Totally Inappropriate.

This might be mean. It might be inappropriate. But guess what? This is MY blog, and I don't care. So neener neener neeeeener!!! (Insert face with tongue sticking out here).

ANYWAY- There is a man in Austintown who has no legs and drives around on an electric wheelchair (or Rascal) all day long. Sometimes, he has American flags waving off the back, sometimes he has "Support Our Troops" signs hanging in the front, but whatever is displayed on his scooter, one thing remains the same: All he does is putter around Austintown. It doesn't even phase me anymore to see Legless (as I'll now refer to him as) puttering around random parts of town. although, I will admit my surprise at seeing him down by Wal-Mart one day, which is like, THREE MILES away from his normal 'hood.

So Felix calls me Sunday and was like, "BABE! [LEGLESS] IS SITTING IN TRAFFIC!!! I GOTTA GO I'M GOING TO TRY AND TAKE VIDEO WITH MY BLACKBERRY AND SEND IT TO YOU".

A few things to note: Felix, while he is a funny guy who likes to have a good time, rarely gets overly excited about things. That's my department. I usually have enough excitement for both of us...plus 10. So, to hear him that excited about Legless? It had to be something good.

Apparently, Felix was sitting at the stoplight by a bridge that is undergoing renovations, so there is no walkway for Legless and his wheelchair. Did that stop Legless? No way! He sat in traffic, at the redlight, surrounded by cars. He may not have legs, but DAMN that guy has balls!!!

Felix wasn't able to get video, but he got this semi-crappy picture while passing Legless in the left lane:

Oh, and by the way? I totally blame the Sham Wow guy for the demise of Billy Mays.

R.I.P. Billy!!!

Happy Music Monday!!!

I didn't want to post the token Michael Jackson video today, so...for those of you Simpson fans out there, remember when MJ guest-starred on the show?

Ch-ch-check it out!

Crappy Explanation of LOLAnimals.

Yesterday I promised an explanation of "Caturdays". Sorry to disappoint, but I have a really bad headache, I'm kind of grumpy, and I just don't feel like launching into a soliloquy of what this stupid (but hilarious) Internet phenomenon is.

As far as I know, it started with THIS picture, and escalated on the interwebs into entire websites devoted to...well, pictures of cats with phrases called "lolspeak".

Google it, I'm sure you can find a description on the Internet. Either way, look forward to cat pictures on Saturdays.

This is the beginning of a beautiful Caturday.

Leah had the great idea to make every Saturday "Caturday", since Saturday is such a hard blogging day for me. For those of you who know about lolanimals, or I Can Has Cheezburger? know what Caturday is, if not...you'll have to wait until tomorrow for an explanation. For now, though, Happy Caturday!!!

Fit Friday!!!

Ok. First things first. I fell off the wagon a little this week. But, I think most girls can empathize with the fact that we have one week a month where we just have no energy, a splitting headache, and a strong craving for carbs, grease, and chocolate. So I'm cutting myself a little slack. I didn't do TERRIBLE this week. I still managed to work out three days, and not go completely crazy eating-wise. Next week is another week, and since I know my monthly schedule, I'll be kicking it into high gear in final preparation for VA Beach (31 DAYS!!!).

Second, the wonderful Patrick texted me at work the other night and said I should look into the "Livestrong" app for my BlackBerry and review it for Fit Friday (any blog topics are GREATLY appreciated because, as I've said before, it's not exactly EASY to try and sound entertaining EVERY. DAY. FOR. A. YEAR).

I log all of my food and workouts on The Daily Plate, and I know it's recently merged with Livestrong, but I had no idea they had a BlackBerry app. I was super excited at this revelation, and downloaded the application from BlackBerry App World. The app cost $2.99 and you have to have PayPal to pay for it. It completely links to your livestrong account if you already have one, which is nice for me. I set my calorie goal at 1500/day, and you log your food and it tells you how many more calories you can eat until you reach your goal. I loved the computer version, and I know I'm going to fall in love with the BlackBerry version as well. Thanks Pat!!!

Make sure you check out The Fit Wife and read some of her recent posts. Because of her, I might do nothing but take Vitamin D and drink white tea. All jokes aside, I read some stuff on her blog this week that I didn't know about...and I take great pride in reading up on all the latest health news.

Also, here's a link to some diet tips from the stars you should NEVER follow. Come on people, burn more calories than you take in. It's not easy, but it's way better than drinking maple syrup and cayenne pepper. If you can't do it right, I'm sorry, but you don't deserve to lose the weight. And I'm bad-mouthing my girl Beyonce here, so you know I mean business. Yeah, I know it's not easy...I lose an average of ONE POUND A FRIGGIN' MONTH. But guess what? Those pounds will STAY OFF.


