Aha!

This song makes me want to watch Tim Burton movies...





P.S. Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas!

Don't Be Careful

Ever hear a song that simultaneously makes you so sad, so pensive, so frustrated... It touches your heart in a way that makes you feel distraught, and yet, somehow also happy?

This song is doing that to me today...

You've locked your soul and kept the key. I'm all yours and it's no secret.
I adore the way your mouth moves when you say those three words,
I adore the way your mouth moves when you repeat them, will you repeat them?

Don't be careful with me. I'm not so delicate.
I gave you my heart. I know the chance I'm taking.
Don't hesitate in love. It can leave your soul undone.
You can't stick your toes in the water. You gotta jump
and finally go underwater.

You're holding back and I can tell. When you only give half you're never whole.
I am ready to trust your eyes in all this darkness.
I am ready to see your sides that cause you unrest, rest them.

Lest you think I'm all work...

Life is actually pretty awesome.

I just got back from a fairly spontaneous trip to Vegas
to see one of the most incredible bands ever.

NEEDTOBREATHE
I miss them already. Please, please, PLEASE listen to their music. They started out as a Christian rock band and have a lot of those themes throughout their songs.

It will change your life.

Tunnel, tunnel, tunnel... Light?

The end of my crazy schedule is within sight. I have my first final in 3 1/2 years in less than one hour. Then my next final in less than 24 hours. And the last final is about 14 hours after that. And then, party time!

Bachelorette party, Kristin's Christmas party, Jami's Wedding party! Woot!

I'm wondering if it would be a terrible cop-out for me to call in sick on Friday... I mean, it's the day AFTER all the studying and planning and thinking needs to be done. But how beautiful would it be to have a stress free day, sleep in, get a massage and a facial and just... do nothing? That may happen.

Cookie Monster

This is what days on end of work, studying, and planning have turned me into:

Chowing down on a Great Harvest cookie and peppermint ice cream mix

after a crappy Chinese food dinner

whilst lounging in sweats, no make up, and messy hair

Keepin' it classy.

What's the Point?

So...

I've been going to school, right? And I've been loving school. A lot. Learning is one of my favorite things to do. Hey, can I be a lifetime learner as my career? That would just be fabulous.

Not one of my favorite things? Feeling like I'm wasting my money and time. Going to school with 9 credit hours whilst also working, having a social life, and trying to be my best spiritually is a little overwhelming. Quitting school would clear up a lot of hours, and give me a lot more change in my bank for future savings.

I'm pretty sure I've made the decision to not continue school next semester. For sure. And it kinda breaks my heart... But in the end, I think that's what's best for me.

So, what the problem? The problem is that now I have no drive whatsoever to do well on my finals. I have a HECK of a week coming up, including a two-day Vegas trip and concert, three finals, a bachelorette party (yay!), birthday party, and a wedding to bridesmaid-it-up in(YAY!). And I've done well enough in all my classes that even a poor grade on my finals will result in a passable grade overall. What's the point of all this intensive studying?

Well, most people would feel satisfied with kicking back and not studying. However, receiving a mediocre grade on a test, especially a final, is so not my style. Ugh... guess I'll get back to studying.

Dog Days are Over

I really can't describe how much I love this song and video. Or why, really...

Enjoy!

A Rear View

Last night's sunset...

1 Cor. 13:12

"For now, we see through a glass darkly, but then face to face.
Now I know in part, but then shall I know, even as also I am known."

Seeing ourselves reflected in the mirror of others

Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Winter

The past few days have been a bit... hazy.

My days are spent going to school and work, trying to work in some time with friends or family each day, and lots of late-night studying. But late night studying and early morning classes create an environment in which I only get 5-6 hours of sleep. This is not my optimal operating situation... to say the least!

But it's a good hazy, I think. Like, this kind of hazy:

The sun is peaking through, and life is moving on at a pleasant pace.
I can't complain, really.

I have this new plan that I may have to put into action. I'm considering quitting school.
I will save every bit of money that would have gone into school. And instead, I will obtain the school books, syllabus, and possibly study guides (if the professors permit) of the classes I want to take.
And I will be self-taught.
I know there are a lot of hurdles to cross in this endeavor.
Particularly that I'm busy and lazy and have no motivation in a "no-pressure" situation. But I'd kinda like to see if I can do it...


In other news, I have crushes on lots of boys.
It's like I'm in high school again. I don't particularly like it.


And it's winter.
Or it will be soon. But I'm feeling it.
And surprisingly, I think this is the first year where I wasn't really prepared for the cold weather yet. I need to break out blankets and heaters and warm footwear. Possibly some long johns or tights to go under all my clothing...

