Irritations & Excitations

Excitation: Thrilled to go to Big Bear!

Irritation: Have to buy snow chains + long drive because the 330 is closed. Adam spends over an hour out in the windy freezing rain trying to put the snow chains on halfway up the mountain. He is tired and soaked through and through.

Excitation: It's snowing! We make it safely to the top!

Irritation: Our hosts never made it and didn't get a hold of us to tell us. We are stranded at the top of the snowy mountain after midnight on a holiday weekend with hotels that have no vacancy.

Excitation: Motel 6 left the light on for us! They moved rooms around to make a place for us!

Irritation: Our long weekend turned into a one night $350+ sleepover. Should've cost half that since the cabin was supposed to be free.

Excitation: Monday was still a holiday. Thought I would have to work but I didn't! Mom made an AWESOME Oreo Cookie Cake for my birthday and the Fawley's came over to celebrate!

Irritation: I have to go back to work - the hardest show of the year for me - knowing that I'm getting laid off.

Excitation: This is my last Academy Awards!

Irritation: People saying, "I'm so sorry, I heard the news..." 

Excitation: My preschool observations are going great! I love the kids! I love the teacher! The kids love me!

Irritation: I have to work this weekend...on my birthday...

Excitation: Uncle Carlos is allowing us to celebrate my birthday at his house and spend the night so my drive to the Oscars is shorter! Nancy, Brett, Karen, and little Natalie will be there to celebrate too!

Irritation: I still don't know what my severance package is going to be.

Excitation: I can finally focus on finishing my certifications and be a preschool teacher!

A Breath of Fresh Air and A Sigh of Relief

Though there's been much in motion that has been stressing me out as of late, two things are occurring that have made me really excited for this weekend. One is a little breather from the award show madness with a three day weekend which I will be enjoying away from Los Angeles in the clean air and maybe an exciting storm. Do I see snow? The other is something that I've been praying for for a really long time now. I can't share details because I haven't received official word yet, but I've got a positive nervous energy of hope about me.

This weekend is going to be a literal breath of fresh air and, if things go as I hope they do today, a sigh of relief.

Here is a hint of "fresh air"...

Shorty, You a "10"

This red carpet season has been particularly trying on me. I have come to accept the fact that I am really good at my job. The problem lies within the functions and management that are beyond my control. To my great delight, the Lord has blessed me with a loving and inspiring husband that puts things in just the right perspective for me. Here is a tiny tribute to my eternal companion:

Aligning MY Path with THE Path

SAG Awards Truck 2011

It's the last day of the month so I figured I should get a post up before I look like I've gone completely MIA. I just don't like making posts without pictures to support it. My camera flash has been dead for over a year - still haven't gotten it fixed. Also, I'm not impressed by the red carpet anymore which means I do not effort to get out there and take pictures by "The Actor" statue, etc. But I know my girl Megan took a few pics, so maybe I'll post a couple of those up here later.

That should give you a clue about what I've been up to and why I've been so busy...yes, Award Season 2011 is under way and I'm just starting to crazy from it. We've already completed four shows between the Golden Globes and SAG Awards and I've realized just how specialized my job is in the way I've accumulated functions and responsibilities that no one else really knows anything about. They couldn't just bring someone in and expect them to pick up where I left off if something happens to me...I'm trying to help them realize that. 

Meanwhile, classes started for me again today and I'm nervous about balancing my extensive lab requirement hours with the heavy end of Award Season still in motion. The Grammy Awards is the hardest show (Feb 13) and the Oscars is expected to be the best because it's last and there are more sponsors tied to it which means more money at stake which means it's more stressful for me because I have to make sure certain sponsors are paid off appropriately with our programming. The Oscars takes place my birthday weekend. Happy 26th, Ashleigh. Go ahead and work another 12 days straight for us. You got it.

But really, I just miss church so much on show weekends. I miss how church feels, taking the sacrament, the spiritual uplift, the love & community there, and especially the kids. Though they are sometimes difficult, they have a special something that adults cannot match. Matthew 18:3 says, "And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." Even Jesus tells us they're special. 

