Dear My Luck,
As an ode to a string of fortunate events and wonderful circumstances, I vow to never say "that would be just my luck" or any other variation of that phrase again.

Thank you thank you thank you

xoxo,
Ashley

Dear Erin,

I am in complete agreement with your previous post about gym etiquette. Mine is not so much an issue of television usage, but chattiness. The cell phone on the treadmill thing has always bothered me, but a curious little couple put that bad behavior to shame last night at the gym. A couple came in, and as the woman hopped on the elliptical machine, the man stood directly in front of her in her huff and puff zone and talked to her (rather LOUDLY I'd like to add) about doing the deed the WHOLE time. (Yes Erika, I threw in the sixth grade "doing the deed" phrase just for you). As this couple planned their next rendez-vous, complete with the assistance of a "little blue pill" (I'm not even kidding), I silently thanked my mom for teaching me to have class and dignity and my boyfriend for being a gentleman. I'm scared for this world!

xoxo,
Ashley

Dear seventh graders,

Earth shattering, I know, but you really aren't as cool as you think you are. One day, you'll look back at yourselves and laugh at how silly you are today. I did.

xoxo,
Ashley

Dear Paula Abdul,
I will forever regret my decision to not bother you for a picture while you did some holiday shopping. If I'd known the paparazzi were going to appear out of nowhere a few minutes after I spotted you, I would have never fretted so much about revealing your identity to all the holiday shoppers in the bookstore! I'm always too polite for my own good! On a side note, you are the tiniest and cutest little thing ever! Merry Christmas!

Forever your girl,
Ashley

Dear Today,

Today I will live through the next 24 hours and not try to tackle all of life's problems at once.

Today I will improve myself , body, mind and spirit.

Today I will refuse to spend time worrying about what might happen if...

Today I will not imagine what I would do if things were different. They are not dif­ferent. I will do my best with what material I have.

Today I will find the grace to let go of resentments of others and self-condemnation over past mistakes.

Today I will not try to change, or improve, anybody but me.

Today I will act toward others as though this will be my last day on earth.

Today I will be unafraid. I will enjoy what is beauti­ful, and I will be­lieve that as I give to the world, the world will give to me.

Whether these are the best of times or the worst of times, these are the only times we've got. Live each day fully and you will look back on a life that made a difference.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

xoxo,
Ashley

Dear Weekday Dinners,

This recipe for Italian Grilled Cheese Sandwiches is dee-licious. I served it with a light salad, and it was quick, satisfying, and tasty.

Ingredients:
Bread
Butter
Mozzarella Cheese, sliced thick
Tomato slices
Fresh Basil Leaves
Salt & Pepper to taste

Butter both pieces of bread. Place one piece of bread, butter side down in a hot skillet. Layer mozzarella cheese, tomato, salt & pepper, and basil leaves on bread. Place remaining slice of bread butter side up on top of sandwich. Cook on low-medium heat, flipping sandwich once, until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.

Anthony actually said "This is the best grilled cheese I've ever had." He's a boy after my own heart.

I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

xoxo,
Ashley

Dear Lady with the Stinky Feet at the Del Mar Fair,

Please allow me to explain something to you that perhaps no one has ever shared with you before. Your feet smell... really really bad. So bad, in fact, that while you assaulted our nostrils, Anthony, Garrett, Sean, and I decided (between gasps for air) that the smell of your feet closely resembles the stench of spoiled dairy products. We literally thought that the farm animals had gotten out of their exhibit before we recognized your feet as the culprit. For this reason, you should never again take your shoes off in public and air your sweaty rotten dairy feet on the seats when others in close proximity are trying to take in a nice hypnotist show. Having said that, I have a summer reading suggestion for you...

I hope it will help you to find your common courtesy.
Just doing my part...

xoxo,
Ashley

Dear Girls Night Out,

I had loads of fun with you girls on our first sushi and martini night. Philip, thank you for the sour patch kid martinis. Once again, you lived up to your moniker. Jenni, thank you for coming out despite the "banjo" on your face. Melissa, can you please try to keep your SUV on the road and out of the bushes next time? And mama, I know you "haven't actually reached your sexiest point yet," but you looked quite swell in your polka dots and new bangs. All in all, I'd call the evening a smashing success!
until next time...

xoxo,
Ashley

Dear Free Time,

attached or single? the former... pretty much at the hip.
best friend? Anthony, Erika, Erin, Sissy, and Mom
cake or pie? some type of creme pie or no pie at all
day of choice? Sunday
essential item? Burt's Bees Peppermint chapstick
favorite color? well this changes constantly but aqua, as of today
gummy bears or worms? gummy bears... preferably in ice cream
home-town? Redondo Beach, CA
ideal vacation? Someplace tropical and warm. I'd also love to gallivant around Italy for a week or so.
january or july? definitely July.
kids? Our little one Mins needs just as much attention as a kid so she should count.
life isn't complete without: vino
marriage date? tba
number of siblings? One fabulous sister
oranges or apples? apples. oranges are too much work and not enough substance
phobias? sharks but not in the normal way that everyone is afraid of sharks, I'm TERRIFIED. Dark water doesn't excite me too much either.
quote? "I actually haven't reached my sexiest point yet." -mama
reasons to smile? Anthony, summer, the public library, new magazines, paychecks, and vino.
season of choice? summer
tag 3 people: Erin, Jessica, and mums
unknown fact about me: when I talk or listen, I see the words being said written out in my mind. weird, I know.
vegetable? green beans
worst habit? I'm really good at justifying poor choices. Luckily, this has never gotten me into too much trouble.
x-ray or ultrasounds? yes, I've had both. what about them?
your favorite food? the Italian kind.
zodiac sign? Pisces
the end.
xoxo,
Ashley