tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18588603870865155082012-01-26T21:50:37.502-06:00wait, what just happened?Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.comBlogger1981100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-87620481552037378282012-01-26T12:23:00.000-06:002012-01-26T12:23:41.191-06:00

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Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-87244544898470797312011-12-12T11:37:00.000-06:002011-12-12T11:53:10.139-06:00

What? You do, too? Well then you're in luck because I know just the person to help you out. Lea Schneider with Organize Right Now.com Trust me when I say, girl is goooooood. She's been interviewed in national publications such as Women's Day magazine, Family Circle magazine, The Washington Post, Homestyle Magazine, The Denver Post and so many many more! She is a proven expert in her field.

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-49565307760005466212011-12-05T08:51:00.001-06:002011-12-05T09:39:58.299-06:00

For the guy who graduated from the same alma-mater as David Lettermen, I give you my Top 10 reasons why I have an awesome brother... circa 1985 10. He has no problem jumping in a freezing cold pool the day after Thanksgiving, just because. 9. He initiates quality family time like playing board games, going to the park and zoo, and placing bets on big football weekends. 8. He's incredibly

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-26671003181417557482011-11-17T13:50:00.001-06:002011-11-22T12:01:40.559-06:00

I absolutely adore Thanksgiving. It's actually my second favorite holiday. And I could really wax poetic about all the wonderful things about the holiday where eating yourself into a food como is a time honored tradition. But I won't. (You're welcome.) I thought this time around, I'd let my friends do the talking and showing. Because they can do it a lot better than I. Jennifer over at Where's

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-28025980529454223862011-11-10T08:55:00.001-06:002011-11-14T08:58:30.359-06:00

You know that little nervous anxiety that you get when your about to see a friend you haven't spoken to in a long time? The tiny hum of electricity that makes you wonder if the conversation will be strained or easy and if the person will look the same? Well, for me and San Francisco (my city-friend) it wasn't like that at all. It had been nine years since I'd been to the City by the Bay and I

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-5530124424135093982011-11-07T08:43:00.000-06:002011-11-07T08:43:09.437-06:00

"You're like a Northerner." she said and laughed. "What does that even mean?" I replied eyes wide as I leaned over the wall that connected our cubicals. "No, seriously. Why do you think that I am Northern?" Northern. The word came off my tongue awkwardly. You could almost feel the hills of Tennessee buckle under the accusation. "Well, hmmm." Katie held her coffee cup in her hands, trying

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-47126159249458427102011-11-03T15:56:00.001-05:002011-11-03T15:56:46.708-05:00

This post is long overdue, but good things come to those who wait. So cool your jets, why dontcha? So my sister looked gorgeous and happy and things were excellently perfect, yada yada yada. so pretty. both of them. Now on to the most important events of the big day: See how awesome her hair and makeup look? That girl had a 9am, 9am!, appointment for her 5:30pm wedding. To ensure that your

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-4098014735931956892011-10-24T09:46:00.001-05:002011-10-24T09:46:37.822-05:00

true love I've never really liked cold cereal all that much. I can vaguely remember eating it at our little table in the den in Danville, IL, watching Little House on the Prairie or the news - anything but cartoons, which were forbidden before school. I never bought boxes of the sugary stuff to store in my half of the cabinet in college and I still never stock the fiber filled, protein packed

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-37559320417997450262011-10-14T13:24:00.001-05:002011-10-14T13:24:44.316-05:00

There's a lot I want to tell you all. Exactly two other posts are brewing in my mind. 2 = a lot, well maybe I have 3. Who knows. Regardless, it will all have to wait. Because tomorrow at 6:30am after weeks and weeks of being tested mentally and emotionally, after months of tying on my Brooks and hoping that this long run would be the one that made my watch track correctly once again, after

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-68729886787182237552011-09-22T11:07:00.001-05:002011-09-22T11:07:18.285-05:00

yeah, yeah Nikki, I hope this letter brings back memories of the sloppy handwritten document I gave to you before you left for college. The one where I tried to tell you how to keep it classy, yet still have fun. The letter that was completely over the top and written in older child panic mode. Unlike our parents who wanted you to experience something for yourself, I felt a desperate need to

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-33590514647418504222011-09-19T09:58:00.001-05:002011-09-19T09:58:57.973-05:00

hello there. I used to love Zack Morris. And before you say, "Who didn't?" I know there are some of you out there who are more of a Slater kind of girl. I get it, his mullet is slightly hard to resist. But let me tell who just how much I loved Mark Paul Gosselaar. 1. I used to have a full sized top to bottom door poster of his beautiful face. He hung on the back of my bedroom door for

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-67865907105806251762011-09-15T11:19:00.000-05:002011-09-15T12:35:31.266-05:00

The other day I was in Target and, unlike most trips there, I walked down a specific aisle for a specific reason. I had to smell something. I had a desperate need to mash my nose against a specific bottle and inhale. Have you ever had that urge? Or am I the only weirdo. Don't leave me here by myself. Eventually, I came across that purple bottle, The Healing Garden's Lavender Therapy. I

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-22954701790243941362011-09-13T09:00:00.000-05:002011-09-13T10:26:53.650-05:00

Hey Guys! I just need to talk to y'all about something really quickly. Baked goods. Actually, let's narrow that down a little more. Baked goods at the office. Can we talk about that for a couple minutes? Because, I see you. Yes, you. I see the way your beady eyes light up when we set cookies and brownies on the bookshelf. The international symbol on my team for "please enjoy our sloppy

