Are you there blog? Its me, Ashley.

Hey, remember that time when I had a blog and I updated it at least once a week?  Yeah, that was a long time ago!  I am bringing it back!

Short Life Re-Cap:

• I'm still in college.  It takes up a lot of my time, guys!  But I am almost done with college!!!  I have about 5 or so weeks left!  I just have to make sure I do not fail any of my classes...
• I have a job now.  So when I am not doing homework (or procrastinating), I am working. Yay money!!!
• I am applying for jobs after college.
• I made the educated decision to take a six month break before I start up graduate school.
• I am going to Disneyland this winter (I think everyone knew this, but I like to talk about it!)

Source: weheartit.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Honestly, this is my life: School, work, sleep, repeat. So, that is a main reason I haven't blogged in a million years.  The other part are the mini-existential crises I have on a daily basis.  But if you know me, this isn't a new thing.

Mini Things I Love Thursday:

My totally Mod hair cut * coffee every day * long conversations with good friends * listening to Christmas music prematurely * free pie! * awkward texts * boots + tights + knee socks * Big knit hats and fingerless gloves * baking!!! * Staring at Ryan Gosling * Counting down the days until I am done with college *

New Hair!  Do I look totally tired?  Its because I am!

TILT: Blogging from la casa de Andrade!

Right now, I am writing this on the couch in the living room of my parents house.  I woke up this morning at 10:40 am and I sat on  my butt for three hours.  I even suckered my dad into watching "Tangled" with me!  Its really nice to relax!  I haven't been home since August, so it was high time for me to visit the family and see my friends.  This extended weekend is going to be jam-packed with shenanigans with friends, spending time with family, doing homework, and cuddling with Sophie!

Source: tumblr.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Big Things:

• Guys, its almost Halloween!  In case you haven't figured it out, Halloween is my favorite holiday.  My Poison Ivy costume is pretty awesome!  I can't wait to wear it!  I would like to have the opportunity to wear it every day the week of the 24th...and I am figuring out how I can make that happen!  Also, I have prepared for Halloween by: listening to the Rocky Horror Picture Show soundtrack on repeat, watched The Nightmare Before Christmas three times (yes, its a Halloween movie), watched Frankenweenie and Vincent as well, and made a ton of pumpkin foods.  I also plan on watching scary movies, the Addams Family, and eating a lot more pumpkin foods and Halloween candy.  I love love love Halloween!
• Silver Dollar City shenanigans!  My dear friend Sarah took me to Silver Dollar City this past weekend and it was a ton of fun!  There were real Lumberjacks that did a variety of Lumberjack tasks (like throwing axes at a target, speed-pole climbing, and log rolling!).  And while we were there, we at a lot of tasty food like: cinammon rolls, twisted potatoes on a stick, and apple dumplings!  Delicious!
• My new job! I recently got hired on to Toys R Us for seasonal work, and I like it a lot!  I got placed into electronics, and its a wonderful fit.  The guys that were training me all have superhero names ("I am Thor, and this is Captain America.") and I get a hero name too.  Since most female superheros are rather lame, I (of course) wanted a villain name, and I chose Poison Ivy (obviously)!  But if I have to recant my name, I will go with Batgirl (Barbara Gordon) since she has red hair and is a librarian.  Anyhow, its great to be employed again!

Source: None via Ashley on Pinterest

Little Things:
Breakfast at Tiffany's * Quoting "Anchorman" like its 2006 * Having a wide variety of code names for people (Trogdor, R2, K2, etc) * Partying hilarity * Texts that make me laugh out loud in awkward places (like the library or on the shuttle) * Introducing my parents to Nyan Cat (which my mom is mildly obsessed with) * Strange/prophetic(?) dreams *

TILT - Lots of links, videos, and music...and a vacation???

Hi Friends!  How is your week?  Are you celebrating Fall by eating pumpkin things?  My week is great, thanks for asking!  Guess what?

...I am really excited to announce that after I graduate this winter, I am going to California!!!

I was on an Elliptical when I got the news, but I pretty much did this.  Sorry everyone at the gym!

Don't you fret, its just a vacation unless I magically miss my flight and find some couches to sleep on until I find employment and can support myself and I will be returning to St. Louis at some point.  I am so excited to go!  I haven't been to California in FOUR years!  I can't wait to see my family and spend the holidays knowing there is a 0% chance of snow!!!  Also, there is talk of going to....

"I just graduated college and I'm going to Disneyland!" - Me in a few months

Source: flickr.com via Ashley on Pinterest

DISNEYLAND!!!!  Friends, you know how I feel about Disneyland.  I am not ashamed to say its my favorite place in the whole world.  I may even go as far and say its my favorite place that has ever existed in time and in space (that is a big commitment!  I've only been alive for 23 years!  How would I know?!).  I have already compiled a list of all the Mickey-shaped foods I am going to eat and which characters I want to meet (Flynn Rider, I'm looking at you!)  Needless to say, going to California is the biggest high of my week!  Seeing my family is a big motivation to finishing up this final semester of college!


