Ashes to Ashes

Let's re-cap, shall we?

2011-07-17T10:59:00.000-07:00

My 30s so far...
- Spent an amazing week with my college roommates, who I adore, for a 30th birthday trip!! We went to Newport, RI and toured mansions, laid out at the beach and took a polar plung with Athena; NYC where we saw Phanton of the Opera; zip-lined through New Hampshire and stayed in a cottage over looking a blueberry farm.
- Spent 5 days in Atlanta, GA visiting family!!!!
- Moved into my condo, and learned that I actually really enjoy decorating! (who knew?!)
- Started a job with a new client and team (same firm!). Definitely my best decision since working with this amazing company!
- My family threw me a surprise 30th birthday party that meant the world to me!...my sister Paige surprised me by coming down too and it moved me to tears!
- I went to Europe for the first time, and fell in love with Venice!
- Learned a lot about myself, relationships, and identifying my biggest fault/weakness = my expectations for myself and others is extremely (often times unrealistically too) high.
- Made friends with an amazing group of women that encourage me to constantly strive to be better.
- Got promoted!
- Spent a weekend in Las Vegas with Nikki for our friend, Taryn's bachelorette party!!
- Flew with Nikki and her daughter Emmy to Calgary, Canada for Taryn's wedding - it was unbelievably gorgeous and SO good to see old friends!
- Saw Wicked in Orange County with many friends!
- Took my sisters with me to NYC and spoiled ourselves with two broadway shows (Memphis and Mary Poppins), dinner at the Mesa Grill, toured the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, spent hours in Times Square, walked throughout Central Park, ate at the Carnegie Deli, hungout on the NYU campus, and discovered that my sister Natalie is allergic to cold weather.....say whaaaaat?!?
- Competed in the Ragnar So Cal race (200 mile relay with a team of 12) and finished 2nd in our category (All women)!...and were local celebrities being interviewed on LA's ABC news.
- Saw Mamma Mia in San Diego with several great friends!
- Flew to Eureka, CA to spend my sister, Paige's birthday weekend with her and enjoyed her birthday lunch with just her and I at a Mexican restaurant where we reminisced about our trip to NYC.
- Countless trips to Yogurtland and Smashburger.
- Good ol' Fosty (my Ford Escape) died....RIP Frosty, RIP.
- Bought an Acura TSX as a reward for all the long hours I put in at the office.
- Countless trips to Disneyland - the happiest place on Earth.

It's been a GREAT year, and I'm anxious to see what the next year will bring!!One thing is for sure though...I'll continue to work hard, and play harder cuz that's just how I roll ;-)

Escrow

2010-02-20T23:46:00.000-08:00

It's official! I'm in ESCROW!

For the past SEVERAL years, I've talked a lot about owning my own home and "building my real estate empire". ....so it's a strange feeling that all that talking is FINALLY turning into doing. I always thought that I'd be married when I bought my first place. Have someone to rely on when struggling with a decision, or even someone that I could just enjoy this crazy ride with -

....but that's not in the cards for me. At least not right now. SO...I'm off to be a big bad adult, all by myself. I'm a big girl! I can do this!

I'll let you know how escrow goes...if everything goes according to plan...I'll get the keys on 10 March. Keep your fingers crossed! This is going to be a STRESSFUL next few weeks.

Bring. It. On.

=)

Sunny San Diego

2009-10-24T23:31:00.000-07:00

Just so you all know, I went to the beach today. It's the END of October and I went to the BEACH! Not only that...I was sitting in a beach chair, soaking in the warm rays and enjoying the cool breeze when I realized that I had no sunscreen on. WHOOPS.

Nothing a little Sooth-A-Cain can't fix.

Love for you, San Diego. Love for you.

Monday Night Softball

2009-09-22T19:30:00.000-07:00

Most people, when they think of their favorite day of the week, say "Saturday" or "Friday". I say, "Monday". Why, you might ask? Two simple words. BARNYARD CUTIES. That's my team. I love them. I love playing ball with them. I love KILLING other teams with them. I love that we won a trophy last season. I love that we have matching baseball shirts with red sleeves. I love it. I love everything about it.

Last week, we won 22-3. Mercy rule was enforced. GO BARNYARD CUTIES!!