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-77764367888002985002011-09-08T11:53:00.000-05:002011-09-08T11:53:15.905-05:00

GrandBea and Grandpa on their wedding day. September 21, 1946. The memories come back to you in little pieces Like when you blink after the camera flashes and that moment is documented forever. A Polaroid snapshot, instant gratification. A couple of weeks ago, when I heard that my maternal grandfather was in his final days, the slide show of memories began. Set to the chimes and wheel spin

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-89235903802037444122011-08-18T11:43:00.000-05:002011-08-18T11:43:58.318-05:00

Yesterday, I did my first outdoor run since May. Breaking News! I did my first outdoor run since May! Before I even changed into running gear, I knew the run would be horrible. I'd been dreading it all afternoon. I'd been hiding in the cool confines of the YMCA for the past two weeks and getting to know my old friend the treadmill all over again. The course I chose is a 4 mile loop that I've

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-50686112953577497912011-08-15T10:35:00.002-05:002011-08-15T10:35:00.892-05:00

You know you have it. Sitting in your jewelry box underneath your go-to gold earrings. Or maybe the pieces are in a box next to your old class ring. Items that had such strong emotional ties years a go, but now sit unused and lack luster. For me, it's two pieces. #1 -  A small pair of silver and diamond earrings given to me by my first serious boyfriend on my 22nd birthday. My first big time

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-64621462658620232762011-08-08T09:00:00.000-05:002011-08-08T09:00:13.189-05:00

For me, my love of Britney Spears all started with my best red-headed friend in high school. My birthday was rolling around and the pop music station had been playing "Hit Me Baby One More Time" basically on repeat. So naturally, being the bubblegum pop fan that I am, I asked for this new artists album.  britney during her femme fatale tour One day while we were sitting in the cafeteria with

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-89909919609392076562011-08-03T09:00:00.001-05:002011-08-03T09:00:24.381-05:00

the weather. No, no. Before you sit there judging me, rolling your eyes and thinking to yourself, "She's going to tell us it's hot. Well, we're all boiling in this heatwave okay?!" It's not about that. It's not about that at all, well maybe a little. You see, talking about the weather with anyone other than a close friend or family member is painful for me. I blame Kappa Delta. Back in

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-49779962375963125032011-08-01T09:29:00.004-05:002011-08-01T09:29:00.170-05:00

That will be all.

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-77502189496910033672011-07-26T12:51:00.000-05:002011-07-26T12:51:18.550-05:00

Last year the big move practically ruined my most beloved month of the year, October. One of my nearest and dearest was made an offer she just couldn't refuse. So she packed up her pink KitchenAid apron, sold her house and took her dog to Arkansas. North West Arkansas to be exact. Way over there. Almost Kansas. Almost Oklahoma. No where near Nashville. The only thing I knew about Arkansas that

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-43907382584946977082011-07-21T13:53:00.000-05:002011-07-21T13:53:43.852-05:00

As you know by now, my kid sister is getting hitched this year. September 24th to be exact. The venue has long been secured, the mashed potato bar booked and the bridesmaids dresses are in. We're basically ready to go down in history as Nashville's greatest wedding. (Aim high!) Today, I am super excited to share with you that Nikki and Jeremy's engagement photo shoot has been chosen to be

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-76711552968725049832011-07-15T09:21:00.000-05:002011-07-15T09:21:51.852-05:00

There is just something about a personalized gift made exclusively for you/your friend that brings an extra little bit of shimmer and pizazz. People hold their heads up just a tad higher when someone comments on their custom made jewelry, handbag, skirt. "Where did you ever find such a an adorable onesie?" "Well, it was custom made for (insert baby name here). My dear friend (insert your name)

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-6682562274928845472011-07-12T09:00:00.000-05:002011-07-12T09:00:10.125-05:00

About a year ago, I stumbled upon the charitable organization Mocha Club and decided that I wanted to a part of their Clean Water project.  Recently, I received an email updating me on the latest Clean Water news and wanted to share. clean water in Sudan Via MochaClub.org: From our partners on the ground in Jaac, Sudan…. “As the rains began to fall in South Sudan on the Darfur border, the

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-15542606302192052542011-07-07T09:58:00.000-05:002011-07-07T09:58:48.148-05:00

Independence Day has come and gone. Overall it was everything I wanted it to be, except I didn't eat anything on a bun and that just seems wrong. I've laid awake for the past 3 nights unable to shake that incomplete feeling. How do you make it through the biggest grilling holiday of them all and not eat meat wrapped in a bun? I must fix this. I get a 1 week window right? My July 4th was spent

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-88500324472178695792011-07-04T11:21:00.000-05:002011-07-04T11:21:12.378-05:00

Back in October I fought a long hard battle with that pesky little timer on the Ticketmaster website, won and ended up with two row 16 tickets to U2 (#21 on my Thirty before 30 list!). Nine months later, my dad and I filed into Vanderbilt stadium with the rest of the 50,000 attendees that made up the sold out crowd to hear U2 rock Music City for the first time in 30 years! Regardless of the

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-43449350758783804692011-06-30T08:40:00.000-05:002011-06-30T08:40:00.325-05:00

