Thursday 31 October 2013

How I started playing golf & Chanel 321.

 
Thank God it is Friday ya'll! I am out on the golf course playing  trying to play golf today.

My Dad told me back when I was a little one that I would thank him one day for teaching me how to play golf. There was no choice on my part, he bought me cheap clubs and took me to the driving range when I was in junior high. I picked it up pretty fast which wasn't a surprise since I was pretty much a badass at every sport I tried. I really was, and I have a shit ton of trophies in my Mom's attic to prove it. Ok enough bragging. So, I started high school and golf try outs rolled around. My Dad had me at the driving range every night leading up to try outs. Side note: my Dad is not the best golfer himself. I am sure people got a good laugh seeing him shank balls and then try to correct my swing. Anyways, my best friend and I tried out for the team on the same day. Try outs consisted of playing 3 holes with the coach. I guess slicing the ball in the woods and hitting one in the water wasn't that bad because I made the team! My Dad was super excited and decided to invest in private lessons at Red Stone to improve my game and the chances of me getting a college scholarship. The lessons helped and I was shooting in the low 80's high 70's on a good day. Not that bad!

Side Story: My brother tried out for the team 2 years later (when he got in high school). He defiantly did not get the athletic gene and all he cared about was chasing girls and watching cartoons (not sure what girls wanted to date a cartoon watcher at the age of 14 but some did- I still give him shit about this). I digress. Corbin totally blew it during try outs. Hole 1 of 3 was a par 5. It took him 17 shots (hahahaha). Needless to say, poor guy didn't make the team so he got to watch all the cartoons he wanted.  

So I played golf all through high school. Practice every day and lessons on the weekends started getting in the way of my awesome social life senior year. Spring of my senior year, I decided to quit. I told my coach my heart was not in it anymore and I no longer enjoyed playing every day. He respected my decision and on my way I went. I get home from practice and break the news to my Mom. Oh hey mom, I quit golf today. Like it was no big deal.  Oh it was a BIG deal to her. She wanted to kill me but decided to make me get a job instead. < So this is when I got my first job that got in the way of my social life even more than golf practice! Hostess at Texas Roadhouse. I need to write a letter to little Ashten. She sure could use some good advice.

Now, since I know how to play golf I get to play every once in a while for work! So, thank you Dad for teaching me how to play this wonderful drinking game of golf. :)


For those of you who hate your butt......Chanel 321.
 
Have a good weekend!!!

21 Day Project: Day 2 + A Few Randoms

Day 2 Exercise: Ask the Five Fateful Questions to get insight into what might be holding you back.
With greater self-knowledge, we’re better able to make hard decisions that reflect our own nature, our own interests, and our own values.
When I am facing a risk or being hesitant to go after what I want, these are the 5 questions I should will start asking myself:
1. What am I waiting for?
2. What would you do if you knew people wouldn't judge you? (don't worry about what other people think)
3. What are the risks involved?
4. Will there be another opportunity like this?
5. What is the worst, and the best, that could happen?
 
 
The Something Store Come to find out, this site is pretty popular these days. You go to the site, select the amount of items you want to purchase ($10.00 each) and they are shipped to you (all in one shipment but in their own bag). Fun for a group of friends and everyone laughs because the gifts are pretty random. Anyways, my friend ordered 3 items from The Something Store and we each opened our gift the other night. Christina got the scarf. Meredith got the earrings. Lucky me got the nose & ear hair trimmers. I am definitely saving this for a Christmas gag gift. I am sure my brother wait to open his gift! #1 sis right here.
 
Does anyone else drive with your knee from time to time? 
Sonic cheese sticks and ranch are a weakness after a night out. I was desperate on Sunday so knee driving was a must. I evaluated the risk and decided it was safe enough. There weren't many cars on the road and it was a straight shot.  


 
Halloween Costumes
 
Referee. I think everyone wore this costume at some point.
2007

A nurse of some sort, I don't have a good picture.
2008
 
My little sister was Wednesday. She didn't smile the entire time. It was amazing.
I have no idea what my brother was.
I was Ashten.
2009
 
 
Dominoes 2010
Had to google for correct spelling, almost spelt it like the pizza place.
This was the easiest, most comfortable, costume ever.


