Day 251 - Day 259

May 11 - May 19, 2010

Yeah, yeah I know! I apologize for the delay in blogging! Brett and I had such a great week! Crazy busy, but fantastic! It was so nice to have family down here! Let me start from the beginning.

Tuesday: Brett arrives. I tell him that the front office will let him in, and where the building is located. He got lost. Of course! So, he starts walking and the people from the front office pull up to him on the golf cart and say, "Are you Brett?" He replies with yes. Apparently, someone from my complex called the front office, telling them there was a man roaming around! Hahahaha! I love it! It's nice that we have a neighborhood watch dog! After I got off work, it was nice not coming home to...just myself!

I took him to the Whale's Rib. Go figure, right? I know, but it's so good and it's so much fun! Then, we went to the ocean! I saw my first jellyfish and held my first coconut! I wanted to take the coconut home, but was a little grossed out by the sea moss, or whatever that was hanging off of it. So, I threw it back down. Then, we went to Target to go grocery shopping. That was basically the extent of our day! We were at the ocean for quite a while. Wouldn't you want to hang out at the ocean all day? If I could, trust me, I would! But then again, maybe not. I'm already looking like I belong to Oprah or someone, I'm so dark! I don't want leather skin!

Wednesday: I told Brett before he dropped me off at work, "Now, don't stay in the sun longer than an hour." Him: "Okay, okay I won't." Guess what? He stayed in the sun for about three hours! He picks me up and all I can focus on is the white outline on his face from his sunglasses. "I fell asleep." My response, "Clearly."
Brett: "Is it bad?"
Me: "Ummm.....yea, it's bad."
Brett: "Damn it!"
Me: "I told you! And you're meeting everyone from my work tonight!" Hehe! Big dummy!
That's what he gets for not listening to me! I tried to tell him, but I'm never right, apparently. Anyways, he loved Burger Night! I'm telling you, if anyone comes to Boca, they need to go! The food is amazing, and the service is always fantastic! And like I said, I took him to Chow, where he had the grossest drink ever! He didn't even like it!

Thursday: It's Luau Anniversary party time! I felt so bad for Brett that night! I didn't know I had to work the event all night long, so he had to sit there by himself for four hours! I felt horrible!! Solution: $2 beer. Needless to say, he entertained himself! ;) It was his first night trying sushi. I think he was impressed. There's another sushi place in Boca that I find absolutely amazing and the best I've ever tasted. I wish I could have taken him there for a better understanding of my love for raw seafood! =) Mmm...it's so good! I want to learn how to make it! I've already decided that when I do, I'm going to have "Sushi Sundays" at my house! Sunday Funday with Sushi and Saki!

After the luau, we got lost. Oh man, I was pissed! My GPS, aka Esther, needs to be thrown out the window! She is on my shit list, hard core! Instead of taking 45 minutes to get home, it takes us an hour and a half! By now, it's midnight. I'm tired, cranky, and still have work to do when I get home!

Friday: TGIF! We're goin' out! We grilled out and made fajitas! I do want to tell you that Brett and I make really great food together! Thanksgiving dinner: priceless. Fajitas: priceless. My homemade guacamole: priceless. You can't beat a home-cooked meal from the Toncar children! I took a picture of the deliciousness we consumed!

It's time to head to Atlantic Ave.! Oh man, we had fun! I danced. Brett stood there. We decided no one was going to talk to us, considering everyone thought we were a couple. So, we split up. After reconvening, we decided that was pretty much pointless. People here don't really branch out from their mini social groups. It's so strange. I'm all about meeting new people! I think I may be the only one who feels this way down here! Even Brett noticed. Mr. Intuitive and can pinpoint someone's personality just by having them say 'hi' to him! He's so smart and saavy this way! I think everyone's nice--it takes me a long time to realize someone's true personality and intent. I am getting better though! So, kudos to Brett, life experiences, and maturity!

