General musings on the ups and downs and ins and outs in the life of a 30 something, unmarried, life loving, some times interesting and sometimes not, mostly happy girl just trying to figure it all out!

Friday, July 30, 2010

Apalachicola Road Trip

Mama and I are headed off to Apalachicola this weekend for a quick get away. I am excited for a number of reasons:
1. Any trip I get to take my dog on is pretty much perfect!
2. Any trip I go on with my Mama will be hilarious
3. It is the cutest little town!
4. I need a BREAK!!

Apalachicola seems to be a very dog friendly town- so look for lots of pictures of Vannie on vacation!
(this isn't Van- she's much prettier!)

It's also the oyster capital of Florida- it provide 90% of the oysters for the state- and you can eat them year round there- YUMMY!


This is where we're staying- so pretty!


I've been once before when my lover, Shannon, took me for a weekend getaway. We had a blast- which is our general MO- and these are a few of the pics from the weekend.


Hope your weekend is as much fun as mine will be!



Thursday, July 29, 2010

My Mother the Professional Cowgirl

This is a true story.

I'm pretty sure this whole event occured about two years ago because Amanda was home from college about to venture off to Phoenix. Katie was living with me in my completely adorabe little house in Navy Point. Mama and I had just gotten back from dinner at Deborah's house, and for some reason we all converged at my house. We did that a lot, so we didn't really need an excuse- but now that I think about it, Amanda must have been picking Mama up because Mama didn't have her own keys... explination to follow...

Mama and I pulled up about the same time as Amanda, and Kae came outside to greet us seeing as the Great Dane and Golden Retriever were about to burst through my glass front door. The door handle is onf of those that locks automatically and Kae locked herself out. So Amanda tossed her Mama's car keys (she had a key to my house), but overstimated her strength and they landed on my roof. Oops.

To remebdy this, rather than just driving home to get Mama's spare key, we pulled my truck into the front yard (and into my flower bed) and Mama created a lasso from my garden hose- I think this could have been my idea- and proceeded to try and "lasso" her keys and drag them off of the roof. I thought this was HILARIOUS (as you can see in photo number two). After about 20 minutes of effort, she finally did get her keys down. Actually, I think Amanda managed to get the keys down- and into my front flower bed where we lost them for the second time. But eventually we found them there as well.

I just love my Mama- she may do anything at any moment and you can bet whatever "it" is, it will be funny! Notice Katie and Amanda were unwilling to actually participate in this ridiculous event, but were more than willing to take photos.

No trucks, garden hoses or rooves were harmed in this effort. Only the bushed on both sides of my front door!

The End.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Lovin' my H20

Just left lunch with My AC- two cupcakes was my entree for today! Hey, it's National Milk Chocolate Day! But I am now trying to wash it down with water because I am on a massive sugar high. I can't sit still in my chair- which is very unsafe because my chair is broken and leans dangerously.

Water is, by far, my addiction. I love my wine and coffee- and they rank just behind water. But if I don't have enough water in a day I turn into an awful grump. I drink double my reccomended 64 ounces a day.

I love the new Eternal New Zealand water because it tastes awesome, is from new Zealand which is where my bro-in-law hails from, and comes in a bottle that is juuuust under the 8 glasses a day rate. So if I drink it down I know I'm good. I just looked over at my window and realized that I currently have 2 bottles of it on my desk. I usually refill it for a week and recycle as to not destroy the planet and face the wrath of my tree-hugging BFF, Shannon.

I honestly feel so much healthier since I started drinking water rather that sodas, juices, etc. And my weight dropped, my skin got better, and I have more energy. It really does work- which makes since seeing as our bodies are 60% water. Dare you to try it! It's a bit of a struggle for a while, then you become an addict like me.

DRINK YOUR WATER! And, of course, eat your cupcakes!

A Real Blog

My friend Kate has a REAL blog... like one for a national magazine... about real stuff... wow!

