Michael Scott, here
Monday, October 18, 2010
My best friend, Errika had her little one! She had April Rayn on Friday at 5:59 p.m. and she weighed 8.9lbs and was 21.25in long with a full head of hair. Just beautiful and perfect. Errika made everything look so easy and smooth. She was herself throughout the whole thing: smiling, laughing, and asking silly questions.
Me? Well, I guess you can call me Michael Scott (The Office) because that's exactly how I felt. For those that don't know Michael, he's very intrusive; always has to be in the middle of someone else's intimate moments. I know, Errika asked me to be there and I was privileged and beyond thrilled that she would ask something like that from me, but I really hope that she didn't see me as "in the way." Haha before going, I was tempted to Google something like "labor and delivery photographer ettiquette," but figured that most photographer aren't best friends with the person in labor. So, I told myself that I wouldn't speak unless spoken to, wait for cues to know it's okay to get certain shots, and not be in her husband's way whatsoever. Only two of those actually happened! I definitely talked, but wasn't running my mouth non-stop. I cheered her on quietly, but kept it mild enough for her husband to say that he was running the show. :) The whole time, I acted as though my photography was second priority; If her husband stepped away or moved positions, I would jump in, take as many photos as I could, and when he came back, I moved immediately. I know that he appreciated that because of course he'd rather be by her side, comforting her, holding her hand, and keeping the rag on her forehead cool.
All that I have to say is that this girl is hawt! She stayed hawt during her entire labor and delivery and made giving birth look like a piece of cake. Her and her husband have this amazing, spoken-without-words kind of language and neither of them skipped a beat; they were there for each other in every way possible. You can see their love for each other radiating from every thing they did and said to each other. They are now a family of 3 and I am excited and eager to see what the future holds for them; plenty of happiness, laughter, and love, I'm sure. Congratulations to your new family, mama!
Posted byAshley C. at 9:22 AM 0 Love Notes
Labels: friends, love, photography
500+ memories
Saturday, September 11, 2010
I just finished going through all of my photos on Facebook and right clicking them and 'save as' onto my computer. They have to be restored since *sniff sniff* all of my other photos were stolen; but we won't talk about that because I've learned to just let it go and move on. BUT, as I was going through 500+ photos, I felt like I was going through this emotional rollercoaster ride. Here are some things I learned and felt:
1) I looked so much better last Summer when I weighed 129.
2) Some time soon, I need to get back to Indonesia and rescue my heart.
3) I need to go back to Naples, FL and rescue the other piece of my heart.
4) Josh's muscles are/were enough to make me melt.
5) On that topic, I've got one very handsome fiance.
6) Josh and I have changed so much (looks wise).
7) We were not very active this Summer.
8) I cannot and will not look the way I do now on our wedding day.
9) Me and my Lover have been lots of places together.
10) I've been to 3 weddings in such a short time-period.
11) My nephew is pretty much a grown man now. Nooo!
12) While writing this list, I am thinking about how much I want to give my fiance a kiss and eat ice cream . . .
Posted byAshley C. at 3:17 PM 0 Love Notes
Labels: Andrew, Josh, love, random, vacation
The ring!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Posted byAshley C. at 8:30 PM 0 Love Notes
Labels: engagement, Josh, love
We're engaged!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Finally! You know what I'm talking about! I no longer have to wish and hope and dream about the proposal. ;-] I am officially soon-to-be Mrs. Joshua Staples!!!! Woot woot!!!! If my computer weren't charging, I would still be running around the house screaming and dancing . . . and posing with my new ring in the mirror! ;-]
Yesterday, Josh and I spent the entire afternoon hanging out at Navy Pier. The weather was perfect; the breeze was perfect; the Summery, warm, comfortable feeling of the day couldn't have been better. We walked around Navy Pier and decided to take a seat on one of the benches. I kicked my legs over his, he layed his arm across my shoulders and we just hung out and flirted. Not just any kind of flirting; the kind of flirting where I have to ask myself, Have we really been dating for 5 years? the kind of flirting that stirs butterflies in my stomach. I was cuddled in his arms and simply enjoying the moment for what it was. After we both could no longer fight our hunger feeling, we agreed to grab dinner at Harry Caray's. While eating dinner, I told him, You know that day that I've been wanting all Summer? The day where we just hang out, walk hand-in-hand with our ice cream cones, enjoying each other's company? This is that day. This day is so perfect it seems unreal. He just smiled. Shortly after, I told him, Babe, I just want you to know that I don't even need a ring. As long as I can have your last name, I am perfectly okay with that. He just laughed and said "Yeah right!"