Ke$ha 2012
 

2013

Wednesday 30 October 2013

21 Day Project: Day 1

The Happiness Project is new to me. Have you heard of it? I decided to splurge and fork out $4.99 for the 21 day project - Get to Know Myself Better. I receive a daily email with a little exercise and in 21 days I will have a better idea about who Ashten is. Today it starts, I am going to boost my self knowledge! I received an email this morning with my first assignment.
Write Your 12 Personal Commandments: principles by which I try to live my life.
 
 
1.     Look on the bright side.
2.     Control less.
3.     Love more.
4.     The time is now. 
5.     Laughter is the best medicine.
6.     Be compassionate.
7.     Don’t be quick to judge.
8.     Be patient. 
9.     Be thankful.  
10.  Pay it forward.
11.  Reward yourself.
12.  Slow down. 

What would your 12 personal commandments be?

Tuesday 29 October 2013

I fell into some feelings and dusted that shit off.

I was on Facebook on Saturday afternoon and saw this guy that I dated for a few months (back in Feb) had a girlfriend. I was a tiny bit bummed for a second and then I reminded myself why I ended it. He lives 2 hours away + there is a 10 year age difference + he was an obsessive texter + took up too much of my time + there was no way it would become anything more than casual dating. I decided to not waste any more of his MY time and we decided to be friends. Why was I bummed the least bit? There was no reason for it. I don't want him. Maybe the 3% of me wouldn't mind being in a relationship felt a little envious. The other 97% of me dusted those feelings off and got me in check.

The truth is...

I love being single. 
I love doing whatever I want to do whenever I want to do it.
I love laying on my couch watching reality shows every night.
I love going out with my girlfriends.
I love random girls trips.
I love the person who I am when I am single.
I love not having to worry about things that come with a relationship.
I love being spontaneous.
I love cooking for 1.
I love doing laundry for 1.
I love only having to clean up after myself.
I love only worrying about myself and no one else.
I love being selfish, for now.


 
I have so much fun and there is no time to worry about when Mr. Right will come along. I have been single now for the past 2.5 years. Dated someone for 6 years (6 years!) before that so I am enjoying this new found love for the single life. If I would've known it was this amazing I am sure that 6 years would've been cut a little a lot short.

I am off to have breakfast for dinner tonight with some girls from college. Mimosas and all.

Have a great afternoon!

Monday 28 October 2013

I took my own vodka into a bar.

My weekend started off with a bang. Lost both softball games. No surprise here. Ended the season with an outstanding record of 0-14. Thank God the season is over. I ended up drinking some beers with the guys and went home.

Saturday I woke up and felt crafty. Went to Hobby Lobby and made a new costume. This costume consisted of a tutu and if you have made a tutu before you will understand the horrible mood it put me in. I don't even want to discuss it. Fast forward a few hours and I am on the way to my friends house (1.5 hrs away). The big city of Liberty.

disregard the nasty bug guts on my windshield
I take several back roads to their house and its impossible to remember how to get there so my GPS is necessary. When I get close to their house Siri says, "Be prepared to stop and walk to your destination." I guess their driveway isn't on Siri's map.


This is where Siri wanted me to park.

Devil & Indian at the Halloween party #1.

 We decided to stop by the local bar on the way home.
Just some locals out on the town Saturday night.

They let you bring in your own liquor.

I was pretty excited about my Titos.

Trying to sneak a pic of the classy waitress.
 
Happy Monday!

Friday 25 October 2013

TGIF

Oh what a great week it has been. Thank you Friday for finally showing up. I have been looking forward to seeing you since Monday! My schedule was pretty low key this week, same routine, nothing crazy went down.

Monday I hit up crossfit after work.
Strength: Front Squat
1×3 @135
1×3 @155
3×2 @165

WOD 10/21/13:“Cindy” 
20 Min AMRAP (as many rounds as possible) I got 10 rounds and my body is still sore.
5 Pullups
10 Pushups
15 Squatsday


Tuesday I got dinner with friends after work. We had black bean burgers. Pretty delish. Again. I need to get it together and take more start taking photos.

Wednesday: work then crossfit.
Strength: Back Squat
1×5 @135
1×5 @145
2×6 @155

WOD 10/23/13: My time: 19:25
800m Run
40 Box Jumps
20 Ring Dips
40 Box Jumps
800m Run


Thursday evening I went to dinner with some ladies from work.