Small Things:
Today is National Coffee Day! * Breadfish * "Omg Ashley! We are gyming and tanning!" "I need to do laundry!" "What have we become?!" "Neither of us are Italian Americans!" "But seriously, wouldn't the gym be great if it were a laundromat too???" * THIS conversation * Kyla and I practicing the smiles from said conversation * Having four simultaneous conversations about HoneyBadgers (and I did not start any of them!!!) * My BFF Nick is coming into town today!!! * Baking (I perfected the White Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookie) * I appreciate this blog entry

Multimedia Extravaganza!!!! (The Internet and I were very cozy this last week)
Tumblrs I Like:
Cute Boys with Cat
My Daguerreotype Boyfriend
The Daily Beard

I like this playlist:

I like this song:

How I celebrated Coffee Day:

Confession: I am a Hobbit...

The other day, I popped in Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring and came upon the harsh realization that I am pretty much a hobbit.  This is not something I am proud to admit.  In fact, I am slightly embarrassed that I compare myself to mystical creatures.  Lets be real: No one wants to be a hobbit.  Being a dwarf would be worse!  But everyone wants to be an Elf (even if you think LOTR is lame, you know its true).  After feeling sad that I am not a tall, elegant, graceful elf with strong, beautiful facial features, I came to terms with my hobbitness.  Here are my hobbit characteristics:

• Stature.  I am short.  I admit it.  I can't reach the top shelf in any of the cabinets in my kitchen.  I can barely get my t-shirts off of my t-shirt shelf in my closet.  I can't see the top of the fridge.  I can barely look over the dash of my car.  I am short.
• I LOVE FOOD.  Hobbits like to eat and they eat a lot.  I can be BFFs with Merry and Pippin.  I can out eat most people that I know (Challenge me, I dare you!)  I would be happy eating the hobbit eating schedule - Breakfast, Second Breakfast, Elevensees, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, and Supper.
• I enjoy a well brewed beer.
• I'd rather participate in leisure activities than do work (doesn't anyone, though?)

A quote that may or may not resemble a real life conversation I have had multiple times:

Legolas: Lembas! [nibbles a corner] One small bite is enough to fill the stomach of a grown man!
Merry: [to Pippin] How many did you eat?
Pippin: Four.

I share the same excitement over Starbucks:

(Guys...This is me...I even own a vest, suspenders, and scarves!)

Yes, I am a Hipster Hobbit.  I love Starbucks and liking things before they were cool.  Also, check out more of Noelle's series "The Broship of the Ring" - it is hilarious!  And her Tumblr is just stinkin' great!

TILT - Hot beverages, pumpkin everything, Lion King 3D!

I LOVE FALL.  The weather has been wonderful!  Each morning I've made a delicious chocolate-infused coffee and then a Chai tea for the afternoon because the weather has been perfect for it!  I love the rain (especially when it is not monsooning!) because that means: Wearing my snazzy raincoat, fancy scarves, and boots!  Sometimes I think living in Seattle would be most ideal for me.  Who knows?  I want to live everywhere!

• Lion King 3D - If you know anything about me, you know that I love Disney.  When I found out that Lion King was coming out in 3D, you bet your behind that I wanted to see it ASAP.  I loved it.  The movie wasn't super 3D-y (if ya know what I mean), but it was just great to see it on a big screen!  Now that I am 23 and not 5 years old with an attention span of a gnat, I truly appreciated Lion King in all of its splendor.  Everyone at the theatre was my age (plus or minus 5 years); I did not see any children.  Reader Question: What was the average age of the audience when you saw Lion King 3D???  I also would like to support Disney in 3D-ifying and rereleasing classic movies in theatres (My suggestions include: The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and Beauty and the Beast; I would also like to see Peter Pan but not in 3D) 
• Free things!  Guys, "free" is my favorite four letter F word.  I love getting things for free!  This week, I got a free month long gym membership, free tanning gift certificate (laugh it up!), and will be getting free pumpkin beer!  
• HALLOWEEN!  Halloween is coming up!  This is my favorite holiday (next to Valentine's Day...And Christmas, of course!).  Nothing makes me more excited about Halloween!  Guys, I already watched The Nightmare Before Christmas (yes, I consider this a Halloween movie!) and I am planning on watching the Addams Family soon.  Also, I want to have a scary movie night!  And Halloween costume?  Oh, its going to be awesome!  

Little Things:
Pumpkin Everything (candles, cookies, muffins, lattes, oatmeal, body wash!) * Wearing skirts (ok, you caught me, I need to do laundry!  But I love not wearing pants!) * Watching Kyla try and kill a fly (she is going about it wrong) * Hilarious Twitter conversations * "He was like blah blah blah my girlfriend this blah blah blah" "You should have been like blah blah blah I'm gonna kiss your face! blah blah blah!" * Talking like the Swedish Chef (Bork bork bork!) * Elliott Smith all day, every day * Chai Tea and coffee * Reminding myself that literature is not equal to reality (even if strange parallels occur) * Someone has answered my prayers!  I can have hair like Zooey Deschanel!!! * Employment!!! * Songs with whistling:

(I actually hate Maroon 5 and the message of this song, but I love whistling.  I can't help it)

TILT - Supportive friends and embracing fall!

Source: andiwantstotravel.tumblr.com via Susan on Pinterest

Hi friends!  I hope that everyone is having a good week.  Mine has had its ups and downs (check out my blog entry on Life Decisions), but overall, its been a fairly positive week.

