People have either asked me, or mentioned to others why I have been absent so long at blogging. I've been debating back and forth as to what I would be blogging about. There are millions of blogs in the world, so why would people want to read mine? I needed a point.
Then I thought...why the hell do I need a point? A.) I'm funny. B.) My life has a series of strange events on a daily basis. C.) I don't really care what other people think. =) (I sound arrogant, huh? Eh, oh well. Ha!)
My blog is set to be read by those who know me and are interested in what I'm doing with my life. If others want to read it, I'm flattered! What's been so funny is I still randomly check my StatCounter I told you about and it's funny to see who still reads my blogs. Well folks, I'm back! Wahoo!
Since I quit blogging in September, my life, of course has been crazy and exciting. A lot has happened down here in South Florida and I've been having a great time! The best way for me to show you about the last three months is to highlight it with pictures. Of course, right? Because I'm all about the photos!
Please see my Picasa Web Album HERE! The captions will explain everything!
Now that it's the New Year, I've decided to randomly blog about the random "instances" that happen in my life. It's not going to be an everyday thing, but just the funny and outlandish things that randomly pop into my life. And by the way...can you believe it's 2011?? Holy crap!
Let's highlight some of the things since September:
1.) I got a flat tire on the side of the road after a great night at Round-Up (it was 3:30 a.m.)
2.) I got stuck in Milwaukee, Wisconsin after Christmas because the 'tards' at AirTran wouldn't hold my flight. The only good thing that came out of that was the $5 Martini Happy Hour at my hotel.
3.) One of my best friends, Dyanna, came to visit me. Enough said.
4.) Mom and dad came down - that week was a blur. Mom was introduced to Patron and has been her best friend ever since. =)
5.) Grandma Roxy came down to celebrate her birthday AND Thanksgiving with me! Such a blast!
6.) I was in my cousin's wedding. One of the best weekends ever!
7.) My dating life has been pretty superb. I've got to do some pretty cool stuff!
Well, this is the beginning of another beautiful relationship with my writing. Check in every once-in-awhile for updates on what my life throws at me and the best possible way to handle the situation. It may not always be the best advice, but hey. What would life be with us always doing and saying the right things?
Showing posts with label Just an Ordinary Day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Just an Ordinary Day. Show all posts
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Day 360-ish to Day 365
September 5 - September 7, 2010
Well...I have to say one thing. The year started off interesting and most definitely ended with a bang!
IT'S BEEN ONE YEAR! Can you believe it?? I can't believe how much I've grown as a person in so many aspects of life. I've seen so much and done so many great things, I can't even begin to process and really grasp what my life has been like. Unforgettable--that's the word.
Please read all the way through, because the end...is the best!
Sunday was so much fun! Our company put on Delray Beach's first ever, glow-in-the-dark, body painted runway show! It was amazing! An all-white party, with glowing accessories--the coolest accessory I have ever seen? A straw that when you suck up, a little g.i.t.d. stick moves up the straw! So cool! Dangerous, because I kept drinking to see the glow stick move! ;)
I must say, I did a rather good job of stepping up and taking charge of a situation that I really had absolutely no idea what was going on! Props to me! It was a great night to bond with the newbies at work, dancing and laughing and just having a great time! Labor Day was a success!
Monday was a lot of fun too! We went to see "The Switch," with Jennifer Anniston and hung out at my apartment. The movie is so cute! I actually found someone who shares the same amount of love for Jen Anniston as my dad! ;)
And the last day of this unbelievable, one year journey? The whole year of craziness, random moments, insane people and awkward instances have ended on a very unique note.
I'm at work when I notice a guy come in...about 23-ish years old, I'm guessing. It's kind of a long story, so I'll shorten it as much as I can. We will call him, "Tom."
Tom: "Excuse me? Can I use your phone?"
Me: "Of course."
He had me dial his "friend's" number and then he says, "tell him xxx is waiting for him." Hmm...okay...that's weird, I thought. I held out the phone for him to take it and he said, "no, you tell him." I'm thinking, okay this is strange. The guy doesn't answer the phone, but Tom proceeds to tell me why he has chosen to come to the mall and into my work.
He's on "special business." Basically he told me he was there because he wants to be in the mafia and he is going to "cap" his "friend," who is really his cousin, because the cousin made fun of his "motha'". And since he's an "Italian New Yorker, people don't make fun of mothers." Then he proceeds to ask/yell at me at the entrance of my work, "We all come out of our mother's vaginas! Yes or no, Ashley?! Yes or no?!" While he's taking his hands, pretending to give birth to a child. Yea. No joke.
Me: "Ummm...yes?" I don't know what to say! Get me the fu** out of here crossed my mind.
Then he says, "Ya' know, Ashley? I like you. You're cute."
My thoughts, "Oh shit, I'm screwed."
Then, after a few minor incidents', he starts yelling at me.
"Ashley! You can't say M-A-F-I-A too loud! Otherwise, people will hear you then they will come after you. They will find out. You cannot say M-A-F-I-A too loud! You could be in real danger. I'm starting to get really mad, Ashley. Really mad!" Now he's starting to pace, with his hands over his ears, shaking his head back and forth.
I'm just standing there, thinking to myself, "I'm gonna die. This crazy mo-fo is going to shoot me in the face. Great."
Tom: "You better apologize to me, Ashley! Apologize right now for what you said."
Me: "Umm...I'm sorry?"
Tom: "For what, Ashley? I need you to tell me your sorry for saying mafia too loud!"
Me: "Umm...I'm sorry for saying mafia?"
Tom: "Okay, we're good. You know how us Italians are. We get mad, but then when someone apologizes, we forgive them. I forgive you. I was mad at you, now I'm not mad at you."
I'm thinking, "Oh good God, what is going on?" I keep my head staring down, because at this point, I don't want anything to do with him.
Tom: "What is wrong with you, Ashley?! You look so scared! Why are you scared? Why are you looking at me like I'm a crazy person? Do you think I'm a crazy person? Because that's how you look! Quit looking at me like that!"
SIRRRRR!!!! I'm not looking at your crazy ass any different. Maybe the look of terror has come across my face because I don't know what you're hiding in those fancy slick shorts that are ten sizes too small. "Excuse me. Your balls are showing..." (Name that movie?!? Ace Ventura)
Anyways...finally some guy servers come up, I walk away, Tom walks through the restaurant introducing himself at Tom Gambino from New York to random tables. He's a social psychopath.
He finally leaves after a couple more scruffs, but see ya' later! I got home safe, but am now freaking out because every time I hear a noise, I think it's him breaking in. I know, right? Why? I'm not banking on getting any sleep tonight...S.O.B.
Okay, folks! Here it is...the movie I've been waiting to share with you! Drum roll please............my 1-Year Anniversary blog! I couldn't think of the correct way to say what this year has really meant to me, so instead, I made a video. Please watch and enjoy for your pleasure! It's a video (and yes, it's semi-long, but please watch it because it took forever to make) depicting, from day one, my life this last year. It may take a minute to load the whole thing, so please be patient. Thanks!
I love you all and thank you so much for reading my blog! The new blog will be coming shortly...
One-Year Anniversary Blog
Well...I have to say one thing. The year started off interesting and most definitely ended with a bang!
IT'S BEEN ONE YEAR! Can you believe it?? I can't believe how much I've grown as a person in so many aspects of life. I've seen so much and done so many great things, I can't even begin to process and really grasp what my life has been like. Unforgettable--that's the word.
Please read all the way through, because the end...is the best!
Sunday was so much fun! Our company put on Delray Beach's first ever, glow-in-the-dark, body painted runway show! It was amazing! An all-white party, with glowing accessories--the coolest accessory I have ever seen? A straw that when you suck up, a little g.i.t.d. stick moves up the straw! So cool! Dangerous, because I kept drinking to see the glow stick move! ;)
I must say, I did a rather good job of stepping up and taking charge of a situation that I really had absolutely no idea what was going on! Props to me! It was a great night to bond with the newbies at work, dancing and laughing and just having a great time! Labor Day was a success!
Monday was a lot of fun too! We went to see "The Switch," with Jennifer Anniston and hung out at my apartment. The movie is so cute! I actually found someone who shares the same amount of love for Jen Anniston as my dad! ;)
And the last day of this unbelievable, one year journey? The whole year of craziness, random moments, insane people and awkward instances have ended on a very unique note.
I'm at work when I notice a guy come in...about 23-ish years old, I'm guessing. It's kind of a long story, so I'll shorten it as much as I can. We will call him, "Tom."
Tom: "Excuse me? Can I use your phone?"
Me: "Of course."
He had me dial his "friend's" number and then he says, "tell him xxx is waiting for him." Hmm...okay...that's weird, I thought. I held out the phone for him to take it and he said, "no, you tell him." I'm thinking, okay this is strange. The guy doesn't answer the phone, but Tom proceeds to tell me why he has chosen to come to the mall and into my work.
He's on "special business." Basically he told me he was there because he wants to be in the mafia and he is going to "cap" his "friend," who is really his cousin, because the cousin made fun of his "motha'". And since he's an "Italian New Yorker, people don't make fun of mothers." Then he proceeds to ask/yell at me at the entrance of my work, "We all come out of our mother's vaginas! Yes or no, Ashley?! Yes or no?!" While he's taking his hands, pretending to give birth to a child. Yea. No joke.
Me: "Ummm...yes?" I don't know what to say! Get me the fu** out of here crossed my mind.
Then he says, "Ya' know, Ashley? I like you. You're cute."
My thoughts, "Oh shit, I'm screwed."
Then, after a few minor incidents', he starts yelling at me.
"Ashley! You can't say M-A-F-I-A too loud! Otherwise, people will hear you then they will come after you. They will find out. You cannot say M-A-F-I-A too loud! You could be in real danger. I'm starting to get really mad, Ashley. Really mad!" Now he's starting to pace, with his hands over his ears, shaking his head back and forth.
I'm just standing there, thinking to myself, "I'm gonna die. This crazy mo-fo is going to shoot me in the face. Great."
Tom: "You better apologize to me, Ashley! Apologize right now for what you said."
Me: "Umm...I'm sorry?"
Tom: "For what, Ashley? I need you to tell me your sorry for saying mafia too loud!"
Me: "Umm...I'm sorry for saying mafia?"
Tom: "Okay, we're good. You know how us Italians are. We get mad, but then when someone apologizes, we forgive them. I forgive you. I was mad at you, now I'm not mad at you."
I'm thinking, "Oh good God, what is going on?" I keep my head staring down, because at this point, I don't want anything to do with him.
Tom: "What is wrong with you, Ashley?! You look so scared! Why are you scared? Why are you looking at me like I'm a crazy person? Do you think I'm a crazy person? Because that's how you look! Quit looking at me like that!"
SIRRRRR!!!! I'm not looking at your crazy ass any different. Maybe the look of terror has come across my face because I don't know what you're hiding in those fancy slick shorts that are ten sizes too small. "Excuse me. Your balls are showing..." (Name that movie?!? Ace Ventura)
Anyways...finally some guy servers come up, I walk away, Tom walks through the restaurant introducing himself at Tom Gambino from New York to random tables. He's a social psychopath.
He finally leaves after a couple more scruffs, but see ya' later! I got home safe, but am now freaking out because every time I hear a noise, I think it's him breaking in. I know, right? Why? I'm not banking on getting any sleep tonight...S.O.B.
Okay, folks! Here it is...the movie I've been waiting to share with you! Drum roll please............my 1-Year Anniversary blog! I couldn't think of the correct way to say what this year has really meant to me, so instead, I made a video. Please watch and enjoy for your pleasure! It's a video (and yes, it's semi-long, but please watch it because it took forever to make) depicting, from day one, my life this last year. It may take a minute to load the whole thing, so please be patient. Thanks!
I love you all and thank you so much for reading my blog! The new blog will be coming shortly...
One-Year Anniversary Blog
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Day 360-something
September 4, 2010
I'm almost finished with my one-year blog! I can't wait to show you guys!!! ;)
Today was brutal. I couldn't stand up without feeling like I was going to get sick. I'm over it. However...I think I may have the answer.
I got the bright idea when I woke up this morning, that since my 500 mg of Amoxicillin wasn't working, I would take 1000 mg--at breakfast. Mistake #1. Mistake #2: I took another pill at lunch and 800 mg of IBU Profin before I left for work.