Shes actually my sister's friend- but I claim her. Western Horseman won't let me "follow" her blog- which is aggrivating- but when I figure it out I'll let you know.

In the mean time... GO KATER!!

http://blogs.westernhorseman.com/writingforthebrand/

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Sisterly Road Trippin

AC's post this morning inspired me! A few summers ago, Amanda was interning in Phoenix (where she now works). Katie and I flew out to drive back with her and we had many random adventures along the way. What is it about road trips with the sists that is so entertaining?

Amanda and I decided that it would be fun to have her teensie Chihuahua, Maggie, with us. So I Paris Hiltoned it out to Phoenix!


Then Amanda and I headed for the Grand Canyon- which is pretty much the most amazing place on earth.


So, here's where it gets interesing. Katie arrives, we do some hiking and hit Wally World for some major stocking up for the 24 hour drive. We get back out to Amanda's car... in the 110 degree heat... get our groceries unloaded, and the truck won't start because it decides we're stealing it. So we reload the groceries, go back into WalMart, call a cab, go back to the house, borrow the 85 year old neighbor's massive Buick, drive back to WalMart (lose some bananas along the way), have the truck towed and fixed.... eventually get home and load the truck and then hit the road at 5am the next morning all the while toting around a 4 pound Chihuahua.



Eventually we made it to Louisiana where Katie proceeded to pass out on Granny's carpet (which apparently smelled of cookies???) and then on home to P'cola. I can't tell you a lot about the drive because I basically sleep through road trips. But it went pretty easily after Amanda's truck learned we were not actually trying to steal it.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Promises are Promises, but Facts are Facts


Hello Lovelies!

You girls are always talking fashion and diet tips. Probably because you are all much cuter than I with better self control. I happen to know for a fact that my AC counts the calories of her beers. This freaks me out a little, but OK.

Anyhow- I was reading yesterday and read these facts that I think are pretty good to keep in mind-just to keep yourself balanced. Stay cute and gorgeous and have fun- but don't freak yourself out!


A study at the University of Colorado found that women overestimate the size of their hips by 16% and their waists by 25%, but the same women were able to correctly estimate the width of a box.


The "ideal" woman- portrayed by models, Miss America, Barbie Dolls and actresses- is 5'5, weighs 100 pounds and wears a size 5.

30% of women chose and ideal body shape that is 20% underweight and an additional 44% chose an ideal body shape that is 10% underweight.





The average US woman is 5'4 (I totally missed that mark!) and weighs 140 pounds. The average US model is 5'11 and weighs 117 pounds (oops, missed that one too...)

Young girls are more afraid of becoming fat than they are of nuclear war, cancer, or losing a parent.

And, saddest: In 1970 the average age of a girl who started dieting was 14; by 1990 the average age fell to 8 (EIGHT!?!?!?).


I'm not trying to depress anyone- being cute and taking good care of the bodies God gave is is very important. But many of us will be moms one day and most of us have young girls in our lives right now. We need to remember to show them what it is to be healthy and balanced and have great self esteem. I didn't, so I know how important it is.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

A New Hell

I love listening to sermons is my truck while I'm driving. It's quiet, I can concentrate, and I can talk back and say whatever I feel, which is a bit awkward in church.

Today my comment to Pastor Chris Hodges (Church of the Highlands, he's phenomenal) was, "You are SO right!" We are all so focused on a new Heaven and a new earth, that we have missed the blatant sign that a new hell has already been created.

Part of the reason I love Chris Hodges is that he's a good Louisiana boy. Here's the story he told that opened my eyes.