Big Things:

• My BFFs and their excitement about me moving back to St. Louis.  My best friends get me through a lot and are nothing but supportive of everything I do! In fact, they are more than supportive of me moving back! This past year of them being in the real world while I'm still in college has been rough and  I can't wait to be near them again!
• School.  Guys, I kind of really like this semester of school.  For the first time in a long time, I feel intellectually stimulated and challenged in my classes.  Maybe this is a new feeling because I know this is my last semester of having to sit in undergraduate classes.  I feel like I am in control of my school work instead of my school work controlling me.  
• The Fall Weather.  I love summer and everything it stands for, but I absolutely love everything about fall.  I love wearing scarves and jackets and layering.  I love hot beverages and pumpkin.  I know I already wrote about my love for fall, but this week is perfect.  This morning I made myself a wonderful cup of coffee (I added cocoa powder to it!) and ate a pumpkin spice muffin for breakfast - it was the perfect fall breakfast!  "If you love Fall so much, then why don't you marry it?"  WELL MAYBE I WILL.

Source: iheartlove.tumblr.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Small Things:
Cardigans and scarves * Pumpkin Spice Muffins * Baking * Compiling an amazing fall playlist * Time to be creative and artsy-fartsy * Weekend Shenanigans * My red hair (I'm more in love with it than usual) * Donating blood and recieving a mug for four successful donations * EE Cummings (always always alwayssss) * Listening to Across the Universe and The Beatles * THIS VIDEO - I am embarrassed by how funny I think it is *  Gala Darling Always! * My subconscious attraction to lumberjacks???   IDK! * Dressing like a villain * Drinking a huge cup of tea while reading a book (for fun) before bed * Cuddling up in my hot-pink blanket * Texts that make me smile and laugh * My heterolifemate * The New Girl (seriously, so funny)

I urge you to please notice when you are happy, and exclaim or murmur or think at some point, ‘If this isn’t nice, I don’t know what is. - Kurt Vonnegut

What is wonderful in your life???

Life Decisions...

Source: ffffound.com via Ryan on Pinterest

I have made the decision to move back to St. Louis after I graduate this December.  This is not my first choice, but it will lead me to what I really want.  But do I really know what I really want?  I digress, this is not the point of this entry.  Anyhow, I will be heading back to St. Louis for about a year.   I will be going to graduate school part time and (hopefully) working full time.

Why is this my decision?  Well, Graduate School is expensive.  Going to Graduate School out of state is really expensive.  Unfortunately, I do not have the money to move across the country and attend school.  I'm going to do the trendy thing and move back home and work at a place that I am over-qualified for (hello, waiting tables!).

I'm going to be honest, coming to terms with this decision is difficult.  I panicked.  All of these terrible thoughts kept popping into my head: What if I get stuck in Missouri forever?  If I chose a different major, maybe I would not be in this situation.  I can't live at home!  It'll be just like high school!  WHAT IF I GET STUCK IN MISSOURI FOREVER!?!?!?!  I am convinced that Missouri is the Bermuda Triangle - once you are here, you can't leave!  But, this is only temporary.  I will not get stuck in Missouri forever.  After I stopped crying on the phone with my mom, I readjusted my attitude and thought of the positive things:

• Living at home = No rent (or very little rent!)
• I get to spend my days with Sophie! (I will be maintaining a Facebook Fan Page for her when I move back)
• My BFFs are in St. Louis!  I get to see them whenever I want!
• I won't be in Springfield
• St. Louis has a lot of free opportunities (Art Museum, Zoo, History Museum)
• Better job opportunities (I probably won't be waiting tables)
• I'll have time to really decide where I want to live my adult life (California?  Arizona?  Be a jet-setter?)
• Time to travel???  Road trip??? IDK.

Overall, this is the smart, grown up decision.  I have come to terms with it.  That's a lie.  I still want to get out of here ASAP.  But this is only temporary and everything will work out.  And when things get tough, I will just bake (because that is what I do when I am stressed out).

TILT: Getting healthy, Completing Goals, and Lots-o-Videos!

Its Thursday?  Already???  I love short weeks because the weekend comes by so much quicker!  So, here's what's good:

• The Roommate "Get Healthy" Pact -  I mentioned this pact a couple of weeks ago, but I will go into a little bit more detail now!  The last couple of weeks, my roommate and I have started to become healthy.  As former RAs, we got used to eating dining hall food (and then going out to eat because we were dissatisfied with the food), staying up late, being stressed out 24/7, and eating our feelings.  This is very unhealthy.  We needed a change!  So, we are eating very healthy (lots of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, lots and lots of water) and it is working out great!  I had already gotten down to my Pre-RA weight before this, but now I am lighter!  We both are very successful so far!
• Baking - Oh goodness I love baking.  And since we are being healthier, it is a struggle to remind myself I can't bake since we can't eat any of it. BUT I can bake for other people!  What I am saying: if you want some dinosaur shaped sugar cookies, I can totally make them for you!
• Graduation Bucket List - I have compiled a list of things I need to do in Springfield before I graduate.  The list initially consisted of three things, but it has now expanded to about 10 things!  Tonight, I am going to cross off my first item on the list!  If anyone thinks of something that I need to do before I graduate, let me know!

THIS IS ADORABLE

Little things:
The Jerk * "Oh God!  I've heard about this...Cat juggling!!!" * Fall weather (cardigans and hats!!!) * Getting excited about pumpkin spice everything! * Waking up laughing (seriously, it happens all the time!) * Going to Art Walk for the first time in forever! * Visiting Kentwood * Laughing like a fool on the shuttle when I receive a hilarious text * Finally getting a coffee table for our living room * Star Wars Labor Day Marathon (enjoyed at friends' houses since we don't have cable) * Schweddy Balls Ice Cream?! * Being productive at Barnes and Noble * Exquisite hair days * She & Him is releasing a Christmas Album!!!