Tonight I will be playing softball with people from work. We formed this team about 3 months ago and we started off practicing and taking it pretty serious. After losing every game it is safe to say I am over it. It has been fun (kind of) and I am thankful that tonight is our final games. We are going to end the season with a record of 0-14. Great season guys. Great season.

Tomorrow night I am going to a Halloween party. I am going as the Sun Drop girl. Please tell me you know who I am talking about?! So many people have no idea who I am referring to. I realize this was so last season but I ordered the costume last year and it arrived 2 days after Halloween. And since I don't wear costumes on the reg I haven't worn it yet! So I am pretty excited to rock this and listen to Drop It Like It's Hot all night.




TGIF! I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!

Hands in the Air by Miley Cyrus on Grooveshark
I might as well just own the fact that I cannot get enough of Miley's CD. I love it. I listen to it every day. It keeps me awake at night because I cant get the songs out of my head. Cant Stop. Wont Stop.

Thursday 24 October 2013

Girl Talk


What is a girl to do when a guy keeps texting her and she is uninterested? Stop replying. He will get the hint. I have been told I can be heartless at times but no need to waste my time or his.

Long story short, friend goes out to a bar and meets up with a co-worker and his roommate for some drinks. A few beers later girl and roommate have a drunken kiss. Roommate gets girls number. Girl isn't that interested. Roommate is really interested. Girl thinks nothing of the drunken kiss. Guy thinks it’s a sign from God. Roommate texts girl. Girl responds because she works with his friend and doesn’t want to be rude. Guy asks girl to movies. Girl says yes. Guy says he is excited to see her. Girl is dreading it. Girl decides to cancel day before. Guy thinks girl is ditching him. Guy is right. Girl makes up a good excuse and guy goes with it. Guy has texted girl every day. Girl replies.

Girl asked for my opinion so I put in my two cents.

1. She shouldn't have kissed him. (he isn't the cutest thing in the world ((sorry M but he isn’t))... I blame her beer consumption)

2 She should've kept texting to a minimum stop replying once she realized he was flirting.

3. She shouldn’t have agreed to go to the movies.

4. Next time she sees him, be friendly and act like nothing happened.

 
Guys can be persistent. When you are uninterested, are you nice and friendly or cold and heartless (like me)?

Its almost Frifday!!!


Wednesday 23 October 2013

I think I Need These

The have the urge to go shoe shopping but my will power has been strong. I may will for sure cave soon.

Nine West Sizzle Oxford Bootie
Audrey Brooke Perry Bootie
 
 Me Too Lupe Oxford Pump
I have a Halloween party this weekend and one of my costume choices require  would go great with new black booties. So that is a good reason to get a pair right? Yes. OK. That's what I thought. :)

.

 3. Light brown boots


How do you feel about combat boots? Some people can totally rock them.
Flannel steve madden combat boot fashion . . . click on pic to see more




I am headed to Crossfit for a good workout sesh.
 


Tuesday 22 October 2013

Treat Yourself Tuesday

Happy Tuesday! This is my first link up with Olives N Wine. I found this link up on this blog >> Runner Girl Eats. We will see if I remember to participate in this next Tuesday! I hope so, I like the idea of having a set blogging schedule.
 
Treat Yourself Tuesday Badge
#treatyourselftuesday
 

My Treats

1. Tuesdays aren't my favorite but they have been looking up over the past few weeks. I have allowed myself the night off from Crossfit to relax and have dinner and wine with some college friends. We take turns cooking and after dinner we watch New Girl & The Mindy Project (one of my favorite shows). Tonight Christina is cooking so I just have to sit back and relax!
In the past I have not been interested in getting out during the week, some say I am a grandma. I am usually in bed by 9 and asleep by 9:30. I have enjoyed this tweak to my weekly routine.

2. This morning I treated myself when I got out of bed on time and was able to start my day off great! When my alarm goes off in the morning I usually hit snooze approximately 3 times which causes me to rush. This morning I got up early and had plenty of time to get ready for work. I always feel better when I have a chance to put an outfit together and take my time doing my make up. Goal for the rest of the week, don't hit snooze!

3. I treated myself to a little iTunes music this morning. Hello Katy Perry CD! I have been looking forward to this album release for a few weeks now. I am in love with  the song Dark Horse and I could not wait to hear the rest of the album. I need to listen to the whole CD a few times to really get a feel for it. First of all, who downloads full albums anymore?! This is the second album I bought this month. Miley and Katy, you are welcome. What is wrong with me, I feel like such a teenybopper!

