Make a girl cry...

So I just got off the phone with Katie, who seemed giddy in having to tell me something. Honestly, I thought she was going to say she and Collin were engaged. Wook quickly batted down that theory with, "Collin would have consulted me first."

Wait, seriously? Dudes talk about that stuff?

Well apparently they do, which is why wook knew that wasn't the topic.

As people know, or at least they will now, my birthday is next Monday. My 25th birthday. The quarter life crisis mark. Can you tell I'm thrilled? I've hated every birthday since 19. Cried each time. I just hate getting older. I hate change. I like consistency, which birthdays just aren't. It's another year older, another year of mile stones which seem to be farther off than I dreamed at 18. Oh well, I guess that's why there's wine and chocolate. :)

Anyways, back to the giddy news...and to cut to the point...Collin and Katie were looking at helping wook and I out with the ticket to see each other in November. I didn't know what to say. Wook thought it was pretty cool also. I held myself together, and am still partially in shock...but how cool.

Even after I told them that the trip is being pushed back to December, they still were okay with it. I could just cry thinking about how nice that is. Very, very sweet. These past couple days haven't been the easiest on Ashley...partially cuz I'm moody, because wook is super cute and really making me miss him, and now we'll have just a lil boost in getting across the country in this super fabulous economy.

And I know what some people are thinking, and yes flying in December around the holidays is expensive. All I have to say to that is that I will have not seen the boy for almost 8 months. I think that deserves a slightly overpriced ticket to Timbuktu.

So to Collin and Katie, you really know how to make this lesbian feel loved. :) Thanks.

The perfect trifecta...

So this week was a lil rougher than I would have liked. I was begging for it to be Friday on Monday afternoon. I just wasn't feeling like being a.) awake, b.) social, and c.) at work (no, that's not the perfect trifecta I speak of).

The perfect trifecta comes from an amazing rest of the day, today.

First off, Stacey agreed to join me for pizza at a local hotspot, Bruno's. It's been a family favorite for years, especially their hot turkey sandwiches. But this time, I decided to mix it up. Taco pizza. Divine. Heavenly. Blow-my-skirt-up delicious. Beyond words. And it's for lunch tomorrow.

B.) The Beavs hosted USC. Now all I asked for was a good game. Just please show up, unlike that Penn St. game. But when I ask for the team to show up, I didn't expect an annihilation. We smoked USC the first half. I do give then credit for a strong return in the second half (which is what happened 2 years ago when LaRoque had to deflect the pass), but damn. What a night.

And lastly, I got to have an e-date with wook. It's not too often that we get to chat with the actual webcam. Usually he's too busy with school or I'm already in bed, lol. But tonight was cute. He's cute. We're attempting to scrap together plans around the Christmas holiday. How nice would that be. And only 8 months apart to get to that point. Oh joy (get it? double pun, lol).

So now that it's 12:45am, technically Friday morning, I need sleep to function tomorrow.

And kudos for those who rocked their orange in support. Let's just say the pizza parlor was definitely fans of the Orange.

Fun Facts: Librans :)

Balance is the keyword for this sign, and when it comes to keeping everything on an even keel, a Libra will lead the pack. Peace loving and judicial, this sign abhors being alone. (derrr...) Partnerships are very important for the Libra, especially those on a personal level. (hi handsome) With their winning personalities and cooperative style, they aren't apt to be alone for long! (Let's hope so!)

Friends and Family: Fun loving and willing to help out, the Libra makes an excellent friend. (I happen to think so myself). Even though they can be late and indecisive, once they're on the scene, they're ready to go. (Story of my life).

This flexible sign loves to spend time with friends and family and doesn't hesitate to initiate gatherings. Sociable and suave, Librans naturally draw people to them. They have a way of creating a compelling aura of harmony around them.

When it comes to challenges, this balancing sign can see both perspectives in a disagreement, making them excellent problem-solvers. Companionable, they're apt to keep their friends and family busy.

Career and Money: Harmony is the keyword for this sign. For the Libra, maintaining this is of the utmost importance. They can be excellent leaders and will work hard to earn and deserve the privilege. Truth and justice always prevail for Librans as they go about their days. Working with others or in a partnership is ideal for this social sign.

Artistic and persuasive, these folks are gifted talkers who do well in any position that provides a platform for them to chat. Careers that involve justice such as police officer, lawyer, or judge are excellent choices for Libra. They will also succeed at such occupations as diplomat, civil servant, interior decorator, composer, and fashion designer. Group settings pose no challenge for Librans - in fact, the more the merrier. Their strong sense of diplomacy serves well in almost anything they do.

