Day 175

February 25, 2010

Holy snow! I woke up at eight this morning to thick, beautiful snowflakes, falling from the sky. These oh-so-pretty flakes didn't let up all. day. long. Ugh. I'm sick of winter! I'm ready for spring! I didn't have to work either job today, so you bet your little booty, I'm not leaving my apartment. Why in the heck would I truck out into this weather? Are you nuts? I can't even stand up on my feet, without falling on my face, when it's not snowing out. Can you imagine what kind of trouble I could get into on a day like today? Forget about it.

A man got hit and killed by a tree today in Central Park! He was just having a casual stroll through the park, when bam! A tree limb right on him! Read the story. This is my point. You know how random stuff happens to me. I will not put myself into any situation that's not considered necessary or controllable. ;)

I had no idea what to do with myself today. I basically muddled around my apartment, pacing back and forth. So, I jumped on the Internet. I stumble across some YouTube videos. Check out this one my dad sent me! Too funny! Video. Then I'm on CNN because I'm a news nerd and found this story! How awesome is this? Video.

This is a good one! The kid deserved to get beat up, but what my favorite part is the girl video taping. She's like, "I love you Brandon." Boo hoo, she's crying. Whan! Whan! You were laughing earlier. Idiot. But she still continues to video tape! Poor girl, looking for attention! It's not about "Brandon." But I do like it when the kid who doesn't want trouble gets one more punch, right in the face! Awesome! Video.

Can you figure this problem out?

If:
2+3 = 10
7+2 = 63
6+5 = 66
8+4 = 96

Then: 9+7 = ??
I could not figure this out! Math and Ashley don't mix. It's like trying to mix oil and vinegar. Doesn't work.

I'm sure you have all heard about the SeaWorld incident. It's incredibly sad, but now I have the urge to go to SeaWorld. I loved Shamu as a kid! It's one of the coolest things I've ever seen! How much fun would it be to swim with something that big! I would NEVER do it because large bodies of water petrify me, along with thousands of pounds worth of animal. I hyper-ventilate! No. I couldn't even watch the videos today because I got really nervous. However, I do want to swim with dolphins, someday. I suppose I will have plenty of time to do so, considering my new venture in life! ;)

Note to self: Appreciate the women in your family. Whether it's your mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin. Women are the backbone of any family. Ask any man. Without women, men would be lost! Dads would be even more confused! Read an email I got today! It's hysterical! These are questions, asked to a group of 2nd graders, about their mom. Love your mom and appreciate all she has done for you. She's probably given up more in her life, for YOU, than you realize. And she did/does it, because she's your mom--and she loves you! ;)

Q: Why did God makes mothers?
A: Mostly to clean the house

Q: How did God make mothers?
A: Magic plus super powers, with a lot of stirring

Q: What ingredients are mother's made of?
A: They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly used string, I think.

Q: Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?
A: God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's mom's like me.

Q: What kind of a little girl was your mom?
A: I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.

Q: What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?
A: Does he make at least $800 a year? Does he get drunk on beer?

Q: Why did your mom marry your dad? (I loved all these answers!)
A: My dad makes the best spaghetti, and my mom likes to eat a lot!
A: She got too old to do anything else with him.
A: My grandma says that mom didn't have her thinking cap on.

Q: Who's the boss at your house?
A: Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.

Q: What's the difference between moms and dads?
A: Moms work at work and work at home. Dads just go to work at work.
A: Dads are taller and stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause they're the ones you got to ask if you want to sleep over at a friend's.

Q: What does your mom do in her spare time?
A: Mother's don't do spare time.

Q: What would it take to make your mom perfect?
A: On the inside, she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.

Day 133

January 14, 2010

I got a lot of new clothes, and especially shoes for Christmas. So, I decided to wear some of my new items today, since it's so nice outside! However, the minute I step off of the elevator at 9:30 this morning, I kept getting stared at. Okay, I hate it when people do this. It makes me very self-conscience. I don't know why either. I did have a dress on, so I kept tugging at it, for fear that my booty is playing peek-a-boo with everyone. It isn't. It's covered. So, why are they staring? I don't know. But what I do know is I'm one of those people today who, at every reflective surface, checks herself out, just to make sure everything is covered and I my hair isn't in a mohawk or something.

On a more serious note: Haiti. Can you even believe it? It's horrible! My heart goes out to every single person over there. I'm at work today, and I'm on CNN.com, looking at all of the pictures. I feel sick to my stomach scrolling through. If you haven't seen them, check the website here! Your mouth won't close-mine didn't. Please keep them in your prayers. And the next time you complain about your day, remember these faces and scenes. Life could be so much worse.

