Presents.

These are a couple of my Christmas presents. I've decided that they show that I'm a five year old with a drinking problem. Haha.

Unicorn pillow pet.


A bottle of wine that is literally the size of my mid-section.

24th.

Merry Christmas Eve!

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday!

Home.

I am so obsessed with this song right now.



Speaking of home, my family just got back from Illinois. We decided to join the Creen Family Christmas this year, and it was a blast. We had thirty five people at dinner, and with that many family members, there is never a dull moment. I wish Illinois and Colorado were closer so that I could see everyone more often.

Wtf, Colorado?

It was 63 degrees today. December 13th. In Colorado.

I don't understand what is going on.

Improvement.

The only way to improve is to observe, ask questions, and practice.

And that's what I plan on doing.

.

Yesterday my dad asked me what happened to the girl who was planning on conquering the world.

I wish I knew.

Rant.

Today I heard that Jake Gyllenhaal and Taylor Swift are dating. The first thought that came to mind...gross.

Jake is a talented actor, smart, and creative. What is he doing with someone who possesses little to no talent?

Take for instance that stupid Love Story song or whatever it's called. Anyone with half a brain knows that Romeo and Juliet both died and The Scarlet Letter was about a whore.

Taylor's records have auto-tune written all over them. If you've ever heard her sing live, you know that it takes a lot of work to actually make her voice sound good. Her songs all sound the same. I will give her credit for being a talented guitarist, but she should really be playing guitar for someone who can actually sing.

The fact that she dated a Jonas brother should be enough reason to not be able to take her seriously.

It's entirely possible that I'm being a little harsh, but I really can't stand her and I don't think it's fair that there are so many talented musicians trying to make it, and she's become ridiculously famous solely because teenage boys think she's hot.

So once again, Jake...Gross.

Productive Day.

My grandparents left this morning. I got up at six to tell them goodbye then went back to bed for two hours. Six a.m. is just a little too early for me.

At 8:00 I was up and on the treadmill. I cleaned the living room and kitchen, and I'm about to find something yummy to make for dinner tonight.

This afternoon I'm treating myself to a massage.

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and that you're enjoying the Christmas season. I've been listening to Christmas music non-stop. It makes me cheerful =]

Bad, Craigslist.

Just a word of advice...Don't ever submit an application to a craigslist ad unless you know that it is a legitimate business.

I got scammed yesterday. I'm hoping that it's all done and over with, because the whole thing kind of freaked me out.

In happier news, my grandparents will be arriving tonight. I'm really excited to be spending the holidays with them. And for my grandma to make chocolate chip pancakes. =]

Here's a pretty picture for you.

Fortune Cookie.

Last night I had Chinese food after a very long, very bad day. I opened my fortune cookie and it said, "You have the talent to accomplish your goals." And it actually made me feel so much better.

It's amazing (and kind of funny) that a fortune cookie could make me realize that I need to focus on the good days and my accomplishments rather than the bad days and screw-ups.

So, thank you for the pep talk, fortune cookie. It's just what I needed.

Snow.

Snow has finally reached Eaton, Colorado! I loved the warm weather, but it's not November in Colorado without snow. I've been enjoying staying home today. I got the kitchen and living room cleaned, turned the fireplace on, and enjoyed some soup on the couch.

Yeah, I'm glad it's finally feeling like a cozy winter.

Domestic.

Last night I made basil pesto chicken with linguine and french bread. I thought it was delicious. My parents weren't huge fans of the pesto sauce.

Today I cleaned the living room and kitchen. That included mopping. I found this really awesome article on apartmenttherapy.com about how to break cleaning up so that it's just a little each day. I love plans and lists and organization, so it's perfect for me.

I feel so domestic. Haha.

Dynamite.

Someone actually used this as artwork in their living room. Hilarious.



Today is voting day, and I'm really excited about it. That probably makes me sound super nerdy, but oh well. Thinking that maybe, just maybe, my vote could actually make a difference is a pretty cool thought. Ok I do sound like a nerd.

Have a good day, friends!

Blah.

You know how everyone has one person that they can do anything and everything with?

I don't have that person.

And I'm getting kind of tired of being "independent".

Fix

Morgan's surgery was successful. She's still feeling a little sick from her pain meds, and still trying to figure out how to do things with a big brace holding her arm in an awkward position, but other than that she's good. Here's a little video of her right after surgery. It's hilarious.

Bye Bye, Rattail!