I know. I know. I don't want to hear it. My sinuses felt better. I was probably high as all get out. Not good. Tonight at work thank goodness went by quickly! I was either nauseous or narcoleptic.
That was basically my day. I had all of these plans to do errands, get things done around my house, etc.
I do have great news! Two of my very best friends from back home are having babies!!!!!!! And...their due dates are only one week apart!!!!!! How exciting is that?!?!?! Everyone's getting married and having babies!
Football season is back and Iowa's lookin' good so far! I cannot wait to go to a game this year! I'm bound and determined to go the Dolphins/Patriots game in a month and I really want to go to the FSU/Florida game! I think it's in Miami this year! I love football!
Note to self: What's your idealistic trait in a person? Initiative and spontaneity are fantastic qualities anyone could have and my favorite traits in a person.
On initiative: "Those who get the most out of life and those who give the most are those who make the choice to act."
On spontaneity: "Spontaneity is the quality of being able to do something just because you feel like it at the moment, of trusting your instincts, of taking yourself by surprise and snatching from the clutches of your well-organized routine a bit of unscheduled pleasure."
I'm almost finished with my one-year blog! I can't wait to show you guys!!! ;)
Today was brutal. I couldn't stand up without feeling like I was going to get sick. I'm over it. However...I think I may have the answer.
I got the bright idea when I woke up this morning, that since my 500 mg of Amoxicillin wasn't working, I would take 1000 mg--at breakfast. Mistake #1. Mistake #2: I took another pill at lunch and 800 mg of IBU Profin before I left for work.
I know. I know. I don't want to hear it. My sinuses felt better. I was probably high as all get out. Not good. Tonight at work thank goodness went by quickly! I was either nauseous or narcoleptic.
That was basically my day. I had all of these plans to do errands, get things done around my house, etc.
I do have great news! Two of my very best friends from back home are having babies!!!!!!! And...their due dates are only one week apart!!!!!! How exciting is that?!?!?! Everyone's getting married and having babies!
Football season is back and Iowa's lookin' good so far! I cannot wait to go to a game this year! I'm bound and determined to go the Dolphins/Patriots game in a month and I really want to go to the FSU/Florida game! I think it's in Miami this year! I love football!
Note to self: What's your idealistic trait in a person? Initiative and spontaneity are fantastic qualities anyone could have and my favorite traits in a person.
On initiative: "Those who get the most out of life and those who give the most are those who make the choice to act."
On spontaneity: "Spontaneity is the quality of being able to do something just because you feel like it at the moment, of trusting your instincts, of taking yourself by surprise and snatching from the clutches of your well-organized routine a bit of unscheduled pleasure."
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Day 359 - 361
September 1 - September 3, 2010
Happy September! This time last year, I was actually in Boca Raton for a vacation, right before I moved to New York! It's when I first learned to surf, went to Mizner Park, experienced Max's Grille, shopped at my new favorite store, Francesca's, and realized I wanted to eventually end up down here. I never guessed it would have been so soon. And so...interesting...
The last few days have been pretty busy for me. I've been working quite a bit and I cannot, for the life of me, kick this sinus thing I've got goin' on. My head is constantly pounding and I am so dang tired. I think I need to go back to Dr. Whack Job and get stronger meds. Maybe this time, I'll find a new physician. =)
I spent my day today traveling all around South Florida, looking for a particular building. I was in Fort Lauderdale, Pompano, Oakland (which I didn't know existed), etc. It was a nice little joy ride on Friday! I love joy rides. My problem is I have a tendency to space off when I'm driving. Do you guys ever do that? Then all of a sudden, Esther (my GPS) says, "re-calculating." I did that a lot today. I'm tired! It's a semi-legitimate excuse.
You know what I really want to do down here? Go to the zoo. I know it sounds kind of goofy, but I heard the Miami zoo is a lot of fun and I haven't been! AND...there's this place called The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens that looks so beautiful! These are on my top ten things to do by the end of the year.
Yesterday, I got such a beautiful bouquet of red roses! We went out to a really great sushi place, then to Max's Grille for drinks. I love that place. It's such a great place to get dinner, or sit and have drinks. I felt bad, though because Mizner Park was dead. It was crickets when we were walking. It's typically pretty exciting, but not last night. I'm assuming the Boca Socialites left town for the holiday--probably to their house in the Hamptons.
Tonight, I worked at a nightclub, promoting this really sick party we're going to have on Sunday. Do you like how I have now caught on to the word "sick" since moving down here? What have I become?!?! ;) Anyways, I had some technical difficulties so I came home earlier than I thought. Which is fine because I need sleep. So, my Friday night consists of watching The 40-Year Old Virgin. It's absolutely hysterical!
Note to self: "Experience should teach us that it is always the unexpected that does occur." - Eleanor Roosevelt
Happy September! This time last year, I was actually in Boca Raton for a vacation, right before I moved to New York! It's when I first learned to surf, went to Mizner Park, experienced Max's Grille, shopped at my new favorite store, Francesca's, and realized I wanted to eventually end up down here. I never guessed it would have been so soon. And so...interesting...
The last few days have been pretty busy for me. I've been working quite a bit and I cannot, for the life of me, kick this sinus thing I've got goin' on. My head is constantly pounding and I am so dang tired. I think I need to go back to Dr. Whack Job and get stronger meds. Maybe this time, I'll find a new physician. =)
I spent my day today traveling all around South Florida, looking for a particular building. I was in Fort Lauderdale, Pompano, Oakland (which I didn't know existed), etc. It was a nice little joy ride on Friday! I love joy rides. My problem is I have a tendency to space off when I'm driving. Do you guys ever do that? Then all of a sudden, Esther (my GPS) says, "re-calculating." I did that a lot today. I'm tired! It's a semi-legitimate excuse.
You know what I really want to do down here? Go to the zoo. I know it sounds kind of goofy, but I heard the Miami zoo is a lot of fun and I haven't been! AND...there's this place called The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens that looks so beautiful! These are on my top ten things to do by the end of the year.
Yesterday, I got such a beautiful bouquet of red roses! We went out to a really great sushi place, then to Max's Grille for drinks. I love that place. It's such a great place to get dinner, or sit and have drinks. I felt bad, though because Mizner Park was dead. It was crickets when we were walking. It's typically pretty exciting, but not last night. I'm assuming the Boca Socialites left town for the holiday--probably to their house in the Hamptons.
Tonight, I worked at a nightclub, promoting this really sick party we're going to have on Sunday. Do you like how I have now caught on to the word "sick" since moving down here? What have I become?!?! ;) Anyways, I had some technical difficulties so I came home earlier than I thought. Which is fine because I need sleep. So, my Friday night consists of watching The 40-Year Old Virgin. It's absolutely hysterical!
Note to self: "Experience should teach us that it is always the unexpected that does occur." - Eleanor Roosevelt
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Day 355 - Day 358
August 28 - August 31, 2010
I'm not going to lie. I'm kind of excited for my one year of blogging to almost be over. I have been horrible about writing. I've been a little under the weather, hence the no blog.
Saturday, one of my childhood friends got married. Aaron, whom I've known since I was a baby married a wonderful girl who actually graduated with my brother. Small world, huh?? Congratulations you guys! You are both so amazing and I wish you nothing but happiness and a life full of love!
It was awful that I was stuck here, while everyone I love was in Iowa celebrating such a fantastic day. I miss all of you and wish I could have been there! My grandma had this to say, "You could just tell he was crazy about her! He rubbed her hands the whole time they were standing there. He even cried." Ugh! That's so sweet! You both are so lucky to have each other--I love it! ;)
I tell ya' what. These category storms, or whatever they call them down here are really getting on my nerves. It rains everyday! Sunday, it poured all day and all night! It was crazy! I think we're on Fiona or something of the sort.
I had to call in sick to work again on Monday because I felt like hell. You should have seen me. My boss tried to make me feel better saying, "No, you look beautiful." My response, "No, I look like I just got hit by a Mack truck! It's okay. You don't have to make me feel better." =) I didn't even look in the mirror the rest of the day. Yea. Not good.
Now, I'm going to bed because for some reason, I cannot seem to get better. And I have a big week ahead of me! It's Labor Day! Sunday, our company is putting on a glow-in-the-dark fashion show. Sounds pretty cool, huh?? I'm really excited for it! Thank God we don't have to work on Monday! My plan--sleep all day. Nothing else.
Note to self: Making irresponsible decisions is not the best thing someone can do. You should probably think things through before diving into a situation full force. Although it is fun to be carefree about life, sometimes the outcomes are not always as rewarding as you had first hoped. Be smart.
I'm not going to lie. I'm kind of excited for my one year of blogging to almost be over. I have been horrible about writing. I've been a little under the weather, hence the no blog.
Saturday, one of my childhood friends got married. Aaron, whom I've known since I was a baby married a wonderful girl who actually graduated with my brother. Small world, huh?? Congratulations you guys! You are both so amazing and I wish you nothing but happiness and a life full of love!
It was awful that I was stuck here, while everyone I love was in Iowa celebrating such a fantastic day. I miss all of you and wish I could have been there! My grandma had this to say, "You could just tell he was crazy about her! He rubbed her hands the whole time they were standing there. He even cried." Ugh! That's so sweet! You both are so lucky to have each other--I love it! ;)
I tell ya' what. These category storms, or whatever they call them down here are really getting on my nerves. It rains everyday! Sunday, it poured all day and all night! It was crazy! I think we're on Fiona or something of the sort.
I had to call in sick to work again on Monday because I felt like hell. You should have seen me. My boss tried to make me feel better saying, "No, you look beautiful." My response, "No, I look like I just got hit by a Mack truck! It's okay. You don't have to make me feel better." =) I didn't even look in the mirror the rest of the day. Yea. Not good.
Now, I'm going to bed because for some reason, I cannot seem to get better. And I have a big week ahead of me! It's Labor Day! Sunday, our company is putting on a glow-in-the-dark fashion show. Sounds pretty cool, huh?? I'm really excited for it! Thank God we don't have to work on Monday! My plan--sleep all day. Nothing else.
Note to self: Making irresponsible decisions is not the best thing someone can do. You should probably think things through before diving into a situation full force. Although it is fun to be carefree about life, sometimes the outcomes are not always as rewarding as you had first hoped. Be smart.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Day 354
August 27, 2010
I told you I was sick. I wasn't lying. I have a sinus infection--so says the "doctor" I went to today. Yes, I say "doctor" in quotes because her expertise could definitely be questionable.
I wake up this morning feeling like I got punched in the face by a bodybuilder. My body ached, the back of my neck hurt, behind my eyes hurt, etc. So, I call in sick to work and head to the doctor.
First of all, trying to get a human being on the phone is hard enough, let along trying to find one who speaks decent English. So, I go. I walk in and forget how exciting walk-in clinics are. You have to do everything besides the hokey pokey to get seen by someone.
Since I don't feel good, my attitude and patience are well above normal. I'm standing there and some woman cuts in front of me! There is NO cutting!
Me: I throw my hand on my waist, stick out my hip and give her the look of death.
"Umm...excuse me?!?!"
Her: Typical stare.
Me: "Oh hell no."
Who do you think you are throwing your pink slip on the counter and getting dibs on next in line?? Not with this girl!
So, then they direct me to the counter, where you take a number. Who takes a number? Then, a nurse calls your name to simply see if a doctor will see you, or if you have to come back. I'm thinking to myself, oh it's not going to be good if they tell me I can't be seen today. My phone is dead because AT&T is 100 percent useless, so I can't call to find another clinic. They have to see me.
I'm in talking with the nurse and she says, how do you feel? I explain my symptoms and she says all irritated, "but how do you feel?"
Me: "I feel dandy, lady. Just freakin' dandy! My eyes hurt! My head hurts! My whole face hurts! My body aches!" Come on, lady! When I tell you I can barely keep my eyes open because they hurt so bad, how do you think I feel?"
Okay...I didn't really say that? But that's what went through my head. Why are you going to ask me how I feel after I just told you all of my symptoms? I feel great! I just need some medication to make feel happy and get me through the day. If you can just toss a little somethin'-somethin' in my purse, we can call it a day. Idiot.
They decide to see me. So, then I have to take my number and paper back to the front, fill it out and wait in another line to talk to someone about insurance and what not. Thirty minutes after that, I go turn my papers in and sit and wait again. It's like a three-ring circus!