If you go shopping with a Libra, best to plan some extra time! (Haha, yes). This sign can be terribly indecisive when it comes to purchasing. (Ding!). Balancing their money, however, is a snap for Libra. Keeping a good balance between savings and spending money is a real talent for these folks. Their love of fashion and housewares can see them out and about in stores quite often. One of Libra's favorite pastimes is to shop for someone special. (Double ding!)

Love and Sex: Finding the right partner will be a priority in the Libra's life. For those already in a relationship, maintaining the peace and harmony takes center stage. A Libra alone is a sad thing indeed, not to mention unnatural. (See, the Navy should work with me, not against me, lol). They need to connect with others.

As lovers they are expressive, creative, and balanced. They love to make their partners feel completely and thoroughly satisfied from conversation to lovemaking. Librans' charm and dedication to striking the perfect balance with others makes them wonderful partners.

LIBRA TIDBITS

Health: Each sign has a part of the anatomy attached to it, making this the area of the body that is most sensitive to stimulation. The anatomical areas for Libra are the kidneys, lower back, adrenal glands, and appendix. (I looove when you stimulate my appendix, lol).

Ruling Planet: The ruling planet for Libra is Venus. This planet's action is gentle and harmonious. It governs beauty, charm, emotional contacts, possessions, unions of all kinds, singing, art, culture, sweets and sugar, and moral character.

Color: The color of choice for Libra is blue.

Gemstone: Libra's star stone is the sapphire. (Love it! One of my favs.)

Lucky Numbers: Libra's lucky numbers are 1, 2, and 7.

Compatibility: Librans are most compatible with Aquarius and Gemini.

Opposite Sign: The opposite sign for Libra is Aries.

The Perfect Gift: The best gifts for a Libra are music and items that create relaxation.

Likes: Pleasant conversation, beauty, balance, fairness, romance

Dislikes: Being treated unfairly, ugly places, rough people, making a final decision (hahahahhahahahah)

House: Natural sign of the Seventh House. This house focuses on marriage, partnerships, public relations, open enemies, and other people.

Famous Librans: Will Smith, Gwen Stefani, Matt Damon, Eminem, Sting, Viggo Moretensen (check please!)

Best travel destinations: Tibet, Japan, Burma, Austria, Johannesburg, Copenhagen, Vienna (Where do I sign up?)

Strengths: Social, fair-minded, cooperative, diplomatic, gracious

Weaknesses: Indecisive, will carry a grudge, avoids confrontations, self-pity (wow, how true, but still how a slap in the face).

Charismatic marks: Attractive, graceful, medium build, no sharp features (no, but what about a five head?)

Best environment: Any place that is beautiful where the company is harmonious. Very social and happiest doing things in the company of another.

*I saw this post fitting as it has come into the astrological circulation for the beloved Libra, me! And with 2 weeks to countdown till my Quarter Life Crisis (i.e. my birthday - can you tell I'm thrilled?), it's not a moment too soon to analyze my being and try to work with my chi, not against it.

Land vs. Carrier...

...good thing I don't have to make that decision. (If that were the case, there'd be an air station and a nuclear reactor in Oregon. Gotta look out for us Oregonian women and our boys we so fondly adore.)

Anyways, back to the good stuff...

But first a preface...

This weekend was full of entertainment, from hiking one day to walking slowly because my hip flexors are sore now the next, from cleaning my room to doing taxes. Thankfully I kinda forgot about the looming piece of information that wook, and I, and everyone else, was waiting to hear.

And so as I woke up to my alarm this morning, I noticed I had a text that said, "Looks like I'm sticking around a little longer."

Not really wanting to jump to conclusions, I asked what that meant. ('Cuz after all, it could mean that he had to pick his butt between sessions and was in transition). But unfortunately he texted back, "Means I didn't get P-3s."

He had heard that there was a rumor about a p-3 draft, and apparently kinda got his hopes up. I've learned to never get my hopes up, that is until my ass is taxi-ing to the gate at the airport and I know wook will be there to get me. The navy, and life, has a way of playing by their own rules. Boo, I know. But that's life...and the navy.

He also said something that the bottom part of the students were the ones to get P-3s. Well hey, if that's the case, you can't be too mad for having a pretty darn good score. Besides, I wouldn't want someone with sub-standard scores trying to operate a multi-million dollar aircraft on a stamp in the middle of the ocean. So as much as he's let down, "I'm alright. Just pouty.," I know that he has what it takes to do it.

