I have been reading the book, Twilight—not because it’s all the rage, but I was curious why this book received so much praise. As I read it, I eventually could appreciate it for what it is—a high school romance novel with a little bit of action. I kind of liked the fact that any moment the protagonist, Bella, could be literally consumed by her vampire boyfriend. A good twist for a romance that could of made me gag. Brandt and I watched on the news one night about the famous author, Stephanie Meyer. The news guy made a comment about how his daughter thinks that Edward, the vampire boyfriend, was the perfect boyfriend. Some of the footage on this news piece showed hormonally deranged girls screaming “I WANT AN EDWARD!” This upset Brandt because Edward is a fictional character and no guy could measure up to someone who isn’t real.
Well let’s face it, girls want a good-looking guy that his whole being is to make her happy, who says sweet things to her, with tender touches on the face and what not. Sometimes this can be dangerous for girls because they can have unrealistic expectations in their relationships with the opposite sex. No one can win with that scenario.
Another hard thing about this as well is where does a girl draw the line between “I must have a Fabio” and a total schmo? Perhaps a pro/con list. For me, I could give a complete catalog of all the things Brandt could be better at. His addiction to stupid sports radio shows, and how he can’t maneuver in the kitchen like I can, just a few examples of Brandt. Then again, I could have an index that would make the Library of Congress seem a mere bookshelf of all the good things about him too. An eagerness to learn, the daily compliments that I look good, and thinking that I’m the smartest person out there—well close, but Brandt is a good guy with an emphasis on GUY. Instead of trying to send him mental telepathy messages of how he could improve, I tell him what I want him to do. Yeah it would have been nice if he could get my telepathic messages, but he doesn’t have mail box in his brain.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Thursday, July 31, 2008
My Attempt to be "Seriously, So Blessed"
So Brandt and I went down to Utah to really celebrate our anniversary/end-of-the-semester and to recover from my Idaho fever. Brandt told me to write a blog that simulates a blog called, “Seriously, So Blessed.” You will get what I mean when I write this. However, I want to have a disclaimer that most of this blog will contain extreme exaggerations and it’s little bit fabricated. So here I go.
So Hubby and me went down to the BEST place EVER! UTAH. Love Utah, love traveling with my love bunny. He always holds my hand the whole way down to Utah even when we almost got in several accidents in the Odgen, Salt Lake traffic and he should have had both hands on the wheel. Awwww! So Cute!!!
Anywho, So we spent a WHOLE week at my parents house and it was a nonstop party. Love ya mom and dad and Emily! We went shopping and out to dinner EVERY night. I am so blessed to have a husband who lets me spend so much money because I am worth it and I deserve to go and spend on whatever I want all the time. LOVE SHOPPING! Especially when I look mucho hotto, but I understand that people aren’t as righteous as Brandt and me. I bought tonz of cute clothes, but I will have to roll up my garments so that they won’t show.
On Monday, we went to go celebrate our complete 360 days of maritil bliss. We started out by going to lunch at PF Changs. YUMMY! Love Chinese food. HOORAY for ethnicity! I like going to restaurants that serve ethnic food because it’s like I actually know what it’s like to eat food in their country. I don’t know why people complain other countries don’t have much to eat. I think that they are just picky eaters. SAD! Well, that’s why us Americans are so blessed because we eat food that other ethnic people eat. Sometimes I wish I were more ethnic, but then I think that somewhere, somehow, I’m half Lebanese or something.
After that, I went shopping at the University Mall till I was too tired. I bought another wedding dress from Allyse’s Bridal to commemorate our anniversary so I can take more bridal pictures again and look at how gorgeous I really am.
We went to Boondocks to go play mini golf and other nonstop fun stuff. We saw a family there and they were fighting. SAD! Brandt and I never fight except that one time on Valintines Day he only bought me one red rose instead of 40 assorted roses with 10 tiger lilies with two sprigs of babies breath, just like the one I saw in the floral shop. I was so upset, but I prayed and asked for patients. Then my Sugar cheeks then got me one of those super yummy fruit arrangements and came in one of my classes dressed as a night in shinging armor. AWWWW! SO ADORABLE! He then took me out to dinner. Love ya angel cakes!
So basically my 1st anniversary was the BEST EVER! And hope you all don’t feel bad that I’m so much more blessed than you guys. Love Ya!
