And So, The Curtains Close.

Kismet (noun) -fate or destiny.
The belief that everything in life and death is predetermined, and even if you turn the clock backward, you might be able to reverse the order but you can’t change the outcome.

The year 2008 is near its end. Time certainly didn't fly for me nor did it drag on. I was able to enjoy things and appreciate life - something that I often find myself forgetting to do. The year started out pretty rocky for me, but halfway through it, my luck took a complete 180, and I honestly couldn't be happier.

In January, I had been living with my boyfriend of three years for nearly a full year. We were young, but we honestly thought that we were going to get married. He was the first guy that I loved - regardless of how my family felt about him. I was under a lot of stress because he was unemployed and we had a lot of bills to pay. We managed, but all the stress changed the way that I looked at him.

I know that money doesn't matter, but I was the one paying all the bills and when I'd ask him for help around the apartment, it never got done. I guess that I felt that if he couldn't help me with something as simple as putting the dishes away, there is no way that he would be able to support me or be there for me in times of trouble later on in life, as silly as that may sound to you.

Fast forward to February. My friends at work had been asking me to go out for nearly an entire year, but I always made excuses. Either I didn't have my ID or I was too tired. Bars were just not my scene. However, the week of my birthday, they asked if I'd go out. I told them that I couldn't, but I promised them that I'd go with them the following Friday. For the next week, I tried to think of excuses to get out of it, but I decided to just go out. Danny was still unemployed and I needed some time to myself and to just have a good time without having to worry too much about stuff.

Shortly after we arrived at Pooley's, a group of four guys walked into the bar. They sat across the bar from us, but I noticed one guy staring at me. He was handsome, so I thought that maybe I was wrong. However, a few minutes later, the bartender came over to us and told us the guys wanted to buy us ladies a round.

A few minutes later two of the guys came over and introduced themselves. As soon as the guy that had been staring at me introduced himself as "Jeffrey," I seriously thought, "Oh shit!" You see, a few weeks prior to that night, I had asked Allie's pregnant friend what she was going to name her baby. If it was a boy, she chose the name Reid Jeffrey. At that moment, I decided that I really loved the name Jeffrey and thought about the Jeffs that I'd met over the years. I kept that name in my head and thought about it often. That was a little weird to me.

Anyway, Jeff and I sat and talked until closing time. I had too much to drink. At one point in time, he told me that he thought I was gorgeous. I leaned over and told Denyse what'd he'd said. When she told me that I am, I remember saying something like, "Yeah right, he's just a guy. Don't worry. I love my boyfriend."

We really hit it off, but I didn't think that anything would become of it. He was only in WI for 45 days on TDY. So, I figured that I'd never see him or hear from him again. When he asked for my number at the end of the night, I gave it to him. Yes, I knew it was wrong, but I am so glad that I did it.

As things progressed between Jeff and me, things declined between me and Danny. I asked my mom and Allie for a lot of advice. I was very shocked when they both told me to give things a try with Jeff. At the beginning of March, after a conversation with Jeff about how things couldn't progress if I was still living with Danny, I moved back home.

We were still unsure about what would happen once he left, but we enjoyed every minute that we had together. We basically decided to see where things led.

My mom invited Jeff to our family's Easter dinner. Everyone seemed to like him, and he liked the family. I was so excited to actually have a boyfriend that my parents approved of. That had never happened before when it came to the guys that I brought home.

During this time, I also became BFF's with Milo, another guy that came to WI on TDY from Phoenix.

The night before Jeff left, he told me that he loved me for the very first time. I drove him to the airport the morning of the 26th and was pretty heartbroken that he was gone.

By the end of April, my parents had already booked a flight for me to Phoenix. In June, I spent two weeks in Phoenix with Jeff. Though Jeff and I had talked about the possibility of me staying, we decided that I needed to go back to WI to get my ducks in a row.

By the end of July or the beginning of August, we had already decided to move in together. So, I worked crazy hours and saved my money so that I could drive to Phoenix. At the time, we planned on me leaving on September 23rd. However, he found out at the beginning of September that his friends wouldn't be out of their house (the one that we were taking over) until November 1st. So, we pushed the date back. I wasn't going to go until the beginning of November, but we came to a compromise and decided that I should leave on October 15th. Sure, that meant that we'd have to stay on base until his friends moved, but that didn't matter.