I, however, don't have an iron stomach and am perfectly okay playing supportive girlfriend. My job is to follow behind where ever the Navy throws him. Why behind, you ask? So I get to look at his cute lil butt in that Naval Onesie (aka the flight suit). :)

Are we there yet?

So this morning marked another weekend that was spent up early, moving and shaking. Stacey and I got out my door around 8:13ish, which was a lil later than I wanted but I did spend a good 20 minutes blogging about my crack addiction. After a stop at Donut Country and Subway (breakfast and lunch, respectively), we headed southbound on I-5 for the Castella exit. Oh California.

Our mission: hike Castle Crag, to the Dome. 2.7 miles deemed "strenuous." Oh, yay!

This was probably a half mile into our trip. For the record, it was rougher than I expected. a.) I'm no longer in fire shape. I'm used to bounding up a mountain, cutting line, and getting out with charring. I'm now in yoga shape (and I admit I haven't been in a bit), and unfortunately my cardio could use some work. (Ya, I hear the gym really calling my name now. Plus I need to improve before McLoughlin). b.) The trail rose over 2,000 feet in elevation in a lil over 2 miles. That's some serious uphill action. And that, my friends, is some wind sucking information.

OH NO! DON'T LET GO! Ya, we decided to goof around a lil before we got super tired, like we did on the way out (which was practically running the level parts. We just wanted to sit down!). And unfortunately Stacey still looks like she's laughing, which was the story of most of the day. That and our back sweat. Ya, it was sexy. Very lesbian.

Didn't I ever tell you I perfected the yoga pose, "boulder hold." Oh wait, those are my bras. Zing!

And good golly, I don't think I've ever been more hungry than when we still had like a mile to go. "I just wanna eat my sandwich." I was looking forward to it. We asked people how far we had to go. "A couple switchbacks, so like 3/4 of a mile." Nice, keep going. "You're almost there." Alright, still moving. What, wait...we're still a mile plus out? Where did you dipshits learn your numbers? I was soo famished I plopped by ass down in the shade somewhere 50 yards of what we would later find as the "Dome Trail End." There Stacey and I admired our complete back sweat from our Camelbaks, and the fact that we should have gotten a foot long each at Subway. (Yes, that's what she said).

I was soo excited there was an actual marker to symbolize completion. I had an idea where they should put a guy with his hand out at the end of each trail so you can high five it when you get to him. But I'll settle for a metal marker held up by lil rocks. It was intense to be up that far. The wind, the possibility of sliding off to your death, the other lesbians who didn't wear bras but needed ones.

I think this is the best picture of the actual formations, which I think look more like Cathedral spires than a Castle tower. Just me. And Stacey. But who are we to change California. If that were the case, I'd make the Governator live in Sacremento and not fly his lazy ass to work everyday. Bitch.

This is a video from atop the darn rock formation. It was slightly unnerving knowing that one side was our trail down, the other...just down. Definitely got some butterflies knowing that I have the balance of a newborn giraffe. But don't worry. I didn't die. Neither did my camera mid-film. So enjoy the panoramic view of a very intense place, one the Hindus would revere.

Dreams, Interpretations, and Crack Cocaine...

So this week has been an entertaining one to say the least. My mind has been running on all cylinders, whether I like it or not. And one of the things I get a kick out of is trying to interpret what my brain wiring is saying. Well after last night, I'm thinking it's a SOS.

Obviously the longer that you wait, the more detail is lost after waking up (thus this 7:15am on a weekend post!). So as long as I can tell, I was up camping with a friend. Unfortunately this friend didn't look familiar enough to attach an identity, but she was blonde and about my size...so that of course narrows it down, lol. Anyways, we're just hanging around the camp fire having fun, relaxing, enjoying the evening chatting about whatever, and then all of a sudden it's the next day. And now I'm in this girl's friend's/sister's wedding. As like the Maid of Honor! I proceeded to walk around naked until it was time to get dressed. I can't remember if I was alone or not, but a lil nudity never hurt anyone. So I put on the dress, got my string of flowers I was suppose to carry and lined up. Halfway thru the processional, some guy yelled, "Stop! Let's do it over!" Umm, buddy, this is the real deal, not rehearsal, lol. So we lined back up just for him.

But the kicker of this dream was that after the wedding (I can't remember if it actually went through or was called off), we watched a video from the night before around the campfire. I mean, how fun is it to watch the events of last night unfold even after one's memory goes a lil foggy. ;)

Well there, outta nowhere, is me, cozied up around the fire, pipe in hand, smoking crack. No joke. Foggy smoke. Me rambling on because I've lost all sense of myself. I definitely don't remember doing this the night before. Apparently crack kills your short term memory. But I mean, apparently I was having run rambling on current events and philosophical agendas like any drug-induced person should. It just killed me that I'd do crack even in my dreams. Weird.