After dinner, we rode the ferris wheel and then were determined to find a bench amongst the tons and tons of people standing around waiting for a bench to clear to watch the fireworks. We found the perfect bench and were sure that there wasn't a better seat at Navy Pier. After the fireworks were over, I stood up and was ready to go since he had work the next morning and we had a long ride home, but Josh asked, "What time is it?" 9:12, I said. "Sit back down, we still have some time to hang out." So, we decided just to hang around and enjoy the perfect, warm breeze and that special moment that is so difficult to duplicate. He had his arm around my shoulders and I kicked my feet up on the bench, leaned my back into his side, rested my head on his chest and nestled in closely to him.
Why don't you just propose to me already? Hey, wouldn't it be so cool if when you . . . And I was cut off by Josh placing this beautiful diamond ring in front of me. I quickly gasped for a breath, turned around and looked at Josh, who was already on his knee. Babe, are you serious?
"Ashley Leilani-Nicole Couch, I love you sooo much. Will you marry me?" And the only word that could come out of my mouth was Yes. I grabbed him in the tightest hug and just started crying. Crying because I couldn't have imagined a more perfect moment, on a more perfect day, with the most perfect guy I have ever met. I couldn't believe that the moment I had been waiting for for so long had finally just happened. The ring that he placed on my finger was THE perfect ring.
I just kept hugging him, looking at him, and kissing him . . . and repeated about 30 times haha! He said, "If I would have known I was going to get this many kisses, I would have asked sooner!" So we just sat around, talked about what each other was feeling, assuring him that the ring was absolutely perfect, and promising that I didn't know he had a jewelry box in his side pocket. Any of you that know me know that I ask Josh every day When are we getting engaged? Is the day any closer? Are we going to be engaged by ______? Have you even purchased the ring yet? What does my ring look like? You already know the day you're going to ask me? I am just the biggest eager beaver when it comes to wanting to be his fiance. So for me to tell him, Why don't you just propose to me already? was just another comment/question that the day couldn't end without. But, I did not expect him to take me literally! :-]
I still cannot believe that he is my fiance! It really hasn't hit me, I don't think. I can't believe that within the next year we will be shopping for wedding bands, looking for a place to live, joining our bank accounts (YES! I mean . . . ), looking for wedding attire, looking at furniture and appliances . . . taking steps to sharing the same last name . . . eeeek, it sounds amazing!!!!!
And for those of you that are curious, the ring is a 1.5 carat solitaire. ;-] Yipeeee!!!! Homie did good!!!
Posted byAshley C. at 7:53 PM 2 Love Notes
Labels: engagement, Josh, love, summer
Here I come
Thursday, August 5, 2010
I've noticed things about my blog. Not really good things, but not bad things either. This area is supposed to be a reflection of my life: my feelings, things going on, my faith, struggles, etc. It hasn't been. I've made a habit of blabbering on about what's going on day-to-day, but not what's going on inside. As far as I know, I don't have any new readers, but if I did, they probably wouldn't know the real Ashley. They wouldn't know my deep struggles, the things that keep me awake at night, the things that I can't "shake off." Matter of fact, you probably don't either. I haven't been sharing the real me. I wouldn't necessarily say that I am being fake, because I have been sharing real things with you all, but I haven't been sharing the important things. I think that it because once I write them, they are absolutely true and not just a figment of my imagination or something that I am currently working on but instead a real life problem.
