I bought a house!!!!!!!!!!!

On April 28th 2011 I bought my first house! Holy crap! It's been almost 3 years since I graduated from college and I am now grown up enough to own a home. Wow.

The house I bought was a mess so it's going to take some time to fix it. I spent all weekend with my wonderful loving family cleaning and painting. It is truly incredible what a coat of paint can do. My home looks 200% better and we're only getting started.

I am so grateful to my family who have helped and supported me on this journey. I am blessed and continuously reminded of said blessing.

All my thoughts now center around light fixtures, door knobs, paint colors, new flooring and random other home fixer upper projects. A month ago I thought Home Depot was a boring store. It's now one of my favorite places to go. I am also sure that Home Depot will be very happy to have me a customer with as much as I'm spending in there. It is all completly and totally worth it.

Other news not about me - my brother passed his last big test in the military! From what I understand this means that he will be able to be deployed and won't get kicked out the armed forces as a failure. That's pretty amazing.

My brother also got leave to come home next month so that we can celebrate my grandparent's 50th wedding anniversary. My best friends are also coming in from Scotland to be a part of that celebration. I am truly looking forward to this party. I can't believe that my grandparents have been married for so long. I come from a long line of love.

Once all the repairs are finished I will update with pictures of before and after so everyone can see the finished product compared to how it started. Byes!! :)

Bethany!!

I just got to talk to my friend Bethany for an hour!! It was phenomenal!! I love her SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much!! So, between talking to Bethany and going to a Milligan fundraiser last night, I really miss Milligan. I don't so much miss the school/test aspects of it but I so miss the community and social life. I miss all of my Milligan friends. I wish I could keep in touch with all of them but life as well as distance makes that difficult. Unfortunately. :( I'm debating going to Homecoming again this fall but I'm not sure if I'll be able to this year. Since I'm running a half marathon a few weeks before I will have to see how my leave works out. Hopefully I'll be able to do both. My home inspection is scheduled for Tuesday. So long as there are no hiccups I will settle at the end of this month. I'm loving the year 2011!!!! Have a great weekend everyone!

Way Overdue Update

Due to a recent request to update my blog I have come back to Blogland.

So, since my last update, here are the big things that have happened since last I was here:

- My brother joined the U.S. Air Force in February 2010 and graduated from BMT (Basic Military Training) in April 2010. He is now stationed in Texas working as a Life Support Tech for the C130s.

- I went to visit Matt and Bailey Roberts in Scotland and got trapped due to the volcano eruption in Iceland. So I got an extra week with them last year. It was amazing :)

- I went to Disney several times to visit my friend Bree. The most recent trip was to Disneyland, California where I had never been before. It was great fun.

- I have started training for the Disney World Wine and Dine Half Marathon in October. I'm kind of excited about running :) Those of you who know me know that I'm not normally a big fan of running by itself.

- The biggest update is that I have made an offer on a house!! It's a three bedroom condo in Annapolis, MD. Settlement should be concluded by the end of next month. So by the first of May I should be an official home owner!! Woohoo!!!

Those are the biggest things that have happened in my life. I will try to update more often than I have before. Of course, reminders will help as well if I start to lapse ;P

Happy Friday everyone!!

Full Time!! Woot!!!!

Sorry I've been away from blog land for so long but I've had a slightly hectic couple of weeks!

This past Tuesday, I was promoted from part time to full time with a new title and responsibilities. It's SOOOOOOOOO cool! I'm actually using my major! Isn't that amazing!?! I'm a Compliance Specialist working on updating e-billed budgets. It's a hectic job but I am enjoying it to the utmost.

I'm planning on keeping my waitress jobs on the weekends just as a hobby because full days off get slightly boring to me. This will change I'm sure but for now that's my plan.

I get to talk to my best friends in Scotland about once a week or every other week so we can keep up with each other even though we are a time zone and an ocean apart.

