Mid-Week Confessions

These are my confessions...

1. I used to absolutely love the song "Confessions" by Usher. Thus the reason for the cheesy intro to this post. In fact, I think I will search for that CD - yes, CD - and listen to it on the way to work tomorrow morning.

2. I had a small panic attack when I found out that I now weigh 192 pounds. Yes, I am 31 weeks pregnant. Yes, I know this is normal. Yes, I know I am six feet tall. Finally, yes, I know that most of this is Hank, amniotic fluid, etc. Still, as a first time pregnant momma it is a somewhat shocking to step on the scale and see that number climbing. On the positive side, my doctor says I am completely healthy and this means good things for my little man!

3. Lately, I have been viciously taking advantage of the "pregnancy" card. My students have fallen prey to this card on a daily basis. I mean, how often will I be able to do this? It's completely harmless...right? :)

4. I am OBSESSED with the reality show, Dance Moms. Here are some reasons why this is a guilty confession:

• It is on Lifetime - a.k.a the "he-done-her-wrong-channel", a term coined by my nana.
• If you haven't seen it, it's basically about these 8-9 year old dancers who are incredibly taltented and they are coached by crazy Abby Lee. She is unrealistically evil and manipulative.
• Most of the drama revolves around the even more manipulative mothers. Oh wow...if I ever remotely come close to acting like that, someone tranquilize me stat.

5. Catalog jealousy has set in for me. As I receive all of these catalogs and e-mails featuring the cute and colorful spring collections for some of my favorite stores, it makes me hope that these outfits will still be around post-Hank's debut so that I can wear them! I honestly cannot even look at them anymore...it's too hard to know I can't be a part of their world right now. Geeze, what is this, cheesy song lyric day?

Mid-Week Confessions

Okay, so this is more like a mid-week,end of the week confession, but nevertheless, confessions shall be made!

1. After I cooked an entire meal for us last night, I decided it was an excellent idea to try out this cookie recipe that I had found on Pinterest ( I mean where else would I find anything?). About halfway through the process, I realized that this was indeed a terrible idea. My almost seven month pregnant body started to shut down. Seriously, I was spilling ingredients every where and dropping measuring cups and cookie batter as well. Thank goodness for my amazing husband who stepped in to finish the process. If it weren't for him the kitchen would be a war zone of hazardous cookie batter and spatulas.

2. Some mornings, this one included, I plan my morning routine around getting a yummy coffee fix at one of my many choices. Decaf. of course! Today it was Dunkin Donuts. An even juicier confession: I was once doing this three times a week.

3. I have a personal fashion adviser. His name is Mike. He is my husband. That man answers more fashion-related questions every morning that most men will ever answer in their lifetime. I think this morning's question revolved around my choice of scarf.

4. I adore filling out forms. I know, seriously, who likes that? I love using just the perfect pen and making my writing as neat as I can. For instance, I have a crib warranty form just waiting to be inked to perfection. I think there may be money to be made in such a fetish.

5. I have at least one dream a week in which people will not listen to anything I am saying. I am most certain that this stems from my profession as a high school teacher.

Well, I must say, these confessions are pretty darn fun! For more fun, check out a great blog: www.emyselfandi.com (see below).

On my Soapbox....

Yesterday, I started off my Fourth of July with a bang! A bang of inspiration via an article in the Chattanooga Times Free Press that is. You can check it out here if you are interested in understanding what my ranting letter (to be included in this post) is all about...haha...

"Best Town Ever? Thanks but no thanks"

I was so amazed that someone could take an honor and turn it in to a "lie" that I composed this pretty piece of rebuttal and have been literally sending it and posting it everywhere I possibly can. This action may make me seem like a lunatic, but heck, it's the summer and what else do I really have to do with my time besides complete my Dog Days of Summer List (see previous blog post)?

So, if you are interested in an opinion piece in response to the article linked above, read on....

As I was preparing to make my hamburger patties this Fourth of July, I stopped for a coffee and Chattanooga Times Free Press break on my couch. While scanning the pages, I noted David Cook’s article “The Best Town Ever? Thanks but no thanks”. This article was written in response to the recent award bestowed upon our Scenic City by Outside Magazine; a publication focused on all that is outdoors.

After Chattanooga had been initially chosen for this award, I was excited and proud of the city I call home. Therefore, one could imagine that I became a little defensive when Mr. Cook alluded to the fact that we would be lying if we accepted this award. He stated that we could make a “grocery list of the problems we face in this city” and that we do not deserve this award. I am sure the other cities in this competition could make a list of those same issues as well. Chattanooga is not perfect, and no town is for that matter. However, can we not rise out of the muck and mire of our problems for a moment and celebrate the positive opportunities that Chattanooga has to offer?