And- I'd be terribly ignorant if I didn't mention the death of two major show business icons, Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett.


I'm fitting it into "Fit Friday" because, hey...who can't admire this?

And- I'm sure we ALL have some sort of Michael Jackson on an ipod workout mix somewhere.

OMG. TRAINWRECK ALERT!

Figured I might as well continue my television theme this week, especially after the trainwreck I just witnessed from my DVR.

I decided to record the first episode of Bravo's new show, "NYC Prep", which is essentially a reality version of Gossip Girl. It follows around high school kids who go to private school on the Upper East Side of New York City.

This show made me sick to my stomach.

AND, it gave me a new appreciation for a "redneck" western Pennsylvanian upbringing. I'd much rather spend my teen years riding in a jeep on back roads, spotting for deer while my guy friends chew snuff, then grow up the way these kids are. It's shockingly sad.

They spend their time shopping at stores I didn't even know existed when I was their age (and I'm sure I STILL don't know about most of them). Labels? Come on, when I was in high school, wearing a designer "label" was having a pair of Ralph Lauren jeans from the Maurices in the Dubois Mall.

They have credit cards (care of mommy and daddy) that have no limits. I know that sounds like a dream, but I'm pretty sure I'd rather have mommy and daddy attend my cheerleading functions and band concerts than them giving me a credit card to make up for their lack of attention and being raised by a nanny.

The NYC Prep crowd is having "parties" at swanky Japanese restaurants on a week night. Really? I had to be at home by ten AT THE LATEST on a school night. Midnight on the weekends unless I asked, and that was when I was commuting to Clarion Unversity my freshman year for college!

Forget about spending my nights at home "BBMing" (as the NYC preps affectionately call BlackBerry messaging). I didn't have a cell phone until what, junior year? And forget about even texting!! I didn't even get cell phone reception at my parent's house!

I just feel badly for these kids, because honestly? That's no way to grow up. How are they going to learn about the real world and how to be a good role model and parent when they don't have anyone showing them that? And why are they allowed to walk around NEW YORK CITY AT NIGHT all by themselves? Seriously? Granted, I'm sure they live in an ultra-safe part of the city, but I feel like I was barely allowed to attend high school football games by myself at the age of 15, let alone galavant around one of biggest cities in the United States. Disgusting!

Now that I've clearly shown I've become nothing more than an old dork, I'm done with my rant. Really, though? Really? This might be one reality show I can't stomach, no matter how much of a trainwreck it is.

I Like TV.

After yesterday's rant about Jon & Kate Plus 8, I realized I may take my television viewing a little too seriously. That got me thinking about what shows I religiously watch, and have my DVR set to record the entire series'.

Sunday:
True Blood on HBO.
If you're not watching this, you should. We actually got HBO just for this show. (Well, Felix did because HE pays the cable bill. I want no part of a bill that includes two DVR's, HD whatchamacallit stuff, and 7 different HBO channels. Seems like a waste of money to me, although I do take advantage of all the upgrades...especially HD. I'm a big fan).

Monday:

Jon & Kate Plus 8.
We already know my obsession with this family. And my obsession is even more odd, considering I have no desire to have children.

Cake Boss.
This comes on after Jon & Kate, and I'm not crazy about it, but it's ok. It's a reality show based in a Hoboken, New Jersey bakery. They make all kinds of different cakes, and it's something I'll play in the background when I wake up and I'm checking my email, getting breakfast, etc.

Tuesday:

The "Real Housewives" franchise on Bravo.
It's currently the Housewives of New Jersey, and this cast is FANTASTIC! I love their tough-girl attitudes, and who doesn't love a good table-flip at a family dinner?! This is reality television at its finest. (And yes, I watch all casts, except Atlanta).

The Cleaner on A&E.
This show is really, really good. If you're not watching it, you should. It stars Benjamin Bratt as a former drug addict who now helps other drug addicts get clean. Seriously, one of the best shows on television right now. Watch.

Hawthorne on TNT.
This is that new medical drama starring Jada Pinkett Smith. Last night was the second episode, and I haven't watched it yet, but the first episode piqued my interest so I'll give it a shot.

Wednesday:

So You Think You Can Dance on Fox. I am a TERRIBLE dancer, so I'm crazy fascinated with anyone who can dance their ass off. I love it.

Wipeout on ABC.
Who doesn't love this show? Felix and I record this and usually watch it Saturday mornings when we wake up and are having our coffee. It's one of those little routines I look forward to. Corny? Yes. Do I care? No.

