Visited Missouri again just in time for a wedding,
Jen Hartman was beautiful, and we left the dance floor sweating.
The next weeks to come involved a lot of the Mississippi River,
I never imagined a few months later I'd be in it with the shivers.
Rode my friend's jet ski and watched some others play in the water,
I feared at the end of the day I'd find a human that was slaughtered.
Enjoyed Bluegrass music at the site of Mud Lake,
It's memories like these that I can't believe I get to make.
The following weekend, I returned a moving favor,
Reggie and Chelcy's house is awesome, and family time I did savor.
Later that night, our cab driver put on a light show,
Once at T-Layne's I heard, "This ain't my first karaoke, ho."
We danced the night away, at this point, out of habit,
We had an opportunity to hang with Phil; couldn't help but grab it.
Stayed an extra night in STL after a Sunday at Hammerstone's,
Saw a lot of my new Jap friend, Parker-- could've been his flesh and bones.
Winery weekend was an event not to be missed,
Megan Mullen in rare form hitting on Phil, Em wasn't even pissed.
Jessica showed up much to my surprise,
Asked me to be a bridesmaid, happy tears came to my eyes.
Another successful weekend, but ready for what was in store,
Lollapalooza in Chicago? There's nothing I want more!
Emily with two idiots riding the train to the city,
I show up at Spitz's apartment, the place pimpin' like Diddy.
Emily and Ash cherish every moment of Black Cards and Little J,
Catching up on meaningless discussions, always so much to say.
That night we try the fishbowl, we drink it fast with no apology,
Can't forget to check in at the 17th church of scientology.
The next day we wake to find a rainy, rainy day,
With Grace and Walk the Moon on the agenda, water will not get in our way.
Meet up with the guys, Ryan is a fist-pumping fool,
I break away to see Slim Shady cuz let's face it,I'm a tool.
My Morning Jacket with another stellar performance,
Much like Mr. Double Fist-pumper and all his endurance.
Spitz decides to break the rules and jump over the fence,
Searching high and low, his absence adds to our suspense.
We meet back up at the apartment, some are still wanting to have more fun,
But we knew our night was over when Ryan started chewing a wet one.
Sleep it all off for a bit the next day,
I head back on a scenic drive to the state that ends in "a."
I get my float trip fix with my girls Lindsay and Lisa,
Tubing along their canoe is a perfect way to please-ya.
Emily brought Phil for his first taste of this town,
Princess cups filled with mimosas, how quickly they went down.
Taking off hiking around the Mines of Spain,
Ashley running from snakes until she gets a sidepain.
Saw what we call a great band at Summer's Last Blast,
By the end of the night, Phil went missing, it happened so fast.
Picked him up in the ghetto, said he hated this place,
The next day he laughed and called those words a disgrace.
Labor Day weekend was as great as you can imagine,
Wineries, Picnic and BBQ- going on in true SFC-fashion.
I attend a Booze Cruise with my Rugby Loves the next week,
We are karaoke fools singing til we can't speak.
Let's just say my September was off to a great start,
The crazy thing is, we haven't even talked about the best part!
After crossfit on a Wednesday, I took off for Harrah's late at night,
Finally get to see Nicole after six month of only skype.
We are headed to San Francisco in the wee hours of the morning,
Her and Penny are about spend four nights with my snoring.
There is so much to do and people to see,
First, I went to the IBM Office to say hi to my old team.
Later that night, we went out and had a blast,
Nicole was at a jazz bar getting hit on by foreign ass.
Shopping and eating and sleeping here or there,
Just excited to be together in the California air.
Spend Saturday in Berkely with my sweet housemates of the prior year,
Every time I see them I start to cry and start to cheer.
Sunday is the day Nicole and Penny head North,
I spend it all with Jan and Dave, who I feel I've known since my birth.
These two are the greatest friends someone could ever have,
Jan takes me to the airport, I don't even need a cab!
Even though I'm exhausted and could really use some sleep,
There is no time-- to the next big event I must leap.
Starting to party and to celebrate my 25th,
80s and 90s-style, the whole weekend I could kiss!
First to arrive were Em, Phil, Will and Brad,
Playing catch phrase may have made us all a little mad.
Aubrey showed up holding a dog statue with eyes that sag,
I immediately turned into a crazy lady with some bags.
My momma appeared around ten that night,
I am the luckiest girl to have her in my life.
We left Diane in bed while we hit the Rainbow Lounge,
No idea we'd be hearing such a beautiful sound.
Brad and Aubrey sing amazing, we really gave them no choice,
But the Grammy goes to our strokin' lady, whom we call Joyce the Voice.
Run around the next morning getting ready for the party,
Maid Rite food made us wanna barf and probably a little farty.
