Journey to the south...

Welcome to Texas, ya'll! Got home last night from an eventful long weekend in Texas/Oklahoma! Last Friday, Bri and I headed out to visit Molly and watch her reenlist in OK and welcome home her daddy from Afghanistan! It was eventful, aside from most of the time was spent in the car driving :-/!

The trip was exciting and we made an effort to try and do some fun new things. Let's just say I tried "calf fries," also known as cow testicle. To be honest, I had one bite. It was good, but the fact that I knew it was cow junk, I couldn't swallow any more! Molly was brave and tried it with me! I also tried fried alligator! It was actually pretty good, similar to chicken but more of a juicy texture. Oh and I can't forget Bri's comment and how full her belly was of noodles from all of the Pho (vietnamese soup) we had this weekend, we had it 4 out of 6 days. We went to Sprout's in Arlington, TX, it was featured on Man Vs. Food. It was definitely delicious! I could eat it everday...oh wait...already done that! We also took a trip to the Fort Worth Zoo, Dave and Busters, The Falls of Wichita Falls, TX, and of course the wonderful little town of Altus, OK! :) All in all, it was a good trip and Bri was flying on cloud 9 getting to spend time with her daddy! :)

But today, we are back to the grind! Bri is at school, she was soo excited she didn't even say goodbye! She was off to the playground as fast as her little feet could move! I am taking a lazy day and time to collect my thoughts before I get back to my fitness goals and preparing for a new job! :)

--now is the time to try something new

5 Things I Purchased This Weekend...

1. Smashbook (similar to a scrapbook)
2. Sweet Bitch (Rose Mostcato Wine)
3. Jamba Juice Smoothy (Mango-a go go)
4. Lindt Chocolates (75 pieces to be exact)
5. The cutest tops for my trip to Texas this weekend

What did you spend your hard earned dollars on? For me, shopping may possibly be an addiction! If you saw my closet, you'd have to agree! And most times, it's my therapy! I had a tough day on Friday and to be honest, the shopping made me feel better!

My next major purchases will hopefully be makeup to add to my kit and some fun adventures on our weekend trip to this south coming up!

-putting my life together, piece by piece.

Hard work...

I have sweat through the challenge

I am determined to keep going

I will work hard until my dream becomes a reality

 

It takes more time avoiding hard work than actually getting it done. At this time, one year ago, I couldn't even imagine I would be where I am today. Instead of sitting back and "hoping" things would go in my favor, I got my ass out there and worked for it myself. To this day, I have graduated college, ran many miles, became a makeup artist, joined the military, and raised a beautiful daughter! It would not have been possible without my hard work and dedication and most definitely wouldn't have happened without the support of some very amazing people I am so lucky to have in my life.

 

If you knew my situation a little over a year ago, I would hope you can see that hard work really does pay off. I want to show others that it is possible to put your life back together, piece by piece, when you feel like you have hit rock bottom. :) It is a blessing to have come as far as I have knowing there are so many more great things I get to work even harder for! Never give up on your dream, and never let anyone stand in the way of your dream! Be one of the few who will actually go after what they want! I believe each and every person has the willpower to do great things and be amazing in all that they set their heart and mind to!

Oh Mondays! Why doesn't anyone like Mondays? I guess I can't complain! It's a start to another week of getting things accomplished and trying something new!

Take a moment and check out my Facebook Makeup page:
http://www.facebook.com/AshlyKayMultimediaMakeupArtist

If you know anyone in need to a makeup artist, pass my name along! :)



"Take risks. If you win, you will be happy. If you lose, you will be wise."

So I don't even know where to begin as far as an update goes...it seems I "forgot" about my blog as of LAST October! Yikes! Here goes:

• Graduated with my AAS in Health Card Administration and Microsoft Office Specialist
• Joined the Army Reserves as Human Resources
• Graduated from Faces Etc. of MN as a Professional Multimedia Makeup Artist :) and have been working in the cities doing short films, webseries, and makeup at a blowout salon!
• Briahna graduated from Cracker Jack Preschool!
• Tuan came home and suprised Briahna for her birthday in June, she had no idea! It was prefect!
• I spent a month in Massachusettes for Army training, it was a blast!
• Briahna turned 5 in June and just started kindergarden yesterday, the same day I happened to turn 26!
• I have taken up running, training for a half marathon and eventually working my way towards a full marathon: currently I am up to 7 miles!
• Ran a 5k in August, 4th in my age category, 28th out of 124, with a time of 25 minutes! 
• Briahna played hockey last year and this summer she was in swimming and gymnastics! And will be starting dance next week!
• I sent my 83 year young Grandma Adeline on her first airplane ride last month :) She loved it!
• I had auburn hair for a while <3 li="li">
• We spent Christmas with everyone present (except Tuan)!!
• Molly went and came back from Kuwait and is soon to head overseas again :(
• Briahna had her tonsils and adenoids removed in April, she was a trooper!
• Tuanand his unit are scheduled to come home this month from his deployment, Briahna sure has missed her daddy!

For now, I think that should be enough! My blogs from here and out will be current and will most likely refer back to what's been happening and what's coming up!

I hope everyone had a lovely summer. Be back soon...stay tuned!

"Live in the moment!"