Later this month, I'm going out dressed up for Halloween with some of my friends. I think this will be the first Halloween that I'm going out dressed up but not to go Trick or Treating. Talk about growing up and slight culture shock.

I turn 23 later this month and I'm full time a year after college with benefits and I love my life! Go me!

Well, that's my life in a nutshell. I'll try to keep updating but I make no promises because I now have a real job, a hobby job and a slight social life so this is not a priority; it's about 19th on my list of things to do. I think this is best because I would rather be out living my life so that I can have lots to update when I get back to blog land instead of rambling about nothing. Byes!!

Happy Days!

So, I have officially started a new job. I'm working at a law firm called Wilson Elser in downtown D.C. as a part time file clerk. It's a complex job but it isn't hard. There is tons of stuff to do so I'll never be bored and the day flies past because of all the stuff there is to do. I'm going to love it. Also, they promote from within the company so there is room for me to move up. This may actually be a career!!!!

My cousin went off to college this past week. It's going to be good for her. She's asking me all kinds of college questions and it makes me smile that I have someone to pass on my college advice to.

My best friends move to Scotland in 9 days! And I get to visit them there in a few months!!!! That will be a grand adventure.

I leave for Orlando for a weekend in November so I can see another of my best friends. I get to visit Disney again after months apart! Woot woo!!

I went to the Ren Fair for opening weekend yesterday. Apart from a 2 hour break, I spent the whole day there. It was the first time my little boys have ever gone and it was fun watching them have a whole new experience. We made plans to go again next year too. I love that place it makes me very happy. And people watching there is just amazingly entertaining. I'm taking my dad there in October because he's never been. I'm not quite sure how he's managed not to go before...

That's all I've got for now. Byes!

Home Again

So, it's been a super long time since I've updated. I moved home to Bowie successfully and secured a job as a waitress at Smokey Bones. I'm happy to have that job at least but I am still looking for something more full time/permanent and in my field. If anyone knows of any accounting jobs that are entry level please let me know!

Events since coming home:
1. My cousin graduated high school and is going off to college in a few weeks. This was the first opportunity I've had to pass on college wisdom. It was fun in a geeky kind of way
2. My other cousin started driving. She turns 16 next month and can then get an official license. Ahh! Kind of scary...
3. My parents celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. My brother and I threw them a party that went off well (if I do say so myself). My parents are an inspiration. Seriously, 25 years of being married! Wow.
4. My brother joined the Airforce!!!!!!!! It's really exciting. I've never seen him this driven or excited about anything. Our entire family is just over the moon about this.
5. My 2 best friends are moving to Scotland in a few weeks. Amazing!!! I'm trying to save up money so that I can go visit in April during their Spring Break from grad school. I will graciously accept any donations to the Scotland fund.

That's a brief synopsis of life. I've reconnected with old friends from high school which is fun. It's incredible seeing how we're still the same people but at the same time observing how much we've grown in 5 years. At the moment I'm waiting on hearing back about a job interview from last week. Here's to crossing fingers and lots of prayers hoping that I can get a real grown up job!

13 days!!!

I have 13 days until I come home! Yipeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can anyone tell that I'm excited?...

Tomorrow we have a showing at the house. I'm crossing my fingers and praying like you wouldn't believe that the people coming will like the house and take it. If that happens it saves me from paying 5 more months of rent, I have a slight chance of getting back part of my security deposit, and I will be done with everything so I can come home no strings attached! Please pray that these people will put in an offer on the house so that I don't have to keep paying for a place that I will no longer be living in!

I'm constantly talking about coming home to the people at work. They keep telling me how much they will miss me but that they are so glad that I'm going to be in a place where I will be happy. I will have my family, my friends, a social life! *gasp* and a chance at a great job! I can't wait to be back at the only place that has ever truly felt like home.

