tomorrow a new point of view...

time for more changes...

2007-08-23T00:14:00.001-06:00

well i have been going back and forth about changing to word press. i have decided i am going ahead with the switch.

please don't forget about me! follow me into the dark at tomorrow a new point of view.

back at it...

2007-08-22T23:12:00.000-06:00

so i love being a teacher. well most of the time. i LOVE having a 2.5 month sabbatical every summer. you know what i don't love so much? going back to work. i guess life was a little abnormally busy this summer with moving across the country and all...but still.

i DO have to say... so far my school and all its staff are fabulous. i am excited to get in the swing of things.

i am able to be at work at 9 this week but waking up with an alarm has not made it enjoyable. who knows what next week will hold when i have to be at work even earlier.

going to work all day, trying to "work out", and unpack has made me feel really tired this week. once our place becomes a little more organized i will feel like i can rest at home. soon enough.

samantha i will call you soon. thanks for your sweet message. allie...jasen has mislead you...i don't know his true intentions about putting a video up for you. keep asking him.

thinking twice...

2007-08-21T22:47:00.000-06:00

last week i saw this psa and it got me thinking...

then today we had a full faculty meeting with a FBI agent talking to us about the dangers of minors and the world wide web. he showed us how easily he could locate the kids from our high school on myspace. in a few easy steps he had located over 50 kids with all their personal information.

really creepy stuff. he was telling us how employers and colleges now search myspace and such to find out more about their applicants.

crazy.

night on the town

2007-08-20T20:03:00.000-06:00

jasen and i were just discussing how we haven't had the chance to walk around town and really enjoy why we moved downtown. tonight was the night. after a long day of first aid and cpr lectures...jasen picked me up and we headed home to park the car.

we headed to paesanos for a super dinner. on our walk home we stopped in at the beat. thanks to the walton's recommendation...e picked up the new eisley cd along with "once" soundtrack on vinyl.

good night in sacramento...with many more to come.

craig's list:: it rocks

2007-08-19T17:37:00.000-06:00

so jasen and i just picked up 2 new additions to our family:

these sweet pieces are found at cost plus for about 3 times more than what we paid! score!

broken english

2007-08-18T23:12:00.000-06:00

thursday i went the crest with my new bff samantha walton. (hope she doesn't mind me labeling her that.) this independent theatre was fabulous! there was so much character and interesting architecture. i can't wait to go back and bring jasen.

we went to see broken english with parker posey. great movie. it kinda reminded me of bridget jones's diary with out the accents and british humor. boys and girls alike...you should see it. it was great.

new life... new sleep

2007-08-13T09:13:00.001-06:00

so we are at our new home in sacramento. wow...it is MORE awesome than expected. before moving i felt pretty guilty for spending extra money on a place when we could use it for something else...but now that we are here...well...i don't feel so guilty anymore.

when we moved in yesterday we were greeted to a stack of coupons and gift certificates...just for living there! we were especially stoked to receive gift certificates to temple coffee house. this place it totally awesome and a block away from our house! we also get a free unlimited imax pass for the length of our lease. so i guess between the free coffee and music...we will make up for it in the rent. and yet again...it all works out.

i am having to adjust to the new noises and sounds of city living. we decided to sleep with our windows open last night. the sounds of trucks and cars was actually soothing to us. however...i think the people in the building have been used to the building not being full. we had some late night chatters talking right in front of our door...and i am sure they thought no one had moved in yet. so that woke me up...then for about 45 minutes i listened to the sound of the elevator ding up and down the elevator shaft. (we are down the hall from it...but i have really good hearing.) so maybe in a small investment in some earplugs...or having our furniture moved in will help.

today we are on a mission to find: a mattress, couch and dinning table and chairs. we are at least hoping for the couch. ryan and samantha told us about scandinavian designs so hopefully we will find some sweet deals.

so if you don't mind...be thinking of a few things for us: our adjustment to a new city and jobs, finding community in our city and our jobs, to connect with those who live around us (people we don't know yet...but would like to), and for us to have wise choices with our finances. our goal it to get rid our consumer debt this year.

who knows...it could happen

it will all work out in the end.

2007-08-07T18:47:00.000-06:00

is that in the bible somewhere?

i've been on a (mad) search trying to find a job. it's really hard to do it when you are miles and miles away. i have had a couple of leads but i really didn't feel good about the possibilities. so i continued looking. i took a hit to the ego when i found out i didn't get the job i interviewed for...so i pursued one more lead.

i found a lead for an elementary assistant over a job search page. that sounded like the job for me. so i emailed my resume and didn't hear anything (around late july) so i called and left a message. nothing. next, i emailed the head of lower school and her assistant. still nothing. i made one more phone call and finally heard something back last thursday when we were driving to california. i was told the principal would call me back before the weekend...but i didn't hear anything until yesterday. the teacher i would be working for called to chat...and it went great! she told me i would hear back something early this week.

the principal called this morning and said, "we don't normally hire sight unseen been we have really loved talking to you...and we love your resume. we would like to offer you the job if you are interested!"

so sacramento country day school here i come!

no job

2007-07-31T16:47:00.000-06:00

i have really never worked hard to get a job. fortuantly for myself i have been at the right place at the right time or new someone. until presbyterian school...i never really tried very hard.

my only interview in sacrmaneto has ended like this...

Hi Amanda,

I apologize for the delay in getting back to you. Things have been very bust around here!

The position for which you applied has been filled. We had many fantastic applicants – including you – so the decision was difficult. Ultimately, we chose a person who we felt had skills that were best suited to the job,

If you are interested in doing substitute work, we would love to have you on our list. Sometimes that can lead to a more permanent position, if one becomes available. I do realize tat you may need consistent work, so if that is the case I understand. In either case, I wish you the best of luck in the future.

oh well...i'll just keep looking. however...rejection is hard even if you really didn't want the job in the first place.

tails california

2007-07-30T20:29:00.000-06:00

yes i know...that's a country song. there's my homage to texas.

so the car is all packed. my skin glistened sweat as i "helped" pack the car. there wasn't even any sun out. oh well. last night in houston...couldn't have had it any other way.

we visited 2210 saxon tonight to pick up our mail. driving over there it felt like we were going home. when we arrived the new owner took us around to show us all the changes that have taken place. she was doing some Italian texture thing to the walls...and added crown molding. all i can say is that i am glad it didn't look like home. i would have been very sad. so i left...only kinda sad. we stopped across the street to say "see you later" to baxter and family. he had cavities out so he was conked on the couch. he just turned 5 and he entered his first surfing competition. awesome. here's a pic his mom stephanie snatched while he was asleep. too cute. i'll miss you bax.

we had dinner with the jolinks at tony's. fun times with that family. i really don't think we could have spent our last night any other way. i've been upset here and there...but saying "see you later" to them was really hard. we love those guys.

we were asking ourselves "what was the purpose of our time here?" "did we make an impact?" "a difference?" "were we effective?" it's difficult to be in a place for 2 years and make some connections then have to say goodbye. we say we will see each other soon...or we'll visit...but is that just something you say? i sure hope not.

but we ware in for the jolink disneyland trip 2008.

goal :: accomplished

2007-07-26T10:13:00.000-06:00

not being from houston i have noticed a few things about the city that i thought was pretty awesome. before our arrival houston was voted the fattest city in america in jaurary of 2005 (not awesome)...so i wasn't too sure what i would find.

i was surprised! houston has a lot of parks and tracks for you to run, jog or walk. and people are always outside! one place in particular is rice university. there is a huge track around the outside of the campus which is shaded by trees and nature. it really is beautiful. so my goal was to jog around the entire campus without stopping. yesterday was the day.

jasen dropped me off at the park before he went to work. (it's about 1.5 miles or so away from first pres) i don't have a stretch routine so i kinda eyed the other hard core runners and copied their stretching. i was so thankful the sun was hidden behind the clouds, plus the lush tress which covered the path made it much more tolerable to run in the humidity. i was so excited to finally run at rice that started way too fast. i started to get a cramp but i was not going to stop. i had made a sweet workout mix on my nikeplus ipod which really got me going. plus talking with tom was encouraging.

ready for the outcome?