I got to cut Oliver's rattail off today! I think it may have been the most gratifying moment in my career so far. No joke.

Ok...let's back up a little bit. Months ago, my friend Oliver decided to let his hair grow. Guys with shaggy hair are cool with me. However, there was one little problem. The back of Oliver's hair grows faster than the front, producing this gnarly looking rattail type thing. Well, after spending a good amount of time telling him that it was not a good look, he finally asked me to cut it off. Thank you Oliver!

Another gratifying work moment...Last night I did a cut and color on a new client. She was super nice and we managed to have a good conversation for the entire three hours that she was there. One of the things that we talked about was our similar tastes in music. Well, tomorrow she is bringing me a cd of all the bands she likes that I haven't heard of. And she added me on facebook. I may sound weird, but it's really nice knowing that my clients actually like me. It's like a big pat on the back or high five or something. I don't know.

Well, I have to wrap this up because I'm going to watch my friend Megan get her hair colored by her sister, who has recently started cosmetology school. I feel like this post has a lot to do with hair. Actually I guess it's pretty much all about hair. But hair is kind of my life now. And even though I still have a lot to learn, and will probably always have a lot to learn, I'm enjoying it.

Have a great weekend!

Saturday Night

My Saturday night was amazing. Ben, Scott, Wil, and I got to see Wireframe play at The Gothic for free. And I got free drinks to enjoy while I was listening to great music. I wish I had half the musical talent that those guys possess. Speaking of talent, I got to see my friend Kevin at the show. He designed the album artwork for the band (his brother is the lead singer). He is such a great guy, I wish that I got to see him more often. It was incredibly fun hanging out with my boys, seeing old friends, and listening to awesome bands.




Today I made it all the way to Greeley before realizing that the bank was closed for Columbus Day. So instead of putting money in my account, I spent some. Haha. I never knew office supplies were so pricey. I guess that's something I'm going to have to get used to.

I plan on spending the rest of the day enjoying the fall weather and figuring out how to work my espresso maker. It's going to come in handy now that the weather is finally getting cooler. I hope you all have a wonderful day!

I'm going to leave you with a picture of this super cool kitchen. Enjoy.

Awesome

Today was an awesome day.

Morgan is home. I was running around the house with the dogs waiting for her to get here. I'm slightly ridiculous. Tomorrow we are going out to breakfast before she goes back to Trinidad. I love breakfast. And my sister.

My awesome friend, Brian, gave me eight tickets to see his awesome band, Wireframe, play at The Gothic on Saturday. You guessed it, awesome is the word of the day. I stopped by his studio to get some fliers to hand out at work and the band pre-viewed a couple songs for me. It was loud. And great. Music makes me happy.

Well, it's time for me to sleep now. Sweet dreams, friends!

Positive Thinking

I was really excited that the weather was so nice and cool this morning. I'm definitely over the summer heat. Unfortunately I think it's supposed to be warm again tomorrow.

Today I ran into an ex-boyfriend. It was a little bit awkward, and I felt slightly unnerved after talking to him. I don't know why I let people have that effect on me. But I am now calm, cool, and collected once more. I know that he is absolutely not the right person for me, and running into him was nothing more than coincidence. I'll just keep on looking for that perfect guy. If such a thing exists =]

Also, I am slowly learning to let people say what they want to say and not think twice about it. Regardless of your opinion, I think that my ideas are good. I think that I know what I am doing. And I think that one day, hopefully sooner rather than later, I am going to be a success. You will not bring me down.

My sister is coming home tomorrow. And even though she'll be here for less than 24 hours, I am super excited to see her! Morgan really is one of my favorite people of all time.

I hope you all have a fantastic night and that tomorrow will be a great day as well!

Hmm...

I've realized recently that I am becoming a huge introvert. That needs to be fixed. Pronto.

Moving

Well, I will soon be back in Eaton. Hopefully I get more clients at Bombshell and a second job so that this is a very temporary living situation. I just want to be on my own again. Although I am incredibly grateful to have parents who are willing to help me out by letting me move back in.

This weekend I will be having a much needed playdate with my lovely friend, Jenna. I can't wait.

I hope you're having an excellent day!

Words

I got to see my sister again this week. My mom and I picked her up on Wednesday and took her back to Trinidad yesterday. I love having her home.

Yesterday we took a detour to Denver to watch Eaton play Faith Christian in volleyball. I played photographer for my mom since she's the new North Weld Herald volleyball reporter.