Last night, we played a team called "Momentum". They are from the Momentum Church in the greater San Marcos area...or so I was told. Momentum vs. Mormons. Who would prevail? It was a battle of the churches. BARNYARD CUTIES (aka BC) was up 3-0 in the first 2 innings. Then Momentum caught up. Tied. They scored, then we scored. Back and forth, forth and back. Til at the end of regular game time (hour and 10 mins approx) the score was tied up: 13-13. We were the visiting team, so we HAD to score or it would be over. We scored, not once, not twice, but 4 runs in that innining. Momentum scored one. BC WINS 17-14 and the true church prevails.

What are you doing next Monday night? Come cheer on the BARNYARD CUTIES, and wear your favorite barnyard coustume.

F-f-f-f-amily!!

2009-08-27T22:42:00.000-07:00

Everyone (or, almost everyone) thinks that they have the greatest family on earth. Well, sorry world, I do. I have the greatest family on earth. Period. What I love most about my family, is that we laugh - A LOT. When we get together, all we do is laugh at each other's jokes, even when no one else is laughing. We make fun of each other, we talk about the "good ol' days" - anything, and everything. We just laugh and have a great time together because in all seriousness, we love each other to no end. We literally drop everything for one another - just the way it should be, right?

So why bring up my family and brag about how great they are and how I love them so much? WELL - my sister, Paige and her family (husband and 3.5 kids) are coming into town on Saturday. My Auntie Robin and cousin Tina (on my mom's side) are flying in from Atlanta, GA on Wednesday this week - and why? To have a little family reunion, that's why! Natalie (my oldest sister) and I got Thursday and Friday off next week and we're ALL (even my sweet sweet dad) going up to Disneyland for 2 days, and then we'll enjoy a 3 day weekend together. I'm SO excited, I can hardly even stand it!

I LOVE being an Auntie!

2009-08-11T18:59:00.000-07:00

I get the pleasure of being an Auntie TWICE this year. I can't wait. First, my bestfriend/sister (okay, not "blood" sister, but I swear we should've been) is going to have a little girl named Emmerson Claire Nielsen. I can't WAIT!!! Nikki and I have talked about being mom's for as long as I've known her...and trust me, that's a very long time. We used to keep this running list of baby names (both boy and girls names). If we decided we didn't like a name anymore, out it went. When we discovered a new name, it didn't matter what we were doing, we'd say "Write this down, I have a new one." Ironically, Emmerson and Claire were never on that list. That's beside the point. Emmy is going to be GEORGEOUS. Have you seen Nikki and Greg?! Picture perfect family. They should be models.

A month after Emmy is born (she's due in October), my sweet-sweet sister, Paige (yes, one of my "blood" sisters) will have her 4th baby/3rd girl! I can't WAIT - again!! Holy cow, I get SOOO excited for babies... especially if they make me an Auntie again. Baby girl Boone, does not have a name yet. So, I'm asking for suggestions that I can send to my sister. Here's the criteria to play the game:
- Has to be a city. (Doesn't matter what city, just a city...anywhere in the world).

That's it. Only rule! Paige and her husband, Jeff have this awesome tradition with their kids names: first name is a city, middle name is a family name. ...and because I know you'll ask, here's the older 3's names: Davis Jackson (Davis, because that is where Paige and Jeff met...in Davis, CA. and Jackson because that's my dad's name); Brook Lynn (put it together...Brooklynn...get it? Brooklyn, NY...and Lynn is Jeff's mom's name! Clever? I say, yes!); and Londynn Elise (She has my favorite name so far, just cuz I think Londynn is an awesome name AND cuz she's the sweetest little thing ever!! and Elise is the same middle name of another of my nieces)

So...give it your best shot! Just looking for a first name here people!!

The woe's of getting older.