School and Stuff

Most of my midterms have come and gone. My first was in Anthropology. It's the test I was probably most anxious about. Not only was it my first test back in school after 3 1/2 years, but it was also for my online class, so I had no idea what the professor's lecturing and testing style would be...
But I did my best and I got:

YAY!! Probably the best I could ask for for my first test back! Especially when the majority of questions were in the "all of the above, none of the above, a and b only" format. I HATE that!


Anywho, my next test was in Political Science. And I got:

WOOT! Can't complain with a 95%! I missed a question asking who the U.S. Ambassador to China is... Duh, it was all over the news no too long ago! Jon Huntsman, Jr! I came to work after taking the test, and asked my boss about that question, and she knew it instantly. And I felt stupid. But oh well! A 95!


I have one more midterm coming up, for my Geography Teaching Methods class. But first, we had an assignment to create a flag that most represents yourself and your culture. I was actually quite excited about this assignment. Here's the end product:

A book for knowledge; six stars for the six people in my family; Moroni to represent faith; a musical staff to represent music, art, and creation; the globe for my love of travel, and for acceptance; red, white, and blue colors for my British and Polish background and my United States nationality. I think that's pretty much me in a glance!


I was able to have a play-date with Ariel a few weeks ago, and we made a messenger bag for her. Then, I had a t-shirt that didn't fit, but I LOVED the screen print on it. So I decided to make it into a tote bag for me, after all our work on Ariel's:

I'm pretty much in love with my bag. Creating is so much fun!

Sushi! Home made!

Today, I made my first ever attempt at home made sushi! It was fun!

First, I patted out my sticky rice


Then, I set on my toppings...
I decided that I'd go easy for my first time: crab, edamame, avocado, and green onion.


Next you roll! I put my sticky rice on parchment paper, since I'm not fancy enough to have a sushi roller mat.


It worked perfectly!



Then you cut! Make sure to keep your hands and knife moistened...


Then you pour on some soy sauce! Unfortunately, I'm not rich enough to buy wasabi right now...


And the end product!


It's not as beautiful as I'd like... But I will improve in the future!
Cause I like a challenge.

Life Update!

I have now gotten through my third week of school successfully. But the term "successfully" at this point merely means that I've kept up with my reading, class notes, and online bulletin board posting. I'll admit, that's a bit of a success at this point, because I forgot how much work homework is! Holy hannah! I have spent much of my spare time either reading my school books, or agonizing over the fact that I need to get my reading done.

But lest you think I'm not enjoying it, let me tell you something. I'm LOVING being back in school!! All of my classes are teaching me exactly the things I've been wanting to learn. I'm feeling so stimulated and intrigued by the world around me again. It's such a great feeling! Right now, I'm taking Cultural Anthropology, Political Science, and Geography Teaching Methods. Anthropology is an online class, which is a new challenge to conquer. It's interesting trying to do all my learning from strictly reading. I'm really nervous for when that test comes along!

In other Ashley-centric news, I was in Seattle just a week ago. It was an amazing trip, and definitely refilled my "Ashley-needs-to-see-the-world" desire. I went on the trip with Jennifer McCullough. I was a bit apprehensive, only because she and I had never hung out for an extended period of time. But she ended up being an excellent travel partner.

Our first stop was Portland, where we saw two magnificent waterfalls, got VooDoo Doughnuts and Thai curry, walked along the waterfront, and went to the Portland Temple.


I loved Portland! I wish we had had the time to spend a day or two here. The city itself is a lot like Salt Lake as far as size is concerned. But the vibe of the city was just so homey while still being modern and, just, cool!

After Portland, we drove out to Seaside, OR. The Oregon coast is one of the more beautiful places I've ever been. The ocean is so exhilarating. It's constantly changing, ebbing and flowing, and there is so much life in it. In Seaside, we got to watch a beautiful sunset, then walk the carnival-like main street. We took a trip to Cannon Beach, which is just so quaint and lovely. The beach was colder, but the shops were a lot of fun. We also took a drive through the Ecola National Park, and went to Indian Beach. That drive was like being in a fairytale. The forest on the coast feels like pixies and fairies, elves and talking animals, will emerge at any moment. So unreal. And in the Indian Beach tide pools, we saw star fish, crabs, anemones, mussels, barnacles, and all sorts of crazy sea life.



I think the Oregon coast might have my heart, as far as ocean views go. That is, until I can get myself back over to Cinque Terre... sigh.

We packed ourselves up, and saddened to leave the Oregon coast, headed out to Seattle. And was it ever worth the trip! Seattle is an amazing city. It's certainly much more happenin' than Portland or Salt Lake City. We went on Labor Day weekend as well as the weekend of the famed Bumbershoot fest, so I'm sure we got to see one of the busiest times of year. Our first stop in Seattle was the temple. It's shaped much like the Jordan River temple, and has the same spirit as all other temples. Isn't that such a comfort in a crazy world? I love it.