"Love is begun by time, and time qualifies the love and spark of it"-Hamlet. Act 4, Scene 7 As the sun refused to fade, with summer heat bearing down, friends parked their cars.Travelers from the next neighborhood over and Florida, Alabama, Georgia, New York and Ohio. Packages wrapped in shades of purple and white handed over to hostess in sundresses and sandals.A party to celebrate love.An

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-75049428960194410342011-06-28T09:00:00.000-05:002011-06-28T09:00:03.077-05:00

So my crush was written up in W Magazine recently. Honestly, I wasn't really surprised - writing about my crush has been happening a lot lately. I guess I just didn't expect W Magazine to do the article; it didn't seem their style. But here it is, in the July edition. Nashville, you've done it again. art by anna b. webb This is one of the best pieces I've read and one that really focuses

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-1929897906568713712011-06-22T16:33:00.000-05:002011-06-22T16:33:55.304-05:00

Take a look at this picture...  Does this look threatening to you?  Girls with their hair down (you know how I feel about this), matching yoga pants, matching socks. "Oh it's just me and my 12 closest friends, slightly squatting on our toes, hands on our hips." Or this picture...."Let's all try to pull the barre off the wall at the same time. Ready, Go!" It's called Pure Barre and it hurts like

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-50386291042174697822011-06-19T09:23:00.002-05:002011-06-20T11:07:08.075-05:00

I can remember us on hot, balmy summer days; standing side by side. A Rawlings glove hanging loosely from my left hand, my eyes following in the direction of where he pointed, "You're going to take first." The back of his t-shirt marked with the words Coach. The guy who would cancel or push back work meetings to make my various sporting events. Never missing an opportunity to shout from the

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-15027339468663854302011-06-08T10:35:00.000-05:002011-06-08T10:35:00.943-05:00

8:15pm and it's still light enough to see outside. Summer, you always come. weheartit.com Summer wrapped up in the five senses. Peering through the glass storm door of my childhood home, I can see them. 20 to 30 little yellow lights blinking in our front yard. Fireflies. Often times, I would open the front door leaving the comfort of the cool air to sit on the cement steps of our front

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-89409596832298512752011-06-06T09:00:00.001-05:002011-06-06T09:00:02.814-05:00

Numero siete on my Thirty before 30 list is Movies in the Park. This outdoor walk-up theater is only open on Wednesday in June, so if I was going mark this off my list, I had a very short window of time. You see, kickball is also on Wednesday this summer and luckily for me this past Wednesday was athletic event free. I love the idea of sitting outside in those fold-out canvas camper chairs,

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-11467017585494677712011-06-02T11:01:00.000-05:002011-06-02T11:01:16.821-05:00

If you know me well at all, you know I am not a huge fan of Facebook. Yes, I have an account and, yes, I comment on people's pictures occasionally. I like it well enough, but I just don't understand how it's become an obsession for people. Marketing for companies and celebrities, I get that (I actually am paid to "get that", so I better). But it's just not my thing on a personal level. So this

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-26437601423236981872011-05-25T15:12:00.000-05:002011-05-25T15:12:14.283-05:00

Inspired by the blog I follow created by my absolute favorite card designer, I bring to you... 6 Reasons I'm Glad The World Didn't End Confession. I never bought into the idea that the Rapture was coming on 5/21/11. Even when a friend grilled me on whether or not I was scared and then told me she and her husband had a game plan to meet up in D.C. if they were the only survivors, all I could do

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-77699955263422810902011-05-18T12:27:00.000-05:002011-05-18T12:27:41.663-05:00

I've been thinking a lot about food lately. And by lately, I mean all of my life. I am always hungry. weheartit.com I love reading food blogs and wishing that the food featured would magically appear in my kitchen by the time I got home from work. Sometimes, I am adventurous enough to even try the recipes, like this one. Oh Lord, that was a good one. As I've posted before, I adore local

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-30896659478531965852011-05-13T09:00:00.000-05:002011-05-13T13:06:21.294-05:00

It's Friday! We made it! Let's drink! I came across a recent blog posting over at Nashville Scene Bites this week that gave a nod to an old adult beverage classic, the Amaretto Sour. When I saw that post pop up on my reader feed, I got a small crooked smile and thought, "Oh, I remember you." It brought back memories of squishing into The Hawk in Lawrence, Kansas on Friday and Saturday nights.

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-17313201412602642922011-05-11T09:00:00.002-05:002011-05-11T09:00:00.710-05:00

Last year, while flipping through People Magazine, I came across the review for a book titled One Day.  Last year, my sister read the same review and was so intriguedthat she purchased One Day and read it while sitting on the beach. She barely talked to anyone for days on end. Her nose was pressed so far into the book, she couldn't talk if she wanted to. Then she threw the book in my hands and

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-22362482331488391122011-05-08T09:00:00.003-05:002011-05-08T09:00:01.214-05:00

Mom, I'll admit it. I am just like you. I am not even a mother and sometimes I've caught myself doing or saying something, then abruptly stopping and saying "Okay, Lea." We have non-traditional dance moves to traditional Christmas music. Sometimes, we tend to exaggerate a story or two. Weird flowers aside, we can whip up a mean meal. We'll take our bloody mary's and mojito's on the deck,

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-47100054617502079982011-05-05T09:00:00.002-05:002011-05-05T09:00:06.888-05:00