I watched my handsome nephews turn one in August and October. I still can't believe how quickly they grew up. I miss them a ton and dream of them often.

I was finally able to consult with a dietician in October and together we managed to get my eating habits under control. I am eating better than I ever have in my life, and I have managed to lose over five pounds since I moved here. I feel like a whole new person now that I don't feel like food is controlling me.

My dad and I left on October 15th. I met him in Albert Lea, MN. That was the first time that I crossed the state line on my own. It was a small feat, but I felt very independent at that moment - despite the fact that my dad had to lead the way to Phoenix. It took three days to get to Phoenix. I did a lot of thinking and soul-searching along the way. I was so nervous. I hadn't seen Jeff in nearly four months, and I just prayed that I was making the right decision.

The minute that I got there, I knew that I'd done the right thing. I was so happy.

At the end of October, we traveled to Utah and went hiking at Zion National Park with some of Jeff's friends and his cousin, Spencer. We had a blast.

At the beginning of November, we celebrated Jeff's birthday. We had dinner and I made him cherry cheesecake. We also were celebrating the fact that we no longer had to stay in a motel on base. The house was finally ours.

A week or two later, we went to PetSmart on a whim. There happened to be several people there selling dogs. The first dog that I noticed was sound asleep. Neither me petting him or the fact that all the other puppies trampling him seemed to bother him. He didn't even stir. At first I was worried that he was sick, but he eventually perked up and even Jeff was in love. We had to take him home.

Milo left around the 15th of November to Germany - where he will be stationed for the next few years. I miss him.

We've had a lot of fun together since I got here and I've had a blast getting to know his friends.

On December 13th, I became an auntie x3 when Maddy Mae was born. I can't wait to meet her.

As you know, I celebrated my first Thanksgiving and Christmas without my family. However, I was able to meet Jeff's dad and brother, which was very exciting for me.

Though this year has had its rocky moments, I wouldn't change it for the world.

I can only hope that I'm as lucky in 2009. As January 1st approaches, I'll be thinking about what resolutions I'd like to make for the year. I am looking forward to finding out what the future has in store for Jeff and me.

I wish you all health and happiness in the New Year!

Movie Review.

You all need to go see "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button!" It is one of the best movies that I've seen recently, and I am definitely going to buy it when it comes out on DVD. I cried my eyes out, and my heart is still broken even though it was just a movie.

The guys said that it was "borderline chick-flick," but went to see it since I've put up with them playing PS3 for hours on end since Christmas Eve. They both said that it was pretty good. So, if the man in your life is skeptical...drag him!

For what it's worth, I give it two thumbs up! Waaay up! :)

So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Goodbye.

I woke up a little bit before 5:00 this morning, so that I could get ready to drop Mike off at the airport with Jeff. We left a little bit before 6:00. I was a little tired, since I only got about five or six hours of sleep last night. I was planning on sleeping until closer to 5:30, but I was awoken by Jason's PS3 game that he was playing.

Jeff only got about four hours of sleep, so I was a little worried that he might fall asleep driving or something. It takes about 45 minutes to an hour to get to the airport from our house - depending on traffic. Thankfully, there aren't many people on the roads at 6:00 AM on a Saturday morning!

I was pretty sad that he had to leave. It would have been nice to have him stay a bit longer. He's a very sweet guy and the only other normal person that I have to talk to! Jeff and Jason are both lunatics. :) Just kidding. They are a ton of fun to be around.

Last night, Mike treated us to a German restaurant - complete with two lederhosen clad men playing the accordion and tuba. It was loud, but so much fun. We tried some new foods and even had dessert, even though we were already full. We each ordered a different type and shared them all. My entree was German Meatloaf (forgot the actual name) and for dessert, I got Sauerkraut chocolate cake. Delicious!

The restaurant was in downtown Glendale. It is a gorgeous little place with old buildings to look at. I'd love to live there. They had the entire square decorated for Christmas, so we drove through it. It was absolutely gorgeous. I've never seen anything like it.

