Porsche 911. 1963 1998 Libro PDF eBook
8 years ago
Friday, May 25, 2007
Monday, May 21, 2007
Passport Hell
Ok, I am going to vent for a minute... I have been trying to get one of our GreenHouse kids a passport for the past month. Out first challenge came in getting an official copy of his birth certificate. I think we "almost" went to apply for the passport three different times... First time he forgot it. Second time he only had a copy. Third time his mom forgot to send the official one with him to school.
Anyway, we finally get the official birth certificate in-hand. I go and pick Donta up from school and we (yay) head to the passport agency. This time we make it all the way inside, we put our name on the list, and we take a seat (at the orders of the barking Passport Official on duty). We had been sitting there about five minutes. I kept looking at the birth certificate over and over, making sure it was really an official copy. I also kept re-reading his application to make sure everything looked correct... Then, just as I am getting really excited to have this whole affair over and done with, I ask Donta for his ID. "Uh, I didn't bring it."
$#!! - He didn't bring his ID. I truly could have screamed.
I look at my watch and it's 4:23... The passport office door says they are open until 6:00. At least we can run get the ID and make it back in time...
Or not, as we were walking out the door I sweetly lean over the counter and tell the Passport Official we will be right back; that he has forgotten his ID. She glares up at me and says, "I am not taking anyone after 4:30." I look at the door (which I will remind you says 6:00) and then back at her. She shakes her head and barks back "4:30."
So Donta is still passport-less. We are going to give it another go on Wednesday. Say a little prayer that we can get on the Passport Nazi's list!
Anyway, we finally get the official birth certificate in-hand. I go and pick Donta up from school and we (yay) head to the passport agency. This time we make it all the way inside, we put our name on the list, and we take a seat (at the orders of the barking Passport Official on duty). We had been sitting there about five minutes. I kept looking at the birth certificate over and over, making sure it was really an official copy. I also kept re-reading his application to make sure everything looked correct... Then, just as I am getting really excited to have this whole affair over and done with, I ask Donta for his ID. "Uh, I didn't bring it."
$#!! - He didn't bring his ID. I truly could have screamed.
I look at my watch and it's 4:23... The passport office door says they are open until 6:00. At least we can run get the ID and make it back in time...
Or not, as we were walking out the door I sweetly lean over the counter and tell the Passport Official we will be right back; that he has forgotten his ID. She glares up at me and says, "I am not taking anyone after 4:30." I look at the door (which I will remind you says 6:00) and then back at her. She shakes her head and barks back "4:30."
So Donta is still passport-less. We are going to give it another go on Wednesday. Say a little prayer that we can get on the Passport Nazi's list!
Friday, May 18, 2007
Great, Easy Recipe
I am turning into quite the little cook and have a bruschetta recipe that is getting rave reviews. (My dad, who is an excellent cook, said it was the best he's ever had. It may have been one of those "proud dad" comments, but I'm gonna milk it for all it's worth!)
Anyway, this is quick, healthy, and (I think) super yummy...
1 can Northern Beans
1 small can greek olives
drizzle of olive oil
fresh basil
1/2 carton cherry tomatoes
Goat cheese
French baguette
Pre-heat over to 350
Drain and rinse beans and olives.
Chop olives, basil, and cherry tomatoes.
Throw everything into a bowl and mix (except cheese and baguette).
Spread a thin layer of goat cheese on each baguette.
Top with mixture.
Bake for 10 mins.
Anyway, this is quick, healthy, and (I think) super yummy...
1 can Northern Beans
1 small can greek olives
drizzle of olive oil
fresh basil
1/2 carton cherry tomatoes
Goat cheese
French baguette
Pre-heat over to 350
Drain and rinse beans and olives.
Chop olives, basil, and cherry tomatoes.
Throw everything into a bowl and mix (except cheese and baguette).
Spread a thin layer of goat cheese on each baguette.
Top with mixture.
Bake for 10 mins.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Exciting JL News
Since this was in the News and Record today, I feel completely comfortable posting it to my blog... Everything is still in the early stages but it's extremely exciting news! Keep your fingers crossed for us.