The waiting room was surprisingly uneventful. I was actually hoping for some exciting things to happen, so I could blog about it. I kept re-playing funny scenarios in my head, but everyone was on their best behavior. Dang.
The nurse calls my name and as she's walking me back to the room she brags to the nurses, "Yeah, I see 18 patients in one hour on busy days." Me (thinking): What?! That seems like a lot of patients at once.
We get into the room and she says, "okay what's wrong?" in a mundane tone. I explain my symptoms and she says, "do you have a history of sinus infection?" I say yes and she proceeds to do the typical tap-on-the-forehead and tap-on-the-cheek tests, along with the throat check. She says, "yep, you have a sinus infection. What do you want?"
Me: "Uhhh....ammoxicillin?" I don't know. Why am I having to prescribe myself? Shoot, if that's the case, give me some Adderall, Vicodin or Percocet. I want the good stuff! ;) I wanted to say, "you're the kind of doctor I talk to reporters about!" Lady, you are crazy! And Florida wonders why people have an RX drug problem. Too many Dr. Feelgoods runnin' around! ;)
Then she says, as she stares into space, "you can take two pills in the morning, afternoon and night." Me (thinking): What?! That's six pills in one day. In the past, I've been told to only take two a day. I have to get out of here before I have to check myself into rehab.
That was my day. Then I just slept, watch television, and now I'm going to sleep some more to get better! Have a great weekend! ;)
Note to self: When trying to get rest, turn off your phone. Why is it that when you're sick or don't feel like talking, that's when everyone decides to text or call you? Just turn it off and don't deal with it! ;)
I told you I was sick. I wasn't lying. I have a sinus infection--so says the "doctor" I went to today. Yes, I say "doctor" in quotes because her expertise could definitely be questionable.
I wake up this morning feeling like I got punched in the face by a bodybuilder. My body ached, the back of my neck hurt, behind my eyes hurt, etc. So, I call in sick to work and head to the doctor.
First of all, trying to get a human being on the phone is hard enough, let along trying to find one who speaks decent English. So, I go. I walk in and forget how exciting walk-in clinics are. You have to do everything besides the hokey pokey to get seen by someone.
Since I don't feel good, my attitude and patience are well above normal. I'm standing there and some woman cuts in front of me! There is NO cutting!
Me: I throw my hand on my waist, stick out my hip and give her the look of death.
"Umm...excuse me?!?!"
Her: Typical stare.
Me: "Oh hell no."
Who do you think you are throwing your pink slip on the counter and getting dibs on next in line?? Not with this girl!
So, then they direct me to the counter, where you take a number. Who takes a number? Then, a nurse calls your name to simply see if a doctor will see you, or if you have to come back. I'm thinking to myself, oh it's not going to be good if they tell me I can't be seen today. My phone is dead because AT&T is 100 percent useless, so I can't call to find another clinic. They have to see me.
I'm in talking with the nurse and she says, how do you feel? I explain my symptoms and she says all irritated, "but how do you feel?"
Me: "I feel dandy, lady. Just freakin' dandy! My eyes hurt! My head hurts! My whole face hurts! My body aches!" Come on, lady! When I tell you I can barely keep my eyes open because they hurt so bad, how do you think I feel?"
Okay...I didn't really say that? But that's what went through my head. Why are you going to ask me how I feel after I just told you all of my symptoms? I feel great! I just need some medication to make feel happy and get me through the day. If you can just toss a little somethin'-somethin' in my purse, we can call it a day. Idiot.
They decide to see me. So, then I have to take my number and paper back to the front, fill it out and wait in another line to talk to someone about insurance and what not. Thirty minutes after that, I go turn my papers in and sit and wait again. It's like a three-ring circus!
The waiting room was surprisingly uneventful. I was actually hoping for some exciting things to happen, so I could blog about it. I kept re-playing funny scenarios in my head, but everyone was on their best behavior. Dang.
The nurse calls my name and as she's walking me back to the room she brags to the nurses, "Yeah, I see 18 patients in one hour on busy days." Me (thinking): What?! That seems like a lot of patients at once.
We get into the room and she says, "okay what's wrong?" in a mundane tone. I explain my symptoms and she says, "do you have a history of sinus infection?" I say yes and she proceeds to do the typical tap-on-the-forehead and tap-on-the-cheek tests, along with the throat check. She says, "yep, you have a sinus infection. What do you want?"
Me: "Uhhh....ammoxicillin?" I don't know. Why am I having to prescribe myself? Shoot, if that's the case, give me some Adderall, Vicodin or Percocet. I want the good stuff! ;) I wanted to say, "you're the kind of doctor I talk to reporters about!" Lady, you are crazy! And Florida wonders why people have an RX drug problem. Too many Dr. Feelgoods runnin' around! ;)
Then she says, as she stares into space, "you can take two pills in the morning, afternoon and night." Me (thinking): What?! That's six pills in one day. In the past, I've been told to only take two a day. I have to get out of here before I have to check myself into rehab.
That was my day. Then I just slept, watch television, and now I'm going to sleep some more to get better! Have a great weekend! ;)
Note to self: When trying to get rest, turn off your phone. Why is it that when you're sick or don't feel like talking, that's when everyone decides to text or call you? Just turn it off and don't deal with it! ;)
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Day 350 - Day 353
August 23 - August 26, 2010
Oh Boca. How you are so uneventful. I'm homesick. I'm homesick from New York. And I'm definitely homesick from Iowa.
The year I decide to move away, is the year everyone decides to plan life-changing events. I'm lucky enough to have been able to be home for them, but the planning process is what I'm bummed I've missed out on.
But guess what happened to me today?!?!?! I got a little gift from the Iowa State Fair!! I received a tank top that says, "Non-Stop Fun - Iowa State Fair" Hahahaha! Love it! AND...okay, here's the back story...
Like I've said, the last couple of weeks, I have literally felt like hell. Like someone keeps punching me in the face. It's awful. All day I kept thinking, all I want is a cookie. When I don't feel good, or I'm stressed, or whatever...nothing sounds good except sugar. I am addicted to sugar. Literally.
But I decide to be good and not get a thing. When I see the FedEx box sitting outside my door, I get really excited because I thought, mom definitely put Oreos in here for me. She always does! Nope. Even better! Iowa State Fair Chocolate Chip Cookies!!!!! Iowans, you know what I'm talking about!!!! Those mini, melt-in-your-mouth chocolately morsels of ooooohhhhhhh yyyyeaaaahhhhh!
So, to basically round out the last couple of days is like this: I've been sick, I've worked both jobs and I've been sick.
Bless Carlyn's heart. She got me Tylenol Severe Cold today--the daytime kind, of course. Well, nobody really knows this about me, but when I take "daytime" cold medicine, I become narcoleptic. It's true. And I know you're laughing. It is funny. But sadly, I randomly close my eyes for short periods of time.
Okay, it's not really narcolepsy, but "daytime" really does make me extremely drousy. Give me NyQuil and I will participate in a ten mile marathon! It's the strangest thing. My body reacts so strangely to medication.
I'm going to end my evening, watching "Gangland." I have this strange interest in gangs. Yes, call me odd, but I do. I always have. I think it's so fascinating the life gang members lead. I'm from a place where we had one African American kid, maybe five Hispanic and three Asians in my high school. I don't have a clue as to what "inner city" or gang member life is like.
So, I started reading books, asking questions, being genuinely curious about the lifestyle that takes place in areas people are not instructed not to go. You'd be surprised at how open people are when it comes to talking about gangs. Obviously, not confessing to anything, but talking about what life really IS like in a world where people aren't afraid to shoot you for wearing a blue t-shirt, or because you're white, black, hispanic, in this gang or that gang.
The things people go through and live with on a daily basis is outrageous! I've met gang members--nicest men you'll ever meet. At least to me. They actually became my "friends," I guess you could say because one of my best friend's dated one. Yea, yea. Not too bright. But I can honestly not explain to you how I loved talking about it with these men. I'm sure they thought, poor little white girl.
I have heard, "Girl, you crazy!" "Ohhh, white girl, you have no idea."
My response: "No, I don't have any idea. That's why I'm asking you. Tell me because this is so interesting to me." And they did. I mean, showing up to school with metal detectors; not knowing if your locker buddy is going to be in school or dead on the street. Drugs being bought at school like a hamburger at lunch time. Just insane stuff!
I asked my college roommate, who grew up in inner city Chicago one day, if I could go to her neighborhood where she grew up. She said, "Helllll nooo! You can't go! Are you crazy?! They will eat you alive!"
So, that was the end of that. Now, I'm in Boca. Black people? Not here. Hispanics? Only mowing the lawns. Sounds bad, huh? It's sadly true. The "Boca Bubble." Enough said.
Note to self: Isn't it funny how when someone tells you their ear hurts, your ear starts to hurt. When your dad tells you, you need to go to the doctor because you haven't been getting better in two weeks, then all of a sudden your massive headache turns into a tornado in your brain? Your brain is a fascinating tool and when used correctly, could be your best friend, or it could be your worst enemy. =)
Oh Boca. How you are so uneventful. I'm homesick. I'm homesick from New York. And I'm definitely homesick from Iowa.
The year I decide to move away, is the year everyone decides to plan life-changing events. I'm lucky enough to have been able to be home for them, but the planning process is what I'm bummed I've missed out on.
But guess what happened to me today?!?!?! I got a little gift from the Iowa State Fair!! I received a tank top that says, "Non-Stop Fun - Iowa State Fair" Hahahaha! Love it! AND...okay, here's the back story...
Like I've said, the last couple of weeks, I have literally felt like hell. Like someone keeps punching me in the face. It's awful. All day I kept thinking, all I want is a cookie. When I don't feel good, or I'm stressed, or whatever...nothing sounds good except sugar. I am addicted to sugar. Literally.
But I decide to be good and not get a thing. When I see the FedEx box sitting outside my door, I get really excited because I thought, mom definitely put Oreos in here for me. She always does! Nope. Even better! Iowa State Fair Chocolate Chip Cookies!!!!! Iowans, you know what I'm talking about!!!! Those mini, melt-in-your-mouth chocolately morsels of ooooohhhhhhh yyyyeaaaahhhhh!
So, to basically round out the last couple of days is like this: I've been sick, I've worked both jobs and I've been sick.
Bless Carlyn's heart. She got me Tylenol Severe Cold today--the daytime kind, of course. Well, nobody really knows this about me, but when I take "daytime" cold medicine, I become narcoleptic. It's true. And I know you're laughing. It is funny. But sadly, I randomly close my eyes for short periods of time.
Okay, it's not really narcolepsy, but "daytime" really does make me extremely drousy. Give me NyQuil and I will participate in a ten mile marathon! It's the strangest thing. My body reacts so strangely to medication.
I'm going to end my evening, watching "Gangland." I have this strange interest in gangs. Yes, call me odd, but I do. I always have. I think it's so fascinating the life gang members lead. I'm from a place where we had one African American kid, maybe five Hispanic and three Asians in my high school. I don't have a clue as to what "inner city" or gang member life is like.
So, I started reading books, asking questions, being genuinely curious about the lifestyle that takes place in areas people are not instructed not to go. You'd be surprised at how open people are when it comes to talking about gangs. Obviously, not confessing to anything, but talking about what life really IS like in a world where people aren't afraid to shoot you for wearing a blue t-shirt, or because you're white, black, hispanic, in this gang or that gang.
The things people go through and live with on a daily basis is outrageous! I've met gang members--nicest men you'll ever meet. At least to me. They actually became my "friends," I guess you could say because one of my best friend's dated one. Yea, yea. Not too bright. But I can honestly not explain to you how I loved talking about it with these men. I'm sure they thought, poor little white girl.
I have heard, "Girl, you crazy!" "Ohhh, white girl, you have no idea."
My response: "No, I don't have any idea. That's why I'm asking you. Tell me because this is so interesting to me." And they did. I mean, showing up to school with metal detectors; not knowing if your locker buddy is going to be in school or dead on the street. Drugs being bought at school like a hamburger at lunch time. Just insane stuff!
I asked my college roommate, who grew up in inner city Chicago one day, if I could go to her neighborhood where she grew up. She said, "Helllll nooo! You can't go! Are you crazy?! They will eat you alive!"