A few new things going on...we made an offer on a little condo but it's a short sale, so there is no follow up with that tidbit. Sister Hughes taught me how to crochet when Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Twelve Apostles came to our Stake early in the year. I've made two half pot holders...the yarn didn't match, that's why there are two. Now I'm working on a scarf which everyone is teasing me calling it a baby blanket. I teased Adam too that by the time I finish the "baby blanket" I want to be pregnant. It seems that the timing has not arrived for that yet though. It was really awesome to have Elder Cook visit us. Some of my favorite nuggets of gold from him include: 

Elder Quentin L. Cook

*"Have Faith and Teach It"

*"Peace is the Reward of Righteousness"

*He promised us we will see a path

*He blessed us that we'll be able to provide for our children

*He let us know that not all will be successful, but that we will not have "empty chairs"

At this time, I'm desiring to see a path. Well, the thing is that I see one...so the promise is fulfilled, but of course I want to see what's ON the path...but I'm working on walking that path, keeping it fully in sight as the Lord reveals what's on the path when the time comes. I feel calm in this moment...something I haven't felt for the last two weeks. I love my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I know They love me and they want what is best for me. They send Their angels to bear me up in their hands.

Read Psalms 91:9-15

PS - On a side note, we shook hands with Elder Cook and when I looked in his eyes I felt like he was looking right through my eyes deep down into my soul with loving kindness. He asked Adam if he was a football player. Adam revealed he plays basketball. Elder Cook responded, "Well, you have to be built like a football player to play basketball these days."

Away In A Manger

Baby Jesus didn't even have a bed for his sweet head. We, on the other hand, in remembrance of the birth of Baby Jesus, got spoiled with gifts, presents, and the company of loved ones. I'm still trying to wrap my head around the generosity of others.

Adam's Christmas celebrations started with a department white elephant gift exchange at his work. Part of his gift was a Nerf gun...it was the first gift to be stolen so many times that it could not be stolen any more. At his whole company party, Adam won a spa gift certificate (Ashleigh assumes the win) and movie tickets (Ashleigh shares the win). Not bad, right? Then his CFO blasts Adam's department using his own giant Nerf gun against which everyone was defenseless. Next day, Adam's department all get Nerf guns and have a fight in the office for half of the day, practicing for when the CFO returns. Adam got a Nerf dart to the forehead, haha. This spiraled into Adam's gift idea for his whole family - Nerf guns for a Moore War.

At my office, I made "yummy yummy cucumber sandwiches" for a baby shower we had for a co-worker. Then at my work party, we got free food and bowling at Lucky Strike in Hollywood. The raffle prizes were a FlipCam (I know my mom could use), an iPad (don't know what we'd do with that), and a big screen TV (we'd definitely love). Luck was not in my favor, but Erin Wyche won the big screen and I felt like I won it too. Way to go, Erin!

Crouching Bengal, Hidden Peyton

Then after babysitting kitties for a few days and having lots of fun with them, we had a wonderful meal and delicious sweet treats and games at the Rix's home. I still want to steal Scarlett. Maybe one of the best parts of the night was while we were playing Christmas Charades and little Boston came into the room "disturbing the adults" and wanting to play. His dad told him to go in the middle and say, "Ho, Ho, Ho!" In his little voice, he did it and we all loudly cheered and clapped, prompting Boston to giggle hilariously, jump up and down, and charge into his daddy's arms. Sooooooo cute! So each of the kids got their turn doing the same. Hahaha.

Christmas Eve, we had a wonderful dining experience yet again at the Fawley home. More political conversation ensued, so I found myself preferring to do the dishes and chat with the women in the kitchen. Finally we were able to catch the men's attention and get them out the door to the Powalski residence for delicious coconut cake and Christmas carols 'til late in the evening.

Christmas morning, I got in the shower while Adam went out to the car to get my gift which I opened from the shower...he wanted me to open it then because I'm always cold when I get out of the shower. He bought me a comfy, soft, and cozy spa bathrobe which I really enjoyed upon shower exit. We then put PJ's on and returned to my parent's house. They made yummy breakfast which we ate before dad switched on the good ole video camera...a tradition while opening gifts. Unfortunately the battery or tape ran out, so not all of it made it on DV, but at least Adam made his first appearance there. The gifts were abundant and very generous. After some more time and chatting, we headed out to change and grab the gifts still at our place that we needed to take to Adam's family. So over the freeway and through the golf course to Grandmother's house we drove. There, I got to play a new card game called Sleeping Queens with the girls (Brooke, Gina, Lisa, and Andrea) which was really fun! We had more delicious and wonderful food to fill our bellies before opening even more presents. I was not expecting to be spoiled again - twice in one day. But there, I was showered again with the generosity and love of others. Adam's family got a kick out of the Nerf gun idea and the next day they had a nice big Moore War like we had hoped they would!