We successfully kicked curly tail at the Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati on Sunday! After months of training and lots of headaches coordinating the who goes where when, we now have our victory medals and bragging rights. The morning started off at 4:45am in a complete downpour, but a little lot of rain wouldn't wash away Team Winnie's spirit. By 6:30am the Starting Line gun had been shot and

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-27108944828387232502011-05-03T09:00:00.003-05:002011-05-03T09:00:03.155-05:00

Dear Ashley Schneider, By throwing your name into the random drawing for the 2011 Nike Women’s Marathon, you let us know you were serious. You are up to the challenge of running (26.2 or 13.1) miles. You can’t wait to hit the streets of San Francisco. You are fiercely motivated by the thought of 20,000 women doing this together. You want

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-51215696523992945172011-04-29T09:00:00.000-05:002011-04-29T09:00:12.262-05:00

2 weeks, 2 big concerts. After much mental debate on how to best tell the tale of my recent concert going events, I decided to let the pictures do the talking. Ah 1, ah 2, ah 1, 2, 3, 4!!! ROCK Kings of Leon, Memphis STAR Lady Gaga, Nashville ROCK @redneckmusings, @jsteuber, me, @igobyjake Kings of Leon! STAR Nikki Gaga ROCK @jsteuber hipster STAR Sister Gagas I think I'll keep

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-88829303027208064492011-04-26T09:00:00.013-05:002011-04-26T09:36:02.051-05:00

Once at a high school track meet when I was all of 15 years old, an opponent stepped up to me, read my track tank and ever so loudly exclaimed: "USJ? What is that? What school do you go to?!" "University School of Jackson" "I AIN'T RUNNIN' AGAINST NO COLLEGE!" Dear God, why is she shouting and is she about to beat me up? I thought, quickly envisioning her pummeling me into the ground. I

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-81436872776969371812011-04-20T16:43:00.000-05:002011-04-20T16:43:00.715-05:00

So, I have about 3 or 4 different posts swimming around in my head, but I can never seem to get them down on this blog. Which is why it's been a little dead around here for the past week and a half. My apologies! However, just moments ago I stumbled upon something so exciting, so wonderful that I had to stop everything I was doing and share. The movie trailer for The Help has come out. Words

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-40233410177174613432011-04-07T09:00:00.001-05:002011-04-07T09:00:08.621-05:00

Today is Live Music Eve Eve. What does that mean? Basically, that I am two days away from heading out of Music City to go hear these guys and these guys play in one very rad and very hipster concert in Memphis. Ironic, isn't it? For me to leave the city with the musical nickname to go hear live music? Let's think about that for a second. Okay time's up. Memphis is also where I snapped this

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-42543839542604186992011-04-04T09:00:00.000-05:002011-04-04T09:00:00.681-05:00

Dear Readers of Chatterbox, I had peas the other night for dinner. Unremarkable, for sure. But memorable for me. Almost twenty years or more ago, I sat hunched over my dinner plate shoveling food into my mouth. I was somewhere around nine years old; all legs and arms. It was summertime and I was visiting my grandparents at our sacred Jersey shore home. My grandmother continued to tell me to sit

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-85643047457183445902011-03-30T08:16:00.001-05:002011-03-30T08:16:01.049-05:00

April is just days away and I am here to report that I have two items crossed off my Thirty before 30 list. It may have taken me almost two months to do them, but who's counting? Obviously, me. 26. Own an article of clothing with a floral design. I know this sounds ridiculous and a waste of a pick to most people. Au contraire ma amies, I decided that if I'd gone 29 years without having

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-82406742405434691072011-03-28T07:13:00.001-05:002011-03-28T07:13:00.321-05:00

I'll just come out and say it: I make a mean grilled cheese sandwich. Whew, I feel better.  What is it about a melty buttery cheesy sandwich that makes it so popular? The melty buttery cheesy part. Duh. So when I heard a few months back that Nashville was joining the nation's food truck craze and we were getting a grilled cheese truck (oh yeah, grilled.cheese.truck.), I knew I had to go check

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-87768240071416167322011-03-18T09:00:00.000-05:002011-03-18T09:00:02.410-05:00

This is Part II of Kiss Me, I'm Irish! written by my mom "off the top" of her head. For Part I see yesterday's post. ~~~~ all good family reunions have t-shirts. fact. The Caskey's in Arkansas kept up the "make my own way" motto of the Irish by farming cotton and having the first cotton gin west of the Mississippi. The next John Caskey was killed in that cotton gin when the button on his jean

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-75297035324045042122011-03-17T09:02:00.053-05:002011-03-17T09:02:00.198-05:00

I asked my mom to give me an "off the top of her head" rundown of my Irish family heritage in honor of St. Patrick's Day. Here's is part 1 of 2 written by her, Lea Caskey Schneider. Get a pint of Guinness and enjoy! ~~~ Your ancestors have never liked being told what to do. Is it possible that trait could be genetically inherited? If so, we might have a good dose of it. Witness your grandpa.  