So, that was the end of that. Now, I'm in Boca. Black people? Not here. Hispanics? Only mowing the lawns. Sounds bad, huh? It's sadly true. The "Boca Bubble." Enough said.
Note to self: Isn't it funny how when someone tells you their ear hurts, your ear starts to hurt. When your dad tells you, you need to go to the doctor because you haven't been getting better in two weeks, then all of a sudden your massive headache turns into a tornado in your brain? Your brain is a fascinating tool and when used correctly, could be your best friend, or it could be your worst enemy. =)
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Sorry! Sorry! Sorry!
I'm sorry I haven't blogged!
Quick update before I go off to work:
Last night, I'm talking on the phone and look up at the stairs and see a guy talking on his phone. I thought it was my friendly neighbor, which I always see sitting outside on the stairs. It was dark, so I couldn't really see. I start waving pretty excitedly and say, "HEY!" Silence...
Hmmm....that's strange, I thought. Want to know why? Now, I recognize those bulging biceps! My other neighbor-friend doesn't have pecs and sculpted body parts like he does! It was my hot neighbor on the phone. I am waving frantically, so giddy at saying hello. Great. I'm sure he thinks I'm nuts. Every time I see him, I stutter, "H-hey, h-how's it, uh, how's it goin? Hehe!" Idiot.
I dropped my earring in the toiled, while I'm on the phone. I'm trying to use every kitchen utensil possible to get it out. I will be darned if I reach in there with my hand! That's gross! Now I don't even know if I can wear it again. I know I sound like a prima-donna, but c'mon. Would you? I need advice on a good way to clean jewelry from the juices of the porcelain pot hole.
What else? It's been raining here, which has been nice. It cools it down a little bit. We had BBQ for lunch today! Mmmmm....such good chicken wings!!!! It's been a while since my lips have smacked against the delicious flavors of smoked chicken wings.
Okay, well gotta go! I'll write soon, I promise. I don't really know what else I have to say! Just a couple of upcoming tid bits, but same 'ol same 'ol. Exciting Boca! ;)
Quick update before I go off to work:
Last night, I'm talking on the phone and look up at the stairs and see a guy talking on his phone. I thought it was my friendly neighbor, which I always see sitting outside on the stairs. It was dark, so I couldn't really see. I start waving pretty excitedly and say, "HEY!" Silence...
Hmmm....that's strange, I thought. Want to know why? Now, I recognize those bulging biceps! My other neighbor-friend doesn't have pecs and sculpted body parts like he does! It was my hot neighbor on the phone. I am waving frantically, so giddy at saying hello. Great. I'm sure he thinks I'm nuts. Every time I see him, I stutter, "H-hey, h-how's it, uh, how's it goin? Hehe!" Idiot.
I dropped my earring in the toiled, while I'm on the phone. I'm trying to use every kitchen utensil possible to get it out. I will be darned if I reach in there with my hand! That's gross! Now I don't even know if I can wear it again. I know I sound like a prima-donna, but c'mon. Would you? I need advice on a good way to clean jewelry from the juices of the porcelain pot hole.
What else? It's been raining here, which has been nice. It cools it down a little bit. We had BBQ for lunch today! Mmmmm....such good chicken wings!!!! It's been a while since my lips have smacked against the delicious flavors of smoked chicken wings.
Okay, well gotta go! I'll write soon, I promise. I don't really know what else I have to say! Just a couple of upcoming tid bits, but same 'ol same 'ol. Exciting Boca! ;)
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Day 347 - Day 349
August 20 - August 22, 2010
The weekend. I hope yours was good! Mine was okay. I've been sick the last couple of weeks. Some things going on, but no worries...I'll be fine!
Friday I worked all night, with a splitting headache. My allergies have been something fierce this year. Plus, the cold is going around right now, so I think I caught some of it. Therefore, I came home and went to sleep.
Saturday I took this workout class at 9:30 a.m. It was so much fun! It was a workout class that incorporated drum sticks and a live drummer! Watch this! Video. Doesn't it look like fun?? It was! I haven't been able to walk normal since!
The instructor, who looked like Jillian, from the Biggest Loser was our instructor. She was a powerhouse! Bandanna in her hair, biceps screaming to bang my "drum" harder and her microphone yelling, "Do you want more?!?! Are you ready for more?!?!?! I can't hear youuuu!!!!"
NO lady! I'm NOT ready for more! You can't hear me because I can. not. breathe. My hands literally have open blisters on them, my legs are vibrating because they are so tired, and my butt is trembling because it doesn't know what I have done to it! My body is on overload and has officially began shutting down!!
So, I'm sorry if I'm not like the girl in the corner, banging her head side to side, jumping left to right like a child on crack and screaming "whhhheeeeewwww" at the top of her lungs! I think my bright red face says enough. =)
I would do it again, though! We went to breakfast at Palm Beach Bagel. The best breakfast place in Boca! Bagels are amazing, almond cinnamon french toast is to die for and the coffee is quite tasty!
Saturday night I worked and boy was it busy! I loved it! I love being busy. Just to give you a glimpse of what I deal with every. single. day. of my existence down here is this:
Me: "Mr. xxx if you will please follow me, your table is ready."
Mrs X: "Well. Are YOU going to carry my drink, or am I going to have to carry it myself?"
Me: Smirk. "Oh of COURSE I will take it for you. It would be my pleasure." Smirk. Smirk.
The whole time taking her to her table, I wanted to chug that dirty martini like I haven't had a drink of water in a week! A day in the life of Ashley in Boca Raton. Exciting huh? ;)
Sunday was a lazy day. It was nice since I worked so much of both jobs this week. But it was good! It's always nice to have a little extra money!
Hope you have a great week!
Note to self: "Happiness is the consequence of personal effort. You fight for it, strive for it, insist upon it, and sometimes even travel around the world looking for it. You have to participate relentlessly in the manifestations of your own blessings. And once you have achieved a state of happiness, you must never become lax about maintaining it. You must make a mighty effort to keep swimming upward into that happiness forever, to stay afloat on top of it." - Elizabeth Gilbert
The weekend. I hope yours was good! Mine was okay. I've been sick the last couple of weeks. Some things going on, but no worries...I'll be fine!
Friday I worked all night, with a splitting headache. My allergies have been something fierce this year. Plus, the cold is going around right now, so I think I caught some of it. Therefore, I came home and went to sleep.
Saturday I took this workout class at 9:30 a.m. It was so much fun! It was a workout class that incorporated drum sticks and a live drummer! Watch this! Video. Doesn't it look like fun?? It was! I haven't been able to walk normal since!
The instructor, who looked like Jillian, from the Biggest Loser was our instructor. She was a powerhouse! Bandanna in her hair, biceps screaming to bang my "drum" harder and her microphone yelling, "Do you want more?!?! Are you ready for more?!?!?! I can't hear youuuu!!!!"
NO lady! I'm NOT ready for more! You can't hear me because I can. not. breathe. My hands literally have open blisters on them, my legs are vibrating because they are so tired, and my butt is trembling because it doesn't know what I have done to it! My body is on overload and has officially began shutting down!!
So, I'm sorry if I'm not like the girl in the corner, banging her head side to side, jumping left to right like a child on crack and screaming "whhhheeeeewwww" at the top of her lungs! I think my bright red face says enough. =)
I would do it again, though! We went to breakfast at Palm Beach Bagel. The best breakfast place in Boca! Bagels are amazing, almond cinnamon french toast is to die for and the coffee is quite tasty!
Saturday night I worked and boy was it busy! I loved it! I love being busy. Just to give you a glimpse of what I deal with every. single. day. of my existence down here is this:
Me: "Mr. xxx if you will please follow me, your table is ready."
Mrs X: "Well. Are YOU going to carry my drink, or am I going to have to carry it myself?"
Me: Smirk. "Oh of COURSE I will take it for you. It would be my pleasure." Smirk. Smirk.
The whole time taking her to her table, I wanted to chug that dirty martini like I haven't had a drink of water in a week! A day in the life of Ashley in Boca Raton. Exciting huh? ;)
Sunday was a lazy day. It was nice since I worked so much of both jobs this week. But it was good! It's always nice to have a little extra money!
Hope you have a great week!
Note to self: "Happiness is the consequence of personal effort. You fight for it, strive for it, insist upon it, and sometimes even travel around the world looking for it. You have to participate relentlessly in the manifestations of your own blessings. And once you have achieved a state of happiness, you must never become lax about maintaining it. You must make a mighty effort to keep swimming upward into that happiness forever, to stay afloat on top of it." - Elizabeth Gilbert
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Day 346
August 19, 2010
I'm extremely off with my counting. Whatever.
Today was a fun day at work! We had the cultural lunch I was telling you about. Want to see what I made??
Doesn't it look yummy? I can't give the recipe. It's a secret concoction of four different ingredients! ;) But aren't you impressed with the flag??
Since my dish isn't really "cultural," I turned it into one by adding the Hawkeye flag and dubbing my dip as "Iowa Traditional Tailgating" dip.
I'm extremely off with my counting. Whatever.
Doesn't it look yummy? I can't give the recipe. It's a secret concoction of four different ingredients! ;) But aren't you impressed with the flag??
Since my dish isn't really "cultural," I turned it into one by adding the Hawkeye flag and dubbing my dip as "Iowa Traditional Tailgating" dip.
Pretty clever huh?? Everyone got a kick out of it! The food was amazing! We had food from the Philippines, Italy, Israel, Venezuela, Pakistan and France! Oooohhhh, you know it's a good day at the office when there's a table full of food involved! Then I'm pretty sure I was in a food coma the rest of the day!
My plan tonight was to come straight home and crawl into bed. I think I'm getting sick (it's going around down here). Well, it's not 11:10 and I'm still awake. I've been working on my one-year anniversary blog and it really has me in a trance. I haven't even watched one lick of television!
I thought of another title this week for the book I would one day love to write. But I'm not telling. It's a good one and I don't want anyone taking it!
Have you noticed I changed my background once again. I want to do something custom, but don't know how. These colors are really starting to bore me!
This is my response to my friend's e-mail today after she said, "GO Hawks!"
Me: Oh how the corn fields are kissed with kernels against the sunlight; how the air is filled with the wonderful aroma of hog and cow dung across the fields I like to call home; and how the natives wear mullets and spit tobacco as a decent way to pick up women. This is Iowa. And it's where I'm from. You're in God's Country now!
It's not the exact words. The original is way funnier, but I deleted the e-mail. I'm going to try and get the original tomorrow.
Last weekend of the fair. Anyone have plans?? I heard the REO Speedwagon concert was INsane!
I got asked this question today at work. She was not trying to be funny, but we were on the subject of beef jerkey. "Is that roadkill?" Hmmm....no. It may be if you were in Alabama or Mississippi. Not Iowa. We try and stick with pork, chicken, beef. You know. The essential fatty meats. =) I suppose if Uncle Earl sees a fox or coon on the side of the road, he may pick it up for an appetizer or something. But that rarely happens--only on special occasions. ;)
I really think people are starting to believe I live under a rock. No, I don't eat squirrel. My backyard is not full of corn (or potatoes) as many say. Those people are idiots. Idaho/Iowa. I guess I could see it, but come on. Daddy doesn't own a tractor. My daddy doesn't even know how to start the lawn mower! ;) Love you, dad! Mom's not slavin' over a hot stove in a floral-print apron with curlers in her hair. Our families fancy--we go to Applebee's right up the street for our dinner! ;)
Operation: BootyBuster goes into effect this weekend! I will be burning off my buttocks. How, you ask? I have no dang clue! All I know is, I'm going to start. I know I keep saying that, but this time is true. It's not right when your body stops moving, but your butt keeps jiggling. Okay, I'm not that bad, but you cringed for a second when I said that!
You know what I was wondering the other day? Okay, I went to that psychic and he told me that I don't know the person I'm going to marry. Have no clue who he is. But what if it's my best guy friend from back home? I don't see him in that way, but what if it's like in the movies? Guy and girl are best friends since Kindergarten, they grow up, date other people, don't see each other for a couple of years, then fall in love. Wouldn't that be crazy?? Greg, I'm sorry, but you are like my big brother. But just think...our families would be ecstatic, Steve and Sherry may dance in circles and you would be right all along.
Greg and I decided, if that ever happened, we would submit our story to be made into a TLC or Lifetime movie. Or he'll be a groomsmen in my wedding--that's a definite!
I'm going to sleep.