4.18 miles
37ish minutes
8:45 pace

not only did i accomplish my goal! i beat my personal goals! man it felt good!

here is the fittest and fattest cities in 2007 according men's fitness (i'm not sure how it's ranked):

The Top 10 Fattest Cities in 2007

2007 RANKING LAST YEAR
1. Las Vegas 2
2. San Antonio 12
3. Miami 14
4. Mesa, AZ 10
5. Los Angeles 3
6. Houston 5
7. Dallas 4
8. El Paso 8
9. Detroit 15
10. San Jose 24

The Top 10 Fittest Cities in 2007

2007 RANKING LAST YEAR
1. Albuquerque 13
2. Seattle 8
3. Colorado Springs 6
4. Minneapolis 21
5. Tucson 4
6. Denver 20
7. San Francisco 7
8. Baltimore 1
9. Portland 17
10. Honolulu 2

my M.A.C

2007-07-21T14:58:00.000-06:00

OK i love MAC but i also love M.A.C. so ladies if you are looking for some new makeup let me tell you...

check out this.

From the M.A.C website:

Flashtroniccolon Mineralize Eye Shadow

A sheer, pearled, mineralized powder Eye Shadow with up to four shades baked together in one pan. Superfine, lightweight: provides a softly tinted, reflective shimmer on the skin with a delicate sense of dimension. Subtly builds colour and shine. Can be worn on face, eyes or body.

it's sweet. go check it out. if you are a man and don't care...tell your girlfriend or wife. she'll thank you.

right back where we started...

2007-07-20T18:56:00.000-06:00

now that life has simplified 1000% we are back at the lux's living the high life. we celebrated our house closing yesterday...wow i shake my head in amazement. we were talking with our realtor yesterday...thinking about how bad things could have been for us.

but we won't think about that.

meanwhile...we are staying (as stated earlier) with tom and melaine while jasen finishes work in houston. we stayed with them before we moved out to houston 2 years ago...and what a way to end our season here. we were stating that we should have just lived here! what fabulous people. we truly are grateful.

we plan to hit the road july 31st. i can hardly believe it's happening.

btw...if you ever need to get rid (or find) anything...use craig's list. wow...thanks craig...whoever you are.

make it stop

2007-07-18T09:32:00.000-06:00

so being married to jasen as forced me into this love-hate relationship with pop music.

awful i know.

like umbrella. man that song is annoying.

but deep down i secretly want to listen to it.

**disclosure** by no means do i support skimpy outfits in the rain. poor thing could catch a cold. this video is not for everyone.

\

god is good.

2007-07-17T09:45:00.000-06:00

when i was growing up our pastor would say..."god is good!" and the people would say, "all the time!" hummm...i always wondered if i was able to challenge that statement. sometimes in my heart i wouldn't feel like god was good. to me...to others...and i wondered why we are made to chant it and repeat it when we don't always believe it.

it sure is easy to like god when things are good. but things aren't always good are they? then i think about my relationship with jasen. if jasen were upset with me i wouldn't want him to constantly tell me how good i am... i would want him to tell me how i made him feel...i would want to share and then we would grow. i guess god's like that...i'm not supposed to be robotic in my answers to him...and say he is good...when i may feel like he's not.

i guess we get by when things are hard by remembering how good god was before and how you know it won't always be hard. a month ago after we put the house up for sale...we started having these little problems with our buyer. nothing HUGE but enough to get you going. and as you know, i have high anxiety so whew...it was rough. jasen kept telling me it was all apart of it and it would work out. god brought us this far...he will take care of the details. and i said, (i am ashamed to admit) i feel like i can't trust him...it's too hard this time.

now obviously i can not think like god...but i think he appreciated my honesty. and i think he appreciated jasen's honesty...cause i know that's what he truly felt. i don't think he wants us to lie over and play dead. he wants us to share our HONEST thoughts.

i know i don't deserve it...but man we are blessed. every detail was worked out and i think i may have only had one (minor) panic attack. huge things are in store...we really feel an honor to be along this journey and be apart of what he is doing. we have always wanted to be in a place where we could give back, and i think god is leading us there.

what exciting times there are ahead.

ahhhh! packing!!!!

2007-07-16T20:56:00.000-06:00

it never ends...wanna help?

the whole story::sweaty and itchy part 2

2007-07-11T11:15:00.000-06:00

so i got up at 7 today (which is early for summer break) and i decided to go jogging before it got too hot. wait...i live in houston it's ALWAYS hot. who was i kidding? my nikeplus says i burned 350 calories. but i think that was the percentage of how much water my body lost. as i was jogging along i felt a dripping sensation from my hands. yep...my palms were sweating too. yuck.

does this mean i will be more conditioned to run farther in california? i sure hope so.

also...i average about 2 bites a day from mosquitoes, spiders or whatever other terrible creature texas has to offer. god please stop the rain.

::

as you may have read on our wedblog we are moving to sacramento july 31st. crazy! we have been so busy recently trying to pull it all together. we put our house on the market on a friday and by sunday we had 2 offers! unbelievable! we out a lot of our furniture on craig's list...and it sold within days too! we have been sitting on a sleeping bag in the living room because we have no sofa and sleeping on the full sized aero bed. let me just say that life is a little uncomfortable right now. but the moving truck is coming next week! then on to the lux's!

can you believe all this craziness?

oh...and are you having a hard time finding shorts that fit like i am? man it's annoying.

birthday's are not just one day anymore...

2007-07-06T13:57:00.000-06:00

so i have been spoiled rotten for my birthday this year. must live it up...only 365 more days in my 20's. scary.

so yesterday we started off in downtown austin at the the milk and honey spa for a hot stone massage. ummm....

next we headed to wahoos austin and split a maui bowl for the car ride to granite hair studio to get my hair cut and colored by necole. next, we went to dinner in downtown and later had table side smores at a local coffee shop. and that wasn't even my birthday!

today we are back in houston at the granduca. since every event is a surprise i am not sure what is up next...i will let you know what else is in store for me today!

jasen i love you! you have out done yourself!

thanks lance...i WILL live strong.

2007-07-01T07:45:00.000-06:00

so today after jogging with my nikeplus lance armstrong congratulated me on completing my personal best time on a mile. i'm not sure what my personal best time was exactly... but lance whispering sweet encouragements through my earphones makes for a great day running in the humidity.

what a surprise.

itchy

2007-06-26T07:35:00.001-06:00

only in houston could i have 7 bites and NOT be at camp.

i can't believe it either.

2007-06-23T19:23:00.000-06:00

nope your eyes aren't fooling you. it's true.

i am sure there are worse things that could happen to me. but right now i can't think of one of them.

i (don't) heart newark

2007-06-20T18:01:00.000-06:00

i assume anyone who reads this reads jasen's blog...so i won't bore you with the details twice...however...newark...you need to smile more. if we can...you can.

anyway. 2 more flights and we are back home.

man i need a vacation from my vacation.

what's right in the world.

