I know I say I am going to do better each and every time but I really will start to do better with my blog. I swear it to you! I am in a place where I feel like i have a lot to say. Let's play catch up one last time and then I promise to keep you up to date at least once per week, deal?!
I recently had my 31st birthday... I was in Charleston and actually had a pretty good day... ended my birthday with a new phone on a historical naval destroyer the USS Yorktown. I had a great time working which we all know I DON'T DO on my birthday. I generally am on vacation even if only for the day. It's not where I am but that i am doing only what I want to be doing and not what I am supposed to be doing or am required to be doing. Anyway, it was a pretty good day, we were past some of the big craziness that comes with getting 8 college basketball teams settles and were getting more into the groove with them. We had already set some boundaries with some of the contacts and where all enjoying the slight chill in the air. I was with a Mizzou Tiger and one of those crazy Red Raiders from Tech. Thanks to them and the amazing people I work with ( I mean it, I'm not just writing this b/c they could read this... they really are amazing!), I got to sleep in, had cookie cake, cake, got some funny cards and even got a car... a red convertible. It was a surprise so I was NOT expecting it at all.
I'll post pictures soon so you can all see my sweet new ride!
Did I mention I was gone for 15 days straight!!
Crazy is what that sounds like now. Oh well, we have hit the ground running and it is going to be a bit crazytime from here on out. University of Colorado won that tournament and i learned a lot about the Collegiate side of our business and still am as I sort through some of the special that I encountered there. I have a new found respect for the people in the Collegiate pod and their handling of things on the fly and with a smile no less.
After Charleston which might I add was COLD and RAINY... i flew off to sunny Anaheim at the crack of dawn in the morning. I mean the airport wasn't even open when i first got there!! Dropped the car off at the rental place and went on with my day. I then got to stop in my home city but not actually get to go home between events. Is it bad that I was hoping for some sort of delay or cancellation so that i could get back to my house?! I don't feel bad about that either. California was great though. I kept up with one of our clients who was traveling the country just the same as me. Good times with good people. MTMs, CTJs...BWs... all sorts of fun to be had and remembered just keeping it 100 with ya, lol.
My Cali ride was a bit tardy in the pick up and then she passed me!! She was a bit flustered, but she eventually got me. I couldn't be mad b/c we had done the same thing to the Red raider! MEALS, MEALS and more MEALS are on my agenda these days. I had a blast with the people at both tournaments and look forward to the possibility of working with them again in the future.
Alright, i'm extremely tired but I wanted to catch you up as soon as I could.
I leave you with one of my new favorite quotes.
Remember this quote: “You Were Given This Life Because You Are Strong Enough To Live it.”
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Friends are integral to the fabric of life.
A friendship can weather most things and thrive in thin soil; but it needs a little mulch of letters and phone calls and small, silly presents every so often - just to save it from drying out completely.
Pam Brown
It was a great night of catching up with the ladies. I can't recall the last time that Claudine, Daja and I got together. It was a great night of reminiscing about old times and new times to come.
Thanks for checking on me and thanks for being there even when you aren't there.I feel a road trip coming on sometime...maybe after the week I had last week ...a plane trip?! We need to do a girls weekend ladies. Summer time ...next July maybe for an early birthday present?
Pam Brown
It was a great night of catching up with the ladies. I can't recall the last time that Claudine, Daja and I got together. It was a great night of reminiscing about old times and new times to come.
Thanks for checking on me and thanks for being there even when you aren't there.I feel a road trip coming on sometime...maybe after the week I had last week ...a plane trip?! We need to do a girls weekend ladies. Summer time ...next July maybe for an early birthday present?
Monday, October 8, 2012
JESUS TAKE THE WHEEL
As I sit here in my cousin Erika's kitchen, I'm struck by the blessings I have been given in the last 72 hours. I was in a wreck with my family on Thursday morning and never in my life had a really thought about something happening while we were all together . God had us in his hands on Thursday and for that I will forever be grateful. Life has a way of clarifying things to you when necessary. I think that we were not meant to get to Chicago to see my Uncle. For whatever the reason, I know that we were meant to head on to Memphis,TN. and then on to Clarksdale,MS. to see my cousin and meet her family. Today I make a pledge to live better each day... I don't think I was living badly before but I have a new perspective based on the luck that I had on my side that day. All you have to do is take a look at my car to see that the good Lord was with us all that day and we were lucky to walk away with nothing but bumps and bruises.
For those who want to know what happened, here goes.
