Cooking Class

I had the best time this weekend. First off, I got to see my family and meet my newest cousin, sweet baby Hendrix {and I am in love, btw}. We had a girls night on Saturday and headed up to the Wind Creek Casino in Atmore, AL for a cooking class. It was my friend Libbie's birthday request and I am so glad that's what she chose. So much fun! We had one couple in our class that goes to the class about every two weeks. I can see why they do it. You get a delicious meal, a fun night out, and you learn a little something!

Here was our menu for the evening:

• Roasted rack of lamb with herb chutney
• Asparagus tips, caramelized onion & oyster mushrooms
• Israeli Couscous with Dijon cream
• Poached pear tart with fig & chocolate

About to get cooking!

Stacey and Libbie

The chef was right beside Stacey and I, and us being the nerds that we are, were determined to make the best meal and get the A+ from him. I think we succeeded!

Please excuse all of the bad iPhone pictures, it was better than nothing!

Brandy and Wendy

I love lamb and I usually just grill mine, so it was nice to see how to cook it in the oven and for some ideas of what to serve with it. If David is nice, I may just recreate this meal for him this weekend.

Here's a picture of our dessert before and after:

It was just so cute! It was also super easy. Although I wasn't a big fan of the pears and chocolate together.

Here's our finished entrée:

I think it turned out great! But then again, I had an awesome co-cook!

Well, that is about it for our cooking class. If you are interested in any of the recipes from above, let me know.

If you enjoy cooking, grab your girlfriends and do it. You will have a blast, I promise!

Here's to a Neverending Weekend!

This post is brought to you just because its Friday! Happy weekend everyone!

You're welcome :-)

Ferris Bueller Called and He Wants His Glasses Back

Glasses? Glasses? Glasses?

An empty case. That's all I have to show. Because what goes in the case has now disappeared. Vanished.  Yep. I am filling out a missing persons report on my Wayfarers as we speak. I'm praying the worst has not happened.

The only explanation I can come up with is that Ferris Bueller magically appeared, went through my purse, and stole them. The two deviants are now enjoying a fun day off from school together watching ball games, dancing at parades and the like. It can't be that I lost them. Nah! Not just two short weeks after I bought them. Impossible!

I think that after this incident, I have learned that me and Mr. Ray Ban are not compatible. The last pair I purchased were aviators and those wound up committing suicide by jumping off my head and shattering the lenses into a million pieces on the tile floor. Now these have decided to up and walk off. I give up.

I've had colds that have lasted longer than those sunglasses. Sigh...

Lazy Weekends

This weekend will have to go down in the record books as Laze-Fest 2012. And you know what? It was amazing!

What's wrong with being lazy? It's my full time job!

David and I will be coming up on a year of being together at the end of the month. So that's been one full year of going back and forth between Thomasville and Savannah every weekend. It's totally worth all the travel to see David every week, but let's face it, it's exhausting traveling 4+ hours one way each weekend. Since David had to be in Orlando today for work, we took advantage of having two full days together. And guess what we did? Not a dang thing and it was glorious. After all the go, go, go, go,go of the summer and the fall, it was nice to have nothing more on the agenda than football and food. We did venture out downtown to run in Kevin's and ate lunch at Stacey's favorite restaurant downtown- The Billiards Academy. Which specializes in hot dogs. I figured David needed the full Thomasville experience. So we went in to eat and to watch a little football. We got our hot dogs just in time to watch Marcus Lattimore get his leg ripped off. So yeah, I lost my appetite and my desire to even watch football. After watching some of the UF/UGA game, I really had lost interest and decided that my day would be better spent outside reading  my Southern Living magazine than watch that goat ropin' go down.

David got me a little present for the patio, although he admitted it was more for him than for me! Ha!

The Pyromaniac

He got me a Chiminea fire pit to keep warm on these cool evenings. I was really impressed with my new fire pit. It did a fabulous job keeping us toasty warm and it was zero mess- even better! Guess I now have even more reason to pick up all the sticks and pine cones in the yard. This little Chiminea is the perfect size to burn all that stuff up. So thanks, David for my present. I love it!

