Just One of Those Days

Have you ever just had "one of those days"? Where not everything is going wrong, but it most certainly is not all going right? Where you kind of feel like you're in a funk? Nod with me if you have. That was today.

I woke up with a little more of a sniffle than usual and that annoying sore throat. You know the kind where it's not enough to really hurt, just to bug the heck outta ya? And then once you get some food down into your stomach you feel better? Well, for some reason lately, in the mornings, I am never hungry! In fact, my stomach almost feels nauseous if I DO eat anything. (Nope, not pregnant, promise.) Anyway, so to remedy my annoying sore throat, I tried to eat something. Only to feel even more crappy than I had originally. Yes. Today was starting wonderfully. Then, I took my shower, and got dressed. I was running a tiny bit behind, so I grabbed the skirt I wanted and thought, "sweet, it's not even wrinkled, doesn't need to be ironed!" and went about hair and make-up.

I got to the store at 9:31, so I was only a minute late, opened her up and started on all the daily "opening the store" chores. As I walked to the front to unlock the door, I saw myself in the large front mirror and realized that my skirt, which I had previously thought didn't need to be ironed, really DID need to be ironed. Thank goodness we have a steamer in the shop, huh? This is where you all groan, knowing something really bad is going to happen, right? Right. So, being impatient and not really having any other options, I started steaming/ironing my skirt. While it was still on my body. Now, I am also the kind of impatient person that will, on rare occasions, iron a little wrinkle on a shirt, while on my body, but I try to be careful. Knowing the heat that little steamer produced, I tried to be quick about the steam going on to my skirt. Well. . . I wasn't fast enough. All the sudden, my thigh was searing hot and I ripped the steamer away and threw it back on the ironing board, while muttering under my breath, "MAN that HURT!" And it did. But it got worse. It was giving me enough pain that I decided I needed to go into the bathroom and check it out. (I was wearing really thick brown tights, hence the need to go to a bathroom to check 'er out.) As I pulled down my tights, about 4 inches above my knee, it looked like I had gotten sunburned. "Ok", I thought, "not as bad as I had anticipated!" I went about my day not thinking too much of it.

MEANWHILE. . . my sinuses started filling with lots of delightful fluid. I felt like sneezing was my new calling in life. Seriously. It was wonderful. If you enjoy sneezing more than breathing. But, I kept at it, thinking, "this too shall pass. . . right? Please? PLEASE?" With intermittent thoughts like, "swine flu. . . crap." After lunch, I decided I needed to check on my little sun burn again, but this time I got a sweet surprise! A BLISTER!!! YAY! Only about the size of a dime. No big, right? Wrong. Blisters like to get bigger. By the end of the day, it was roughly the size of a quarter. And puffy and puss-y. Sorry for that visual. You'll get to see a picture in a little bit. Except it just popped, dang it. Oh well, you still get a picture.

So, now I can feel my heartbeat in my jaw, in true sinus infection fashion and my nose is dripping like a faucet. Oh, and my eyes are puffy and red. I love being sick! Upside: I made myself a little chicken noodle soup and a pepperjack grilled cheese sandwich for dinner. I know. Super healthy. But it was comfort food and I was in need of comfort food. Needless to say, the day at the shop was uneventful as far as customers went, for which I was supremely grateful. So, it's just been one of those days. Not the worst day of my life by any means, but definitely not the best either. Because, lets face it, who likes quarter sized blisters on their thigh?



Isn't it lovely??

"It's Saturday, Can You Feel the Thrill of It. . .

. . .Saturday! Never get my fill of it! Time to play, on the best day all week looooonnnggg!!"

So, when I was in 5th grade, we did a wonderful little play called, "It's Saturday". That was the title song of the whole play and I still have it run through my head every now and again. I really do love Saturdays though. Especially when I don't have to work, because that means I have one full day to just do what I want to do. And this Saturday, that meant three loads of laundry, baking bread, making cookies, and finalizing a talk and a lesson for tomorrow. Busy, busy day. But so wonderful! It was beautiful out today too. It was between 65-70 degrees and sunny with blue sky. Just my kinda day. I had the windows open all day and anytime I went outside, I would come back in greeted by the smell of freshly baked bread and cookies. Talk about a weight gainer there! I think just by inhaling I put on a few pounds. That and eating half the cookie dough raw before I even baked it. . . Ok, not half. Just a few snatches here and there. But still. . .

So, if any of you follow my wonderful cousin, Emily's blog, you might have this recipe for bread, but if not, you need to get it. It is the best homemade wheat bread I have ever had. Dallin loves it. We are spoiled now and rarely eat anything but this. Store bought bread just doesn't cut it anymore. So, it may require a little more time, but it saves money, since I get most my ingredients in bulk, and it's more healthy. (No stinkin high fructose corn syrup!) Anyway, if you want this AMAZING recipe, then click HERE! Happy Baking!

Oh, and one last thought. HAPPY BIRTHDAY CORY!!! 29 years young. Hope your day was all you ever dreamed of and more. :)


(Ain't he just a handsome fella?! Well, just a handsome couple, if I do say so myself!)