Saturday: Oh Saturday, how fabulous you were! The morning started off with surfing! Awesome, right? Let me explain. The waves were between two and four feet tall. That doesn't sound like a lot, but when they're plowing into you, it sucks. I got my ass kicked! Oh buddy, did I get the crap kicked out of me! My swimming suit top kept falling off. My boobies kept coming out to say hello to everyone. I couldn't get my feet stabilized. Every time I came up from getting pulled under by a wave, another came and knocked me back down! I'm yelling, "This is ridiculous!" "Why in the hell can I not stand up?" "Come on, now! I'm getting pissed!"

Brett's just hanging out on his surf board, laughing at me. I'm standing there, when all of a sudden a wave comes and punches me in the stomach. I go coasting...no...flying to the shore. The wave hit me so hard, the velcro leg-piece came unattached! When I finally get on the surfboard, waves come and knock me off! Or instead of standing and surfing, the wave takes me all the way to shore, while I'm on my belly. It was insane! Then, we had to carry the surfboards back. They don't look heavy, but it was the longest walk I've ever taken! We didn't have normal surfboards--we had those ridiculously long, styrofoam boards for beginners. They are so heavy! Our arms were shaking by the time we got them back!

Next on the list: Snorkeling!!!!! It was so much fun! We were literally, in the middle of the ocean, swimming free! Before we left, they warned us of the massive waves...some people tend to get seasick. Nah, Brett and I are fine. We don't medicine. The boat takes off for the 45-minute ride out to sea! We go through what's called, "Millionaire's Row." I can't even explain to you these houses! We saw the house from Miami Vice, Taking Back Sunday (I think that's the name), and other movies. The founder of Sunglasses Hut; the grandchild of the man who invented Alkaseltzer; the guy who invented electric windows for cars! His story's cool! Him and Ford Motors were in a 30-year legal battle over his invention. Ford claimed he didn't come up with it, but he had the original patent to prove it. He got $3 for every single car that drove off the lot since the early 1900s! His house is for sale! It was on the market for $54 million, but he lowered it to $36 million. That was nice of him! We saw Tiger Woods' house pre-wife and beating. I can't remember the others right now, but they'll come to me!

Can I just say, I should have got the seasick medicine! I about had 17 heart attacks! The boat was rocking something fierce, I thought we were going to tip over! I can't even explain it to you! Everyone was like "Whew hew!" "Whooooaaa!" I was like, "Oh my God! Oh my God! I'm gonna die!" as I'm gripping the ladder with my life! We finally make it to our anchor point. Then we get our instructions on what to do, what not to do, etc.

I can't swim. Yeah, laugh it up! Very funny! My body just doesn't like to do it. I can doggy paddle with the best of them, but when it comes to actual swimming, you can forget about it. It's not happenin'! So, I tell them this because hi...we're in the middle of the ocean! I don't get the flippers because I'm not "experienced" enough. Screw that! What's the point of snorkeling if I can't have fins! Whatever! Brett jumps in and goes to town! He's diving under water, swimming everywhere. I'm still hanging on to the side of the boat, working up the courage to jump in!

1..2..3...go! Into the deep blue I fall! So exhilarating! You're literally in the middle of nowhere, where you have no idea what's under you, around you, behind you! You're just swimming, trusting that everything's going to be okay! Being a bit of a control freak, it was a little strange knowing this. I swore to myself that one of the times I stuck my face in the water, a shark would suddenly appear! Never happened, but it's such a rush knowing it could! I did get the guts to hold my breath and swim eight feet down to get a good look at the coral, fish, etc.! The ocean is the most amazing place on the planet! It was one of the best things I've ever done in my life! I will most definitely go back and do it again! Brett had a ball!! Well worth the money!!!!

Saturday night, I had to work, but we were so worn out from the day, that not going out to party was okay with us! We still went to a club, but kept it low key. Brett was sick because of all the salt water he consumed, and I was still sea sick. I did learn that seasickness comes from you inner ear. Apparently, your inner ear knows your body is off kilter when it's on the water. Your brain is telling your body, everything is fine, but your inner ear knows it's not. That's why people get sick! Our whole boat was so sick! It was really funny! On the ride home, no one talked to each other because we were all trying not to vomit!