We spent the rest of Saturday burning anything we could get our hands on and listening to some music. It was the perfect evening. I will have to get some stuff to make smores for the next time we use it.

So, that's about all the highlights I have from our weekend. Unless you count some old school movie watching in our sweatpants and a trip to Wal-Mart.Well, there was some more peanut boiling- which was better this go round, since it was cool and we could open up the windows to let the heat (and smell) escape from boiling those things for hours on end! And of course, the copious amounts of food that was consumed.

Oh- and Oscar has found him a new BFF. I'm kinda jealous. He is totally David's boy now.

After our lazy weekend, it's back to the daily grind and to a pretty jammed pack schedule on the weekends from here until Christmas. Sigh.... I'm tired just thinking about it. But it will all be fun and well worth the effort. First up- Charleston next weekend! Woot. Woot! I'm even going to take a vacation day to head up a day early to enjoy the Citadel Homecoming festivities. I think I'm looking forward to the much needed day off than anything!

Hope ya'll had a fabulous weekend doing just what you pleased!

Thomasville Fly-In 2012

Can I just comment on how absolutely glorious Saturday was? The weather was AMAZING! It was the perfect day for strolling around the Thomasville Fly-In that was held this week. David and I went back and forth on what to do this weekend- museum, tour Pebble Hill Plantation, go the the fair that was in town, the fly-in, or just be lazy and hang out on the couch watching football. We decided to be a little productive and get out and about on that gorgeous day. We popped in Grassroots Coffee to grab a couple of Pumpkin Spice Lattes (yum!) and headed out to the airport to go look at some planes.

There were some really neat planes at the show and there were way more out there than I was expecting. There was a helicopter there giving rides like there was no tomorrow and several people had brought their lawn chairs and were content watching all the planes land and take off.

I was excited that I finally made it to the Thomasville Aviation Museum (yeah, Thomasville is fancy like that). It only operates on a limited basis, so I have never been, but I have now!

If you ever have an opportunity to go to a fly-in and you are even a little interested in aviation, I would say go to a show. It was interesting to see all the different models of planes and watch them all fly!

Getting To Know You

For lack of anything else to blog about, I thought I would do one of these ABC Meme things and post it here, so you can get to know me a little better. Here goes nothing!

A. Age: 30 - but only for about two more weeks :)
B. Bed size: A king. And I sleep right in the slap middle of it!
C. Chore that you hate: Folding/putting away/hanging up clothes. I. HATE. IT. WITH. A. PASSION! That's probably why my room usually looks like a disaster zone 99% of the time. I don't mind washing clothes (I mean, come on, it's just putting them in the washing machine!), it's the folding and putting away part that I can't stand.
D. Dogs: I've had quite a few dogs in my lifetime. I currently am the proud mama of three dachshunds- Oscar, Brutus, and JR. Before that I had a few Springer Spaniels - Renegade, Mr. Bojangles, Digger, and Heather. A few German Shorthair Pointers- Lady, Bo, and Champ. A random Chihuahua my father got from some old lady where he was working- Coco. Umm..some sort of chow mix that stayed over at the family farm-Red was her name and several other strays that stayed at the farm that I can't remember the names of at this moment-oh yeah, one named Paco that would ride in the tractor with you. Ok, the more I think about this, I could probably keep going, considering all the strays that would wind up in our yard, but before I end this section, I better mention Jack, my father's Jack Russell/Rat Terrier mix. I guess I will claim him ;-D
E. Essential start to your day: Coffee, coffee, and more coffee! I don't feel right unless I've had my morning cup.
F. Favorite color: At soon-to-be-31 I feel silly saying that I have a" favorite color" but if I had to choose, I will go with purple as a nod to my girls in the Sweet Valley Twins books. But I really also like blue and green.
G. Gold or Silver: Both. Gold mainly for costume jewelry- silver for things like wedding rings and basically anything with diamonds!
H. Height: I'm around 5'6" - 5'7" I would say.
I. Instruments you play: The piano! Although I haven't played in quite sometime! That's one thing I miss about working at the Museum. I would run the Lapham-Patterson House tours on Fridays and in between tours I would play the piano all afternoon. It was great! I really want to learn another instrument. Maybe one day I will find the time.
J. Job title: CFOO - Chief Financial and Operating Officer- Fancy, right? lol
K. Kids: Just one in heaven. Other than that, none, unless you count my dogs as children. Ha!
L. Live: Georgia for the last 5 years. But I'm totally a Florida girl through and through!
M. Mother’s name: Cathy Elaine is her name. (gotta say it rap style though)