Heaven. . . In a cup

Have you noticed how at about this time of year, everyone starts busting out their pumpkin and eggnog flavored what-nots? I have. And I love it. I am a HUGE fan of pumpkin pie (or pumpkin pie flavored anything). It is one of my favorite desserts ever. So, it would definitely make sense that everytime I see that Arctic Circle has their over the rim pumpkin pie milkshake back in season that I about faint from excitement, right? Right!



I kid you not, this heavenly treat tastes like cold pumpkin pie with an ice-creamy flavor that is to die for. I decided tonight was the night to indulge in this yummy amazingness and I was not disappointed. If there is an Arctic Circle near you, go get one! At least one time this season, 'cause I promise you it is sooo worth it! And tomorrow I will do extra cardio to make up for the wonderful caloric intake. Yay for Above-The-Rim Pumpkin Pie Milkshakes at Arctic Circle!!

New Church Building

I realize I already did a post today, but Jeff has been asking Dallin for awhile to take some pictures of the new style of Stake Center that is being built around here and he decided to take some pictures today of one that is currently being built. We already have one that is totally devoted to married students here at school. That is where Dallin and I attend church. It has two chapels inside it, one on the north end and one on the south end and a HUGE gym. Apparently it is supposed to be two stories, but Dallin and I haven't had time to investigate whether or not that is true. We obviously don't have any classes on the second story, if there is one. This new stake center that they are building is literally a 1/2 mile from another huge stake center that is behind the Rexburg temple. If any of you are somewhat familiar with Rexburg, then coming up 7th south, you hit this new stake center, then a BYU-I married housing complex, some rugby, soccer and softball fields, another stake center and then the temple. If you blink, you'll miss everything. It literally is all right there. Just more proof that Rexburg (or rather BYU-I) is growing so fast! The stake center we are in now was just completed like a year or 2 ago and already they are adding another one, the same size, that will be totally devoted to married students. Insane, isn't it? I love this place, it's so awesome!

Ashley's 2009 (22nd Berfday) Wishlist

**Disclaimer: This is for my mother and husbands sakes. Just FYI. And in case you are really curious as to what I want for my 22nd Birthday. :)

The 30th day of October is rapidly approaching. And then I will be 22. Weird, isn't it? I remember when I turned 16. I thought that life was amazing. Couldn't get any better! I could DATE! Holy schmoley! And then, after my permit had finally been valid for 6 months, I could drive! (That wasn't until March though. . . I wasn't on the ball like I shoulda been.)

And then when I turned 18. Oh goodness. I got an awesome hot pink rose from a dear friend, and the freedom I had so dearly wished for. (Among other things) My curfew was finally midnight. (Yup, I didn't get it extended to 11:30 til I was 17. Sad, isn't it?) But I remember feeling so much more grown up. And at the same time, I felt like I was still a total kid. In my mind, I had thought 18 meant you were suddenly thrust into adulthood and you were mature and ready to take on the world. Oh, my dear friends, not so. I still don't feel like an adult who is ready to take on the world. Take on a new recipe? Sure! Take on a new school adventure with Dallin? Why not! But the world? It still scares the heebie-jeebies outta me!

Then 21. (You thought I was gonna say 20, huh? :)) My 21st birthday was spent mostly in the BYU-Idaho Library doing a research paper on the marriage and courtship culture of ancient Egypt for my religion class. SOOOO interesting! (I'm being totally serious when I say that) I loved that paper. The fact that I spend about 8 hours in the Library on my 21st birthday, I didn't love, but oh well. I spent it with the man I love and a subject I was very fond of, so it all worked out. And once again, I thought that 21 might mean I was somehow more mature and more apt to deal with whatever was thrown my way. Looking back now, I realize that if anyone would have told me the challenges and joys and sorrows and the hurt and the awesome that I have had to deal with since then, I wouldn't have been so thrilled. Which is why Heavenly Father is wise and doesn't let us see the future like Alice does in Twilight.

So now, as I am approaching this 22nd birthday of mine, I feel just the same. I am finally learning that I am growing older, a little bit wiser, but I am not dramatically different than the year before. Life is just life and it's going to throw major curves and ridiculous trials and it's going to be hard. But, it also is going to be wonderful and amazing and fabulous because I have the best families a girl could ask for. And the most incredible husband that ever walked the planet. And an all knowing Heavenly Father who helps me through all the trials and tribulations that I go through. Thank goodness. So, all in all, life is gonna be alright. No, life is gonna be great!

Wow, that wasn't supposed to be that long. I just got a little carried away. Sorry. So, (Drum roll please. . .) The birthday wishlist you've all been waiting for!

1. Invisibelt. I need one of these baby's cause I hate belts but I need em. They make me look bulky around the middle and I already have a non-existent waist, so it just adds to the wonderfulness. This little invention is the solution to all my problems!





2. Curling irons. I have a 1/4 inch one and it's just too small. I need a 1/2 inch and a 1 1/2 inch for sure. Con-Air's are my favorites. They're like the Dolce & Gabana of curling irons in my book. :)



3. Since working at a bridal and tux shop, I have become very familiar with steamers. And I have decided I definitely need one of those. Oh yes. They're amazing! But, I want one with an iron. That's the only way to go. Trust me.