            Outside Magazine does not focus on social issues, violence, or politics, unless they are related to the outdoors. What the publication does offer though is an escape, just as the great outdoors do. We are fortunate in Chattanooga to have beautiful mountains and valleys full of biking and hiking trails, along with rivers and lakes to enjoy as well. I do not agree with ignoring our troubles, but is it really so bad to relish some news coverage that is not saturated with problems, politics, and pain? I actually smiled a little bit when I read the article about Chattanooga receiving this award.

            I do not think that this award makes Chattanoogans less dependent on one another. As Mr. Cook stated, we are a town of givers and doers as seen in the aftermath of the April tornadoes. However, could we not just hang this award on the wall of fame in addition to everything else that Chattanooga has to offer? Let us step up to the podium, accept the award, and then make a long speech, not only about the landscape and beauty of Chattanooga, but also about its amazing citizens. This is our platform and our time – no need to stop when the music cue comes on – stay in the spotlight, Chattanooga. It is where you belong.

Alright, time to go organize the kitchen and unwind...haha

Hasta la Vista,

Ashley

Resolutions...so far...

Thanks to a nice snow storm, I received a wonderful 10 day break from teaching and coaching. That, as one can imagine, allowed me a lovely amount of time to begin working on my resolutions. Here's how I have done so far...

1. READ, READ, READ - I am definitely reading more...yay! Mike and I started a plan to read the Bible in a year and so far we are almost done with Genesis. Interested? Try this link: http://www.ewordtoday.com/year/.

2. Cook More - Since Christmas break, I have been in a cooking frenzy! Here's what's on the menu tonight:

Beef Tagine with Butternut Squash

Just what is a "tagine"  (tay-jeen)?

Any of various Moroccan stews featuring meat or poultry gently simmered with vegetables, olives, preserved lemons, garlic and spices like cumin, ginger, pepper, saffron and turmeric. Tagines are often served with couscous.

You really do learn something new every day!

3. Do More for Others: Inspired by the story of Cami Walker (see video below), I decided to try to give 29 gifts in 29 days. I started out pretty good with three gifts in three days, but then I fell off the train. So, I have decided to not pressure myself, because that's not the point of the exercise. Instead, I will try to give a gift everyday and if one day I cannot, then I will try the next day. Regardless, it gets the attention off of me - so often I worry about ME, ME, ME for absolutely no reason. The feeling I get from giving to another, whether it be an object, help, or simply time is so much better than harping on the same things day to day and essentially beating myself up. 

4. 5K Training and Yoga - due to my "snowcation" last week, I was able to work out quite a bit! No running - this girl DOES NOT run in the snow, however some of my neighbors are apparently more hardcore than I am! I ran one race last Valentine's Day (5K, Cupid's Chase) and it was in the snow. I finished but it was so miserably cold! 

 

Since my last post, my wonderful husband suggested that we start training for a mini-triathlon seeing as though I have a rockin' bike now thanks to him! I will try to keep my audience up to date on how the training is going!

 

Me and My Awesome Bike!!!

  Till then, 

Ashaleeeeee

Funny the Way It Is...

This post marks my first official one of 2011. Wow...can you believe it? It seems like just yesterday I was graduating high school and celebrating my upcoming collegiate freedom. Now here I am...and ADULT. Let me tell you though, I don't feel it a bit. I am not sure if it's my job, seeing as though I spend the majority of my hours weekly with teenagers, or if it's my husband, constantly making me laugh and try new things, but whatever it is - it's working. I think it's fun that at the age of 27, which is not old by any means, I can still feel 21, minus the stupid ideas and too many drinks of course.

With that said, it has taken me nine days, but I have developed some goals for the new year. (I have decided that I am against the term "resolution", due to the overuse and lack of attention these "resolutions" receive).




Might I add, these are in no particular order...

1. Try not to use my cell phone while driving : I am very against texting with driving, but I am now going to start limiting myself to how often I talk while driving. It's scary to think that I am operating a heavy, fast vehicle and holding an in-depth conversation at the same time. This might be toughest goal, as absurd as all this sounds.

2. Run more 5k's and work my way back to 10k's: I may just have to start sucking it up in this cold weather...minus tomorrow and the impending blizzard.

3. Try to take at least one yoga class a week:  Yoga has become a new interest for me, along with my husband. I feel like I have a knowledge and skill base, but I just want to up it a notch. A class or two might just do the trick!

