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).

Pregnancy Perks - Part One

Besides the ultimate perk of getting to welcome a little boy into the world in April and be his mom (wow, that felt strange), there are many, many, many perks to pregnancy that I did not realize until I was deep in its trenches. I had always heard a mix of stories, some positive and uplifting and others,well, others that were pretty downright frightening and horrific, prior to my pregnancy. While I have had my share of confusing and worrisome (cause that's what I do) moments, I have to say that my first experience with pregnancy has been a pleasant one so far. On a side note, I am currently ignoring the urge to knock on wood. Due to my experiences to this point, I thought I would focus this post on the perks of pregnancy that some of you may not be aware of....

1) Gap Maternity Jeans and Pants - remember those days in elementary school when you only wore pants with elastic in them because you were too little to be able to handle multiple buttons or zippers? Well, maybe that was just me. Of course, one of my best friends only wore dresses until we were in fourth grade, but that was just because she was obviously way more stylish that any other student at Rock Springs Elementary School (Love You, Rachel!). Regardless of Rachel's elementary fashion sense, when you are pregnant you get to relive those restriction free moments that you once had as you frolicked freely across the playground. I am almost curious as to why all pants are not made like these are!

In addition to the freedom, Gap is an amazing company - they allow me to still wear skinny jeans, corduroys, and cute dress pants all while sporting the bump! I think I may continue to be a customer after April, and no one, except you all, will ever know!

2) Feel the Love - suddenly, everyone you've even known or spoken to adores you. They think you are precious and want to feel your belly. Thankfully, everyone I know has excellent etiquette (would you expect any less?) and always asks before invading my personal space.You are completely drenched in wonderful compliments and smiles on a daily basis. I have thoroughly enjoyed this and I am in the process of learning to accept compliments more effectively. Thank all you who have been so supportive, kind, and caring!

Unfortunately, this "love" has not trickled down to my students. By this point in my pregnancy, I was expecting to get some "preggo pity" from my pupils. Hahaha - nothing phases them. Mostly it's just odd looks and stares at my ever growing belly as if little Hank is going to jump out and perform a quick song and dance for them. Alas, I suppose you can't have it all. :)

3)The Gun - if you have been wed in the wonderful days of the registry gun, then you know the excitement of walking through those automatic doors and saying, "Excuse me, we're here to register." You know the tingling that you get in your index finger as you prepare to fire that registry gun at everything that tickles your fancy. You completely understand the adrenaline that is flowing through your body as you peruse aisle by aisle, scanning bar code after bar code, or pointing at items as I do, because in this family, Mike gets the gun. 

Before I begin to sound like a total registry and shower snob, let me pause to say that I feel incredibly blessed to be able to register, knowing that my loving family and friends want to shower our little family with items of preparation. However, it was definitely a fun relapse of our wedding registry moments!

4) Grazing -the mini-meals throughout the day (or at least what I am classifying as mini-meals) have been wonderful as I adore eating. Speaking of eating, it is now time to go continue my grazing for the day. Stay tuned for more pregnancy perks in the near future.



Later Alligators,

Ash

Baby Brain

So, apparently I went on a long hiatus from the blog world. I suppose I should be honest and just say it: "My name is Ashley, and I suffered from blogging writer's block." It's true, I tried and tried to glue myself to the keyboard and force (what I considered) meaningful blog topics to flow from my fingertips, but alas, nothing. However, the times are a changing and so is our little family of two!

When people say that pregnant women suffer from "baby brain", they are not lying. Scientific research even proves that "surging hormones and high levels of oxytocin  combine to produce symptoms of amnesia" (CBS). I actually saw the words "brain shrinkage" in that article regarding forgetfulness as well - that would explain a lot!

Regardless, it is quite amazing to look back to how I felt in August when I first found out that our family of two would be expanding to three. Through the doctor's appointments and fun ultrasounds, it is so miraculous to think that there is a little life, a little boy, growing and thriving inside of me. I am sure, I will have different feelings in a few months when I am ready to pop, but I absolutely love feeling his little, sometimes big and painful, kicks and punches. What an amazing reminder of how blessed our family is! And as you read above, I need LOTS of reminders currently. With the brain shrinkage and all...