Since we had time to kill, we also went to a little antique/furniture store called The Madhatter. They had a ton of interesting things there. I love looking at stuff like that. I could have spent all day there just browsing. :)

Jeff's dad told me more stories about Jeff while he was growing up. We had a lot of good laughs last night. I look forward to the next time we can get together!

We are going to go see a movie pretty soon. We haven't done a whole lot today. We fell asleep after we got home and slept until noon or a little after. The guys went and picked up lunch. Other than that, we've pretty much just been watching Jason play PS3. I'm suffering from cabin fever, that's for sure!

It was beautiful and sunny out today. I wish that we could have went hiking or something. Jeff wants to go to Tombstone one of these days, and so do I. We'll see, though.

I am going to go get ready to leave - FINALLY!

Love,

Ash

A Very Merry Christmas In Phoenix.

For the first time in 22 years, I spent Christmas Eve away from home and with a different family. This could be the first of many, so I best get used to it.

Don't get me wrong, I am more than happy to be here and since I can't spend the holidays with the Ahlers, I can't think of better people to be with than the Kelley family. From what I can see and the stories I've heard, they seem to be a great bunch of people. Lucky me! :)

This was also the first time that I celebrated on Christmas Day instead of Eve. I love the Ahlers traditions, but am completely willing to try something new. In fact, I'm a little excited to start my own traditions.

---

Now, for a little reminiscing.

I truly miss being a little kid. I remember my mom telling me and Allie that the red flashing light on top of the antenna in NL was Rudolph. I completely believed her and thought that he was always around watching us to make sure we were good.

I don't know if Christmas was always done this way, but I remember at least one Christmas when my parents had April take us kids out for a drive to look at Christmas lights after dinner. When we returned, we were surprised by all the gifts that "Santa" had brought us. That is the Christmas that stands out the most in my mind.

Basically, we were spoiled rotten kids (still are), and I had the best Christmases that a kid could ask for. I look forward to someday (in the VERY distant future) giving my kids fond memories of the holidays as well.

---

We woke up shortly after 8 this morning. Mike had found a channel on TV that just played Christmas music while showing the fireplace video, like on Ellen. It was so cute.

We opened our gifts, while Mike and Jason shared many stories with me about Jeff. Too funny!

Jeff's dad got me a gift card and cookbook, which was so sweet of him. Katie, Jeff's sister, also got me a really great cookbook. I am so excited to try some of the recipes out. We are going to get so fat. :) Nah. We keep our calories in check.

My wonderful boyfriend got me a gift certificate to go get a manicure or pedicure and also one to get my very first professional massage. That was the sweetest gift in the whole world! He is such a great guy.

Mike and Jeff made us a HUGE, delicious breakfast. We will eat our Christmas dinner later on tonight. It smells so good. Jeff is making it.

We watched "The Dark Knight" today and right now the guys are playing with the PS3 that Jason gave to Jeff.

Really, that is all that I know. I'll keep you posted, though. Right now, I am just going to focus on having a great time.

Merry Christmas!

The Eagle Has Landed.

Jeff and I had quite a scare on Saturday. We ran to Safeway for a few things. We weren't gone more than 30 minutes. When we got back, Toby didn't greet us at the door, which is unusual. I figured that he must have been outside, so I went out there looking for him. No Toby. I walked around the side of the house, just to see Jeff standing on the other side of an open gate.

I immediately freaked out. He didn't have a tag on, so even if someone were to find him, they'd have no way of contacting us. I feared the worst - that someone opened the gate and took him.

Right away, Jeff headed to the park, which right behind our house. Toby loves the park because there are birds to chase and other dogs to play with. I called my mom crying because I didn't know what to do.

A couple in the park told Jeff that they'd seen Toby with a person and a few other dogs. So, Jeff had me go one way, while he went the other. I stopped and asked everyone that I saw if that had seen my dog. No such luck. There was a cop sitting on one street, so I went and talked to her. She gave me a number to call to report him missing.

Jeff and I met up at the house. He called the dispatcher at the police station to give Toby's description to them. Then, we both went out again.