N. Nicknames: I guess my most used nickname is Sissy. However, I have had quite a few over the years: Trashley, Trash, Smashley, Ashley Pig Pork (given to me by my brother to coincide with my initials, APP), Piglet, or Ashley Paige.
O. Overnight hospital stays: I've only had to stay at the hospital overnight a couple of times. Once was due to an ovary/ovarian cyst removal. Think that was a 2 or 3 night stay and then with my miscarriage, that was a 4 day stay. Both times were not fun to say the least.
P. Pet peeves: Most notably- people driving in the left lane on the highway. Not passing, just cruising. Drives me absolutely crazy.
Q. Quote from a movie: I quote movies all the time, but I don't have any go-to favorites. My favorite movie to quote isprobably Dumb and Dumber!
R. Right or left handed: I'm a righty!
S. Siblings: My brother, Brad. We are 3 years apart.
T. Time it takes you to get ready: It's according! If I wash, dry, and fix my hair before I go somewhere, two hours. If I don't have to do all that stuff to my hair, then I can cut it down to about a hour. I'm super slow!
U. Ultimate Vacation: I really want to go to Italy at least once. Ultimate dream. Just to soak in the art, culture, and country. Maybe I can get someone to go with me one day. Hint, hint--David! And a nice little tour around the Mediterranean wouldn't be so shabby either.

V. Vegetable you hate: I can't really think of any vegetables that I hate. Guess that's a good thing!
W. What makes you run late: If I decide to hit my snooze button one too many times. That will always make me late. Other than that, I'm usually very punctual.
X. X-Rays you’ve had: I can only remember getting one x-ray and that was when I tore some ligament in my knee that I had to get x-rays for. Besides that, getting my annual x-rays at the dentist is about it.
Y. Yummy food that you make: I would like to think that everything I make is pretty tasty. I really like to bake, so I will go with any of my baked goods!
Z. Zoo animal: Hmm...I've never given this much thought as to what my favorite zoo animal is. If I had to choose, I would probably have to go with monkeys. They are the most entertaining. However, I am usually most intrigued by animals that I have never seen before, like a Red Panda or something. Those are always cool ones to come across.

So there you have it! The A - Z run down of some of the things that make me tick!

Thankful

These days the most overwhelming feeling that I have is being thankful. Thankful for the wonderful blessings that I have. Thankful for my family. Thankful for my friends. But most importantly, thankful for a loving God who has watched over me and protected me when I wasn't smart enough to do it myself.

I spent so much time surviving. Where making it through the day was a struggle. It's hard when your peace has gone. Step by step, little by little- that peace has returned. And where there was once no peace, no understanding, heartache and grief, there is now peace, understanding, gratitude, love, and joy. God will give you double for your trouble, if you remain faithful.

Now, I am no longer focused on surviving, but thriving. It's such a great feeling to be able to enjoy your life. Maybe you have never been in the position where life was unbearable, so you may not know what I am talking about. Maybe you know full well what it's like and know exactly where I am coming from.

Sometimes life takes you on an unexpected journey. Little did I know last Thanksgiving when I sent a text message to a dear, dear friend over the holidays to catch up, that I would find a relationship with one of the best people I know. I wasn't in the market for a boyfriend. Wasn't interested in going down that road anytime soon. However, I believe God had bigger plans for me and David. He placed in my life again a man I have known virtually since birth. A man who I have loved for ages. A man who has been a great and close friend throughout our lives. A man I was so smitten with in kindergarten that I bestowed a kiss upon for winning a game of colors on the computer.A man I am still smitten with today. A man that I am truly grateful for.