2007-06-17T13:24:00.000-06:00

as you know...we just returned from the arts conference. what a refreshing time and much better suited to our needs than last year. we were blessed with so many different types of service to communities. the last session was mosaic's "Scribble" service. wow they are doing amazing things for the people of los angeles and surrounding cities. i think what i most appreciate about their team is they are not trying to be anything they're not. and talking about embracing local culture. whew. i could go on forever about them. but speaking of mosaic...we were able to see our super pal nate at the conference. it was such a surprise...and a momma and papa bear could not be more proud. i am so glad he has found a place to use his gifts and talents. send him a line if you get a chance. he so busy, but you've got to hear about all the fabulous things he is apart of.

what is right in the world. ever thought about that? i know i am often focused on what's wrong with the world rather than what's right. jasen and i were just discussing how negative and cynical we have become. it's scary actually. a flip in perspective is really what was needed.

i have discovered i am not comfortable in crowded spaces. so on the train to the city i was feeling overwhelmed and nervous. jasen and i were caring a lot of luggage so it was really awkward on the small train. so of course at each stop more and more people were getting on and crowding a little more. with the thought of the week still fresh in mind, i decided to take a breath and look around and see things through new eyes. i noticed a man get up and give his seat to a women and a child look around the train with awe and wonder. it's amazing to think of all the things that are right with the world. mac (computer and cosmetics), peanut butter, the chicago cubs and dahlias.

i know we can name hundreds of things wrong in our world, but stop and ask yourself, "what's right?"

what cell phone?

2007-06-10T15:11:00.000-06:00

so a month ago while i was on the plane for boston...some how my phone didn't end up off the plane with me. so i had to do the whole thing and call the phone insurance and pay 50ish dollars to replace it. which worked out great...i got an upgrade and now my phone has itunes. (which i still have never used...which goes to show you again how easy it is to want stuff you do not need...)

anyway back to my interesting story.

last week as i was exiting the plane for our lay over in atlanta...jasen asks "do you have your phone?" i check and i do.

score: cell phone 1: amanda 1

i wake up in north carolina the next morning...and guess what? yep...no phone.

score: cell phone 2: amanda 1

how does this keep happening to me? i can't blame it on jasen this time...i handled my bag all on my own.

call the airline...no phone found. call home to check messages...none there. call cell phone...no strange person answers.

keep reading...this story has a happy ending.

come to find out it was left in jason and diana's car on our ride home from the airport!

result: no phone on vacation! so sorry if i have not called you back yet. or ignored a text message.

conclusion: cell phones and i do not travel well.

irony: we still have 3 more plane rides to go.

sunburn and softball

2007-06-06T20:47:00.000-06:00

so we are on vacation. F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S. we thought we were without wireless...but we found one spot that works in the bathroom. whew...a whole week without internet? what are we to do? i already thought i lost my phone. but it fell out in jason and diana's car. i can't be away from ALL forms of communication.

jasen asked me today "does it feel like i am on vacation?" i said i didn't know. does vacation mean you are away from work? or away from home? it were the first one, i can't say i am on vacation. they find you...they always find you.

we have been on the beach for a couple of days. it's different adjusting to nc beaches...i was laying on my towel yesterday and my face was next to 2 cigarette butts. nice.

dad or mom or even allie...if you read this...YES i have been putting on sunblock...tons of it and wearing a HUGE hat and glasses...however that sneaky sun has its ways to find me. i have a random burn on my upper thigh and that skin right under your shoulder but not quite your arm pit. and it hurts. boo. and what makes it worse is that all the ashdown's have to do is mention "sun" and their skin turns golden brown. it's sickening. i however will be content bundled like an Eskimo.

jasen and i have been watching the women's college softball "world series." don't ask me why. it is interesting. it's girl drama without the dialogue. very entertaining.

well...another day in the books. we will try and load some pictures soon.

so and so what if i'm a super fan?

2007-06-02T14:43:00.000-06:00

well i LOVE this band. i listen to the cd at least once a day...and my obsession is so bad that if i am riding in the car by myself...i have to change the cd before i get out so jasen doesn't roll his eyes at me...

it's that good.

i've been wanting to post about it for a while now...but really haven't had the time. so here is my lame attempt at a tribute. you can check them out here at margotandthenuclearsoandsos.com. the music is so fab.

i also found this on their website...i've been reading on their blog about their adventures in recording a NEW ALBUM!! can't wait.

give it a try...and listen to their fab one liners.

or just listen for emily. she's awesome. i want to be her when i grow up.

round 2

2007-05-29T22:34:00.000-06:00

so it's summer break...

and you know what that means...

remember when my pants felt tight?

2007-05-19T17:00:00.001-06:00

well they still do...but jasen and nikki say i am beautiful regardless...

long live chocolate cake!

so it's the last weekend before school is out. i can not believe it. it went by so fast. it's really scary how time is shooting right passed us. we have lived in our house for almost 6 months. we have lived in houston for 2 years! wow.

the summer will fly by too. we have so much going on in june...my head is spinning. if you live in north carolina or chicago...we want to see you. then california in late july and august for bennie's wedding. wow it seems just like yesterday we were all at pondo being kids. not to say the people at pondo are kids...never mind...we're just jealous. will dan ever want us back if i promise not to act crazy? that's the reason isn't it. i mean i will act camp crazy...but not...well you know.

speaking of crazy...nikki i wish i were running that mountain with you. i would carry you on my back all the way up the mountain singing crazy music from your ipod. man i miss you. those kids in springfield better realize what they are getting...and how lucky they are to have you. i will still believe in my heart that you think jasen and i are cool and hip. will you still visit? will you?

and last but not least...

blake will win american idol. sorry jeff.

just wondering...

2007-05-16T12:59:00.000-06:00

what is it that makes you eat something you really don't want? What if it doesn't taste good and you eat it anyway.

it probably explains why everything fits a little snug.

i give up.

congratulations...a little (not) too late

2007-05-10T19:30:00.000-06:00

you make a sister proud.

yep...it happened to me

2007-05-01T19:04:00.000-06:00

so yesterday i went jogging by myself because someone who shall remain nameless didn't want to go...and i was having a great time listening to my ipod and enjoying my

when all of a sudden it started to sprinkle. just little drops on my head...then a little more. so i ask god "can you please wait until i get home before it starts to really rain?" a few steps later...more drops. then really heavy winds. i decide to pick up my speed and turn for home. then there was more rain. well god must had other plans.

at this point i am pretty wet and cold...but actually it was kinda nice. you never really get to be outside and "enjoy" the rain.

i ran even quicker home...and jasen greeted me at the door. he ran to get me a towel...then when he returned the skies opened up and rain flooded from the sky. i mean poured. hummm...maybe he was listening

american idol tonight= bon jovi. sweet.

whew...close call

2007-04-23T19:06:00.000-06:00

so my hard drive died...may it rest in peace.

heard the news..."$1500 to recover data, or we replace the hard drive and you lose everything."

who has $1500?

so jasen made the call...

and the news...we pick up the computer tomorrow with the information fully recovered.

how did that happen?

life takes courage

2007-04-17T20:06:00.000-06:00

so this is the title of our second grade program this year.

it's pretty powerful if you think about it. we have been brainstorming ideas and concepts for the past month about courage. we have studied people like Abraham Lincoln to Dr. Martin Luther King. they are understanding that life DOES take courage to live. one of the first assignments we had to get their brains thinking about this concept was to finish the sentence "it takes courage to..." and then illustrate their writing.

examples...

it takes courage to...

...jump off the third step from your bunk bed
...go scuba diving
...say no to a friend
...show your work in front of the class
...speak in front of the whole school
...try something new

and these kids make me think...wow...life does take courage. i've been thinking of the horrible events (like we all have) that took place in virginia. what if i were there? what if i were the teacher in those classes? what would courage look like then? i know if ANY of my students were in danger i would not think twice about protecting them...but is it courage? would standing in front of a bullet be enough?

it seems as though to be courageous...you must first be afraid of something...but what if you do right automatically, without thinking about it?

i pray i am that person. i pray i instill this within my students. it's not about what you do that makes you courageous...it's who you are.

it may sound a little cheesy...but true nonetheless.

AHHHHHH!!! what is the saying?

2007-04-03T20:18:00.000-06:00

ok you know the phrase you use when you HAVE to have something going on in the background?

like have a fan blowing for you to sleep...

or music playing when you work...

is it quiet noise?

still noise?

what is it?

do you know what i'm talking about?

holy muffin

2007-04-02T20:20:00.000-06:00

ok kyle this one's for you...

tonight on the bachelor...

one of the girl's first words were "hey i have a joke for you"...