On our way home from the club, we were hungry for pizza. We went to a hole-in-the-wall place where I had the best (besides my own) bbq chicken pizza! This place was so fantastic!!! It's called Boca's Best Pizza--and rightfully so! It's now my go-to pizza parlor! ;)

Sunday: We went to Miami!! Brett got his shopping fix at Lincoln Road shops. They have a Penguin store. Need I say more? Then, we go to the Marlins baseball game! We got the cheap tickets and sat in the outfield, but we had so much fun! Our section was so funny! They played the Mets and it was a great game! The final score was something like, 10-7. High scoring! My friend Maddie, who just got married...I saw her husband's twin at the game! I had to do a double-take! It was weird! I was thinking, "Brent! What are you doing here?!" Hehe!

We cooked again Sunday night. Oh yeah, we cooked Saturday night too! Steak, potatoes and sweet corn. Guess what they call their peaches-n-cream sweet corn? "Bi-colored corn!" Hahahahaha! What?!?!?! Bi-colored? That's discrimination! Sunday, I came up with a rather delicious sandwich! Cookbook to come at a later date! ;)

Monday: Brett's last day in town. =( We ate at an amazing Italian restaurant! Brett's favorite kind of food. Which another interesting fact about Brett I never knew...he doesn't produce tears. Strange! And his eyes aren't curved...they're more flat. What a weirdo! ;) Anyways, the food was amazing, and again, I found my go-to Italian joint! The service was excellent!!! After dinner, we went mini-golfing! This place is amazing! It's like the mini-golf places you in Orlando, or on tv! I love mini-golfing! We had so much fun! The lady told us we only had 30 minutes because they closed. Okay...whatever...just give me a golf ball, lady!

So, we just plow through the holes! Taking pictures, maybe breaking a bream, jumping in the waterfall, I don't know. I'm just tossing out scenarios! But yes...Brett did break a beam. I told him to jump over the gated off area to stand on the ledge for a picture. We got the photo, but when Brett went to hop back over, the beam gave out and he fell. I laughed so hard, I was crying! So, we get to the end and we see a group of four starting to play. Okay, wait a minute. We were told they closed at nine. Well, since they were playing...we're still going to play! So, we played the other course they had! Our mission: a hole in one. Did we get one?? I did! Brett didn't! Hehe!

As we're leaving, the inside of the game complex looks really dark. I ask, "Do you think they locked us out?"
Brett: "Nah, they can't."
Me: "Okay."
We walk towards the door.
Brett: "Yup. They locked us out."
So, we have to figure out an alternate route to leave. We hit the parking and Brett says, "Did we really just walk out with these putters?"
Me: "Shh...we're not to the car yet."
We put them in the trunk, and drive away. Hey, if they're going to lock us out, we have no where to put the putters! So, we're taking them with us. We're laughing about it, until we come up to a stop light.
Brett: "Is that a cop pulling up behind us?"
Me: "Uhh...yup. What do we do if he pulls us over?!?!"
Brett: "We just tell him that we're planning on returning the putters tomorrow." And he was dead serious when he said this. Really, Brett? Like he's going to believe that!
Me: "Do you think he saw us steal them?"
Brett: "There's no way. Unless he was hiding."
Me: "Oh my God! We're going to get arrested for theft!"
Brett: Laughing hysterically! "That would happen! We get arrested for theft of mini-golf putters!"
Brett: "Don't you think he would have pulled us over by now?"
Me: "Not necessarily!" Then the light turns red. We take off and the cop goes around us!
Me: "My heart is palpitating right now!"
Brett: "That would have been awful!"

Tuesday: Brett leaves. Such a sad day! I love hanging out with my brother! He's awesome! But now that it's official, and most probably know...I want to wish him the best of luck this summer in St. Louis! And a HUGE CONGRATULATIONS is in order! He got an internship at Rawlings, designing baseball gloves! How fantastic is that?! I told him he's going to learn so much and get to see so many wonderful things! St. Louis? Yeah, I know. I thought the same thing. He needs to buy a gun. =) But in all honesty, I am so proud of him and this is just what he needs. It's his first time away from home, so he'll have to grow up in a second. It's good for him! Good luck, Brett. I know you will be fantastic and show them how great of a person, worker, and student you are!

