Baby It's Cold Outside!

I am ready for this cold weather to cease and move into Spring. I know, I know I am from Michigan and I should be used to it--I get this response ALL the time. Guess what? I am NOT used to it and I don't believe you get used to it no matter how long you live in a cold state especially when you are as thin-blooded as I am.

I just got back from the eye doctor and let me just say, for the record, that I absolutely HATE getting my eyes dilated. They always hurt afterwards and makes me have a headache. Hopefully, this will be gone in a couple of hours. Anyway, the good that came out of my eye doctor visit is I got a new pair of Coach glasses! I am very excited to be able to wear them more this year since my eyes get so dry and tired from contacts.

Work is constantly busy throughout the day, but I cannot complain because I would be bored stiff if I have nothing to do. I have to say that I am one of the few people in this world that actually enjoy going to work everyday and enjoy what they do. Thankfully, the Lord has provided something that fits me perfectly and is right up my alley when it comes to my work ethic and personality. We are getting ready to pick up even more in the next month or so I am doing as much as I can now to prepare for the coming soon rush!

Well, I am proud to say that I finished my 1st book this month "Dear John" and am on the 2nd book "Emma". "Dear John" is going to be a good movie, but sad all at the same time. I am glad I am more prepared for it now:) Anyway, I have a good line up of books to start once the 2nd one is done that I am excited about as well.

Okay, I have to talk just a little about "The Bachelor" from last night. I have to say that I am disappointed about 95% of the women chosen for that show this time around. It seems that, in previous shows, that there were many more to pick from---I guess it is now slim-pickins' in the world now. There are a lot of models/dancers/make-up artists, etc. that are flighty and obnoxious. I do, however, like Tenley, Elizabeth, and Ali at this point. Hopefully, next week will be better than the first. Just a reminder---American Idol starts next week!!!

Well, I probably should sign off now. I am going to make salmon for dinner tonight with some brown rice. I hope to tackle my clothes cleaning out sometime tonight if my headache cooperates. Have a good rest of your Tuesday everyone!

Lazy Sunday Afternoon

I have to say that Sunday is one of my most favorite days. We are still extremely busy with Sunday School, church, etc. however, it is nice to remember in Genesis 2:2 that says, "By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work". I guess after 6 days of work we should be entitled to a day of rest. It is hard for me to have a day to relax as I have a 'go,go,go' mentality in every area of my life. There are many days, like today, where I need to just say, "Ashley, relax!"

Today's agenda encompassed a trip to TRBC for Sunday School then we came home to some homemade lunch and now we are sitting on the couch watching football---ESPN takes over about 95% of my life thanks to my wonderful husband:) We are debating going into town (Wards Road) in a little while to look at some desks at Kohls. We are looking to my desk and clean up the spare room and turn it into an office that is fully-functioning. With Peter head-first into his classes and same with me, it almost seems like the right thing to do. We will see what happens.

Yesterday, we went out to Target to look for some home organization items. For some reason, spring cleaning is coming faster than usual for me. I have done a terrible job keeping up my beautiful home over the past month, mainly due to a large amount of traveling for work and holidays. I am strongly considering hiring a lady to come clean our house one time a week just to keep up with everything I need to do. Our busy season at work is rapidly approaching, which means even more overtime for me and my employees and Peter is making some huge career changes, that I am will leave off of here for now, but all good things. Needless to say, year 2010 is going to be life-changing for us in more ways than one. I think it would be best if I could have some extra help around the house even if it is one time a week. Anyway, back to the organization ideas---we ended up raising our bed which will allow for extra storage under the bed. I know it sounds tacky, but since we have King bedding on a Queen bed it actually hangs at perfect length where you cannot even tell there is anything under the bed. It actually looks amazing and I am very pleased with the turnout! I am going to go through my closets---yes, that is plural---4 to be exact---to get rid of a large amount of clothes that are too big or things I never wear. If any of you reading are interested in looking at the clothes just let me know, I will willingly give them to you!

I am almost finished with my first book of 2010! 'Dear John' has been an easy read and the typical romantic novel. I am excited for the movie to come out in the next couple of months. I am not sure what my next pick will be---any suggestions? I really need books that will grab your attention within the first 2 chapters otherwise I am not going to be interested. Peter and I talked about the book reading resolution and he thought it would be a better resolution to build on how many books we read annually. He thought we should do 2 books per month each and then maybe next year we can raise to 3 books a month. It is too hard with our extremely busy schedules to do much more, unfortunately.

Well, I am going to sign off for now. We are going to head out and enjoy the rest of the day before back to work tomorrow. Enjoy your Sunday everyone!

Welcome New Year and Resolutions

Many people have made New Year's Resolutions for the coming year, as they do every year. Peter and I have had a very interesting year, to say the least, and I am ready for the new year with new events. Every year we receive many Christmas cards with families writing about their year in review. I told Peter that next year, I want to be able to look back and do the same. Here is my attempt to start blogging again to be able to have something to look back on for the coming year. Today as I sit at home with my dog, Deacon, I have been able to put into writing some of my New Year's Resolutions. Here is the current list:

1. Attend church every Sunday along with getting more involved in our wonderful Sunday School class
2. Continue to budget even better than last year---goal is to put $10,000 in savings by December 2010
3. Prepare our life and finances to start our family
4. Stretch my knowledge base at work
5. Read 1 book per week---currently reading "Dear John"
6. Have daily devotions and prayer time with Peter
7. Continue working out at the gym 3-4 times a week
8. Go on a cruise in September/October with Peter and friends

This list will continue to grow, but I believe this is a good enough list for now. We have made many changes in the past year that have stretched us immensely, but all that have made us who we are today. We both are committed to tackle these resolutions full-force in hopes to better prepare us for the future. Please continue to pray for us as we proceed into the new year with many things to achieve.