2 muffins are in an oven. the first muffin says, "man it's hot in here!" and the other muffin says..."AHHHH a talking muffin!"

great first impression. I'd pick her. right kyle?

disclaimer...

i do have a life and it's not reality television.

simply wicked

2007-04-01T17:52:00.000-06:00

so when we move from houston...we will remember it as the time we were SO FORTUNATE with many opportunities to see or do things for free. we have done WAY MORE than we could afford. all due to the immense generosity of AOS people and first pres people...add this one to the list...

wow. for free. even if you don't like musicals or broadway...you HAVE to see it. it was amazing. even though it was in houston, and NOT new york...it still was the best show i've ever seen.

by far.

orange fizz

2007-04-01T13:25:00.000-06:00

oj + sprite zero = yummy (low cal) goodness.

i never drank soda until i moved to houston. and i still don't EXCEPT sprite zero. i know soda is terrible for your body...but i can't resist it's bubbly goodness.

i found this combo while we were in austin. and i changed the sprite to sprite zero...and BAM! it became a one point drink! (for all you weight watchers out there.

all you need 1/3 oj (we use simply orange at least we have SOMETHING natural) and 2/3 sprite zero.

try it...i bet you will like it.

is there a doctor in the house?

2007-03-30T16:58:00.000-06:00

please someone rid the disease that is sanjaya. please.

moving!

2007-03-20T17:38:00.000-06:00

well i haven't decided if i want to switch myself yet...but we have moved as a family...

check it out here at our story continues…

i'll let you know if i make the switch too.

new home...new outlook

2007-03-19T19:50:00.000-06:00

so i wish that statement were true.

actually our new home is fabulous. it really is. however...i wish we could just pick it up and place it in fullerton. right next to heroes. wouldn't that be sweet? then i could see my friends, work at calvary and maybe pondo...and go to disneyland. did i ever take that for granted? i think i did.

jasen and i wonder all the time how long we will be able to stand it here. there is a lot of really sweet things to do here...anyway...another tear for another time.

we are off to boston in may...and california in august. family and friends here we come.

we've missed you!

uhh...the mud pit. don't miss that!

become a m & m

2007-03-17T10:45:00.001-06:00

get your own here: become an m&m

fairy tale parade 2007

2007-03-16T10:14:00.000-06:00

we have been studying fairy tales for the past 4 weeks. it's been really fun actually. so to end up the unit we have a "fairy tale parade" where each student dresses up as a character they chose and we all parade around the school. our principal's assistant had a costume for me to borrow...can you guess who i was?

so you think you are a rock star?

2007-03-15T14:28:00.000-06:00

so we have been walking around downtown at the sxsw festival. everyone here looks so familiar. why you ask? because they all look the same! walking down the street is quite comical actually. each person looks like the person before them...or next to them. don't get me wrong, they ARE cool. but why are you trying SO HARD to look different when all of you are looking the same? hummm?

so we are having a blast today. i do claim to love live music...but i have forgotten how much i love it. we got up early today to see bright eyes free...come to find out it was a "listening party" where you come to listen to his CD before it is released. oh well. things are usually to good to be true. tonight we are hoping to catch rocky votolato. i can't wait. independent music unite!

well wish you were all here with us...

SPRING BREAK 'O7!

2007-03-09T12:09:00.000-06:00

starts off sitting in jasen's friday joint. cool place.

i thought i would get some "work" done before the break really begins. we have today off, i'm not sure why...but i am not asking no questions. feel me?

a few things i would like you think about:

1. when i wash my hands now, i have started to wash the tops of my hands. it makes me feel really clean...i have been missing out for so long. hummm....it may be one of my many compulsive behaviors, but nonetheless you should try it.

2. i need to find a new razor. any suggestions?

3. on AI...so glad antonella is gone. good riddens beauty queen. you never could sing. i am glad we resolved that. now if we could loose songee...and i will ask you again...what is wrong with you america? allie, i am glad we are in agreement about this.

4. we want to plan a big festival for my 30th. it's still a year and a half away...but i want it to be a big party with all my friends and family. so if we plan now...we can all be together...dig? ideas? will you plan ahead and make arrangements to join us? we were thinking of renting a house somewhere like miami, or even austin and everyone come there...will you think about it? the more the merrier!

that's all for now. i think we are off to paint the hallway and buy some fun new spring makeup...from the barbie loves MAC collection. still have a gift card from my birthday believe it or not...

SEXY is back (thank goodness)

2007-03-05T16:46:00.000-06:00

so american idol and jt...what have i become?

so jasen and i saw justin timberlake last night. section 121 row 21 seats 1 and 2. for free.

it was so fun. the most fun i've had. jt rocks your socks off. he also is angry. so thank you cameron and brittany for the inspiration.

white boy can dance.

lynn teeter flower...ummm my favorite.

2007-03-03T21:49:00.000-06:00

so yesterday i left school at noon, jumped into our "convertable" with my sexy husband, and off we went to austin.

highlights:

(in no particular order)

*being in austin (speaks for itself)
*scarf weather in march
*GINGERBREAD pancakes at austin java. wish you were with us nikki!
*wahoo's fish tacos
*the marlows
*driving home while listening to loud music and singing into a water bottle
*getting my first "professional" haircut at granite hair studio and acquiring my own personal hair stylist. watch out jessica simpson.
*emos and maria taylor

now more elaboration on that last one. i LOVE maria taylor. love her. her last album 11:11 helped provide a voice for me in a very dark hour.

anyway...maria is on tour for her new album lynn teeter flower. fabulous. fabulous show, fabulous music. they were almost snowed in in omaha, but got to austin in time for the show. thank goodness. we were able to get a pre-released copy of the cd. buy it on new release tuesday, march 6th. you need it.

ok no more speaking in fragments. time for bed.

seriously america....wtf?

2007-03-01T21:19:00.000-06:00

okay i did my part...i came out to the 3 people who read this and admitted i watch the show.

your part...keep in the good singers...

you failed.

and you made drunk paula mad.

shame on you.

WHY ARE THEY STILL HERE?

now i guess i'm going to have to get involved.

M-A-C

2007-02-27T21:40:00.000-06:00

hummm...my guilty pleasure...along with american idol these days (however, i have been afraid to come out about that.)

anyway...M-A-C's new spring line is "Barbie loves M-A-C "... and i think it's fabulous. not like aiming to look like barbie should be a realistic goal for me...i read that if barbie was a "real" women her measurements would be 36-18-33, and she would have such a lack of body fat, that she would be unable to stand up.

yikes. not that i wouldn't mind to lose the body fat.

ahhh..but i do love M-A-C.

what?

2007-02-22T22:08:00.000-06:00

seriously...how did this girl not go home?

boo america. shame on you.

2nd try still can't get it to post right...oh well.

2007-02-08T21:06:00.000-06:00

Your results:
You are Wonder Woman

Wonder Woman		75%
Supergirl		60%
Superman		55%
The Flash		55%
Green Lantern		55%
Iron Man		55%
Spider-Man		50%
Robin		45%
Hulk		40%
Batman		20%
Catwoman		10%

You are a beautiful princess
with great strength of character.

Click here to take the Superhero Personality Quiz

super bowl

2007-02-04T14:38:00.000-06:00

my prediction: bears win. maybe by a lot maybe by a little...but they win.

i will be watching through my fingers over my eyes.

foodtastic

2007-01-31T22:15:00.000-06:00

season 2 goobled up...it was yummy.

sam should have been in the final 2, but i am happy with ilan.

he was like harold's little bro. you be the judge...

even though i would never eat their food...their drama i will miss.

super duper bowl

2007-01-26T22:41:00.000-06:00

now we have something worth watching!

now to my family heritage...