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-85825627463967888172011-03-14T10:38:00.000-05:002011-03-14T10:38:27.571-05:00

Right now the book I'm reading is from the Nashville Public Library.  (forgive me employer for I have sinned) my branch of the public library. hello there! Each time I open the book, the plastic cover crackles as I find the page I was last lost in reading. I love that sound. It makes me think of all those hot summer afternoons my mom would take us to the library as kids and let us load up our

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-35670886525099554782011-03-09T09:00:00.001-06:002011-03-09T09:00:46.389-06:00

When I had that kick-in-the-gut "I miss Kansas" feeling a couple days ago, I found it a little strange. Sure, I miss the open prairie and all of my "West of the Mississippi River" friends. But why the sudden second-home sickness? I just couldn't put my finger on it. One KU friend suggested, my longing for the Sunflower State was due to missing the campus in the spring. It really is gorgeous; the

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-81942203804055542882011-03-07T08:00:00.001-06:002011-03-07T08:00:01.509-06:00

I miss the Kansas prairie Wheat, sunflowers, open sky, green tractors The chance to see Oz The University of Kansas campus  Wheel pizza, crimson and blue, journalism school Rock Chalk Jayhawk, Go KU!

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-23520486996004159212011-03-01T09:00:00.026-06:002011-03-01T09:00:14.560-06:00

Now, where were we? In Key West at a Jimmy Buffet concert with a few margaritas? No? Well, that idea sounds phenomenal. So let's just pretend we're there, ok? Today we conclude the interview with myself. Let's snorkel right in! When and where were you happiest? Pretty sure I answered this question already. Please see Part 1. Another version of that same answer to the almost exact same

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-10319615355750184092011-02-27T09:00:00.005-06:002011-02-27T09:00:01.461-06:00

Two years ago today, I was inspired by this pretty friend to start my own blog. If I recall correctly, my first thought about blogging was "well I did go to school to write" and my second thought was "my life is weird." So let's do the math, shall we? Write+Weird Life = Blog Then I called my dad and said "Hey Dad, I want to start a blog. What's a cool vintage newspaper term for newsies or

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-12063479104931916832011-02-24T10:10:00.000-06:002011-02-24T10:10:25.471-06:00

What is with people challenging me this week? At the rate I am going, there is a 99% chance the next thing I will be doing is the  Double Dare physical challenge. I would love this! Challenge #2 this week comes from, Susan in the Big Apple. Nestled in one of the countless skyscrapers in NYC, Susan sat down at her little blog and decided to answer Vanity Fair's Proust Questionnaire. Then

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-79370116245412467542011-02-22T08:20:00.003-06:002011-02-22T08:32:40.734-06:00

This: agony The End. I've never been able to sum something up so well. A lady of few words, that's me! Just for old times sake, how about I tell you the whole story. No? OK good, here we go. So you see the guy in this picture? Surrounded by all those beautiful Asian women? jerk.. stage left That's Ken. Ken is married to my girl Annie. When I go to Birmingham to visit Annie, I

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-80794534545885602582011-02-18T08:00:00.009-06:002011-02-18T08:00:05.036-06:00

A couple of icy nights before my beloved winter birthday (not), my sister looked over her shoulder as we crossed the YMCA parking lot and said "Have you checked your mail today?" "Not yet. Why?" She responded with shrugged shoulders and raised eyebrows. "Should I go home now and check?!" "No! Chill out." "Oh." After two hours of watching the best show on earth, Biggest Loser (duh), with mi

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-32343851374731829812011-02-16T08:00:00.001-06:002011-02-16T08:00:16.365-06:00

"Get ready Marjo" I said walking past the receptionist desk on Monday, "The florists are on their way!" "Don't I know it." About 2 hours later, again I walk past the receptionist and see two bouquets of flowers sitting on her desk. Nosy, I peek at the cards wondering which of my lucky coworkers was about to have some fresh desk decor. The floral delivery man sees me invading people's privacy, "

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-88837613674770127252011-02-14T08:00:00.000-06:002011-02-14T08:00:13.472-06:00

"I be up in the gym just working on my fitness/He's my witness" -Fergie weheartit.com If only my legs really looked like this chick's. They don't. Which is exactly why I've been hitting the gym. Not very often, but regularly enough that I expect to see results any day now. Maybe I should step away from my new addiction, Golden Oreos... Delicious dunkable cookies aside, I made a promise to

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-40769514673613852912011-02-08T10:03:00.000-06:002011-02-08T10:03:50.846-06:00

I just received an email from one of my college besties that made me so happy. Two of my very favorite things combined: Kansas Jayhawks and Flash Mob. I once did a routine dance to "We Didn't Start The Fire" on that basketball court, but somehow it doesn't seem quite as cool...I mean, random. Bleeding Crimson and the Blue, Ash P.S. Thanks, Adrienne!

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-90654490560676161342011-02-07T08:00:00.001-06:002011-02-07T08:00:14.841-06:00

A quick update for you regarding this event. My friend and I did end up going to the Watercooler event at Olive & Sinclair and as we entered the Nashville's own little chocolate factory, we shook hands with the event organizer and I said: "Hi, I am Ashley! You know...'over it' girl" He responded with a hearty laugh, told me that I was hysterical and then told a complete stranger in line behind

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-61385163696787863992011-02-03T07:00:00.005-06:002011-02-03T07:00:05.701-06:00

"We're gonna come together/We're gonna celebrateWe're gonna gather 'round like it's your birthday" -KOL Well, good news then...Today is my birthday! And I am the glittery age of vingt-neuf. (I like odd numbers, what can I say?) make a wish To ring in the last year of my swingin' 20's I've put together a list of 30 things I'd like to accomplish before I hit the big Three-Oh! Without further