2009-08-11T18:43:00.001-07:00

My birthday is next week. On Wednesday, to be exact (just so you don't have to get a calendar, it's the 19th of August). I remember when I used to LOVE my birthday. I couldn't wait to be another year older. It was something I looked forward to all year long. When February 19th rolled around, I made sure to tell everyone that I was "(my age) and a half". Come May 19th, I was "(my age) and 3 quarters". Now...I start telling people my real age. No half's, no 3 quarters. Just my age. However, the other day someone said, "How old ARE you, Ash? You seriously couldn't be older than 24, right?" Aw, shucks. Thanks. But, no. What was my response? "Haha, funny. No, I'm 29." TWENTY-NINE??? HELLOOOO SELF??? I'm 28...TWENTY-EIGHT for at least another week and a half!!! I think my subconscious is taking over. I think I'm trying to get used to the idea that I'm not 23 anymore...although, I am celebrating the 6th anniversary of my 23rd birthday next week. What's even MORE frightening, is that in a year from now (which a year is now a very short amount of time...) I'll be turning 30. ....30..... hmm. Yeah, the thought of that makes my stomach churn and I get this overwhelming feeling of claustrophobia like I was in a 2ft-by-2ft box, sealed up tight with super glue and duct tape. ...maybe even wrapped in cellophane after that, tarred even.

You get the picture. I don't like my birthday anymore.

Analyze this.

2009-07-03T19:50:00.000-07:00

I went to the San Diego County Fair last weekend. I had a blast. I love the fair and everything that it represents!

Every year I walk by this "vendor" that has these very large machine type things. Reminds me of the movie "Big" whenever I see it. There are buttons and flashing lights all over the machines - very enticing! On the table are these cards with a box that say "Sign Your Name Below" with a handy-dandy pencil right next to it. ....So, you just sign your name, the man puts it into the machine and out pops the results of your personality....

That is what I handed that nice old man...and below are the results.

- Your nature is normally extroverted and happy.
- You have a special way of influencing others with your ideas.
- You have a good head for business.
- You can be immature and act unwisely on occasion.
- You like your friendship to be appreciated.
- You have the talent and ability to be highly successful.
- Your conflicting feelings often prevent expression of emotion.
- You want to be free of restrictions and limitations.
- You sometimes forget that money doesn't grow on trees.
- You surmount obstacles easily and bounce back.
- Your approach to life is unconventional and original.
- You tend to be a little too argumentative.

You be the judge. Tell me if you think this personality analysis is accurate -

No June Gloom Here!

2009-06-25T19:40:00.000-07:00

I just took one of those Facebook quizzes. Turns out I'm a San Diego "native". Go figure...I've only lived here my WHOLE life. With the exception of that brief year and half as an infant in Los Angeles...and college (Idaho and Hawaii respectively). Regardless, San Diego is home. This time of year, "June Gloom" plagues my precious city I call home. Funny though...I LOVE June Gloom, and everything that comes with it.

Summer. Beach. LOOOONG days. The FAIR. I could go on...

I anticipated June to be horrific. The reality is my prayers were answered and June has turned out to be pretty good to me.

Let's re-cap, shall we? Assessment = CHECK. PMP course = CHECK. PMP Certification Test = ......... turns out I can take it anytime within the next year. THANK HEAVENS. I need the study time.

It's funny - when we're doing what we're supposed to, and our priorities are in order...things just fall into place. I love it. I love everything that comes with it.

Now on to the next couple months - Decisions.

I have some big decisions to make within the next few months. Basketball (although I think that decision has been made). Buying a home. Buying a new car. Getting my eyes fixed (FINALLY). Getting my Masters. Shall I go on?

I need a vacation. ...and not one of my usual "vacations". I need to go somewhere different - like Greece. or the Caribbean. or Australia. Anyone care to join me?

Thanks, June. It's been...good.

Hello June - Please Be Gentle.

2009-06-01T19:02:00.001-07:00

I posted the title of this post on my Facebook. I thought it was an appropriate theme for the month - let me explain why:

Today I started a class called Project Management Professional (PMP) Bootcamp. After this class, I have to take this 4 hour long course (which *most* people fail the first time they take it). The stress of this class alone is making me breakout like a 15 year old girl. Not cool. Especially when I'm on the back side of being 28. So, I have this course for the next week and then I have to register and take the exam before June 30th...oh yeah, and my application has to be accepted (and the possibility of me being audited is high...because I have to document/prove that I have 4500 - yes, you read that number right - hours of project management experience)...It's okay though, I can handle this...

At the same time, I've been assigned to be a "Reviewer" for the first time since my promotion this past January. What does this mean? I have the *pleasure* of conducting several interviews, then doing an analysis of the interviews against this person's Self Assessment and then writing up their annual assessment (this is what our salary adjustments and possible promotions are based off of). Oh yea, and then after it's all written (which it feels just like I'm writing a research paper from my college days) I then present my findings to a board of SENIOR leaders of my firm. Great.