I was talking on my phone while walking down the street and some guy stopped me. It turns out that he'd overheard me talking about a dog. He asked me what Toby looked like. No more than the words left my mouth and a huge smile crossed his face. He had found Toby and put him in a kennel in his living room. He said he was too beautiful to take to the pound, so he was just going to hang onto him until he could locate the owners. I've never been happier in my life! I can't even imagine what life would be like without him.

So, Christmas came a little early for me this year. :) I couldn't ask for more.

I was going to make sugar cookies, but ended up only using 1/4 of the recipe. Half of the dough didn't turn out and by the time Jeff and I got done cutting out a dozen cookies, I was frustrated and gave up. So, I made chocolate covered pretzels instead. Yum!

We spent all day yesterday preparing the house for Mike's (Jeff's dad) arrival. I was so nervous.

We picked him up at the airport at 11:30 today. He is so sweet! I wish that Katie (Jeff's sister) could've come, but she is spending the holidays with her mom. Oh well. Another time!

Mike made me feel better about missing my family's Christmas. He told me he was glad that I stayed so that we could meet and that they'd make up for the fact that I'm not with my family. I'm sure they will! If his brother is anything like Jeff and his dad (which I've heard that he is) I will have a great time!

We ate at In-N-Out Burger for lunch. I've never had it before, and I rarely eat burgers, but it was really good. They make their fries from scratch everyday. So, if any of you are ever here and want something quick to eat, I'd recommend that.

Tonight Jeff's dad is taking us to The Cheesecake Factory. I've never been there, but they say that it is awesome. I'm sure it is. I haven't had any bad food since I've been here.

I work Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday of this week. I'm not sure what they are going to do, but I'm sure they will have fun. I am looking forward to having Thursday off, so that I can hang out with them.

We are going to pick Jason up at 8:00 PM on Christmas Eve. Jeff is really excited to see him. I can't wait to meet him. I've heard so much about him - ever since the night that I met Jeff. He really looks up to him.

We will drop Mike off on Saturday. That will be sad. It is kind of nice having people around.

---

We just got back from dinner. It was so good! I don't know if they are in Wisconsin, but I believe there is one in Chicago. I'd recommend it - especially to Alicia who is a bread addict like me. :)

---

Other than that, I don't know a whole lot. I am tired and have to work in the morning. So, I think that I am going to sign off and get ready for bed.

Love you all!

All I Want For Christmas Is A Doggy Bone.

Jeff and I went shopping this afternoon with his dad and while we were out, Toby took it upon himself to open up his Christmas present. Jeff and I wrapped a bone up for him about a week ago and put it under the tree. He has never bothered the gifts before. He finally gave into temptation, though. I couldn't help but laugh when I saw what he'd done. I thought it was pretty cute. :)

I took this picture of him chewing his bone under the Christmas tree.

Nine To Five. What A Way To Make A Livin'.

Today was my first official day of work. My supervisor called me yesterday to see if I would be willing to work from 8:30 to 4:00 today. I gladly accepted the hours - even though I'd never even set foot on the floor. I really wasn't nervous. All I needed was for them to tell me what to do, and I could do it. I know how to do my job, it is just learning a new routine that takes a little time.

The staff all seemed really nice. There is one lady that might get on my nerves, but such is life. You will have those people everywhere you go. This job is so much less physically and mentally strenuous than the jobs that I've had in the past. We were actually able to sit with people, talk, and play games. It was nice getting to know the people we take care of. Most jobs don't leave a whole lot of time for that, as sad as that is.

I really liked that facility and am a little sad to have to go to another one tomorrow. I'm sure I'll like it just as much, but I really liked the people that I met today. It is going to be weird seeing new faces all the time. I'm used to working with the same people day in and day out.

I am so tired right now. I have been fighting sleep since I got home. I highly doubt that I will be able to stay awake until Jeff gets home. So, I probably won't even eat my dinner tonight. I am ready to just curl up in bed and pass out!

I have Monday and Thursday off next week. I told my supervisor to call me if she needed me on Monday. Hopefully she does!