Note to self: Realizing that an ingredient in your Yoplait yogurt has similar effects to a person with ADD may be the reason you can't focus on a daily basis. Once you have consumed this aspertime-oriented ingredient, you're screwed. Kiss all your patience and attention out the window.
If in need of a snack, be hasty when picking up that little plastic of flavored, live organisms. Sounds gross right? But that's what it is! Makes me want to gag a little bit.
But if you get the Strawberry Cheesecake, it doesn't make you gag at all!
Day 344
August 18, 2010
I'm a hypochondriac to a certain degree. One thing I don't mess around with are my eyes. You can't replace these babies. No, I'm talking about the beautiful blue color that is often times referred to as " looking into the ocean." I'm talking about the gift of sight. =)
I've been wearing my glasses now for about two weeks straight. Something I never do. My eyes burn! It could be a plethora of reasons--allergies, irritation, whatever. What do I Google? "Glaucoma Symptoms." Yup. My friend was talking to me yesterday about her dad having it, so I immediately thought this was a sign and that's what I have. Google tells me otherwise. What's next? "Why do my eyes burn?" Still haven't found the answer. My next step: go to the eye doctor.
If anyone potentially knows what could be wrong, please let me know!
Today's a busy week for me. I work both jobs, the restaurant four nights this week! Love it, but by Sunday I will be ready to crash! Tomorrow should be a fun day at work...we're having a "cultural" lunch day. Everyone in our office is from a different ethnicity, so it's going to be great to try cuisine from around the world. Problem: Iowans are known for beef, pork and corn. Not items you can really take to a pot luck. Especially when you work with a few Jewish people--meat won't go over well. I might as well bring a fruit cake!
So, I made this cream cheese/sour cream, something or rather my mom gave me the recipe to! It's so darn good! If no one else likes it...hey! I have lunch for the next three weeks! ;) How does this relate to Iowa you ask? It will as soon as I print out an Iowa Hawkeyes flag, tape it to a plastic spoon and stick it in the ball surrounded by Wheat Thins! GO IOWANS!
(Which, side note. I've already started eating the dip.) I technically didn't eat dinner, so I think it's okay to have one, two or twenty bites.
Nothing uber-exciting happened today. Go figure. So, now that's almost 1:45 a.m., I have to get to bed.
Have a Happy Thursday!
Note to self: "If you limit your choices only to what seems possible or reasonable, you disconnect yourself from what you truly want, and all that is left is compromise." - Robert Fritz
I saw this on a fellow Facebooker's status. I wanted to Tweet it, but it was too long and shortening it completely ruined the saying.
With compromise, sometimes comes with regrets. Certain things in life, you should never compromise: happiness, your passion and your dreams. I've learned that many people often compromise these things for money, security and social status.
What I've also learned is this: money doesn't make you happy, security doesn't always secure you anything, and social status is what you make of it. If these things are what's most important to you, that's your prerogative. Just make sure you can wake up every morning and look at yourself without asking, "What if I would have done this differently?"
I'm a hypochondriac to a certain degree. One thing I don't mess around with are my eyes. You can't replace these babies. No, I'm talking about the beautiful blue color that is often times referred to as " looking into the ocean." I'm talking about the gift of sight. =)
I've been wearing my glasses now for about two weeks straight. Something I never do. My eyes burn! It could be a plethora of reasons--allergies, irritation, whatever. What do I Google? "Glaucoma Symptoms." Yup. My friend was talking to me yesterday about her dad having it, so I immediately thought this was a sign and that's what I have. Google tells me otherwise. What's next? "Why do my eyes burn?" Still haven't found the answer. My next step: go to the eye doctor.
If anyone potentially knows what could be wrong, please let me know!
Today's a busy week for me. I work both jobs, the restaurant four nights this week! Love it, but by Sunday I will be ready to crash! Tomorrow should be a fun day at work...we're having a "cultural" lunch day. Everyone in our office is from a different ethnicity, so it's going to be great to try cuisine from around the world. Problem: Iowans are known for beef, pork and corn. Not items you can really take to a pot luck. Especially when you work with a few Jewish people--meat won't go over well. I might as well bring a fruit cake!
So, I made this cream cheese/sour cream, something or rather my mom gave me the recipe to! It's so darn good! If no one else likes it...hey! I have lunch for the next three weeks! ;) How does this relate to Iowa you ask? It will as soon as I print out an Iowa Hawkeyes flag, tape it to a plastic spoon and stick it in the ball surrounded by Wheat Thins! GO IOWANS!
(Which, side note. I've already started eating the dip.) I technically didn't eat dinner, so I think it's okay to have one, two or twenty bites.
Nothing uber-exciting happened today. Go figure. So, now that's almost 1:45 a.m., I have to get to bed.
Have a Happy Thursday!
Note to self: "If you limit your choices only to what seems possible or reasonable, you disconnect yourself from what you truly want, and all that is left is compromise." - Robert Fritz
I saw this on a fellow Facebooker's status. I wanted to Tweet it, but it was too long and shortening it completely ruined the saying.
With compromise, sometimes comes with regrets. Certain things in life, you should never compromise: happiness, your passion and your dreams. I've learned that many people often compromise these things for money, security and social status.
What I've also learned is this: money doesn't make you happy, security doesn't always secure you anything, and social status is what you make of it. If these things are what's most important to you, that's your prerogative. Just make sure you can wake up every morning and look at yourself without asking, "What if I would have done this differently?"
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Day 340 - Day 341
August 13 - August 14, 2010
Once again, I've been trying to figure out this numbering system I messed up on since blogging. I've decided, I'm over trying to figure it out. I've went through the list and can't figure it out. So, I worked backwards and decided to just start the correct numbering right now. Yes, they will seem a little messed up, but what are you gonna do?
Friday the 13th....ooooohhhhhhh! Did you do anything fun? I don't want to know if you went to the fair. But I did do something fun! We went to Tastemaker's. It's an event in Delray Beach, on Atlantic Avenue. Twenty-four restaurants participated and this is what happens:
Once again, I've been trying to figure out this numbering system I messed up on since blogging. I've decided, I'm over trying to figure it out. I've went through the list and can't figure it out. So, I worked backwards and decided to just start the correct numbering right now. Yes, they will seem a little messed up, but what are you gonna do?
Friday the 13th....ooooohhhhhhh! Did you do anything fun? I don't want to know if you went to the fair. But I did do something fun! We went to Tastemaker's. It's an event in Delray Beach, on Atlantic Avenue. Twenty-four restaurants participated and this is what happens:
- Each restaurant offers a sampling of a food item and drink (cocktail or wine)
- You stop at each "country" to get a taste of what the restaurant offers
It's like a bar crawl, but with restaurants. So much fun! And the food was amazing. And you can use your "passport" to get great deals throughout the month of September! How great is that?? One restaurant offers a free bottle of wine with the purchase of two dinners! Fantastic! We had a lot of fun.
Minus the 50-year-old man who followed us half of the night. Yes. This did happen. We saw him in a line at one French restaurant. Then we saw him again and we were being nice by just talking with him. Well...then he decided he wanted to come with us for the rest of the places. Ugh! Really, sir? You're 55. And I'm not kidding because I told him my dad was 46 and he said, "Oh hahaha...I'm ten years older."
Gross. Then, my friends sees a family friend and leaves me with him! Ahhhh! He proceeds to tell me he dates women around 25. Okay. Strange. People are looking at me like I'm a gold-digging hussy. Literally. Great. He has a face that looks like someone jumped from behind a bush and scared the hell out of him. Wonderful.
So, my friend finally meets back up with us. Thank God. I stop talking, thinking he will get the hint to leave. Nope. So, I ask him, "Exactly how young do you go?"
Him: "18!" he laughs. I don't. I know he's semi-serious, if not full blown.
Him: "As long as it's legal. I just don't pay for a girl. That's where I draw the line."
I almost ran into the wall of the parking garage wall we were walking by. What? Who says that? You know he's paid for girl's like this. Yeuuuck! Can you even imagine? All I could picture was him liking a young Asian or exotic European women. Made me want to vomit. He finally left us and wanted to give me a business card.
Me: "I don't want one. And besides, I'll lose it anyways. I'm terrible with business cards." Which isn't a lie. I really would lose it, or purposely throw it away the second he turned his back. I guess whichever came first.
We then went to an after-party at one of the night clubs off Atlantic. So much fun! We were dancing, meeting people, hanging out when all of a sudden...my friend starts talking to this guy. Guess what? He's 49. Yup. 49 years old. Damn. What is going on tonight?? My friends thought she knew this guy's kids, but I don't think that was the case. I just stood there, staring at him. Yeah, I probably looked like a weirdo, but desperate times call for desperate measures.
Then, after a bit, we went home. I woke up pretty early on Saturday and was planning on going to the mall around 10 a.m. Just so I could get some things done. But guess what came on TV?? The Flinstones! When was the last time you've watched that movie?? It was an early-90s flashback. I couldn't go to the mall knowing this childhood favorite was on the television. THEN! Guess what came after that?? Good Burger! Hahahahahaha! I forgot about that movie. So funny!
Then off to the mall to find a black dress. Apparently, no one believes in black dresses anymore. Couldn't find one to save my life. I did go to Target and find a really cute one! Perfect for work!
Work was good tonight. It was a good type of busy. I really love working there! So much fun!
Resting tonight. Been going out quite a bit lately, and I have a FOUR. HOUR. driving class. Ugh. Speeding tickets suck! It's going to be the worst four hours of my life, to date. Then, I go get my bridesmaid dress! Whew hew! Now, I just have to book my plane ticket and I'm all set! Oh yea, and a pair of shoes!
Note to self: "Follow your heart, but be quiet for a while at first. Ask questions, then feel the answer. Learn to trust your heart."
Good night! ;)
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Day I Don't Know
August 12, 2010
I have spent the last hour trying to re-arrange these dang numbers that I messed up basically from the beginning of my blogging. I'm over it. I'll finish it later.
Moving on. I have a new nickname at work. Guess what it is. Farrah. I sent a couple of photos today to our creative director for our company's website--in the "Staff" section, it has my picture and a brief bio. So, I submitted the following photos:
I have spent the last hour trying to re-arrange these dang numbers that I messed up basically from the beginning of my blogging. I'm over it. I'll finish it later.
Moving on. I have a new nickname at work. Guess what it is. Farrah. I sent a couple of photos today to our creative director for our company's website--in the "Staff" section, it has my picture and a brief bio. So, I submitted the following photos:
This is the e-mail that gets sent around the office:
"It totally looks like her!"
Ah geeze! Lol! I guess I can kind of see it, but in real life...heck no! I wish I looked like her on a daily basis!
We went to a Miami Dolphins pep rally tonight in Mizner Park. Such a bummer because the football players weren't there! Who has a pep rally without a team?!? Makes no sense. There weren't really any games, a couple of food vendors and not really any media. Football season is HUGE and it would have been so great if this could have been a major bang! Oh well. I'm still planning on going to some games! =) GO Dolphins!
Then we went to a restaurant in Mizner for Happy Hour! Considering I won't be able to make it back for the Iowa State Fair, which I'm NOT happy about in the least bit, I had a "Boca Lemonade." Let me tell ya', I was pretty impressed. Nothing beats State Fair lemonade, but this fulfilled the need pretty well. It was made with Absolout Pear, pink lemonade and something else I can't remember.
Tomorrow's going to be fun! We're going to Delray for the Tastemaker's event! It's really cool. You buy this "passport" for $25. Then you walk to 24 different restaurants on Atlantic Avenue to so-called "countries" and you get a sample of food and a glass of wine! I've officially dubbed it the, "Atlantic Chow and Chug Crawl!" Food and wine, 24 restaurants, 1 good time! ;)
O'ANNA download those pictures from your trip! ;)
Hey! If you're not following me on Twitter, I suggest you do so! I love it and I have so much fun doing it! My name is "AshToncar." I'm trying to start tweeting more often, but it gets hard because I don't have a Blackberry! I need one! That's my next investment.
Here's the thing. I love to travel. If I could be a professional traveler, I would do it. My problem is I get too many ideas in my head of places to go and things to do. I neither have the time or money to possibly get everything done. Just within the last two hours, I've decided we need to go to Vegas, Wisconsin to visit one of my best friends, Kansas City, New York City, Minnesota, North Carolina and Wyoming.
So many places. So little time.