My number one struggle right now is my faith. I am a firm believer in Christ and I would not doubt for a minute that I am truly saved. I believe in my heart that God raised his Son from the grave and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is Lord . . . that's all it takes to be saved. I think that I have taken advantage of the comfortable life of a Christian and have not been living my faith out loud or making sacrifices that I know would make my God proud to call His own. I have not read my Bible in more than 6 months and have not prayed a real prayer in longer than that. I've been such a negative person with a very pessimistic outlook on life and me and I am so sure that me and Josh's relationship is the number one reflection of how my relationship with God (and myself) is at any given moment. God is love. God teaches love. Without God, you cannot truly love. I have noticed how my lack of love with God has had an influence with everyone around me, including myself. I have been in the crabbiest, most unpleasant mood that I cannot change no matter what I try. I have tried filling this void with things that are "scientifically" supposed to work like tanning, shopping, sleeping, etc. But to be honest, nothing can fill the void of the absence of God in one's life. What do I think I'm doing? I tend to think Ah, I'm not that far from God. I can get back to Him if/when I want to. But, that's Satan's lies. He wants me to think I am in good standing with God. He wants me to think that things aren't "that bad." What he doesn't want is for me to grow in my relationship with God. Everything that I'm feeling is what he's feeling because he knows that he's doing a darn good job at it. He's kept his lies up long enough and kept me from my God long enough and I feel like it's time to bring this to an end.
I often think about His Word as a love letter to me. He wrote that love letter for me to read and be inspired, praise Him, turn to Him, love Him. That letter has been sitting there, on my nightstand, for months and months, left unopened. If Josh were to write me a letter, you better believe that I would tear that thing open, full of eagerness to hear what he wants to tell me; hear how much he loves me; hear about our plans for the future. I would never let a letter from Josh sit that for months and months on end. How could I? How could I think that what Josh has to say is more important than what my Creator has to say?
I need to find true love and happiness and I know that I have been looking in the wrong spot . . . but I see something right there, poking around the corner, waiting for me to go pick it up. Here I come.
Posted byAshley C. at 9:00 AM Post a comment (1) Love Notes
Labels: God, Josh, love, struggles
I can't wait
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
You already know that Josh and I have been together for quite some time (well, nearly 5 years to be more clear), and I talk a lot about being engaged to him. Okay, maybe not on here because I don't want to seem like a crazy, mad, obsessive woman, but ask the people I encounter on a regular basis. ;-]
Today, I told Josh, I really can't wait until we're engaged! and he replied, "And then when we're engaged, you'll say 'I can't wait until we are married.'" So I laughed and told him, Yeah, you're right. Of course, since he knows me so well, he tells me, "Then, when we're married, you'll be saying, 'I can't wait to have babies!'" Haha, then I'll be saying that I can't wait until these babies are out of the house and we're on our own again. Here's the scary part: Josh finishes by telling me, "And then, when our babies are out of the house and we're old together, you'll tell me 'I can't wait until we're in heaven together.'"
I guess, that last part is probably very true, but very scary at the same time. I'm always looking forward to the next big thing, the next life-changing event to occur and I'm kind of overlooking what's in front of me now. Josh and I are sooo happy together, and sure, being married will enable us to do a lot more, but what's wrong with living in the now, right now? Times flies and I don't want to be one of those old people that look back on their lives and say "Where did it all go?" I want to look back at my life and be completely satisfied with everything and know that God's timing in my life was nothing less than perfect. You know what the cool thing about what Josh said is though? That God will create a whole new earth, and that means that Josh and I will be able to live for eternity. Together. There will be no I can't wait for this. I can't wait for that. God will make us perfect beings and living solely by His will. I told Josh that means that we can have lots and lots and lots of babies since there will be no pain in Heaven. :-]
Posted byAshley C. at 7:46 PM Post a comment (1) Love Notes
I'll remember that . . .