Starmount Shifts Plans for Corner Site
GREENSBORO - Starmount Co. has revised its plans to develop property at West Friendly Avenue and Green Valley Road. The longtime local developer still plans to donate about an acre there and the historic house on the property to the Junior League of Greensboro. But instead of moving the house to one end of the property and building offices near Green Valley, Starmount has decided to turn the remaining land into a park dedicated to company co-founder Blanche Sternberger Benjamin. The private company's board, which includes members of the Benjamin family, voted in favor of the park plan at a meeting earlier this month. Starmount hopes to donate the intended park — about 5 acres — to a nonprofit and reap the tax benefits. Even so, though, the company will be taking a financial hit. Building offices or townhomes on the land was a much more lucrative proposition than leaving it undeveloped. But those prospects might have cost Starmount some local goodwill; neighbors in Starmount Forest have opposed development at the corner. They see the Starmount property as the first in a line of dominoes falling along the south side of West Friendly. That area, part of the former town of Hamilton Lakes, was protected from rezoning for 50 years when it became part of the city of Greensboro. That protection expired Jan. 1. Ron Wilson, president of Starmount Residential, said the company's revised plans will set a precedent for limited residential growth along the corridor. He credited the company's board for supporting the plan and said area residents should follow suit. "They ought to be there backing it and saying 'Go team,'" said Wilson, who lives in Starmount Forest and has been on the receiving end of angry missives from some of his neighbors. City zoning and parks officials, and the City Council, will have to sign off on Starmount's development plans. Wilson said the company could seek a rezoning in August. Look for more in tomorrow's News & Record.
Starmount Shifts Plans for Corner Site
GREENSBORO - Starmount Co. has revised its plans to develop property at West Friendly Avenue and Green Valley Road. The longtime local developer still plans to donate about an acre there and the historic house on the property to the Junior League of Greensboro. But instead of moving the house to one end of the property and building offices near Green Valley, Starmount has decided to turn the remaining land into a park dedicated to company co-founder Blanche Sternberger Benjamin. The private company's board, which includes members of the Benjamin family, voted in favor of the park plan at a meeting earlier this month. Starmount hopes to donate the intended park — about 5 acres — to a nonprofit and reap the tax benefits. Even so, though, the company will be taking a financial hit. Building offices or townhomes on the land was a much more lucrative proposition than leaving it undeveloped. But those prospects might have cost Starmount some local goodwill; neighbors in Starmount Forest have opposed development at the corner. They see the Starmount property as the first in a line of dominoes falling along the south side of West Friendly. That area, part of the former town of Hamilton Lakes, was protected from rezoning for 50 years when it became part of the city of Greensboro. That protection expired Jan. 1. Ron Wilson, president of Starmount Residential, said the company's revised plans will set a precedent for limited residential growth along the corridor. He credited the company's board for supporting the plan and said area residents should follow suit. "They ought to be there backing it and saying 'Go team,'" said Wilson, who lives in Starmount Forest and has been on the receiving end of angry missives from some of his neighbors. City zoning and parks officials, and the City Council, will have to sign off on Starmount's development plans. Wilson said the company could seek a rezoning in August. Look for more in tomorrow's News & Record.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
GreenHouse Ecuador Team: Meet the Kids
I thought some of you might like to know a little about the kids we are taking to Ecuador this summer with Dustin's GreenHouse... I don't have pictures of them yet, but here is a quick overview.
Quadicia White has not had many opportunities offered to her but works incredibly hard in school and makes the most of her available resources. Her mother and stepfather are supportive parents, but because of their work schedules she is the primary caretaker in a household of (I think) six or seven children. Quadicia was recommended to Dustin’s GreenHouse by her science teacher at Grimsley High School.
Taylor Robinson will be a senior at Western Guilford High School next year. She has been raised by her mother and is a very impressive young lady; she has excellent manners, good grades, and respect for others. The Robinson’s financial situation limits Taylor from being able to experience things like travel, so this will be a once in a lifetime opportunity for her.
Cortni Denni is taking courses at Guilford Technical Community College and trying to improve her grades so she can apply to a four-year university. Cortni has struggled with some substance addictions in the past but has gone through rehabilitation and has been clean for over a year. She is an amazing young woman who is wise beyond her years. Cortni will do great things in society based on experiences she had (and lessons learned) at a very young age. Cortni will be considered a Junior-Leader on the trip.