Treat yourslef ladies, you deserve it!



Monday 21 October 2013

Weekend Update

I started off this weekend with big plans. I was packed and ready to catch a flight to Indianapolis to visit my Dad, Step-Mom and little brother. My grandmother retired from Continental and I fly stand-by. It is free but I take the risk of the plane filling up and not getting on the flight. I left work on Friday and there was 2 seats left on the flight. By the time I got to the gate to board the flight was full. I was pretty bummed but I get to spend the week of Thanksgiving with them so I will see them soon! I bought that ticket so I don't have to worry about the plane being book.
I have my seat!
 
I left the airport and decided to meet up with a few friends in the Heights for a drink. We went to Cottonwood. Very cool place and I loved the lighting. They have seating indoors and outdoors.
We will definitely be going back there!
 
 
Saturday morning I went and got a pedicure and I proceeded to paint each nail a different color while waiting (childish, I know). My friend dared me to leave them like this until Tuesday but I decided to take the polish off since I have to meet with clients today. I have to try to be professional.
 

I went with the color on my pinkie (on the left in the photo/ purple is in right?)

Saturday afternoon I drove to the Woodlands to get my hair done. I decided to get a little crazy and added some low lights, still pretty blonde overall.
My colourist just happens to be one of my best friends and sorority sisters. She just got engaged last Tuesday so we chatted about wedding plans for 2 hours. And this girl will be a bridesmaid!!
 
Sunday I went to my first Houston Dynamo game! Soccer is a fun sport to watch. I played for several years as a child and it kind of made me miss it! And even though it was cold outside we stopped for ice cream.
 

I forgot to take one when they were pretty.
 
That about sums up my weekend.
This week I am going to work on taking more photos to capture my life happenings.
 
Have a great week!
 
 
 

Friday 18 October 2013

Weekly Routine

Looking back on this week it feels that I am almost back in my old routine which I love. Over the summer I was super busy and lost track of my priorities a bit. I love having my plans for the week and preparing for each day the night before.

Sunday:  I cooked lunch for the week and packed my bag for corssfit. I attend a 5:30 crossfit class so I head to the gym straight from work.

Monday: work, crossfit
Strength: Back Squat
1×5 @ 155
1×2 @ 165
2×1 @ 175

WOD 10/14/13:20 Min Running Clock
10 Push Press 65#
15 KBS 35#
(Alternating on the minute, PP 1st minute, KBS 2nd minute, PP 3rd, KBS 4th, etc)


Tuesday: work then dinner with friends

Wednesday: work, skipped crossfit because I had a little too much wine on Tuesday and felt exhausted all day. I was asleep by 7:30. I was that tired.

Thursday: Work, corssfit
Strength:2 sets of the following -
10 pull ups

10- ring dips
WOD 10/17/13:4 Rounds:
10 Overhead Squats 75#
15 Knees to Elbows
90 singles/jump rope


TGIF! Have a great weekend!

The recipe below looks amazing and I must try it soon!

pumpkin piePumpkin Pie in a Cup
Ingredients:
Half can of pumpkin or 1/2 cup of puree pumpkin (make sure it’s just pumpkin)
About 6 oz of
unsweetened coconut milk1 frozen banana
1 teaspoon of cinnamon|
pinch of nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla
6-7 ice cubes
Throw everything in a blender and blend till smooth!

Wednesday 16 October 2013

Technology

Technology is taking over. I hate it. I rely on my phone to wake me up in the morning. I sit at a computer all day at my job(will discuss this in a different post). I text/snapchat constantly,  tweet occasionally, Facebook stalk on the reg (I am really considering deleting my Facebook), and don't get me started on Instagram. I am going to leave this blog out of the equation. :)

Internet and electronics has become a huge part of our lives. Sometimes I want to throw my phone out the window for some peace and quiet. I wouldn't mind a break from everyone and everything (for a day or so). My mother wouldn't appreciate that so much because she likes to chat  keep tabs on me.