Top Chef Masters on Bravo.
I love love LOVE Top Chef, and right now this new Top Chef Masters will have to do until Padma and the gang come back around, whenever that may be.

Thursday:

Crime 360 on A&E

This is one of those reality shows that follows detectives around as they try to solve homicides. I'm a sucker for these kinds of shows, and the fact that it's based in Cleveland makes it even more intriguing.

***Other shows that have a series recording on our upstairs DVR that I watch when there's nothing else on: Grey's Anatomy (I REALLY fell off the wagon with the season that just wrapped up. The entire season is taped, and I haven't watched ANY of them yet), Private Practice (I think this got canceled? But I still like it), The Office, 30 Rock, My Boys (awesome show on TBS, but the seasons are WAY too short).

Do you know what I've learned from this blog post?

I watch entirely too much television. Maybe I should get a life?

So Sad.

I'm a sucker for reality television, and I haven't missed an episode of Jon & Kate Plus 8 since it started. My DVR is set to record the whole season. Last night, they made the "big announcement" that they were going to separate.
I REALLY teared up watching. In my opinion, Jon Gosselin is a no-good ass-face. Team KATE all the way!!!
After the show, I logged onto Facebook real quick like I always do before I go to work...and DAMN the Jon & Kate debate was raging! It seems as though you're either on Jon's side or Kat'es side, and you're 100% either way.
It's kind of funny, but at least I know I'm not the only one.
No matter how you look at it, it's a sad situation because now eight kids are now growing up a statistic, and victims of divorce.


ANYWAY- I don't know why I get so addicted to these television families...and I don't know why I get so caught up in their lives. It's just a television show but I can't help it! It's like, "well, if Jon & Kate can't make it, then no one can" and I just get so disappointed. For all of humanity as a whole. Ridiculous? Yes.

I did the same thing when Nick and Jessica announced their divorce after "Newlyweds".

Do you think having cameras following your every move contributes to these on-air separations? Or they're just capturing what was bound to happen the whole time?

Happy Music Monday!!!

Making my dad a Father's Day cd last week made me re-discover this song. It's hard not to bee-bop around to it, especially in the car.

Whatever happened to Third Eye Blind anyway?

Dangit! I didn't miss a day!

For some reason, the post I wrote yesterday didn't publish, so I just did it right now. I swear I wrote it and I didn't miss a day!

Anyway, it's FATHER'S DAY! Nothing too crazy planned for today, but I AM making Felix my famous lasagna (his favorite).



That's it for today, "Save the Last Dance" is on TBS and I need to go watch it for the 3,897,334th time.

Sooo corny, and sooo cheesy, I love it.

Holy crap. A REAL author has visited my blog.

You may or may not know my ultimate dream is to write and publish a book. Preferably a New York Times bestseller, but I'm not going to be picky. Part of the reason for this blog is to exercise my "creative writing" skills, because the last four years of strictly writing television news has left me kind of rusty.

That being said, a few days ago I wrote about an author, Tiffanie DeBartolo, and how I ravenously read her books before finding out she was born and raised in Youngstown. Thinking that was the coolest thing in the world, I emailed her telling her how much I loved her writing (hopefully without a stalkerish tone to it).

Well, Ms. DeBartolo never received my email, but this is even cooler:

My blog about her showed up on her Google Alert, so she visited my blog, and read it!! (Or at least skimmed the post I wrote about her...which is fine with me.)

It gets even better. If you go back and read the comments on that post, you'll see that she left me a comment. AND told me how to contact her on myspace.

I read it, immediately BlackBerry Messaged Katie Ferri (she's a huge fan of God-Shaped Hole, too), and started sweating. I got incredibly excited. SWEATING!!

I might be a dork for this, but it made my friggin week.

And I love it even more that THIS blog post will probably show up on her Google Alert, too...hopefuly steering her here once again.

Tiffanie, if you're ever back in the YO, and want to go out for pizza, I'll treat ya. Whether it's Wedgewood, Elmton, Belleria, Inner Circle, Avalon Gardens...you name it, I'll buy it.

Moving on, and hoping I didn't just sound like a TOTAL freak:

Felix, Talia, and I are off to Pennsylvania for the day to visit my dad for Father's Day. I made him a cd of all the songs that remind me of him, and I had to laugh because some of the artists included in the mix were: Marilyn Manson, Eminem, Breaking Benjamin, and Rage Against the Machine (Also had some old school stuff like Talking Heads and Big Audio Dynamite). Gotta love my family and our skewed view of family values. But- I wouldn't have it any other way.

And since I don't like to post without some sort of picture, how about this:

Felix bought me an actual PLANT of Gerbera daisies for our two year anniversary on May 25th (How cute, I know). They ALL died approximately two days later, despite my best efforts to keep them going. After a few days, this blossom bloomed and has been going strong ever since. I love it.