This weekend Jeff and I are going to deep clean the house. I'm going to work on the inside, while he focuses on the yard. It will be sparkling when his dad gets here on Monday. I'm both nervous and excited to meet him. I'm kind of glad that I have to work a few days next week. This will give them an opportunity to hang out, bond, and do guy stuff. I don't need to be around for that. :)

Allie has been keeping me well-informed of any progress in the Caylee Anthony case. I hope that anyone and everyone involved burns in Hell.

I went shopping yesterday for work clothes. It was odd wearing dress clothes to work today, but it felt good to look nice. I've practically lived in scrubs for the past 4.5 years. While they are the most comfortable thing in the world, it was time for a real wardrobe.

Not a whole lot else happening on my side of the world.

Give 'Em The Pickle!

I am a little pencil in the

hand of a writing God

who is sending a love

letter to the world.

-Mother Teresa

Going through withdrawals yet, people? It has been a few days since I last posted. I've been a little busy.

On Saturday, Rod took Jeff and I out to a wine bar/restaurant called "Vogue Bistro." Super nice! Pricey, though. It was a very select menu, so we just ended up ordering a few appetizers. It was an Italian restaurant, so the food was a little different. I chose the only thing that looked familiar to me - French onion soup. Yum! Instead of topping it with cheese, they topped it with a "pastry puff" square that tasted suspiciously like a crescent roll to me. Anyway, I'd go back just for that.

After we ate and they had their fill of wine, we decided to go back to our house to have a little fire. It is starting to get chilly here. In fact, we finally broke down and turned on the heat yesterday because it was only getting up to 66 degrees in the house.

I dropped Rod off a little bit after two. Jeff and I stayed up pretty late and slept until one the next day. So, we never did go shooting. Nor did we go for our hike. We probably will this weekend instead.

Monday and Tuesday were my orientation days at work. I was well-rested and didn't have to fight sleep. This is the first orientation that actually kept me awake. It seems like a really nice place to work.

We watched a video about customer service called "Give 'Em the Pickle!" It was actually one of the better videos I've ever seen. The "pickle" can be anything that shows your customers or, in my case, participants that you care. It's about going the extra mile. It actually put a whole new perspective on things for me.

We got to tour each of the five adult day centers. Each one had a different atmosphere. There is only one that I didn't really like all that much. It was nice, just different. I am excited to train at the others, though.

I found out that our dress code is business/casual. That is the only complaint that I have. I am a nursing assistant. I deal with urine, BM, blood, and even vomit. Scrubs are meant for that kind of abuse and constant washing. Dress clothes, not so much.

The lady next to me told me that she has a problem with scrubs because "these people" go to the doctor a lot and they shouldn't have to be reminded of that. Mind you, she is working in the child care center and is rallying for them to be able to wear jeans and capris because they have to work with play dough and sometimes sand or paint. That annoyed me.

Anyway, after orientation, I met with my supervisor to work on a schedule of sorts. I will be training at the first facility on Friday of this week. Then, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday of next week.

She made it sound like every caregiver starts out as on-call before getting a full-time or part-time position. You must have to prove yourself first. She told me not to worry because someone will "scoop me up" quickly. I hope so!

I'm excited to start working and providing a supplemental income for Jeff and me. I hope to be able to get a regular position and health insurance in the near future. I am also excited to have a normal sleep schedule again. It's nice to go to bed at 10. It'll be even better when night flying is done (which may be another two weeks or so) and Jeff and I work similar shifts.

Things just might be turning around for me. :)

It has been cold and rainy for the last two days. I'm sick of this dreary weather. Give me some sunshine!

That is just about all that I know for now. I think so, anyway. I have a headache and can hardly think. :(

Put On Your Par-tay Hats, People!

Ashley has a job! No need to adjust your glasses or your computer monitor. You read it correctly. I am employed.

At around 4 today, Amanda, from the adult day center called me to offer me the on-call position. I gladly accepted. Yes, I'm still worried about finances, but I figure that if I can get at least four shifts per month, I should be okay.

I am taking a pay cut of nearly $3, but you take what you can get, right? I just really want to get my foot in the door. Hopefully, in time, a position opens up and I can apply for it. We will see. In the meantime, I will go in whenever they need me and keep praying. It will all work out in the end - otherwise, it's not the end. Right?