So Hubby and me went down to the BEST place EVER! UTAH. Love Utah, love traveling with my love bunny. He always holds my hand the whole way down to Utah even when we almost got in several accidents in the Odgen, Salt Lake traffic and he should have had both hands on the wheel. Awwww! So Cute!!!
Anywho, So we spent a WHOLE week at my parents house and it was a nonstop party. Love ya mom and dad and Emily! We went shopping and out to dinner EVERY night. I am so blessed to have a husband who lets me spend so much money because I am worth it and I deserve to go and spend on whatever I want all the time. LOVE SHOPPING! Especially when I look mucho hotto, but I understand that people aren’t as righteous as Brandt and me. I bought tonz of cute clothes, but I will have to roll up my garments so that they won’t show.
On Monday, we went to go celebrate our complete 360 days of maritil bliss. We started out by going to lunch at PF Changs. YUMMY! Love Chinese food. HOORAY for ethnicity! I like going to restaurants that serve ethnic food because it’s like I actually know what it’s like to eat food in their country. I don’t know why people complain other countries don’t have much to eat. I think that they are just picky eaters. SAD! Well, that’s why us Americans are so blessed because we eat food that other ethnic people eat. Sometimes I wish I were more ethnic, but then I think that somewhere, somehow, I’m half Lebanese or something.
After that, I went shopping at the University Mall till I was too tired. I bought another wedding dress from Allyse’s Bridal to commemorate our anniversary so I can take more bridal pictures again and look at how gorgeous I really am.
We went to Boondocks to go play mini golf and other nonstop fun stuff. We saw a family there and they were fighting. SAD! Brandt and I never fight except that one time on Valintines Day he only bought me one red rose instead of 40 assorted roses with 10 tiger lilies with two sprigs of babies breath, just like the one I saw in the floral shop. I was so upset, but I prayed and asked for patients. Then my Sugar cheeks then got me one of those super yummy fruit arrangements and came in one of my classes dressed as a night in shinging armor. AWWWW! SO ADORABLE! He then took me out to dinner. Love ya angel cakes!
So basically my 1st anniversary was the BEST EVER! And hope you all don’t feel bad that I’m so much more blessed than you guys. Love Ya!
Monday, July 21, 2008
I Can Has A Smart?
It’s amazing how much time you have when you go from 16 hours of class, work, and homework, to just a couple of hours of piddley work. So now, I can blog until my heart is content. Yay me! Actually, I feel that my purpose has been stricken from me now that the semester is over. But back to the farm, I want to dismiss to everyone who thinks that the English language is devolving.
I’m saying this because it’s what I learned in a couple of my classes, which always brings me to the movie, Jingle All the Way, where Sinbad says that he knows what he’s talking about for he has taken a semester of psychology at a junior college. So I guess you should take my argument for what it’s worth.
In my rhetorical studies class we learned about ancient rhetoric by the Greeks. Since rhetoric really was the art of communicating effectively, Plato thought that writing (which was the newest technology at the time) would destroy language. Well like most people who are afraid to change, he was wrong.
Another thing I learned in this class is that language is purely social, social things will always be in upper and lower classes. The ability for one to read and write typifies he or she is in a higher social class. We can thank Harvard for our grammar today because as the ability to become literate came to the masses, someone came up with a way to once again make language a matter of class. “Anyone can read or write, but high class people know how to read and write correctly.” Even today if someone can’t speak “proper” English, they most likely live in poverty. So practically wealthy people have made it that literacy determines your success in life. In today’s world, access to communicate with others is literally at your fingertips, so many different types of communication.
Further more, and quite simply, people are afraid of change. As I learned about the modernist movement was that people had a difficult time dealing with a world now that is ever-changing, leading to fear. I think that people are simply afraid of things they don’t know. What old person doesn't cringe at phrases like, “OMG! We IMO LOL and L8ter ROTFL ;) :P,” or is terrified of using email, blogs, or the most evil of all, texting.
And for my strongest evidence for my argument is that language is always changing. Did you know that Shakespeare is considered Modern English? Look how much language has changed since then. I will give you an example the word “let” means to allow, but back in Shakespeare’s time, “let” means to hinder, the exact opposite.