Wednesday: Work is great! I'm learning so much! I'm learning how I still have a lot to learn! I got to go to a television segment shoot this morning! So cool! It's for a professional, who I found out used to make $90,000 a month! Are you kidding me?!? Hell, knock off one of those zeros and I'll take that much a month!

He said to me, "If you can't learn how to fail, you'll never make it. If you don't know how to be broke, you'll never make money. I mean broke. Because then you understand how much fun it is to make money! There are very few people who are born rich. Everyone has been poor once in their life. It's those that learn how to deal with it, that make it. Don't feel sorry for yourself. Make it happen."

Okay, so I had this talk with my family just last night. I was crying because I'm broke and it sucks! I hate money! Absolutely hate it! It's the root of all evil and the biggest stressor of everyone's life. No matter how much of it you have. I know everyone goes through this, blah blah, but it's not okay with me. I can't live paycheck to paycheck. So, I'm trying to figure out the best way to go about making more. But I'm done talking about it because it literally pisses me off so bad, it ruins my day! Moving on!

I have quite a bit of work ahead of me still tonight, and I'm sure you're ready to be done reading this rather extensive blog. I tried to catch you up as much as I could. But in summary: Brett's trip was so much fun and much needed! Good luck in St. Louis and show them what a great asset you would be to their team! Love you!

Note to self: "You can never really get away. You can only take yourself somewhere else."

As much as I don't want to live in Iowa, I miss it. Crazy, right? And no one can truly understand it, unless they've moved away for a while. You can't beat Midwestern people. They are the most genuine and honest people you'll ever meet. If they like you, they'll take a bullet for you. If they hate you, you know it, and you better not cross them. Yes, every place has their bad apples, but even the bad apples in Iowa look good compared to some of the people I've met. I've always prided myself in not changing who I am--the naive girl from Iowa who loves life, meeting new people, and trying new things.

The girl who loves listening to country and dancing in the middle of the dance floor--even if it is by myself. The girl who will tell you like it is, whether you like it or not. The girl who can't wait to come home for the Iowa State Fair because I haven't missed one in 25 years! I love Florida, don't get me wrong, but no one can replace friends and family. I have the best friends anyone could ask for. They don't act like they're in high school, we have so much fun together, and we get each other. My family is unbeatable--everyone knows that! ;) No one can replace family!

Day 247 - Day 249

May 7 - May 9, 2010

Happy Mother's Day!!! I hope all of you mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, and friends had a terrific day with your families! I, unfortunately, was not able to spend it with the women in my life. I love you, the women in my life! Without you, I would not be where I am today. I wouldn't be the strong woman you influenced me to be. Women have such an effect on people, it's amazing! I got an email from a friend about women, that I think is appropriate for Mother's Day! It reads:

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure she
carries, or the way she combs her hair.

The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes,
Because that is the doorway to her heart,
The place where love resides.
The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole,
but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul
It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she
shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!

Busy, busy weekend. Friday night, I went to a restaurant/nightclub to promote for work. I had to go by myself, which I thought would be intimidating, and I was really nervous. It was so much fun! I met so many people and had such a great time! When I say promote, I mean I took pictures for future promo events, got names, and email addresses. And c'mon...people in South Florida LOVE to get their picture taken! So easy! The owners of the club are so nice!

I made a bet with my friend, Greg. He told me, "Ashley, so many guys are going to hit on you." I tried to tell him, it just doesn't happen. And it really doesn't. So, our bet was that whoever loses, has to buy the winner a beer or corn-dog at the fair this year! Hehe! Guess who was right? Yup. Me! I sent a text that read, "Does it count if I approach them and then they hit on me? I don't think so. They only look. Otherwise, you owe me! I told you!" (followed with a profanity) Well, I accidentally sent it to Roxy! Oops! She text me back and said, "Well they are just stupid to pass up someone like you." I just stared at my phone, thinking, well okay, that was nice. But I don't understand. It wasn't until later that I realized what I did!