Get ready in the hotel after we decorate the hall,
My mom hung up surprise collages of my life and all.
Off to a slow start, but it did pick up quick,
Prizes went to those with the best costumes that I picked.
Rollerblades, flip cup and beer pong before we hit the bars,
Nobody's leaving til I sing my song, How Bizarre.
We don't stop dancing, we're all in a pack,
Jessica is here, and there's Brooke and Zach.
It meant so much to have my closest friends here,
Moments like my 25th, I will always hold dear.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
2011: The Year of the Road Warrior (Part I)
The year started out just like any other,
Talking bout lesbians being cousins while stumbling in gutters.
It was New Year's Eve and, with me, my two best girls,
Sparkly dresses intact and hair with big curls.
Hanging with old friends, happy to be back in the Midwest,
I had no idea 2011 would really be my best.
Back to Dubuque was the first trip among many,
If I ran as much as I drove this year, you can bet your ass I'd be skinny!
I officially began my new job on the 17th of Jan,
With new energy and duties, I really was a fan.
I stayed in Dubuque for the whole month long,
My Auntie Tata kept me company, always in song.
My next trip was on February's first real weekend,
Mizzou basketball was a success and then we went drinkin'.
Wild Jen and Kris were ready, and don't forget Jon,
Getting hit on by married guy infront of his wife was just wrong.
Nicole came back for one more visit before France,
At the hotel club, Lil Wayne wanted in her pants.
March brought the greatest party known to man,
Mardi Gras was in full force, making it past noon was our plan.
Venturing around, singing in microphones like a star,
I'll even pretend that guy didn't call me Roseanne Barr.
Ended our night at Taylana's like most smart folk do,
Even a rock through a window won't let our fun go to poo.
Something amazing happened toward the end of March,
The "Garden Club" was created and, boy, were we parched.
They weren't the only new friends that I would meet,
On the 26th that month, I was in for a treat.
Invited by my landlady to tailgate and attend a rugby game,
I had no idea that my life would never be the same.
It was so cold outside, but the social warmed me up a bit,
Began making friends and not til 6am did we quit.
That was the first of many times that we've owned the night this year,
These brothers share my love for dance parties, but not my brand of beer.
Not to play favorites or upset anyone who reads this,
But my new friends began to make Missouri life less-missed.
Went skiing with a co-worker at Dubuque's Sundown Mountain,
Didn't fall this much the first time so decided to hang out by a fountain.
Aubrey came for a visit like a true friend does,
Rainbow Lounge is an experience, you don't even need a buzz.
We treated ourselves to massages and got our nails done right,
Little did we know our night would be made by the Girls of Miller Lite.
Brooke and Zach were the next to visit me in the land of Corn,
We took lessons for snowboarding, I automatically wished I hadn't been born.
B and Z going down the hill with two feet by the end of the day,
I decide to take pictures instead, later I would play.
Went to a Comedy show with the GC ladies at the Diamond Jo,
Then had a blast for St. Pat's in Dyersville, wouldn't you know!
Experienced Galena for my first time ever,
Went on a ghost tour and got chills even while wearing a sweater.
Garden Club rocked it all year long,
With River cruises and progressive dinners, we really could do no wrong.
Took a trip to Davenport to see my old friend, Andy, play some ball,
Reminded me of all those times strategizing back at MAC that one fall.
Finally the BFF comes to see what the fuss is all about,
Trying to make sense of a life that is filled with questions and doubts.
Emily quickly becomes obsessed with a place called the Lift,
A bar full of hipsters is arguably her best gift.
Make up a new game guessing whose facebook status is being read,
Asking Jason Aldean to "get off mah feed" was the funniest that was said.
What came next was driving to the Lou and having a hoot,
At Sanctuaria, Emily would get a snake in her boot.
Worked from her living room that day while making a scrapbook,
Just to be left at an apartment at night with no ramen noodles to be cooked.
Float trips were skipped the weekend before memorial day,
We threw Mom a 50th surprise party even though she wasn't born in May.
Later that weekend we boated and sat by a bon fire,
Dreaming of the summer weeks to come, which was all that we desired.
Five days later was the beginning of the most amazing vacation week,
Country Days was legendary, my cousin Abbey's singing was the peak!
She won the talent show and opened up for country star, Mark Wills,
I can't believe I get to party while still making money for my bills!
Got our broom and dust pan taken away by the stadium gatekeep,
But she couldn't stop Pujols' walkoff from solidifying the sweep!
Taking pics with Superman and badgering cubbie fans,
The greatest was Reggie yelling, "You suck again!!"
The fun is not over, oh no, it's just begun.
Because in three short days, Shelly will start to run.
It's something not just anyone could endure,
It's not for the innocent and definitely not the pure.