Fit Friday!!!

Virginia Beach Countdown: 38 days!!! I know it's going to get here in the blink of an eye, because June is FLYING. I just want to sleep at night for a week straight. Is that so much to ask?!

Anyway--So, I was down in my basement yesterday, getting ready to work out, and I swear I felt like someone was watching me. I looked out the window, and this is what I saw:

Weird. I text messaged my friend Sally about it, and her response? "Maybe he read your blog and he wanted to see what all the buzz was about". I laughed.

Moving on, how about some interesting health related links on this Fab Fit Friday?

**Did mom ever tell you to stop reading in dim light because you'll ruin your eyes? That myth, and 6 more, are debunked here.

**This really isn't health related...but the frog picture above reminded me of it. (Follow me here, frog picture..frogs eat flies...) Have you seen the video of President Obama swatting a horse fly during an interview and then picking it up and throwing it away? (Ohhh Barack you are sooo wonderful and funny hardy har har har, Note the sarcasm.) Anyway- Now, PETA is flipping out, saying Barack Obama needs to be more sensitive to the Earth's creatures. You know what I say to that? Eff you, PETA, and the stupid horse you didn't ride in on because that would qualify as animal cruelty.

**I found this story very interesting because I've never read anything similar. Apparently, if you want to be a lean, mean, muscle making machine, you better stop taking The Pill.

That's all I got. Peace out.

I think this is a federal offense.

Does everyone remember that Seinfeld episode where Jerry and Kramer were in Newman's apartment and found bags and bags of undelivered mail?

Well, I kind of feel like my life is that episode of Seinfeld. Here's why:

A few months ago, we didn't get mail for like, 3 days...which is highly unusual because between both Felix and I, we usually at least have SOMETHING, even if it's junk, every day.

I remember putting something in our mailbox one morning to be sent out, and I put it in the mailbox when I got home from work, around 7 IN THE MORNING. I woke up later that afternoon and checked the mailbox. My letter had been picked up, and we had a bunch of mail.

Felix got home from work later that night, and asked me why I hadn't gotten the mail, and I showed him everything sitting on the table. Very confused, he went to the front door, and proceeded to gather up all the mail that was in the mailbox for the SECOND TIME that day. Somehow our mail got delivered twice. In one day. Keep in mind, we have more than one mail carrier...I've heard through the grapevine they have a few part-timers doing our route, and I've seen a black man deliver our mail, a white dude, and a blonde lady with a crazy 90's perm.

My thought is that one of the mail carriers just didn't feel like delivering the mail earlier in the week, and decided to do it in the evening that day...after the other carrier already delivered our mail for that day.

Are you all following me on this?

Fast forward to yesterday. I woke up around 3:15, and if our mail isn't there by then, it usually comes shortly after. I looked down the street and saw the mail carrier, and figured he'd get to my house soon.

Then a horrendous downpour started, and I looked outside and saw the carrier running to his truck, hopping in, and driving away. Without delivering my mail. I think he just didn't want to walk around in the rain, so he left!! It's not like I'm expecting some important letter or anything today, but not delivering mail because it's raining is like me just leaving work because there are too many fires and shootings overnight and I just don't feel like dealing with them.

WTF. It's just funny because situations like this always make me think I'm seriously living in a sitcom.

Ytown Connections.

Since the Austintown Library is basically in my backyard, I've been frequenting it quite often instead of wasting my money on buying books I'm going to read once, and then stash in my basement.

A few weeks ago I was perusing the aisles and this book by an author I'd never heard of, Tiffanie DeBartolo, caught my eye.

It's called "How to Kill A Rock Star", and I devoured it in a couple days. I just REALLY liked the author's style of writing.

Fast forward to last week. I was once again strolling the aisles of the Austintown Library when another book of her's caught my eye.

I started "God-Shaped Hole" yesterday and I'm more than halfway through it. I'm not sure exactly what it is about her writing that I love so much, I just like the pace of the book.

Anyway, so during a lapse in work last night, I googled Tiffanie DeBartolo to see who the hell this person was.

Turns out she was born and raised in Youngstown, OH! How crazy is that?! She went to Villa Maria High School, but dropped out before her senior year, then got her GED and I think ended up graduating from Berkeley College in California. She's also penned a few screenplays and what not, but her website hasn't been updated since 2007.

I ended up emailing her and telling her how (GASP!) I live in Youngstown, too! And I loved her books before I even realized she was from here! I also asked if she has written anything else, because as far as I can tell, once I'm done with "God-Shaped Hole", my Tiffanie DeBartolo obsession can no longer be fulfilled because she doesn't have any other books out. Think she'll email me back?