Mary Gigliotti is a student at Ragsdale High School and a starter on the varsity soccer team. She is an incredible young lady who’s shy demeanor often shades an underlying, powerhouse personality. Mary is using her soccer connections to collect gently used sports equipment that we will be able to give out to kids in Ecuador. She has not done a lot of traveling before now, but will be one of those women who blossoms on our trip, in college, and in life.
Carrie Whitsett is a student at Eastern Guilford High School. Last year Eastern burned down and was relocated... Carrie’s shy personality caused her to be hesitant in adapting to the new social and academic environments at the temporary school, so two of her teachers recommended her for a Globetrotter trip. They felt a program like Dustin’s GreenHouse would help build confidence and cultural awareness into her life. Carrie is an incredible musician and artist, two talents we are hoping she will share with us while in Ecuador.
Jennifer Santillan is a student at High Point Central High School and was recommended to our program by the Latino Family Center where she is part of a program that educates teens about abstinence, drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. Because 3 out of 5 Latinas become pregnant, this is a very important program to have in her life. Jennifer’s parents do not speak English, so she is the primary translator for her family. She also takes care of her three younger siblings while her parents work.
Nick Foulks is a student at Western Guilford High School… Like many other team members, Nick has a supportive family environment, but has not had experience with international travel. Although Nick comes across quite shy, he will be a hero in the Ecuadorian villages. His athletic talents and size will awe kids... I hope he is ready to feel like a hero!
Elliott Montpellier was selected by Suzanne Caudle, the teacher who received the 2007 Dustin’s GreenHouse Teacher Scholarship. Mrs. Caudle was allowed to bring any student of her choosing and chose Elliott because of his maturity and love of science. Elliott is part of the Ragsdale High School Science Olympiad team and an AP student. He is wise beyond his years – the type of son every mother dreams to have. Elliott will undoubtedly encourage other members of this team to set high goals and set out the achieve them.
Mac Ellenburg is a student at High Point Central High School. He was recommended to Dustin’s GreenHouse by a program called Community in Schools and a past scholarship recipient (Claudia Eldridge). Mac is both athletic and artistic. He is also engaged in social and political action at a very young age, and thus will bring interesting conversation into our team activities.
Donta Jarrell is a senior at Ragsdale High School. Although he is good at just about any sport, he will be attending Shaw University in the fall on a partial football scholarship. Donta was raised in a single parent home and has never experienced travel of any kind. I don’t think he has ever been outside of Greensboro, NC… Donta is huge – like you would imagine a defensive lineman to be – but he is sweet and compassionate.
Quadicia White has not had many opportunities offered to her but works incredibly hard in school and makes the most of her available resources. Her mother and stepfather are supportive parents, but because of their work schedules she is the primary caretaker in a household of (I think) six or seven children. Quadicia was recommended to Dustin’s GreenHouse by her science teacher at Grimsley High School.
Taylor Robinson will be a senior at Western Guilford High School next year. She has been raised by her mother and is a very impressive young lady; she has excellent manners, good grades, and respect for others. The Robinson’s financial situation limits Taylor from being able to experience things like travel, so this will be a once in a lifetime opportunity for her.
Cortni Denni is taking courses at Guilford Technical Community College and trying to improve her grades so she can apply to a four-year university. Cortni has struggled with some substance addictions in the past but has gone through rehabilitation and has been clean for over a year. She is an amazing young woman who is wise beyond her years. Cortni will do great things in society based on experiences she had (and lessons learned) at a very young age. Cortni will be considered a Junior-Leader on the trip.
Mary Gigliotti is a student at Ragsdale High School and a starter on the varsity soccer team. She is an incredible young lady who’s shy demeanor often shades an underlying, powerhouse personality. Mary is using her soccer connections to collect gently used sports equipment that we will be able to give out to kids in Ecuador. She has not done a lot of traveling before now, but will be one of those women who blossoms on our trip, in college, and in life.
