Day 165

February 15, 2010

"I'm leaving on a jet plane! I don't know when I'll be back again!" Just kidding! I'll be back Saturday morning! Now, I have that song stuck in my head. The last couple of days, people have been asking me, "Ashley, what's wrong? You're not your normal, bubbly self." I'm one of those people who, when nervous, doesn't talk. Some people pace. Some people eat. Some people drink. I just stand there. Expressionless and I suppose you could say, somber. But I'm ready!

Happy President's Day! I woke up early, got ready, and walked all the way to work. I forgot we're not open on President's Day! Exciting! I'm not used to companies recognizing major holidays. The only businesses that close for MLK Day and other days like President's Day are banks and the post office. It's great! Iowa, you need to catch up! ;)

So, a quick, yet somewhat funny side story. Tonight at work, my manager and I were talking about dating, college, etc. etc. etc. My manager is so funny! She is very sarcastic and will tell you like it is. Something was said about spirit fingers. I say, "Oh, I was a cheerleader in college!" Her response in a very dry tone, "I'm shocked." Period. "Hey!" Everyone starts laughing. Am I really that stereotypical looking? If so, this is not good news!

Another thing...recently, once again, I've had several people say to me the last couple of weeks, "You're not from here, are you?" It's to the point now, where I get to thinking...who really IS born and raised here? Not many people. No, I'm not from here. But neither is half of this staff. I've just come to the conclusion that I will never "blend" in with other women here. Good thing? Bad thing? Who knows anymore! And I'll never know because people just stare at me! They don't like to talk to me. Nah. That's too easy. ;)

So, my mom is doing wonderfully with her physical therapy! Way to go mama! They're going to get her up and lifting and walking at a normal pace again, in no time! ;) And my dad has been doing Farrell's! He loves it! A couple of my friends back home do it and they swear by it! I think he's only been doing it a couple of weeks and is already seeing results! Brett's perfect. Moving on. ;) Everybody always loves grandma Roxy! She could say the most catty and rude thing to someone, and they would still think she is the greatest woman on earth! My friend, Maddie, and I were talking about this one day. We wish we could be like her. We don't understand it. I think I posted this already, but if not...my cousin and his girlfriend are getting married! That's exciting! Caleb is growing and adorable and hilarious!! I can already picture him in his little tuxedo! Ah! I love it!

So, today is my friend, Kara's birthday! Happy birthday lovely lady! I'm so bummed out I can't meet her out. My plane leaves at 6:00 a.m., which means I have to be up at 2:30, to leave for the airport by 3:30. Whan. Whan. And since I don't get off work until late, I can't go. BUT...we are going to celebrate BIG when I get back!

Note to self: Don't bother going to sleep tonight. It's 11:15 and you still have quite a bit of stuff to do. Just sleep on the plane. You hate flying anyway. It gives you major anxiety, so the more tired you are...the more apt you are to sleep when in the air. Take a co-workers advice, "Have a great time! Have lots of positive energy!"

Day 164

February 14, 2010

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!! I hope everyone had a great day! Hopefully you got to spend it with the ones you love!

Good news! I got a rental car!! My mom is the best at finding great deals! She has the magic touch! I'm all set!

Have a Happy Monday! It's President's Day! If you don't have to work, enjoy the day off! ;)

Note to self: Even when you tell yourself, you're going to get more sleep...it never happens. Of course the nights you decide TO stay in, are the nights everyone you know in New York City, texts you and asks you to go out. Then, your neighbor decides to have a party for the first time since you've moved here; then a group of drunk people decide to stand outside and yell at the top of their lungs at each other. Then your friend from back home calls you at 4:30 a.m. because the guy she's dating is an ass, and she's crying. Four hours of sleep a night is doing you no good!

Day 162 - Day 163

February 12 - February 13, 2010

It's Valentine's Day weekend! I was so excited I got to decorate all of the tables at work with heart confetti! Whew hew! Love is in the air! Unfortunately, I have to keep it low key this weekend! I have a big week starting Tuesday and I need to stay focused! More or less, I want to stay focused!

My goal for the weekend is to get some sleep! P.S. my knee. It's ugly! It's only getting worse and more black and blue. Not good. I got so much accomplished Friday, it was scary! My goal was to sleep in, so I'm glad I decided to naturally wake up at 7:30 a.m.! I got my laundry done, my apartment cleaned, my suitcase packed...all before 11:30! I was so proud of myself. Then noon hit, and I was bored out of my mind!

Friday night was okay. The restaurant was not busy at all. So, when I got home, I did some research that I needed to do. Then, went to bed. Woke up Saturday, early, of course and did some more research. I'm going to be so prepared, it's scary! ;) Work was okay. Not as busy as I hoped, but whatever. I tried our new peanut butter ice cream. Oh my goodness, it's awesome! But, again, it makes my tummy ache because I forget I'm lactose intolerant. Bummer!

Talked to my mom today. She said the movie, "Valentine's Day" was just okay. That makes me so sad! It looks fantastic, but she said the previews are the good parts and it's too predictable. Bummer.

So, did you hear about Alexander McQueen? So sad! He was only 40 years old. His designs are so edgy, filled with bright colors, eccentric lines, with a sometimes classic twist. Check out his website. May he rest in peace! AND the olympian? Awful! Check out the story here. This is so sad. My heart goes out to his family.

Note to self: Never EVER go through Priceline.com. When they tell you there is a round trip ticket for $189? They lie. Or that you can get a rental car for $11 a day? All lies. Then by the time you find the correct phone number, where a live person speaks with you, you want to rip your hair out! Please don't use the excuse of, "Oh well, ma'am, the deals change every minute." Hmm..."Then can you explain to me why this "deal" has been up and running for the last FOUR days!?" She has no answer. Of course not. Idiots! I've never had anything but problems with them!

I find that www.cheapoair.com is a nice website. They have reasonable air fare. I REALLY like Jet Blue! It's become my favorite, but it was just way too pricey! But for future reference for you, it's a nice airline! If anyone has cheap suggestions for rental cars, please let me know! I need one on Tuesday! ;) I would love a convertible, but unfortunately, it's about ten times the cost of what I want to pay!

Happy Valentine's Day tomorrow!!!!! XOXO ;)