Anyway, I highly recommend BOTH of these books. They're love stories, but in a tragic, hip, indy, sort of way. No mushy gushy lovey dovey stuff, but the writing will definately tear at your heart strings and (if you've ever been madly in love) you'll identify with the characters in the book.

***DISCLAIMER*** Mom, no offense, but I don't really think these are your style of books, so don't feel obligated to go and fetch them and read 'em up just because I blogged about them. They have nothing to do with vampires, werewolves, or serial killers, so they're not really up your alley.

Bring On the Summer Heat.

It's supposed to be in the upper 70's- mid 80's all week long, so even though Summer isn't officially here until Saturday, I say it's already begun!
The funny thing about working overnights, though, is that I rarely realize how hot it is during the week.
If I know it's going to be a hot day, I turn on the A/C before I get into bed (when it's still like, 60 degrees out), and wake up to a cool house. I'm REALLY boring during the week, and have my routine that usually keeps me indoors. By the time I go to work at 10:30, it's cooled off drastically...so it's like I never even knew it was hot outside!
I've gone through entire heat waves during the summer and not even realized it. I suppose it's a good thing because I cannot STAND being hot, but at the same time, I always feel like I'm missing out on my summers. At least we've had a string of 4 or 5 beautiful weekends, and I can make up for it on my days off!

Happy Music Monday!!!

Even though Leanne Rimes is a homewrecking stalker whore, she has an amazing voice. I have even more respect for her pipes after seeing her open for Kenny Chesney last summer at Heinz Field. She was AWESOME live.
This song always puts me in a good mood, and makes me miss my high school/college girls...ALOT.

If You Didn't Know About the Switch, You Don't Deserve TV.

America has known about the switch from analog television to digital for MONTHS. The switch was even delayed by the Obama Administration because millions of Americans were still not ready for it. The BIG SWITCH was on Friday, and according to this article on CNN.com, the FCC still received hundreds of THOUSANDS of calls when people all across America didn't know what the EFF was going on when their televisions stopped working.A few things irritate me about this.

1. Who still has televisions that use antennas? If you have any sort of cable, you didn't have to DO anything. So unless you're living in the bayou, it shouldn't have been a problem.

2. If you ARE living in the bayou, you had YEARS to get a 40 dollar coupon for a converter box. YEARS. How did you NOT have a clue this was happening. HOW? There were commercials about THE SWITCH on every 5 minutes for the last year. There were crawls across the bottom of our screens warning us!

I don't think the fact that I work at a television station makes me more savvy to the digital switch because you had to be living under a rock if you were completely clueless. Or, like I said, living in the bayou, or you're 112 years old. (If you're 112 years old, then I think you have an excuse...but still. There were commercials. LOTS of commercials.)

Beaches in Ohio? Hmmm....

Northeast Ohio apparently has a TON of lakes that people basically spend their summers at...boating, camping, picnicing, etc. I've lived here for FOUR years and have NEVER been to one of these many lakes. Why, you may ask?

I don't believe in "beach lakes". The only beach I deem worthy of visiting is the actual ocean. Lakes are dirty and snakey and muddy and yuck. Not that the ocean isn't, but I don't go in the ocean, either. But it's darn beautiful to look at while you're relaxing poolside by your hotel. That being said, Felix and I are sucking up our dislike for bodies of water that are not the ocean, and heading to Craig Beach with some friends today.


Their argument was rather convincing...Grilling out, laying in the sun, and playing cornhole. For those of you not familiar with cornhole (I had NEVER heard it called this until I moved to Ohio), check out the American Cornhole Association's website. I'm just gonna get it out in the open right now, MY take on the word "cornhole" comes from the mid-to-late 90's and Beavis and Butthead...ok, ok!! DON'T MAKE ME SAY IT. I always thought "cornhole" was a term for anal sex. GROSS! And to think there is an actual "American Cornhole Association" makes me giggle. Alot. Sue me. "Hi, I'm Ashley, and I'm a member of the American Cornhole Association." HA!!!

Now that we've gotten that awkwardly out of the way, I'm proud to say Felix and I very well might be the cornhole champions of northeastern Ohio (stop giggling and get your head out of the gutter). We play whenever we get the chance, and we're really good. So, if you say there's gonna be cornhole, chances are we'll drop other plans in order to play.

So, I'd like to think I'm broadening my horizons today by going to this place locals here call the beach. I'll let you know how it goes.

Fit Friday!!!