Today, I have no idea what is going on. I feel so jumbled and scattered and lost and any other word that goes along with those ones. I need a plan. I've always been a fan of plans.

And I think this is the coolest idea ever.

Another Photo Shoot

Here are some pictures from the second photo shoot I worked with Kurt Stevens on. Keiley Montera is the model.

Pretty.

This is the cutest bathroom ever.

!

I'm finding it really hard to stay motivated. It feels like I'm always taking one step forward and two steps back. I'm not sure how I'm supposed to create the life I want when nothing seems to work out as planned. It's frustrating.

Work and Play

I got to do hair and makeup for a photo shoot on Sunday. Kurt Stevens was the photographer and Devin Gantz was the model. I had so much fun working with them. Here are a few of the pictures.

Morgie-Poo

I got to see my baby sister yesterday. She is one of my favorite people in the whole wide world. When we got to Trinidad we checked out her dorm room, met quite a few of her friends, then I stuck around at the laundromat while all of her laundry was being washed and dried. Man am I an awesome sister!

Unfortunately, Morgan is injured so I didn't get to see her in action at the volleyball game last night. I miss watching her play, because she's a badass. I wish I had gotten at least half of the athletic genes that she possesses. After the game we went out to dinner and just hung out for a little bit.

Today we had breakfast and Morgan showed us around town. We got to go up this mountain-ish thing to the Trinidad sign. It was amazing.





Unfortunately after that adventure it was time for my parents and me to leave. I'm really glad Morgan is loving the college life so much, but I sure do miss having her here.

In other news, I got to do hair and makeup for a photo shoot tonight, and I'm doing another one on Wednesday. I've decided that is the kind of stuff I really love to do, because I can use all of my creativity instead of just copying a picture that someone brings in. I love it when hair is an art form. Hopefully I'll have some pictures up soon.

I hope you all had a weekend as great as mine was!

Later, Gator

Last night was Jordan's "Farewell" party. We hit up Old Town, which was swarming with college kids since school just started. I ran into an old "friend" while there. Slightly awkward, but those things happen I guess. Overall I had a lot of fun, and I'm glad I got to see Jordan before he goes back to California.

Today is going to be nap day. 6:30 a.m. is not a good time to go to bed. I think later I'm going back to Fort Collins to watch Entourage and witness an epic beer pong tournament. It should be a good time.

Block Party

I think this is really pretty for some reason.




Block Party was last night. It was really good except that I kept getting separated from the people I went with. It's a good thing Greeley is a fairly small city and I knew the majority of the people wandering around. I got to hear Tim Coons, Air Dubai, The Photo Atlas, What About Pluto, The Mouse and the Marrow, and my very favorite, The Boxcar Children! They never cease to impress me.

Tonight is my friend Jordan's last night in town, so we're going to Old Town I think. I'm sure it will be a good time.

Have a great day!

Cake Brains

My brain feels like cake batter. I have no idea of the meaning behind this, and I have no idea how far back it is going to take me. I'm not really prepared for this ride. Let's hope tonight's Block Party will take my focus off the chaos that may very soon be my life and put it on some awesome music.

Have a good day, friends.

Jumbled

Kelsey left yesterday. It already feels weird not having her around. Hopefully I can get my act together and figure out a way to go visit in October.

It's odd, but even though I've seen a ton of friends in the past week, I still sort of feel like I'm falling away from everyone. I don't know if it's just a part of growing up or what, but people that I used to be really close to now just feel like acquaintances. I'm not sure how I feel about that.

I am now on day five of having a nasty cold. If Kim is correct about how long this thing is going to last, then I am halfway through it. I don't know if I can take five more days of coughing, sneezing, and not being able to breathe.

Have a good day, kiddos.

Bedtime

I want a bed like this.

Finally

My best friend is home! The wonderful Kelsey Bell arrived in Colorado safe and sound yesterday afternoon. We partied a little too hard last night, and tonight is the official "Welcome Home" party so I need to put my party pants back on. Kelsey was one of the first friends I made when I moved to Colorado twelve years ago, and I am so glad we've remained close even after she moved to Portland. Welcome back, my friend!

Down

Some days I'm really unsure of myself. I don't like those days.

P.S. I made it home safely from Illinois. I had a fabulous time while I was there. And according to the family tree thing that Judy made, I have 250 cousins. That fact still baffles me.