I decide it's a good idea to watch a movie tonight. I don't feel like going out, so a movie night is necessary! I put in, P.S. I Love You. I love this movie! Probably the best romantic movie ever created--besides The Notebook. I always cry through the whole thing! Ladies, I know you do the same thing! He is absolutely perfect! My grandma sends me an e-mail today that says, "Find a guy who calls you beautiful instead of hot; who calls you back when you hang up on him; who will lie under the stars and listen to your heartbeat; or will stay awake just to watch you sleep. Wait for the boy who kisses your forehead; who wants to show you off to the world when you are in sweats; who holds your hand in front of his friends; who thinks you're just as pretty without makeup on. One who is constantly reminding you of how much he cares and how lucky he is to have YOU. The one who turns to his friends and says, 'that's her.'" She's so sweet! I believe he's out there! Fireman? Hopefully I'll find out! ;)

My friend, Maddie, is getting married in May. I have been getting the creative itch lately in helping her create her invitations, save the dates, etc. I thought of a really cool bachelorette gift that I'm working on, so this takes up my whole night! I'm a bit of a computer nerd when it comes to design. I love it! I'm like a man watching football. Put me in front of a computer, with InDesign and Photoshop, and I could be lost for hours creating anything! I love it! If you ever need anything made, let me know! I'll gladly make it for you!

Note to self: Only in certain situations can you sit back and "let life happen." When it comes to your career, you can't just sit back and wait for things to happen. They never will, if you do this. You have to go after exactly what you want and don't give up until you get it! Otherwise, in ten years, you're going to look back and think, what happened with my life? I just sat back and let things happen, and look where I am. Exactly where I told myself I never wanted to be. You have to be feisty and take charge--it's your own destiny at stake, here. While you sit back and "let life happen," someone else is taking your job! Let love happen, let health happen, and let social things happen. Don't just let your career happen. I guarantee you, you will regret it in five years if you don't go after what you want!

Brett Visit: Day 8

After all of the long nights, we do not wake up for Black Friday. I could only imagine what the stores were like. On our tour bus we saw people sitting outside of Best Buy at nine o’clock. The store didn’t open until five! So we head out at around 9:00 am. We did a little shopping and then headed to Macy’s. I finally found a grey coat that I have been looking for the whole trip. And Ashley finally bought some boots. I could hardly believe my eyes. She was in the checkout line and not because of me! We bought everything we wanted and took the wooden escalators to the main floor to head out. This guy steps in front of us and says, “Would you like to complete a survey about your shopping here today?” I'm like no way this is not happening; I just want to get some cool air. I was dying of heat because I had a coat and a hoodie on. And Ashley says, “How long will it take?” he says,” Well it’s a live interview with CNN.” She looks at me and with out hesitating I say “Do it!” You have to.

She gets ready to do the interview, so I call mom and everyone to let them know. I set our bags down and attempt to tape it with my phone and take pictures at the same time. Then some moron decides that he is more important and just stands in front of me and tapes it. I was like really? So I said, “Get out of my way!” He didn’t hear me so I said some things that aren’t worth repeating and he nicely moved out of the way. It was so cool to see her on camera. She did really good. She didn’t stutter or pause and have to think at all. Very impressive. I was happy for her. I couldn’t believe that out of the 500,000 people in this store, she was chosen.

Ashley has to work, so I go out again on my own. My goals were to go to the Air, Space and Sea Museum since I missed out the other day. And I was going to go to the library to look at how big it was. So I head to the museum. It is massive. The museum consists of the U.S.S. Intrepid, the Concord, and a submarine. It was so cool. They had all kinds of artifacts and old equipment and uniforms. They had the control rooms, the sonar rooms, and the stairs were the actual stairs of the ship. It was so cool. And on the main deck they had around 40 jets and helicopters. It was so cool to see them up close. There was so much information to soak in and it was all so interesting.