Two of my favorite things: Disneyland and Star Wars:


If you haven't seen The Jerk, go see it now!



This video shares all of my feelings I have over this topic:


This song is always stuck in my head

A is for Ashley...

This fall, the 1960s Collegiate Prep look is really in.  I am really into it.  I was browsing on Forever21, and found some things that were made specifically for me.  Yes, Forever21 thought "What can we make for Ashley that she would absolutely go crazy for???"

I need an "A is for Ashley" letterman jacket or sweater.  Truthfully, I am super in love with the pullover with the huge "A" in the center.  This shirt will be mine.  Oh yes, it will be mine.  But I don't want to spend $20 on it.  Luckily, my smart roommate Kyla says "Ashley, you know how to sew...Why don't you make it!"  Why didn't I think of that?!  Friends, I am making myself this sweater this weekend.  I know, I know.  I can hear what some of you guys are thinking "Ashley, you are going to look like a lost Weasley kid, especially with your red hair!" or "Ashley, you are not a Chipmunk!"

My response to those statements: I don't care!  This is happening.  I'll just be really easy to spot on campus/in public.

The fall weather that we've been having the past couple of the days has put me into a Fall Frenzy.  I want to wear cardigans, knitted caps, and comfy scarves to class.  I want to drink pumpkin spice lattes while eating apple pie.  I want to wear an "A is for Ashley" shirt while drinking a pumpkin spice latte.  I absolutely love fall.

Anyone else crazy for a ridiculous trend?  Or is as excited as me about fall?

Things I Love Thursday - September 1st!

Source: weheartit.com via Savona on Pinterest

I can't believe that its September!   Where did this year go???  I like comparing my life from this time last year to where I am now.  Its a big improvement!  But that will be another blog entry!  This is what's good in my life this week:

• This is my second week of my final semester as an Undergraduate!  Last week, I was very resistant with the whole "going back to school" business.  This week, however, I feel recharged and excited knowing that this is it.  I have been diving head first into my homework and keeping up on my readings.  I pretty much live at the library.  Today I gave myself the day off from the library to do studying elsewhere.  I might hit up a coffee shop or a different library (NERD!) just for the change of scenery.
• Being a grown-up.   I know, calling myself a "grown-up" is not very mature, but I still feel like a kid playing house when I am at my apartment.  Paying rent?  Cooking food (not Ramen or Easy Mac)?  Making coffee before my commute to school in the morning?  Oh yes, I am doing all of these things!  
• A weekend at home!  Last weekend, I went home for an extended stay for the first time in a really long time!  The first night I went out with my BFFs to celebrate BFF Kara's birthday (Ashley, we missed you!) and it was a very indulgent night!  We went to Bailey's Chocolate Bar and reviewed predictions we made for ourselves last December.  Some of them were spot on!  We amended our old predictions for when we meet for dinner at the Cheesecake Factory in December!  The rest of the weekend, I hung out with my family, and that was really nice!  I enjoy hanging out with my family!
• Getting excited about the fall!  I love fall!  I am getting excited about drinking Apple Cider, eating Apple Pie, and wearing cute clothes!  I love love love fall!

Multimedia that made me laugh/smile:

THIS VIDEO

Favorite part of the video! (From here)

I have a tumblr addiction...(from here)

(This song is still one of my favorites!)

Little Things:

"Next thing you'll know, you will find out he has a concave chest and you will eat cereal out of it!" * Drinking delicious tea with Kyla and Sarah at the MudLounge * Seeing a lot of my old residents on campus and having great conversations with them * Bumping into people I haven't seen in ages * "You sounded like a raging Marxist" * Tweeting about being a raging Marxist and receiving a reply from TwitterJosephMcCarthy (!!!) * "We're a better team than...Ummm...Tom and Jerry?...A better team than...umm...Noah and Allie???" * Making time to read for fun (On the reading list: Half Asleep in Frog Pajamas) * Also, making time to write for fun * Being in love with life!

From here

TILT: Mermaid hair and Summer Skin

Source: soul-surfer.tumblr.com via Laura on Pinterest

So summer break is officially over.  Summer is my favorite, and I don't want it to end (I use #summerforever all the time on Tumblr.  FOR REAL).  I am trying to extend the summer by being out in the sun as much as possible (which means I am peach colored, not translucent) and re-dying my hair Ariel-red.  I love summer.

While I am lamenting the end of summer, the end of summer does mean one thing: School is back in session!  This week was my last first week of school!  I am so excited about finally finally finally finishing my undergraduate degree.  I have a shining future ahead: Graduate school, crippling student loan debt, and probable unemployment.  But I will be living some place where it is summer forever (hopefully!).

The end of summer also meant the end of my summer internship.  Working at the History Museum was a lot of fun and a different experience from any other job I had.  I mostly worked independently and out of site from most people.  This may sound horrible, but it was actually really nice.  Since my summer job involved working with people (usually unhappy people), working on a computer in a corner was actually pleasant.  I became a data input-er extraordinaire and developed a new found appreciation for Springfield (guys, I know).  Also, I found a fun name: Matthias Gish Moist, the head of the Moist Family.  I am easily amused.