You really need to pay attention to who you send your texts to. It could get you into some trouble. As it has done me many times in the past! Texting is one of the best things ever invented, but is also a very dangerous tool! You have the sexting (which I don't do!), drunk texting, sympathy texting, funny texting, etc. You can get yourself into trouble and make yourself look like a major idiot! If you are one of those drunk texters, pass your phone to a friend! You don't want to read them in the morning and regret what you said! That's never good! Again, I'm not saying I've done these things...I'm just giving advice--don't drunk text, sext, sympathy text, whatever. Keep it funny, or normal, or just whatever. And never try to have a serious convo. over text. That's one of the most irritating things ever! Just call me!

So, I wake up Saturday morning, to a HUGE bug on my kitchen floor. Can I just tell you that bugs are seriously, the most revolting thing ever created! I literally shiver and dry heave because I can't stand it! So, I call my dad. I don't know what the hell I'm supposed to do with that thing! I'm not touching it! Are you nuts?!?!

Me: "Dad. There's a huge cockroach, dead, on my kitchen floor."
Dad: "Well, pick it up and throw it out."
Me: "NO! Are you nuts?! What if it's not dead?! I'm not having that thing jump up and fly into my face! I can't. I just can't."
Dad: "Is the bug on its back?"
Me: "Well, yeah."
Dad: "Then that means it's dying."
Me: "But maybe it's not. I can't live like this."
Dad: "Jesus Christ, Ashley! You have got to be kidding me! I'm telling you...if it's on it's back, it is dying."
Me: "Dad, I'm serious. I can't do it."
Dad: "Ashley, I can't fly to Florida every time you find a bug in your apartment. Either ask your neighbor to get it, or learn how to deal with it."
Me: "I just don't want it to start moving and jump on me."
Dad: "Maybe it's one of those back bugs."
Me: Silence................"Are you making fun of me right now?"
Laughter bursts on the other end of the phone.
Me: "Dad! This is no laughing matter! I. Am. Serious."
Dad: "Ashley. I don't know what to tell you. Scoop it up with a paper cup and throw it outside. I don't know what else to tell you." (By now, he is getting really irritated with me)

To make a long story short. I go to Wal-Mart and get tons of cleaning supplies. I can't have bugs in my apartment. Just can't happen. Apparently, it's normal for down here, but it's not okay with me. All I wanted to do was lay out on Saturday, but instead, I'm sanitizing my living quarters. I get a broom and dust pan, sponges, etc. You name it. I got it! And who the hell spends $5 on a broom?!?! It's a plastic stick with bristles! Stupid.

I get home and the bug hasn't moved. So, I think. Okay, it's dead. I go to pick it up and the little bastards 700 legs start moving on me! I drop the broom, shriek, and run away! I decided right then, I can't do it! So, I go to pick up the broom, and the little f-er is stuck in the bristles! Okay, so I thought this was going to be easy. I slowly move the broom close to my glass sliding door. I can just dump it outside. No. Instead, it decides to fall out of the broom and start scrambling along the floor. As I'm yelling at the bug, running away, and chasing it with my broom, pounding it, trying to kill it, it keeps running. Finally, I get it. I continue to beat the poor thing because I'm so disgusted, that I just want it to die! I try to brush it outside, and it's still moving! Why won't it just die?!?! I just keep brushing and brushing, because I know that I will get that little sucker outside and dead! Yeuck! I can't even think about it, it's so awful!

Saturday night, I work again at the same nightclub for promotions. Before hand, a co-worker and I go to eat at The Office. It's on Atlantic Ave. in Delray Beach. The place to be, apparently! The food was amazing and the atmosphere is fantastic! I will definitely go back there! Promoting was good! It's nice because I'm starting to recognize and see the same people, which is nice. And they are recognizing me, so it's good! I'm starting to get in the loop of Boca and Delray's social life! Yay!!!! It's only been about a month, but I'm ready to have a group of friends!