I have an interview on Monday April 6 in D.C. So not only do I get to move home, I have an interview the day after I'm back! How's that for a sign that this is a great idea? I'm hoping that my interview goes well because if I get a job within a month of moving home that will be superb! So I have lots of things to pray about. Please help me pray for it all! The moving home safely, the getting a job quickly, the having someone else move in as soon as possible so that I no longer stay obligated to this house and staying sane in between it all!

I will see my home soon! Byes!

Life Changes

So, for those of you who don't know already, I am moving home in April. I am extremely excited about his. It came at the right point in timeand I have finally realized where I belong and where I want to be.

The issues with this are money to move home, breaking the lease and all the fees that go with it and keeping myself from being overly prepared and packing now which would cause unpacking to occur so I can find the stuff I need. Please pray that I can make finances work so that I can get home.

Once home, I need to find a job. Yikes! But I at least I have better chances up in Maryland than I do here. Yet another thing to pray about. Somehow, I know that everything will work out for the best. I can't wait to see Maryland the beautiful again!!

Happy New Year! Finding a balance...

Well, it's been almost 2 months since I updated so I may as well find the time to do it again.

After Christmas, life went on. I worked my last week at Disney; it was a sad time and I remember crying and feeling sorry for myself a little bit.
I then went 2 weeks without a job while trying desperatly to find another job so that I could stay in Florida.
I went home again for Dad's side of the family Christmas. It was a fun weekend where I tried not to dwell on the not having a job thing. My mom's parents made my new year amazing that weekend. At church on Sunday before we went out to lunch, my grandpa handed me a check. I thought this check was going to be for the $50 that I spent on the Christmas decorations I got for them. There was an extra zero on that number. My grandparents gave me my half of the rent so that I could stay in Florida for a little longer because that's where I really wanted to be.
Later that week, I was driving with my roommate Beth to go pick up a friend of hers. While in the car, I got a phone call from Jackson Hewitt Tax Service where I had applied the week before. The manager, Kris, was calling to see if I could start that Friday. He apologized for not calling sooner but he had been out of the office sick for a few days. It was such a great moment! I was able to breathe again! I had a job! I smiled all day. He called the next day to see if I could start on Thursday instead. Yay!
Now, I've been at that job for about a month. I'm working in the call center and it's a very relaxed atmosphere. The group I work with is fun. And, as a perk, because I work for them, the company is paying for me to take their tax school so that I can become a tax preparer! Wahoo! I have until March 31st and I'm trying very hard to motivate myself to get this done.

I'm always worried about rent lately. I thought one person was going to move in and I was counting on them to come through and help pay. That didn't work out at all so I had a kind of major freak out and my loving parents bailed me out. I didn't like the idea of having to move back home because I viewed it as failure. Then I had a great conversation with my mom where she used an analogy that she heard from her sister.
"You know how when you balance on one foot you aren't just balancing with that foot. The rest of your body has to adjust to help you with the balancing act. So, don't view this as a failure. It is merely shifting your balance." This was exactly what I needed to hear. And hearing it this way just made it so much better. So, now I'm not viewing the possibility of moving home as failing; I'm merely moving to a new balance in a new space.

Right now, I'm hoping that I can keep the balance on the foot I'm using. I know that it will be okay if I have to use a new foot or maybe an arm. I'm trying to make it all balance out right. So, keep me in your thoughts and prayers and hope that I can figure out how to balance it all.

Merry Christmas!

So, I'm sorry to my family for all the lying that I've done for the last month and a half. I did actually get to go home for Christmas and I've known since November 1st-ish!!! It was the best Christmas Eve ever and close to my favorite Christmas; it's hard to pick a favorite Christmas...

Christmas Eve was fantastic!! I got off the airplane and was picked up by my wonderful little brother. He had never been to the BWI airport before so he got to have a small little adventure of his own. First thing he said to me is "Sorry I forgot to get you a gift." To which I laughed at him and told him it was fine. He was so focused on not spoiling the surprise of me coming home that it sort of slipped his mind to get me a gift. So he took me shopping and I'm now watching my Christmas gift; Gilmore Girls with the line of "Do I have to watch it?" When I answered no he told me that I was allowed to get it. My lovely little brother ladies and gentlemen...