Today, I get to go home for the weekend!  It's going to be great to see my family and friends!  I am going specifically to celebrate my friend Kara's birthday.  We are going to eat our weight in chocolate.  

Small things:

Eating cake for breakfast * Seeing a lot of friends on campus * Getting cozy in the library for the semester * Buying everything in bulk at Sam's Club * Finding the best chocolate chip cookie recipe (Ghiradelli is my favorite right now) *  Listening to PlayRadioPlay! and Phantom Planet obsessively because it reminds me of being 20 * Snarky cross-stitching * Pretentious Mondays (bring you snobbery and fancy things!) * Spontaneity 

Unrelated: I am creating a graduation bucket list.  If there are things I should do before I graduate, let me know!  I only have two things on my list!

TILT: Overwhelming feelings of Positivity!

This week has been a pretty fantastic week.  A lot of good things are coming my way, I can feel it!

Today, I had a very positive meeting with my internship adviser.  Today was my mid-term review of my internship, and it was great!  I am really glad that my supervisor thinks I am doing well and likes having me work at the museum.  I also have my degree audit in line.  I (unfortunately) have to take another Spanish class (I have 11 credit hours...I need 12...)  BUT I am officially ready to graduate!  I am so excited!!!  Pink, glittery shoes, here I come!

Last Friday night was absolutely outrageous.  I went out with a group of people to Piano Bar, which I don't go to very often (usually its not a lot of fun).  This trip, however, was just ridiculous!  I won a free drink because I knew a trivia question (I should have a degree in Pop Culture with a minor in Useless Information, because that is all I seem to know - I'm great for trivia teams!), got high fives from the piano players, and got a fun nickname from the main piano player.  The night ended with Kyla and I laughing really hard and obnoxiously and then deciding that we want to be like Draco Malfoy.  

Also, I would like to point out that this has been the best summer I have had in a couple of years.  Although I have been working a lot of ridiculous hours, I still had a ton of fun.  I've made a lot of new friends and tried a lot of new things.  All in all, this summer has been a success!  No Bummer Summer!

Small things:
Banana Bread! * Watching The Flight of the Conchords and getting sad that I do not have season two * Day dreaming of California and Disneyland * Roommate "Get Healthy" Pact * Getting a hair cut * Sushi with lots of wasabi * S'mores! * Wearing lots of purple * Having a promising future

Words of Wisdom:

It is really easy to get caught up in negativity.  But there is always something good that comes out of not so positive experiences.  THIS IS SO CLICHE, I know! But it is true!

And now your moment of Zen:

Beluga Whale dancing to a Mariachi Band. BEST THING EVER.

TILT: Apartment Life!

Source: flickr.com via Ashley on Pinterest

It is officially August.  Where did this summer go?  Time has certainly flown by.  School is coming up soon, and I am panicking!  I don't want summer to end!  But, there are plenty of wonderful things to celebrate.

Coincidentally, these are the same rules Kyla and I have for our apartment

I absolutely love my apartment. I finally have a bed, which means I can sleep there now.  There are so many things I want to do to beautify my room.  For example, I now am a proud owner of an old metal bed frame and I want to paint it a crazy color...Maybe pink?  At this rate, my room is going to look like a bedroom for a 5 year old but I don't care!  I also want to make a quilt and throw pillows!  Will I have time?  Probably not.  But I can dream!

I am also excited about cooking.  Having a kitchen is the best!  I just want to put on my apron and make pie and dinosaur-shaped cookies.  I can't wait until we have time to have an apartment warming party!  Its gonna be fantastic!  Basically, I am turning into a domestic diva.  I don't mind!


Small Things:
Getting paid to watch Arrested Development * Black Cherry Lemonade * Nutella * LOL-ing to A Very Potter Sequel with Kyla * Free Sushi * Having a beautifully organized closet * Curly hair * Lots of hours at work * New blog background * Opportunities to nap today * The apartment the apartment the apartment!  I can't say it enough!

“The aim of life is to live, and to live means to be aware, joyously, drunkenly, serenely, divinely aware.” - Henry Miller

What is My Life?

"WHAT IS MY LIFEEEE???" is something I ask myself frequently.  Usually, its part of my internal monologue.  Once in a while, I vocalize it and follow the statement with "I feel like I'm taking crazy pills!"

A lot of things are coming up.  BIG THINGS.  Graduate school application deadlines (!!!) are coming up quick.  I need to finish getting my stuff together so I can actually graduate.  I also need to figure out where I am going to live and HOW I'm going to do it.  I  barely was able to move myself down to Springfield, which is only a three hour drive from home.  How will I move myself across the country? So many questions!

How do I get this life?

Sometimes (actually all of the time) I like to make alternative plans.  These plans tend to be crazy and unrealistic or drab and underachieving.  The latter is because its the easy way out (aka: "if nothing goes right, this is my plan z").  The former is my favorite, but its usually a waste of time.  For example, here are a few of my fun alternate plans:

• Become a face character at Disneyland.  Preferably Ariel or Mary Poppins
• Pick up all of my stuff and move to LA and attend Graduate School online
• Become a professional pie maker 
• Backpack across Europe
• Learn how to hula hoop with hoops that are ON FIRE.  Join a carnival.  Go to Burning Man?
• Live a penniless existence in Chicago and work at a vintage store downtown
• Live in a musical.  Preferably A Very Potter Musical

Unrealistic.  