So for all you old people, who think that the English language is going to the pot, chill out. Yes we need to keep our language unified so that we can understand each other, and we are doing that. In my Business English class, people are writing textbooks on how to properly text in the work place. Loads of information on how to correctly write emails can be found just about anywhere. Usually it’s those people who think the English language is devolving don’t know what subject verb agreements, pronoun with out an antecedents, or dangling modifiers are.
I’m saying this because it’s what I learned in a couple of my classes, which always brings me to the movie, Jingle All the Way, where Sinbad says that he knows what he’s talking about for he has taken a semester of psychology at a junior college. So I guess you should take my argument for what it’s worth.
In my rhetorical studies class we learned about ancient rhetoric by the Greeks. Since rhetoric really was the art of communicating effectively, Plato thought that writing (which was the newest technology at the time) would destroy language. Well like most people who are afraid to change, he was wrong.
Another thing I learned in this class is that language is purely social, social things will always be in upper and lower classes. The ability for one to read and write typifies he or she is in a higher social class. We can thank Harvard for our grammar today because as the ability to become literate came to the masses, someone came up with a way to once again make language a matter of class. “Anyone can read or write, but high class people know how to read and write correctly.” Even today if someone can’t speak “proper” English, they most likely live in poverty. So practically wealthy people have made it that literacy determines your success in life. In today’s world, access to communicate with others is literally at your fingertips, so many different types of communication.
Further more, and quite simply, people are afraid of change. As I learned about the modernist movement was that people had a difficult time dealing with a world now that is ever-changing, leading to fear. I think that people are simply afraid of things they don’t know. What old person doesn't cringe at phrases like, “OMG! We IMO LOL and L8ter ROTFL ;) :P,” or is terrified of using email, blogs, or the most evil of all, texting.
And for my strongest evidence for my argument is that language is always changing. Did you know that Shakespeare is considered Modern English? Look how much language has changed since then. I will give you an example the word “let” means to allow, but back in Shakespeare’s time, “let” means to hinder, the exact opposite.
So for all you old people, who think that the English language is going to the pot, chill out. Yes we need to keep our language unified so that we can understand each other, and we are doing that. In my Business English class, people are writing textbooks on how to properly text in the work place. Loads of information on how to correctly write emails can be found just about anywhere. Usually it’s those people who think the English language is devolving don’t know what subject verb agreements, pronoun with out an antecedents, or dangling modifiers are.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
One Year Down, Enternity To Go!
Well it’s been one year since I married Brandt. In the last year, Brandt and I have grown a lot as a couple and as individuals.
Being married is a humbling experience. I’m very stubborn and often have a grouchy attitude about me. What's amazing is that Brandt has been very patient and understanding. Every time I get upset about whatever he gently asks me, “What can I do to make you feel better?” I wish I could be more like him.
This semester has been very difficult. I thought that college wasn’t hard, that was until I took mainly 300 and 400 level classes and with my work going to press on top, I have struggled the past fourteen weeks.
That’s where Brandt comes in. He made dinner, he cleaned the house, gave me a priesthood blessing, and helped me with some of my school projects. I wish there was an eloquent way of describing everything he has done for me, because I really would not have made it with out his help.
Not only did he do all of that, he was my own personal cheerleader. He kept on complimenting on the work I did and how smart I am (even when I didn’t think so at the time). Additionally, he supported me and listened during those moments when I couldn’t take it anymore and held me when I cried.
So after one year, I am taken back just how much Brandt loves me and I hope that I’m worthy enough to be his wife. I love you Brandt, thank you so much for being more than just a darling husband, but a friend who has genuinely cares for me and loves me despite all of my many, many shortcomings. Happy anniversary love dove! I look forward to spending forever with you!
Being married is a humbling experience. I’m very stubborn and often have a grouchy attitude about me. What's amazing is that Brandt has been very patient and understanding. Every time I get upset about whatever he gently asks me, “What can I do to make you feel better?” I wish I could be more like him.
This semester has been very difficult. I thought that college wasn’t hard, that was until I took mainly 300 and 400 level classes and with my work going to press on top, I have struggled the past fourteen weeks.
That’s where Brandt comes in. He made dinner, he cleaned the house, gave me a priesthood blessing, and helped me with some of my school projects. I wish there was an eloquent way of describing everything he has done for me, because I really would not have made it with out his help.