Friday, July 16, 2010
I read a blog post the other day that was about finding the best in your husband. Sure, I'm not married yet, but I am madly in love with my little stinker of a boyfriend. :-] Over the past couple of days, I can tell that my attitude has changed towards things that I would have nagged or complained about.
Before I get annoyed by you hanging out with me immediately after work and falling asleep, I'll remember that because of you, we are financially stable and our bills are paid.
Before I get irritated with you not acknowledging that I look nice in a certain outfit or with a certain hair style, I'll remember that you will love me unconditionally, even after the hair and outfit change.
Before I nag to you about not going somewhere fun or different this weekend, I'll remember we had lots of spurts of fun and different throughout the week.
Before I am embarrassed about going out with you wearing wrinkly clothes, I'll remember that you rushed with all you had to hang out ASAP.
Before I start annoying you about proposing to me, I'll remember that you're one of very few men that will wait for God's will to unravel in your life and wait for Him to do the same in mine.
Before I become annoyed and upset that you push me to work out and watch what I eat, I'll remember that you're only going to be as happy with my body as I am . . . but that you'll love me regardless.
I love you (and all of your quirks) so, so, so much, Lover.
Posted byAshley C. at 2:14 PM Post a comment (1) Love Notes
Labels: Josh, lesson learned, love
I love that about us.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
I love him more than I could have ever imagined possible. We make the best team that ever was. We are by no means perfect, but we love each other as though the other is. When I look at or hear about other's relationships, I cannot help but compare what Josh and I have. Sure, it sounds bad, but it's not me comparing what Josh and I do better, just what we do differently. I never would have guessed that I would be able to hold a conversation without arguing, know what "compromise" means, know that it's not all about me, and really, really want to put someone else before me. He has definitely brought out the better in me. Sure, we have our days (and what couple doesn't?), but we can bounce back from any conflict because we know how to empathize and respect one another. Again, this isn't me saying look what Josh and I have but just me reflecting and really seeing and understanding that our love is different than many others. Sometimes when I look at other couples, I think to myself wow, I really liked the way that was done. I can give kudos and I am always thinking of ways to fix "those things" that I don't feel are too functional for us. Josh is an amazing man and literally the most patient person I've ever met. Our personalities work perfectly for the other. There is no one better for me than him and him for me. We just work like that. No one could ever fully understand us. :-] I love that about us.
Posted byAshley C. at 3:46 PM 0 Love Notes
My guy
Saturday, May 8, 2010
The other day, one of the girls here, at the salon, let me borrow a book called Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man. It's a book very similar to Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus. I bought the book a couple of years ago when I took the train with my mom to Michigan. It was a very interesting book and something that I was easily able to "get into," but it kind of made me think a little.
I don't know about your boyfriends or husbands, but there is no book that can tell me why mine acts or thinks the way he does. I don't mean that in a demeaning way, I say that and mean that my guy is not the same that these so-called "Psychologists" have studied or hung around. My guy is one-of-a-kind, unique. My guy is one that knows and loves God and tries his darndest to reflect the attitude of Christ. My guy is one that knows exactly how to read me and does not fight in order to figure it out. My guy is one that is not in it for the sex but for a reciprocating kind of love. My guy does not act differently in front of family or friends but loves and treats me the same whether in front of an audience of 10 or 1. My guy knows how to communicate what he wants or needs from our relationship.
With that being said, I think those kinds of books are a little useless. When I read the Mars/Venus book, the only thing I got out of it was that if I try to understand Josh more than I can at the present moment, I am only becoming confused and expecting things from our relationship that do not exist simply because he is not them. I learned that I will only be able to understand and know what Josh wants, needs, or feels if we communicate with each other. The books are basically saying that you can walk up to a stranger, not say a thing, and not know a single thing about them and be able to have a strong, enduring relationship because you simply read 300 pages in a book about the male race. Nope. Doesn't work that way.
I love my unique guy. He is different than yours, that's for sure. :-]
Posted byAshley C. at 6:13 PM Post a comment (1) Love Notes
Labels: Josh, lesson learned, love
"I'll always love us."