2 down...who knows how many more to go...

2007-01-22T16:06:00.000-06:00

sweeeeeeeeeeeeeet.

do YOU even read my comments?

2007-01-18T17:47:00.000-06:00

my word is my bond...

remember that?

anyway...this is to all of you that SAID you would visit us...but have been too BUSY...

shame shame shame on you.

not that i want to gulit you into visiting...but we miss you and want to see all of you...

you all know who you are...this isn't "person" specific...about people specific.

right jasen?

No School Day 2!

2007-01-17T08:45:00.000-06:00

Whew...you'ld think the weather was bad or something!

PS.

skittles hurt my stomach.

ICE STORMS RULE

2007-01-15T12:58:00.000-06:00

no school sweet!

my space is SOOOO 2006

2007-01-12T23:17:00.000-06:00

no real significance for the title...just thought it was funny.

and maybe a little true.

so work has started again...and now it is a long weekend. sweet. i already needed a break. in my "spare" time i have been trying to still get things in order around the house. the work is never done. i feel like i am in a creative rut. i can't really decide on anything for the walls...but i am sure it will all come together.

you know it's great to think of all the positives...but man it feels like the house is never really clean. plus we have killed about 4 bugs in the last 2 days. so it make me feel like i have creepy crawlies all over me. i wake up afraid that i will find something in my slipper...the bugs make me fell like the house is dirty, which i don't know how it's possible since we work so hard at it.

tell me i'm crazy.

but yuck.

i hate bugs. i hate them.

january 1

2007-01-01T21:21:00.000-06:00

well my hope for this year is that we can make some friends.

sound pathetic? maybe a little.

i was looking at blogs (and i know....) myspaces tonight, and it made me forget how special the people we left behind in california are. i really miss them! in a short reflection, i realized that the last few months of my time in california wasn't me...crazy amanda was no fun. it stinks that i missed those special moments. humm...

is this a sad post? is this a poor me post?

well then...to the future. future friends...and a future to my best friends.

don't forget, k? please come visit. please? becky?

and...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HOLLY SHARP (YESTERDAY!)

christmas pjs

2007-01-01T12:05:00.000-06:00

merry! merry!

2007

2006-12-31T23:33:00.000-06:00

happy new year! easy night with the ashdowns...pizza and wine. maybe next year...we will be "exciting."

hope you are all well...and safe!

1.5 days and counting...whats you say?

2006-12-18T20:38:00.000-06:00

man what a tough 3 weeks...

is that how long it's been since thanksgiving? 4 weeks maybe? it's seems like i am continuing to say..."if i can only get through this...then it will be fine..." but there are too many thises.

know what i mean?

so i have developed another saying from this precious student of mine...when i need further clarification on something, i say "whats you say?" i know its wrong...but i can't stop saying it.

"what's you say?"

today i had a grandmother come into our class to talk about Hanukkah. it was so awesome. she brought in homemade latkas (a potato cake) with applesauce. yummy. then we played with the dreidel. i found out the the origin of the dreidel is not clear, but the traditional story that goes back to the time when the Syrians wouldn't let the Jews study the Torah or their language. One day the children had a toy and the toy, a spinning top, became their school, teaching them their language and their history.

pretty cool.

ok fun!

2006-12-02T16:44:00.000-06:00

sorry jasen i love you but...but actually i did think ok go was fun and a little inventive. The had these cameras on the microphones that showed their faces close up on the screen behind them...it was fun. he jumped down into the crowd and jumped off the amps...

plus they did the little choreographed dance from the above picture. they had slow motion ninga moves and everything.

anyway...i thought they were fun (have i said fun enough? which actually ironic because i tell my kids it's an over used word...and they have to replace it with a better, more sophsticated one...anyway i digress)

...and their music was good too.

death cab was fab...as usual...new post up at our story continues.... check it out for the sweet pics jasen took.

Christmas came early...

2006-11-23T08:23:00.000-06:00

being in north carolina is wonderful, matt and allie are here...we saw jason and diana last night. feels like home.

but the biggest surprise of all was our early christmas present. jasen's mom has been on weight watchers for a while now, and has found much success. she looks great. to reward herself when she reached her goal weight, she decided buy a pair of designer jeans to celebrate the occasion. kinda of like a motivation to stay with it, otherwise you wont fit into your expensive pair of pants.

so since jasen and i did weight watchers, and found success as well (jasen more than i)...she took us shopping. boy was it a process. but here i am with these babies...

and they are black...that's pretty sweet. and yes that is my real body.

la la la la la la moving day

2006-11-18T22:57:00.000-06:00

so one month from today we are moving into our first purchased home.

exciting...

thrilling...

wanna help?

last one...i promise

2006-11-12T20:42:00.000-06:00

vh-1: 100 Greatest 80's Songs #20-1

2006-11-12T20:16:00.000-06:00

#1 Bon Jovi / "Livin' on a Prayer"

sweet...all that online voting finally paid off.

would you like to see our new home?

2006-11-10T22:41:00.000-06:00

look here! wish us luck!

My Celebrity Look-Alikes

2006-11-04T17:02:00.000-06:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JASEN!!!

2006-11-04T07:59:00.000-06:00

happy birthday jasen! i love you old man!

it was a very busy day with work, so here is your tribute a day latter...hey... it's the birthday weekend.

thank you to everyone's thoughts and notes for jasen. the book turned out so well. man...you all rock.

by the way...the bottle of wine (we bought by accident) from dinner was $200. jasen may not kiss and tell...but i will.

it's done!

2006-10-26T19:43:00.000-06:00

well my time, and my life has been taken over by my report cards. our school uses narratives, so i had to write out 1 page to 3/4 page summary of each student's progress. I have never been apart of a grading system which is completely subjective. no tests to average, no scores to calculate...just my objections about each student. oh boy.

well it's done now.

i feel like i've been 10 steps behind life...but it's nice to (some-what) be back in the swing of things. we had a great time with nikki while she was here! it was nice for our "old life" and "new life" to merge together. thanks to chris and necole's hospitality, were able to have a fabulous time in austin! check out our story begins to catch the full detail of our trip. jasen and i were able to have a brief chat with rosie about life and marriage. what an amazing memory to be etched in my mind. she is a truly gifted, and humble person. what a beautiful addition to this world.

and she's funny. i can appreciate that. just like me.

so in other news...i have a nagging cough. and jasen is not annoyed. now that's love.

I AM SO BUSY!

2006-10-18T13:23:00.000-06:00

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

how did this happen?

finishing touches...

2006-10-09T17:08:00.000-06:00

if you know me at all...you know i love the fall. i guess you can call it "mild summer" here...but nonetheless...

fall comes to "our" house every year. regardless of air conditioning and 90 degree weather.

so here is the last touch to our house... it's my very first wreath...so i am so excited.

check out our story begins... if you are interested in more autumn pics of our house...

and buy jasen's cd off of i tunes. search jasen ashdown!

OPA!

2006-10-05T19:29:00.000-06:00

so OPA! to a 5 day weekend!

Jasen and I attened the THE ORIGINAL GREEK FESTIVAL tonight...what fun...what food! we forgot our camera...but check out the link to see what fun we had!

**Opa! is a Greek expression, that often accompanies some circumstances or actions. It's often conjured while dancing, having fun or being excited. This is the case where many non-Greeks (tourists) know the word.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opa!

see ya weight watchers...

2006-09-24T14:33:00.000-06:00

jasen and i have been doing really well on our diet. we "slightly" fell off the wagon in seattle, but overall we have done well. we have been spending a little more money to buy more natural, organic groceries...we try and stay away from fast, overly processed foods...and cook more at home or find a healthy alternative...

until this little beauty stepped into our lives...we may have made a 180 in the wrong direction...but oh man...it is good.

tomorrow is another day. yeah...i'll eat baby carrots tomorrow.

waking up with the ashdowns...and a few more.