Carrie Whitsett is a student at Eastern Guilford High School. Last year Eastern burned down and was relocated... Carrie’s shy personality caused her to be hesitant in adapting to the new social and academic environments at the temporary school, so two of her teachers recommended her for a Globetrotter trip. They felt a program like Dustin’s GreenHouse would help build confidence and cultural awareness into her life. Carrie is an incredible musician and artist, two talents we are hoping she will share with us while in Ecuador.
Jennifer Santillan is a student at High Point Central High School and was recommended to our program by the Latino Family Center where she is part of a program that educates teens about abstinence, drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. Because 3 out of 5 Latinas become pregnant, this is a very important program to have in her life. Jennifer’s parents do not speak English, so she is the primary translator for her family. She also takes care of her three younger siblings while her parents work.
Nick Foulks is a student at Western Guilford High School… Like many other team members, Nick has a supportive family environment, but has not had experience with international travel. Although Nick comes across quite shy, he will be a hero in the Ecuadorian villages. His athletic talents and size will awe kids... I hope he is ready to feel like a hero!
Elliott Montpellier was selected by Suzanne Caudle, the teacher who received the 2007 Dustin’s GreenHouse Teacher Scholarship. Mrs. Caudle was allowed to bring any student of her choosing and chose Elliott because of his maturity and love of science. Elliott is part of the Ragsdale High School Science Olympiad team and an AP student. He is wise beyond his years – the type of son every mother dreams to have. Elliott will undoubtedly encourage other members of this team to set high goals and set out the achieve them.
Mac Ellenburg is a student at High Point Central High School. He was recommended to Dustin’s GreenHouse by a program called Community in Schools and a past scholarship recipient (Claudia Eldridge). Mac is both athletic and artistic. He is also engaged in social and political action at a very young age, and thus will bring interesting conversation into our team activities.
Donta Jarrell is a senior at Ragsdale High School. Although he is good at just about any sport, he will be attending Shaw University in the fall on a partial football scholarship. Donta was raised in a single parent home and has never experienced travel of any kind. I don’t think he has ever been outside of Greensboro, NC… Donta is huge – like you would imagine a defensive lineman to be – but he is sweet and compassionate.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Alexandra "Lexie" Bucy
Check out these amazing pictures of our adorable niece Lexie. She is Bill and Courtney's little girl...
www.goodlightphotography.com/alexandra
www.goodlightphotography.com/alexandra
Cory Menees is officially a law school grad. He walks this weekend and we're all heading to Chapel Hill to celebrate.
My wonderful hubby has finished his first year at UVA law. He had his last exam this morning and is probably at some bar drinking heavily right now.
JJ Kasper is enjoying some new-found freedoms. He and his long-time girlfriend (who I love by the way) are on a break so he went on his first, first date in years... JJ's wild date was a night of studying. Crazy huh?
My sister Mallory and her best friend Lauren have moved into their first apartment. It's right in the heart of App's campus and they are elated! I can't wait to see it; I'm sure it will be absolutely adorable.
Fanny Taylor the artist who made all of the jewelry for my bridesmaids and me at the wedding had a wildly successful booth at the High Point furniture market this year, and she has a new person interested in rep-ing her line.
My wonderful hubby has finished his first year at UVA law. He had his last exam this morning and is probably at some bar drinking heavily right now.
JJ Kasper is enjoying some new-found freedoms. He and his long-time girlfriend (who I love by the way) are on a break so he went on his first, first date in years... JJ's wild date was a night of studying. Crazy huh?
My sister Mallory and her best friend Lauren have moved into their first apartment. It's right in the heart of App's campus and they are elated! I can't wait to see it; I'm sure it will be absolutely adorable.
Fanny Taylor the artist who made all of the jewelry for my bridesmaids and me at the wedding had a wildly successful booth at the High Point furniture market this year, and she has a new person interested in rep-ing her line.
I love all of you! Congrats.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
NYC, here we come!
Yay, Mike and I finally have a place to live in the city. It's only for three weeks, but it's a start. Two more tid-bits of good news: Addie (my dog) gets to come to New York with us; I just know she will love Central Park and shopping!!!
And (second tid-bit) the owner of the apartment we are renting is the associate conductor of the New York City Opera. He's going on tour, which is why the place is available. His name is Garrett Keast and he has also led orchestras in New Jersey, Hawaii, and Dallas... Garrett said there is a ton of great music for us to enjoy at his place. I'm hoping there will be a pair of concert tickets waiting at the new pad as well.