Our first stop in downtown Seattle was Pike's Place Market. It's the coolest, most colorful, most eccentric, exciting, fresh, and fun place I've been to! The fish-throwing market is the main feature. And while that was a blast, it was not my most favorite part. I loved the stalls and stalls of fresh fruit and vegetables, the locally made jewelry, the pasta stall, the flirtatious beef jerky guy, and the walls and walls of flower stands. You could easily spend hours upon hours and thousands of dollars there. Easily.


We took a trip through the Seattle Aquarium, where I got a new appreciate for octopuses, and I fell in love with puffins and sea otters. Such awesome creatures! Next, we got to see the sculpture garden, the pier, an awesome antique store where I bought 4 records for only $1.50, and the Experience Music Project/Science Fiction Museum. The EMP has an awesome section that allows you to experiment and learn several different instruments and even jam with your friends. So awesome.
After all this fun, we ended our trip with the Bumbershoot Festival. The Bumbershoot is a giant music festival that is in its 40th year. It has tons of amazing, up-and-coming artists and just a giant carnival atmosphere. I was most excited about seeing Ra Ra Riot, who was a lot of fun! We ended our night with seeing the Vienna Teng Trio, who was absolutely fabulous! I left determined to purchase every one of her CD's. That is, until I checked iTunes and discovered she has six albums... I don't have $60! But I completely and absolutely recommend that you look her up. Such good stuff!






Wow, long post! The rest of my life is going much the same as always. I'm enjoying my time with my Little Sister Ariel, even though we get less time together because of my being back in school.
I'm not dating anyone. Although, there are a few guys out there who I need to convince to ask me out...
Work is the same as always. My co-workers are grating on me a bit more than usual.
Life is grand and beautiful and lovely! I'm definitely a happy camper!

Rain Boots!

Bustin' out the rain boots for today's stormy weather...



Waking up and showering at 5:50 am is not always the most pleasant experience. However, getting to see the intense lightening light up my window while blow-drying my hair made me more happy than any person should be at that time of morning!

She & Him Twilight Concert

Megan and I decided to hit up the last concert of the Twilight Concert Series at Pioneer Park, featuring She and Him and the Dum Dum Girls. So we packed in the car, scoured downtown for a parking spot, and arrived at the park, ready for some tunes.

The Dum Dum Girls were playing when we arrived. I've only heard one or two of their songs, and lucky me, when we arrived, they were playing one of the songs I knew! It's called Jail La La, and it's pretty fun, if you want a bouncy song to dance around to!

We made our way to Bruges Waffles & Frites for some delicious waffles. I ordered a cinnamon Lieges waffle with raspberries and creme fraiche. YUM!! After enjoying our delicious eats, we re-entered the park, but not before we had to chug (or throw away) our recently purchased water. Stupid "no outside drinks" rule...

After braving a bit of the crowd, we got right into the middle of things, and soon enough, She & Him started to play. She & Him is the band of Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward, and I absolutely love their style of music! It's a little oldies, a little indie, and a lot chill, sunny afternoon tunes. They're just as good live!









Fun times! I'll miss you, Twilight Concert Series! Until 2011, a bientot!

Chocolate Cake for Breakfast!

I found a recipe for 5 Minute Chocolate Mug Cake. Cake you make in a mug?

This sounds promising!

And so, this morning, I dove right in to this recipe,

using my absolutely adorable (and huge) chocolate mug.

First, mix together the dry ingredients of 4 Tbs Flour, 4 Tbs Sugar, and 2Tbs Cocoa.

Next, mix in 1 egg. Then, mix in 3 Tbs Milk, 3 Tbs Oil, and a splash of Vanilla.

And add in Chocolate Chips (I went with minis).

Microwave for 3 minutes...

And it's done!! Chocolate cake in 5 minutes!!

Enjoy!

With some milk...

Happy Breakfasting!!! (Or for any meal, really...)

Inspiration of the Day

Can we just talk about how much I love, love, love this Etsy shop?

http://www.etsy.com/shop/GumballGrenade

These prints and paintings make me so happy.

So whimsical and childlike and lovely.
I want them all!

Swoon!

I have a new rock star crush.

His name is Brian Aubert, from the absolutely fabulous band Silversun Pickups.



This concert was amazing. One of those I-can't-stop-smiling-because-my-soul-is-so-happy kind of shows. I need more shows like this.