Not only did he do all of that, he was my own personal cheerleader. He kept on complimenting on the work I did and how smart I am (even when I didn’t think so at the time). Additionally, he supported me and listened during those moments when I couldn’t take it anymore and held me when I cried.
So after one year, I am taken back just how much Brandt loves me and I hope that I’m worthy enough to be his wife. I love you Brandt, thank you so much for being more than just a darling husband, but a friend who has genuinely cares for me and loves me despite all of my many, many shortcomings. Happy anniversary love dove! I look forward to spending forever with you!
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Ashley's Best Books of the Year
One of the many great things of being an English major is that you get to take classes and you get to read read and read (and it’s fun!). Over my junior year in college I took three literature classes: Children’s Lit, Shakespeare, and American Literature—the Realism through Modern literary movements. In these three classes, I read 75 books and plays. Here are best from these classes.
The winner of the Children’s Literature category is… Tale of Despereaux!
If I had to describe this book in one word it would be charming. I loved this book. The premise is of a mouse named Desperaux who lives in a castle and he’s different from everyone else. He loves to read and wants to become a knight from a book he reads. He falls in love with a real princess. I think the themes of this book are excellent and Katrina Elizabeth DiCamillo, who also wrote Because of Wynn Dixie, did and excellent job of creating twists to a fairy tale.
The winner of the play category is…Macbeth!!!
Here is a shift from a warm and fuzzy children’s book to a play that contains witchcraft, people killing each other, lies, lust for power, and a woman who literally sells her soul to evil spirits. The thing is that I have never been so uplifted in all of my life. Shakespeare illuminates how a virtuous man can become corrupt and wicked when they are weak and can’t contain their utmost desires. Shakespeare displays how lack of self-restraint can lead to unhappiness. A man, who was noble and looked as if he would eventually become King. But the capitulation of the natural man and immersing one’s self into evil things led Macbeth and his wife as well to damnation. I saw that if I gave in to my weaknesses I could go down a path that would lead me to where I don’t want to go. Anyway, good play to read and it’s short, so if you don’t have much time to read that’s a good one.
The winner of the American Literature is…The Catcher in the Rye!
I enjoyed this book. I think that there is real power in it, and I think it’s sad that people who think this book should be banned or censored—what a vacuous analysis. I wish I could go into this more why this is an amazing book, but I have to go to work. But if anyone is interested in what I thought were some good books I read this year I would be more than happy to enlighten.
The winner of the Children’s Literature category is… Tale of Despereaux!
If I had to describe this book in one word it would be charming. I loved this book. The premise is of a mouse named Desperaux who lives in a castle and he’s different from everyone else. He loves to read and wants to become a knight from a book he reads. He falls in love with a real princess. I think the themes of this book are excellent and Katrina Elizabeth DiCamillo, who also wrote Because of Wynn Dixie, did and excellent job of creating twists to a fairy tale.
The winner of the play category is…Macbeth!!!
Here is a shift from a warm and fuzzy children’s book to a play that contains witchcraft, people killing each other, lies, lust for power, and a woman who literally sells her soul to evil spirits. The thing is that I have never been so uplifted in all of my life. Shakespeare illuminates how a virtuous man can become corrupt and wicked when they are weak and can’t contain their utmost desires. Shakespeare displays how lack of self-restraint can lead to unhappiness. A man, who was noble and looked as if he would eventually become King. But the capitulation of the natural man and immersing one’s self into evil things led Macbeth and his wife as well to damnation. I saw that if I gave in to my weaknesses I could go down a path that would lead me to where I don’t want to go. Anyway, good play to read and it’s short, so if you don’t have much time to read that’s a good one.
The winner of the American Literature is…The Catcher in the Rye!
I enjoyed this book. I think that there is real power in it, and I think it’s sad that people who think this book should be banned or censored—what a vacuous analysis. I wish I could go into this more why this is an amazing book, but I have to go to work. But if anyone is interested in what I thought were some good books I read this year I would be more than happy to enlighten.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Our New Additions
After long discussions, and persuasive speeches by others, Brandt and I have decided to get a cat --even better--two cats. We got them from this lady and we got a pretty good deal on them--75, that includes their shots and getting them fixed. And oh man, Brandt is smitten by these little girl kittens. Don't get me wrong, I find them adorable just as much as the next animal lover, but this was mostly Brandt's incentive.
