No, they had to use sophisticated Spanish lingo that I have no recollection what they said. I turn my head left and right and have no idea what to do. A co-worker says, "just pick one." Okay. Well, guess what? Yup, of course I walked into the men's room. Good God. That's not a pretty picture!

Wednesday: Another good day at the office. So far, we're two for two. Let's just hope the rest of the week goes accordingly! ;) I go to one of our client's restaurants tonight for a wine tasting event. Mmm...hmm.....I love wine! And this guy has been everywhere! I'm talkin' Africa, Egypt, Europe, you name it, he's been there! And...he invited me on his boat with him and his friends (not just all guys, I made sure!) Should be a good time! I love boats and I love the ocean (even though it freaks me out a little)! I just need to learn how to swim! Or buy a really sexy life vest to wear for the rest of my life! ;)

I tried wine from South Africa, Italy, Argentina...it was fun! I had the best Pinot Grigio ever tonight. I typically don't like that, but it was amazing! So smooth and crisp--I described it as sort of a "clean" experience on your palette. Wonderful!

We stayed for dinner and I honestly had some of the best chicken wings of my life! They weren't bbq, nor were they buffalo. I don't know what they were, but they were a plate of holy-delicious! I didn't even need ranch dressing! Gasp! Yeah...I know, right? Ranch is the God of all things chicken wings, but I'm telling you these did not even remotely need it. My love for ranch goes far deeper than anything, so for me to not even request it, says a lot. I thought about it, but decided to try something different. Ding, ding, ding! We have a winner!

Now, I'm home. Yes, I'm just getting home from work. This isn't unusual for me. I'm typically awake doing work until about oh....1:00 am or so. Sometimes 4:00 am, depending on how much ambition I have. Sometimes I just get working and writing and researching, the time slips away. I know I'm crazy! It's like my drug! I can't enough statistics about drug addiction and medication and blah, blah, blah. Who the heck have I become? I don't know, but I think about my psychic everyday. I can't believe how right he's been about everything! Amazing!

Have you heard the story about the Disneyland photo and the married couple? It's amazing! In a nutshell: this couple here in South Florida got married, yada-yada. They were sifting through old pictures and found a picture of the bride's family at Disneyland. The husband says something along the lines of, "hey that's my dad in the background with me in the stroller!" Holy moly! In a split-second shot, future husband and wife, what, like 20-some years later are in the SAME exact picture and don't even know they're each other's soul mates! How crazy is that?!? Check out this story here!

What's even more crazy is this. The owner of my company tells us today that this guy is the son of the owner of our building! Apparently, Disney wants to buy exclusive rights to the photo for $10,000! Also, I guess every major television network, newspaper, etc. keep calling and calling. I can't even get over it! It's like those stories you hear about how husband and wife were born on the same day in the same hospital and the families were waiting in the same waiting room. How crazy would that be?!?!

It makes you think, what if you already know your soulmate? But don't know they're your soulmate yet. I thought about it today. Who do I know, right now, that I would marry? Bradley Cooper is the only one that crossed my mind! ;) I don't know what I do if he asked me on a date. Well, of course I would say yes! But then what? My brother and I were talking about this when he was here. I told him I've always wanted to date a baseball player! Always, always, always! I still do. Not marry one, but definitely go out with one.

He said, "What would you want to do on your date?" My reply was this, "Nothing fancy. I would tell him to take me to his favorite dive restaurant, eat crazy food, have a couple drinks."

Brett: "WHAT?! No way! You make him take you all out! It will be the best dinner of your life at the most expensive place in Florida! Are you dumb?"
Me: "No, I don't want that. What's so special about fancy dinners?"
Brett: "Uhhh....it's a fancy dinner with a mega-athlete."

And we just argued. Here's my conclusion: anyone can take you to a fancy restaurant. Does it mean anything? No. Is it fun? Sure. But I like to see people in their element. That's when you really get to know someone. Don't get me wrong...I LOVE to dress up and go out! But I've learned that casual first dates are definitely the way to go! It takes the pressure off of trying to be impressive.

Brett, if you ever become a super-whatever, you're going to get taken advantage of so bad! And I'm going to sit back and laugh. Hell, I may even encourage it! ;)

Note to self: John Wooden is amazing! What's your favorite Woodenism? Here are mine:

"Ability is a poor man's wealth."

"Don't measure yourself by what you have accomplished, but by what you should have accomplished with your ability."

"I'd rather have a lot of talent and a little experience than a lot of experience and a little talent."