2006-09-18T19:49:00.000-06:00

how much better could the day begin?

the more the merrier!

gone but not forgotten...

2006-09-16T00:14:00.000-06:00

here is my version of seattle...what an amazing husband i have.

jasen said looking at this picture reminds him that he has a crush on me...

so pike's place may be a tourist trap...but it is still my favorite part of seattle. especially for the organic dried fruits found at simply the best (i will let you know the website if you are interested) next to the fish fly.

not as good as nikki's but hey it will do.

look i do read!

thanks jeff and stacey for making our trip so special!

and for the smokin' dessert!

blah, blah, busy.

2006-09-02T21:56:00.000-06:00

so this was the first time i was able to check bloglines in a long while. it's overwhelming when there are so many to read and catch up on. i have to admit...if they are too long...i just skimmed it. actually i usually do that. sorry. last year at work i was able to be on the internet all the time and have the time to read the blogs in entirity, now i don't even sit down.

things are going well so far. my class has been great, no major problems yet. the school its self is WAY different than i am used to. but i think i can hang in there.

today was the first day of my 3 day weekend. we slept in until 10. i didn't think i was able to do that anymore. but it was nice. and well deserved. i would like to say i took the whole day off, but i did manage to work a little tonight. it never ends.

i'm moving on to week three of my graduate classes. our school offered an independent school cohort through the university of houston. basically, about 20 private school teachers get together to form a class for graduate work. my school will cover most of my tuition, so i really couldn't resist. what made the deal even sweeter, our classes are meeting on our campus. so every wednesday night i walk downstairs to graduate school from 4:30-8:30. not too bad.

my classes:

differentiating instruction for diverse learners
and
teaching mathematics in the elementary grades

so when it is all said and done, i will have a masters in education.

nice.

in other news...jasen and i have been on weight watchers for about 6 weeks now. i've lost about 6 pounds (won't tell you from where) and he has lost 60. nah, not that much but still way more than me.

oh well.

we are going on our surprise trip next weekend. i can't believe we've been married for a year already.

and lastly...

sweet band...you should listen.

.:: au revoir simone ::.

enjoy!

i didn't say it.

2006-08-31T22:23:00.000-06:00

so every week we have a paper we complete titled: "daily geography". monday-thursday the students work independently on 2 questions a day, and then we go over them together.

so today, our last 2 questions were:

what is the name of our president?

what does he do?

during the conversational part of our lesson, i ask the first question, i get the answer...then the second. a sweet girl in the front...replied..."what DOES he do?" in the most innocent, sarcastic voice i've heard.

i covered my mouth and looked away. but i think a little laughter seeped out.

but I didn't say it.

are YE ready?

2006-08-19T20:13:00.000-06:00

matt's ready!

Things You Don't See Everyday

2006-08-09T20:10:00.000-06:00

thanks to a friend for these...some are funny...some not so much...

oh ben oh noel...

2006-07-30T20:26:00.000-06:00

so jasen and i just finished the first season of felicity. i have seen it all before but many many moons ago. last night, when felicity and noel break up for the first (among many) times, i could feel the pressure pushing down on my chest. then the tears came, and i said to myself.."damn you felicity can't you see noel is the one?! who cares that simon rex is smoking hot!"

and don't get me started on ben. my advice...stay away from boys who whisper talk.

man, college life is stressful.

being back...being 28.

2006-07-22T21:38:00.000-06:00

i always enjoy the fireworks on the 4th. to me, it is the kick off to the birthday festivities ahead. it doesn't take much, but i sure like to celebrate birthdays. bonus...it was great to celebrate at pondo with my family. thanks to all for making my birthday special!

so it has been a week since we have been back to houston. i have spent it in a classroom, wasting away what is left of our summer vacation. i can not believe i have only 2 and a half weeks left. boo. where did it go?

however, i did find out that one of the sweetest boys i worked with next year, will be in my class...hopefully many more of these letters to come...it's nice to feel appreciated.

i have been trying to convince matt and allie to move to houston. why not? maybe they will wake up and realize they miss us and secretly love houston. then we can play poker anytime.

just a thought.

7 Foods to NEVER Eat!

2006-07-10T11:26:00.000-06:00

1. Doughnuts It’s hard to resist the smell of a Krispy Kreme doughnut, which is why I never step foot in the store. Doughnuts are fried chock-full of sugar and white flour and loads of trans fat.

According to the Krispy Kreme website, an average 3.5 ounce sugar doughnut weighs in with about 400 calories and contains few other nutrients besides fat. These sugary treats may satisfy your craving but it won’t satisfy your hunger as most of the calories come from fat.

"Eating a lot of refined sugar contributes to blood sugar ‘swings’ or extreme fluctuations,” eDiets Chief Nutritionist Susan Burke said.

2. Cheeseburger with fries The age-old classic may be delicious but think twice before sinking your teeth into that Big Mac. The saturated fat found in cheese burgers has been linked to heart attacks, strokes and some types of cancer.

“In fact, fast-food portions are gargantuan, almost double the calories per meal compared to 20 years ago," Susan says. "Twenty years ago the average fast-food cheeseburger had about 300 calories. Today’s BK Whopper with cheese has 720. To burn the excess 420 calories, you’d have to run for 40 minutes. For example, in 1985 a medium French fry had 240 calories, 2.4 ounces. Today’s ‘medium’ is 6.9 ounces and 610 calories.

"This fast-food meal of cheeseburger and fries has way too many calories and fat grams, not to mention grams of saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol and sodium.”

Let’s break down this meal. First, take the white-flour bun (refined carbohydrates), then add some processed cheese (saturated fat and trans fat, plus lots of additives and preservatives) and then top off with fried red meat (cholesterol and saturated fats). And let’s not forget about the condiments such as the always fattening mayonnaise.

Not sounding so appetizing anymore, huh? Oh, and let’s not forget about the infamous side dish. You cheeseburger will most likely come with a side of French fries, which is sadly the most popular vegetable dish in the U.S. Don’t kid yourself, French fries are not vegetables, they are extremely high in fat and contain a tiny amount of nutrients.

3. Fried Chicken and Chicken Nuggets With the recent class-action lawsuit between The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) and KFC, the health risks posed by fried foods are becoming more public. The CSPI is suing the food chain for their use of cooking oil containing unhealthy trans fats. The lawsuit seeks to order KFC to use other types of cooking oils and to inform customers how much trans fats KFC’s food contains.

Foods cooked in highly heated oils (most notably partially hydrogenated oil) have been known to cause cancer, weight gain and other serious health risks if ingested regularly. A 10-piece chicken McNugget from McDonald’s has 420 calories, 24 grams of fat and 1120 milligrams of sodium. One Extra Crispy Chicken Breast from KFC has around 420 calories and eight grams of saturated fat. So unless you want to super size yourself, it’s best to make a clean break with fried foods.

4. Oscar Mayer's Lunchables Sure they are convenient and easy, but boy are they unhealthy! These kid-marketed lunches are loaded with saturated fat and sodium. They usually contain highly processed meats and cheeses, white flour crackers and sugary treats. Lunchables get two-thirds of their calories from fat and sugar. And they provide lopsided nutrition since they contain no fruits or vegetables.

“They insidiously promote obesity by making kids think that lunch normally comes in a cellophane-wrapped box," Susan says. "Parents are promoting their children’s obesity by buying these items. They’re expensive, too. Pack a sandwich and save dollars and health.”

5. Sugary Cereal Not all cereals are created equally. And while your kids might beg for the latest cookie or marshmallow chocolate surprise cereals, it is a safe bet they are about as healthy as a dessert. Keywords to look out for are puffed, dyed and sweetened.

Most kids’ cereals are so highly processed they no longer look like the grains they were originally made from. A healthy alternative is oatmeal. Although, if you are buying pre-packaged oatmeal make sure to check the label and see how much sugar it contains, you might be surprised.