Early in 2010, around mid January, a good ole boy from South Louisiana, Boudreaux, passed away. Boudreaux was dearly loved in the bayous and known as a great friend and neighbor. He was buried with a full jazz funeral. Unfortunately, Boudreaux partied a little to hard his last New Year's eve and didn't quite make it to Heaven. Thankfully, being a Southern boy, hell really wasn't too hard on him. Satan walked by a week or so after Boudreaux had arrived and observed him laughing, telling jokes, and high-fiiving the other dead folks. This irked Satan to no end and he said, "Boudreaux, why aren't you suffering like everyone else?" Boudreuax said, "Oh, Satan, man, this is nothing! I've been in Nawlins on a sultry July day." So, to rectify the situation, Satan turned up the thermometer of hell as high as it could go.

Another week or so passed, and Satan ran into Boudreaux again, still smiling and enjoying himself in the depths of hell. Santan asked, "Boudreaux, are you really still happy in this? This is as hot as it gets." Boudreaux replied, "Oh, Satan, man, this is nothing. I've been fishing in the bayous on an August day with the humidity and mosquitoes! I'm OK." Satan absolutely could not take this. So for a lack of anything else to try, he turned the heat off in hell and upped the AC so that it was colder than it could ever be on the earth.

On a Monday morning, February 8th to be exact, Satan found Boudreaux huddled in a corner, shivering and blue, but still smiling. Satan just lost it, he let lose on Boudreaux about the powers and purpose of hell. Finally, he asked, "Why, Boudreaux, WHY are you still happy?" And Boudreaux replied, "Satan, I'm just as miserable as I can be in this cold. But if hell is frozen over, that means my Saints have finally won a Super Bowl!"

And lo and behold, Boudreaux was right!
Prepare yourselves folks- it's the end of the world! But we're going out is a blaze of glory!
GEAUX SAINTS!

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Aurora Lane



My sweet little namesake, Aurora Lane Cothran, is two!

Please observe a moment of silence in observance of the fact that I don't get to see her every few weeks any more- or my hot lover (her Mama) and my stand-in boyfriend, the handsome Chip.


Friday, July 16, 2010

Pearls

On Tuesday I had to go to a funeral, and I whipped out the general uniform for these events: A black dress and pearls. I got so many complements on how nice and elegant I looked through the day- but when I got home I returned my pearls to their box to wait for the next "occasion." (The black dress gets worn regularly as black seems to be my signature color.)

I haven't put the box of pearls back in its drawer yet, and I was thinking this morning as I was getting dressed for work... why don't I wear these more? Why do I just leave them in their box for "occasions?"


Pearls are really one of God's more amazing gifts. The start of as a piece of trash bothering an oyster and eventually turn into something women covet as a sign of elegance and wealth. Talk about trash to treasure! Did you know that in ancient times pearls were thought to bring good fortune, ward off evil spirits, and cure illness as well as stand as a symbol of feminine charm?

This morning I decided to just go for it- I pulled my hair into a nice pony tail, put on some cute sandals, jeans, a nice black top... and my pearls! The result? My boss told me I looked very dressed up for a Friday.

I resolve to take my pearls out more often!

My Gran in her pearls (that I inherited) with her famous zinnias.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Classic Cowgirls

So, the girl that cleans our stalls informed me yesterday that she didn't know who Annie Oakley, Belle Star and Dale Evans were. HELLO! I almost fired her on the spot.

I grew up watching Saved by the Bell with the rest of you, and who didn't want to be Kelly Kapowski? But I also grew up on a farm riding horses and playing in the dirt. I was a cowgirl worshiper, and I'm still a cowgirl at heart. I had a book I read religiously called The Cowgirl Companion, and here are a few of my favorite tidbits for those of you who are not up to par on your cowgirl lore.
dale fence
Dale Evans isn't the original cowgirl, as some people call her, but she did make the term famous. And, thankfully, she wasn't just some movie star in deer skin. She actually grew up on a ranch and could ride a horse and a milk a cow. Go Dale!

                    
Looks like your run of the mill pioneer woman, doesn't it? No Mam! Belle Star was an outlaw that associated with the likes of Jesse James and seduced lawmen when she couldn't buy them off. One tough broad!