My boss assigned me as a co-Proposal Manager - that's about all I'm gonna say about that...but it's a good 6 months of intense work (after hours, might I add...)

I'm also a team lead and my new girl just started 2 weeks ago, thank heavens! She's great and I know she'll do a great job once she's up to speed and fully ramped up to take on additional tasking from me...

What else? OH - how could I forget? My buddy at work and I ran for this election at work...it's like ASB but for our company. We won. WOO HOO....except there's a TON of work to do with this new position. Lovely.

In addition to everything else, my boss at the high school quit and I'm left to figure out what is the best thing for me to do over the next while with regards to basketball and my ever growing responsibilities at work. Not to mention, I had a parent give me a guilt trip if I leave the school...

I apologize if any of you feel like I haven't been a good friend lately. Give me a month to sort things out - I'll be back to normal in July, I promise.

In short - June is going to be one CRAZY month for me. If I can get through the assessment and pass the exam, I'll be feeling pretty good about myself. ...so please, June...please be gentle.

Careful - She will write a song about you.

2009-05-25T11:06:00.000-07:00

Taylor Swift. I was a fan of her music before, but after going to her concert last night - I think Taylor and I would be good friends. Why, you ask? Because she's genuine. ...and I only like to have genuine people in my life.

Taylor (we're on a first name basis now; not that I've met her, but I'm sure she'd be cool with it) did the most incredible thing last night. Halfway through her concert, after one of her wardrobe changes, she popped up singing IN the crowd at the back of the stadium. Then she walked through the crowd and hugged the fans, took pictures with them - very cool. Most artist would never get that close to the fans, and you know what? We loved it. In fact, the crowd SCREAMED for a good 5 minutes. She was speechless. Even was on the verge of crying out of appreciation for the fans being so appreciative of her gratitude.

We had a blast - and Taylor is quite the head-banger. Hilarious. Here are some pics from the night - enjoy.

Taylor singing in the middle of the crowd.

Nikki and I enjoying the concert!

Taylor soaking wet, sitting in some "indoor rain" during her final performance of the night.

Thank you, Taylor. Until next time -

Now you see em', Now you DON'T.

2009-05-22T18:16:00.000-07:00

I went on a snowboarding trip with people from work back in March to Mammoth Mountain. I could've SWORN I saw the kid David from the video below. In fact, I'm about 95% certain it was him. He was getting onto a lift on the back side of the mountain ...literally right behind me in line. He was dramatic and acting all tired....fell to the ground, pretending to sleep. Funny kid.

Crazy.

What I want to know, is what are YOUR random "celebrity" sightings?

This makes my heart smile.

2009-02-09T17:33:00.000-08:00

Tribute to San Diego Weather

2008-11-20T18:12:00.000-08:00

Dear San Diego,

You are so dependable. When the rest of the country is stale and cold...

You are not.

PC's = Piece of Crap

2008-11-13T21:52:00.000-08:00

Okay. I have to say my peace...I HATE PC's. They crash ALL the time. They never work perfectly. Something always goes wrong with them, every single day. The world would be a much better place without them if everyone made the switch over to Apple Computers. They are simple, beautiful pieces of machinery. They ALWAYS work, never crash. I will never, never, NEVER buy a PC so long as I live.

PC's = Piece of Crap.

That's all!

**DISCLAIMER: I hate PCs because of the long history I've had with them, and most recently, my piece of crap laptop that my company issued me. Crashes...every....single....day.**

TAGGED! - I'm it.

2008-11-13T21:10:00.000-08:00

Favorite Person (outside of family)? Well that's easy, Nikki! Nik has been my bestfriend from day 1! She knows me better than anyone and I just love her to pieces! My life just wouldn't be complete without her in it!

Favorite Food? Hands down, filet mignon. I would do "just about anything" for a perfectly cooked filet. For those that might ask, I like my filet cooked butterflied, medium.

Quirks about you? I have this awful habit of biting my fingers. Not my nails, my fingers. It's disgusting and if I could change one thing about me, it'd be that.

Any regrets in life? Not one. I wouldn't be the person I am, if it wasn't for all the things that I've been through in my life.