So like any inquiring person, I check out the interpretation for this dream.

Apparently any reference of drugs in dreams is a sign that one is trying to mask problems, attempting to find a quick fix to something. Well, duh. Any half-ass shrink could tell you that. So thinking about application in that manner, I'd have to agree that I do believe I'm looking for something to do in this town, which is stay busy. I won't allow myself to sit on the couch watching endless hours of tv feeling sorry that I'm militarily single. I need to get up, get moving, and have fun. Which is what I'm doing in half an hour, as Stacey and I head south to play at Castle Crags. (In other words, I need to get the move on).

I just thought it was entertaining that crack was my drug of choice. Crimany. Let's not start out with pot, which is not as expensive. Let's just go for the big stuff. And not cocaine, 'cuz that's too richy-rich of an image, let's be street/hood and smoke the good stuff. Okay, thug Ashley, let's go cap Fiddy Cent in the ass.

I should have known...

So I got a text today from wook. Unfortunately this wasn't the text. (For those who don't know, wook hears "land" or "carrier" soon.) It was the text saying that his graduation is postponed until Monday. Yup. No hearing land or carrier until Monday.

I should have seen this coming. And although I know that wook enjoys his rare days off, I know he's wanting to know just like the rest of us how much his life might suck in the future. There are some stations that, let's just say, aren't in our Top 100 (i.e. Virginia and Oklahoma. And no offense to those stationed in the VA. I would love to mingle with fellow Oregonians - it's one of my favorite hobbies - I just prefer well...Oregonians in Oregon, and the occasional transplantee to Washington.)

So ya, luckily I have a full plate this weekend of activities. Stacey and I are going down to the Castle Crag State Park near Dunsmuir, CA, to lesbian it up. The hiking there is supposed to be gorgeous. Hopefully pictures and a blog post can verify. Hopefully it's not the last hike of the summer. My dad and I are still thinking Mt. McLoughlin the weekend before my birthday. Hopefully the weather cooperates. I know it'll be windy and probably a bit nippy, it's 9,495 feet...it's bound to be a bit cooler than the valley floor. I'll be sure to have cake when I'm done. ;)

Another airplane, another summer day...

So as much as I love Michael Buble crooning that song, there comes a point when you realize music has a point. I just want to be home.

Well because of Hayley moving to Portland, and U-Haul charging more for one-way trips, I was able to relocate my beloved possessions to the Southern half of the state. Yay!

So this morning, my dad and I ventured to my 5'x10' jail cell of my life for the past year, packed it all into the trailer and headed south. You have no idea how good it feels to have my life sort-of coming together. I mean I'm still technically a "temp" at where I work, wook is still 3,000 miles away, but things are eventually going to get there. Since Trac will be making it back to Corvallis here in the next week or so, my mom will finally be able to tell me where I can be (she doesn't know which room she wants yet, lol, so I get the one she doesn't, which is fine by me. You guys know how I can't decide over anything!).

So until then, I'm planning on going through my boxes of things and paring down. Not sure by how much. I think half would be impressive. But honestly I don't know what all I have in there. A lot has happened in the year since I've packed up my life. It's hard going back. I know I did find a brand new box of tampons. Sweetness. There's 8 bucks, lol.

I do know that I'll be donating/recycling things I already know I can part with. Some of the less fabulous towels I'll probably give to the Humane Society. Any unopened bath products, old clothes, etc., I'll give to the Magdalene Home (for teen mothers). I just feel like ridding of anything not pertinent at this time in my life. And by all means does that mean I'm parting with my Corningware. I worked hard for that stuff. Besides that'll come in handy when my mother resorts me to becoming a Scientology Stepford wife-slash-party hostess, lol.

And as hard as I looked, I couldn't find a picture of what the storage unit looked like in Corvallis. It was packed to the brim, believe me. I'll be sure to document my progress with this new one seeing as it's an upgrade to 10'x10'. And Kerby thinks I'm nuts, but I do plan on pimping out my couch in it. Why not have it set up just a tad so I can escape the confines of living with my parents? And Kerb, I'll check on that internet connection for you, lol.

What's in the water?

So not this past weekend, but the one before that (or do I say not this weekend, 'cuz technically it's still the weekend being Sunday evening), either way...Matt Schaefer joined Worth, signed on the dotted line, and said, "I do" to a wife.