Ryan

I got to see Ryan Michael for the first time in almost two years today. We had lunch together and I thoroughly enjoyed catching up with him. He is always going to be a very important person in my life.

Kristin just showed up so I suppose I'll go now. More Illinois adventure stories to come at a later time.

In Illinois

Today is Monday. I got here on Saturday. A twelve hour drive is not fun by yourself, but I made it. I had an encounter with porch railing my first night here. This is what my arm looks like now.



If anyone asks about it, I think I'm going to tell them I got attacked by a tiger. Or maybe those cows that were hanging out in the middle of the road when Kristin and I were driving at night. That was scary.

Yesterday I got to see my wonderful friend, Maggie. We went to the park and played on the swings and got eaten alive by mosquitos. It was fun. Unfortunately, she went back to Arizona this morning, so I probably won't see her until next summer. Unless she convinces Ian that they should come visit me for Spring Break. I love visitors.

Today I am obviously not doing a whole lot because I have time to hide out and write in this. I think once 2:30 rolls around I'm going to attempt to find my way to Rock Island and hang out with Adam.

By the way, by the time I get home from Illinois my baby sister will already be off to college. This is the most recent picture I have of the two of us. It was taken at 5:30 a.m. the morning I left. She refused to open her eyes for it.

Thinking

Holy cow. I have a lot of things to consider right now. And a big decision to make when all of the pros and cons have been weighed. Wish me luck.

21

My 21st birthday was this past Saturday. I had so much fun. Thanks to everyone who helped me celebrate!

Jury Duty

After an incredibly boring and stressful three days, I am finally done with jury duty! I find it ridiculous that I sat there eight hours on Monday, four and half yesterday, and five and a half hours today only to be questioned and dismissed within ten minutes. But at least I don't have to sit in on a month long trial.

My mom and sister got tattoos by the very talented Ryan DeHart this week. It makes me want my next one really bad. I love tattoos.

Tomorrow I am getting my hair colored. I have four months worth of outgrowth, so this is a big deal for me.

P.S. 3 days until I'm 21!

Reunion

This weekend has been full of reunions.

Friday night I went to the Street Dance. I brought my friends Chris, Oliver, and Jon with me, and I think they were at least mildly entertained by the small town festivities. I got to chat with a lot of people that I went to highschool with. It was nice.

Last night I went to a show at A.F. Ray's. The Boxcar Children, Oliver and Jon's band, was playing there. They are amazing. I would highly recommend checking out their stuff. But anyway, there were quite a few people there that I haven't seen in a long time, and a few new people to meet. It was a lot of fun listening to good music and seeing good people.

On a bit of a downside, I realized recently that I am absolutely no good at waiting for things to happen. I think I might have a heart attack soon from all the anticipation. Can anyone give me a lesson in patience?

P.S. Only six days left until I'm 21!

P.P.S. I want this bathtub.

Four

Happy Fourth of July!

I spent the day at the lake. My arms are very lobster-like now.

Have a wonderful day, friends!

Forward.

"You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one."

I think that it is perfectly okay to be excited about possibilities. About people. The future. The unknown. Possibilities are what keep me going, and I refuse to believe that I am "weird" for thinking that way.

What's the fun in life if you can't look forward to anything?

Old Town

I got to spend the morning in Old Town with my mom. We went to Everyday Joe's (my favorite coffee shop) and White Balcony (one of my favorite stores). I love Fort Collins, so it was a very nice way to start my day.

I snuck into my old house and tried to wake Ben and Scott up, but apparently 11:00 a.m. is far too early for them.

I'm spending the rest of my day cleaning the house in preparation for company and my jewelry party, so that should be sufficiently boring.

P.S. Saturday cannot get here soon enough!

Fallin' For You

I have been listening to this song non-stop lately. Silly me.

New

I love my new friends. Last night we had a bbq and played UFC video games all night. I won, more than once, I was so proud of myself.

Today I'm going into work for a few hours while my house gets bug bombed. Bye bye, spiders.

P.S. I've got a really good feeling about this. (You may or may not find out what "this" is later.)

Have an excellent day friends!

Pops

Yesterday was Father's Day, so I'm just gonna give a little shout out to my dad (even though I'm pretty sure he doesn't read this. My mom will probably show it to him.) Dad, thanks for continuing to put up with your crazy daughter! I love you!

Sick of Being Sick

Does anyone know how a person with no health insurance can get in with a good doctor without spending a ridiculous amount of money? My stomach problems have come back full force and I need them fixed once and for all. I'm so tired of being sick all the time.