Also,  we/I need to be careful what we/I post on the Internet these days. Have you ever googled yourself? My Dad googled my name one day and found my Twitter account. Didn't bother me since I have nothing to hide and he got a good laugh reading the nonsense I tweet about. So much information is readily available to anyone and everyone.  
Side note: Really?! Rant:  Have you seen the show Catfish on MTV? Really, you are dating someone for a year that you only Facebook chat with? Really people, you are in love with someone that you have never met? I mean, did you really believe he was a male model and had to travel to Paris every time you attempted to meet him? Really?!  Ladies and gentlemen, Google is your friend. You will find out everything you need to know with the help of the internet.  
I digress. I think the younger generations needs to think about some of the things they send in a text message or post online. This girl my sister knows posted a video on Instagram of her twerking. I am glad that my sister recognizes this type of behavior is unacceptable. Keep it classy girls!

What do you think about children having cell phones these days?
I did not have a cell phone until I was in 9th grade. 

Have a great Wednesday!

Monday 14 October 2013

Weekend Update

This past weekend was Homecoming for SHSU. My little, Courtney, invited me to come up and stay the weekend with her and I couldn't say no. I am unsure why I agreed to this trip considering I dislike crowds and most of the people who I knew I would run into (with a few exceptions). I decided I would because I knew we would have a good time. Besides, I really do miss that little college town.

Sam Houston Statue
 
Tailgating, lasted about 30 minutes because it was way too hot.

 
My little, Courtney. (Yes, I have 2 drinks)
A group of us at Humphrey's - me and Court just throwing up the crown in the back. haha
A Long Island was needed.

My little, Ashley. (I have 3 littles. Ally- Courtney- Ashley) 
 
Walking to our next bar stop.

Ran into some more friends.


Drank vodka & sprite = this rash.
Not all vodka does this but this is the 2nd time this has happened.
I need to find out what brand they were giving me.

This. Bar. Tab. Was. Amazing.
4 drinks = 10.00
 

Since I saved so much money buying cheap drinks all weekend,  I treated myself to some new shoes at Target when I got home.
The black ones are SO comfortable,  the leopard ones are not so much but they were so cute.
I will suffer through the pain.


Last night I was asleep by 8:30. It is safe to say I had an awesome weekend.


I hope everyone has a great week!

Friday 11 October 2013

Jillian.

My little sister, Jillian, is in 8th grade this year. There is a 12 year age gap here. Long story short, my mom married my step-dad back in 1997 and he did not have any kids so they had one, she wasn't an accident. haha - I was, my mom gave birth to me at the age of 19- bless her heart I couldn't have done that. I digress. When she was pregnant I was praying for a little boy. I was the only granddaughter and favorite of course. We did not find out the sex until she was born. My brother and I walked into the delivery room and found out we had a new sister. I was totally bummed (such a brat). I decided it would be cool to have a little sister after holding her and seeing how perfect she was. What I didn't realize was she would become one of my favorite people in the whole world. Seriously, this kid is hilarious and I cannot get enough of her. I am so proud to be her sister.

Houston Rodeo 2013
 
Before her choir concert last night.
 
After the concert, Princess needed to ride to the car.


Texans game 2012
 
best. softball.  picture. ever. 
 

 

This weekend I am off to Huntsville for SHSU Homecoming game and a little ZTA reunion. Can't wait!





Thursday 10 October 2013

iTunes Stole My Money

Music downloads of the week...

Miley Cirus - Bangerz (yes I bought the CD the day it came out)
David Nail- Whatever She's Got
Dierks Bentley- I Hold On (such a sweet song he wrote for his dad)
Ellie Goulding- Burn
Fifth Harmony- Miss Movin' On
Florence + The Machine- Shake It Out
Jason Aldean- Night Train
John Legend- All Of Me
Katy Perry- Dark Horse
Mike Will - 23
MS MR- Hurricane
OneRepublic- Counting Stars
Randy Houser- Runnin' Outta Moonlight
Thomas Rhett- It Goes Like This
Lorde- Tennis Courts

#tbt

Throw back Thursday...I guess I will join the bandwagon.
 
I have some pretty interesting and slightly embarrassing photos.

Family portrait after parents split back in 1994. Back when the big curls were in style.
Thank the lord my mom is no longer my hair dresser.

Oh ,hey there #44. Cute pony, not.

College Sorority Rock Starts Mixer
That is my little, Courtney, on the right.
Notice the fine dorm room decor in the background...pink and green.
(Never want to see these colors mixed again in my life) 
Green beaded curtains?!
Shelves full of sorority letters and homemade photo frames. (crafts were my life)