First things first...I can FINALLY have a clear conscience, the weight on my Ohio State driver's license is no longer a lie. Now that I've 'fessed up, I will keep my license hidden away so no one can see the number on it (which I still think is a LITTLE high).

I'm also proud to announce I have found a bikini that doesn't make me throw up in my mouth at the thought of donning it in front of people. Here's a pic of the top...and although her stomach might be flatter, I have the upper hand because I fill the cups out better.

My goal for this summer was to be in decent shape before we went to the beach at the end of July, and I'm close to meeting it! I'm down about 12 pounds from January, and if it sounds like I'm gloating...it's because I am!! All I have to do to keep myself motivated is to look at this picture of myself, taken a few years ago when Leah and Kate came to visit me in Youngstown. LOOK AT MY CHUBBY FACE!!! It's ok, you can say it...I know. I look bloated, to say the least.

I don't know about you, but I'm always fascinated when I read those articles about how many calories are in our favorite restaurant foods. My mom sent me this link, and even though I've read it all before, it still makes me think twice before ordering. But, as my mom also pointed out...it REALLY makes me want a little fried mac and cheese.

As always on Fit Friday's, I'm giving a shout out to The Fit Wife, who most recently reviewed some of Lifetime's new reality shows.

I know this is a stretch, but I suppose I'll also give a shout out to Mr. Steve Braband, whose blog talks sports, sports, and more sports. Sports= exercise, as long as you're not just watching them on the Boob Tube.

Have's to a wonderful weekend!!

A Little Tongue Action.

I'm notorious for posing for pictures with 1) my mouth open, or 2) my tongue sticking out. I started looking through some of my facebook pictures, and I found 10 in less that 5 minutes. Trust me, there are LOTS more. I guess I need to find a new pose, huh?

Sooo...we're 40 plus days into this blogging thing, and this is the first day I really DON'T feel like writing anything. I don't have anything interesting to say. That "stalking Beyonce" thing yesterday was even tough to think up, and let's face it...I've had better work.
There's nothing even exciting going on in the world to make fun of. I'm sick of GM and Chrylser, the swine flu, journalists trapped in North Korea, and any other story that's blown way out of proportion and sensationalized by the media (I realize those journalists in North Korea is a really big story, but I have a feeling Al Gore is just going to waltz over there, scoop 'em up, and everyone will be happy).
I think I'm bored. Like I said, nothing to write about at work...the local news scene has been SUCKING lately...and there's no good television on. I hate repeat season. The only thing I have to look forward to is Jon and Kate Plus 8 and The Real Housewives of New Jersey.

Thank God it's Wednesday, which is one day closer to Thursday...which, I think we all know, is RIGHT before Friday.
Does anyone else spend their weeks counting down the days until the weekend? Or is that just me? I can't imagine having a job that sucks, because I actually LIKE mine and I can't even stand being there. Maybe it's the warm weather. Why don't adults get summer vacation?

Now that I've touched on everything from swine flu to summer vacation...I'm out.
This has been a boring and pessimistic blog post by yours truly.

I Want to Stalk Beyonce.

Yesterday, when I woke up and turned on the TV, I saw that there was going to be a feature on Beyonce on the Ellen show, where they went behind-the-scenes at her tour. I got SERIOUSLY excited, and even debated recording the show in case I missed it while I was going about my "morning" routine (which happens during the week around 3:00 p.m.)
My almost-unhealthy-excitement about the segment got me thinking about my borderline obsession with Beyonce.
I LOVE her. Like, a lot. I like her so much that over the weekend, when we went to Lorain to see Felix's sister, I got a little defensive when she said she wasn't a Beyonce fan. I'm pretty sure that's not normal. I didn't realize it until right now as I type this stalkerish blogpost.
I even remember the MOMENT when I decided she was amazing.
It was in 2006 when she performed "Ring the Alarm" on the MTV Music Awards. Her performance BLEW ME AWAY. I make people watch it, sometimes, but they're never as impressed as I was. Here it is (My favorite part hits around the 2:40 mark. Love it.)



All joking and exaggerating aside, I really do admire her. I like how you don't see her out drunk at clubs in tabloids, I like how she keeps her personal life as private as she can (which would be pretty tough, considering she's married to friggin' JAY-Z). I like how she's proud of her body (and her booty), and I also like how she has said she dated Jay-Z for years before getting married, because she had to be happy with who SHE was before she could take that next step. I admire that.
Although, I think her crazy dancing in the "Single Ladies" video is completely inappropriate for my 10-year-old sister to watch...I still love it.

Fun Music Monday!!!