We were headed to Chicago to see my Uncle who is very ill. I had been driving and got a bit tired so I asked my mom to switch (she normally drives at least an hour or two so I can get a nap in). She had just switched maybe 45 minutes before and we had just stopped to fill up the gas tank. We left the gas station headed for 440 east in Little Rock, Ark. At one point we thought we heard the wrong instructions but then 440 came and mom told us all "Here's 440 !" . I closed my eyes for a quick moment when I heard a strange noise (mom had hit bumped the tires on the bottom part of the median). I looked at her asking what that noise was and she looked at me with a vacant expression. Just as I turned to look at her, we were barrelling towards another car that looked like it was stopped ( I learned later that it wasn't we were just going that fast). Jason and I yelled at my mom to slow down and stop the car, but there was no response visually or vocally from her. Just before we hit the black expedition, I turned the wheel so that we did not hit the car straight on. We hit the back left side of the car and then went on to hit the median. Upon impact the air bags burst out and then we spun around a number of times before hitting an 18 wheeler and then hitting the other median. We were still moving at a very high speed so I had to take my seat belt off and climb over and press on the brake of the car. It was very scary to look in my mom's face and see that she is awake but nothing is happening in her brain. Afterwards, I had to climb out of the vehicle which we were very lucky to have come to rest upright on the shoulder of the highway. There is a large drop off where we were and we were only 2 or 3 exits from the Arkansas River. Jason and Imani and Jason were all in the back seat okay. Small injuries were all we had but we still sent them all to the ER to get checked out. JJ had a cut on his right leg and forearm, Imani had a bruise on her abdomen and my brother had some abrasions on his right arm from the second impact. We all had glass everywhere since my passenger side window shattered inside of the car. Again, all minor issues considering the events that we had just been through. LUCKY. My mom was so out of it, she was talking to us and asking what happened and why I was so worked up. SHE HAD NO IDEA. We have talked about it numerous times and she has no idea what happened. All she remembers is saying "Here's 440!" and then me getting her out of the car post accident. Her CT scans and blood work came back normal and the doctor diagnosed her as "healthy as a horse". I know she is healthy and I get what the tests say, but SOMETHING happened and in that time we were lucky to still be alive. She is going to go to the neurologist and get checked out again as is my brother. It's always a scary thing when in an accident but since my brother has had a stroke already and is on blood thinning medication so we worry even more. We were blessed by an angel named Kim who stopped on the side of the road at the wreck and stayed with me all day even offering her own home at one point if we needed a place to stay the night. She will forever be a part of our family and we are lucky to have met her.
This is the family the same day of the wreck... we were so happy and blessed to be a family. All of us were a bit sore and I kept finding glass in my hair and in my pants...pretty much everywhere. My bruises were making themselves known by this time and my adrenaline was wearing thin. Soreness was starting to set in hence the leaning forward position in this pose. I can only put my elbows where they are b/c of the bruises that I have.
We drove on to Memphis to try to salvage something out of this horrible experience. My mom's friend Tanzie is in Memphis so I knew if I could get there I would be able to have a moment to think about wither going on to Chicago or going back to Dallas. I was the only driver and it really was my decision. Erika invited us down to her house in Clarksdale and also was good enough to check me out and get me some pain meds to help with the soreness. By Friday it had really started to set in... I was so so sore and bruised and wouldn't have slept AMAZING if my back and legs had let me. Small price to pay... I'll take it.
It is now Monday October 8th and I am back home relaxing on my day off the second to last day of what was supposed to be my DCL Reunion trip to Las Vegas, NV. and my Los Angeles, CA. trip to see my pseudo sister Ayana. My mother and I have had quite a few chats in the past few days and are even closer if that is possible. We both know that we have survived something that could have been horrible.We will be sharing a vehicle for a while but small price to pay for 5 lives still going.
BLESSED AND GRATEFUL WE WILL BE...A FAMILY OF 5 STILL ARE WE
Thanks for all of the love and support from family and friends and a BIG THANK YOU to my boss Sarah and co-workers at Anthony Travel for helping me get through this crazy time.
For those who want to know what happened, here goes.
We were headed to Chicago to see my Uncle who is very ill. I had been driving and got a bit tired so I asked my mom to switch (she normally drives at least an hour or two so I can get a nap in). She had just switched maybe 45 minutes before and we had just stopped to fill up the gas tank. We left the gas station headed for 440 east in Little Rock, Ark. At one point we thought we heard the wrong instructions but then 440 came and mom told us all "Here's 440 !" . I closed my eyes for a quick moment when I heard a strange noise (mom had hit bumped the tires on the bottom part of the median). I looked at her asking what that noise was and she looked at me with a vacant expression. Just as I turned to look at her, we were barrelling towards another car that looked like it was stopped ( I learned later that it wasn't we were just going that fast). Jason and I yelled at my mom to slow down and stop the car, but there was no response visually or vocally from her. Just before we hit the black expedition, I turned the wheel so that we did not hit the car straight on. We hit the back left side of the car and then went on to hit the median. Upon impact the air bags burst out and then we spun around a number of times before hitting an 18 wheeler and then hitting the other median. We were still moving at a very high speed so I had to take my seat belt off and climb over and press on the brake of the car. It was very scary to look in my mom's face and see that she is awake but nothing is happening in her brain. Afterwards, I had to climb out of the vehicle which we were very lucky to have come to rest upright on the shoulder of the highway. There is a large drop off where we were and we were only 2 or 3 exits from the Arkansas River. Jason and Imani and Jason were all in the back seat okay. Small injuries were all we had but we still sent them all to the ER to get checked out. JJ had a cut on his right leg and forearm, Imani had a bruise on her abdomen and my brother had some abrasions on his right arm from the second impact. We all had glass everywhere since my passenger side window shattered inside of the car. Again, all minor issues considering the events that we had just been through. LUCKY. My mom was so out of it, she was talking to us and asking what happened and why I was so worked up. SHE HAD NO IDEA. We have talked about it numerous times and she has no idea what happened. All she remembers is saying "Here's 440!" and then me getting her out of the car post accident. Her CT scans and blood work came back normal and the doctor diagnosed her as "healthy as a horse". I know she is healthy and I get what the tests say, but SOMETHING happened and in that time we were lucky to still be alive. She is going to go to the neurologist and get checked out again as is my brother. It's always a scary thing when in an accident but since my brother has had a stroke already and is on blood thinning medication so we worry even more. We were blessed by an angel named Kim who stopped on the side of the road at the wreck and stayed with me all day even offering her own home at one point if we needed a place to stay the night. She will forever be a part of our family and we are lucky to have met her.
"BLACK BEAUTY" MY 2007 SATURN VUE - THE CAR THAT SAVED OUR LIVES
LUCKY is the word of the week.
