+Embrace the Day+

This week marks the 28th year of me gracing this earth. Yup, it's my birthday.

I have yet gotten to the age where I dread that day, I actually welcome it. Every year I still get a homemade birthday cake, of my choice, from my mom and dad and who doesn't love cake on their birthday?!

Getting older doesn't scare me, at least not yet, as I've been told. The thought and process of getting older is great! With age comes wisdom. I read something funny the other day... "We've all been told that "old" people are wise but you know, stupid people get old too." Being back in school has taught me and shown me how much we take knowledge and intellect for granted, and I refuse to take part in that "fad." I will teach myself something new up until the day that I die. 

The past few months I have come across a few items that I have mentally enlisted on my birthday wish list. Everyone makes a wish list for their birthday, realistic ones and unrealistic ones, and I figured that I would share with you a few items that are definitely on a wish list... 

Who wouldn't want to adopt their own shark?!?

Or their own whale...

Every woman needs a fantastic watch. 

This watch will not only make my wrist look great, but it delivers

100 meals to to children in need

An Ernest Hemingway first edition

A great handbag

And a nice pair of flats

I love birthdays. I love [cup]cake. And I love this birthday dog. 

Don't run away from your birthday. You've survived another year. It may have endured some hard times, but you've grown stronger through those times and I guarantee that the good outweigh the bad. Be thankful for each day that you have for we are not promised tomorrow. 

Love the life you live. Get out there and accomplish your dreams. Go there. Eat that. Drive. Fly. Walk. Experience. Love. Try. 

You never know what you love or like to do if you don't get out there and do it. I have wasted postponed so many years in fear that I couldn't do a career in Marine Biology, and I am currently entering into my third semester back ...without a single failed Math class. Trust me, if I can go through without failing a Math class, you can do anything. I mean it. The only thing holding you back is yourself. 

So, here is to all the birthdays. Try something new on your birthday or plan on completing something before. And don't worry about the cake ...I'll make sure to eat a piece for you. This year is chocolate ;)

Ashley 

Good Medicine

For all of you know, Shark Week took place last week, and if you didn't ...let me give you time to crawl out from under the rock from which you live.
I don't know if you are a yearly viewer but if you are, were you as disappointed as I was?! I mean, for a show that is based upon science, there wasn't very much science. If you follow me on any social media, you saw my frustration with Discovery Channel about creating a mockumentary about Megalodon still existing.
My problem with it was not just that they created lies just to get good ratings but that people are looking to programs such as these for facts. And according to a poll I saw after the first showing, around 79% of people believe he is still around. That is crazy!?! People. If a 50 ft shark is still thriving in the ocean, even if he is deep down in there, don't you think we would see proof of it? And I don't mean terrible CGI images ...Discovery!

This guy.

...he knows what's going on. 

Husband for the win. 

 I love Aaron. And this is so accurate. 

I literally cried when I read this. I just, I can't... :* D

Ashley

Summer of 2013

Looking out the window, the remains of the a recent summer storm cling to glass and quietly remind me that the summer of 2013 is coming to a close. We were greeted to the summer in a very trying and upsetting fashion which I thought would never be so hard. Our family said goodbye to our loving dog, Sophie, of 4 years to Glaucoma and what we believe was cancer. It was a new and devastating experience for our family, but we pressed on and made sure Bella's first "school's out summer" was filled with fun ...and it was.

 First day of school is Monday and not only will she being going back to school, but she is going back as a first grader. Where did the time go?! Of course, the only thing on my mind right now is ...I can't wait to do it again next year!

Ashley