Felix and I drove to Lorain, Ohio on Sunday to see his new baby nephew, and since we were out really late Saturday night, I fell asleep on the drive up.
During my nap, I heard this song playing in my sleep and remember feeling like I should be doing the Running Man at Brookville YMCA's Flex Day Riot (All you Brookville readers know what I'm talkin' bout!)
Here's to a quick work week!!!

Taco Bell Heaven.

At three in the morning, starving, and a little tipsy, I found heaven: A Grilled Chicken Burrito from Taco Bell. Only 89 cents, and delicious.

That is all.

Happy Sunday.

Benjamin Button.

It's 1 a.m Saturday morning, so I'm getting an early start on things. I went to bed an hour ago, but can't sleep because the school behind me is having a 24 hour Relay for Life, and all I can hear are kids screaming, singing, and listening to music. I guess it's for cancer, so I'll deal.

Felix and I watched Benjamin Button last night. I really, really enjoyed it.

I have a busy Saturday ahead of me, so here's a quote from the movie that really made me think:

"For what it's worth: it's never too late or, in my case, too early to be whoever you want to be. There's no time limit, stop whenever you want. You can change or stay the same, there are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. And I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life you're proud of. If you find that you're not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again. "

Fit Friday!!!

Ohhhh Friday, how I love thee! So, I know "Fit Friday" implies I'd be talking about things that have to do with health and exercise, but I MUST tell you about my new favorite product.

Purex Complete 3-in-1 Laundry Sheets.These were on sale for $4.99 a few weeks ago at my grocery store, and I decided to give 'em a whirl, even though I found it hard to believe one of these things could DO IT ALL...including getting Felix's gross softball shirts clean. Oh how pleasantly surprised I was! All you do is start your washer, throw one of these sheets in the bottom (they're kind of like thicker fabric softener sheets), put your clothes in, and do your laundry as normal! No soap, no filling up a stupid Downey Ball...nothing! Then, just transfer these babies into the dryer with your clothes. Done and done! (I throw an extra dryer sheet in there, too...because I love having good-smelling laundry). Two thumbs up from yours truly! Plus, I'm not really great at math, BUT I think these save you money in the long run. I got the plastic dispenser and 20 sheets for $4.99, and refills come in packs of 24 for like 6 bucks I think.

Moving on, is anyone else getting sick of all these links on webpages like msn.com about how there's STILL TIME TO GET A BIKINI BODY! JUST FOLLOW THIS WORKOUT! I get really excited, but when I click on them, they all say to do the same thing: lunges, cardio, squats, shoulder presses, etc. I already do those. I HAVE been doing those. STILL totally hesitant about stepping out in a bikini.

Speaking of bikinis, I just ordered 6 of them from target.com. I figured I'd try them all on and cross my fingers I'd like at least one, then send all the rest back. Although, I didn't really check out their return policy, so hopefully I didn't just spend $150 bucks on bikinis I'll never wear. Maybe I should've bought one of those mom-skirted-swimsuits?! We shall see.

Since my gal The Fit Wife wrote a blog post about the Fit Bit tracker, I'm really intrigued and want to find out more about this little calorie tracking gadget.Read The Fit Wife's post for a more in-detail description, but you wear this little thing on you at all times (it clips on your belt, or wherever convienent...even on your bra!!) and it allegedly tracks things like how many calories your burning, as well as how well you're sleeping. The whole thing is $99 bucks! I'm a little skeptical, but might splurge on it just because it sounds pretty friggin' cool.

Have a great weekend everybody!!!

Aaaaand I'm Grumpy.

I don't hate my job, I really don't. Most of the time, I even LIKE it...or at least don't MIND it. It's what I went to school for, I get paid decently, blah blah blah.

But man, am I BURNED OUT.

I was sitting here trying to come up with a subject for a blog post today, and I couldn't think of anything to write about. The only thing that popped into my head is how I've never taken a week off work.

I've been here for FOUR years, and have never taken off a complete week! How crazy is that? I never realized it until right now. I use my vacation days (and I get plenty) to always take long weekends. I took three days off when I moved in with Felix, but still had to work two days.

All of that will FINALLY change at the end of July when we go to Virginia Beach! I'm probably more excited than I should be...but 5 days on the beach and NINE DAYS OF SLEEPING AT NIGHT?!?! You all take your night sleeping for granted. It's going to be BLISS!

53 days and counting!

Only in Ashley Land.

A funny thing happened to me yesterday. First, take a good look at the picture, and then read on for details.

Let me set this up for you. I was chatting with my mom on the phone, walking around our apartment...rinsing out dishes that were in the sink, putting them in the dishwasher, etc. I was getting ready to work out, so I was getting a big glass of ice water to take downstairs with me. We have one of those Culligan Water thingymajigs, and I had the cup setting on the ledge, filling it with water (Which I should've known better, I've spilled this same cup before because it's too big to balance there). All of a sudden the cup flips over.