The ceremony was in Springfield, reception in Eugene, while the odor of green and yellow stunk up the air. Not my favorite city, but I was hugely excited to see my Aunt Kaye. Yay. My dad called her "the eccentric aunt" after I mentioned that none of her coffee mugs match each other. I love it. I'm the eccentric Aunt Bop. :)

Post nuptials, the happy couple move their way towards the exit. The ceremony was decent in length. Her bridesmaids were gorgeous, especially the redhead. :) The colors were a basil/sage green, navy blue, and white. I think it was all coordinated by the bride, which to my knowledge went off without a hitch. Look at those smiles.

The candlelight-scape of the cake. It was deeeelicious! Yum yum yum. One layer was chocolate and cherry, the other was lemon poppyseed, and the third and least tasty was spice. The only thing I questioned was the choice in flowers. Lilies? Aren't those funeral flowers?

These were the infamous white chocolate candies at every table. Ya, we ended up raiding other tables to take them with us. Again. Deeeelicious! And then we left them in the car as Stacey and I were so hungry when we got into Medford that we went back to my parents' place for dinner. Ya, cars don't run with a/c on all the time.

Attack of the Giggles, Round One! I can't remember what was soo funny, but it was. And I'm not blaming it on the booze either. While the wine bar was hosted the entire night, I only had 3 glasses of wine. The first was an awful merlot that was too warm and freshly opened. I ended up ditching it for the White Zin. (So as you do the math, I acquired 3 glasses, but only drank 2 of them). And then there was the toast of champagne, sparkling white wine, whatever it was, which I guess makes 4. Oh well, get off the shed.

And to note the top 2 perks of the night:

1.) Cameron Bailey came with his girlfriend, Katie. It was sooo good to see him. While his girlfriend was a lil shy at first, she came outta her shell and we even got invited to her birthday party in October. Sweetness.

2.) a cute waiter. Ya, the code word was banana whenever he was going to come into someone's field of vision. Then the oogling began.

Yes, get that cake crack-a-lackin! But by "crack-a-lackin," I mean tastfully cutting the cake in a manner that doesn't resemble a serial killer. One of the two cake cutters took to it like a machete to your face. Too rough an image, okay, think Sharon Stone and an ice pick.

Attack of the Giggles, Round 2! Again, attempting to pose for a picture, we lose all coordination and bust up laughing. This was after the 3 glasses total. Oh well, it's a wedding. You're supposed to have fun. Thankfully were weren't as bad as the one girl who couldn't even sign out her tab at the bar. To make it even better, she kept asking Matt, "so what are you doing on your wedding night?" Well I'm going to guess it's what half of the couples do on their wedding night. Sleep. (Ya, check that fact. 50% of couples on their wedding night don't do the horizontal polka, nor the baw-chick-a-wa-wa.)

My latest favorite...

So I love trying new things, unless it's shoes that give me narly blisters, and finding what'll be a new staple in my life. Well thank you Sally Beauty (just 'cuz that's where I got it) for my latest addiction. Okay, maybe not an addiction. But at least my latest beauty staple: dry shampoo.

For those who don't know what this fabulosity is...it's like insta-greasy-head-zapper. Not to say that I'm formulating enough to make a Mexican restaurant kitchen, but my second day on hair isn't as fabulous as the first. So I bust out the spray all over, let it sit, and brush it out. Voila. Fabulosity.

Now I realize that I could have documented it a la Mehgan's henna experience. a.) I'm too lazy because I'm supposed to be getting ready for work. b.) I'm too lazy because I still haven't blogged about Matt Schaefer's wedding. c.) I'm just too lazy because there are other things to do right now (such as text wook, put clothes on my body, and dream about my Queen size bed).

Now some people are highly opposed to the concept of not showering every day. I've always been for it (the not showering every day part), just 'cuz I don't get gross each day. I'm not out digging trenches with the Mexicans, or slaving over a construction site. I sit at a desk, sometimes walk around, which is most of my office day. I have been known to go to yoga twice a week, but that's in the evening and falls the night before my showering morning. Fabulosity.

And for those who aren't quite bought into the showering every other day mantra. I think dry shampoo still might find a way into your daily dish. Just think the last time you went camping. No shower for 3-4 days. Now that's really communing with nature. At least your hair won't look uber nappy at the end of the run. I wish I would have had some with me that last time I was up at Lake of the Woods. Then I could have at least looked really cute for the boys. (Not like there's a huge assortment up there. A couple jail baits, a couple "drunk tanks," and one sasquatch. I think I'll stick with Lt. Tarful's personal assistant.)