Friday, April 2, 2010
There is something beautiful about the weather "breaking." Something that makes a love feel new and fresh. Josh and I are in love in so many different unexplainable ways, but when warm Spring weather begins to show it's face, there is something that makes our love feel new and magical.
After I got off of work yesterday, Josh and I went to get Culver's for dinner (and man, has it never tasted sooo good!) and drove to the lakefront to go rollerblading. The whole way there, we had the windows down, the music up, and were singing out loud with our fingers linked . . . a magic that made us feel like a new, carefree couple. Because the weather hasn't been nice (at all!), this was kind of our first chance to get back on our rollerblades and it felt so good! The warm breeze off of the lake was wonderful!
After some time skating, we took a seat on a bench and were watching and admiring this cute pregnant woman walking by the pier and talking about how we can't wait until we are in that chapter of our lives. It began getting a little too chilly from the lake, so we headed back to the car. I was kind of sad about leaving, because I didn't want to leave that magic there, on the lake. I know he felt what I was feeling and in order to remind us that that is who we are, no matter what season, he grabbed me by my waist and gently pushed me against the car and kissed me slowly, without words, telling me, "I'll always love us" . . . it felt so new and unreal . . . until a couple of young kids shouted, "Wooo look at that!" Nice. :-]
I can deal with this whole warm weather thing. ;-]
Posted byAshley C. at 1:48 PM 0 Love Notes
I have fallen in love
Friday, March 5, 2010
Today I have fallen in love with Josh even more. Yesterday we had a talk. Josh told me that he's really been praying a lot about us. He told me that we should wait longer to be married. After all of the time we've ever talked about being married, we were almost sure that we would be getting married in 2010 but after yesterday, I think that's changed. He suggested that we wait a little bit longer to get our financial situation straightened out, have time to establish ourselves in our careers, and most important of all, become closer to God. As ashamed I am to admit this, he asked me "have you been praying for us?" And I had to be honest. No! He looked me in my eyes and said "I am not comfortable being the only one in this relationship praying for us. You need to be close to God."
I took his advice and I am going to pursue after God the way I never have before.
While in the car today I told Josh, "This is it. I need to be the Christian girl I used to be." He replied by saying, "No, you need to be the Christian woman you've never been." That . . . that is the most loving thing that someone can tell you. I thank God for my godly man.
Posted byAshley C. at 9:24 PM Post a comment (1) Love Notes
Labels: Christianity, Josh, love
Midget Flowers
Friday, February 12, 2010
Ever since day one, Josh and I have had terrible luck when it comes to ordering flowers from online. When they are delivered, they look nothing like the picture. Nothing at all. The worst part of it all is that they cost so much and you look forward to the other person getting them and when they get there, they aren't what you ordered. Well, today when I got to work, I had flowers here waiting for me! I opened up the box and took everything out and set it all up. I texted Josh right away (since he was at work) and thanked him up and down! When he called me, he asked "What do they look like?" And I explained that they came in a box and were wrapped in plastic and I had to set it all up. He was so upset. Haha! He was so upset because he said that he told them to deliver them at 4 (while I was at work) and paid extra for the long-stem roses and thought it was going to be a guy delivering them vase-in-hand. Well, I came into work at 2 and they were already here, in their box, delivered via UPS. And they weren't long-stem.
Josh was being such a good troop about it and started making jokes and laughing about how cheap and silly he looked sending flowers in a box to his girlfriend. "They must have mixed my order up with a cheap highschool kid sending flowers to his girlfriend in class. I will never show my face at your work again! At least you're happy with your midget flowers wrapped in plastic with a suffocated Teddy Bear. Was the little balloon even blown up?"
I absolutely love my flowers from Josh. They are beautiful . . . even if they came in a box. I love his thoughtfulness and his eagerness to make me smile. He shows his love to me in so many ways and this is just another way that can be added to the list. I love gifts and surprises from him, but I love the way he loves me the most. He treats me with love like I've never experienced before. I love you, Honey and I really appreciate my beautiful midget flowers.