                                           
If you don't know who Annie Oakley is, I'll shoot you myself! She rode in Wild Bill Hickock's traveling western show and shot from the back of a galloping horse as well as split a playing card in half on the edge side. 

And to wrap all of this up, here was my absolute favorite poem as a kid:

Hey, Cowboy

I may not have your anatomy
Nor weight the pounds you do
But, fella, let me tell ya
I'm not in awe of you!

Winters are cold to both of us
An' both our backs get sore
Old age don't care which sex we are
An' heifers in labor don't score.

The hand that feeds ain't woman or man
It's just the hand that's there
That truck won't start for God, Herself,
You read that right - don't stare.

The hands that rein the gather
Don't have to be a man's
Fencin' tools aren't pink and blue
To specify whose hands.

A green colt isn't more polite 
To a woman or a man
Either of the sexes
Can burn a proper brand.

My days are long and busy
'Cause I'm livin' from the land
Clothes don't make ya "cowboy"
It's the work that makes a hand.


And my favorite cowgirl of all time; Big Sal Robarts herself, known affectionately as BS and Nasty Patsy for various reasons. She taught me to ride a horse, hold my own, kick ass, and have a heart as big as my mouth!

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Montenegrin Commandments

So, you may have noticed my little nap button on the side of my blog. That's because I love naps and being lazy.

Black Lake Montenegro
My sister sent me a postcard from Montenegro (a tiny little country in southeast Europe) and I'm thinking about moving there as these are their "10 Commandments." Also, it looks rather lovely!




1. Man was born tired and he lives to rest
2. Love your bed as you love yourself
3. Rest during the day, so during the night you can sleep
4. Do not work, work kills
5. If you see someone resting, help him
6. Work less than you can, and what you can give away to others.
7. In shade is salvation, nobody has died of rest.
8. Work brings illness, don't die young.
9. If, by chance, you wish to work; sit, wait, you will see, it will pass.
10. When you see others eating and drinking, move closer; if you see them working move away, do not disturb them.

Montenegro, anyone??

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Very European!

So, maybe Sadie's post about bicycling in Holland kinda inspired us...

AC, T and I biked from Ash's house to the Bayfront for the 4th of July fireworks and a picnic. It was an absolute BLAST (aside from the truck I almost sideswiped on The Hubbs' bike and the kid AC nearly took out).

I totally did it in a dress, and next time maybe I'll brave the heels. Sadie- come visit!!



Sadie's Holland photos

What do you think? Do I come close??


It was a picture perfect weekend from the friends to the food to the weather to the fireworks!!

And the quote of the weekend is:

"Put your nose in the air and act like a VIP!"

Thursday, July 1, 2010

And, I win!!

Thanks, everyone, for posting so many comments about your infatuation with my egg.
I'm just TRYING to educate you guys about the finer things in farm life.
I ate my excellent egg for dinner last night and it was, in fact, a double yolk!



YUM!


All About Ashley

My photo
Spring, TX, Southern, United States
Playing with and keeping up with my nephew and niece take up a lot of my time. Van Geaux takes up the rest of it. Work is an afterthought most days! I like to be outside- but not when it's too hot. I get bored at my desk all day. Niki keeps my world spinning and without her and AC I'd lose it. My work ethic crashes at 4 p.m. daily and I live my sweet puppy and my hedgehog whenever I am not at Niki's. I truly believe naps are quality pass-time events, and sometimes I say bad words at work. I'm pretty sure I'm insane on multiple levels and I believe rules don't apply to me.
It seems that my life is quite entertaining. I didn't realize this myself, but was informed of it by my friends- who are rather entertained by tales of my life occurrences.

I'm far from a professional writer. These are just stories, comments, and other items for simple amusement. Hopefully it's a fun read, as Shannon plans to edit it into a book one day! Maybe we'll become famous, and maybe we'll just have some good laughs at my expense (and some other characters in my life). Either way, happy reading!