Plus not showering every day allows me a lil extra sleep in the morning. Ahhhh. Love it.

Floridian arrival!

So as of last night, Crowe and Collin have made it to Occupied Alabama. Yay! Because wook was on watch last night until 10:00 CST, Joe had the privilege of entertaining them until wook became available. Oh, how I miss those boys.

This morning consisted of breakfast before Joe and wook had to be where they had to be. Who know what Collin and Crowe are going to get themselves into. Probably sand. I mean, that's one nice thing about Florida...especially in the fall. All the locals think the beach is too cold in the high 80's, lol. Yay for being from Oregon (or at least hailing from there for the last 5 years after denouncing your Canadienne-ness).

And like any good military girlfriend, I had a care package hitch the ride East filled with yumminess for a certain boy's stomach. I had to throw in my favorite local wine, a Merlot from Bridgeview out of Cave Junction. Some underoos, because the boy said he was low. Some Beaver gear. Some snacks. And a card, that talked about his booty. ;) Overall, successful. A very well-timed "pick-me-up."

I believe the boys are head out Saturday afternoon. Not sure if Collin will continue East or fly outta PNS back to Oregon. Either way, I imagine that I won't hear from wook much while they're there. I mean, it's like College 2.0. Just a much shorter, not as fun, version. But I'm pretty sure they'll take what they can get.

Riddle me this...

So life has stumped me yet again in my quest for figuring crap out.

Last night I was in search of hanging files. Just generic, 11" wide, hanging file folders. At Office Depot there were an array of colors, sizes, and styles. All I wanted were ones that held stuff. Not looking for ones that did my laundry, although that'd be nice right about now. Well in my state of "reduce, reuse, recycle" I was shocked to find the "95% Post-Consumer Recycled" were dollars lower than their virgin paper counterparts.

Did I fall into a wormhole? How could recycled be cheaper? I mean this is the way life should work, but sadly it doesn't. Anyways, like any happy kindergarten with a crayon up their nose, I smiled my way to the check out counter.

And I'd just like to verbalize a trend I'm seeing and wonder if anyone else is afflicted.

So unfortunately I have to work and wasn't born with a nice trust fund cushion. Well wake up comes at 6am (whether I actually get outta bed then is a different story), but either way the alarm still plays The Office theme song at 6am. :)

During the day I'll have 1-2 cups of doctored coffee in order to not be yawning throughout the day. Sometimes I'm not alone in this behavior. Well recently I've found myself to getting a second wind about the time the sky gets dark. As cool as this is, I still love my sleep and so I have to coax myself to bed sometimes. (If you've ever gotten a late night email, that's the coaxing I'm talking about, lol). But lately I've been trying to clean up my room in preparation for bringing down my Queen bed. Oh yaaaa. (But lately I've been debating when I can move out. Like by next summer? As you can tell by my blog title, I do yoyo on topics. So don't be surprised if there are more to come in that category).

I just wanted to rant about how I can be dead tired in the morning off of 7 hours sleep (I'm used to 8-9...muhahahaha. Yes, I hear some people complaining that they don't get enough because they have kids, or breaking relationships, or just a severe drinking problem. I'm alone. I can stand to pamper myself with 9 hours of shut-eye), but then can't make it to bed at a reasonable hour to do myself justice. I need to work on my priorities. I'm trying.

As Peter Griffin would say, "that really grinds my gears."

To move, or not to move...

Now I realize this title may bring a flood of information and questions to mind...but if you just keep reading, you'll get the picture. ;)

So as everyone knows, or at least they will now, I'm not the biggest fan of Florida. The humidity, the lack of culture, the swampland...not really my boat. I prefer mountains, trees, lesbians...basically Oregon (and part of Washington). So unfortunately this isn't the blog where I debate whether to trek across the States. That ship sailed long ago for Oregonian waters. Now it's wook's turn. :)

The real question is: to move downstairs to the "oldest kid's room" or stay in the upstairs one? I've been debating the pros and cons for each, and am slightly leaning towards the upstairs one I'm still in. While the downstairs one does have it's own bathroom, although it may be off the family room, it is a reduction in size. That room is only 12'x10'. I'm planning on unearthing the Queen bed from storage this weekend (can I get a shwing?), so Stacey thought that a Queen would take up most of that. The room I'm in now is 10'x14' (at least, I think). And while I don't have my own bathroom, it makes up in the ability of housing a real sized bed and dresser (and perhaps a quilting table if I can find the finesse. After just visiting my Aunt Kaye this weekend, who is the family quilter, I'm thinking I might try my hand at making something a lil chic-er than the Amish tend to do.).