"A little sugar isn’t a problem but when the first ingredient on the box is sugar, then watch out," she said. "There is no fruit in Froot Loops. But the unsweetened original Cheerios or Rice Krispies are fine, and you can sweeten them naturally with blueberries and strawberries.”

6. Processed Meats. What falls under the category of processed meats? Hot dogs, sausage, jerky, bacon, certain lunch meats and meats used in canned soup products. Almost all processed meats have sodium nitrite added as a preservative.

A recent study conducted at the University of Hawaii found that sodium nitrite can act as “a precursor to highly carcinogenic nitrosamines -- potent cancer-causing chemicals that accelerate the formation and growth of cancer cells throughout the body.” So eliminate these meats from your diet before they eliminate you!

7. Canned soup. Sometimes regarded as a healthy food, soups can be very deceiving. You must stay on your guard because many canned soups have high levels of trans fats, sodium and artificial preservatives such as MSG. Just one serving (which is roughly one cup) can have almost 1,000 milligrams of salt. Also, steer clear of soups that are cream-based, they can be high in calories and fat.

Susan says it is important to “read labels from back to front. Ignore the health claims, and instead focus on the ingredients and serving size. Watch out for hydrogenated fat (trans fat) and sodium. If you’re buying bread to go with you soup, the first ingredient should be whole grain -- either whole wheat, rye or other grain. If it just says ‘wheat bread,’ that doesn’t mean whole wheat.”

he always beats me to it

2006-07-03T16:17:00.000-06:00

i guess it doesn't matter, since hardly anyone reads my blog, but mostly jasen's.

anyway. you may already know this but we are heading to california tomorrow. i will spend my birthday up at pondo like i have the last 10 years. nothing like tradition. i wonder if it will be weird up there...as a "guest". i wonder if i'll feel sad, or glad or what ever there is left to feel. humm...

however, it will be fun for all. we are spending almost 4 days there, before we head to kelly's wedding. i can't wait to see everyone again. it's hard to believe it has been almost a year. wow. time has gone by so fast.

i wonder if hannah and baby leah will remember us? aaron have you been flashcarding our picture like i asked? well we shall see, won't we?

stacey you and jeff better show up.

all i have to say about that.

what to buy me for my birthday you ask?

2006-06-18T16:52:00.000-06:00

please notice the following link...and if you would like to be so gracious...

Lollapalooza 2006 : August 4-6, 2006 : Chicago : Grant Park

go cubies

2006-06-16T15:19:00.000-06:00

what an amazing place. we had such a fabulous time. we got there late, but all is forgotten when you are watching the cubies. too bad they can't win a game. damn astros.

as we were walking out of the game i hear some one shout "houston sucks!" ha!

but i would account our trip to wrigley a wonderful glimpse in community and fellowship. no matter who you are, or what you look like...everyone hits high-fives and places their arms around each other in celebration. total strangers to each other. but you would never know that.

and they lost. all week actually.

i saw more unity and harmony there than at the willow conference. enough said about that.

anyway, even if you do not care for baseball...wrigley is one of the most powerful and moving experiences in america. which doesn't say much.

good time in salt lake. beautiful city...Surprisingly. congrats becca and seahorse.

do i know who i think i know?

2006-06-08T21:47:00.000-06:00

well i am in a hotel alone...but i'm secure...i can hang.

but being alone gets me thinking about things...

those things...

do we really know the people we think we know? are all people fake in some way? now with no details to mention, i was recently informed of some illegal actions of people that i loved. it has nothing to do with jasen, or anyone who lives near me now. it actually in some way effects me, and i guess i don't really know how to process these wounds. every time i try and voice an opinion, i feel so guilty for speaking on the subject. it truly isn't my place to share other's business. i even debated writing such a illusive message, but it has been on my mind.

i think it boils down to a human nature. no one is exempt from sin, no one can escape it's strong grips. who are we to say "shame on them".

i think if i could find the courage, i would tell that i love them and forgive them.

it's about grace, not me.

peeking

2006-05-30T17:46:00.000-06:00

bill and hillary walked by us today.

clinton that is.

jasen and i saw them through the window of his office door. it was sweet.

i had nervous butterflies. i am not sure why.

boy wonder...

2006-05-26T11:49:00.000-06:00

so jasen and i's surprise turned out well! timmy and mom had no idea we were coming. it was so exciting to see timmy's face after graduation, he was so happy to see us. but who wouldn't be?

jasen and i have been enjoying our time in california a little too much...the wheels are turning to see how we can get ourselves back out here...who knows what that looks like. but this feels like home to us.

plus...you never really realize how much you miss people until you are around them again. we love our california family.

i was even able to surprise my family at calvary christian school. man i miss that place.

any how...it will be hard to leave tomorrow. i literally teared up when i landed on tuesday. but i know we are refreshed that we will be returning in july for 10 days. sweet.

if we missed you this time around, we will see you soon!

isn't timmy so handsome?

Mamma's pearls

2006-05-16T18:41:00.000-06:00

imogen heap reminds me of a grown up version of a girl playing dress-up. all dolled up in mamma's sunday's finest...high heals 5 sizes too big scurrying across the hardwood floor. warm fuzzy memories. not mine...but nonetheless.

great show. great talent.

it only takes one to make it worth it...

2006-05-04T18:42:00.000-06:00

it's a good thing i don't teach them spelling.

digital ash

2006-05-01T20:56:00.000-06:00

digital ash...i think that is funny cause i think of my self- ash (ashdown) i'm so digital.

anyway...

today i discovered this is a fabulously fun cd to listen to while running on the treadmill. it's about the only thing fun about running on the treadmill that is. i've been a bright eyes fan by association for a few years now...but anyone who has maria taylor on their cd...well i'm all ears.

she rules.

so big shout out to our friend alyssawho was picked as the Grand Prize winner for their Wango Tango concert. sweet luck. and hey alyssa...if you are looking for a hot date you may take my wonderful jasen... who has been itching to release his inner "brotha". except you have to make different overnight arrangements. i ain't having that.

congrats my friend.

OC Barbies

2006-04-24T19:00:00.000-06:00

shout out to allie...thanks for the email!

Mattel recently announced the release of Limited-Edition O.C. dolls for
the Southern California market:

Irvine Barbie:
This princess Barbie is only sold at The Irvine Spectrum. She comes with
an assortment of Louis Vuitton handbags, a Lexus SUV, a toy dog named
Honey, and a cookie-cutter house. Available with or without tummy tuck
and face lift. Workaholic Ken sold only in conjunction with "augmented"
version.

Orange Barbie:
This modern-day homemaker Barbie is available with Ford Windstar minivan
and white silhouette stickers of family members on the rear window.
Known as a "soccer mom" she gets lost easily and has no full time
occupation or secondary education. Has PTA membership and comes with
Tupperware accessories. Cell phone sold separately.

Garden Grove Barbie:
In addition to perfect English, this Barbie also speaks fluent Japanese,
Chinese, Mandarin and Tagalog. Comes with her own street-racing import
car, complete with Japanese animation decals.
Large collection of video games sold separately. Careers or homes for
this Barbie are not available, because she will stay with her parents
until they die. If you purchase a Ken doll, he must move into her
family's home and wait for their inheritance.

Buena Park Barbie:
This recently paroled former "Porn Actress" Barbie comes with a 9mm
handgun, a Ray Lewis knife, a Chevy with dark tinted windows, and a meth
lab kit.
This model is only available after dark and can only be paid for in
cash.

Tustin Ranch Barbie:
This yuppie Blond Barbie comes with your choice of a convertible
Mercedes AMG55 or a Cadillac Escalade. Included are her own Starbucks
cup, credit card, and Curves membership. Comes also with Giorgio Armani
fragrance, Gucci bag and Kate Spade sunglasses. Additional options for
this set are Shallow Ken and Private School Skipper. (You won't be able
to afford any of them).