This is the family the same day of the wreck... we were so happy and blessed to be a family. All of us were a bit sore and I kept finding glass in my hair and in my pants...pretty much everywhere. My bruises were making themselves known by this time and my adrenaline was wearing thin. Soreness was starting to set in hence the leaning forward position in this pose. I can only put my elbows where they are b/c of the bruises that I have.
HAMILTON FAMILY - MEMPHIS TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 4,2012
We drove on to Memphis to try to salvage something out of this horrible experience. My mom's friend Tanzie is in Memphis so I knew if I could get there I would be able to have a moment to think about wither going on to Chicago or going back to Dallas. I was the only driver and it really was my decision. Erika invited us down to her house in Clarksdale and also was good enough to check me out and get me some pain meds to help with the soreness. By Friday it had really started to set in... I was so so sore and bruised and wouldn't have slept AMAZING if my back and legs had let me. Small price to pay... I'll take it.
It is now Monday October 8th and I am back home relaxing on my day off the second to last day of what was supposed to be my DCL Reunion trip to Las Vegas, NV. and my Los Angeles, CA. trip to see my pseudo sister Ayana. My mother and I have had quite a few chats in the past few days and are even closer if that is possible. We both know that we have survived something that could have been horrible.We will be sharing a vehicle for a while but small price to pay for 5 lives still going.
BLESSED AND GRATEFUL WE WILL BE...A FAMILY OF 5 STILL ARE WE
Thanks for all of the love and support from family and friends and a BIG THANK YOU to my boss Sarah and co-workers at Anthony Travel for helping me get through this crazy time.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
OHANA OLD AND NEW
Good Lord... I haven't written in this blog forever. Mother's day was a lifetime ago. I've been so many places since then and guess I should catch you all up on my life.
May - I spent some time in New Jersey, not the jersey shore life or real housewives of new jersey style. I was holdin' it down in Somerset. It was a busy Memorial day weekend for me but good weather and some great people.
June saw me becoming EXTREMELY busy with work. Learning my way around my job with some fun trial and error but getting things done nonetheless. It was a challenge and in a way I felt like I was treading water and trying to stay afloat. I flew out to Seattle and spent some time out there for work and got to visit my amazing and beautimus friend Angela! I stopped working at the AAC and started my tenure on the board of the Black Alumni of SMU. So excited and ready to get more involved at school.
July saw me stay just as busy getting ready for my largest accounts largest event. That seemed a bit confusing but you get the idea right?! I flew to Chicago for a few days and even went to a CUBS vs. CARDS game!! Went to the beach, had some Giordano's pizza and a few drinks ;) . Long walks, funny and crazy situations and fun photo opps were there for the taking. GO CUBS GO!!
August saw wrist surgery and IRELAND. BOO/YEAH all at the same time. I failed ot mention hurting my wrist in San Antonio in May but I did and I did it well. You know me.., I'm seriously accident prone and this was no different. I ended up having to have wrist surgery and man oh man has it been better but awful at the same time. I am still suffering some side affects such as nerve tingling, numbness and weakness. I'm happy thought b/c at least you can touch my hand. A few months ago my entire right arm was off limits. IRELAND - was an interesting experience (we'll leave it at that). BEAUTIFUL country for sure. Glad I could mark it off of my to do list and places to visit. I definitely want to return for a proper vacation at some point. I got to see the BOOK OF KELLS. Pretty amazing when you think how old it is and look at the shape that it is in.
September saw me getting new peeps at work and flying out to a new place Charleston, SC. I was only there for a day but will be back soon enough... humid and old are two words I would use to describe the place. Old in a good way. I also had another mini break down this month in regards to what I am doing vs. what I want to be doing. I like what I am doing but I had a chance to get down to the DIsney Magic when she came in to Galveston for the first time and it was waaaaaaay more emotional than I wanted to to be. More emotional than I thought it would be. I miss it all the way around except for the bureaucratic crap that comes with it. Now I am more resolute than ever to get my NP off the ground and need to continue to pay down loans and bills to get closer to that dream. Black Alumni goodness is in high gear and a lot of plans are underway. I like to execute so sometimes I get ahead of myself in that way but I am rip roaring ready to go and get more people involved! I have been up and down the highway again to Houston but this time to visit the city and get away, not attending wedding and visiting a man. I've been to the zoo, watched some soccer, gone to Galveston and have had more business meetings down there. I've watched my beloved SMU Mustangs play in soccer and football and have gone to see the Mean Green of UNT get some wins in womens soccer. A busy summer and a busy end to the summer.
I've caught you up now for the most part. Tomorrow is October 1st and the weather just turned cool. Good times for sure... can't wait to see what the future holds for me. I will try to be better at keeping you posted!
Ciao for now!
-ash
May - I spent some time in New Jersey, not the jersey shore life or real housewives of new jersey style. I was holdin' it down in Somerset. It was a busy Memorial day weekend for me but good weather and some great people.
June saw me becoming EXTREMELY busy with work. Learning my way around my job with some fun trial and error but getting things done nonetheless. It was a challenge and in a way I felt like I was treading water and trying to stay afloat. I flew out to Seattle and spent some time out there for work and got to visit my amazing and beautimus friend Angela! I stopped working at the AAC and started my tenure on the board of the Black Alumni of SMU. So excited and ready to get more involved at school.
July saw me stay just as busy getting ready for my largest accounts largest event. That seemed a bit confusing but you get the idea right?! I flew to Chicago for a few days and even went to a CUBS vs. CARDS game!! Went to the beach, had some Giordano's pizza and a few drinks ;) . Long walks, funny and crazy situations and fun photo opps were there for the taking. GO CUBS GO!!