The main point in contention is the fact that the downstairs room is right off the family room, a place that usually holds the visitors to the house which usually include Trac and Hayley's friend, i.e. sqwuaking teenagers. Now while I realize that I too was one to my brother's friends, I don't hold it against him for leaving the house when we were around. I have a feeling that a month of Trac and Hay being home for Christmas and being parked right outside my door will have an overwhelming effect on my sanity, drinking level, and suicide attempts.

So for now the inkling is the stay put where I'm at, minus do a lil fall cleaning. :)

The good news about this weekend is that because we'll have an empty U-Haul coming back down to Medford ('cuz it's cheaper to bring the thing back to the starting point than dump it up there), I'll be bringing home all my possessions that have been in storage for the past year. Yay. I plan on spending a lot of time going thru my things, seeing what I can get rid of, what I want to keep, and clearing out my room from the absolute clutter it has taken on. People don't seem to get that moving from 900+ square feet to 140 sqft is a difficult task. So at least I'll be able to have my things close by in a storage unit, so I can easily swing by if I need my camping gear for the weekend as opposed to having it stacked in a corner.

But as everyone knows about my ability to make a decision, this may not be the last opinion I have on the matter. But so far I'm making plans for paint. I think that's a good start. The fun job will be actually deciding on a color. Yay for having a blog. :)

Oh, my achilles tendon...

So this weekend marked a time in which I'd be hangin' out with my friend, Stacey, and morbidly dealing with "being a girl." Ya, I have a visitor.

So we got into discussion one's achilles tendon during this lovely patch of womanly fun. Hers is a half gallon of ice cream. She swears she pounded a whole one the last time Aunt Flow visited...well, just because, lol. I, however, have found my weakness: wafer cookies. Those light, crispy, chocolate-y pieces of yummy goodness. Love 'em. Thank you Walmart for the $.98 pricetag. Shwing!

And as unappealing as the topic is that inspires the need for the wafer cookies, I think I'll have another. :)

"Professional Relationship Expertise, Can You Hold?"

So apparently because of my ability stay in a sane relationship for almost 5 years, I've been deemed a "professional relationship guide." I'd like to know what drugs people are taking.

This is the week of all weeks. I've had not one, but two friends ask me varying questions in their buddening relationships, desiring advice and wisdom in the swampland of dating. (I personally hate dating. It requires a lot of energy. I'm kinda getting too old for that. Luckily I came across someone early and got that outta the way. We're comfortable, like your favorite pair of sneakers. But we don't smell. Well, I mean, after Mexican he might smell. But not me. Girls don't do that, lol).

Anyways, I've stayed up beyond my normal bedtime to assist in the coaching of text message vocabulary, timeline establishing, and overall b.s. that is required when trying to feel out the other side of "he likes me, he likes me not...".

I'd like to say a.) I think you guys are nuts, lol, b.) I really should be drinking more in this job, and c.) keep me posted because I'm militarily single and live vicariously through others.

So hopefully two relationships will be formed. Hopefully neither babies nor wedding plans will be made within the first couple weeks. I mean people should really hold off that for like a month. Let them get to know you before you jump into, "Hey let's get married so we can invite Ashley and she can awkwardly come alone 'cuz wook's gone." Cuz I will hate you. And spit in your gift. :)

ps. I miss my other half of the stinky sneaker. Almost 2 months left. Yay!

Remembering the good times...

In honor of the good times known as college, here's a shot from Fall Ball '06 (I believe. They all seem to run together. And yes, Williams was on the other side of Crowe. Oops, did I crop him out?)

And I must say first, this dress was totally swimming on me. I bought it in...Hawaii?...I dunno, I forget. But I was on vacation and was a nice size 8. But then I proceeded to continue my yoyo of weight and so I didn't realize that it didn't fit really until it was too late. Go figure. Oh well. There's always next time for me to alter it. Or just wait until another fluctuation, lol.

Navy boy updates:

Joe is still existing in Florida, which is good. He's looking for that all-around, American girl, but unfortunately the South just doesn't seem to be providing. Duh, it's all that swampland. They're too dense and hot for their cousins. Better luck elsewhere. Let's go wingman.

Andy's doing well in the VA. I actually got to talk to him the other day. He's loving his station and his schedule for next year is reeee-dick-ulous! In the early part of 2009, he'll be playing up by Scotland and England. And theeeen, he'll be doing drug stuff in the Caribbean/South American waters. As Sarah would say, "Saweet!"