Boys and Bars

How great would it be to have this?Someday, when I have my own home and the money to buy these sorts of things, I will be living like the people on apartmenttherapy.com.

In other news, I have an amazing group of guy friends. I'll even watch basketball (the most boring sport in the world) with them because they are so entertaining.

That is all. Have a wonderful day.

Oh, Mexico

-Good food and drinks. Check.

-Beautiful pools and beaches. Check.

-Karaoke. Check.

-5th Avenue shopping and watergun fights at Senor Frog's. Check.

-Michael Jackson impersonator. Check.

-iPod games. Check.

Everything else that is escaping my mind right now. Check.

Thank you mom, dad, Morgan, Pendleys, Wilsons, and Brandts for being so much fun. Mexico wouldn't have been the same without you.

Driving in My Car

I've realized recently that driving with the windows rolled down and the music blaring puts me in the best mood ever.

Oh, the little things.

Boring

Apparently my life hasn't been very interesting lately, because I haven't been able to think of a thing to write about. Hopefully Mexico will provide some excitement. See you guys in a couple weeks.

Time to Get Healthy

As of today, I am a non-smoker. I was incredibly cranky this morning, but thanks to the sunshine and a walk with my mom and puppies I am feeling a little better now. Let's hope it only gets easier from here.

Mustache Club

I recently got a new tattoo. My family was thoroughly entertained by it.

Ella and Greta a.k.a. my fans. They drew mustaches on their fingers after they saw mine.

Aunt Terri getting 'stached.

Grandma getting 'stached. This one is my personal favorite.

Kristin getting 'stached.

The Fort

Dear Fort Collins,

I miss you.

Sincerely, Ashley

P.S. Kevin Devine just may be one of my new favorite artists.

This and That...And This

Today's horoscope says that I may be feeling down right now, but by the end of the week I'll have a positive outlook once again. I don't necessarily believe in astrology, but I'm hoping this time it's correct, because I'm sick of feeling like I have no control over anything.

In other news, I really want to ride my bike. I think that will be my reward for getting all of my laundry done today.

Oh and also, yesterday I learned how to make fingerwaves with a curling iron. It was pretty exciting.

On a final note, I wish I had this view.

Oh Man

What have I gotten myself into?

Starting Fresh

I feel like I need to completely start over; re-invent myself. I've spent too much time taking care of everyone and now it's time to take care of me. I'd like to find some new friends, new hobbies, a new relationship, I've even been thinking about a brand new location (but I love my job too much to go through with that one). I know I've said all of these things before, but I think it is finally clear to me that changes have to happen in order for me to grow. I will now be expecting much more from people, including myself. Wish me luck with this (hopefully) life-changing adventure =]

By the way, I'm slightly in love with this bathroom. And I'm not sure why the rest of the pictures got copied with it, but oh well.

Happy Easter!

That's really all I wanted to say. I hope everyone has a fantastic holiday!

For Kelsie

Since Kelsie requested it, here are the pictures of Grace's updo.

Advertising

I'm going to use my blog as a means of advertisement. I recently started working at Bombshell in Greeley. It's fantastic, and I love being there, but since I'm new I don't have much of a clientele yet. If you or anyone you know would like to come in and get your hair done, please please please let me know. Also, I'm having a special right now. If you refer two people, you get a free service. I would be so grateful if you could help me out in any way. Here are a few pictures of hair that I've done.

On the Move

I am once more a Greeley resident. Saturday night was spent saying goodbye to my Fort Collins apartment in style.

I spent somewhere around thirty hours Sunday-Tuesday packing, moving, and cleaning. Now all I have left to do is hand in my keys. I miss my adorable little apartment already, but luckily Dave has been nice enough to give me a temporary bedroom in his house. I'm giving myself six months to save up some money and find a cute little Greeley apartment. Let's hope everything works out as planned.

Morgan Lynne

I have the greatest sister in the world, and I feel very lucky to have her in my life.

Decorative Dreaming

Thanks to Kelsie's blog, I have become hooked on apartmenttherapy.com. And thanks to apartmenttherapy.com, I have fallen in love with this bedroom.

This is about the same color green I picked out for my new bedroom, but unfortunately I'll only be living there for less than a year so I won't get to enjoy it for very long. But maybe, some day, I'll have my very own wonderfully decorated apartment.

-Ashley