Embarrassing Unrelated Fact: I like to think about fictional characters that I can relate with.  Usually, it's Disney characters.  Lately, I feel more like Rolly from 101 Dalmations instead of Belle (who I relate with the most).  Why Rolly?  I feel like the most common phrase that comes out of my mouth at least five times daily is "But I'm still hungry!" And then I ask myself "What is my lifeeee?"  I am so glad I was able to bring that full circle.

Things I Love Thursday: 7-29-2011

One day, I will remember to post this on a Thursday!  So, here's whats good!

• The Apartment.  Oh, the apartment is wonderful.  There are still a few key pieces missing (like A BED) but its coming along nicely!  The other night I made panini sandwiches, and I felt like a true adult.  Kyla and I also went on a shopping trip to Sam's Club and bought a lot of great things (like wine! And a year supply of toilet paper!).  Pictures soon, I promise!
• My friend/former co-worker Kelli is in town!  I got to see her last night with a lot of my favorite people.  I miss seeing her everyday and laughing all the time.  
• THE FUTURE.  I am always excited about the future.  I might be visiting Arizona in a couple months for a campus visit!  I can't wait!  I've been using my tumblr to look at images of Tucson for the past couple of months and the city looks beautiful! 
• The other night, I watched A Very Potter Musical.  I then had the strange urge to roll around on the floor like Draco Malfoy.  Like so:

Small Things Worth Mentioning:

Making amazing playlists for my iPod. * Smiling a lot * Laughing about awkward moments (there have been a lot of them lately.  All of which are HILARIOUS) * Having crazy red hair * Social Outings * Free things!

Words of Wisdom

Source: allposters.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Rhett Butler is my favorite movie scoundrel. Actually, Clark Gable is my favorite scoundrel but he plays Rhett Butler, so they are one and the same in my eyes.  Anyhow, I think this is my favorite piece of movie advice.

Clearly, I would take Rhett over Ashley Wilkes any day.  I don't get Ashley's appeal.  He is the oldest 18 year old I have ever seen!  And so boring!  SO BORING!  Ashley seems like someone who neither knows how to kiss nor would kiss often.

TILT (or TILS???)

Source: tumblr.com via Nick on Pinterest

Friends, my days are so confused, its not even funny.  Its Saturday?  How did this happen?  I thought Tuesday was Friday, and today feels like Wednesday!  I just don't even know sometimes!  Anyhow, here is my very belated Things I Love Thursday!

The keys to my place!

• Moving in!  Kyla and I finally signed our lease and moved in this week!  I still have to make a trip home to pick up important things (Microwave, cheese dome, etc) but our place is really coming together!  I am in love with our apartment (for reals!)  I also love that Kyla shares the same affinity for decorating and enthusiasm over the idea of purchasing a lazy susan.  
• Applying for jobs.  I am sure this will turn into a hate soon, but I have high hopes and aspirations!  
• Silver Dollar City!  On my only day off last week, three of my friends and I went to Silver Dollar City to help my friend Sarah conquer her fears of upside down roller coasters!  I'm so proud!  After conquering her fears, we went on almost every ride and ate funnel cake!  Nothing is better than eating funnel cake at an amusement park!  Small accomplishment for myself: I did not get sunburned!  SUCCESS!
• My mom got accepted into graduate school!  She is getting her doctorate!  I'm so proud and excited for her!
• Realizing the summer is almost over.  This is actually bitter sweet, to be honest.  This summer has really blown by!  I am excited to finally (finally) finish college this next semester, but the end of summer means sending out my graduate school applications and figuring out where I am going to live!  SCARY!
• Along with realizing that time is slipping through my fingers, I have also come up with many alternative plans for the future.  The future is limitless! 

Small Things:

Manifesting what I desire * Rapping along to Nicki Minaj in my car * Cheeky shenanigans * Bonding with my coworkers * Getting a great deal on a sun dress (50% off!) * Sushi! (I had it four times within the last week! Eep!) * Writing notes to myself on heart shaped post-its * Craft nights * Laughing until my stomach hurts * Curly hair * Getting along with children * Free ice cream * Eerily accurate horoscopes * Gawking at Lee Pace and James McAvoy (as always) 

Link Love:
PROCRASTINATION
Ten Movies that would be Better with DINOSAURS
Mommy and Baby Lions!!!

Words of Wisdom:

It's Monday. Sometimes it is hard to get back into the work groove after a wonderful weekend. Follow this advice:

Source: asset.soup.io via Sandy on Pinterest

Chocolate is always the answer.  You know in your heart that this is true.

I Love:

Via ssilverspoon.tumblr.com

Its Thursday!  And this week I have a LOT of love to share!  I am feeling much more invigorated and healthy than last week (No longer sick! No flat tire! Not sleep deprived!)  Without further ado, here are the things I love this Thursday:

*I went home over the weekend to spend time with my family and friends.  It was great to see everyone and eat a ton of delicious food (guys, I did eat approximately 2,000 lbs of food).  Its always sad to leave after a weekend of fun, especially when the time was not long enough to spend with everyone!  But I did see a lot of people that matter a lot to me!