And Brian Aubert has the most charismatic stage presence. The drummer ain't bad either. Give Silversun Pickups a listen if you haven't already! They're so so amazing!

Love from the Past

I spent my Sunday evening hearing stories about my Mom's family. She told me all about how her Grandmother met her first, then second, then third husband. How she married at 14, then ran 6 months later. Then my Mom told me all about her Mother and Father. How they met at 17 and were madly in love. How my Grandpa joined the army while waiting for my Grandma to finish high school because he was worried that if he stuck around, they wouldn't make it to the temple!

Heritage is just the most amazing thing. It helps me remember that I'm a part of something so much bigger than myself. It reminds me that my little life and my little stories are just a tiny stitch in the design of my family, who is in turn a tiny design in the huge tapestry of human existence.

After hearing all these stories, I remembered a picture I LOVE!!! of my Dad's parents. It was snapped on their honeymoon:



Young love... it led to my Father's family, which in turn led to my family. I've always hated the saying, "All because two people fell in love." But seriously. It's some pretty epic, magical stuff!

Childhood Fears

I was recently reading about Pop-culture-induced anxieties over at A.V. Club and thought I'd share my own, just for fun.

At the tender age of 9 years old, I was blissfully unaware of the idea of mortality. I knew there was such a thing as death, but I never really understood it or how it would affect me personally. That all changed after seeing


This movie introduced me to the fear of death. And not only death, but scary, prolonged, painful death by alien invasion and abduction. People died by explosion, falling debris, vicious alien take over, crashing airplanes, and even suicide. And suddenly, I knew I would die when aliens invaded at any point in the near future.

I was terrified.

This terror resulted in a month-long, constant stomachache. A real sickness, caused by psychological damage from a silly Will Smith movie.

I finally spoke to my Dad about my fears of alien abduction and death. I'm sure he was taken off guard by my irrational thoughts. But, being the upstanding man that he is, he sat me down and helped me understand that not only was the fear of an alien take-over quite silly, but that life does not end at death. He shared his testimony of the truth of life after death, and helped me gain an understanding of post-life existence.

And my stomachache was gone and has never returned. I now own and enjoy watching this movie.

Thanks, Dad!

Confused...Bamboozled...Puzzled...Muddled

A recent occurrence has left me feeling like this little guy:

It'll clear itself up with time and thought and, perhaps, action.

New Compy!

I just got a brand-spankin-new MacBook!

Well, only new to me, since I purchased it off eBay.

But still, I'm stoked.

Get ready for a lot more pictures of me like this:

I know you're excited.

Spinach

I ate some spinach so my stomach is all:



On the bright side, ARTS FEST tonight!

Woot

My Run-In with Richard Lewis

So, yesterday, my boss Kat, my coworker Mark, and I went out to lunch. At lunch, we glanced through the City Weekly, discussing the various acts and concerts coming to town.

One included Richard Lewis



In town for a stand-up comedy act tonight and tomorrow. I LOVED him as Prince John in Robin Hood: Men in Tights, one of the most hilarious movies of my childhood. So I thought it was pretty cool he was in town.

Well, we pulled up to the corner Maverick to grab some soda and snacks before going back to work. As we park, Mark goes, Look it's Richard Lewis! I looked up and let out a squeal, No Way!! It really was him! Crazy that we'd just been talking about him and there he is!

And he's walking around our car, and he walks directly at the back passenger-side door where I'm sitting it, and he opens it! What?! I'm sure I had a look of pure confusion and surprise on my face. Well, so did he! The look on his face when he opened the door to what he thought was his ride, and instead saw me sitting there in confusion and surprise, was amazing! A look of pure shock and surprise and almost fear. He yells, OH!, slams the door in my face, and quickly walks around the car back to his own, while I'm doubled over in the back seat laughing hysterically!

By that time, Mark had gotten out of his car, and hadn't seen this whole mistaken car situation go down, so he puts out his hand, shakes the hand of Richard Lewis and starts telling him how great he is. And Richard Lewis is just as gracious back, shakes Mark's hand, then gives the double middle finger to his driver/friend and says, F*** you! to him for not stopping him going to a different car, all with a big smile on his face.

It just might have been the single most awesome moment of my life!

D'yer Mak'er

Current new music interest:



Yeah.

I'm dating this guy who loves reggae music. My only foray into reggae in the past was Bob Marley, who is amazing. Especially sitting on a boat, rocking in the middle of a lake, eating a picnic lunch. Epic.

But John and I went to a reggae concert last night including the musical stylings of Through the Roots, Jahnre, Sober Down, and Iration. And I actually really enjoyed it. It's just so much fun to sit and chill to.

So try listening to some reggae. And... maybe ignore the words. Because too many of them are about drugs...