Sunday, we enjoyed a relaxing day at Church and then organized our presents and living room...feels good to do that! Funny side note - when I was teaching the 4 year olds a week ago, I was telling them about Mary & Joseph and the Star and the Innkeeper, etc. Their response - "What about Santa Clause?!?!" "Well," I continued, "Santa brings us presents to remind us of the greatest gift our Heavenly Father gave us - Jesus!" I'm not sure it stuck. But anyway, we also enjoyed a nice little visit from a very special friend (SDR) whom we hope to see again tonight!

Monday, we had a busy, busy day. I went to the gym in the morning while Adam went to the shooting range with his brother Mike. We all met at Adam's work for some fun ice skating with Adam's family, our Bishop and his boys, and Erin F. So much fun! Greg played goalie with all of his gear and let us try to score on him. Adam has some great video of Brooke which I'll try to get on here later. After an excellent time of freezing fun, we headed up the freeway to Oggi's for a nice big lunch before Adam had to jet off to referee in Huntington. The Moore Family visited with us at our place until it was time for Adam to leave. I jumped in the car with him and we were off again. Adam did an excellent job reffing, if I may say so, and even got to give out two technical fouls! That makes it exciting for me! He finds it humorous that I get mad when I hear the coaches or fans criticize the refs when he's out there. But they are wrong! Haha. The fans were actually great, it was just the coaches that irritated me this time. How do you think the athletes are going to improve their game if the coach tells them EVERY TIME that the ref was wrong and they didn't really foul? Lame. But what wasn't lame was that we got to visit the Bell & Parks Families afterward! Yay!! Mari & Matt, thanks for the meal! We had fun conversation, a little teasing, and played a game that Matt didn't win (apparently he always wins) and that I DID win (which is pretty crazy because I never beat Adam)! Yay!!! And Mari gave me a really cute ring that she made! Oh, and I can't fail to mention that their dog Denali is BEAUTIFUL! If I can't have Scarlett, I'll take Denali.

Now, the season is slowly passing, I've really missed my sister, Adam is back at work, I've been going to the gym every day (nice), we're still looking to buy a place, I'm looking forward to my new class and not looking forward to going back to my job. At least I'll be getting some help in the next few weeks. Megan, thank you!

Not sure what we're doing for New Year's Eve, but maybe New Year's Day Adam and I can paint pictures for each other like we did two years ago on New Year's Day before we shared our first kiss. I love him so much and of all the things I am grateful for, he and Jesus top the list.

Love, Family, and ThanksGIVING?

I'm really sad that we didn't take any pictures! San Diego was beautiful this Thanksgiving Day. The beauty is supplemented when you add the ones you love...and lots of good food! We enjoyed another Thanksgiving feast at the Rancho Santa Fe Clubhouse thanks to Grandma & Grandpa Moore. Lots of chatting, storytelling, and eating. I love listening to Grandpa Moore talk about his life. Unfortunately, this visit I kept asking about his life adventures that were his disappointments like Mr. Britches and serving in the Air Force. Oops! At least he could find the humor in my failed attempt to hear about the glory days. At dinner, Grandma & Grandpa Moore heard Adam & Mike's golf cart story for the first time...as if it's not hilarious enough, their reactions made the story THAT much better. They also brought out some other details I hadn't heard before. If you haven't heard the story, it's worth asking them about...if Adam can keep himself from laughing so hard he can't get the words out!

Something I realized this year is that I do an awful lot of "thanks" because I am very thankful and I know I am blessed abundantly. However, I don't seem to ever do much "giving." I don't know why it's so hard for me. I like to give time and lend an ear or a shoulder or a hug, but I'm really not a good giver when it comes to giving gifts or assistance that supports people other than in an emotional way. I kind of think gifts are a waste of money unless you know someones needs something...like giving someone bed sheets from their registry for their wedding. But random gifts I find difficult to do even though I love getting them myself...like Monday night when I got home, there was a beautiful Pointsetta from the Primary Presidency! So thoughtful, but why wouldn't I do that myself? So with Christmas approaching, I get anxious because I'm such a horrible gift-giver. I can't afford nice gifts for everyone, but I'm not sure I'd know what to get them if I could. I'm given so much and yet my note-taking skills suffer and I don't know how to reciprocate. 

Day 17...that stuff all came off

For an update on my hand...it's looking good. The doc says I don't have to go in for check ups anymore. I just have to keep putting cream on it and covering it until it looks as good at my left wrist. 
 