I spent a little longer than I planned there, so I had to decide to either go to the library or to Little Italy to the cheese deli. I obviously chose the deli. So I head to the train and Ashley gave me her pass that had no money on it. That was so nice of her! As I waited on the train this very attractive girl comes and asks if I live by her because she is lost. So I tell her, “Yeah I just moved here, what's your question?” I gave her the right directions. My parents would be impressed. So I get off at Little Italy and head to the deli. They are supposed to have the best sandwiches. I find my way there and it’s really authentic. The group in front of me ordered 12 sandwiches so I had to wait. Fine with me it was worth it. I ordered the Italian. It was Italian meats with provolone, and dried tomatoes with olive oil and vinegar. It was fabulous. The meats were all in hunks and the cheese in blocks. Every sandwich was cut to order. It was fantastic. I can’t wait to go back.

I walk around Times Square once more while I wait for Ashley. And I am walking to look at a pair of shoes I saw earlier, a pair of grey Nike Shox. I hear something like running water to my right, I look over and it’s a guy standing on the curb peeing in the middle of the street. By now I came to realize that nothing should surprise you in New York, so this didn’t even make me look twice, people just don’t think right in this city.

Then I head to Pinkberry. A frozen yogurt. It was phenomenal. I topped mine with strawberries and white chocolate. It was so good. A perfect treat while I wait for Ashley. I didn’t have it for long because it was so good to take a break from eating it. My dad would have sent me back to New York if I didn’t eat there before I left.

Ashley gets off work and we head out for our last dinner. We go to Arriba Arriba. A restaurant that is known for its abundance of homosexuals. That was a little awkward, but they played good music. We start off with margaritas, I got banana and she got raspberry. They were delicious. We ordered guacamole dip, because I have never had it. It was awesome. Ashley got some enchiladas that were muy bueno. Mine, not so much. I got enchiladas in chocolate sauce. It was actually chocolate. I wasn’t thinking actual chocolate, who does that? Anyway I didn’t eat very much of it. I held out for Max Brenner’s. It was an amazing chocolate factory. I ordered key lime pie in an Oreo cookie crust covered in white chocolate. Ashley ordered some chocolate cake with raspberry filling. Hers game on a platter with a strainer full of chocolate, ice cream and a chocolate shake in a shot glass. It was delicious. Mine was served with a mini old fashioned milk jug full of white chocolate. It was so amazing. We didn’t really talk all that much we were both overwhelmed with chocolate.

Next we head to the bar Snug. It has happy hour from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. It was a chill bar and a lot of fun. Ashley looked like she was about to fall into a coma. And I was pretty tired myself, so after a few drinks we call it a night.

Day 82

November 27, 2009

Black Friday! I’m pretty sure it’s one of the best days ever invented. It should also be considered a national holiday. Don’t you agree? Sure, sure everyone complains about the insane amount of people, but c’mon now…when can you ever get a set of knives for $10?? Okay, I didn’t get them either, but if you wanted to, you could! An electric blanket for $50? Please. You don’t have to ask me twice!

Before work, Brett and I go shopping. I wasn’t crazy this year and didn’t go at 5 a.m. I’m shocked with myself! But honestly, with all of the craziness Brett and I had been doing the previous days, I was too exhausted to lift my head at 8 a.m., let alone 4 a.m.! We still got great deals and avoided the majority of the crowds. Until…we hit Macy’s! You have to go to Macy’s on Black Friday—only the one on 34^th Street. The largest one!

Brett gets a great deal on a coat, and get a great deal on some fabulous brown boots with a gold buckle! Whew! They make my legs look so sexy. ;) jk! As we’re getting ready to leave, because I have to go to work, a man approaches me in jeans, a t-shirt, and tennis shoes, saying, “Excuse me, ma’am.” I’m thinking to myself, Are you really going to try and solicit me in the middle of Macy’s make-up department on Black Friday? I was instantly irritated. But my frown quickly turned upside down when the words, “I’m from CNN,” came out of his mouth!

He says to me, “I’m from CNN and I was wondering if you’d be interested in doing a live broadcast. You look like you have a lot of energy.” I look at Brett and he says, “Do it!” So, I do a small shrug and say, “Sure, I can be energetic for CNN!” =) Hehe. So, he walks me over and introduces me to the broadcaster and tells me where I need to stand and says not to answer just yes or no to questions. Okay, that’s easy! I’m quite the talker, so I will have NO problem chatting it up for 15 seconds.

We’re getting ready for air when the broadcaster says, “You’re name’s Shirley?” What? Are you kidding me? Shirley? I think to myself. “It’s Ashley,” I kindly reply. Do I look like a Shirley? I’m 25 years old, born in the 80s! My parents would have had to do some serious pot when I was born to be named Shirley! Just because you know I’m from Iowa, give me some credit here Ms. Broadcaster! Shirley is a great name, so don’t think I’m knocking it. I just thought it was funny that of all the names she could have misunderstood, she chose Shirley!