(This isn't exactly the one I want, but just an example. . . in case you were wondering, Mom. Hint hint.) :)

4. The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Recipes from an Accidental Country Girl. Any of you that are Pioneer Woman fans, behold the goodness. I have wanted this cook book ever since I found out she was having one published! She is amazing and I love all her recipes. And I love cooking/baking, so this just makes sense, right? :)



5. And last but certainly not least. Michael Buble's Crazy Love Album, set to release October 9th. I love Michael Buble. He is amazing. His voice is wonderful and I love all his music. I own every album, including his Christmas album. Like I said, love his voice!



So, Dallin, Mom (hint, hint, wink, wink, stomp, stomp) and my dear friends, those are my 22nd berfday wishes.

Ra-ra-ra-random!

I've kind of been neglecting this whole blogging thing lately. Sorry. I'm busy and there are just moments when I think, "I would rather read Twilight than blog right now." Which is what I have decided to delve back into. Reading the Twilight series. And I am realizing I am falling just as much in love with the book this time around as I did when I first read it. (Notice: I said in love with the BOOK, not EDWARD. Edward is great and all, but stinkin Robert Pattinson has absolutely ruined my mental image. Ugh.) Anyhow. I am thoroughly enjoying that little outlet right now.



Work is awesome. I have, with the help of others, as well as single-handedly, sold 5 wedding dresses thus far!! I am so excited! More excited for the girls wearing them than the fact that I actually sold them, though that feels awesome as well. There was this one little red-haired gal that came in about a week ago and tried on a dress. . . Oh. My. Heavens. Talk about natural beauty/model status. It was a mermaid shaped dress with a lace overlay. And it just looked AMAZING on her. (When I started typing lace overlay, suddenly the words of Mr. Bennett entered my mind, "No lace! NO lace!" And I smiled) Anyway, the price was the deal breaker. She just couldn't afford it. So I talked to my bosses, we worked the price and bada-bing! She's getting the dress! It was one of those moments where I thought, "I would donate money to the cause just so she could get that dress. Because, let's be honest. It would be a disservice to that dress if anyone with less of a flattering figure wore it." You think I am kidding. No. I am not. So, I love my job :)


(This isn't the gown I sold, just one that I am loving lately from our shop. Venus Bridal rocks my socks lately. So gorgeous.)

I dyed my hair today. Dark. Perhaps too dark. I feel kind of weird. But Dallin loves it. I am waiting to get used to it, but everytime I look in the mirror I jump. Seriously, it's dark. And I am not yet ready to post a picture. I will next week. Maybe. Or I might just wait until I see you in person and then you can see it and jump too 'cause it's just dark. And when I say dark, I mean black. Except it's not technically black. It's the darkest brown I could go. But I didn't know Black was the new Brown? Apparently it is. Who knew? (Obviously not me. . .)

Dallin and I spilled some diet Pepsi on the floor today (I think that was a prompting telling us it's a bad thing to be drinking diet Pepsi while watching general conference. . .)



But Oxi Clean saved the day. I love that stuff. It is my miracle worker. And while I am doing laundry and adding that to my detergent in the washer, I can't help but have Billy Mays voice running through my head, "It'll make your whites whiter, your brights brighter! OXI CLEAN!"



And once again, I smile. I enjoy smiling. But really, folks, if you have not been converted to the wonderful Oxi Clean, get on that band wagon. You'll love yourself for following my advice. I pinky promise.



And last but not least, conference. Did anyone elses heart just soar when they heard President Monson announce the 5 new temples? I will admit, I cried. While smiling like a little kid that just got their favorite piece of gum. I was so happy for all those people. Especially for all those members in Japan. I don't know why, but that just touched me to the core. I much too often take for granted the fact that I have a temple literally up the road from me in this sheltered wonderful place I am calling home right now. I love that temple with all my heart. I literally saw it be built right before my eyes. I was able to go through it last year before it was dedicated (in 6 degree weather with Jen and Cory and Marcus and Ashley no less!)



And I have neglected it lately, I ashamedly admit. But I have made a new resolve to make temple attendance regular again, just like it was last semester. But, back to General Conference. Has anyone noticed a theme? I surely have. And it has hit home. I need to strive to make the spirit more present in my life. I need to center my life around things that will invite the spirit and strengthen my testimony. I love it. I love the gospel. I love all that we are being taught and can't wait to pick apart Dallin's brain when he gets home from Priesthood. (Honestly, they get the best stuff in Priesthood session, I love listening to it later and reading it in the Ensign.) But most of all, to all you readers out there, whoever you may be, whatever religion you may practice, I want you all to know that I know it's true. This gospel is true. And President Monson is a true, living Prophet of God. I know it with all my heart. And I know the Book of Mormon is the true word of God. And that the Bible is true. That Jesus did come to the earth and that He atoned for everything; our weaknesses, our sickness, our sins, our joys, our griefs, our pains, our sorrows. I know that He knows me and loves me. And for all of this, I am truly grateful.

I hope this post finds all of you healthy, happy and enjoying this beautiful, colorful, cold season. :) Lots of love to you all.