*Fourth of July shenanigans!  Kyla and I decided to dress for the occassion (it wasn't a hard decision to make).  I was America, and she was a Firework!  I wish I had pictures of our outfits, but I do have a picture of my Rosie the Riveter hair that I did five minutes before leaving!

We Can Do It!

Video I watched and learned from:

*Getting closure.  I was having doubts about making the right choice, and after having a long discussion, all uncertainty was erased.  Closure is always a good thing!

Small Fun Things:

Hula Hooping/Jump Roping to Disney Dubstep * Feeling productive at my job and internship * Greek Yogurt in bulk * Walking a lot * Nicki Minaj * Fake Tan (as always) * Finding a face scrub that I like * Videos by Jenna Marbles * Lunch with Celia on Saturday!!! * Letter making with Kyla and Sarah! * Plans for myself * Hello Giggles

I think a lot of my loves are repeats, but its always worth mentioning again!  

Also, you should follow my tumblr if you don't already.  I adore tumblr!

Greek Yogurt, Pie, and hula hoops!

Source: moderncharcoal.blogspot.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Summer is in full swing.  I can't believe how fast its going by!  I've been super busy with work and preparing for the graduate school application process (its time consuming, let me tell you!).  Anyhow, these are things that I loved the past couple of weeks:

My new obsession is Greek Yogurt.  However, Greek Yogurt and I did not have a love at first site experience.  Oh, no.  Not even close.  My first reaction was sheer discuss and my taste buds hid in terror.  However, I had one more container in my fridge (I bought two: one plain, one honey).  The next morning, I ate the plain yogurt but sweetened it with Splenda.  THAT, my friends, is what changed my mind.  Also, the plain yogurt has a better flavor than the premixed honey flavor.  Now, I mix the yogurt, splenda, some blueberries, and Kashi Golden Goodness cereal to make a breakfast parfait in the mornings.  BEST EASY BREAKFAST EVER.

My breakfast!

Over the weekend, my BFF Kara came and visited me!  We had a super over-indulgent time with each other!  It was a nice break from work (even though I did have work during her visit).  I enjoy and appreciate my friendships, and it makes me happy that we all still have time to visit each other even though we live far away and have jobs!

My roommate and I got our Apartment placement and timeline for when we can move in!  I am very excited that its finally happening!

Small Things:
Making alternate life plans that includes eating pie everyday * Hula hooping everyday * Jump roping everyday * Gelato, Crepes, and Italian food * Dreaming about my Graduation shoes (I can't decorate my cap!) * My Spanish Transcripts FINALLY transferred over * Pink hair envy * Being a long distance dating coach/cheerleader

I've been MIA

Source: weheartit.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Friends, I apologize for being MIA.  I have been super busy working and interning; any free time I had was devoted to studying for the GRE or catching up on sleep (four hours a night is average for me).  However, I should not be as tied up anymore.

• I took the GRE last week.  It was the hardest thing I've done in my life.  I never plan on taking it again.  
• Since the GRE, I have been rather under the weather.  I have truly burned the candles at both ends.  My body wants a break from everything, it seems.
• I am going home this weekend for the first time in months!  Its a much needed break for myself.

Overall, things have been great, but super busy.  Hopefully I will start feeling better, soon!

In the mean time, I've been dreaming of moving, working on my fake tan, and trying to be in love with life.

Source: i49.tinypic.com via Ashley on Pinterest

June 16th TILT

Happy Thursday!  I've been nothing but busy this last week (I haven't had a true day off in over a week!), but I have plenty of things to be happy about!

Source: beautifulthingstoshare.blogspot.com via Justine on Pinterest

• I love being busy.  I've been super busy with work and the internship and studying for the GRE.  In fact, I take the GRE next week!!!  I am terrified to take it, but I can't wait until I do not have to worry about it anymore!
• Dressing professionally for work.  I love wearing slacks and button up shirts.  I think its a very classy style choice.
• Pineapple Whip!  There are these little stands that come out during the summer in Springfield, and they carry my favorite thing to eat!  Pineapple Whip is a fantastic pineapple flavored whipped ice treat that is completely vegan!  I am absolutely crazy about it!
• Mermaid aspirations.  Unrealistic, yes.  I have long dreamed about having mermaid-like hair.  Today, I gave myself a Mermaid-tip manicure (light pink base, glittery blue-green tips)
• Making homemade enchiladas.  I do not have a kitchen, and I really wanted to make something for dinner.  I hijacked a friend's kitchen and made homemade enchiladas.  My friends loved it!  And you know whats better than homemade enchiladas?  LEFTOVER ENCHILADAS!

Small Things:

Hanging out with friends * planning shenanigans * appreciating my sleep in time * curly hair * This text: " Remember your exboyfriend that used to go out and fight crime at night? And compared himself to Edward Cullen? Hahaha...I miss you" * Knowing that when I put something into the universe, the universe will throw it back * Dreaming about endless summer (Arizona, Hawaii, I'm looking at you!) * Gala Darling's articles on Blogger Beauty (1 & 2) * 

LUCK - NYC Wedding Proposal from Aria Melody DJ on Vimeo.

June 9th TILT - Curly hair, success, and James Mcavoy

Source: maluna.tumblr.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Hi Friends!  This week has been a pretty darn good week!  Keeping myself busy and focusing on my goals really, truly makes me feel good (especially when I am successful with what I set out to do).

So, here's WHATS GOOD!

