S-T-R-E-S-S-E-D--Find Out What it Means to Me

ACK! Finals week is probably my least favorite time of the year. Why create all that stress right before Christmas???? Well, it's better than after Winter Break like some schools have it. This is the first time I've actually had to dink around on the computer in the last two weeks. And that is only because I have one final tomorrow, and if I study any more, I may explode. And we don't want Ashley exploding now, do we? I didn't think so.

With school being half-days, I've had a lot of free time--well, sort of. Today I watched a rerun of Oprah when she was talking to Bono about his new (Product)Red campaign. Wow. I am definitely super interested in that. It is a great way for everyday people buying everyday things to change the world. I am truly inspi(red). I feel a field trip to Gap coming on!

And I finally saw the first of my favorite holiday movies today. You know the ones from like the 1970s, the stop-motion ones that are musicals? I totally love those, and yesterday I was thinking to myself that I hadn't seen any so far this year. After Oprah, I was channel-surfing and I stumbled across Santa Claus is Coming to Town. How I love those movies! One of my favorites is the Christmas donkey one. I don't remember the name, but it is so funny!

Well, I've run out of things to say. So, if I don't update soon, happy holidays! Remember, 'tis the season of giving! (and I don't mean finals!)...

PS You should definitely check out Hoops and Yoyo. They are so cute (see picture above)!

A Bunch of Random Thoughts all Thrown Together

Its been gorgeous the last few days. I haven't seen the sun like this in a good few weeks, but it has been crazy windy. Good weather to fly kites, but mine are all put away. Maybe next time. Ok, I know, flying kites. But it is still so awesome. If you don't believe me, go try it. Yeah, you'll get it then.

So, I have also come to a great conclusion. With the amount of CDs and music that I want to buy, I really need to get a job at a music store (employee discount). I cannot tell you how many CDs I have bought in the last six months, and let me tell you, it isn't all that cheap. Today I bought two new CDs: KT Tunstall's Eye to the Telescope and Fall Out Boy's first CD Take this to Your Grave. Both are incredible. KT is up there with Michelle Branch on my inspiration list.

I saw Rent on Friday. Amazing. I am going to buy that as soon as the prices go down. A must-see musical ("rock-opera" weird, huh?).

I've been writing a bunch of poems/songs lately. I should really start working on the music for them. Its been a year that I've been playing the guitar, and I am really excited about that. For all those that didn't think I could do it: HA! It has become a HUGE part of my life. I can't imagine NOT playing now. I know that it will always be a part of me, and I really wish I could work up enough nerve to play in front of people besides Alex, Lizzie, and my family. I think it would be so amazing to actually get up on stage and just do my thing, but it will be awhile before I can do that. I just need the guts, and that is a huge thing.

In addition to my poems/songs, I've also begun a story. It needs some work, but I hope to devote quite a bit of time to it over break.

I need some opinions. I haven't posted any of my writing because I really don't want it to be ripped off. But I feel that Lizzie and I are the only ones seeing it, and I want to share some of it with more people. What do you all think I should do?

I apologize for being so out there with this post, its been that kind of weekend. Thanks for always bearing with me.

A New Philosophy

I was just sitting here listening to my music (what else is new?) and I have come up with a new theory. Life would be so much more interesting if it were a musical. I can honestly create a soundtrack of my life based off of the thousand plus songs I have. Or songs I just heard on the radio. And there are just moments in my life where I think to myself, "Gosh, I could think of three songs that I could sing right now that totally make sense." I think it would be awesome for random people to break into song and choreographed dances at any given moment in time. To me, that would be so amazing. And now, because of this revelation, I have begun creating a new playlist; My Life: The Musical. Unfortunately, it will not be a smash-hit on Broadway, nor will it be released in theaters or music stores. But at least I have it, even if it is just for me.

A Little Retail Therapy Never Hurt Anyone

Friday was a lovely day spent with my mom and sister. We went to Aspen Grove to return some presents, clothes that didn't fit, and I was in desperate need of jeans. We stopped into Gap to see what they had, and I started looking at their jeans. I chose a couple pairs and headed to the fitting rooms. Well, it turns out that Gap trained all their employees on how to fit anybody for jeans. I ended up walking away with two pairs of the best jeans I have ever worn. We had a blast, just a Girls Day Out, my mom, my sister, and I. I love days like that!

Later tonight we get to go see Little Shop of Horrors. It's the first time we will be doing anything on New Years Eve. I am so excited!