Favorite Charity/Cause? Anything that has to do with teenagers. It's my life's passion, and I hope to someday have my own non-profit organization dedicated to teen prevention.

Favorite Blog recently? Probably Nikki's "Gregisms"...I about died laughing. Gotta love the Nielsen's!!

Something you can't get enough of? Traveling. I pick up and leave as often as I can, and as often as I can afford it! I'm a person that is constantly needing change...I don't like TOO much of the same thing (even San Diego, if you can believe it)!

Worst Job you've ever had? Probably Taco Bell. I had fun while I was there, but probably the least favorite of all the jobs I've had!

What job would you pay not to have? To be that "Man vs. Wild" guy. The things that he does...ew. No thanks. I love civilization.

Guilty Pleasure? Haha...Gossip Girl (don't hate), Grey's Anatomy, 90210, Private Practice, The Hills...and I'm SURE I'm going to LOVE The City because I'm obsessed with NYC.

Got any confessions? Nope. How boring am I?!

If you had $1000 dollars to spend on yourself how would you spend it? I'd fly to NYC, see a broadway show, eat at the Rainbow Room and take a carriage ride through Central Park!

Favorite thing about your house? The deck. ...and I don't like sitting outside (I know...weird). BUT this deck is AMAZING!! I could sit on the swinging bench and read alllll day long!

Least favorite thing about your house? It's not my own...someday soon, I'll have my own place!

One thing you are bad at? Remembering peoples names!

One thing you are good at? I'm an amazing listener...or so I'm told.

If you could change one thing about your circumstances, what would it be? To find an amazing man that can't get enough of me...then we'd get hitched and I'd have a pack of kids. (...you girls don't know how lucky you are)

Who would you like to meet someday? Carrie Underwood. I think we'd be really good friends...seriously.

What makes you feel sexy? Having shaved arms! Nikki was onto this A LONG time ago!! I should've listened to her YEARS ago!!

Who is your real life hero? My sisters, they are the most incredible moms I know!

What is the hardest part of your job? Explaining to people what I do.

When are you most relaxed? When I have NOTHING planned for the day, and I can just play at the beach all the live long day!

What can you not live without? My family and close friends. They mean the world to me.

Do you agree or disagree with the recent article that reported that blogs are authored by narcissists? Haven't read the article, but I highly disagree that people blog because they're in love with themselves. Rather, it's a way to communicate on a grand scale...to keep people up to date on our lives. The end.

Why do you blog? ...cuz everyone else was doing it!! LOL

Who are you tagging? Amber, Andrea and Bethie!!!

Pro-Crasssss-Tin-A-TION...

2008-10-21T18:35:00.000-07:00

...as I'm SUPPOSED to be working on my Self-Assessment for work...I decided to stall a bit longer and entertain myself with this survey. Nikki tells me on a regular basis to update my blog, so...here I am. Updating my blog! ;) ha.

where is your cell phone? right next to my left hand

where is your significant other? heck if I know! If you find him, can you tell him I've been trying to find him for the past 28 years? thanks!

your hair color? Fake blonde. Yes, you read that right.

your mother? I believe she's at home.

your father? Probably still at work...like me...(must run in the family)

your favorite thing? food.

your dream last night? Not sure, I do know that I've been sleeping like a baby since I got my new bedding on Saturday...well...I mean, I sleep like a baby every night...but that's besides the point.

your dream/goal? 1 - to get married, 2 - to have babies (in that order)

the room you're in? In my office.

your hobby? coaching basketball!

your fear? that I'll die an old maid.

where you want to be in six years? married, being a mom, and working from home.

where you were last night? Basketball practice!

what you're not? cheap

one of your wish-list items? a lexus IS 350...loaded.

where you grew up? Rancho Penasquitos (San Diego, CA)

the last thing you ate? Chips Ahoy!!!...I LOVE the 10th floor at work, it's where you'll find ALL the goodies!!

what you are wearing? black suit, black pointy heals, some Gap shirt that I think is cute.

your tv? is never watched by me (i.e., sitting safely in storage)

your pet? has not been "with us" for 8 years.

your computer? is AMAZING! 20 inch iMac, everyone should own one (at least own a mac, really it's the only way to go)

your mood? anxious

missing someone? My sister and her kids!

