A Lil' Bit Of This And A Dash Of That

Long time no blog! We can thank my wireless Internet connection for the brief interruption of services!

Where to start!

We are now one of the billions of households with a Wii. That's right, the temptation to be just like everyone else led to my dad caving in and so my brother and he went down and got one. I don't think they have moved away from the television since. Not that they do much of that anyway.

Yesterday, was perfect! Why, you ask? Because I spent the day spending money that I shouldn't be spending with my mom!

TJ Maxx was our first stop, although I wasn't impressed! I've heard good things about them in the past! Target was next and I already love Target so of course I was excited! I did find some cute clothes, including an adorable pair of gouchos which I couldn't part with, but we decided to chexck out Fashion Bug first! After a pit stop at Starbucks for a Carmel Frappucino and a Carmel Macchiato we made it in there about ten minutes before closing and hit the jackpot! I got a skirt and two different shirts for less than thirty bucks! You can't beat that!

Today, I've been working on a birthday gift for a friend and enjoying the sunny weather!

In other news, there have been baby's galore since the New Year began. Here's a breakdown.

January-Sadie Alaina was born to my cousin Jesse and his girlfriend Dusty. She joins brothers Colin and Austin. The boys are Dusty's from a previous relationship.

March-Adyn Conner was born to my cousin Elizabeth and her fiance Eric. He joins brother Cedrick from my cousins previous relationship.

May-Addison Elizabeth was born to my cosin Dean and his fiance Michaela. She is the first child for both of them.

July-Kylee Nicole was born to my cousin Jenny and her boyfriend Eric. I believe Eric may have a child from his previous marriage.

And that's just family! I've had some friends have babies this year too.

Now quit being lazy and get off your butt and do something outside! It's gorgeous!

Proud To Be An American

*Here is something to stir things up. My opinions are my own.

I’m proud to be an American and not ashamed to let everyone know. I’m one of the few who still feels this way, though. Most people are ashamed to call this glorious country home--and so they don’t; they refer to their heritage whenever possible.

Why is it one is ‘proud to be an American’ until they have to fight to stay an American? It wasn’t so long ago when the citizens of this country were proud to be from the ‘Grand ‘Ole USA.’ There was a time when red, white and blue flags adorned every home. Today, instead of the American flag being flown high in the sky, you see Rebel flags from a Confederacy that hasn’t existed in decades. Flag burning was unheard of, and now it’s as common as going to Starbucks for your morning cup of coffee.

The president was once a man who was shown the utmost respect, whether one liked him or not. Today, the president is a man most in this country love to hate. We believed in him when we elected him in 2000 and when we re-elected him in 2004, so why can’t we believe in him now. We need to trust President Bush and those other elected officials to do what they think is best for our country. You don’t have to like him, but you shouldn’t hate him either! It’s a tough job being President of the United States of America!

Yes, this nation is fighting a war--a war some believe we shouldn’t be fighting, but does that mean we can’t support those brave men and women who are fighting to protect the freedoms and rights American citizens take for granted? Freedoms and rights any person in almost any other country would cherish and value as if there life depended on it, and maybe it does.
We live in the United States of America because we are supposed to be united, not divided, in the effort to protect this land of ours. If we were to pull out of Iraq or any other country we may be in right now, it would only be a matter of time before we will be faced yet again with a tragedy like 9/11. We came together then, and we need to come together now so our troops can come home as soon and as safe as possible, but now is not the right time.

If we don’t fight to protect ourselves and our land now in other places where you and I feel little effect, we will have to fight to protect ourselves and our land later here at home and our lives will be completely changed forever. Which one would you choose?

My God, It's Barbie!

Alanna and I were stopped at the Tesoro on Lake Coeur d'Alene Drive for gas and sodas during our day on the town.

As she came out of the gas station another car pulled up and out came Barbie, or rather her human replica! She had the perfect tan skin, the long blonde hair and legs, and the big boobs. And we can't forget the perfectly coordinated outfit and accessories.

Its girls like her who give the rest of us self-esteem issues.

As Alanna came to my door to hand me the sodas before pumping the gas

Without a beat, she said

"My God, it's Barbie!"

Wendy

It was a perfect Sunday. The sun was shining and we were headed off to IHOP for a breakfast that would make anybody happy. My parents only had to run one quick errand.