August saw wrist surgery and IRELAND. BOO/YEAH all at the same time. I failed ot mention hurting my wrist in San Antonio in May but I did and I did it well. You know me.., I'm seriously accident prone and this was no different. I ended up having to have wrist surgery and man oh man has it been better but awful at the same time. I am still suffering some side affects such as nerve tingling, numbness and weakness. I'm happy thought b/c at least you can touch my hand. A few months ago my entire right arm was off limits. IRELAND - was an interesting experience (we'll leave it at that). BEAUTIFUL country for sure. Glad I could mark it off of my to do list and places to visit. I definitely want to return for a proper vacation at some point. I got to see the BOOK OF KELLS. Pretty amazing when you think how old it is and look at the shape that it is in.
September saw me getting new peeps at work and flying out to a new place Charleston, SC. I was only there for a day but will be back soon enough... humid and old are two words I would use to describe the place. Old in a good way. I also had another mini break down this month in regards to what I am doing vs. what I want to be doing. I like what I am doing but I had a chance to get down to the DIsney Magic when she came in to Galveston for the first time and it was waaaaaaay more emotional than I wanted to to be. More emotional than I thought it would be. I miss it all the way around except for the bureaucratic crap that comes with it. Now I am more resolute than ever to get my NP off the ground and need to continue to pay down loans and bills to get closer to that dream. Black Alumni goodness is in high gear and a lot of plans are underway. I like to execute so sometimes I get ahead of myself in that way but I am rip roaring ready to go and get more people involved! I have been up and down the highway again to Houston but this time to visit the city and get away, not attending wedding and visiting a man. I've been to the zoo, watched some soccer, gone to Galveston and have had more business meetings down there. I've watched my beloved SMU Mustangs play in soccer and football and have gone to see the Mean Green of UNT get some wins in womens soccer. A busy summer and a busy end to the summer.
I've caught you up now for the most part. Tomorrow is October 1st and the weather just turned cool. Good times for sure... can't wait to see what the future holds for me. I will try to be better at keeping you posted!
Ciao for now!
-ash
Saturday, May 12, 2012
MOTHERS DAY HONOR
Mothers Day weekend... have a few projects to get done and need to go workout. It's been a rainy weekend but a good one thus far.
It's interesting that when I speak to people whether that be on facaebook or skype or twitter or in person; the first thing they ask is "How are you?". I am great is what I always say...before it might have been a lie but I really am great these days. As usual we can all find a reason for life not to be perfect but right now life is pretty damn good!
New job... well, not so new anymore but it's good... bout to get a bit crazy! New people are coming on board...when we find them!
New outlook... well not so new either. I'm back to being myself. I feel more like me than I have in a long while. In the past year or half a year I lost myself there for a minute. Life was a bit "topsy turvy" as they sing about in Hunchback of Notre Dame. It's balancing itself out at the moment and I am loving getting to know all the new people that I know now and am loving getting back to the fun things that I love to do...
take pictures, play volleyball, playing soccer, workout, drink tea, read, sing at the top of my lungs and just be all around connected to people. I am getting more involved in my college activities... doing things with the Black Alumni of SMU maybe even serving on the board...if not still being an active member. I'm living with that amazing feeling again, when I had the zest for life and enjoyed it because you never know when it might end. I'm back in the frame of mind.
LIFE IS GOOD.
I am again DRIVEN TO SUCCEED and am ALONG FOR THE RIDE all at the same time. I will go to Ireland for the first time at the end of the summer and will travel to the PACWEST again this summer. I am going to the NE for a few days for Memorial Day (working at all of these junctures).
I am working on getting my finances straighter ... you like that straight -er, lol. I'm a long way from being where I want to be in that realm but I am on my way and that's what is important.
On to something that is important to me...
My fabulous dentist Dr. Janet Stone Gonzalez has stopped practicing due to her cancer dignosis and was ever so gracious enough to write off the money that I owed her for a procedure that she actually paid for when I had the lock-jaw issue and no money to get it taken care of. SHE IS AN AMAZING WOMAN and a great friend. I need to figure out how to repay her and how to honor her all at the same time. I am thinking I am going to do some team in training or something so that I can help raise funds for my amazing friend. That's right she is not just my dentist she is a friend.
I don't have anything else to share at the moment but when the feeling hits me I will write again.
JUST KEEP SWIMMING!
-ASH
It's interesting that when I speak to people whether that be on facaebook or skype or twitter or in person; the first thing they ask is "How are you?". I am great is what I always say...before it might have been a lie but I really am great these days. As usual we can all find a reason for life not to be perfect but right now life is pretty damn good!
New job... well, not so new anymore but it's good... bout to get a bit crazy! New people are coming on board...when we find them!
New outlook... well not so new either. I'm back to being myself. I feel more like me than I have in a long while. In the past year or half a year I lost myself there for a minute. Life was a bit "topsy turvy" as they sing about in Hunchback of Notre Dame. It's balancing itself out at the moment and I am loving getting to know all the new people that I know now and am loving getting back to the fun things that I love to do...
take pictures, play volleyball, playing soccer, workout, drink tea, read, sing at the top of my lungs and just be all around connected to people. I am getting more involved in my college activities... doing things with the Black Alumni of SMU maybe even serving on the board...if not still being an active member. I'm living with that amazing feeling again, when I had the zest for life and enjoyed it because you never know when it might end. I'm back in the frame of mind.
LIFE IS GOOD.
I am again DRIVEN TO SUCCEED and am ALONG FOR THE RIDE all at the same time. I will go to Ireland for the first time at the end of the summer and will travel to the PACWEST again this summer. I am going to the NE for a few days for Memorial Day (working at all of these junctures).