your car? white ford escape sport

something you're not wearing? a headband.

your favorite store? that's easy, the Apple Store. followed by Fry's....then maybe the Gap Outlet.

your summer? was...amazing!! I went to NYC baby!!!

love someone? my nieces and nephews more than life itself.

your favorite color? I'm gonna go with dark turquoise

last time you laughed? about an hour ago ...had to be there, not funny otherwise.

last time you cried? Ohhh when I was watching Secret Life of Bees with Kara on Saturday, and she starting crying uncontrollably and because of this said, "oh crap!" loud enough for everyone around us to hear. I laughed SO hard, I cried.

Life is good. Share the goodness.

I like em' in PAIRs

2008-09-28T22:41:00.000-07:00

I've been "tagged" (...thanks, Nik!) Enjoy, friends!!

TWO names you go by:

1) Coach Ash

2) "Lucky"...an old nickname from high school that seems to live on...

TWO things you are wearing right now:

1) My new "these are not shoes" sandals by Sanuk

2) BYU Hawaii t-shirt...I keep it comfy

TWO things you want very badly at the moment:

1) A sweet boy in my life to take care of me

2) Time off!!

TWO people who will fill this out:

1) Amber Martinez

2) Jennifer Meyerson

TWO things you did last night:

1) Sang my little heart out at a Karaoke bar with friends

2) Shopped at American Apparel for the first time

TWO things you ate yesterday:

1) Sammies from Quiznos

2) Quick Two Egg meal from iHop

TWO people you last talked to:

1) Momma

2) Nikki Nielsen

TWO things you're doing tomorrow:

1) I'm in a training class at work (WHOOP WHOOP!! NO MEETINGS!!)

2) Basketball practice

TWO favorite holidays:

1) Christmas

2) Thanksgiving

TWO favorite vacations:

1) NYC

2) Anywhere in the world, when I'm with the people I love

TWO favorite beverages:

1) Fruit Punch Crystal Light

2) Pepsi, straight up.

I'll Pencil Me In

2008-09-24T21:15:00.000-07:00

Somehow, since I turned 28, I've realized that I have absolutely NO time for ...well...that's just it. I have NO time. The sad thing is, I hadn't realized this until my bestfriend, Nikki (hi, Nik!), said to me one night while I was at her house, "Ash, I'm getting on your calendar early! Schedule me into your calendar for next Saturday in the morning, k?" This, coming from a girl who, her and I used to be INSEPARABLE. ..and now, she has to ask to get on my calendar to hangout with me? I giggled, but really I felt terrible that that's how she felt. (Sorry, Nikki!!! I'll do better!!)

Witnesses come in pair's, right?

The VERY next day, a co-worker of mine, Jessica, called me randomly on a Saturday afternoon. Why, you might ask? Oh, just to get on my calendar for that following Friday night to, and I quote "Get on your calendar early, to hangout with you before you have something else planned."

What has my life become? Just tonight, my mom asked me when I got home from work (and naturally, I was getting changed to go to an Enrichment activity for church) "Don't you have just ONE night off when you don't have SOMETHING going on and you can just relax?" I checked my calendar. As far as I can tell, I'm completely booked SOLID until October 8th (that's 2 weeks away).

So here's my question...how did I let my life get like this? and how can I get some "me" time back?...I guess I should just pencil myself in for the 8th!!

A fluke?

2008-09-17T15:55:00.000-07:00

Turns out I have Bronchitis!

...maybe I'm NOT so accident prone afterall!??!?!

Just throwing that out there.

Accident Prone.

2008-09-15T17:46:00.000-07:00

I pride myself on the fact that I'm an educated, well-accomplished person. I feel like I have a lot to offer the world. I'm confident in who I am and who I'm striving to become. ...BUT...I must admit. I have one...very...significant...flaw.

Last week I got a cold. This past weekend the coughing began. ...and yesterday...yesterday, I coughed SO hard...that I threw my back out. Who does that? Me.

...and what's sad...is that those that know me well...aren't surprised.

*sigh*...Okay, world. I'm ready to admit it. I'm accident prone.

Hello, world!

2008-09-13T23:00:00.000-07:00

So...I thought, "well everyone else is doing it..." so here I am. I promise to have something up very soon...