Anyways, back to Christmas Eve. So, John and I get to church and we're just slightly late because my flight was delayed by a small little bit. We walked in and I made sure to hide behind John so that my Dad couldn't see me fully until I wanted him to. The coming home was for him (Mom and I orchestrated the whole plot). He was very depressed that I wouldn't be coming home. I'm glad that I got to make his year better. I came into the sanctuary and the first thing I see is Sofie, my 15 year old cousin, holding her hands over her mouth and nose with eyes as wide as could be; obviously she was glad that I came home. I then stood in the aisle with what my dad describes as a "cheshire cat grin" spread across my face. I waited until my dad's face told me that he had processed that it was actually his daughter standing there in the back of the sanctuary. He cried but managed to keep his voice level through all of liturgy for the whole service.

After Dad processed it was me I turned and saw my grandmother coming towards me with open arms, a huge smile and tears in her eyes. She told me "I thought you weren't coming home! What are doing here?! Does your mother know!?" I told her mom paid for the ticket. So Gramma cried into my shoulder for a few minutes. I felt very loved.

As soon as there was a moment when everyone stood up and Sofie practically flew towards me to hug me. She was crying too and told me "I'm so glad that you're home! Is my makeup ok?" Typical Sofie. Love her forever.

When my mom was able to come over and hug me she literally shoved Sofie out of the way so that she could hug me. I laughed. I love my mother.

Once communion was being served and Grandpa came down I went over to hug him. I've never seen my grandfather sulk in 22 years but when I went over to him he said "Someone sent us a text that implied they were staying in Florida." There was so much sulking in that tone I had to bite my lip to keep from laughing at him.

At the end of service there was candle lighting and my dad was diligently lighting everyone's candle that he could. I found out later that my mom somewhat yelled at him "Go light Ashley's candle!" He pretty much ran over to me at that point. Sofie saw him coming and told me "Give me your candle!!" I did and hugged my dad for a solid 5 minutes. I remember telling him "You said that people should be at home with family on Christmas." I think I made him cry more with that.

The rest of Christmas was floating on a cloud. Samantha was just as happy to see me as the rest of my family. It was a perfect weekend and went off just as I've been picturing since November. I have a picture of Mantha's face when she saw me. It was pretty much the same as everyone else's so it should give you an idea of my weekend.

I also got to see my little boys over the weekend. That was my cherry on top of a fantastic weekend. Enjoy the pictures! Byes!!

Holidays

So, I'm updating because I'm pretty sure if I don't my mom might yell...

I went to the candlelight processional last night with Beth and Bethany. It was cold. By cold, I mean that I wore a sweatshirt, hat, gloves (the last 2 I gave to Bethany because she was colder than me), long pants and close toed shoes. The wind was what made it so cold; it was only 50! This temperature made me realize that, while I will desperatly miss my family on Christmas I'm not so much going to miss the cold. Especially Maryland's stupid, let's be cold but never snow philoshophy. There's no point in it being that cold unless it's going to flipping snow! Honestly, the world needs to understand my logic. It would make life better and just as interesting if not more so than it is right now.

In case you haven't heard, I'm out of a job on January 2. My internship got cancelled. Actually, the entire program has been cancelled. So, I need a job. In Florida would be the best. If you know of anyone hiring or have a contact that I could talk with please inform me!!!!

Now, I'm in the process of cleaning the house before Beth's (my roommate) parents come in tomorrow. During which I plan on watching Christmas movies.

Everyone have a marvelous Christmas! Byes!

Wedding Eve

So, right now I am in the secretary's office at the church where Bailey and Matt are getting married waiting for copies of the program to print. I cannot believe that 2 of my best friends in the world are getting married tomorrow afternoon. I couldn't make it through the rehearsal without welling up. I am a baby, but in a good way.