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-37506301170329034092011-01-28T10:00:00.000-06:002011-01-28T10:00:00.144-06:00

Thanks to my mom, I've found a new best friend. Well, I found someone I would really love to be best friends with if I lived in the ATL. Introducing, Megan McGlover from WMLM, your loyal reporter coming to you live. No one does the weather report quite like her. She speaks the truth, even if she starts straying a little bit away from the forecast.  I've never cared about the weather in

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-11686274841804121032011-01-26T09:00:00.001-06:002011-01-26T09:00:04.016-06:00

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Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-55973046261681931672011-01-24T09:11:00.000-06:002011-01-24T09:11:04.302-06:00

Oh Nashville, how I love you. Let me count the ways. 1. You've got a soul to you. A little bit country, a little bit rock and roll. 2. You're home to gorgeous guys and gals. 3. Big hair and boots are not only accepted, but welcomed with open arms. 4. You are seemingly paparazzi free. At least no one follows me around trying to get pictures of me dining with Jake Gyllenhaal. I get confused for

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-90481901950124187852011-01-18T11:59:00.000-06:002011-01-18T11:59:01.200-06:00

This past weekend, I headed to the Big D and do mean Dallas. (name that song!) I had never been to the Lone Star state and was excited to see what all this Texas pride was about. Besides, it's my destiny (according to the USJ yearbook circa 2000) that I marry a cowboy and I couldn't have imagined a better opportunity to meet The One. My friends and I boarded plans from various parts of the South

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-46928175617948549812011-01-12T09:00:00.002-06:002011-01-12T09:00:08.306-06:00

For the past few months, I've been contemplating a change. Something different. Something new. I recently heard someone in passing say, "Creative types tend to want to wander; to find the next thing. They don't settle well." My parents will roll their eyes, if I say "Hey! That sounds like me!" but I feel like it really does. Okay so maybe I don't handle change all that well (I was the most

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-21563571519432982832011-01-10T12:17:00.000-06:002011-01-10T12:17:24.625-06:00

Please pardon my absence on telling you all the juicy details of my life. I've been patiently waiting for a certain picture to be scanned and emailed to me, so I could properly wish you all a Happy New Year, but I am tired of waiting. So instead, I was thinking of writing an ode to winter. Letting you all know that it's snowed, yet again, here in Nashville and that I am in my flannel pajamas

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-24516917025340800332010-12-28T11:14:00.000-06:002010-12-28T11:14:59.666-06:00

From Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve people across the U.S. cross their fingers, say a prayer and wish on falling stars for a white Christmas. There is something undeniably magical about waking up to filled stockings and falling snow. When I was in elementary school, my family lived for a brief period of time in Danville, IL. I cannot recall if every Christmas was white, but I do remember one

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-84672304142578741742010-12-27T10:16:00.000-06:002010-12-27T10:16:11.103-06:00

She said "Yes!" Actually first she said "Is for real?!?!" Christmas day my sister's boyfriend of over 2.5 years popped the question! The future Mr & Mrs Jenkins How it happened:Christmas day afternoon after all the presents had been unwrapped and sugary breakfast had been consumed, my Dad, Nikki and myself lounged on the couch watching "It's a Wonderful Life." Unbeknownst to Nikki, I had my cell

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-58600514759873843302010-12-23T08:04:00.000-06:002010-12-23T08:04:45.126-06:00

Sunday the sun shone brightly in the sky and the temperature had picked up just enough that a coat wasn't necessary. I had talked my friend., Sarah, into coming along with me as I did my Christmas shopping and was getting ready to walk out of the door when I heard a knock. Peering through peephole, I saw an unfamiliar man's face and asked "Who is it?" "Paper boy!" He replied, "I forgot to

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-74640273354337716532010-12-20T09:08:00.004-06:002010-12-20T09:18:34.652-06:00

For the longest time I wanted to marry a cowboy. Okay, so I still do. It's the chaps! Can you blame me? My desire to marry a cowboy or a professional in the rodeo circuit was ignited by the one and only Garth Brooks. Not because he's a cowboy and not because he lives in Oklahoma, but because his songs romanticize the West and bull riding and people calling Baton Rouge. My parent's went on a

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-55034286211574907852010-12-16T14:54:00.000-06:002010-12-16T14:54:53.789-06:00

"It's way better than the Country Music Marathon." They told me. "How so?" "It's flat." That was basically all it took for me to sign up for the St. Jude Memphis Marathon and Half Marathon. The promise of a flat course and dreams of eating more junk food at the holidays without the weight gain danced in my head; like little sugar plum fairies wearing iPods and running shoes. In September, I

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-2993853998953574992010-12-13T13:51:00.000-06:002010-12-13T13:51:12.838-06:00

"It's up to your knees out there" My back deck! Brrr...   With just under two weeks until Christmas, Nashville received some of the white stuff.Some years we don't receive more than a little dusting and even then it's not until late winter.Remember the snow from January?  My parking lot Imagine our surprise as my sister and I drove home from Florida last night and wound up on only 1 open

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-72155804024218238472010-12-02T09:00:00.001-06:002010-12-02T09:00:05.254-06:00

It's official. I want nothing more than to participate in a flash mob. That's right, I said nothing more. There are people out there, who appear to be spontaneously joining in a prank or super amazing dance scene in public places. Sounds like a dream come true. I'd love to be weird like that. I wanna blow people's minds. When Mitchell from Modern Family busted out his moves in a flash mob,