So, I’m not supposed to answer yes or no to her questions. So, don’t ask me yes or no questions, lady! She says, “Have you found the sales to be helpful?” I’m thinking, Well, yes. Duh! It’s Black Friday. I reply with something like, “The sales have been great. Everything is 30, 40, and 50 percent off. We’ve found some great deals!” Hehe. All the while, I occasionally tilt my head towards the camera and talk at the camera, so America can get a look at my face! =) Haha, I love it! And instead of asking me, “Have you bought anything?” ask me, “What have you bought today?” You saw my bags; you know I bought stuff! You’re the professional, not me and I have better questions than you do! Maybe CNN should hire me! I consider myself pretty relatable to all types of people. I think I’d be pretty darn good at interviewing on live television!

  

Side note: If anyone can find this interview on the Internet, please let me know! I have Googled this to no end and can still not find anything! I want to see it, so please get in touch with me if you find it!

As we’re leaving I ask Brett, “I wonder if anyone saw this.” The whole time, in the back of my mind, I’m thinking, Dyanna (my friend from back home), loves CNN. She always watches it! What do you know? My phone vibrates and it’s her. I already know what she’s going to say before I even pick up the phone! She saw it! Awesome! My uncle Mick and cousin, Tyler saw it too! Hey, that’s good enough for me! Everyone gets 15 minutes of fame, and I still have 4 minutes, 45 seconds left! Whew hew!

I go to work at the restaurant for a little bit and Brett explores around, spending the majority of his day at the Sea, Air, and Space Museum. It’s literally, a block away from my apartment, sitting on the Hudson River. Yes, I live by the water, which is beautiful when it’s nice outside to take a walk or go for a run on a nice day! Check out his pictures below. If you have further interest, visit their website! It looks really cool…I wish I could have gone with him!

 

After work, Brett and I go out for one last dinner before he leaves. =( Ariba, Ariba Mexican Restaurant, here we come! I love Mexican food and so does Brett, so it worked out perfectly. So, I do warn him that when we walk in, there will be an over abundance of males, occupying this restaurant. Males that like other males. He seemed okay with it, until we walked in. He’s not anti-homosexual, but in Iowa, you don’t tend to see many, so he was a little overwhelmed. Totally cool, but not really sure where to look, or what to do! Hehe.

Brett got a banana margarita, which is probably the best margarita I’ve ever tried. I got the raspberry, which was great also, but the banana…whew hew! Delicious! I’m not a fan of margaritas, but Ariba, Ariba’s are fantastic! They make you want to stand up and yell, “Ariba, Ariba,” with your arms flailing in the air, after you stand up from drinking one! The food was great. Brett got some enchilada or something with chocolate sauce. Yeah, I just made a gross face too. He thought the chocolate meant, “dark sauce.” What, Brett? Really? If it were dark sauce, they would say dark sauce. Chocolate means chocolate, you dummy! Hehe! My food was great!

Next stop…Max Brenner’s! Completely on the opposite side of town, but well worth the trip! They have absolutely, hands down, the best desserts you will ever eat in your life. But only if you are a die-hard chocolate lover like Brett and myself. Check out our desserts and you have to check out their website! All we kept saying is, “So good. This is so good.” I could eat there everyday!

Next stop…The Snug! It sounds so cute, huh? It’s a fun little place in Hell’s Kitchen I like to go to. Happy Hour is from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m.! That’s fantastic! We meet some of my friends and hang out for a bit. Brett and I are practically falling asleep at the table because we are so full and so tired from the week. It’s about 2 a.m. or so, so we decide to call it an early night.

Note to self: Laughter is the best medicine! Truly! When your brother makes you laugh until your stomach hurts, it makes you feel good and makes useless distractions go away! In my opinion, being witty is much more comical than straight up humor. My brother and I are more witty than comical, which makes things we say often funny. Always make sure to laugh—whether it’s at a joke, at yourself, or the lady who biffs it on her face in the middle of the street. It’s great to laugh at yourself! I do it on a daily basis! What a better way to understand yourself than through humor? If you can’t laugh at yourself, and make fun of the stupid decisions you make, or the ridiculous things you say, than there’s something wrong with you! Have enough confidence and self-esteem to release your inner dork, embrace your quirkiness, and let loose! When people say, don’t take yourself too seriously…listen to them! Why waste your time? It’s no fun to be serious all the time!