I have known Bailey going on four years now and yet, it feels like forever. I haven't seen her in 2 months but it seems as though a day has passed; we just pick right back up where we left off. I feel so much joy for her right now, with a small amount of jealousy working its way in. I have watched her relationship with Matt grow from a friendship to a dating relationship to further develop into an engagement and now it has evolved into a marriage. I am beginning to understand those "stupid" songs that make grown ups cry; songs like "Butterfly Kisses" and "She's Somebody's Hero". Those songs embody the emotions running through me at the moment. I know I'm not Bailey's parents and my emotions are nothing like theirs, or those of any parent who gives their child away at weddings, but she is my sister and I have a whole different kind of giving her away along with the emotions that go hand in hand with letting her go.

We have been each other's to take care of for the four years of college and the six months after graduation. I feel a kind of melancholy over the fact that she will no longer be mine to take care of. We will still be there for each other, forever and for always, but now, she's Matt's. And I cannot think of anyone better to give my best friend to. I know he'll take care of her forever. I hope that I find the same joy that they have found in each other and I pray that I find it soon. But at the moment, all my focus is on my best friends and the happiness they radiate to the world this weekend.

My life is still amazing!

I'm still alive for those of you who might think otherwise. And I love my life!!!!! Still.

So, I got all of my Christmas shopping done at Disney and it's still November!!!

Reasons my life is still amazing:

1. My Christmas shopping is done and everything was 50% off for me! Yay ra!
2. I got my maid of honor dress for Bailey's wedding and I have never felt more elegant.
3. I've lost weight and that is always a good feeling
4. My parents and my brother are coming in a week and a half!!!!
5. I get to take my family to the parks for 2 days while they are here!! And we're eating at the Nine Dragons at the China pavilion! I get to cross off another of the nice restaurants from my list!! (I have a goal to eat at all the nice restaurants at Epcot's World Showcase. So far I've made it through 3).
6. Bethany spent the night and we're going to church!
7. 2 of my best friends are getting married to each other is 27 days!!! Wahoo!!!!
8. Christmas music is being played on the radio and that just makes me happy! I am my mother's child!
9. I got to see my roommate!!! Work schedules keep conflicting with us seeing one another.
10. My house is mostly clean and it's pretty!
11. I still love my job!

Ok, that's all I've got. Byes!

House Pictures

Picture Update

I hope that these give you a good idea that I have been having fun in the last month. More pictures are on my Facebook but it takes too much to put all of them up here. But pictures of my house as it is decorated are soon to follow.

I'm still alive I promise

I promise that I haven't fallen off the face of the planet or died or anything.  I just don't have internet at my new house.  I will be trying to upload pictures in the near future.  As it stands, I love my house and thanks to everyone for all the furniture and stuff!  I am completly unpacked and my roommate is almost unpacked.  I am in love with my life.  My house is beautiful and my job is amazing.  I don't really have big news but I figured that updating would convince you that I'm still alive.  Ok, well that's all.  Byes!!!

Life Update!

Ok, so I realize that I haven't updated my blog lately but here's what's been going on in my life lately!

I got a phone call a few weeks ago from a manger at Revenue Currency and Control at the Magic Kingdom. He told me that my resume caught his eye and it was made even more appealing by the fact that I am currently at DisneyWorld. He asked if instead of starting my professional internship in January if I would start now. I said yes!!!!! So, for the past few weeks I have been following through with all of the proper procedures, interviews and whatnot so that I can start this new job. I am officially starting on October the 6th!!!!!! :):):):):):):):)

Also, once I found out that this was a possibility my friend Beth and I started looking for a place to stay. We found this amazing house out in Kissimmee that we absolutely fell in love with. We put an offer in last week and were crossing our fingers about it. I got a phone call on Monday saying that we were approved for the house! We move in today!!!!!! I am so uber excited!

So, that's my life so far. Everything is going great! I love my life.

Pictures from my vacation with my grandparents