Note to self: Coffee drinkers have more sex than non-coffee drinkers.
Thank you iTweetFact for this encouraging statement. However, there's one problem. Why is it that everytime I walk into a Starbucks, Dunkin' Donuts, Einstein Bagles, etc...I'm the only person under the age of 70? If this statement is true, WHAT'S WRONG WITH ME?! =)
What's in someone else's coffee that I need to put in mine? ;) Please let me know! Viagra? Liquor? I could easily access all of these possibilities. Just a little "oops, I'm sorry" drop of a little somethin'-somethin' to the cutie behind me at Palm Beach Bagel could make for one great day! Okay, just kidding, but thought this was funny.
Good night!
Day 341
August 11, 2010
We have a problem. When I decided it would be a good idea to title every blog with the number day I was, I should have learned how to count. I am WAY off! I really don't know what number I'm supposed to be on. All I know is, I'm now going to have to waste my time fixing it.
Anyways...you know what I find really irritating? When people don't listen to me. I'm one of those people who don't really care what other people do...unless it effects me. When you mess with me, you mess with the bull. ;) Okay, just kidding. But seriously. If I tell you something, it's typically because I mean it. I hate wasting time, so I'm not going to waste yours by telling you to do something and then you do the complete opposite, potentially ruining my reputation. Not okay.
On the upside! We went to Talia's for lunch. It's an Italian hole-in-the-wall that has a great meatball sandwich! It's so cute on the inside and the guy at the counter gave us free pops! (Or "soda" to those who don't know what pop is). =) The sandwich was literally the size of my whole paper plate! It was huge! At the restaurant they have $1 Miller Lite drafts that you pour yourself! Hahaha! I didn't drink any because honestly...who uses Miller Lite as their choice of draft?
My vote was this: if you're going to have $1 drafts, do something funny like PBR (Pabst Blue Ribbon for those of you in Florida because you had no idea what I meant when I said PBR), or Natty Lite. To just be serious, how about Bud Light?! Not Miller Lite. Rookie mistake. I forgive them though--the sandwich totally made up for it! It's a place I know my brother will love!
You know what I heard? The more you have on your mind, the more chances you are to get Alzheimer's. Shit. That's all I have to say to this.
Note to self: Love life. I mean, really learn to love life. Even though you can't be around those you want to, doesn't mean you have to be unhappy all the time. When you're put in a situation, or you put yourself in a situation...deal with it! You have to become a big kid and take responsibility for your actions.
Life really is so short and it's too short to not enjoy yourself every single day. So, things don't go your way. Get over it. Look at your neighbor, or your cubicle buddy, or a fellow friend. Your life is not even close to being as bad as some of these people.
I heard a great quote from someone I'm following on Twitter...
"Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never ever have enough."
Think about it...
We have a problem. When I decided it would be a good idea to title every blog with the number day I was, I should have learned how to count. I am WAY off! I really don't know what number I'm supposed to be on. All I know is, I'm now going to have to waste my time fixing it.
Anyways...you know what I find really irritating? When people don't listen to me. I'm one of those people who don't really care what other people do...unless it effects me. When you mess with me, you mess with the bull. ;) Okay, just kidding. But seriously. If I tell you something, it's typically because I mean it. I hate wasting time, so I'm not going to waste yours by telling you to do something and then you do the complete opposite, potentially ruining my reputation. Not okay.
On the upside! We went to Talia's for lunch. It's an Italian hole-in-the-wall that has a great meatball sandwich! It's so cute on the inside and the guy at the counter gave us free pops! (Or "soda" to those who don't know what pop is). =) The sandwich was literally the size of my whole paper plate! It was huge! At the restaurant they have $1 Miller Lite drafts that you pour yourself! Hahaha! I didn't drink any because honestly...who uses Miller Lite as their choice of draft?
My vote was this: if you're going to have $1 drafts, do something funny like PBR (Pabst Blue Ribbon for those of you in Florida because you had no idea what I meant when I said PBR), or Natty Lite. To just be serious, how about Bud Light?! Not Miller Lite. Rookie mistake. I forgive them though--the sandwich totally made up for it! It's a place I know my brother will love!
You know what I heard? The more you have on your mind, the more chances you are to get Alzheimer's. Shit. That's all I have to say to this.
Note to self: Love life. I mean, really learn to love life. Even though you can't be around those you want to, doesn't mean you have to be unhappy all the time. When you're put in a situation, or you put yourself in a situation...deal with it! You have to become a big kid and take responsibility for your actions.
Life really is so short and it's too short to not enjoy yourself every single day. So, things don't go your way. Get over it. Look at your neighbor, or your cubicle buddy, or a fellow friend. Your life is not even close to being as bad as some of these people.
I heard a great quote from someone I'm following on Twitter...
"Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never ever have enough."
Think about it...
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Day 334 - Day 340
August 4 - August 10, 2010
First off: It's hurricane season. Translation: Rain, wind, wind and wind. I keep thinking someone is trying to break into my house because the wind is knocking something fierce!
Second: O'Anna's Trip. Translation: Fabulously amazing weekend!
O'Anna arrives Thursday and we just hang out and cook at home. She makes a mean biscuits and gravy. Money's tight, so we need to save for the big weekend! It was so nice to just sit and relax with a girlfriend and just talk about life, love and the pursuit of happiness.
Friday comes and guess what? She is the ONLY person to listen to me when I say do NOT stay in the sun longer than an hour! So proud of her! She did bring SPF 70 though. Hahaha! I know, I died laughing when she told me that! 70 proof?!?! She might as well have worn a sweatshirt and baseball hat to the beach. Too funny.
Friday night we head to South Beach (presently referred to as "SoBe" by the locals) for Miami Spice. Miami Spice is an event going on until the end of September in which expensive restaurants offer a $35 prix fixe menu and drink specials. Places that essentially you can't afford to go to on a regular basis, so it's kind of like a sympathy month for people who can't regularly enjoy a night out in Miami! ;) Just kidding. But it's a great deal!
We go to Fogo de Chao--it's a Brazilian steakhouse. Have you ever been to one of these before?? Oh my Lord, it's amazing! I think I've been to one before, but this one is hands down way better! For $35 per person we got the following: endless salad bar that is stocked with everything from exotic cheeses to veggies, salads to sashimi; then 10 different meats and choice of dessert.
At a Brazilian steakhouse, there are servers who walk around with slabs of meat on a tray and come to your table to shave off pieces for your enjoyment. You can eat as much as you want! We also got a bottle of wine...and it was red. I normally don't like red wine, but it was good! I have tons of pictures, but O'Anna hasn't downloaded them yet. So, when she does...I will share!
Friday night, we went out in South Beach on Ocean Drive. Had to show her this part of Florida. We end up at the Clevelander. Such a fun place! Oh my goodness! However, it was so hot outside, every single person was dripping with sweat. So gross. My hair was stuck to my back, sweat dripping down my leg and my face all nice and shiny. Oy, it was muggy! I suppose the dancing didn't help. We were on the dance floor when some obnoxious boys came up to dance with us. Why not?! Let's dance! They ask where we're from.
Me: "Iowa."
Them...in unison: "IOWA?!?"
Me: "Where are you from?"
Them: "Kentucky."
Me...with my traditional excuse me? look: "Kentucky? Like that's much better!" =)
Them: "Hahahaha, you're funny!"
Me: "What can I say? It's too easy!"
Then they mosh O'Anna and I in a circle, Night at the Roxbury style. Then O'Anna meets another guy, in which we stay and hang with him and his friend the rest of the night. I'm tellin' ya' what. I am a terrific wingman! Thank God I can talk to a wall because I was dying with this kid!
First, I get hit on by a gay man...go figure! Who tells me he dated a German model. I'm assuming he's referring to a rather thin, male model who likes to wear briefs and not boxers. Maybe thongs, I don't know. I didn't ask because I was too busy laughing to myself that once again, I get hit on by a homosexual.
Second, I get insulted by a man who is from Long Island (I know, right?) and can't even walk. I'm pretty sure I gave him my look as well. He asked me four different times where I was from. I was from Hell's Kitchen, Iowa, the Upper East Side and Bosnia. It was great!
Third, I end up speaking with O'Anna's new guy's friend. Well, I suppose you could say he stared, while I talked. What's really funny is we went out again on Saturday and my guy turned out to be the one who was a barrel of fun!
Speaking of Saturday--perfect day! Made breakfast then hit the beach! It was the perfect weather. We laid on the soft, white sand then moved into the water. The water was so shallow that we were out about 10-15 feet, still sitting on the ocean floor wading in the water. It was so beautiful. I could have sat there all day. Then we hit Bob's Pizza. It's pretty dang tasty!
Saturday night we hit Ft. Lauderdale. We go to a couple of bars: 1.) Dicey's and 2.) America's Backyard. From what I've heard, America's Backyard is a place where you can dance on the bar. Need I say more?! =) Just kidding. So, we get there and meet the guys from Friday. What do you think happens? O'Anna leaves me with them to go dance with men from Norway! Hahahahaha! Oh good grief! What do you do when your friend is macking on other dudes and her guy is staring at me for answers.
I don't know. So, I just start dancing. I kind of go around the circle that was starting to form around us so I didn't have to focus on one thing and face what was happening. I had fun! The pictures from that night are awesome! Can't wait to show them to you!
After Dicey's, we hit up America's Backyard. It was so cool! We walk in and I immediately hit the dance floor. It's what I love to do! I pretty much drag my "date" to dance with me. Getting a man to dance is like teaching a dog to meow! Doesn't happen. So, after him and I have been hanging out, talking, finally dancing, etc. I proceed to tell him that I will be his wingman. Really?! Really? Come on, Ashley.
Yup. I said, "You know, if you want to talk to other girl's, go ahead! I'll be your wingman!"
Him: "Uhhh..." blank stare on his face.
Me: "What? I'm just saying. If you want to talk to someone else, don't feel like you have to entertain me."
Yeah. Apparently it didn't hurt anything. We're still talking! So, they leave and we continue dancing. At this point of the night, my shirt is stuck to me because it's so hot outside. The bar is actually situated in an outside setting, so the heat and humidity, combined with loads of people is really warm! We got home around 4:00 a.m. So fun!
Sunday...not going to lie. I'm kind of glad it rained all day long. We didn't do a dang thing! Thank you, Jesus! We did go see "The Other Guys" later that night. The movie is hysterical! You have to go see it! Will Ferrell is so dang funny and Mark Walberg's dry sense of humor is a perfect match. Loved it!
Monday, she went home. Tear. It was so good to see her and I had such a great time! Last night, I stayed up until 2:00 a.m. working on my computer. I'm doing something special for my one-year blog! You guys are going to LOVE it! It's taking some time, so what I'm saying is I expect you to take the time on this day to read it! =)
Tuesday was a great day! Had some pretty great things happen today. Then I celebrated with a Brownie Batter Blizzard from DQ. =) Mmmm....
I'm going to be in bed by 11:00 p.m. today. That's my goal and I'm pretty adamant about sticking to it today.
Note to self: There is a place that you are to fill, that no one else can fill. Something only you are to do, that no one else can do.
What you are set to do in life, you will do. You will achieve what you truly want to achieve. Your hopes and dreams you set for yourself, will actually happen if you make it happen. Where you're suppose to end up, you will. Whoever you are to end up with, will come into your life when you least expect it.
When you fill your place in life, be proud of what you've become. Hard work, determination and drive sets you apart from those who are content with just being. Having a unique quality is hard to embrace sometimes. But when you do, you will sore! Everyone has a uniqueness and quirk to them. That's what makes people so interesting. Figure out your quirk, express it full-force and fill that place in life that was left for you to just be you.
Thanks grandma! ;)
First off: It's hurricane season. Translation: Rain, wind, wind and wind. I keep thinking someone is trying to break into my house because the wind is knocking something fierce!
Second: O'Anna's Trip. Translation: Fabulously amazing weekend!
O'Anna arrives Thursday and we just hang out and cook at home. She makes a mean biscuits and gravy. Money's tight, so we need to save for the big weekend! It was so nice to just sit and relax with a girlfriend and just talk about life, love and the pursuit of happiness.
Friday comes and guess what? She is the ONLY person to listen to me when I say do NOT stay in the sun longer than an hour! So proud of her! She did bring SPF 70 though. Hahaha! I know, I died laughing when she told me that! 70 proof?!?! She might as well have worn a sweatshirt and baseball hat to the beach. Too funny.