This weekend, I got to spend time with people that are near and dear to my heart. My brother Brad and his wife Nicole came up to stay with us on Friday night. Stacey has a friend that plays in a local band and they were playing at a local restaurant in Thomasville. I am so glad that Brad and Nicole were able to come and hang out with us.

I was also glad that my sweet, sweet friend Lorraine was able to join us as well.

I was happy that I could introduce her to my brother and sister-in-law and to David. We had a wonderful evening and a great Saturday doing nothing but lounging around the house watching movies and hanging out. It truly made my heart happy.

Blessings come in many shapes and forms. They come in the form of family and friends who love and support you. They come from prayers- both answered and unanswered. They can come from situations. A new job when you need it. That $20 you found in an old pair of jeans. A word of encouragement from a stranger when you really need one.

I have been truly blessed. I have two wonderful parents who love me and more importantly who love each other. To have two great role models to guide and teach me and to raise me in a Christian home is a great blessing. I have a brother who I know would bend over backwards for me and who I can claim as my best friend. I have my beautiful cousin Stacey in my life. I would die for that girl, I love her so much. I have two wonderful grandmothers that I deeply cherish. I also have a wonderful boyfriend that was raised by two amazing parents. They truly raised a man who is a gentleman. Who is full of integrity, honor, and strength. I have a wonderful job and an employer who cares about me and appreciates all that I do. I have countless aunts, uncles, cousins, and a nephew who I can't imagine my life without. I also have a church family who has loved and supported me. I am truly a blessed girl.

Sorry if this post is too mushy this morning. I am just feeling extremely thankful today. One of my favorite hymns is Count Your Blessings, so this morning I felt that I needed to name them one by one.

Hope you had a wonderful weekend. Counting your blessings is a good way to start the week. What are you thankful for? Time to name them one by one!

Since I'm Stuck at Work...

...I might as well blog! I am totally stuck at work this afternoon, thanks to a lovely Worker's Comp auditor named Alan. Thanks, Alan. I guess I could be working., but I'm just not in the mood after playing lawyer this afternoon making up a warranty contract. I've had my fill today. So instead, I'm going to goof off. Beware of randomness in this post {as per usual with my blog posts.}

Today is someones birthday! My sweet cousin Heath is celebrating his birthday today! He is getting married in December to such a sweet, sweet girl and I am soooo happy for him. He deserves the best because he is one great dude.

Here we are last summer picking peanuts. That was a fun day.

This weekend I accomplished a monumental feat. Ok, so not really. But it felt like a big one to me. I have never made a ham before. I don't know why I thought it was intimidating. Because it was so easy. Not to mention delicious.

I wanted to cook David a home cooked meal this past weekend. Mainly because when I talk to him in the evenings he is usually eating a can of fiesta corn -straight from the can I might add- or something random for dinner. So I stocked up on lots of fresh veggies for him. I baked the ham, stewed some squash, fried okra, and tomatoes. The thing that I was craving the most from this meal, I totally forgot to make. Completely spaced out. Our local Harvey's usually carries fresh field peas in the later summer months. When I spotted them, I was so excited. And then I forgot to cook them for him. Oh well. They were pretty tasty last night when I made them.
I think David has reached his photography limit. I think we may be done for awhile. I made him take a few pictures before we met up with a friend on Saturday. He told me that I looked really nice. That was a good enough excuse. Plus we sorta matched. I blame him. Heehee....

Notice the sweet bunny ears

I did have one victim that couldn't complain.

Moxley would sit still all of 2 seconds. He was more interested in demolishing Bentley's tennis ball.

And guess what? I had some other random stuff to share, but I think Alan has everything he needs, so I can finally go home. That other stuff will have to wait for another day.

Who Watched?!?

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Did you watch the "return" of Dallas last night on TNT?

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I remember watching this with my mother (when allowed, of course!). Back in the shoulder-padded days of yore. When the likes of Dallas, Dynasty, and Falcon Crest were the night time dramas that had to be watched.

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I have to admit, Stacey and I were pretty pumped to watch the 2 hour premiere last night! It was like deja vu, but I loved it!

I think I may be hooked. Now that the season of Mad Men is over I'm glad that I have a new show to keep my attention other than True Blood (and speaking of which, I am REALLY glad that's back!!).

So, who else indulged in this guilty pleasure?

Team Christopher/Bobby or Team John Ross/JR?

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And one more thing-- did anyone other myself find the irony in all of the car commercials advertising their hybrid/electric cars on a show that is all about the oil?

Glad the Ewings are back!

I Actually Got Paid to Do This

This is pretty random. But I think it's worth mentioning because I am thrilled with the results. What you are about to see, is actually something that I did at work-and got paid to do. I guess you can add random photoshop work for a stuffed buffalo to my resume on top of all of the financial stuff that I am responsible for. I would love to see that on a resume- complete with a picture for back up. A few months ago, my boss commissioned me to do a job for him. He is really involveded in the Springtime Tallahassee organization and wanted to do something funny/special for this year's incoming new Andrew Jackson. The new AJ's name is Dave and he used to be a ski instructor. And Dave decided that he wanted his mascot to be a buffalo (I told you this is random stuff today!). So as a joke, Randy wanted to get Dave a "little Dave" aka the buffalo and have the buffalo on a set of skis in honor of Big Dave. So, Randy got a pair of Dave's favorite pair of skis and brought them into the office. One day he lugs those skis into my office and asked me to help him with this project. He had ordered a stuffed buffalo and had come up with the exact size the skis need to be in order to fit and be to scale on Little Dave. Randy wanted to the skis to be an EXACT replica of Dave's skis, right down to the sticker that Dave had put on the skis himself. So, Ashley had to get to work. Here is a picture of the skis I had to replicate (although this picture is the only one I could find online, and the skis are slightly different than Big Dave's actual skis).

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I had a task to complete. So I got to work. Here is what I came up with:

All of the logos and stuff I was able to find online, but things like the stripes, and that weird purple and green triangle thing, I had to design myself. You don't even want to know how long it took me to make this ski! Randy finally got the skis printed up on some thick material of some kind and made Little Dave his skis. He brought Little Dave in yesterday, so I could admire my masterpiece. I think it turned out pretty cute!

What do you think? Ha! You ever get paid to do something at work that is definitely not in your job description? I would love to hear all about it!

Meet Ethan

Hi everyone. Meet Ethan. He is my new BFF.

Ethan Hawk (I know, I know) paid my backyard a visit yesterday afternoon. After work, I like to come home and sit outside and read. After being cooped up in an office all day it is very relaxing to sit outside and get some fresh air and unwind with a book. So I was sitting there happily mind my own business. I was finishing up reading a very funny (and slightly disturbing at times) book by Jenny Lawson that I picked up last week on a whim to read at the beach.

So I was just readying and I heard a noise. So I looked up and watched a hawk, my new BFF Ethan, swoop down and land right in front of our shed. I thought it was a bit odd that he would just stay on the ground like that, being a hawk and all. Especially since I had time to grab my phone and take his picture. He was busy pecking away (I thought maybe he was eating some of my squirrel feed...). Then he gracefully took flight. I was horrified when I noticed that he didn't leave my yard alone. He had taken a snake with him. Granted, I was thankful that Ethan took the initiative to rid my yard of snakes. But a little freaked out because not only do I hate snakes, but large birds of prey with huge talons also freak me out. However, my affection for these beasts of the air has grown after Ethan saved me from what most likely would have been a heart attack if the cobra and I had ever crossed paths. So, thank you Ethan. And if you ever want to come back to my yard for more snakes, please do. You are my hero.