As mentioned before, Crowe will be doing Power School in the NC. It'll be about a year and a half of balls-to-the-wall schooling. I definitely don't wish that on anyone. But as wook says, "he's the dumb shit that chose that. He could have gone on a vacation and flown."

That leaves my handsome. He's 7 flights shy of finishing Primary. Yay! He might be looking at a Cross Country flight this week, but sometimes news isn't best traveled to wook in the timeliest of manners (which can be explained by his impromptu flight to Jersey). The only thing I ask for is a postcard. Is that so much? I'm thinking he gets off pretty easy. That's what you get for dating a badass redhead. :)

Farewell Le Canadienne...

So as anyone can tell when involved with the military, people move. People move near, people move far. I, however, still hate it when people move anywhere.

This Monday marked my farewell to Crowe, as he leaves Wednesday evening with Collin for Power School in Charleston, NC. Oh the waterworks. As much as I pride myself on being a strong female, I lose it when it comes to people I care about putting many miles between myself and our next visitation. Crowe didn't slip the noose as I cried saying goodbye to him in his parking lot at Park West. I just hate it how we're all being torn apart, even though we had it coming being in ROTC all these years (and yes, I talk as if I were in ROTC too. I mean, I practially was. I went to 7 balls.)

So here's a shot of Crowe being...well, Crowe. We were in the parking lot of a Safeway in Tacoma, Washington, trying to kill time during some part of the weekend of Norm getting married. It definitely showcases his personality...and his junk (i.e. played with a lot. Shwing!).

So until I can make it up there to visit him, it'll be Christmas cards and emails.

And now I have to go back to work. I hate when lunchtime blogging takes up my whole lunch so I can't eat. Ugh. Oh well, I need to not eat after my 1400 calorie lunch at PF Chang's yesterday. Yes, I am a fatty. Okay, I'm leaving now. I promise.

Another one bites the dust...

This weekend marked the ceremonial removal of the attractive Mr. Worth III from the market. He's all Marilyn's now.

Now unfortunately I didn't know a soul at the event, minus the bride and groom. But I still put on a brave face, drank a martini of liquid courage, and had a grand time at the reception (that is, until they cut the cake at like 9pm, which I gracefully thanked the bride for the invite and bowed out. I still had to drive back to Corvallis.) And while I didn't feel like editing any pictures, 'cuz I felt too lazy. I still will post what was a gorgeous and fun event. Too bad I didn't have a date.

I arrived a lil early, so I was able to putz around the Cathedral and take pictures. Driving from Corvallis to Portland always worries me because traffic is never normal. We could be mobbin' along or puttin' along. So I gave myself plenty of warning. But back to the picture: normally I don't like the big sprays of flowers 'cuz most look 1980's-ish, but these were fabulous. And I don't believe they used a wedding planner, which makes them even better.

The one decent picture of Marilyn coming down the aisle. She looked beautiful. Her dad started to lose it when he went to give it away. Even stone-cold Ashley couldn't help but slightly tear up. But then I got hushed for taking pictures because "it's a sacrament." Oh, I see lady. I have to be paid by the bride and groom to be able to take pictures in a church. Riiiiiight.

And like any Marine wedding, the arch which was a perfect ending to such a formal wedding.

The reception was held at the Multnomah Athletic Club, which was faaabulous. The bar was hosted until 8pm. There were only 120 guests or so, Zach and Marilyn were able to peruse each table and greet everyone. It was practically perfect. Minus I didn't have a date. (I'm just a lil bummed about that). The DJ was on the money with the choice in songs as he played exactly what I wanted to hear for a wedding: "I'll get your medicine when your tummy aches, build you a fire when the furnace breaks..."

The truth about the military became apparent as they were scheduled to start driving Monday and have to be in Florida by Friday. So ya, no honeymoon (which isn't that half the point of getting married? Honeymoon and gifts?!). So hopefully they arrive in time to check in. Marilyn already loves Florida so that's great since she'll be there until Zach gets moved next.

So overall, a beautiful wedding. The only thing that could have been better was a wookie to sit next to and dance with. I guess I'll have to wait until someone else gets married to try that again. Any takers?

Update:

Because Sarah is demanding...

This is the best shot I got of the duo in all their fabulosity. Definitely a sharp lookin' couple.

And I was thinking about the reception when I was at work, toiling the idea of whether or not to update this post with a pick of the pair (which I did, obviously), and I forgot to mention the amazing toasts that Marilyn's dad had of the pair. I think the whole room was moved. He did such a great job. "Best toast ever" award.