Friday night we head to South Beach (presently referred to as "SoBe" by the locals) for Miami Spice. Miami Spice is an event going on until the end of September in which expensive restaurants offer a $35 prix fixe menu and drink specials. Places that essentially you can't afford to go to on a regular basis, so it's kind of like a sympathy month for people who can't regularly enjoy a night out in Miami! ;) Just kidding. But it's a great deal!
We go to Fogo de Chao--it's a Brazilian steakhouse. Have you ever been to one of these before?? Oh my Lord, it's amazing! I think I've been to one before, but this one is hands down way better! For $35 per person we got the following: endless salad bar that is stocked with everything from exotic cheeses to veggies, salads to sashimi; then 10 different meats and choice of dessert.
At a Brazilian steakhouse, there are servers who walk around with slabs of meat on a tray and come to your table to shave off pieces for your enjoyment. You can eat as much as you want! We also got a bottle of wine...and it was red. I normally don't like red wine, but it was good! I have tons of pictures, but O'Anna hasn't downloaded them yet. So, when she does...I will share!
Friday night, we went out in South Beach on Ocean Drive. Had to show her this part of Florida. We end up at the Clevelander. Such a fun place! Oh my goodness! However, it was so hot outside, every single person was dripping with sweat. So gross. My hair was stuck to my back, sweat dripping down my leg and my face all nice and shiny. Oy, it was muggy! I suppose the dancing didn't help. We were on the dance floor when some obnoxious boys came up to dance with us. Why not?! Let's dance! They ask where we're from.
Me: "Iowa."
Them...in unison: "IOWA?!?"
Me: "Where are you from?"
Them: "Kentucky."
Me...with my traditional excuse me? look: "Kentucky? Like that's much better!" =)
Them: "Hahahaha, you're funny!"
Me: "What can I say? It's too easy!"
Then they mosh O'Anna and I in a circle, Night at the Roxbury style. Then O'Anna meets another guy, in which we stay and hang with him and his friend the rest of the night. I'm tellin' ya' what. I am a terrific wingman! Thank God I can talk to a wall because I was dying with this kid!
First, I get hit on by a gay man...go figure! Who tells me he dated a German model. I'm assuming he's referring to a rather thin, male model who likes to wear briefs and not boxers. Maybe thongs, I don't know. I didn't ask because I was too busy laughing to myself that once again, I get hit on by a homosexual.
Second, I get insulted by a man who is from Long Island (I know, right?) and can't even walk. I'm pretty sure I gave him my look as well. He asked me four different times where I was from. I was from Hell's Kitchen, Iowa, the Upper East Side and Bosnia. It was great!
Third, I end up speaking with O'Anna's new guy's friend. Well, I suppose you could say he stared, while I talked. What's really funny is we went out again on Saturday and my guy turned out to be the one who was a barrel of fun!
Speaking of Saturday--perfect day! Made breakfast then hit the beach! It was the perfect weather. We laid on the soft, white sand then moved into the water. The water was so shallow that we were out about 10-15 feet, still sitting on the ocean floor wading in the water. It was so beautiful. I could have sat there all day. Then we hit Bob's Pizza. It's pretty dang tasty!
Saturday night we hit Ft. Lauderdale. We go to a couple of bars: 1.) Dicey's and 2.) America's Backyard. From what I've heard, America's Backyard is a place where you can dance on the bar. Need I say more?! =) Just kidding. So, we get there and meet the guys from Friday. What do you think happens? O'Anna leaves me with them to go dance with men from Norway! Hahahahaha! Oh good grief! What do you do when your friend is macking on other dudes and her guy is staring at me for answers.
I don't know. So, I just start dancing. I kind of go around the circle that was starting to form around us so I didn't have to focus on one thing and face what was happening. I had fun! The pictures from that night are awesome! Can't wait to show them to you!
After Dicey's, we hit up America's Backyard. It was so cool! We walk in and I immediately hit the dance floor. It's what I love to do! I pretty much drag my "date" to dance with me. Getting a man to dance is like teaching a dog to meow! Doesn't happen. So, after him and I have been hanging out, talking, finally dancing, etc. I proceed to tell him that I will be his wingman. Really?! Really? Come on, Ashley.
Yup. I said, "You know, if you want to talk to other girl's, go ahead! I'll be your wingman!"
Him: "Uhhh..." blank stare on his face.
Me: "What? I'm just saying. If you want to talk to someone else, don't feel like you have to entertain me."
Yeah. Apparently it didn't hurt anything. We're still talking! So, they leave and we continue dancing. At this point of the night, my shirt is stuck to me because it's so hot outside. The bar is actually situated in an outside setting, so the heat and humidity, combined with loads of people is really warm! We got home around 4:00 a.m. So fun!
Sunday...not going to lie. I'm kind of glad it rained all day long. We didn't do a dang thing! Thank you, Jesus! We did go see "The Other Guys" later that night. The movie is hysterical! You have to go see it! Will Ferrell is so dang funny and Mark Walberg's dry sense of humor is a perfect match. Loved it!
Monday, she went home. Tear. It was so good to see her and I had such a great time! Last night, I stayed up until 2:00 a.m. working on my computer. I'm doing something special for my one-year blog! You guys are going to LOVE it! It's taking some time, so what I'm saying is I expect you to take the time on this day to read it! =)
Tuesday was a great day! Had some pretty great things happen today. Then I celebrated with a Brownie Batter Blizzard from DQ. =) Mmmm....
I'm going to be in bed by 11:00 p.m. today. That's my goal and I'm pretty adamant about sticking to it today.
Note to self: There is a place that you are to fill, that no one else can fill. Something only you are to do, that no one else can do.
What you are set to do in life, you will do. You will achieve what you truly want to achieve. Your hopes and dreams you set for yourself, will actually happen if you make it happen. Where you're suppose to end up, you will. Whoever you are to end up with, will come into your life when you least expect it.
When you fill your place in life, be proud of what you've become. Hard work, determination and drive sets you apart from those who are content with just being. Having a unique quality is hard to embrace sometimes. But when you do, you will sore! Everyone has a uniqueness and quirk to them. That's what makes people so interesting. Figure out your quirk, express it full-force and fill that place in life that was left for you to just be you.
Thanks grandma! ;)
Friday, August 6, 2010
UPDATE
Okay, friends!
My friend from New York is in town and we have a fun-filled weekend! So, I will again not be blogging! No worries! The videos will be coming, along with all of the fun stuff we did!
Have a wonderful weekend and I will talk to you on Monday! ;)
Note to self: Never underestimate the power of a good friend! Or breakfast for dinner. Or a good movie. Or good conversation.
My friend from New York is in town and we have a fun-filled weekend! So, I will again not be blogging! No worries! The videos will be coming, along with all of the fun stuff we did!
Have a wonderful weekend and I will talk to you on Monday! ;)
Note to self: Never underestimate the power of a good friend! Or breakfast for dinner. Or a good movie. Or good conversation.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Day 333
August 3, 2010
Happy Birthday Brett!!! My little brother is 22 years old today!!! Holy cow, that's old! ;) I am so proud of the man he has become and I'm excited to see all of the great things he will be doing with his life! I wish I could have been in St. Louie to celebrate with him, but unfortunately I'm in the real world now.
It sucks. I hate reality. I worked 14 hours today! Whan, whan! I know. I did it to myself. I'm not complaining in the least bit because I love my nighttime job!
I have a question: Is it bad if someone is never satisfied? That enough is never enough? That they always look for something more or want more?
I don't know what to tell these people. I think it could go either way.
Note to self: Take advantage of Miami Spice. What's Miami Spice, you ask? It's similar to New York's restaurant week. But in Miami, it's two whole months! Take advantage of the fancy restaurants' delicious dishes for only a $35 prix fixe meal! Yum-O! Go as much as your pocket book will allow!
Happy Birthday Brett!!! My little brother is 22 years old today!!! Holy cow, that's old! ;) I am so proud of the man he has become and I'm excited to see all of the great things he will be doing with his life! I wish I could have been in St. Louie to celebrate with him, but unfortunately I'm in the real world now.
It sucks. I hate reality. I worked 14 hours today! Whan, whan! I know. I did it to myself. I'm not complaining in the least bit because I love my nighttime job!
I have a question: Is it bad if someone is never satisfied? That enough is never enough? That they always look for something more or want more?
I don't know what to tell these people. I think it could go either way.
Note to self: Take advantage of Miami Spice. What's Miami Spice, you ask? It's similar to New York's restaurant week. But in Miami, it's two whole months! Take advantage of the fancy restaurants' delicious dishes for only a $35 prix fixe meal! Yum-O! Go as much as your pocket book will allow!
Monday, August 2, 2010
Day 332
August 2, 2010
Short blog today. Worked. Came home. Didn't feel well at all. Ate some amazing fried chicken leftovers.
Exciting life I lead. ;)
Guess what tomorrow is?!?! My brother's birthday!! Wish I could be there to celebrate! Can't believe he's going to be 22 years old! Love him dearly!
Note to self: Sleep always puts a clear head on someone. When you have a bad day, feel like crap or just wish everything in life would, for once, work in your favor, sleep it off. Sometimes if you just sit, don't talk and focus your energy on something else...you can re-face the situation in the morning with a more positive attitude. Life is not always fun. But it's how you deal with it makes the difference between a good day and a really bad one. ;)
I hope you enjoyed my blog during my mom and grandma's stay! If you haven't read it, do it! ;)
Short blog today. Worked. Came home. Didn't feel well at all. Ate some amazing fried chicken leftovers.
Exciting life I lead. ;)
Guess what tomorrow is?!?! My brother's birthday!! Wish I could be there to celebrate! Can't believe he's going to be 22 years old! Love him dearly!
Note to self: Sleep always puts a clear head on someone. When you have a bad day, feel like crap or just wish everything in life would, for once, work in your favor, sleep it off. Sometimes if you just sit, don't talk and focus your energy on something else...you can re-face the situation in the morning with a more positive attitude. Life is not always fun. But it's how you deal with it makes the difference between a good day and a really bad one. ;)
I hope you enjoyed my blog during my mom and grandma's stay! If you haven't read it, do it! ;)
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Day 323 - Day 331
July 21 - August 1, 2010
Has it really been this long since I've last blogged?? Oy! I have so much to tell you! It has been a great last few days. I had some pretty amazing visitors in town. Let's start from the beginning:
Wednesday, July 21st: I worked both jobs and got ready for my mom and grandma to come into town. That's that.
Thursday, July 22nd: After work, I drove to Orlando to pick up the Toncar women from the airport. It is significantly cheaper to fly into Orlando and worth the drive to do so. So, we rented a car which was a Toyota. I did fear for my life due to the recalls Toyota has had. Overall, it was a good car. The second they got into the car, talk of heat and my driving kicked in. My thought: Good Lord, it's been two seconds and it's already started! =) Grandma loves my home! I will take you on a video tour later! It's really fantastic and I love it!
On the way home from the airport, we stop to get gas. There was no sign out front telling us how much gas was. Do you want to know why?? Because gas cost $4.95! No joke. No wonder they didn't put a sign out front! I refused to pay that much for gas, so I drove off and went two blocks to pay only $2.59. Outrageous!
Friday, July 23rd: Work. Same stuff, different day. Friday night was pretty low key. Saturday was going to be a big day! I introduced grandma to all of the ducks around my apartment. They love me! I feed them.
Deerfield Beach!
Our drinks! So good mom even drank! ;) Grandma had some amazing concoction of rum, orange sherbert, orange juice, lime-somethin'. Crazy good! Mom had a strawberry daiquiri that was so delicious and I had a Bahamarita--kiwi and strawberry margarita!
Chicken flatbread with tomato and basil! 
Grandma's Smothered Pork....mmmmm.....
My Lobster & Shrimp Pasta....oooohhhhhhh tastay!
Mom's Fried Chicken. You know how I feel about fried chicken.
Chocolate Pineapple Upside Down Cake! Yes, the title says it all!
Has it really been this long since I've last blogged?? Oy! I have so much to tell you! It has been a great last few days. I had some pretty amazing visitors in town. Let's start from the beginning:
Wednesday, July 21st: I worked both jobs and got ready for my mom and grandma to come into town. That's that.