The pic is of our new temporary home. And if you are interested in learning more about our landlord, check out his website: http://www.garrettkeast.com/
And (second tid-bit) the owner of the apartment we are renting is the associate conductor of the New York City Opera. He's going on tour, which is why the place is available. His name is Garrett Keast and he has also led orchestras in New Jersey, Hawaii, and Dallas... Garrett said there is a ton of great music for us to enjoy at his place. I'm hoping there will be a pair of concert tickets waiting at the new pad as well.
The pic is of our new temporary home. And if you are interested in learning more about our landlord, check out his website: http://www.garrettkeast.com/
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Globetrotters 2007
The 2007 GreenHouse Globetrotter trip is almost here and things are getting very exciting. We have eight students and two teachers traveling with us this year, and so far, our two week adventure is shaping up like this: Fly into Guayaquil and spend the first night in the city. Wake up early the next morning and fly down to the Galapagos Islands where we will (almost immediately) grab a picnic lunch and head out for an afternoon on horseback. The next morning we will join our ship captain and island guide and begin sailing around the islands. From snorkeling and scuba diving, to Charles Darwin Station and giant tortoise farms, our 5 days at sea should be incredibly exciting. Once our boat docks we will drive up to the city of Manta and meet up with Habitat for Humanity International. The next four days will be spent building a house for a local family and visiting neighborhood schools. Just before heading home we are taking the kids to a spa where they will enjoy a couple days of R&R. Then we head to Quito for some shopping and salsa dancing, and then we’ll be on a plane home.
It's a whirlwind of fun and excitement, but please keep everyone's health and safety in your prayers.
It's a whirlwind of fun and excitement, but please keep everyone's health and safety in your prayers.
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Happy 50th B-Day Mama
Believe it or not my mom turned 50 on Saturday. To celebrate the big occasion, we headed to Wilmy and enjoyed 2 days of "Woo" Green fun. We went to yoga, had massages and manicures, walked the loop, ate at wonderful restaurants, and (of course) did a little shopping.
One highlight from the weekend was my dad surprising her with another one of his classic trips. She leaves for France with three of her girlfriends at the end of the month. Then dad is meeting her in Paris and heading to Egypt for two weeks with another couple. Cool huh?
One highlight from the weekend was my dad surprising her with another one of his classic trips. She leaves for France with three of her girlfriends at the end of the month. Then dad is meeting her in Paris and heading to Egypt for two weeks with another couple. Cool huh?
Friday, April 27, 2007
"What goes around comes around..."
I had an "everything comes back to you" kind-of night on Tuesday... It involved my hubby and a UVA dance party, but before I get to the details let me back up a few years and tell you why I had this coming!
One of my best friends Mollie Perez had just gotten married and we all decided to have a girls night for ole' times sake. None of us were big into the bar scene (married or not) but we got all-dolled-up for the special occasion and headed downtown Greensboro. The night included several cosmos at multiple locations (to be honest I can't even remember everywhere we went). What I do remember is we were having a ton of fun and around midnight Mollie popped the question; should she call Tony (her husband) and tell him we were still out??? The group consensus was yes - call him and tell him that if it get's too late you will just stay at one of our places... Mollie made the call, everything seemed good, and we were back to dancing.
Well, next thing I know it's 3:30am and we have invited a bunch of guy friends back to my place. We were playing cards and hanging out, but slowly our wild rendezvous was coming to an end... About this point Mollie decides she really wants to sleep in her own bed, but the question becomes; should she go home this late? After much debate, Nicole and I (both single at the time) wish her luck and she (soberly) drives home.
Wow - bad idea for all married women. We quickly learned that husbands do not like their wives staying out and partying all night long. And, in the rare instance that they do, they definitely don't want you coming home at 4:00am and crawling into bed. (One of those things that looks way worse than it is.) Mollie called early the next morning to say Tony was furious. Nicole and I feared we had (in our un-married lack of wisdom) totally and forever messed up a beautiful marriage.
After a day or so everything blew over with Mollie and Tony - everything except for the valuable lesson: you can't stay out and party all night when you are married.