A trip to Bonnaroo was the greatest of my life,
Even greater than the day when I become a wife.
But these stories have been told and a long time I took,
To carefully craft each moment in just a little book.
Emily came back to Iowa again, but this time brought along Ty,
Wrote my address on his arm in case things started to go awry.
Met Lindsay, Mike and Lola and started laughing off our asses,
All was fun and games until Em lost my sunglasses.
They would've been useful on the boat the week of July fourth,
But turned out not needed due to the rain from the North.
That was also the time I celebrated 26 years of my friend Jess,
Pedis and sushi were in order followed by a camo purse photo sesh.
Boating and River Parties and talking all night long,
Laughing at all the "partiers" who think they party harder with a bong.
You may think it's crazy, all the driving that's been done,
But how could I resist all these moments of great fun?!
Talking bout lesbians being cousins while stumbling in gutters.
It was New Year's Eve and, with me, my two best girls,
Sparkly dresses intact and hair with big curls.
Hanging with old friends, happy to be back in the Midwest,
I had no idea 2011 would really be my best.
Back to Dubuque was the first trip among many,
If I ran as much as I drove this year, you can bet your ass I'd be skinny!
I officially began my new job on the 17th of Jan,
With new energy and duties, I really was a fan.
I stayed in Dubuque for the whole month long,
My Auntie Tata kept me company, always in song.
My next trip was on February's first real weekend,
Mizzou basketball was a success and then we went drinkin'.
Wild Jen and Kris were ready, and don't forget Jon,
Getting hit on by married guy infront of his wife was just wrong.
Nicole came back for one more visit before France,
At the hotel club, Lil Wayne wanted in her pants.
March brought the greatest party known to man,
Mardi Gras was in full force, making it past noon was our plan.
Venturing around, singing in microphones like a star,
I'll even pretend that guy didn't call me Roseanne Barr.
Ended our night at Taylana's like most smart folk do,
Even a rock through a window won't let our fun go to poo.
Something amazing happened toward the end of March,
The "Garden Club" was created and, boy, were we parched.
They weren't the only new friends that I would meet,
On the 26th that month, I was in for a treat.
Invited by my landlady to tailgate and attend a rugby game,
I had no idea that my life would never be the same.
It was so cold outside, but the social warmed me up a bit,
Began making friends and not til 6am did we quit.
That was the first of many times that we've owned the night this year,
These brothers share my love for dance parties, but not my brand of beer.
Not to play favorites or upset anyone who reads this,
But my new friends began to make Missouri life less-missed.
Went skiing with a co-worker at Dubuque's Sundown Mountain,
Didn't fall this much the first time so decided to hang out by a fountain.
Aubrey came for a visit like a true friend does,
Rainbow Lounge is an experience, you don't even need a buzz.
We treated ourselves to massages and got our nails done right,
Little did we know our night would be made by the Girls of Miller Lite.
Brooke and Zach were the next to visit me in the land of Corn,
We took lessons for snowboarding, I automatically wished I hadn't been born.
B and Z going down the hill with two feet by the end of the day,
I decide to take pictures instead, later I would play.
Went to a Comedy show with the GC ladies at the Diamond Jo,
Then had a blast for St. Pat's in Dyersville, wouldn't you know!
Experienced Galena for my first time ever,
Went on a ghost tour and got chills even while wearing a sweater.
Garden Club rocked it all year long,
With River cruises and progressive dinners, we really could do no wrong.
Took a trip to Davenport to see my old friend, Andy, play some ball,
Reminded me of all those times strategizing back at MAC that one fall.
Finally the BFF comes to see what the fuss is all about,
Trying to make sense of a life that is filled with questions and doubts.
Emily quickly becomes obsessed with a place called the Lift,
A bar full of hipsters is arguably her best gift.
Make up a new game guessing whose facebook status is being read,
Asking Jason Aldean to "get off mah feed" was the funniest that was said.
What came next was driving to the Lou and having a hoot,
At Sanctuaria, Emily would get a snake in her boot.
Worked from her living room that day while making a scrapbook,
Just to be left at an apartment at night with no ramen noodles to be cooked.
Float trips were skipped the weekend before memorial day,
We threw Mom a 50th surprise party even though she wasn't born in May.
Later that weekend we boated and sat by a bon fire,
Dreaming of the summer weeks to come, which was all that we desired.
Five days later was the beginning of the most amazing vacation week,
Country Days was legendary, my cousin Abbey's singing was the peak!
She won the talent show and opened up for country star, Mark Wills,
I can't believe I get to party while still making money for my bills!
Got our broom and dust pan taken away by the stadium gatekeep,
But she couldn't stop Pujols' walkoff from solidifying the sweep!