Thursday, July 22nd: After work, I drove to Orlando to pick up the Toncar women from the airport. It is significantly cheaper to fly into Orlando and worth the drive to do so. So, we rented a car which was a Toyota. I did fear for my life due to the recalls Toyota has had. Overall, it was a good car. The second they got into the car, talk of heat and my driving kicked in. My thought: Good Lord, it's been two seconds and it's already started! =) Grandma loves my home! I will take you on a video tour later! It's really fantastic and I love it!
On the way home from the airport, we stop to get gas. There was no sign out front telling us how much gas was. Do you want to know why?? Because gas cost $4.95! No joke. No wonder they didn't put a sign out front! I refused to pay that much for gas, so I drove off and went two blocks to pay only $2.59. Outrageous!
Friday, July 23rd: Work. Same stuff, different day. Friday night was pretty low key. Saturday was going to be a big day! I introduced grandma to all of the ducks around my apartment. They love me! I feed them.
I get home from work and the ladies decked out my second bedroom! So cute! It's hot pink and orange decor. Of course, the bathroom matches the bedroom! They are so funny! I love it!
For dinner, we went to JB's on the Beach. It's a great restaurant in Deerfield Beach that overlooks the ocean! We had the best food! Gma: Fish and Chips. Mom: Coconut Shrimp. Me: Lobster Pizza. It was a gorgeous night to sit outside and marvel at the beautiful ocean. Thanks to Hurricane Bonnie, the wind was pretty heavy and the rain was unreal. During the day, it was like a monsoon outside! Mom and grandma got stuck under a bridge. Haha! The waves were pretty high and I explained that these were the waves Brett and I dealt with when he came to visit. Not easy. Here are the photos from dinner. Check out the sunset! Breathtaking!
Deerfield Beach!
Sunset! I love the pink and orange colors! Beautiful!
Fish 'n Chips...whew, so good!
Coconut Shrimp! So good!
Lobster Pizza! Looks good, huh?? Amazing!
Dessert. What's a meal without a little sugar?? ;)
Saturday, July 24th: Key West! We wake up early to leave to beat traffic. Ha! Didn't work. Key West is beautiful, but getting there sucks! A two-lane highway, full of Florida drivers. What are Florida drivers you ask? Average age: 92. Average MPH: 23. Ashley's Patience Level: 0.
We're driving, admiring the beautiful ocean when I decide to pass someone. Well, that didn't work. A cop spotted me going 22 miles over the speed limit. So, I pull over and here comes Mr. Rodriguez. Ugh! He says, "I clocked you going 22 miles over the speed limit. I'm assuming you were trying to pass the car in front of you." Ya' know Mr. Cop...I think you should have went to school to be a doctor because you are one smart cookie! ;) I say, "Yeah." I wanted to say, "Yes, sir. If everyone here wouldn't drive like they were on their last leg of life, I may be a little more patient. I just want to get where I'm going and not take an extra hour."
So, he takes my license. While he's looking into me, mom's taking pictures! Yes! She is trying to take pictures of me getting my first speeding ticket! Oh my God! We are laughing so hard, the cop probably thinks we're making fun of him. There goes my grace he's going to give me! Here's a picture of mom trying to be sneaky with her photography. So funny! The next picture is of her photographing me while I'm signing my citation papers. I'm trying so hard not to laugh because I can hear the clicking of the camera from the back seat. I'm thinking, no way is she taking pictures while the po-po has his hand on his gun, waiting for my John Hancock!
After that ordeal, we're back off. Driving the recommended 45 mph. You know how slow that is?? Ugh. So, we get there and immediately get sightseeing. Key West is so much fun! They have so much history and so many fun places to look at! We ate the best Key Lime Pie ever, a 1/2 pound cookie, seafood, burgers, crab cakes, slushies, etc. We basically ate our way through the little beach town!
It's such a cool feeling knowing you are on an island, surrounded only by water! We went during Hemingway Days! We saw the winner of the look-alike contest for Ernest Hemingway. It was cute! They had a street market going on, so it was fun to shop and look at all of the little trinkets! We went to Ernest's house, the cemetery (of course!) =), the Southernmost Point of the United States. This was really cool. Being at the very tip of the last point in our country. Only 90 miles to Cuba. I don't know who says you can see Cuba from the end of the island, but they lie! All you see is crystal blue, mixed with a little turquoise, kissed by the sun! Amazing!
It's easier to tell my Key West story through pictures. So, click HERE! These are our pictures from the weekend. Please read the captions to get a real sense of all the fun we had!
Sunday, July 25th: Time to go home. Not without a little more Key West for us. We went to Mallory Square, saw a cruise ship, wondered who lived on Sunset Key (wishing we did), and ate a little more. When we got home, I took them to the best pizza joint in town. Boca's Best Pizza. What did we order, you ask?? None other than BBQ Chicken Pizza! Mmmm.....
Monday, July 26th: I introduced them to my three favorite places in Boca. One: Bliss Designs. It is a little boutique that personalizes different gift items! The last two times I've ordered something from this store, the owner has taken my idea and re-created it for other people to use! I'm trying to convince my mom we need to open a business like this! The last gift was for Maddie's bachelorette party. I walked in to buy another gift and what do I see? The SAME gift I bought Maddie. She loved the idea so much she made them for other people. This time, I got something for Maddie for a little gift she was given! ;) Information to come at a later date about that! My mom went to go pick it up and lady re-created this one too! It's a gift we have! We have been bitten with a creative bug! ;)
Two: Home Goods. It's like a TJ Max for home items! It is so cool in there! Mom and grandma had a hay day! Everything is so cheap! Iowa needs to get one!
Three: Lucille's Bad-to-the-Bone BBQ. Mom's been there. Grandma was in heaven! It's so cute and the food is amazing! Then we went home and watched Leap Year! If you haven't seen it, it's a must watch movie! I loved it!
Tuesday, July 27th: I had to work both jobs. Bummer. But it's the real world now, so you have to deal with it. Mom and grandma made a wonderfully delicious dinner. Healthy and all. Guess what I did? I ruined it by bringing home the best mac 'n cheese known to man! The restaurant I work at has the BEST food ever, let alone their lobster mac 'n cheese! They use four different cheeses and mix in fresh lobster. Oooohhhhhh. Yum. And I brought home their ever-popular Coconut Cream Pie! Mom scarfed that thing! It's amazing!
Wednesday, July 28th: Worked both jobs again. This time, the ladies came into the restaurant to eat dinner. They loved it! The restaurant is so cozy and the service is honest to God the best you will ever get! They just ate a little bit because guess what they did? Sat in the sun longer than an hour. I don't know why people don't believe me about the sun. Apparently, even though I live here, I don't know what I'm talking about. So, family comes down here and ends up looking like they painted on white clothing because their sun-burnt lines are so bad. I don't feel bad for them.
I would like to point out one little detail. Before this trip, my grandmother thought she knew everything about anything in Florida. She was an expert on their weather, the lifestyle, the people, the sun, etc. SHE even admitted she has never been in this kind of heat before. Of course you haven't. You can't come down between the months of September and February and think you understand Florida summers. No. It's NOT the same. Please view the video below...
Thursday, July 29th: It was a back and forth kind of day. What do we do? What do we not do? Are we hungry? Are we not hungry? Our family is the most indecisive group of human beings you will ever meet. These are always our answers, "Ya' know, I really don't care." I'm just as guilty. We're going to go to dinner and a movie. Well, then we're not hungry. How about a movie. Grandma won't like this movie. How about another movie? No, that movie's fine. Now it's not fine. Ok, well then mini-golf? Okay, let's do that. We drive there to come to the decision it's too hot to go mini-golfing. Let's go to the movies. But let's see this movie. Oh actually I want to see this movie. OMG!
We end up seeing "Knight an Day" with Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz. It's really cute! Are you one of those people who buy pop and candy before you get to the theatre? WE ARE! I typically get Sour Patch Kids. I steered away from those this time and stuck with the traditional sweet and salty combo--Milk Duds. Oh, so good!
Friday, July 30th: We are exhausted. This week has been full of so many fun things, but we are slowly starting to wind down from all of the excitement. I took them to Ft. Lauderdale to go shopping and show them the amazing houses I wish I could have someday. Please click HERE to see an example of what I'm talking about!
Friday night, we went to Bahama Breeze for dinner. It's owned by the same corporation for the restaurant I work at. It was so good! The prices are incredibly affordable, the food is amazing and the drinks were really fun! Check out the photos below!
Our drinks! So good mom even drank! ;) Grandma had some amazing concoction of rum, orange sherbert, orange juice, lime-somethin'. Crazy good! Mom had a strawberry daiquiri that was so delicious and I had a Bahamarita--kiwi and strawberry margarita! 
Chicken flatbread with tomato and basil! 
Grandma's Smothered Pork....mmmmm.....
My Lobster & Shrimp Pasta....oooohhhhhhh tastay!
Mom's Fried Chicken. You know how I feel about fried chicken.
Chocolate Pineapple Upside Down Cake! Yes, the title says it all!Saturday, July 31st: Time for the ladies to go home. Sad day in paradise. It was so nice having people here to do something with everyday! So, we rent another car. This time, it was a Toyota Prius. I'm in love with this car. I agree they do look a little on the nerdy side, but they are so cool!!!! After taking ten minutes to figure out how to start it, we were on our way! It doesn't have a key...just a push start button. So cool! Everything is controlled by a touch screen in the middle of the dashboard and when you reverse, it shows you a camera behind you of what's going on. I said I wanted to drive backwards just so I can watch myself drive! The car gets 39.9 mpg! Outrageous! We had to stop at Kilwin's to get my aunt, dad and brother the best fudge you will ever eat! Then I dropped them off at the airport--yes. I cried. Of course. Moving on. On my way home, I'm talking to my friend Greg and it starts raining. I'm trying to figure out the gadgets in the car when I look up and notice everything in the car is going off. I say, "Oh my God, Greg! I don't know what's going on! My back windshield wiper is flipping out of control, my front wipers are out of control, the radio is changing levels and my lights are flickering!" Pretty funny situation.
I had to work at the restaurant last night. Longest day ever! I got home pretty late and just crashed. Body-overload.
Sunday, August 1st: I have to wake up early to return the car. Another sad day in paradise. I come home, look up some stuff on the Internet, then lay back down to sleep. That was at about 10:00 a.m. or so. I wake up and notice it is about ten minutes to three! Oh my gosh! My allergies have been acting up something fierce the last few days! It's miserable. For those who have allergies, you will agree with me. The rest of my day will be spent doing nothing but relaxing. I have a friend from New York coming on Thursday! I can't wait! I miss her tons!
It's all about movies Sunday night. I can't believe how many movies I've seen the last few days. Your mouth will drop when you see how many! Maybe my movie-A.D.D. is going away!
Bounty Hunter
Leap Year
Valentine's Day
Knight and Day
The Notebook
Failure to Launch
Step Up
That's a lot! Yes, I know. Notice the trend? I love romantic comedies! I'm a hopeless romantic! Now if I could just find a man that's normal, such as these actors from the movie. Normal men don't exist in my life! ;)
Note to self: Realize how lucky you are. When you complain about the things you don't have, why don't you pay attention to what you do have? Sure, you don't have something you want, but you do have a family and set of friends who care about you more than anyone could ever ask for. A lot of people can't say that. You have been blessed with people in your life who would do anything for you and not think twice. Be grateful and thank God everyday you are so lucky to call these people your family. Be lucky you can call your friends your family. Growing up in a place where people take you in like their own is something that so many people don't understand. Even though Iowa has a reputation of being "hickville" and "not up to modern speed," we at least know how to treat people and appreciate and respect someone for who they are. Not how much they have.
Being able to look at your life from the outside in and realize what a lucky woman you are is really something that opens your eyes. When you see everything you have gotten to experience in your lifetime--all of the lessons you've learned, the times you were hurt but had people there to talk to you and cry with you and understand and just listen to you; the times where you laughed so hard, your stomach hurt; the joys you experienced in weddings, babies, or just a night of summertime and wine on a porch. You have no idea how many people would love to be in your shoes. Don't take it for granted. Enjoy every single moment while you can and just remember...you can take the girl out of Iowa, but you can never take Iowa out of the girl. ;)
I'm sorry for the long blog, but I had so much fun the last few days! It's almost time for one-year blog post. I've been working on some things that I think you will enjoy.