I got honked at for my very first time today. Why, you ask? For stopping at a red light. GASP! Where I come from, it is illegal to blow a red light - even if you are making a right turn. No, I did not sit there for eons. My car hardly even came to a stop. Anyway, that irritated me, so I thought I'd share. I will just put up with it until I can afford a driver. :)

Also, I met one of the most unpleasant ladies (I use that term loosely) ever today. I was in line at Safeway, minding my own business. They were very busy, so we had to wait in line. Whatever. I had nothing better to do. The lady in front of me was cussing about prices and having to wait. She was talking to me, which I didn't appreciate. A) I still don't talk to strangers - even at 22. B) I did not want to listen to her bitch. There was no escaping, though. I was never more happy to get out of a store in my life.

So, overall, I decided that I hate Arizona people today. One of the few times I leave the house, I have two bad experiences. What the heck? Although, the people in the checkout line next to me all seemed to be very pleasant. I wanted to stand with them. The grass is always greener on the other side, though, huh?

In other news, Jeff and I finished season two of "Alias" last night. The ending really pissed me off. They have some 'splaining to do in season three!

Well, I'm going to go start my spaghetti now. Wish me luck!

Things Can Only Go Up From Here!

Today is a pretty good day.

I talked to my friend, Jaime, this morning. I was glad to hear from her because it has been a month or better. I worked with her at Fairview, and I really miss her. We always had the best talks.

My friend, Ann, texted me a couple of hours ago to let me know that the adult day center finally contacted her for a reference. Thank God! It's only on-call, but I'm desperate. Hopefully they will make me a job offer. If they do, I will just have to to wow them with my skills and make them give me scheduled hours. That is the plan, anyway. ;)

I did look in the newspaper for jobs today. Nothing. Well, unless I want to be a driver, which I don't.

Jeff and I might be going out with our friend, Rod, this weekend. I talked with him for a bit today, which was nice. He has hardly been in Arizona since I got here. He leaves again in January, so we better get to see him before then!

We also plan on going on a hike this weekend. I can't wait! It's a nice temperature out lately, so we won't be sweating our butts off. Plus, we just need to get out of the house and be outdoors for a few hours. It will do us both some good.

Jeff's dad arrives on the 22nd. I'm so nervous. Thankfully, Jeff will be on leave at that time. Otherwise, I don't know what I'd do. That would involve me actually SPEAKING. I need a lorazepam just thinking about it.

I am not sure what our Christmas dinner will consist of. Time to start new traditions, I guess. Unlike the Kelley family, we have always celebrated on Christmas Eve. So, Jeff and I decided that we'd do Christmas Day, but try to go to Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. It really makes no difference to me either way.

I think that missing Christmas with my family will hit me harder than missing Thanksgiving did. I don't know why. Christmas just seems like a more important holiday when it comes to family. It will be my niece's first Christmas - if she ever decides to make her appearance. (Ha, Alicia. I'm just joshing!) Plus, my nephews are a ton of fun now. They will be able to tear into their gifts, which I'd LOVE to witness.

Last night I buzzed Jeff's hair for him. He was all dressed up in his Blues today and looked so handsome.

Really, that is about all that is new here.

LMAO!

Last night when I couldn't fall asleep, I decided to snoop through random blogs. One of the first ones that I ran across was a winner. It is called "Cake Wrecks".

Here is the link to it: http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/

It is an archive of cakes gone wrong. While some of the cakes themselves are funny, it is her captions that amuse me the most.

I was laughing so hard last night, the bed was shaking. I have no idea how Jeff slept through it.

Enjoy!

Where Is Mr. Sandman When You Need Him?

It's after 2:30 AM and I can't fall asleep. I've been in bed since about 11. I've tried counting sheep, listening to my iPod, everything. I eventually gave up and turned to the laptop for some company. I've just been surfing the web and eating trail mix. Yeah, I have the munchies.

I slept until almost 3 today. Hence why I can't sleep now. I was just knocked out. Jeff woke me up before he left for work and we talked for a bit. I think I drifted back to sleep before he even had a chance to back out of the driveway. I slept like a baby for the rest of the afternoon.