Taking pics with Superman and badgering cubbie fans,
The greatest was Reggie yelling, "You suck again!!"
The fun is not over, oh no, it's just begun.
Because in three short days, Shelly will start to run.
It's something not just anyone could endure,
It's not for the innocent and definitely not the pure.
A trip to Bonnaroo was the greatest of my life,
Even greater than the day when I become a wife.
But these stories have been told and a long time I took,
To carefully craft each moment in just a little book.
Emily came back to Iowa again, but this time brought along Ty,
Wrote my address on his arm in case things started to go awry.
Met Lindsay, Mike and Lola and started laughing off our asses,
All was fun and games until Em lost my sunglasses.
They would've been useful on the boat the week of July fourth,
But turned out not needed due to the rain from the North.
That was also the time I celebrated 26 years of my friend Jess,
Pedis and sushi were in order followed by a camo purse photo sesh.
Boating and River Parties and talking all night long,
Laughing at all the "partiers" who think they party harder with a bong.
You may think it's crazy, all the driving that's been done,
But how could I resist all these moments of great fun?!
Monday, December 19, 2011
2012 Promises
2011 was easily the best year of my life. But I won't let it stop there... from here on out each year will be even better than the one before it. In order to make sure this happens, I have set some goals and am promising myself to achieve them. They will address many of the things I see as my biggest faults/areas of improvement, and cross off many items on my bucket list. By improving these areas, my health, confidence and overall quality of life are going to present so many more opportunities for a successful future.
I know many people believe "resolutions are meant to be broken," but once these words are published there is no turning back. I will accomplish all of these things. And so much more.
My Promises
1. Compete in the paleo challenge at my gym, Kettleburn Fitness... I will be doing a mixture of the paleo diet and the diet from the book, The Four Hour Body, which I did for two or so months(not necessarily very strictly) and lost close to twenty pounds earlier this year. I plan to follow it as strictly as possible for the 90 day challenge at my gym, and then maintain that healthy eating lifestyle afterwards. We are weighing, measuring and taking before and after pictures to track our progress. Will share with you after 90 days. :-)
2. Am taking a two-month break from drinking alcohol. Let's just say this has been a long time coming, and will just help me that much more with my weight loss/ being healthy goals. This will start after my New Year's trip in Chicago and go up until our family trip to Vegas for my cousin's Air Force Retirement Celebration in March.
3. In 2012, I will run over 600 miles.
4. I will run a half marathon all the way through without walking. I will run two total for the year.
5. I will buy a guitar and start to learn how to play. This has been on my list since I was in high school-- it's about time I did something about it.
6. To help with my healthy lifestyle and help me save more money, I will limit eating out to once a week.
7. No soda. Including Diet Mountain Dew, what I consider Jesus Juice.
8. I will volunteer with 5 different organizations. I've realized that good things really happen in life when you stop thinking about yourself, and start caring for others.
9. I will go skydiving.
10. I will start recycling again.
There you have it. The keys to my successful future-- 2011 has been amazing, but nothing has me more excited than the fast-approaching NEW YEAR.
xoxo,
Ash
I know many people believe "resolutions are meant to be broken," but once these words are published there is no turning back. I will accomplish all of these things. And so much more.
My Promises
1. Compete in the paleo challenge at my gym, Kettleburn Fitness... I will be doing a mixture of the paleo diet and the diet from the book, The Four Hour Body, which I did for two or so months(not necessarily very strictly) and lost close to twenty pounds earlier this year. I plan to follow it as strictly as possible for the 90 day challenge at my gym, and then maintain that healthy eating lifestyle afterwards. We are weighing, measuring and taking before and after pictures to track our progress. Will share with you after 90 days. :-)
2. Am taking a two-month break from drinking alcohol. Let's just say this has been a long time coming, and will just help me that much more with my weight loss/ being healthy goals. This will start after my New Year's trip in Chicago and go up until our family trip to Vegas for my cousin's Air Force Retirement Celebration in March.
3. In 2012, I will run over 600 miles.
4. I will run a half marathon all the way through without walking. I will run two total for the year.
5. I will buy a guitar and start to learn how to play. This has been on my list since I was in high school-- it's about time I did something about it.
6. To help with my healthy lifestyle and help me save more money, I will limit eating out to once a week.
7. No soda. Including Diet Mountain Dew, what I consider Jesus Juice.
8. I will volunteer with 5 different organizations. I've realized that good things really happen in life when you stop thinking about yourself, and start caring for others.
9. I will go skydiving.
10. I will start recycling again.
There you have it. The keys to my successful future-- 2011 has been amazing, but nothing has me more excited than the fast-approaching NEW YEAR.
xoxo,
Ash
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