I am working on getting my finances straighter ... you like that straight -er, lol. I'm a long way from being where I want to be in that realm but I am on my way and that's what is important.
On to something that is important to me...
My fabulous dentist Dr. Janet Stone Gonzalez has stopped practicing due to her cancer dignosis and was ever so gracious enough to write off the money that I owed her for a procedure that she actually paid for when I had the lock-jaw issue and no money to get it taken care of. SHE IS AN AMAZING WOMAN and a great friend. I need to figure out how to repay her and how to honor her all at the same time. I am thinking I am going to do some team in training or something so that I can help raise funds for my amazing friend. That's right she is not just my dentist she is a friend.
I don't have anything else to share at the moment but when the feeling hits me I will write again.
JUST KEEP SWIMMING!
-ASH
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
#lifeisgood
Looking at where I am today in regards to where I was 365 days ago is interesting. I was on a Disney Cruise Line ship enjoying my job, enjoying a relationship that i thought was going to last and grow. I was sailing around the Caribbean living a dream. I'm now back home in Dallas having been through 6 months of job searching and soul searching. I worked hard to find my job and am happy to say I enjoy every day so far. I work with good people and have opportunity to grow with each move I make.
So much has come down the pipeline recently it's crazy to fathom. From 1 part time job to 1 part time job and 1 temporary job. Then 2 part time jobs and 1 full time job. I'm running like my feet are on fire...so much to do and so much to accomplish and learn!
#lifeisgood
I am now almost back to being the old me. The focused me with the good outlook on life. I lost her for a while and couldn't for the life of me find her. She's baaaaaaaaaack! I'm looking forward and excited about all the wonders that life has to hold for me. I'm excited about the eventual prospect of finding my partner and having a family. I'm excited about my finances getting more in order...I'm excited!!
#lifeisgood
Well... since my allergies are in high gear, I'm going to go now but please know #LIFEISGOOD
So much has come down the pipeline recently it's crazy to fathom. From 1 part time job to 1 part time job and 1 temporary job. Then 2 part time jobs and 1 full time job. I'm running like my feet are on fire...so much to do and so much to accomplish and learn!
#lifeisgood
I am now almost back to being the old me. The focused me with the good outlook on life. I lost her for a while and couldn't for the life of me find her. She's baaaaaaaaaack! I'm looking forward and excited about all the wonders that life has to hold for me. I'm excited about the eventual prospect of finding my partner and having a family. I'm excited about my finances getting more in order...I'm excited!!
#lifeisgood
Well... since my allergies are in high gear, I'm going to go now but please know #LIFEISGOOD
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
It's a new dawn, a new day and I'm feeling good!! Well not really good at the moment, but overall I am doing really well. I have a new job with crazy new and fun people. I am making an impact already and looking forward to going to work each day. Hopefully that will continue and I can stay focused and motivated.
I am about to start my quote notebook again since I can't find the original notebook from Ms. Gages class in highschool. How crazy is that anyway. I have a quote notebook that I have kept since I had to for Ms. Gages. I love quotes and history and can't wait to get the grad school thing figured out. I am ready to complete my degree so that I can continue to work towards the ultimate goal of starting my own non-profit for youth who have expereinced loss. I have met a large number of people who have similiar hopes and dreams as I do and can't wait to get my life all settled in.
So many questions, so little money and so little time...at least at the moment. FOCUS ASHLEY...keep your eye on the ball and hit it out of the park.
Have a great day!
I am about to start my quote notebook again since I can't find the original notebook from Ms. Gages class in highschool. How crazy is that anyway. I have a quote notebook that I have kept since I had to for Ms. Gages. I love quotes and history and can't wait to get the grad school thing figured out. I am ready to complete my degree so that I can continue to work towards the ultimate goal of starting my own non-profit for youth who have expereinced loss. I have met a large number of people who have similiar hopes and dreams as I do and can't wait to get my life all settled in.
So many questions, so little money and so little time...at least at the moment. FOCUS ASHLEY...keep your eye on the ball and hit it out of the park.
Have a great day!
Monday, April 2, 2012
Alrighty peeps. I realize it's been AGES since I have written. In the time since January 31st I've gotten a job or two and now I have 3 jobs. I know... CRAZY and I should quit one but I love them all and right now the money that I am making in addition to my full time salary is going to help me catch up on some payments that I couldn't make in the past 6 months.
I am currently at a great place in life. I am ready to move forward and continue to grow as a human being. I am 30 and feel every bit of it. My body aches and my mind is analyzing every aspect of my future. Suddenly the future doesn't seem so far away. I have found some great friends and am branching out but also getting back to the things that I love and are important to me. My focus RIGHT NOW is on work and the other stuff is just that... STUFF. I am ready to move forward in my life and am focused on the goals at hand. This 3oth yaer is about NEW BEGINNINGS and I am finding that it is going to be a year of new beginnings for sure. As I said, I am in a new job for sure and and am hoping to continue to grow relationship wise and and live every moment as though it is my last one.
I feel like I have found someone that I can grow with but he has yet to realize it (which sucks). He's a GREAT man and I have so much fun with him and am able to let go completely but he is holding on to his bachelorhood like it's a buoy floating in the middle of the ocean. Oh well, thankfully life has found a way to keep me occupied and not worried about what's going on in my world on the personal side. I have plenty going on with the jobs and am truly truly enjoying all that work has to offer.