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-28748488342707287862010-11-30T09:20:00.000-06:002010-11-30T09:20:59.093-06:00

My family and I have so many reasons to give thanks. Health. Happiness. Good jobs. Food on the table. Blue eyes. Parents who live near the beach. This Thanksgiving we were given another reason to be thankful. May I introduce to you, the newest member of the Schneider family.....   Miss Pennlyn Ann SchneiderBorn November 27th at 4:04pm7lbs 1oz and 20 inches long.   The name Pennlyn comes from

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-71516952200355872202010-11-22T09:23:00.000-06:002010-11-22T09:23:17.561-06:00

Well hello there, Indian Summer! I am so glad you are here. For my mental health.For my emotional health.Beautiful clear sunny skies.Temperatures in the low 70's.Red, gold and orange leaves make a stunning backdrop. Please don't leave. It's Thanksgiving week and you really shouldn't be here. But I am so glad you are, because when I return home from Cincinnati with a tenative call for

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-24836703097131289422010-11-18T10:30:00.003-06:002010-11-18T10:30:00.631-06:00

@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } Someone recently asked me:“U into running?” I thought about it for a few minutes, while my cursor blinked in response.Am I into running?Aren’t people who are “into” running - fast and join running

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-27617276321001488732010-11-15T09:00:00.002-06:002010-11-15T09:00:03.217-06:00

Happy Birthday, Mom! I've never really told you how lucky I am. To have the type of mom who would wear a huge pin with a picture of my face on it to all of my volleyball games. The type of mom who would effortlessly whip up a pot of chili large enough to feed half of my high school graduating class, when they would show up out at our house to sled on the rare occasion of snow fall. A mom who is

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-46692516256650177392010-11-09T13:39:00.000-06:002010-11-09T13:39:14.406-06:00

So the good news is... Nashville residents hit Huffington Post's Top Ten in the Most Attractive People category! courtesy of weheartit.com Must be all the big hair, cowboy boots, country music, down-home food and sweet Southern hospitality. Yes sir. Yes ma'am. Speaking of Southern hospitality... Just this past Sunday I was lounging on my couch, minding my p's and q's when I heard a

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-34129861304525457822010-11-04T09:44:00.000-05:002010-11-04T09:44:49.174-05:00

@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } Halloween - a frightful night of terror with evil lurking in every corner. Sunset comes quicker on this eerie night, causing villains and thieves to start their dirty work. It’s the busiest night of

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-82932200192407773482010-11-02T09:56:00.000-05:002010-11-02T09:56:49.427-05:00

@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } If we were having coffee together today, we actually wouldn’t have coffee at all. A couple months ago, while researching African outreach websites, I stumbled uponMochaClub.org. Originally, I was

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-5348963436036975682010-10-29T11:06:00.000-05:002010-10-29T11:06:31.211-05:00

@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } When the opportunity to wear a costume presents itself, I jump on board.Halloween weekend has finally arrived. I am in Heaven. I kicked off Halloween quite literally with Costume Kickball. Proudly,

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-46322557318660877542010-10-26T08:35:00.002-05:002010-10-26T08:35:00.237-05:00

@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } If we were having coffee today,It would be hot out of my own little coffee pot. The aroma of New England’s San Francisco blend would fill my little apartment and I could offer you real sugar or

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-87011330513807437522010-10-21T09:00:00.001-05:002010-10-21T09:00:06.062-05:00

"homegrown/rock to the rhythm and bop to the beat of the radio" - Kings of Leon Just under 2 hours away sits my hometown.Popping out of the cotton fields and over the the Tennessee riveris a little place where the Friday night lights are brightand a last name can mean so much more than just a word to follow Miss, Mr. or Mrs. It's been quite some time since I've lived in my hometown,but even

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-60649258221192691032010-10-19T08:07:00.000-05:002010-10-19T08:07:38.839-05:00

If we were having coffee this morning, I'd ask you to meet me at Frothy Monkey; the little house set right off the road in my favorite Nashville neighborhood, 12th South. I'd wait for you on the front porch, wearing running tights and a visor, flipping through today's Tennessean newspaper. You'd come up the front steps and I would wrap you in a hug. Then usher you inside the warm house,

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-70307996617963938622010-10-16T14:26:00.073-05:002010-10-16T14:26:00.382-05:00

Dear Carrie, My favorite part of your concert was when you flew around the arena like a bad-ass on the back of that blue pick-up truck singing "Country Roads." I've never been so inspired to visit West Virgina. The four girls in section 205 that didn't sit down the entire concert, felt so much closer to you as the truck floated by. We loved it. We love you. Call me and we'll do lunch. xoxo, Ash

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-70744418987805846262010-10-14T14:02:00.000-05:002010-10-14T14:02:15.503-05:00

@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } “Pretty much the greatest weekend, ever.” - Nikki total bliss You know how a single solitary day can leave an impression on you for a lifetime? Think about it.What’s that day for you?