And lands directly upside down on the floor.

NO WATER SPILLED.

It landed so perfectly, and on top of the plastic on the floor, it created a suction cup and just stayed there. I would compare it to when you're at the beach and fill a plastic cup up with sand and flip it over to make a sandcastle. Except the sand was water. How unbelievable is that? I was like "sonofabitch!" or some other profanity that shouldn't have been said while on the phone with one's mother...and she said "WHAT WHAT!"

I told her what happened and she said, "OMIGOD take a picture so you can write a blog about it!!!!!"

So, after I took the picture, the big task at hand was cleaning it up...because that's a big cup and it was FILLED with water and ice.

I ended up wrapping towels around the cup, and then tried to simultaneously flip the cup over while scooping up as much ice as I could. Needless to say, it still created a helluva mess.

I don't think I could do that again if I tried!

I'm a Celebrity...Shut My Face.

Television is pretty much sucking right now, at least for me. It seems like ALLLL my shows are over, and I don't have anything to watch. The shows I DO actually watch are all DVR'd and I watch them when I have time.

ANYWAY...So last night I was packing my lunch and cleaning my kitchen, and had the TV on in the living room which happened to be on NBC's premiere of "I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here".

WHAT A CRAP SHOW! Seriously? Crap. CRAP! It was such a trainwreck, I actually WATCHED part of it, which I guess is the point...so now I'm pissed at myself for letting myself get sucked into the madness.

That being said, there are certain reality "stars" I absolutely DESPISE. Kind of unnaturally and unhealthily. I really shouldn't be spending this much time thinking about them, but alas...I am.

So here they are, in no particular order.

Speidi (Heidi and Spencer Pratt)

These two are the biggest fame whores I've ever seen. They'll do ANYTHING to make a quick buck and get the camera flashing. Ugh. They make me sick! They are single-handedly the reason I no longer watch "The Hills". (Well, maybe not single-handedly. It also probably has something to do with the fact I'm 26, not 19, and Justin Bobby is nasty.)

Kelly Bensimon.

I love love LOVE the "Real Housewives" franchise on Bravo TV. I watch every season religiously, except Atlanta. I never got into that season for some reason. And the new series with the ladies from New Jersey? Proving to be a fantastic season as well. There's something about watching woman with tons of money get Botex and go shopping and get together for cocktails at 2 in the afternoon that is just fascinating to me. I eat it up.

Kelly Bensimon is in the cast of "The Real Housewives of New York City". She was a new addition this season and I PRAY they get rid of her. Just seeing her on my television makes my skin crawl and I start feeling a little enraged. Especially when she's crazily scolding Bethenny with her now-famous "Bethenny stooooopppp. Just stoooop it. BETHENNY...STOOOPPP". Ugh. Hate her.

Coach.

I don't know anyone else besides Felix and I that still watch Survivor, but this douchebag was a cast member this season, and he always called himself "The Dragon Slayer" and a Samurai warrior. I would literally YELL at the television every week this season , and probably would've thrown things at it if I wasn't afraid of the wratch of Felix and his love for all things electronic. Coach didn't win though, so suck it Samurai!!!

Jon Gosselin.Who does this assface think he is? Sure, Jon, we all know your wife is a megabitch, but I bet you would be too if you were the breadwinner of the family and still had to take care of 8 kids...May as well make that 9 because she has to take care of you, too! Furthermore, it doesn't matter how bitchy or terrible your wife is, you have EIGHT CHILDREN! They're your responsibility and you have no right to go galavanting around with a 20-something school teacher (who isn't even cute). You're gross, Jon. GROSS! Team Kate all the way!

Deep breath, Ashley. Deep. Breathes.

And of course, I canNOT forget...HAPPY BIRTHDAY LEAH!! Even though you don't read my blog, maybe you'll be pleasantly surprised someday when you get around to it.

Here's a pic of her and I when she visited Youngstown last summer:

Fun Music Monday!!!

My Sunday night at work was spent writing about the fate of General Motors and what may happen when the biggest automaker files for bankruptcy. This song was stuck in my head the whole time. It's not exactly a HAPPY song, but it sure is catchy!! The chorus fits, too, when you think about the United States Government having a 60% equity stake in one of the nation's BIGGEST COMPANIES!!!

Happy Monday!

It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine) @ Yahoo! Video

Also...A big Happy Birthday Shout Out to one of the greatest people in the ENTIRE UNIVERSE: Matt Sivillo. In celebration, here is a funny picture of us taken last year during my trip to Connecticut: