Bucket List

I began writing my bucket list early last year (I'm thinking around my birthday in March) and decided that New Year's eve would be a great time to actually publish it.   The original list is not very long and in a different font.  I've added comments because I've crossed/almost crossed some of them off...enjoy!

I'm not planning on dying anytime soon but I realized that I get much more done when I make lists so, why not?

-Fall so madly in love that we remind everyone of Lilly and Marshall on How I Met Your Mother (love them!). (Check on the falling in love...the verdict on the Lilly and Marshall thing is still out.)

-Have kids. (I'm still moving too slow for my family on this one...read about it here, here and here.)

-Fill my passport with country stamps and stay to fill my mind with beautiful memories.

-Run a marathon.

-Finish a triathlon.

-Teach a college class.  (Almost check.  Though when I wrote this I was thinking more of an entire semester type gig.)

-Create meaningful traditions with my own kids.

-Learn to play the guitar.

-Learn how to organize and stay organized.

-Become a great cook.

-Finish my MEd.

-Have something I wrote published.

-See my kids go through the temple.

-Learn to sew well.

-Go skydiving.

-Learn Spanish.

These are things that I just think I need to work on...not really bucket list stuff but things that should be mentioned:

-Keep an eternal perspective when life gets a bit hairy.  ("With an eternal perspective, every bad thing that happens is just a paper cut." ~Rachel L.)

-Laugh more.

-Love what I have and not dream about keeping up with the Joneses.

-Get and stay on a better exercise and sleep schedule.

-Eat healthy.

Bridals

I had my bridals done today...not to self...DO NOT let any of my children get married in the winter.  It super sucks to have to brave the cold in a wedding dress.

Considering the fact that the dress was thrown together no more than 48 hours prior, I think it looked pretty good (and it will be much better come January 27th).

I can't wait to see the edited versions but unfortunately, I won't be sharing them on here until after the wedding (I'm slightly superstitious about Anthony seeing me in my dress before the wedding day.  I say "seeing me in my dress" instead of "seeing my dress" because Anthony helped us put the dress together.  He's such a trooper!)

It has been cold around here but the snow has been holding out on us.  I just knew that it would snow the day of my bridals because I'd be outside in a short dress for hours.  Luckily, the snow held out until the very end.  I was so so grateful. 

The Countdown Begins

Actually, the countdown began before Thanksgiving but this is a for real real real countdown.

My wedding is now in less than one month...LESS THAN ONE MONTH, PEOPLE! (yes, I'm shouting that.)  

I'm super stoked but don't want to plan the reception.  I'm pretty sure Anthony would be fine with not having one but that IS NOT AN OPTION! (ahem, Anthony...)

Any tips?  Anyone always wanted to be a wedding planner and never got around to it?  I'll let you take care of my reception for free...what a deal!  You should definitely take me up on that offer.  I'm very generous like that.

One Month From Right Now...

I'll be married!

Woot, woot!

It Came!

Nope...not snow or Santa or a truck full of happy attitudes for my 6th graders.

It came.

Oh, man!  I'm so excited to wear it.  It's so much cuter with the natural peacock feathers.

I'd post pictures but I want it to be a surprise when the wedding pictures come out...or when you come to my wedding.

Not to toot my own horn but I look freaking awesome.  I'm going to be a stunning bride...just saying.

And,

Have a very merry Christmas eve!

As Seen on TV

Remember how my sisters and I each received Snuggies for Christmas?  Well, we did and they are wonderful.  This year, I'm hoping for a shake weight...let's keep the traditional "As Seen on TV" gifts alive and well this year!

Winter Christmas Break!

Side note: I like how the school districts have become politically correct.  When I was in school, it was Christmas Break...how times have changed.

I'm out for Christmas break and I'm exhausted.  These last three days have been fun but mentally and physically exhausting...trying to keep 70+ eleven and twelve year olds entertained and doing school work when they'd rather be playing in the snow and snooping for their Christmas presents is hard work.

Here is a little something we've all been working on for the past month...enjoy.

To be a 6th grade teacher you need to be just a little crazy.

I wish I could show you the whole thing...the 6th graders were that good.  We had so much fun with this song.

The song we did was by Inside Out.  The cd is called Primary Colors. You should go check it out.  The song is called Once There Were Some Snowmen.  You can buy the MP3 here.

This Would Look Nice on My Wall

I saw this on Paint Me a Picture.  I really want it for my house...when I'm married.  It wouldn't make much sense now.

Buy it for me here!

Feel free to send it to me for a wedding gift, if you're so inclined.  Thanks.

Try Pants, They're Amazing!

Thanks, Court!

I'm Basically a Professor Now

I got to class really early today.  While I was finishing up some things for class, my professor came into the room I was in. 

She was so excited to see me before class.  Yes, that's weird.  She started gushing about the project I presented in the last class.  She now wants me to teach the same thing to her undergraduate classes next semester.

I'm pretty stoked about it.  One day I hope that I can teach some college classes.  I think this will be good practice for me.

Free at Last!

Hallelujah!  I'm done with the endorsement part of my MEd.

I'm taking at least 1 semester off.  I was burnt out before this semester even started but I made it through and get to enjoy the rest of the school year not doing homework.

Life will be good from January to May.  I'm so stoked.

My Body Hates Me

Know what sucks?

Being sick.

Know what sucks even worse?

Being sick at work...especially when you have 22 students to worry about.

I Made a Decision

I did it.  It's ordered.  It's hopefully on its way.

I listened to Erin and Rachel.  They said do what I thought.  First instincts are usually the best.

So this lovely will be on my head on my wedding day:

Also, Joanna, at Feathered Designs is fabulous.  You should buy pretty hair things from her.

Ash J.--2  Wedding--368

More Wedding

Remember this post?  Well, I've narrowed it down to two.

Blair

Isabella

I really like both of them but can't decide.  Here's what I'm thinking about both of them. 

The Blair one will either look really cute with all the color from the natural peacock feathers or really crazy...I can't decide which option it will be.

The Isabella one doesn't have as much color so I'm not afraid of looking crazy but I'm also going to be wearing a  birdcage veil that has netting exactly like the Isabella.  I don't know if that will be too much netting or if it will go well together.  I really like the clasp on this one to but I think that I could get that clasp on the Blair if I wanted.

I'm leaning towards the Blair because it's just more me and I want more of a pop of color but I'm still unsure.

I can't make a decision.  I'm going to put this in your hands and in the hands of my students.  Which would you do?

This Just In...

50 days until my wedding.

That's it.  Have a nice day.

It's Not a Grope, It's a Freedom Pat & Other Less Intrusive Things

Anthony sent me a text this morning:

"Hehe,  sent you an email"

This is what I opened:

New TSA Bumper-stickers:

Bwahaha!  I laughed pretty hard.

But laughing about new regulations at the airport is not the purpose of this post. . .the purpose is that I'm getting married next month.  Yep, you read that right...NEXT MONTH!!

Who's so stoked for January 27th?  If you didn't just shout "I am!!" or "Me, me, me!" or enthusiastically shoot both hands into the air, we are no longer friends.  Not my friend, not my friend, not my friend.

Wow.  This wedding is going to be legen...wait for it...dairy.  That's right, legendary. 

A-Squared in Photos

Anthony and I had our engagements taken on Saturday.  Court came with us on official hair zujjhing business.

We don't have the photos back yet but here are a couple Court took.

Court has entitled this pose "The Asian Tourist."  I actually kinda like this picture even with my fish face.  It may just come to you in the announcements.

No Rainbow Without the Rain

  It has been a rough week.  But it's going to get better...it has to get better.

via

Old Trusty Isn't So Trusty

Remember how I said I was grateful for a car that gets me around?  Well, Saul (my generally trusty car), decided to call it quits on me yesterday morning.

As I was turning the corner the engine stopped and all the lights came on.  I pulled off the road but wasn't able to get it started again.

Luckily, another 6th grade teacher was just down the road and she came to pick me up.

Anthony picked me up from work and we went to look at my car...it was super dead.  We took the battery to Auto Zone to get it charged and checked.  They could charge it but the machine that does the checking wasn't working.  Ugh.

Anthony spent 3 hours under my car, on the side of the road in 27 degree weather, trying to get things to work.  It didn't work.  I was postive I was going to have to be rushed to the emergency room to have my toes amputated due to the hypothermia that I obviously had.  No, I'm not being one bit dramatic.  I don't think I've been that cold in a long time.

My car is still sitting in a parking lot.  I hope we can get it figured out because rental cars are expensive and I have lots to do this weekend.

Ugh.  Cars.

December Videos

I know, it's December but how about a Halloween-ish video?

Wedding Music

**Note: If you make it through this post I'll send you something nice in the mail.**

We've hired Bryce to sing/play at the wedding told Bryce he doesn't have to buy us a wedding gift if he'll sing/play at our wedding.

I couldn't figure out much music I really wanted him to play so I asked Court to figure out the songs for me.


The text conversation went like this:

Me: Help me think of good songs Bryce could play at the reception as "atmosphere" music.

Court: Anything by Ke$ha!

Me: Ummm... probably not.

Court: You're no fun!

But Court really did make up a list...a HUGE list of music for me.

Lovey/atmosphere songs

I Melt- Rascal Flatts 

Then- Brad Paisley 

Bubbly - Colbie Callait. Anything by her would probably be good. 

Maybe- Secondhand Serenade 

All for Love- Bryan Adams 

All My Life- KC & Jojo 

No One- Alicia Keys

My Best Friend- Tim McGraw

I'm Yours- Jason Mraz

Everything- A Cursive Memory

I Need You Tonight- Backstreet Boys

Forever- Chris Brown (Slowed down.)

Better Together- Jack Johnson

The Way I Am- Ingrid Michaelson

She'll Leave You with a Smile- George Strait. (This is a break up song... I think. But I love it)

Can You Feel the Love Tonight- Elton John

Faithfully- Journey

Calling You- Blue October

I Swear- Boys II Men

I'll Make Love to You- Boys II Men

Only Wanna Be With You- Hootie & the Blowfish

I Melt With You- Modern English

I Will Follow You Into the Dark- Death Cab (It's a death love song)?

I've got some Allred songs you'll have to listen to. They could be fitting.

Every thing's Magic- Angels & Airwaves. (Slowed wayyyyyy down.)

Prayin' for Rain- Anthony Hall

I'm Lost Without You- Blink 182

Just the Way You Are/ Count on Me- Bruno Mars

Teasing to Please- Cute is What We Aim For

Stolen- Dashboard Confessional

The First Time- Friday Night Boys?

Find Your Love-Drake?

Stay Here Forever- Jewel

Best of Me- The Starting Line

The Way She Moves- Forever the Sickest Kids

Chariot- Gavin DeGraw

Wild At Heart- Gloriana

Iris- The Goo-goo Dolls

Happily Ever After- He Is We

Bonnie Tyler Shakedown- Hellogoodbye

6 Months- Hey Monday

The Reason- Hoobastank

Kissin U- Miranda Cosgrove :)

The Resolution- Jack's Mannequin

Lucky- Jason Mraz & Colbie

Come on Over/With You- Jessica Simpson

Hear You Me- Jimmy Eat World

Inside of You- The Maine?

Say it Again- Marie Digby

She Will Be Loved- Maroon 5

Closer to Love- Mat Kearney

Kids in Love/I Swear This Time I Mean It- Mayday Parade

Everything- Michael Buble

My Favorite Accident- Motion City Soundtrack ?

If My Heart Was A House- Owl City

She is Love- Parachute

Fidelity- Regina Spektor

You'll Always Be My Best Friend- Relient K

Keep on Loving You- REO Speedwagon

Come Around- Sing It Loud

Punk Rock Princess- Something Corporate

Existentialism on Prom Night- Straylight Run

Today Was A Fairy Tale- Taylor Swift

Mine- Taylor Swift

Something You Should Know- Three % Hero

I Got You- Train

Hands Down- Dashboard

Teenage Dream- Katy Perry

I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing- Aerosmith

You Make My Dreams Come True- Hall & Oates

Brass Bed- Josh Gracin

Dancey dance Songs

Kiss Kiss- Chris Brown

Forever- Chris Brown 

Milkshake- Kelis

Mercy- Duffy 

Anything Black Eye Peas 

Most Rhiana 

Tainted Love - Soft Cell? 

Sexyback- Justin Timberlake

Rock Your Body- Justin Timberlake

I've Just Seen a Face- Beetles

Just Dance- Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga in general

Shake it- Metro station

Whip My Hair- Willow Smith

Yeah- Usher

Girls Just Want to Have Fun- Cyndi Lauper

Hey Ya!- OutKast.

Love Shack- B-52's

All I Wanna Do- Sheryl Crow

Mmmbop- Hanson

Queen

I Ran-

Take it Off- The Donnas?

Wild At Heart- Gloriana

Obvious- Hey Monday

Histrionics- The Higher

Wine Red- The Hush Sound

Baby- Justin Biebs

The Warrior- Scandal

Letting Go- Sean Kingston

Le Disko- Shiny Toy Guns (But there is an F word in it. Edit if used)

Buzzin' Shwayze

Song with a Mission- The Sounds

Live Your Life- TI

Later text convo:

Court: PLEASE don't play the chicken dances... or any other lame-o dance songs at your wedding.  
Me: I promise I won't play the chicken dance. . .that's primarily for math to entertain and motivate 6th graders. 

What's your favorite song? 


**I'm probably not really going to send you anything nice in the mail unless you consider a wedding invite nice. If you'd like one, send me your address.**

Wedding Decision of the Day

6th graders are going to make the difficult wedding decisions for me.

End of story.  I've even made a PowerPoint for them to vote on things.  It's going to be awesome. 

Wedding Decisions Will Make Me Crazy

I'm bad at making decisions.  This is shown by my the next to no planning I've done for my wedding (which, by the way, is two months from tomorrow!  Ack!). 

My colors are green blue and black.  Think the green and blue in a peacock feather.  (One decision I've made...Ash J.--1, Wedding--369)

I'm trying to find a fascinator and can't decided on which one.  Here's where you get to help me.

Here are my favorites so far (from favorite to least favorite...though I love them all!):

Isabella but I would get it with natural peacock feathers

Blair-again with natural peacock feathers

Audrey--with ivory feathers and a silver clasp

Darci--Just like this

Anna--Just like this

 Which one do you prefer?

Thankful

"We can lift ourselves, and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues."

~Thomas S. Monson

I'm thankful for so much this holiday season.

My life is blessed in so many ways by so many wonderful people.

Here is a list (in no particular order) of people and things I am thankful for:

• Anthony
• My mom
• My sisters
• My dad
• Family (both mine and Anthony's)
• Fabulous friends that I didn't know this time last year
• Fabulous friends that I've had for a long time
• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
• My 6th graders
• A job I love
• A car that gets me around
• My education
• College
• A warm home
• Electricity
• The Internet
• Cell phones
• DVR
• Carbs
• Cute boots
• Our Savior
• The Atonement 
• A cute boy that can (and will) fix anything for me
• Washer and dryer
• Service
• Kind words

I'm sure I'm missing so many other things that I am truly grateful for. 

This is my favorite time of year and I hope that I can show how grateful I am to all those people who are in my life.

Waffles & Frites

I did a trade day with another teacher earlier this year and had her sub for me today so I could finish some work for school tonight. (Had I known of this "huge storm" I wouldn't have used it today).

Courtney and I decided that since I didn't have to be anywhere early in the morning and neither did she that I'd take her to a delicious waffle place.  I went to this amazing place on Saturday with Anthony, his friend from work, Kirsten, and her husband.  I was blown away by the deliciousness and craved them everyday.  Yes, I understand that's only 2 days without waffles but they are that good!

This amazing place is called Bruges Waffles and Frites.  It's on 336 W. Broadway in Salt Lake.   You need to go eat there.  It's freaking delicious! 