OK... So back to Tuesday night…
Mike has a new hobby that involves making dance mixes (like a club DJ). His mixes are actually quite good and he gets extremely excited about every opportunity to show them off to friends and family. Some of the guys at UVA decided to plan a dance party in honor of a friend who is about to get married. It was some sort of pre-bachelor, bachelor party only everyone (girls included) were invited. Even though I had an invite, something seemed a little too manly about it for me, so I (like most apparently) opted out. I told Mike to go and have fun and to give me a big hug when he came home.
Ha. Well, midnight rolls around and I wake up to a message on my cell. It's Mike saying they were having fun and staying out a little longer. (Sound familiar?). I get the message, smile and go back to bed.
2:30am, I wake up randomly and look over expecting Mike to be in bed beside me... No Mike.
3:30am, I wake up again... No Mike. I pick up the phone and frantically call but get the voicemail and leave a message. I'm guessing they are still out and tell myself not to make a big deal about it.
4:30am, I wake up again... Still no Mike. Another call to the voicemail. This time I am pissed, but still manage to fall back asleep.
6:30am, My alarm goes off and guess what? STILL NO MIKE! I can hardly believe my eyes. I jump up grab my phone and throw some shoes on. (At this point I was scared to death something had happened). Just as I am running out of the house Mike finally answers his cell. In a voice that was just as perky as it could be he says good morning and tells me he's on his way home. I don't say a word and hang up the phone. Was he serious? He just stayed out ALL NIGHT and apparently doesn't seem to think there is any issue with that...
All of the sudden it dawns on me - the Mollie and Tony story from four years prior... Mike rushes in the door, and, despite his perky intonation, I can tell he is scared to death about what I am going to say.
In all honesty, I did take advantage of the situation. I gave him the silent treatment for a few hours during which he apologized profusely. I heard the whole story numerous times - a group of guys (not-dancing) playing flip cup and then him passing out on the couch. Next thing he knew it was 6:30am…
Some women would call me crazy and naive, but there is not a question in my mind about the truth of his story. It was a valuable lesson on two parts, however… First, Mike learned that you can’t stay out and party all night when you are married. Secondly, I hear some wise sole whispering in my ear, “Ashlie, what goes around comes around!!!”
Thought some of you would get a kick out of that.
One of my best friends Mollie Perez had just gotten married and we all decided to have a girls night for ole' times sake. None of us were big into the bar scene (married or not) but we got all-dolled-up for the special occasion and headed downtown Greensboro. The night included several cosmos at multiple locations (to be honest I can't even remember everywhere we went). What I do remember is we were having a ton of fun and around midnight Mollie popped the question; should she call Tony (her husband) and tell him we were still out??? The group consensus was yes - call him and tell him that if it get's too late you will just stay at one of our places... Mollie made the call, everything seemed good, and we were back to dancing.
Well, next thing I know it's 3:30am and we have invited a bunch of guy friends back to my place. We were playing cards and hanging out, but slowly our wild rendezvous was coming to an end... About this point Mollie decides she really wants to sleep in her own bed, but the question becomes; should she go home this late? After much debate, Nicole and I (both single at the time) wish her luck and she (soberly) drives home.
Wow - bad idea for all married women. We quickly learned that husbands do not like their wives staying out and partying all night long. And, in the rare instance that they do, they definitely don't want you coming home at 4:00am and crawling into bed. (One of those things that looks way worse than it is.) Mollie called early the next morning to say Tony was furious. Nicole and I feared we had (in our un-married lack of wisdom) totally and forever messed up a beautiful marriage.
After a day or so everything blew over with Mollie and Tony - everything except for the valuable lesson: you can't stay out and party all night when you are married.
OK... So back to Tuesday night…
Mike has a new hobby that involves making dance mixes (like a club DJ). His mixes are actually quite good and he gets extremely excited about every opportunity to show them off to friends and family. Some of the guys at UVA decided to plan a dance party in honor of a friend who is about to get married. It was some sort of pre-bachelor, bachelor party only everyone (girls included) were invited. Even though I had an invite, something seemed a little too manly about it for me, so I (like most apparently) opted out. I told Mike to go and have fun and to give me a big hug when he came home.