Tonight is our Valentine's Day date since we are going to the Chicago Auto Show tomorrow and celebrating our nephew's birthday on Sunday. I can't wait until he gets his Valentine's Day gift! :-]
Posted byAshley C. at 1:34 PM 0 Love Notes
Simply waiting
Friday, January 29, 2010
Being patient is really hard. I have given up on asking Josh, When are you going to propose?! or Are we closer yet? I've really found it to be a lost cause. As I've mented time and time before, Josh and I have done a lot of talking and praying and know that this is what we want (and what God approves of). The hard part is waiting. Waiting for a time that proves us financial stable. Waiting for a time that we know we are emotionally and spiritually ready. Simply waiting.
The more we care for and interact with our nephew, it makes me want to start a family now. When Josh and I are cuddled up, making plans and naming our babies and the godliness that will be in our home and the colors that our bedroom or living room will be, I want nothing more than that. I want to start shopping for our new home, I want to start paying off our debt so that we can start our beautiful family, I just want to plan and build towards our forever. I know, people always say "it's not about the destination, but the journey." That is so much easier said than done. I suppose that's the way our human nature was shaped. We will never find rest in anything this world can offer; only eternity with our God can truly satisfy us. BUT God has given us the things in our lives to enjoy and I just want to enjoy them! :-]
Josh is my man. I have never been as happy as I am now and I couldn't imagine what life would be like without him. He has been a bigger blessing than I could have ever asked for. He is the only one that I could see myself living forever with and the only one I would want to have a family with. He is my protector, confidant, best friend, cuddle buddy, motivator, encourager. My definition of what a husband needs to be (oh, and he's pretty handsome, too!).
The longer it takes for him to propose keeps showing me how much I ask him. I must be pretty stinkin' annoying. The way I look at it, each day is a day closer to our day, so I'll just keep that in mind. Although, it would be nice if it happened sooner than later! At the end of the way, I'd secretly wait 80 more years for him if I had to.
Posted byAshley C. at 2:16 PM 0 Love Notes
My future husband?!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
The other night, I was on Facebook chatting with one of my favorite bloggers. She is an amazing photographer, mom, Christian, writer, etc. Well, she just started her new website and to kick it off, she is giving away a free photography session! I told her that I would totally drive the 11-12 hours to get photos done with her. I wasn't lying. Anyway, I asked her that if I were to win it, could I hold off on the deal until I get a chance to drive down to South Carolina. It just so happens that me and Josh have a good friend that just moved to North Carolina, so I figured that when we go visit him next Spring-ish, we could go to get pictures done with Drea, too! How cool would that be?! And even if I don't win, I still plan on getting photos done with her (maybe engagement ;-]) It would be so awesome to meet her! :-]
Anyway, my reason in telling you that story was that she mentioned me in her blog! How awesome! I am a star struck person and to me, she's famous and she mentioned me. LOL And she mentioned Josh as my "future husband." It's so strange to hear that. We aren't even engaged. People always say things like, "Oh, you're already married," and refer to Josh's family as my family, and mine as his. It's really cool. It's real! Me and him are going to be married some day and I'm going to be his wife! I cannot wait! We make a really good team and I cannot wait to see what's in store for us. I love that kid. :-]
Posted byAshley C. at 6:05 PM Post a comment (1) Love Notes
We have names!
Monday, September 28, 2009
"Ti-ti" and Uncle "Dosh" finally have names! I thought I would just give it a whirl and see if Andrew would copy me and say our names and he did. The amazing thing about this is that he doesn't only know our names, but he knows us. My sister handed Andrew a picture of us four (Me, Josh, Ann-Marie, and Andrew), and he pointed to everyone of us saying our names. I know, he is 19 months, so he should be able to do this stuff at this point, but now that he is actually doing it, it's impressive. I can remember his actual birth day like it was yesterday, now to look at who he has become warms my heart. It's amazing to see the way God has given this child habits, a personality, and an attitude . . . he's uniquely Andrew and I love it. It's really cool to see the changes that occur and how easy it is to teach him new things.