**To see pictures of this day and the delicious waffles, go to Court's blog.  For some reason I can't make the pictures work on my computer.**

I'm Thankful for Winter Storms

Winter came on Monday.  We were blasted with an estimated 12 inches of snow.  I love snow but hate driving in it.  It's a ugh and a yippee situation. 

Apparently, there is another storm coming today.  Everyone is talking about it.  Sounds like it's going to be one of the worst in a long time.  I'm a bit nervous to try to go anywhere today so I'm not going to.  I'm thinking about Anthony and his long drive from Orem and my parents and other friends and family members who have long drives tonight I hope they all make it home safely.  I'm kind of anxious.

But here's the best part. . .




MY CLASS TONIGHT HAS BEEN CANCELED!!!  I was not wanting to go, my homework isn't quite done, and I'm just a bit burnt out.  So I am thankful today for this giant storm. . .as long as everyone gets home safe.

Please drive safe, Utahns. 

I'm Thankful for Funny Kids

My class has been writing something they're thankful for every morning for the past week on little paper leaves.  We then put these on our Thankful Tree.

I've been getting a lot of

"I'm thankful for my family." 

"I'm thankful for my friends." 

"electricity"

"warmth"

"love"

"food"

"clothing"

"books" etc.  

Today, I got this gem.

"I'm thankful that Sarah Palin isn't in the presedential office right now."

Gotta love those politically opinionated 6th graders.

No Matter What

via

Ash J. is an Idiot: Story # 2975

My name is Ash J., I'm an idiot and I need a lot more sleep.  This is my story.

Parent-Teacher Conferences are today and tomorrow.  I had one early morning conference today.  My plan was to go to bed no later than 10 last night because I knew I had to get to school by 7:45 to set up and get ready for my 8am conference.

This sleeping plan did not happen.

I got out of school late last night, 8:40 to be exact.  My friend Gabriel had called during class and left a message about wanting to start making my wedding invitations.  I called him back and we made a plan to meet at his house at 9.  I revised my sleeping plan to 10:30.

Gabriel and I talked about colors and fonts and graphics for an hour and a half...I revised my sleeping plan again...11pm, no later!

I arrived home at 10:40 to my roommate asking me to watch Glee with her...I never turn down Glee.  Revision # 3: 11:40pm.

While watching, Anthony texted me to see if I was still awake.  Yeppers, I certainly was though I was fading fast.  He needed to come pick up his tools from when he fixed my blasted deadbolt for the second time!  (Remember when it broke the first time?  Yeah, he fixed it then.  We had just started dating.  I knew he was a keeper.  Then it broke again recently.  And he fixed it again.  I'm glad he'll be around for a long time.  A lot of my stuff breaks.)  I stayed awake until he came. 

I finally got to bed (without washing my face or brushing my teeth.  Yep, I'm disgusting when I'm super tired.) at about midnight.  Ugh. 

Five hours later, I'm awake.  Seven hours later I'm filling up my gas tank.  Here's where the I'm an idiot part comes in.  I drove away without putting my gas cap on or closing the door thing (does that have a name?)  I lost my gas cap...the new one I just bought because my check engine light kept coming on.  Ugh.  Back to Auto Zone.

What's the French Word for Poop?

French is such a beautiful language.  If you listen to this but don't watch the video, you may think you're hearing a man confess his undying love to the girl of his dreams. . . but then you watch the video and you realize something else is definitely going on here. 

 If you speak French, please translate this video.  My roommate and I are dying to know what this is all about!

Life Is Too Short. . .

via

Glee

I loved Glee tonight.  So funny and I loved this song!

I Hate Homework and Projects

I'm sick today.  Boo!

I'm also trying to finish my homework but keep getting distracted by texts from my sassy, gay bff (who is not gay but sure is sassy), wedding planning, the wonders of the Internet, and my lack of sleep.

Who's up for making a PowerPoint about Scaffoled Silent Reading and Literature Cirlces?  How about you?  Yes, you.  No?  You sure?  Well the offer is there if you change your mind.  It's due today at 6pm...that's 4 hours away.  Get to work!