Ha. Well, midnight rolls around and I wake up to a message on my cell. It's Mike saying they were having fun and staying out a little longer. (Sound familiar?). I get the message, smile and go back to bed.
2:30am, I wake up randomly and look over expecting Mike to be in bed beside me... No Mike.
3:30am, I wake up again... No Mike. I pick up the phone and frantically call but get the voicemail and leave a message. I'm guessing they are still out and tell myself not to make a big deal about it.
4:30am, I wake up again... Still no Mike. Another call to the voicemail. This time I am pissed, but still manage to fall back asleep.
6:30am, My alarm goes off and guess what? STILL NO MIKE! I can hardly believe my eyes. I jump up grab my phone and throw some shoes on. (At this point I was scared to death something had happened). Just as I am running out of the house Mike finally answers his cell. In a voice that was just as perky as it could be he says good morning and tells me he's on his way home. I don't say a word and hang up the phone. Was he serious? He just stayed out ALL NIGHT and apparently doesn't seem to think there is any issue with that...
All of the sudden it dawns on me - the Mollie and Tony story from four years prior... Mike rushes in the door, and, despite his perky intonation, I can tell he is scared to death about what I am going to say.
In all honesty, I did take advantage of the situation. I gave him the silent treatment for a few hours during which he apologized profusely. I heard the whole story numerous times - a group of guys (not-dancing) playing flip cup and then him passing out on the couch. Next thing he knew it was 6:30am…
Some women would call me crazy and naive, but there is not a question in my mind about the truth of his story. It was a valuable lesson on two parts, however… First, Mike learned that you can’t stay out and party all night when you are married. Secondly, I hear some wise sole whispering in my ear, “Ashlie, what goes around comes around!!!”
Thought some of you would get a kick out of that.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Wedding pictures are here!
Yay, finally... Our wedding pictures are online! Here is the link if you want to see them. Please email me if you want copies - we have digital files for everything.
Link: www.pictage.com/272778
Password: love
Link: www.pictage.com/272778
Password: love
Impact Tomorrow Today - 85th AJLI Conference
I just spent an amazing week in Boston at the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI) Conference. It started out as an intimidating idea – going to a League event with our President, President Elect, and President Elect – Elect (yes, I know it sounds funny but those are their titles). However, I quickly found my place amongst great friends with similar interests. I was inspired by the more than 700 attendees, I absolutely loved my time Daniela, Stephanie, and Leslie (the other Greensboro girls), and I can’t wait to do more – more to make Our League, and Our Community stronger…
Highlights from the week:
- Lunch with former Ambassador to Austria Swanee Hunt; an amazing woman who exudes true Southern charm mixed with a powerful feminist flare. I am reading her book Half-Life of a Zealot right now and thoroughly enjoying it.
- The beginnings of a signature project that our League is going to start. The premise centers around autism and the staggering increases we are seeing in society. Our goal is to start a series of smaller programs for autistic children and their families… Eventually we will look into the possibility of opening a school with on-grounds housing and all sorts of exciting activities.
- A public speaking class where I was one of 15 students getting drilled on both good and bad habits. I have a ways to go before I’ll ever end up on a major stage, but advice from Jenny Maxwell (with the Buckley School of Public Speaking) certainly helped with the journey.
- A fantastic workshop on Building Leadership through Service – something that’s right up my alley and definitely in lines with Junior League principals…
- Networking time with other NC leagues… Winston, High Point, Charlotte, Asheville, Raleigh, and Wilmington were all wonderful.
- An interesting course on Parliamentary Procedures… If anyone has questions about Roberts Rules, I’m your girl.
- Countless conversations about our upcoming year and ways to make it the best one yet. Daniela (our current President) is amazing; I’m certain Stephanie (the next in line) will only build upon her successes.
Thanks to all of you who elected me to be a part of this event. I sincerely appreciate the opportunity.
Highlights from the week:
- Lunch with former Ambassador to Austria Swanee Hunt; an amazing woman who exudes true Southern charm mixed with a powerful feminist flare. I am reading her book Half-Life of a Zealot right now and thoroughly enjoying it.
- The beginnings of a signature project that our League is going to start. The premise centers around autism and the staggering increases we are seeing in society. Our goal is to start a series of smaller programs for autistic children and their families… Eventually we will look into the possibility of opening a school with on-grounds housing and all sorts of exciting activities.