Therefore, I felt it was only appropriate that I celebrate my writer's block freedom by dedicating this post to my current obsession:

This is how we announced the news of our little man waaaay back in November!

Here's to the cure to writer's block (whatever that might be) and Henry Michael Holtzhower, a.k.a Hank, who will make is debut April 29th -ish!


Till then,

Ash

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

Dog Days of Summer List!

 So, as my  husband obsesses over our beautiful yard that he has groomed and cared for, I am obsessing over this list! One thing I LOVE about summer is the ability to do, and do, and do, and do around our home! This morning, during my caffeine high, I wrote this list down. I have to say I am pretty pumped about it!

*Continue my Organization Overhaul of our house - Kitchen, you are next!
*Learn how to make gluten-free bread
*Master the art of the soft, chewy sugar cookie
*Hit up the gym at least five days a week - today: cardio, chest, and back!
*Take two yoga classes a week - thanks to my new SportsBarn membership, this is easy!
*Learn how to Dougie - I am serious.
*Sell, sell, sell on E-Bay!
*Re-do my Beowulf Colonial Units!
*Finish Beach Music by Pat Conroy (book review to come soon) and start another by him, South of Broad
*Read Rebecca and Secret Life of Bees for my classes
*Get wake-to-wake consistently on my wakeboard
*Get the PCC Remodeling website ready for launch by Labor Day!
*Lay out by the pool - thanks, SportsBarn!

Disclaimer to Myself: this is a NO PRESSURE list :)


Later Gators,

Ash

"If God had meant for us to fly, he wouldn't have given us the railways..." :)

For our recent anniversary, we visit the Crescent City of New Orleans, LA. We did not fly...we did not drive...instead, we took a TRAIN! This ingenious idea spurred from the mind of my ever-planning, creative husband and let me tell you, everyone should travel via train at least once in their life!

Our adventure on the rails began in Birmingham, AL since Chattanooga does not have an Amtrak station, nor does anywhere in TN besides Memphis I believe. This is something that I plan on writing some letters about in the near future! Back to Birmingham though...it definitely started as an adventure because the train station was straight up sketchy...it looked like an abandoned warehouse from the outside and I personally did not take any photos, but just to give you and idea:

Think circa 1970 (might be pushing it) with a touch of horror movie meets antique store

However, as it goes most of the time, there was more than meets the eye to Amtrak. Once we boarded the train, we found our seats in coach relatively cozy and cushiony (yes, I made up a word - move on - it's called artistic license). Please see this lovely photograph our train mates took of us:

Also, this is the train we road on "The Crescent"

As one can see, we are impeccably dressed for travel - personally, I never go anywhere on a train without my lucky ruffled blouse..haha. Moving past the sarcasm, I loved this photo because honestly, this is what it looked like! Mike and I were able to stretch out our 6 feet plus bodies on a train, which was good because it was a seven hour trip. Forget 7 hours in coach on a plane!

So, after our fun weekend in NOLA, we boarded the Crescent once again. However, this time we had a sleeper cabin! It was so neat! Check out the pictures below (some are mine and some are Amtrak's):

In our cabin!

The couch I am sitting on turned into a bed! Cozy!

We got to eat in the dining car twice (breakfast and dinner) - it was yummy!

In the dining car! We enjoyed talking to all of the other passengers on our train...

 The photo to your left is a better view of what the sleeper cabin looks like when you first enter it - there is a sink, a shower, a toilet, bunk beds, a chair, and a table - all in that tiny, but comfortable space! Definitely splurge for this when you go Amtrak! Also, to add to the benefits of a sleeper cabin, your meals in the dining care are included - and it is great food!

Overall, it was an excellent way to travel! We are looking forward to making a trip to Washington D.C. via Amtrak soon!