Three Cheers for Maiden Names

I went back on track today.  

I told my class that I got engaged while off track.

They clapped and cheered.

Then told me I had to keep my maiden name because it's cooler.  

Hmmmm...

I Try to Sew

Remember when I blogged about my pictorial evidence of thinking I can sew?  Well, it's here . . .

I always have sewing ideas in my head that turn out perfectly...in my head.  But then I remember how I have absolutely no patience for measuring or being exact with anything.  Ugh.  That being said, I still try things.

I saw this tutorial and thought, "I have old tank tops that I don't wear.  I like dresses a lot.  I think I can do that."  And so I did.  

Being me, I got bored real fast and decided to skip a few steps . . . namely the "pin the crap out of this so it doesn't slid all over the place" step. 

Here's what I learned: Don't skip that step.  It's a bad idea.

 The sewing started off well (left side, I pinned that) but then it just ended up a big mess of fabric.

My hand is where the skirt should have been sewn to the tank top.  It's just a little off.  No big deal.

 Let's just say, I didn't end up wearing this but I will try again with my new found sewing knowledge.

Repeat after me: Pins are friends.

Pumpkin Carving

My friends and I had a pumpkin carving party. . .on October 9th.  So I'm a little late with the blogging, sue me. 

Also, I was a little early with the carving.  Our pumpkins were mold factories waaaaaay before Halloween.

The Trifecta of Awesome. . .Ash, Jaynee, Jenny

The Doublecta (?) of Wonderful. . .Brandon and Ryan

 Ryan's pumpkin

 Josh's Pumpkin

 Jaynee spent over an hour using one of the templates on her pumpkin.  Then it all fell apart so she used the back side and carved this face with a mustache?

Brandon's pumpkin

 My pumpkin

Kellen's pumpkin

 My garbage vomited pumpkin guts all over my kitchen.  I'm still finding random pumpkin seeds.

Why Would You Rid Your Closet of This?

A week before Halloween, Jenny, Ryan and I went to the D.I. to find "cloaks" (a.k.a. graduation gowns) for our zombie Harry Potter character costumes.  We didn't find any at this certain D.I. but we did find this gem:

Oh yeah!  Stirrups? Check.  Shoulder pads? Check.  Pleats that add so much to your lady business? Check.

Let's see how this baby looks from the back to see if it can get any better.  Doubtful, but maybe.

Oh wait!  It is better.  Backless?  Check.   Really high waist so you have "mom butt"?  Check.

Obviously, giving this unitard to the D.I. was a mistake.  Who would ever want to get rid of such a lovely outfit?  No worries.  Jenny rocked it all around the D.I. then decided to adopt it and make it a part of our lovely home.

The unitard adventures have been nonstop.

Ring-a-Ling-a-Ling

Remember this day?  When Ryan posted this picture on Facebook waaaaaay before I was really engaged?

Well, I decided to take a real one just like this picture.

I love this ring.

November Videos

I'm loving these songs.







Oh, Sesame Street...so fabulous!

Who's the Freak?

We had our ward Halloween party today.

I was Ron Weasley: Zombie edition.  My friend Jenny was Hermione Granger and Tom was Harry.  It was pretty awesome.

It was a great party.  Only thing is, I had to leave early. . .to go to the airport. . .while wearing zombie make up. . .to meet one of Anthony's friends who just got off her mission.   Let's just say it was interesting.  The good thing about the freak parade that I was is that next time she sees me, I'll look amazing in comparison. 

So many stares.  Looking back, I should have gone all zombie and chased the children while moaning "Brrraaaaaaaiiinnnnssssss!!!!"  But I didn't.  I smiled and waved.  I guess I'm Ron the Friendly Zombie.

Funny side note:  Anthony was pulled over by airport police for going 25 in a 10.  Ha!  The officer was in a real good mood so he let him off with a warning.  I'm pretty sure he was in said good mood because I was in the passenger seat wearing full zombie make up.  Just saying.