Yorba Linda Barbie:
This brunette Barbie is the sister to Tustin Ranch Barbie and comes with
or without highlights. She comes with a BMW convertible or Hummer
H2, Kenneth Cole Sunglasses, a Country Club Membership, and a Pier 1
credit line.
Options for Yorba Linda Barbie are the Shiseido makeup kit; the Bvlgari
jewelry set, or the Prada shoe collection. Yorba Linda Barbie has
optional yuppie Ken doll complete with Corvette, hair gel and Rolex
watch.

Newport Beach Barbie:
This collagen injected, rhinoplastic Barbie wears a Yves Saint Laurent
leopard print bikini outfit and drinks cosmopolitans while entertaining
friends at the beach house. Percocet prescription and monthly alimony
checks are included. This Barbie is only sold in Fashion Island.

Laguna Beach Barbie:
This doll comes complete with craft set. She has long straight brown
hair, archless feet, no makeup, and Birkenstocks with white socks. She
prefers that you call her "Willow." She does not want or need a Ken
doll, but if you purchase two Laguna Beach Barbie's, you get a rainbow
flag sticker free!

Long Beach Barbie:
This Barbie now comes with a stroller and infant doll. Optional
accessories include a GED and a bus pass. Gangsta Ken and his '79 Caddy
were available, but are now very difficult to find since the addition of
an infant.

Huntington Beach Barbie:
This very tan Barbie comes with string bikini, wet suit, 3 friendship
bracelets and surfboard. An MP3 player, Blockbuster video membership,
pair of Vans and a beach cruiser are also included. Optional is her
Lifeguard Yellow Ford Ranger with board rack (free KROQ sticker
included!) Spicolli Ken can be purchased separately and comes with
Hawaiian shirt and board shorts.

Rancho Santa Margarita Barbie:
She's perfect in every way. Her home is perfect. Her family is perfect.
Comes with a part time job to earn her own spending money and a bible
for church on Sundays. Also has a pre-assigned carpool day. We don't
know who Ken is because he's always away hunting or biking or
something...

Santa Ana Barbie:
This Spanish-speaking-only Barbie comes with a 1984 Toyota with expired
temporary plates and three baby Barbies in the back seat, but no car
seats. The optional Ken doll comes with a meat-packer's uniform and is
missing three fingers on his left hand. Green cards are not available
for Santa Ana Barbie or Ken.

OUT OF TOWN BARBIES:

Fontana Barbie:
This pale model comes dressed in low rise Levi's, a NASCAR shirt, and a
Tweety Bird tattoo on her shoulder. She has a six-pack of Coors Light
and a Hank Williams, Jr. CD set. She can spit over 5 feet and kick
mullet-haired Ken's ass when she is drunk. A mobile home is also
available.

Norco Barbie:
This tobacco chewing, brassy-haired Barbie comes with her own horse and
dog!
Her ensemble includes pair of Wrangler jeans (2 sizes too small),
strawhat, fake rhinestone belt and belt buckle bought from the local
pawn shop.
Purchase her pickup truck separately and get a confederate flag bumper
sticker -absolutely free!

Hemet Barbie:
This aging Barbie is best kept indoors. She comes complete with wire
grocery stroller, Omni Trans bus pass, food stamps, coupon book and
sewing machine.
Optional mobile home comes with choice of colored rock and various
cactus varieties.

West Hollywood Barbie/Ken:
This versatile doll can be easily converted from Barbie to Ken by simply
adding or subtracting the multiple "snap-on" parts!

holy week...

2006-04-17T19:54:00.000-06:00

so in my reflections of holy week...i had an amazing reminder of an attribute of God.

God has reveled a true act of selflessness in our life this week. as we are drawing closer in reflection and meditation, God choose to bless us. not because we are "faithful" but because he is good. i am overwhelmed by my selfishness, and amazed at his goodness.

now blessings come in all shape and sizes, but here are just a few of the "highlights" of our week.

(in no particular order)

- we went to austin (fabulous town) and saw...

rocked my world.

- nathan came and had dinner with us! we had such a great time with him...it is always great to see people you love.

- i was offered a job for next year! i will be teaching 2nd grade. it's very exciting.
(sub point) -i was given a raise

- we booked tickets for some summer traveling. we will be in california for almost 2 weeks around my birthday!
(sub point) - we are going to disney...and just booked the grand californian with matt and allie.

- i found an amazing mac bag on ebay. and jasen let me buy it.

- i received my teaching certification in the mail! it's done!

we didn't have to receive these blessings, but yet we did. in a time where we draw more on him, he is given more to us.

blah blah blah

2006-04-09T20:21:00.000-06:00

wise men talk because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something.

-plato

i have to take these "professional development" classes for my work, and i was annoyed the other day when i was sitting in in of these classes, and a women kept interjecting her irrelevant facts and tidbits of knowledge. who cares lady! i truly believed she loved to hear the sound of her own voice, and hence her reasoning in becoming a teacher.

how frustrating it is to converse with individuals who are only interested in what they have to say, or what they think. then i think of the times i am not truly listening to someone, but trying to work out something intellectual in rebuttal. then i think of jasen and i's car conversations. usually the are interrupted with silence, which could be considered awkward, but actually are quite thoughtful. it's not about how much you say, but what you say.

wouldn't it be something if we actually listened.

easter only comes once a year!

2006-03-29T20:38:00.000-06:00

and sadly...so do these little beauties...

get 'em while you can.

oh wow. what do you think?

2006-03-29T10:03:00.000-06:00

so this email was forwarded to me today...stating (and i quote)"WHAT HAPPENED TO THIS IDEA??"

Theodore Roosevelt's ideas on Immigrants and being an AMERICAN in
1907.

"In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag... We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language... and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people."

last time i checked..."english" wasn't the first language spoken here...right? what does it mean "to become in every facet an american"?

**update**

here is another email i received commenting on the forward...

**When my father came to this country, he proudly became a citizen. We celebrated his 50 years as an American citizen. He had to study and be tested. He had to work for the privilege which he holds very dear, yet he never forgot his motherland. He has said to us again and again, "Greece was my mother, America my chosen stepmother. I would gladly defend and give my life for both. But if either makes a misstep towards humankind, I will be bold enough to say so. There can be no blind loyalty."

Just thought I'd share... **

cracking the code

2006-03-27T11:03:00.000-06:00

so i noticed today on my computer at work that for some reason i am able to access directly to blogs. man that was a really long sentence...anyway...i guess they found them safe after all. or maybe it will go back to normal soon. who knows...

but one thing i am taking advantage of...posting. it seems as though those are few and far in between. but not like i have anything to important to say that is.

so life has been so busy for us lately. as everyone knows...jasen just finished recording his album. it's so great. and very personal. at least i think so... we opened a myspace account (or jasen did i guess)to be able to play and eventually sell the cds. and the kids were right...myspace is so addicting. now i know why "everyone" is doing it. i was blown away about how many people i know (or have known) who are involved. or should i say emerged. you click on a name and there is another name of someone you know...then another and the cycle continues. i tease jasen about "how many friends" he has.

and i wonder if this is how some people feel validated. "look at my page i have 5000 friends." but i guess you can justify it by saying those are 5000 "friends" you are reaching with your voice.

humm.

i was even wondering why i blog anymore. so people will read it? so i can feel better about myself (or worse) because of comments (or lack there of?) why do i obsess about what people think (or don't think) about me? and my true thought is...i truly feel i could care less if my blog is world known. i am thankful for the few people who read it like shan and alyssa. i really think i would loose contact with these important people if i didn't have it. and for this i am thankful.

so i figure the less people who read it the better. then less opportunity to be misunderstood.

in all its glory...

2006-03-21T10:09:00.000-06:00

it's about time!