4. Read, read, read, read....: I got a Nook for Christmas and even though I thought I was a traditional paper and cover book lover, I have to say that it is awfully nice to carry three books around with me at once and not feel the weight of it. Currently reading: Committed by Elizabeth Gilbert (follow-up to Eat, Pray, Love), Dead to the World by Charlaine Harris( this is my easy, mindless read and it is in the series of books that the Showtime series True Blood is based on), and My Life in France, which is Julia Child's memoir.

5. Snowboard out West: this goal is kind of cheating because we planned this trip before the New Year, but cut me some slack...haha...In March, me and Mike, along with his sister and brother-in-law, our good friend Allie and a few others are heading out to Big Sky, Montana to snowboard and enjoy the amazing country for a few days. Here's what I will be dealing with...what a shame...

6. COOK MORE! : Over Christmas break, I got to cook a lot of new and exciting recipes. I am already craving extra time after coaching season is over to cook more and more and more! I am out of school and coaching tomorrow though, so I thinking about making these to start the day:

How good would those be with a warm coffee and season 2 of Dawson's Creek - thanks to my awesome sister!!!


7. Create a focus for my blog: while I enjoy my random postings, I would really like to have a focus that would keep me coming writing everyday, or at least as much as I could. Any suggestions????

8. Do more for others: Often I feel that I focus so much on me each and everyday that I get sucked into this terminal "Ashley" bubble. I would really like to do more for other people more often. Not anything major or earth-shattering, but I would like to keep the following in mind: be a better listener, help make my husband's day bright and cheery always, help others out more often, and so on...

I am currently also reading (non-Nook): 29 Gifts in 29 Days by Cami Walker - a true, amazing story!http://www.29gifts.org/

So there are my goals, for now. I will try my best to keep my small, but awesome audience up-to-date about how I am doing!

Till then,


Ashley

A Month!!!

I absolutely cannot believe that it has been almost one month since I have written a blog post! Between the amazing life of being Mike's wife :), traveling, fun times with friends, and of course working ridiculous hours Monday through Friday, I guess I have been a busy bee.

Work shall be my subject of blogging this evening - why you might ask? Well, because it's basically what I eat, breathe, and sometimes even sleep during the weekdays. The transition from a block schedule (teaching three 90 min. classes) to a seven-period day (55 min. classes) has been....different. I thought teaching had it's struggles on a block schedule, but wow, was I in for a shock. Try doubling the students and halving the plan time...can I get a "Yay!"? Yeah, definitely not from me.

However, in the spirit of thankfulness I have decided to not devote this posting to the practice of "venting" but to instead list the reasons "Why I Teach". The reasons why we each chose our professions in the first place and why we continue to show up each day (other than those things called bills) are often lost in the dust of deadlines, complaints, frustration, and busy workweeks. I'll give it my best shot though...

1. Cheese Warning - No matter whether I realize or not, every day, I have an influence on someone. Maybe it's a smile in the hallway or a congratulations for a job well done on a quiz or test. Heck, it could even be a reprimand for poor choices or rudeness (which happens a lot). Regardless, that kid remembers me for even  thirty minutes - I made them think about something or got them to smile. As a teacher, you NEVER realize the impact meaningless things (to you) can mean to a child.

2. I absolutely adore literature. It moves me and when it really moves me, it is apparent to my students (at least I hope it is). For instance, we are currently studying Emerson and Thoreau in my American Literature classes. Inspiration, much??? Those two men provided us with hundreds of quotes we still use and apply to our lives today.

3. One Word: SOAPBOX. Yep, I've got a big one at the front of my room and I use it about daily. When you teach English, it never fails that a current event or controversial issue will arise. I think of this as my time to get out my thoughts and opinions and also listen to those of a generation who experiencing events I never thought of...and I am not that far off from some of them. And let me tell you, there are some SMART teenagers out there. Seriously, even those you might see haunting the mall on Fridays...yep, I have some of those...and they have some interesting ideas and excellent input too!

4. Plan Period: Yeah, I know it's work time, but I do quite enjoy when my classroom is empty, I can play my music and complete melt into my chair and make lesson plans, grade, or read for upcoming assignments. This is totally my decompression period of the day.

5. Humor: A lot...all day long. It's how I maintain my sanity and attempt to make school fun. No, that is not an oxymoron.

6. I am my students. Let me elaborate. The same exact things I get on to them about doing are the things I do. I LOVE to talk...laugh...and get irritated when someone is making me do something that I find "pointless". Therefore, I can't help but find the irony in this. The only issue is that I have a little more weight than my students do when it comes to choices...haha...but really, if you teach, think about it? Are you your students???


Alright, enough for now...however, I am thinking this might be an interesting book. A compilation of anecdotes and one-liners about why teachers "TEACH".

Adios :)

Obsessions....