Omgg Mizz J.!!!!!

Today, I posted all the pictures on Facebook, changed my status. . .you know, all the things you're supposed to do when you get engaged.

A few hours later I get this text from a student I had last year:

*Omgg mizz. J!!!!!:):)
UR GETTING MARRIED?!?:):):):)
Whaa?! When did thiz happen?!?!?:)
omgg sorry buhh I juss saw the pictures on facebook and kind of FREAKED OUT!!!!!!!:):)
Gosh.  I'm sooo happy!
You guys look soo amazing together !!!:)
UU two are ganna b together forevva...<##
hehe lol. :D
He's soo lucky to have uu cuzz ur frinkin wonderful!!!:)
once again. I'm soooo happy!!!!!!:):):)
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE BOTH OF UU!!!!!:)
<3/
F. :):)

p.s. i juss had tah tell uu that as soon as possible an facebook waz juss ot ganna cut it ;)
CONGRATS!!!!!:):)


I love this kid.  She's a riot.

*This is exactly how the text came in.  I promise I did teach her how to spell and write in formal English.  I'm not a bad teacher.

Put This One in Your Journal

Today was a great day.

It began kinda ho-hum but ended up being the greatest day of my life up until now.

Like I said, we arrived home from our Mississippi/Texas trip at 10:30 am after beginning our drive at 6:30am yesterday. 

I was gross and dirty and ornery and had homework.  Let's just say I wasn't in the best of moods.  I finally got my homework done and went to class.  Same old Tuesday. . .at least that's what I thought was going to happen.

I had planned on just going home after class to have a Girls Night with Jaynee and Jenny.  As I was walking to my car, texting, putting something in my bag, and not really paying attention to anything around me; Anthony's sister came out of nowhere.  I was confused and thought maybe she went to Westminster.  So I said hi and tried to continue on my way to my car (remember, I was ornery and wanting to get home).

She says, "You're late for the ball."  I'm confused.  She hands me a cryptic note that I had to figure out.  I was still confused.  I read and read the note and couldn't figure out where I was supposed to go. Finally she told me to go to Highland High School.  I didn't know where that was.  She told me and I googled it.  This was getting off to a lovely start, huh?

I arrive at Highland to see my friend Brandon looking dapper in a tux.  He gave me some heels and another note.  I asked if I had to wear the shoes...turns out I did.  I complained.  It was the first snow of the season, freezing, and I was wearing comfy boots and a sweater.  I didn't want to wear the heels but I obliged because I knew it would all be worth it in the end.  As the thoughts of what was happening were swimming through my sleep deprived and scrambled from school brain, Brandon kept asking me questions about my trip.  Really, Brandon?!? is all I could think.  This is not the time to tell you all about my trip.  I've got bigger things happening.  (Turns out he was told to stall me.  Good job, Brandon.)

The next place I arrived was Dee's.  Brad was waiting with a corsage and another note.  He asked me if I knew what was going on.  Obviously, I did (do you?).  He told me he was glad because if I didn't he was going to use his veto power on me.  Ugh.

Then I came to Jenny's sister's house where Jenny and Jaynee were waiting for me.  They had brought a bunch of dresses, shoes and make up so they could make sure I looked real good.  We talked and tried on dresses and did my make up.  It was a glorious "Girls Night."

Josh picked me up from Jenny's sister's house.  He made me sit in the back like I was being chauffeured around.  It was weird for me but whatever.  He drove me to the state capitol building where we pulled up and saw everyone waiting for me.  Ryan greeted me at my door and walked me up the stairs.

At the top of the stairs was Anthony.  He's so amazing.  By this time, I was on such an adrenaline high, that I can't remember much of what was said.  I'm pretty sure there were some "I love you"'s and "You're freaking amazing" like things in there but I'm not sure so I'm just going to let the pictures do the talking.

No, Brad did not marry us.  Though we completely agree that's what this picture looks like.

I only like this picture because of Brad.  Anthony and I both look a little goofy but it's still one of my favs.

 So here we are.  I'll be Ash H. from January 27, 2011 on.