Posted byAshley C. at 6:24 PM 0 Love Notes
Labels: Andrew, family, Josh, love
Gospel, dates, and THAT day
Friday, September 18, 2009
I am so excited! A couple of days ago, I bought me and Josh tickets to "How Sweet The Sound." It is a gospel choir competition in Chicago. I remember seeing the commercials last year and wanted to go, but it just never happened, so we are going for sure in two weeks! I am a fan of the majority of gospel music, but not all of it . . . hopefully this will be as enjoyable as we are anticipating. Plus, the tickets were only $5 each . . . the most expensive part was parking . . . $31; does that make any sense to you? Yeah, us neither. But hey, new experiences, right?
We have a mini date tonight . . . dinner and a movie. Okay, maybe that's something we do all of the time, but when you label it "date," the atmosphere is a little different. So, dinner and a chick flick (which he actually wants to see!).
I love hanging out with my Lover . . . he's the only one that opens me up and completely understands me. The funny thing about that is that I wouldn't even call that aspect "love;" there is so much more of that word that we have . . . but when you have several aspects of love and the complicated aspects of friendship . . . that's something unique and special.
P.S. I told Josh today that I needed my (promise) ring cleaned and threw in, " . . . but maybe I don't even need it cleaned because I'll have a replacement soon . . . " and he agreed. Maybe he was just throwing me a bone, but I just have to keep reminding myself that everyday is closer to THAT day. :-]
Posted byAshley C. at 1:31 PM 0 Love Notes
simplistic entertainment
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Half a week of school can be exhausting! This is my seventh semester of college and I have never had to go every single day . . . until now. It really stinks. I have always had the convenience of going to class every other day. Because I am packing my schedule full, I will never have to drive to Parkside again after December. Woo Hoo!!
Because it has been such a hectic, stressful week, I think I just want to relax today. Unfortunately I had to work this morning, but when I get home, I am going to go rent some movies, clean, work out, shower, cook dinner, and just relax . . . all day. I feel like busy-ness was my life story all summer, but when you can't slow down and relax whenever you want, you tend to appreciate it more when you finally get the chance.
. . . random . . . but as I'm writing this, I watched a kid across the street run his car into his fence, crack his side-view mirror, pull forward, reverse, and then take the whole thing off; maybe he should be relearning some basic driving concepts. He doesn't think anyone saw him, but I did . . .
Anyway, me and my lover haven't gotten a chance to simply hang out. During the summer, we are always going here, stopping there, walking to this place, rollerblading to that place; we never just sit around and be bored anymore. I think that renting movies, eating a home-cooked meal, and baking cupcakes together would be fun and relaxing for us both. I miss him. I mean, we are always together but not always together if you know what I mean. People can be in each other's presence, but not enjoying each other's presence for the simplicity that it holds. I want to be able to do that more often . . . just enjoy simple company and not have to be doing entertaining things all the time.
Enjoy your Saturday whether action-packed or slow!
Posted byAshley C. at 10:14 AM 0 Love Notes
Labels: Josh, love, random, relaxing, school
Oh, that love!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
I feel like I need to make one thing clear. This week, you would not believe how many people have referred to their new boyfriends/crushes as their "Josh." For those of you that don't know, Josh is my boo, my best friend, my everything. I love my Josh, but there's something that I need to make sure is clear.
Me and Josh are as happy as two peas in a pod and I could not ask for me. He is the most chivalrous guy (opens all my doors, tells me I'm beautiful every day, gives me his jacket, carries me if my feet hurt, etc.). A lot of times, I do not feel like I even deserve him. We are the happiest couple that I know of and we have a love that I cannot describe. But . . .