**I'm falling asleep at my computer, so I'm giving up on this today. More to follow tomorrow.... =)

Day 276

June 4, 2010

I get a voicemail today from my best friend back home saying, "Hey Ash, it's me Maddie. I know you're probably still working because you're a workaholic..." Sadly enough, it's true. But here's my defense: I have a very strong personality. And for those who know me are shaking their heads. When I put my mind to something, I don't quit until it's finished. And everything I've ever set my mind to...it happens. (Knock on wood, of course!) There is some...possibilities...we'll say at work for some pretty important things to happen. And I'm going to make it happen. If it means all I do is work, that's what it means!

But tonight...I'm taking the night off! Kind of! We're suppose to go play lazer-tag, but considering everyone had a pretty rough week, we decide to stay in and just hang out. Fine by me! However, since my mind has been constantly racing with work for the past two solid weeks, I don't know what to do. I try to not think about it, but random stuff keeps popping in my head. I was talking to my grandma about my work and it sparked another idea. Just a hint: "Grandma didn't really get run-over by a reindeer..." I'll explain at a later date! I saw the best press release opener today! It said, "Hey Cutie! I've got Viagra in my pocket!" How funny is that?! I love it!

So, it's been a while since I've posted my favorite music-of-the-moment. Below is a list of my favorite summer sons, released thus far! It's a great way to start your Saturday!

1. In My Head
2. Break Your Heart
3. California Girls
4. Airplanes (Acoustic-version! Really great!)
5. Soul Sister
6. Baby
7. How Low
8. Naturally
9. OMG
10. Nothin' On You
11. Evacuate the Dancefloor
12. Cooler Than Me
13. Billionaire Live Acoustic Version! Click here! Awesome!
14. Breakeven
15. This Afternoon (Such a great Nickelback song!) 
16. Rock That Body
17. Imma Be
18. Love Drunk
19. Eenie Meenie
20. Your Love is My Drug

I hope you danced your little booties off! ;) 

If anyone knows of someone who is addicted prescription pain killers, have them email me! One of my clients is a medical detox company, specializing in the detoxification of opiate, alcohol, and benzodiazepine addiction. Even more so, the detox from Suboxone/Subutex! Those who are addicted will know what it is. It will be for a specific reason, so let me know! =) 

I would have never thought in my entire life that I would know so much about medicine and the medical profession. Not that I'm close to being an expert, but I can definitely carry on an intelligent conversation with those in the medical profession! I love it! Well, the numbers part of it sucks, but everything else is really fascinating! 

So, I'm watching "The Replacements" and they're playing the song, "Duh-duh-duh-duh-duh HEY!" You know what I'm talking about? Oh that brings back memories! Back to my freshman year of college...in my dorm room...at about 3am...in my cheerleading uniform....showing everyone my dance routines. Why? Because I had to. It was pretty funny. I busted out the pom poms and everything! I even whipped out my no-handed cartwheel! Good times! 

Sometimes I still feel like I'm a freshman in college. South Florida does bad things for a person. ;) No, I'm just kidding. But it does make you feel young! Until you wake up. Then you feel like you're 80! ;) 

All right. Well, I'm going to go and try to relax. Huh...good luck to me! 

Note to self: "May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human, and enough hope to make you happy." 

Stay Sweet: Always remember that today is a gift and you are lucky to be alive and healthy. It's so great to smile--whether at yourself, someone else, or someone gives it to you. Being happy (although sometimes hard) is one emotion that definitely causes no wrinkles, headaches, or stress in a person's life! 

Stay Strong: Life can definitely prove to be challenging. But it's those challenges in life that make you who you are as a person. Where would people be if everything came to them on a silver platter? All of the greats have struggled and been through much harder trials than myself. Recognize that and realize that you're hard work and dedication will make you a better person than you can think of, and you will be respected by all.

Stay Human: There is nothing more flattering than a genuine human being. Make mistakes, say a good curse word, and eat that bag of Oreos! Learn from what you do in life and be honest with yourself. Don't let anyone or any situation deter you from what you expect. Sometimes it's easy to get away from who we are and what we want in life. Always remember to take a step back and ask yourself, "Is this really what I want?" If you can't answer yourself in the first second, then think twice about your situation. 

Stay Hopeful: Keep your chin up and have a positive attitude, it will come and reward you in the end. The more hopeful you are, the greater chance at succeeding. Reason: the more hope = more determination = more hard work. Be hopeful that when you put yourself out there; whether in work, relationships, goals, whatever--you'll get the outcome you're looking for. 

There's my advice for the week! Mushy, but it's good to know. And I've heard so from a lot of great people!