Tragedy strikes when you least expect it

My aunt calls and through muffled tears tells me "Wendy was shot!" I was told to have my mom call her as soon as she got home. A quick call to my parents who were at another aunts house and the next thing I knew my parents were walking through the door. My cousin and her baby arrived shortly after. It was decided that we would carpool. My aunts house is 2 hours away in Connell.

Wendy was a beautiful, loving person who had a full ife ahead of her. She was shot in the head by her boyfriend Jason. She was killed instantly.

After a day of many tears and much laughter my mom and I headed for home as my mom had to return to work the next day. We would be back though, how could we stay away!

This Sunday my family and I returned to Connell for more hugs, and prayer! Her funeral was Monday. The service was held in a beautiful Catholic church and it was amazing how many people came. More than a hundred easily.

My aunt, uncle, and cousins appreciated everything and I have hope that they will be alright. It will take time, but they will be alright.

Wendy leaves behind four younger brothers, her parents, and a whole bunch of extended family who loves her to death.

I love you Wendy Mae. Rest In Peace!

100 Things

Here's my introduction! If there's anything else you would like to know or if you have any questions don't be afraid to leave me a comment! I don't bite, I promise!

1. They call me Ashley
2. My friends and family are my everything
3. Music and books are the two greatest things in this world, and possibly beyond.
4. Pepsi is my addiction
5. Writing is my passion, and my stress reliever
6. I'm one of those geeks who actually likes school
7. I'm currently attending NIC and wouldn't change this for the world
8. I'm a photo junkie and can't wait to get my digital camera
9. There are approximately 975318642 billion candles in my house
10. I don't know how to drive
11. I don't watch movies or most television
12. I have better ways to spend my time
13. This heat wave is incredible
14. Java on Sherman serves the best coffee
15. My cats are spoiled...very spoiled
16. I'm a packrat
17. There are too many commercials on the radio
18. I'm sensitive and emotional
19. But I'm also incredibly stubborn and full of smiles
20. I love playing scrabble
21. And I'm getting quite good at it
22. I love history
23. Jolly Ranchers are the best thing ever
24. I'm growing up
25. And its scary, but I can't wait
26. I need a better Internet connection
27. The Sims 2 is an amazing game
28. Allergies are no fun
29. I love my pajamas
30. I don't understand how people can judge without really knowing each other
31. I will travel the world
32. And come home to write my memoirs
33. I've experienced more pain than most
34. It's made me stronger
35. I will make history
36. I believe in Karma
37. I'm not sure what else
38. I believe people love to hate
39. When instead we should love
40. I'm all about Love Peace and Happiness
41. I love children
42. They live life like everybody should...happy
43. I've never drank alcohol or smoked
44. I plan to keep it that way
45. What happened to the simple life?
46. Celebrities are overrated
47. I can't wait to be on my own
48. I'm a 3rd generation Idahoan
49. I was a Camp Fire girl
50. I'm halfway there :D
51. I can't stand silence
52. My hair needs dyed (again)
53. I dye my hair too much
54. I love meeting new people
55. I think too much
56. I have anxiety problems
57. I've never been to a concert
58. My phone never leaves my side
59. I'm going to NYC in the spring
60. I'm shy until you get to know me
61. And then you can't get me to shut up
62. I trust too easily
63. It gets me hurt, more often than not
64. I love the simple things in life
65. I have 58 cousins and second cousins
66. Family get togethers are interesting
67. Second chances are okay
68. Third and fourth chances are not
69. I'm told that I have a good sense of humor
70. I'm still waiting for my prince charming
71. Seeing other people happy makes me happy
72. Communication is key
73. Cold Stone has the best ice cream
74. If in the wrong hands, money can destroy us
75. Maybe before guns
76. I can't wait to see what the future holds
77. Dane Cook is the best comedian
78. A girl can never have too many shoes
79. Or purses
80. The people that I've met in the last year have given me a new perspective on life
81. I'm a first generation college student
82. I never went to prom
83. I sponsor a little girl from Guatemala
84. I love the smell of pumpkin
85. The snow is a huge problem with me
86. I am my own person
87. American history is being lost everyday
88. My room is organized chaos
89. One person can make a difference
90. I have mosquito bites everywhere
91. I wish I was artistic
92. My brother got the creativity genes
93. I can't stay mad for long
94. There's no fun in that
95. I try to learn from my mistakes
96. I make friends easily
97. I don't apply myself enough
98. Everything happens for a reason
99. Everyday is a chance to start over
100. I love life and all the curveballs it can throw at me