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-17935836151503645262010-10-11T12:11:00.000-05:002010-10-11T12:11:24.859-05:00

@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } I <3 Nashville.It’s da truf. If I were a tattoo gettin kinda gal, I’d ink myself with “Nashville” in the famous typography created by Nashville’s way hip Hatch Show Print. It’d look a bit like so:

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-83386297791933642012010-10-08T09:11:00.000-05:002010-10-08T09:11:36.338-05:00

@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } Sleeping in.I still have friends who say wistfully, “I hope I can sleep in on Saturday.”I have new mommy friends who laugh and say, “I am sorry, what is this notion you speak of?”And there’s me. I don

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-9459434848340562452010-10-06T09:35:00.000-05:002010-10-06T09:35:01.221-05:00

My 10 year high school reunion approaches. In honor of this milestone, I present to you the picture I submitted of myself from back in the day. Takin it back to the old school 'Cause I'm an old foolWho's so cool Me and classmate, Harley Jones, 1997. I think he's trying to call for help. If you wanna get downLemme show you the way no. just no. (my gender looks questionable) Whoomp!There it

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-19255981775724738942010-10-01T09:14:00.000-05:002010-10-01T09:14:25.826-05:00

October.You made it.You didn't let me down.I flipped my calendar over this morning and there you were. And I am happy. jazzed to spend $6 on Starbucks caramel apple ciders and, yes, of course I want whipped cream delighted to stuff caramel apples with fun toppings into my face...as my dinner thrilled to take in the beautiful leaves and smell their mapley scent. even if they aren't

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-1714392685692260812010-09-29T15:31:00.000-05:002010-09-29T15:31:28.381-05:00

I am anxious. Things are piling up. Like flip-flops, ballet flats, newspapers. Short sleeved shirts mix with long and I desperately need to vacuum my apartment. I look at the calendar over and over again. Today it reads... September 29th  "On This Day in September 2007, ultrarunner Scott Jurek won his second consecutive Spartathlon, completing the 152-mile race from Athens to Sparta in 23

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-11649499249011030822010-09-23T15:59:00.000-05:002010-09-23T15:59:03.056-05:00

"Where did June go?" I heard a fellow bookstore patron ask as September rolls away. Did it hit the road with July? Has it high-tailed it out of here hand and hand with August? It feels like Summer has stuck around. Dug her heels into Tennessee soil and told us with 96 degree heat that she "ain't going no where." But the calendar tells her that her time is up. So long, summer moments...

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-43442080587135379362010-09-20T12:22:00.003-05:002010-09-20T16:25:35.709-05:00

Up until my parents moved to Florida a few years ago, there was an 8x10 black and white photo of me in the hallway of my childhood home.It hung on a wall with pictures of my siblings at various ages, next to large frames that held multiple photos of family members and along side photographs of my parents on their wedding day.I am sure you are sitting there picturing me at age 5, white-blonde hair

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-30117156672284119122010-09-15T14:56:00.003-05:002010-09-15T15:27:45.106-05:00

Sun-bleached and tattered.Paint peeling.Splintered wood.Stairs worn raw by the steps of many feet.Too many feet to count.Yet not too many to forget.Great Aunts and Uncles climbed these steps.Friends of my paternal grandparents propped their bikes against the posts, ascending these steps for a glass of iced-tea and a game of Rummy.My Dad thundered up and down the steps on his way in and in his way

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-63260353261571103832010-09-14T08:37:00.003-05:002010-09-14T09:22:28.585-05:00

I am running again.Ok Ok. Let me rephrase.I am slowly jogging, with side stitches accompanied by an extreme shortage of breath.I always say, "I am never letting myself get back out of shape again! This is terrible!" but after my past two half marathons, I literally stop running and start sitting....and eating, lots.Nikki and I decided that our only motivation to actually get in-shape was to sign

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-69084049664841915202010-09-02T16:14:00.005-05:002010-09-02T16:36:31.263-05:00

They're back.Actually they've never left.Ever since I noticed the Bearded Man, Lady, Mutt and Biker Guy living and "working" in the woods behind my office, I see them all the time.Walking past Sonic and Arby's; the mutt is always leashed, yet neither Bearded Man or Lady holds the leash. They just let it drag lazily across the asphalt behind the dog. I wonder if "leash laws" require you to

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-14805292552421607532010-08-30T08:54:00.006-05:002010-08-30T09:26:00.755-05:00

You know the opening scene of Green Acres?Eva Gabor flings open her balcony door and sings,“I just adore a penthouse view! Darling, I love you, but give me Park Avenue.”I did that.In my living room, filled with boxes.Or rather.I pressed my nose up to the glass of my balcony door and bid the Batman Building adieu.So I didn’t move to Green Acres, but Green is part of my new neighborhood. And I felt

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-41475359622454174912010-08-12T10:36:00.010-05:002010-08-12T11:11:11.322-05:00

When you open the door to my apartment it smells like a cardboard scented candle was left burning.My bedroom is starting to become a seaof brown wardrobe boxes.My closest is nearly empty.Yes, I am moving.Believe me.I know.I just moved.Actually, I moved a year ago.But still.I wanted to test the downtown waterssee the city lights at nightwalk to the honky tonks,the libraryand Dollar General.I did

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1858860387086515508.post-25916617250293836482010-08-10T08:46:00.012-05:002010-08-10T15:25:08.668-05:00

I had witnessed it only in moviesand on street corners where guys in big hooded sweatshirtshad laid out flattened pieces of cardboard.In the movies and on the streets,people would crowd around in a circle watching the competitorstwist and turn, flip, slide and shake it.I never imagined that I would witness a real battle.I never imagined I would be standing on the inner edge of the circle,eyes

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988567401520623noreply@blogger.com2