The people that I work with are a bit crazy and off kilter but I am starting to love 'em the same. I am back with my Black Daisy family after 2 years of cruising and nothing. Had my first asthma attack in eight or nine years yesterday. My boy was really pissed at me and I would say it still is. I am going to have to do a better job of keeping an eye on me sot hat I do not wear myself down.
I've got weight loss goals that I would like to reach. I have gained 25 pounds since returning from cruise life. Boo on that !! Working on getting back into a routine ...working out, eating better, being active and outside. Summer and spring are a great time for me with activity except for the allergy asthma thing. Some years are better than others but this year I think the allergyt hing is going to be an issue while trying to play. I am goin to push through though and lose the weight that I have gained and then some ... hopefully.
So much positive thinking in this post. Hopefully I can uphold that train of thought and be successful in all the areas of my job.
I am currently at a great place in life. I am ready to move forward and continue to grow as a human being. I am 30 and feel every bit of it. My body aches and my mind is analyzing every aspect of my future. Suddenly the future doesn't seem so far away. I have found some great friends and am branching out but also getting back to the things that I love and are important to me. My focus RIGHT NOW is on work and the other stuff is just that... STUFF. I am ready to move forward in my life and am focused on the goals at hand. This 3oth yaer is about NEW BEGINNINGS and I am finding that it is going to be a year of new beginnings for sure. As I said, I am in a new job for sure and and am hoping to continue to grow relationship wise and and live every moment as though it is my last one.
I feel like I have found someone that I can grow with but he has yet to realize it (which sucks). He's a GREAT man and I have so much fun with him and am able to let go completely but he is holding on to his bachelorhood like it's a buoy floating in the middle of the ocean. Oh well, thankfully life has found a way to keep me occupied and not worried about what's going on in my world on the personal side. I have plenty going on with the jobs and am truly truly enjoying all that work has to offer.
The people that I work with are a bit crazy and off kilter but I am starting to love 'em the same. I am back with my Black Daisy family after 2 years of cruising and nothing. Had my first asthma attack in eight or nine years yesterday. My boy was really pissed at me and I would say it still is. I am going to have to do a better job of keeping an eye on me sot hat I do not wear myself down.
I've got weight loss goals that I would like to reach. I have gained 25 pounds since returning from cruise life. Boo on that !! Working on getting back into a routine ...working out, eating better, being active and outside. Summer and spring are a great time for me with activity except for the allergy asthma thing. Some years are better than others but this year I think the allergyt hing is going to be an issue while trying to play. I am goin to push through though and lose the weight that I have gained and then some ... hopefully.
So much positive thinking in this post. Hopefully I can uphold that train of thought and be successful in all the areas of my job.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
So much to say... KEEP TRYING TO FORMULATE HOW TO SAY IT
So much to say about my life in the last 12 days. I've had some interviews, been offered some jobs, lost a relative, had some adult fun. It's been a rollercoaster ride for sure.
I was offered a job down in Houston which would be great if the money was right. I was offered a part-time job at the AAC which I ended up accepting.
Wow, I am so anxious right now. I am read to go support my family and bid a fond farewell to my Uncle. Mother nature doesn't seem to want to cooperate. Snow, cancelled flights, trying to figure out how to re-route all the travel craziness. This is how we missed my aunts' funeral a couple of years back. We couldn't get out of Dallas so unfortunately we were not able attend.
I was offered a job down in Houston which would be great if the money was right. I was offered a part-time job at the AAC which I ended up accepting.
Wow, I am so anxious right now. I am read to go support my family and bid a fond farewell to my Uncle. Mother nature doesn't seem to want to cooperate. Snow, cancelled flights, trying to figure out how to re-route all the travel craziness. This is how we missed my aunts' funeral a couple of years back. We couldn't get out of Dallas so unfortunately we were not able attend.
so much to say... NEWNESS
Wow so much to say since the end of January. I have now been offered 3 jobs accepted 2 and turned one down. Had the opportunity to move to Houston and work but the money was not right. Have been given the opportunity to work part-time at the American Airlines Center (AAC) and have accepted.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
GIVE THE GIFT OF ACTIVITY AND CAMARADERIE- help me reach my $650 goal
Hello There,
I am devoting my blog today to the YMCA. I know, I know... you don't want to hear another spiel about fundraising or something like that! Here's the deal though! Donate as much or as little as you want! $1 would even be beneficial. Let me give you some figures to make it clearer how much each individual who donates makes a difference.
The point is, I believe in the work that the Town North YMCA has done, is doing and will do. I believe in them because they have been there for me my entire life. 25 years ago a person involved with Town North helped my mom out by giving her YMCA information. My brother and I were able to participate in anything and EVERYTHING we wanted because of the generosity of the people at the YMCA. It affected me so much that I made Town North my livelihood for almost 7 years ...I moved on but the seed to help people was planted oh so many years ago. Now the next generation of Hamilton's is wreaking a little havoc on the TNY. Imani is swimming with the TOWN NORTH SEA OTTER Swim Team and JJ will be participating in BASEBALL this season. We are now recipients of the generosity of last years donors and hope to be able to afford others the opportunity to join in on the fun by heping TN fundraise for 2012.
The cool thing too is that some companies match donations. If you believe that your company matches donations or are curious to find out, please shoot me an email and I will tell you what to do/ let you know if they do.
I am devoting my blog today to the YMCA. I know, I know... you don't want to hear another spiel about fundraising or something like that! Here's the deal though! Donate as much or as little as you want! $1 would even be beneficial. Let me give you some figures to make it clearer how much each individual who donates makes a difference.