It seems like I'm always tired lately. There are very few nights when I don't sleep for at least 10 hours. I have the worst trouble trying to fall asleep at night, though. Some nights I resort to taking Benadryl because I hate being up alone. That just leaves me feeling groggy the following day, though, so I only take it when I feel that it is absolutely necessary.

Still no bites in the employment pond. I am half-tempted to go stand on the side of the road with the Mexicans waiting for work.

Toby keeps eating his own poo. It started after Alexis left. I kept finding rocks under the coffee table and I was like, "What the hell?" Then, I finally caught him. He'd bring in his dried up crap and eat it - leaving behind the rocks that were stuck to it. How in the world do I get him to stop?

Jeff took me to see "Twilight" on Sunday night. It was pretty good. There were things I could have done without, but I will still watch the other parts when they come out. Jeff is such a trooper for sitting through it with me.

Christmas is rapidly approaching, which means that soon Jeff's dad will be here. I'm so nervous about meeting him. I am still not sure what to get Jeff for Christmas. Any suggestions?

I just wanted to remind everyone that my birthday is less than two months away. Don't worry, though. I'll keep you posted so you CAN'T forget. :)

My niece is still not here. What's the hold up? I had my money on a Sunday birth. So, I officially change my prediction to Thursday. I'd like to be notified ASAP. I've come to terms with the fact that I will always be the last person to hear the news, so no need to rush the phone call. I can't wait to have news of my own. It's the only time I will be the first to know everything.

Pictures. Send lots of pictures, people.

Tomorrow Jeff works from 10 AM until probably 9 PM or later. That is going to suck. I guess that I will just tune into fearnet and watch some more scary movies. I've about had it with Lifetime and their cheesy dramas.

I'm such a nerd. I'm really addicted to Food Network - especially Paula Deen. Anyway, since I've been watching her, I've found myself resisting the urge to say "ya'll". It is so wrong. I am not Madonna and I do not take on the accent of those that I'm surrounded by.

I've suggesting blogs to everyone that I can think of, but to no avail. I highly enjoy writing the nonsense that I do, but I LOVE to read other people's business even more. So, if you are reading this: please go write a blog!

Anyway, I am going to snoop through some random blogs before I try again to hit the hay.

Love,

-A-

White (Not Hispanic or Latino)

My search for employment seems to be never-ending. I have applied to nearly twenty places, I'd say. I'm so tired of filling out applications and posting resumes. It's sickening. Every application ends with an umpteen question survey asking nonsense like: Do you enjoy being alone? What the fuck does that matter? Hell yes, I enjoy being alone! Now, scram!

I called several nursing homes and assisted living facilities, but most of them weren't hiring. Bastard apes! I guess the saying is true, though. It's not what you know, it's WHO you know - and I don't know anyone.

I have seriously contemplated becoming a surrogate mother. I could handle getting paid $20,000 for nine months of work. So what if I spend most of my time barfing, gain weight, and end up with hemorrhoids? As long as I don't need an episiotomy, I'm golden. :)

My only other options are prostitution and drug-dealing. My parents so wouldn't allow the latter of the two, and I gave up my clear raincoat years ago. So, I'm back at square one. Thankfully, I have a very kind and patient boyfriend. He sees that I am making an effort to get a job - I just have no luck.

This morning we woke up at 7:30. Gasp! What on God's green earth was I doing up so early, you ask? I was volunteering. That's right, folks. Not an ounce of selfishness. I practically got up with the sun out of the goodness of my heart.

As I was getting ready, Jeff said, "Ash, you can come back to bed. We aren't going."

My response? "Get your ass up!"

Jeff signed us up earlier this week to help out with Habitat for Humanity. Today we went to the store to work. He helped unload donated items and load items that were being delivered. In the meantime, I cleaned and helped rearrange furniture.

There is a class later on this month that we are probably going to go to so that we can actually help at a building site. That would be so fun!I know what you are thinking. Ashley with a power tool? Pssh! I took four-years of woodworking. I know my way around a table saw. My measurements are still a little sketchy, but you know what they say. Measure twice, cut once! :)

Anyway, we are going to try to make this volunteering a regular thing and go there a couple Saturdays a month.