I'm telling you what. I think I need therapy or something to teach me patience. I am honest to God, the worst person when it comes to this. I know I keep reiterating this point, but it's getting to the point, that I can't even handle it. I'm getting so irritated with myself! It's absolutely terrible! I know I'm being tested, but I am failing, miserably! I'm ready for friends. I'm ready for a boy in my life. I'm ready for everything to just be settled. I know. I know. Everything happens when it's suppose to. You just have to give time, time. I don't want to give time, time! And yes, things happen for a reason, but damn it! I'm ready for my reasons to start working out!

Sunday comes, and I get to sleep in! Oh my gosh, it feels great! If I had a TV in my room, I would have stayed in bed all day! Instead, I wake up and watch "My Big Fat Greek Wedding!" Such a cute movie! I know it was Mother's Day, but every movie was about love and relationships. Of course. Made me jealous.

Then, I go to the ocean. It's time I become the sun-kissed lady I want to be! I go to Deerfield Beach, which was packed! There were people everywhere! So much fun! It was so hot today, I cannot even tell you. The temperature only read 84 degrees, but the humidity down here. Forget about it. Even I thought it was hot. And when I think it's hot, it's damn hot! Like sitting on fire! Because I'm NEVER too hot! I got too hot today! Anyways, I'm laying out and guess what? Someone asked me to put lotion on their back!

Do you think it was a celebrity? Nope. A hot man? Nah. Too easy. An old, wrinkly woman? Ding, ding, ding! We have a winner! Son of a B! Are you kidding me right now? Why? Why me? Then, she asked me to fix her crooked tankini straps! Nice lady, but come on....

I took a joy ride tonight. When it's hot outside and night time, I love being out! It's my favorite thing to do! Go for a walk, grab dinner on a patio, go to the beach, go on a ride! I absolutely love it when it's dark outside and it's still 75+ degrees! It's my ideal situation! I just drove around the parts of Boca that I've never been before. But I did make note to where I was because the houses I saw...holy huge!!! They are magnificant, and I want to see them during the day!!!

Now, it's time for bed! I had a great and busy weekend, and I now have to rest tomorrow because Brett comes Tuesday!!! Yay!!! You know what that means! You read about our NYC experience! Nothing but good times, laughs, food, drinks, shopping, and clubs! Only this time, we're throwing in surfing, boogie boarding, the ocean, and hot weather! Oh my! I already have my game face on!!!

Note to self: Tonight I have two quotes that I heard this weekend, that have kind of stuck with me. They're completely different, but I just really like them. Enjoy!

"Intelligence plus character--that is the goal of true education." - Dr. Martin Luther King
So fantastic! Anyone can be intelligent. But without good character, your intelligence doesn't matter. At least to me, it doesn't. A really fantastic and admirable person portrays their intelligence lightly, but effectively. Someone who is genuine and kind-hearted, but professional and tough. It's difficult to balance, but someone with true character and integrity pulls this off with grace and elegance. Something every person should strive to do. I know I strive for this.

"The hardest thing is loving someone, and then having the courage to let them love you back." - The Wedding Date
The man in that movie is perfect! I love this!

Day 214

April 5, 2010

Today was the start to a wonderful new beginning. I started my job today at the public relations company! Wonderful! I worked almost 12 hours today and I am exhausted! BUT...my parents came today! Yay!! I was so excited to see them! I haven't seen them since Christmas! It was fantastic! They both look fantastic! Dad has been doing Farrell's and I can tell a total difference in his body and mom has lost weight too, because of her accident! It's great!

I gave them the tour of beautiful Boca and Deerfield Beach. We ate at The Whale's Rib--naturally. It's so good and so much fun! We were all so tired, that we didn't really talk. But it was nice just sitting there, with family, and not having to say a word! I miss that! I needed to see them. I was getting really home sick!

After dinner, I showed them a little more around town. They were impressed thusfar. It is dark outside, but I told them it only gets better in the daytime! So, while I'm at work, they're going to be basking on the beach tomorrow. Losers!

I'm really sorry, but I am exhausted, and I have another long day ahead of me!

Note to self: Always come prepared to work with a packed lunch. That way, you aren't sitting at your desk, ready to chew off your own arm. Then, get stuck eating a fattening bagel, that's no good for you!