Over the years, the YMCA has been a part of building strong kids, strong families and strong communities. It has changed over time, but the core values are still there. The YMCA teaches water safety and swim lessons each summer ( TNY, taught over 1,700 last summer), they encourage kids and families to participate in sports as participants and coaches (TNY had 9,600 boys and girls playing sports last year), and continue to help build the father/son father/daughter relationship with Adventure Guides (1,232 participate at TN). We can't forget about the adults either! As we know a healthy adult is a much happier adult. Town North YMCA sees over 1,275 adults per day visiting the fitness center to improve their Spirit, Mind and Body.
The point is, I believe in the work that the Town North YMCA has done, is doing and will do. I believe in them because they have been there for me my entire life. 25 years ago a person involved with Town North helped my mom out by giving her YMCA information. My brother and I were able to participate in anything and EVERYTHING we wanted because of the generosity of the people at the YMCA. It affected me so much that I made Town North my livelihood for almost 7 years ...I moved on but the seed to help people was planted oh so many years ago. Now the next generation of Hamilton's is wreaking a little havoc on the TNY. Imani is swimming with the TOWN NORTH SEA OTTER Swim Team and JJ will be participating in BASEBALL this season. We are now recipients of the generosity of last years donors and hope to be able to afford others the opportunity to join in on the fun by heping TN fundraise for 2012.
Here are some figures to give you an idea what the money can do:
A GIFT OF $2400 - Adds an apartment complex to MAKE A SPLASH OUTREACH where we teach life saving skills to under-served kids through swim lessons
A GIFT OF $1000 = Provides a Cancer Survivor the chance to participate in the LIVESTRONG PROGRAM
A GIFT OF $750 - gives a SENIOR the opportunity to stay active and join the Active Older Adults by becoming a member of the TNY.
A GIFT OF $500 - gives a child two weeks of fun and exploration at Camp on the Lake (formerly Camp T'Sungani for those of you that have heard me talk about my camp days).
A GIFT OF $250 - allows a father and child to bond over adventure and camp fires at the ADVENTURE GUIDE & PRINCESS CAMPOUT
A GIFT OF $100 - allows a child to be on a YMCA SPORTS team.
A GIFT OF $50 - allows a parent piece of mind knowing their child has KIND, CARING ADULTS watching them at AFTERSCHOOL care.
The cool thing too is that some companies match donations. If you believe that your company matches donations or are curious to find out, please shoot me an email and I will tell you what to do/ let you know if they do.
EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS, SO PLEASE PLEASE SHARE THIS WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND HELP IF YOU CAN.
Oh yeah ....IT'S TAX DEDUCTIBLE!
Monday, January 30, 2012
Working for a good cause.
We all know that I used to work for the Young Mens Christian Association. Now I am "working" for them in order to help families and children participate in programs that they otherwise wouldn't be able to afford. We are one of those families...right now my niece is in swimming at the YMCA and with out the AMAZING scholarships that the YMCA offers, she owuld not be able to swim with the fish or the "Sea Otters" as they are called at TNY.
I'm asking everyone to HELP ME HELP THE YMCA and donate $10 to help my niece the future olympian keep swimming.
I'm asking everyone to HELP ME HELP THE YMCA and donate $10 to help my niece the future olympian keep swimming.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Life is still too short...get out there and make a difference
I'm going to add some info to LIFE IS TOO SHORT...
I posted a few days agao about Sarah Burke (1982-2012)...the freestyle skier who passed away after a horrific crash on a half-pipe in SLC. She was a pioneer in her sport and I pioneer for women's athletics in general. The sadness is that she was not even to her thirtieth birthday and had already become that person that young extreme athletes especially little girls look to. She also will not even get to compete once in the event that she fought so hard to get included in the Olympics in Sochi. OH CANADA.
Joe-Pa 1929-2012 another pioneer in the sports world. His legacy is tarnished to some, but to me it will live on forever in tact. This is a man who has positively impacted the lives of hundred...i repeat hundreds of young men. He not only affected those men but also students who attended the university through his example and his philanthropic endeavors. Did he make a mistake in doing the smallest amount possible...yes, but hindsight is 20/20 right. WE ARE PENN STATE.
Life is too short to not leave it in a better state than you found it. People always say that but when it comes down to it, you want people to think "Gone to Soon" or "WOW, what a great person...they will be missed."
I know that my life has mattered already to someone. Now the goal is to make people REALLY remember me in their lives and say ...I MADE AN IMPACT at the end of the day.
I posted a few days agao about Sarah Burke (1982-2012)...the freestyle skier who passed away after a horrific crash on a half-pipe in SLC. She was a pioneer in her sport and I pioneer for women's athletics in general. The sadness is that she was not even to her thirtieth birthday and had already become that person that young extreme athletes especially little girls look to. She also will not even get to compete once in the event that she fought so hard to get included in the Olympics in Sochi. OH CANADA.
Joe-Pa 1929-2012 another pioneer in the sports world. His legacy is tarnished to some, but to me it will live on forever in tact. This is a man who has positively impacted the lives of hundred...i repeat hundreds of young men. He not only affected those men but also students who attended the university through his example and his philanthropic endeavors. Did he make a mistake in doing the smallest amount possible...yes, but hindsight is 20/20 right. WE ARE PENN STATE.
Life is too short to not leave it in a better state than you found it. People always say that but when it comes down to it, you want people to think "Gone to Soon" or "WOW, what a great person...they will be missed."
I know that my life has mattered already to someone. Now the goal is to make people REALLY remember me in their lives and say ...I MADE AN IMPACT at the end of the day.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
LIFE IS TOO SHORT...
"Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets. So love the people who treat you right, forget about the ones that don't, and believe that everything happens for a reason. If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said that it would be easy, they just promised that it would be worth it."