It is like the Goodwill of home improvement supplies and furniture. They had everything from super tacky lampshades to used toilets! Hell yes. They had brand-new Jacuzzi tubs for $900 and all kinds of flooring for super cheap. Honestly, some of the stuff was really nice and fair-priced. I don't know if they have these places in Wisconsin, but it'd be worth a gander if you were doing something in your home.

No, I'm not suggesting that you forego a new toilet for a gently used one at half the price. Certain things are better new. However, things like trim, hardware, and lumber from places that went out of business are a steal.

Anyway, I'm rambling. I do not work for ReStore, nor am I paid to advertise. (Even though I should be after that spiel!) I just went off on a tangent. Silly me.

Tonight we were supposed to go to the Luke Christmas party, but after a unanimous vote, we decided not to. Instead, we are going over to his friend, Al's, house.

In other news, Jeff and I got locked out of the house today. Since we had a piece of wood in the patio door so it couldn't slide, we were screwed. Jeff is such a trooper, though. He had to squeeze his skinny ass through the doggy door. The sad part is he fit. That makes me feel much less secure knowing that some other scrawny guy could get in here.

Janice Dickinson Who?

I have recently become obsessed with the game Fashion Solitaire at mylifetime.com. You should all go play it. Well, unless you have stuff to do. In that case, stay far away from it. It is addicting! You've been warned.

Oh, and if you don't like it... you can suck it. :]

On to more important topics: The interview went okay. It is only an on-call position, which is good and bad. Good because I have the ability to tell them that I don't want to work and I will probably never get sick of it. Bad because I am not guaranteed hours. If the people that work there are anything like my coworkers of the past, though, they will be calling in regularly and I should be expecting calls.

They are going to call me after they run a background check and contact my references. In the meantime, I'm filling out tons of applications. I seriously think that I have carpal tunnel after all the typing that I did tonight.

Twas The Night Before Her Interview...

And all through the house, not a creature was stirring - not even a mouse.

Tomorrow (today for anyone reading this) is the big day! My very first interview here in Arizona. I'm nervous and excited all at the same time. I am going to have a tough time falling asleep tonight!

I am nervous because I REALLY need and want this job. I have no idea what I’ll do if I don’t get it. This is truly all I know. I have no idea what I am going to wear tomorrow. I’ll find something, though. I have to make a good first impression. After all, that is probably the only time my potential employer will see me when I’m not elbow-deep in doo.

At the same time, I am excited because I can't wait to get back into the swing of things, have my own life, and meet new people. Sure, I am super shy at first, but I always find a select few people to bond with at work. I look forward to that. I really do miss some of the girls at Oakwood.

So, if you think about it, throw out a prayer at 4:30 Central time tomorrow. I’d appreciate it!

I took Toby for a walk this morning. I am going to try to make it a daily thing. It probably won't always happen, but if I can get him out there 3-5 times a week, I'll be happy. He is still so annoying to walk with. Since he is new at it, he tends to forget that he is on a leash and tries to take off running every time he sees a bird, dog, cat, or human. Plus, he has to stop and sniff EVERYTHING. I need to learn to be more patient with him because I do find myself getting irritated with him.

Tonight Jeff and I ate Korean food for supper. It was interesting. The tofu soup left something to be desired, the rice was good (although, it is hard to screw up rice), and the chicken was pretty good until I started to wonder if the meat really was the same consistency as chicken or if, perhaps, I'd been duped into eating dog or something. Needless to say, I lost my appetite.

It is no longer hot here in Arizona. It typically reaches somewhere in the mid-seventies during the day and gets down into the upper forties at night. It is no longer tank top season here – I am sad to report.

Boo hoo, right April?

This Saturday is the Luke AFB Christmas party. I think that it will be a lot of fun, but I am already stressed about meeting all of those new people. I’m sure that I will have a lot to say about that experience.

In addition to “Twilight,” I am also looking forward to seeing “Seven Pounds” this month. It might sound geeky, but I also want to see “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.” Every time I see the preview for it, it breaks my heart.

I’ll try to write a sentence or two after my interview. Until then...

Happy shoveling, Wisconsinites! :]