- A public speaking class where I was one of 15 students getting drilled on both good and bad habits. I have a ways to go before I’ll ever end up on a major stage, but advice from Jenny Maxwell (with the Buckley School of Public Speaking) certainly helped with the journey.
- A fantastic workshop on Building Leadership through Service – something that’s right up my alley and definitely in lines with Junior League principals…
- Networking time with other NC leagues… Winston, High Point, Charlotte, Asheville, Raleigh, and Wilmington were all wonderful.
- An interesting course on Parliamentary Procedures… If anyone has questions about Roberts Rules, I’m your girl.
- Countless conversations about our upcoming year and ways to make it the best one yet. Daniela (our current President) is amazing; I’m certain Stephanie (the next in line) will only build upon her successes.
Thanks to all of you who elected me to be a part of this event. I sincerely appreciate the opportunity.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Easter Traditions
Mike and I spent Easter weekend with my family in Wilmington... It's a Dustin tradition we share with the Bostians and the Cunninghams that's been going on for the past four years. This year a new activity was added to the schedule; a trip to Casey's Buffet and Barbeque. Casey's is a "hole in the wall" off Oleander Drive (for those who know the area), but it's definitely worth a visit. Get there early if you go on a Sunday. Long lines form by 11:30am.The picture is of my mom, Ruby, and Lin B. at our beach house.
Back to blogging with a Chi-town story...
I've been getting a lot of heat for going over a month without posting on my blog - people are threatening to stop visiting, so I promise I am going to get back in the groove and will try and update more regularly.
The first story I have been meaning to share is about the Global Village training program Joan Wellman and I went to in Chicago a couple weeks ago... I had been to this event before (a two-day seminar hosted by Habitat for Humanity International), but still I was amazed at the people we met and the stories we heard. College kids leading groups of strangers through African countries. Ministers uniting entire churches around build projects in Guatemala. Young professionals leading their 7th and 8th trips to Romania... It definitely put my small attempts at contributing to global change in perspective!
Beyond having a wonderful time with my dear friend Joan and gaining incredible insight from our peers at the training, I also left with a motivating message that I think may actually change my life. The message was to concentrate on "living in the present." I've heard this oh-so-simple statement countless times, but for some reason it resonated in Chicago... I realized that being present doesn't just mean being at an event; it means being truly engaged with whatever is directly in front of me. Conversations for example... I am the queen of talking to someone while still absorbing a nearby conversation or another activity in the room. I am fantastic at reading a book, while thinking about story lines for a book of my own. I watch TV and work at the same time. I write thank you notes while carrying on conversations with Mike...
So, one of my primary, short-term goals is learning to put things on pause - to turn the multi-tasking off at moments throughout the day - and to truly be present. Try it. It's harder than you think.
The first story I have been meaning to share is about the Global Village training program Joan Wellman and I went to in Chicago a couple weeks ago... I had been to this event before (a two-day seminar hosted by Habitat for Humanity International), but still I was amazed at the people we met and the stories we heard. College kids leading groups of strangers through African countries. Ministers uniting entire churches around build projects in Guatemala. Young professionals leading their 7th and 8th trips to Romania... It definitely put my small attempts at contributing to global change in perspective!
Beyond having a wonderful time with my dear friend Joan and gaining incredible insight from our peers at the training, I also left with a motivating message that I think may actually change my life. The message was to concentrate on "living in the present." I've heard this oh-so-simple statement countless times, but for some reason it resonated in Chicago... I realized that being present doesn't just mean being at an event; it means being truly engaged with whatever is directly in front of me. Conversations for example... I am the queen of talking to someone while still absorbing a nearby conversation or another activity in the room. I am fantastic at reading a book, while thinking about story lines for a book of my own. I watch TV and work at the same time. I write thank you notes while carrying on conversations with Mike...
So, one of my primary, short-term goals is learning to put things on pause - to turn the multi-tasking off at moments throughout the day - and to truly be present. Try it. It's harder than you think.
P.S. The picture is of Joan and I at a St. Patrick's Day Party in Chicago. Wild, green weekend that we weren't expecting, and a ton of fun.
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