This is where I am currently in my mental stability. I need someone who wants to be there to support me. I need someone who wants to be there to love me. I need someone who is ready to be my pillar and my strength when I have none. Not saying that I haven't met that person already but saying THIS is what I need.
SO...I've come to another crossroads in life. Job search is or at least has been futile, the living sitch is less than ideal and the love life... well you see previous posts...i'm on the FUN train.
This is where I am currently in my mental stability. I need someone who wants to be there to support me. I need someone who wants to be there to love me. I need someone who is ready to be my pillar and my strength when I have none. Not saying that I haven't met that person already but saying THIS is what I need.
SO...I've come to another crossroads in life. Job search is or at least has been futile, the living sitch is less than ideal and the love life... well you see previous posts...i'm on the FUN train.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
OBSTACLES ...move out of the way
UNCERTAINTY: REJECTION:LOSS
Honestly, I think I've been holding my breathe for the past few months in one sense and for much much longer than that in another. After getting things clear with my friend, I have a better understanding of where I stand. SUPERMAN does not exist but I was on my way to creating him in my world. I'm on the friend train, flinging around but you know what ...I'M HAVING FUN so IT'S OKAY!
I'm so so tired... I hope that the tides are turning for me.
January 11, 2012
Scorpio (10/23-11/21)
Today is the perfect time for you to transition away from an emotionally driven viewpoint to a more analytical one. Distance yourself from the relationships you are in right now -- just for the day -- and you will see things in a much more enlightening way. Certain facts will become immediately obvious. Plus, you will see a potentially upsetting situation before it gets to the boiling point and be able to remove yourself from the conflict.
This horoscope was the perfect one at the time. I think I am so a mirror of my sign that it is inevitable on occasion that it is spot on. Oh well...we'll have to see how everything pans out.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
FRAGILE: handle with care
Okay so let's talk about a few things. First off, I hope everyone is having a very HAPPY new year. I am doing my best to be happy but am finding it difficult with some of the obstacles that are before me at this point. I am also a professional self sabateur (sp?). If anything gets too good I tend to over think it and end up ruining it. This is my biggest downfall in my relationships that I build with people. I have an abondonment thing I think. Having experienced a lot of loss in my early life, the affects have carried over into my adult life and are continuing to have a profound affect on my LIFE, LOVE & the pursuit of HAPPINESS.
I posted a quote today on my facebook which is very indicative of what is going on in my world.
"You may be deceived if you trust too much, but you will live in torment if you do not trust enough. "
Frank Crane
I think I am going to take a facebook time out. It is the place where recently I have gotten into my own head too well or sabotaged some great things. Maybe I should give it up for a month or something OR until I find a job. That would be a good thing maybe. More to come later I'm sure.
I am all over the place tonight. The brain waves that wrote the previous paragraphs are not fried and frustrated. I'm not sure what to think and what to feel. I was told by a great friend to "Find what makes me happy." I am honestly not sure what that is anymore. I may have to try really hard to figure out what I am happiest doing. I know I enjoy:
I posted a quote today on my facebook which is very indicative of what is going on in my world.
"You may be deceived if you trust too much, but you will live in torment if you do not trust enough. "
Frank Crane
I think I am going to take a facebook time out. It is the place where recently I have gotten into my own head too well or sabotaged some great things. Maybe I should give it up for a month or something OR until I find a job. That would be a good thing maybe. More to come later I'm sure.
I am all over the place tonight. The brain waves that wrote the previous paragraphs are not fried and frustrated. I'm not sure what to think and what to feel. I was told by a great friend to "Find what makes me happy." I am honestly not sure what that is anymore. I may have to try really hard to figure out what I am happiest doing. I know I enjoy:
sports
kids
travel
laughter
reading
singing
movies
I could go on for days. I have to re-examine. Notice I did not use analyze but I think in a way more self-analysis is the way to go just in the happiness spectrum.
FRAGILE: HANDLE WITH CARE
Okay so let's talk about a few things. First off, I hope everyone is having a very HAPPY new year. I am doing my best to be happy but am finding it difficult with some of the obstacles that are before me at this point. I am also a professional self sabateur (sp?). If anything gets too good I tend to over think it and end up ruining it. This is my biggest downfall in my relationships that I build with people. I have an abondonment thing I think. Having experienced a lot of loss in my early life, the affects have carried over into my adult life and are continuing to have a profound affect on my LIFE, LOVE & the pursuit of HAPPINESS.
I posted a quote today on my facebook which is very indicative of what is going on in my world.
"You may be deceived if you trust too much, but you will live in torment if you do not trust enough. "
Frank Crane
I think I am going to take a facebook time out. It is the place where recently I have gotten into my own head too well or sabotaged some great things. Maybe I should give it up for a month or something OR until I find a job. That would be a good the
I posted a quote today on my facebook which is very indicative of what is going on in my world.
"You may be deceived if you trust too much, but you will live in torment if you do not trust enough. "
Frank Crane
I think I am going to take a facebook time out. It is the place where recently I have gotten into my own head too well or sabotaged some great things. Maybe I should give it up for a month or something OR until I find a job. That would be a good the
Sunday, January 1, 2012
I'VE GOT DREAMS TO REMEMBER...2012 LET'S DO THIS
DREAMS FOR 2012
1. Find a Job
2. Become financially stable...AGAIN
3. LIVE. LAUGH. LOVE.
4. Travel to a place that I have never been.
5. ENJOY life and LIVE it to the fullest.
6. Remember to put myself first.
7. Volunteer for something that I believe in.
8. FOCUS
9. Seek out new opportunities.
10. Always remember where I came from... family is important.
Out with the old...in with the new...ish
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