The last thing I ever want to portray is that we are perfect; we are not. We have our pity little arguments, we have our childish fights, we pick on each other and have our "days." I am just really afraid that a lot of people think that we aren't "normal." I never, ever want people to think that's what I am displaying because that's the last thing I want it to look like. The major (the absolute biggest) difference between Josh and other guys is that he tries to have the love and attitude like that of Jesus. When people look at Josh and the way he treats me, more than anything, I want them to ask, "Where did he get that? Where did he learn that? How is he so patient and kind?" I want Josh's love to be a witness of his relationship with Christ . . . not that he is immortal and the "perfect guy."
So, girls, you will never find the perfect guy . . . he doesn't exist. You might find a guy that has a relationship with God and shows his love to you the way God taught him to, but he's got his flaws and he will always try his best to love you the way he knows how. The one thing I have learned is that the more you love God, the more love you have to share with others. If you are distant from God, you will be distant from others . . . your relationship with others is going to mimic your relationship with God.
Posted byAshley C. at 5:26 PM 0 Love Notes
Our fourth anniversary!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Now that I can say something, let me tell you what I made Josh. I thought it would be a good idea to express just how much he means to me and the affect he has had on my life in a different kind of way. I made him this tabbed scrapbook binded with 3 rings. On the front cover, I just stitched the word "Inspiration" and had some other designs, too. On the inside, I explained what the book was about and just shared some sentimental moments and followed that by different lessons that he has taught me; each lesson had its own layout, designs, pictures, and a page of journaling. I did four lessons and then I ended the book with more journaling about "What's to come." He really loved it. I put so much work into it and was afraid that it wasn't going to get done.
I also made him a CD with a bunch of songs that reminded me of our relationship: Christian songs, ghetto songs (haha!), love songs, etc. And in between each song, I voice recorded myself saying what that songs meant to me and why I put it on that CD . . . but when I went to actually make the CD, the songs transferred, but the voice recordings didn't. Bummer.
Josh bought me a new iPod! I have been needing a new one for some time now because mine was lost at Parkside, then found again, then it broke . . . it's been through a lot and I think it just decided to give up! So, I have a brand new iPod touch that I love! He loaded it with "our songs" and that was our date music. :-]
Josh picked me up and had a big ol' bear and a dozen roses for me. It was so sweet! He was wearing a polo and I was wearing a summery black shirt (like our first date!). We had plans to go to the mall and go shopping (like he did the weekend before he left for his first year of college). We went into a few stores, but Josh was getting really hungry and my feet were hurting, so we left the mall a little early. Now, the day before our anniversary, I stopped into Uno's Bar and Grill and talked to the manager; I introduced myself, told him that me and my boyfriend were celebrating our fourth anniversary and we wanted to recreate our first date, so I wanted to same table. He was all for it, I made reservations for 9:15. Josh didn't know any of this.
When we left the mall to go to Uno's, it was only 8:30. So, before we went in, I told him that the reason I was stalling and taking my time was because we had reservations for 9:15 at "our table." He was really surprised! Well, we went in early and the table was open and available. The next thing we know, the manager brings us out a rose in a vase and a Hallmark card (I'm a sucker for Hallmark)! How sweet was that?! They were all so nice and polite to us and at the end of the night, they offered us dessert on the house . . . but we were too stuffed!
It was such a sweet date and I am glad that we went the simple route. He's the sweetest guy that I have ever met and I could never imagine someone replacing him. I cannot believe that we are now on our fifth year . . . crazy how time flies when you're having fun!
Posted byAshley C. at 8:22 AM 0 Love Notes
Labels: love
It's our anniversary!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Today is me and my lover's fourth anniversary! Let me tell you, this man deserves a lot of recognition for putting up with me for this long. When we first started dating, I was so argumentative, sassy, and, well . . . not the nicest girl he's ever known, I'm sure. But, as you can see, we are still together. I am so grateful for the love that he has taught me and the way he has helped "straighten" me up. I really wish I could do so much more for him, but I suppose love is the greatest gift, yeah?
Posted byAshley C. at 2:36 PM 0 Love Notes