I am not sure if it is because I have an "obsessive" personality per say or if I just really get attached to things, but I use the phrase, "Oh, I am obsessed with that..." quite frequently. The thing is, 99% of the time I actually am infatuated with whatever "it" is. Whether it be a singer, band, food, drink, restaurant, workout, clothing item, makeup, book, blah, blah, blah....you can bet that at one time or another I have referred to it  as such. And since it has been SO long since my last blog, I have decided to combine six blogs into one and speak on my.....

CURRENT OBSESSIONS

(In no particular order)

1. Jillian Michaels

My girl, Jillian, ballin it up...

Alright, I know everyone either LOVES Jillian Michaels or HATES Jillian Michaels. I definitely fall into the LOVE category. Actually, OBSESSION, right? ;) I started Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred DVD last year and loved it. Then I found more and more and more and more DVD's, OnDemand Workouts, and even Wii games, yay! 

She may appear harsh and tough sometimes, but that's what we all need to get our butts into shape these days. Her methods and mentality about eating and exercise are incredibly simple and healthy. Personally, she is my fitness role model...sniff, sniff...

Now she even has Yoga Meltdown - for anyone who thinks yoga is for the birds, check this out:  

 

You know I can totally do this already.

2. Lady Gaga

Well, so far all obsessions are people, but I am not a stalker at all (only on Facebook, with millions of other people...haha). I think this artist speaks for herself. And I am not trying to sound cheesy, but she is an artist. Between her clothes, her hair styles, her music, her videos, and her interviews...she is an interesting bird. If you haven't seen the performance that she and Elton John gave to together, you must check it out. AH-mazing...and then watch all of her videos. It never fails that a Lady Gaga video can make you laugh, roll your eyes, frown, look confused, and dance all within three to five minutes.








3. Franzia
One sentence: Don't knock until you've tried it.



4. Top Chef: This show is pretty much a constant obsession in our household, but Mike doesn't seem to have the same interest I have in a cooking contest...haha...Don't get me wrong, he loves to cook, but watching other people do it doesn't give him chills and cause him to cheer the chefs on as the chop, slice, and sautee their way to the top. Here is who I am hoping to take the crown this season:

Tiffany! Do you know where she started her cooking career?

I HOP.

Well, she was 15 then, but still. :)

5. Our "Soap Operas": Mike and I consistently watch the following shows, either on actual cable or Netflix: 

• Dexter
• Rescue Me
• True Blood
• The Shield
• The Sopranos
•  Sons of Anarchy

All of those immediately caught my attention with their trailers and previews, all of them except, the last one on the list. I never thought I would enjoy any entertainment involving a motorcycle gang, but oh was I in for a shock.

 New season starts September 7 on FX...that gives you plenty of time to Netflix or Hulu or whatever seasons one and two!

6. Napping: I need one now, and well the rest of these obsessions will just have to wait until my sixth obsession and yoga meltdown are complete!

Don't let the bedbugs bite!

Anyone else find that statement gross now that they are over the age of five?

Ash! 

Summer, Summer, Summertime....

Each summer, I always approach the empty, sun-filled days ahead with grand plans that include running, gym visits, organizational projects at our house, lesson planning and preparing for my classes next year, spending time with friends, wakeboarding, meal planning...I mean the list is so outstanding, it's almost impressive.

Today...I wake up at 9 with the freedom of a teacher's summer day ahead of me. So many plans, so many thoughts...where to start??? Instead of hitting the ground running...I hit the couch for a rerun of Desperate Housewives...steamy and entertaining - perfect start to a Wednesday morning. Not exactly on my list, but I convince myself that I deserve it.

After an excellent lunch with my hard-working, handsome husband, I set out to get a few name-changing tasks completed (2 of them), which end up sucking THREE hours out of my day...well worth it in the end though :)

So, I arrive home, ready to organize our closet in the bedroom AND the office and what do I get done? Ummmm, I cleaned out my dresser...then I got tired? How in the world does a teacher, who is off in the summer get tired? Clearly, what I am lacking people is motivation...a kick in the butt! Therefore, I will use this neato-mosquito blog to make a hard copy of a list of must-do's for the remainder of this week.

ASHLEY'S LIST - WEEK ONE 

• THURSDAY
• Get up and make iced coffee
• Go running
• Go to the gym and work-out
• Clean up house for in-laws coming to dinner
• Organize office
• MUST read some of book you will be teaching next year....haha even teachers are slackers
• Cook dinner for in-laws

• FRIDAY
• Get up and make iced coffee (do we see a trend?)
• Go to spinning class!!!
• Continue with office organization project
• READ and prep for work next year

Already, I feel remarkably better! Thank you blog for your contribution to my mental health today!!!!

Later!