Adam and I went to the Clipper game when they played the number one team at the time, New Orleans. Blake Griffin and his team stepped it up for the big game and with a couple of showy dunks, they were victorious! What a beautiful game! Not to mention we saw some people we knew at the game...like my girl Emily from college and one of my favorite editors Armen! Armen also set us up to be on the mega tron...he snapped this picture, but missed the gold mine when we kissed passionately and the noise meter almost broke!

Yeeeaaaahhh!! Photo Courtesy of Armen K!

My mom and Adam have been sick as of late. Boo. Adam's sinus infection has been keeping me up at night. He's going to try a Neti Pot to see if it works. Thank you!! I love him. My mom, despite her sick bug, decorated the Christmas tree and living room with love and presents! The highlight - an awesome train that goes around the tree. The cats love it! And so do I! Thank you! I love her.  

She's on Fire

Literally. 

Monday November 1st, 2010 - I walked to Fresh & Easy with some coworkers, bought some Pumpkin Spice Soup (seasonal flavor!), and walked back to heat it up. It was a hot day, but the flavor sounded so good! Directions: Place container on microwaveable plate. Remove lid. Replace lid lightly back on container. Heat in microwave 100% for 3-5 minutes...what is 100%? Anyway...when I pulled the plate out of the microwave, it folded. The container of soup spilled all over my hand and wrists, jeans, and the floor. I thought I went to wash it off right away, but my coworkers say I stood there staring for a short bit, then I went to the sink for cold water. There was no ice in the freezer, a bunch of people helped clean up the soup...I wanted to help but when I tried to dry off my hands, they burned so painfully! John opened the burn gel for me and Rick gave me his frozen vegetables. I sat down in the kitchen since I felt weak and then I felt nauseous. Erin suggested I let her help me to the bathroom. There, she turned a small trash can upside down so I could sit by the toilet. My breath was short, my body started to really sweat, I was dizzy, and I felt like sleeping. A couple other coworkers called 9-1-1 and asked me questions - all of which I was experiencing - and that is when I realized this was worse than I thought. The LAFD checked me out and approved for Erin to drive me to the hospital in lieu of taking the ambulance. Erin spent the rest of the day with me in the ER until they released me and gave me prescriptions and wrapped my hands. First and second degree burns, a few days off work recuperating, and paperwork. Thank heavens that Workman's Comp is covering it! Hallelujah!

Day 1

Day 3 - so much better

Adam's Truck

To add to the insanity, Adam's truck was hit in a parking lot on November 3rd and my kitty cat Bailey was attacked by some crazy animal late that night. After her ER visit, she could barely walk and refused to eat or drink. Poor baby! On top of that, my grandmother is very very sick.

In attempt to preempt any questions:

1 - No Adam's accident was not a hit and run. He is in talks with the insurance company.

2 - Bailey got some pain killers and she is eating, drinking, meowing, cuddling, and recovering...

3 - My hands are getting better. My left wrist is almost healed - I'm guessing it will be close to gone by the end of the week. The back of my right hand looks gross, but like it's healing. I would give it maybe two or three more weeks of Silvadene cream and bandages before it goes away. That one might scar. My right palm is pretty much healed now as is my right wrist with the exception of a few small circles. The worst part is the itching and occasional stinging.

Day 5 - Skin doing weird things, but healing

Luckily I have had people to wash my hair and give me baths. My mom will be washing my hair tonight and feeding me delicious Chicken Tortilla soup leftovers. Soooo yummy!

Another positive note - I got a new calling teaching the Sun Beams, a.k.a. the three year olds, at Church. Not only is this perfect because I am studying childhood development, but also because I love kids! I taught my first lesson yesterday and it was about the sacrament. Basically, I tried to make sure they get it that when we take the sacrament every Sunday, we need to be quiet and reverent and think about Jesus. This was the gist of it and I tried to say the same info over and over in different ways and with games and a story. To finish out the time, I had them color a picture of two children reading the scriptures. It said, "I love to learn about Jesus." When they finished, the parents still hadn't come yet, so I told them if they sat nice and reverently, I would call on them and I would draw a heart for them on the back of their coloring page. As each one came up, I asked if they want a heart because they love Jesus or a smiley face because Jesus makes them happy. Here is the sweet part: this little boy Jake asked me to write on his paper, "Jesus, I love you." That made my heart flutter a sweet symphony reminder that we are to be as the little children. It was the most endearing thing. LOVE.

Oh! And Shane & Ashley Harder's sealing was so wonderfully beautiful! I loved seeing an easily excitable man like Shane get more excited and joyful than he's ever been! Congrats you two!