• Over the weekend, my friend Stephanie came and visited me!  We had a really ridiculous time together.  We witnessed a bachelorette party form a conga line to cross a street...and a police officer escorted them!  This town is ridiculous!
• Crossing off EVERYTHING off of my massive to do list!  Feels SO GOOD to do it!
• I started prepping for the GRE, which is a very daunting task.  I took a practice exam before I started reading my book, and I did not do as well as I had hoped.  But, I've been studying everyday for an extensive period of time!  So, I think I will do fine when the 23rd rolls around!
• This week I started volunteering at the history museum.  I really really enjoy it!  Right now I've only done inventory, but I am very excited about the other tasks that I will do in the future!
• I found a way to make my hair curly without curlers or a curling iron!  Below is a picture of my hair, and the video I used!

My curly hair and museum attire!

Small Things:

Looking at James Mcavoy and Lee Pace * Listening to Disney Pandora while relaxing in my bathrobe * Meeting interesting people at Bread Co * People watching * Dressing professionally * Getting apartment business figured out and finished (hopefully!) *  Playing a blank cd and discovering a mix I made in the 8th grade (Bands included: The Ataris, Taking Back Sunday, Green Day) * I got a tumblr, and I am absolutely ADDICTED  * 

What do you love this week?

Getting my sh*t together

Source: tracizeller.com via Lindsay on Pinterest

Reader, these past couple of months for me has been a fail.  This past academic year killed me.  So, these last few weeks, I've been barely functioning like I should.  However, today feels much different.  I finally feel like I am energized and ready to tackle all of the things I've been putting off.

What I have done:

• I FINALLY registered for the GRE.  I will be taking it at the end of the month.  My prep includes studying for the exam everyday for a minimum of three hours a day (spread out throughout the day).  Taking this test makes me absolutely nervous!  Its a very expensive test, so I NEED to do well on it the first time so I don't have to take it ever again.  And, I obviously need to do well so I can get into school.
• Played with my schedule for my final semester of school.  Double check to see everything is in line.  Fix everything that needs to be in line.
• Attempt to get my apartment stuff in line.  
• Completely unpacked and organized my summer room (it was BAD for such a long time, let me tell you)
• Got my summer job and volunteering in line.
• Wrote detailed to do lists for each school that I am applying to.  My first deadline is September 1st!  Its very exciting, but very scary at the same time.  Mostly on the scary side because this is my future!

It feels good to be productive and positive again.  These next few months are going to fly by fast, so I really need to get a hold on EVERYTHING! 

Graduate School: Deciding Where to Live

www.marriedtothesea.com

Applying for graduate schools is coming up quick.  If you have been reading my blog since the beginning, you may have noticed that my list of graduate schools keeps changing.  Over the past six months or so, a lot of things in my life have changed, so the things I want for myself has changed with it.  I am definitely in a different place in my life than I was in January.  I now have a better opportunity to branch out and live somewhere completely foreign and outside of my comfort zone.

I have lived in Missouri for the last 10 years, so I do want to leave the state.  Before moving to Missouri, I grew up in California.  Although I love California, I do not think this is the time for me to move back there.  My choices for graduate schools are limited.  Only 60-ish schools offer an ALA (American Library Association) accredited degree program.  The limitations are a blessing and a curse: It narrows down the schools by a lot, but not all of the locations are places that I want to live.

At the moment, I have a list of the top 25 schools posted on my wall.  I have also compiled a list of ideal living conditions.  For instance, I want to live somewhere that does not have snow as part of the weather.   I also want to live in a bigger city with a diverse population.  A great public transportation system would be great since I absolutely HATE driving.  I also do not plan on living in the city I attend graduate school permanently (mainly because I want to travel and not get tied down to just one place).

With the following criteria, I have narrowed down (again) the following schools: University of Hawaii, University of Arizona, and Florida State University.  All places experience absolutely no snow, which makes me very happy!

University of Hawaii:

Source: flickr.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Clearly, Hawaii is very beautiful.  I actually created a Hawaii vision board on Pinterest to imagine living there. The downsides of going to Hawaii is that it is VERY expensive to move and live there.  Also, I would be thousands of miles away from my immediate family.  I do have some extended family that lives over there, so it would be great to visit and get to know them better.  Also, I really do like the program offered at University of Hawaii.  And, the campus is absolutely beautiful and breathtaking.  This is my first choice because I think it would be an amazing experience for me to partake in and will challenge me to be more independent and brave.

University of Arizona

From the UA website

From what I can see from the internet, Tucson is very beautiful and so is the University of Arizona campus.  I think overall, this campus and city would be the wisest choice for me to make.  The city is very big.  Oh, and since its part of a desert climate, snow is not normally part of the weather pattern.  I am close to California so I can visit my family.  The tuition and cost of living is not outrageous like Hawaii.  I like this school a lot, but it does not captivate me like the idea of moving to Hawaii.

Florida State University

This school is in Tallahasse, Florida.  Its population is about 100,000 people.  The city dynamic is definitely a lot smaller than what I would like.  However, the campus of the school is absolutely breathtaking and the city looks very charming.  I am also fond of the program.

My issue is that I really like all three of these schools, and if/when I get accepted to these schools, I do not know which one I would chose to attend.  This graduate school process is absolutely daunting.  This is two years of my life!  So, we will see what happens!  As the months progress and I turn in all of my applications, I will find out where I will go!