Well, I'm sure you have lots of questions like "what's their names, and what do they look like?" Well we have a black kitten named Mowgli because she looks like a panther and she is the wild, playful one. Our other kitty, Chloe, she's a gray with different colored spots. Chloe loves to cuddle and purrs all the time. Mowgli and Chloe go well together. Not only to they balance each other out, but they both play well together. Brandt and I have enjoyed them so far and I think this will prepare us [Brandt] for when we have kids. HaHa
Well, I'm sure you have lots of questions like "what's their names, and what do they look like?" Well we have a black kitten named Mowgli because she looks like a panther and she is the wild, playful one. Our other kitty, Chloe, she's a gray with different colored spots. Chloe loves to cuddle and purrs all the time. Mowgli and Chloe go well together. Not only to they balance each other out, but they both play well together. Brandt and I have enjoyed them so far and I think this will prepare us [Brandt] for when we have kids. HaHa
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Let Them Eat Cake
Since my last post was intense, I'm going to write more on the lighter side. My birthday will be this Monday (Memorial day), which is great because I can say people from all over the country will be celebrating on my birthday.
Since it's my birthday, it brings me to my topic, cake. I really don't care much for cake, it's not really something I crave when I want a decadent dessert, and I have had only a few really tasty cakes myself. Why? Well in my family, there are nine kids plus my parents plus my siblings' spouses, and my nieces and nephews. A significant portion of the birthdays in my family are conveniently in the summer. It all starts out with my mom on May 3. Then my younger brother follows three days later. I'm on the 26th and then we reach June. I have two brothers, a brother-in-law, a niece, and a nephew that have birthdays in June. We have a couple of birthdays in July and one in August and September. The rest of my family are spaced out in the year. So as you can see, we have a lot of cake in the summers.
I can even tell you some of the favorite cakes in my family are as well. My dad always has angel food cake with strawberries and my mom makes herself a german chocolate. My brother loves the confetti cake mix from Betty Crocker, and I can keep on going, but I know you're starting to dose off.
So I simply get tired of cake and when my birthday rolls around, I opt for something different. One year I had dirty dessert, another fruit pizza, and I'm thinking for this year, it's gonna be brownies. When Queen Marie Antoinette said, "Let them eat cake," I think to myself, "cake sucks, let's get some oreos!"
Since it's my birthday, it brings me to my topic, cake. I really don't care much for cake, it's not really something I crave when I want a decadent dessert, and I have had only a few really tasty cakes myself. Why? Well in my family, there are nine kids plus my parents plus my siblings' spouses, and my nieces and nephews. A significant portion of the birthdays in my family are conveniently in the summer. It all starts out with my mom on May 3. Then my younger brother follows three days later. I'm on the 26th and then we reach June. I have two brothers, a brother-in-law, a niece, and a nephew that have birthdays in June. We have a couple of birthdays in July and one in August and September. The rest of my family are spaced out in the year. So as you can see, we have a lot of cake in the summers.
I can even tell you some of the favorite cakes in my family are as well. My dad always has angel food cake with strawberries and my mom makes herself a german chocolate. My brother loves the confetti cake mix from Betty Crocker, and I can keep on going, but I know you're starting to dose off.
So I simply get tired of cake and when my birthday rolls around, I opt for something different. One year I had dirty dessert, another fruit pizza, and I'm thinking for this year, it's gonna be brownies. When Queen Marie Antoinette said, "Let them eat cake," I think to myself, "cake sucks, let's get some oreos!"
Friday, May 16, 2008
This Is Heavy
OK. I have been thinking about this for a very long time. I hope people who will read this won't come after me with a pitch fork, but I feel that it's very important. So here it goes.
Abortion, the ultimate evil. Right? Uh...well...yes...but is that the end all and be all answer? Let's think about it. Women, whether it's rape, incest, or by choice, get pregnant and for some reason do not want to have their child. The ideal choice would to give the baby up for adoption, but since when the world was ideal? Circumstances are varied as people, and in a woman's mind, she could possibly say, "why should I go through pregnancy and labor for a baby I don't want?"
Don't get me wrong here. I strongly believe in the sanctity of life and I get sick when I hear 44% of women would get an abortion because of selfish reasons. I used to think that if a girl was a rape victim, failed to exercise moral restraints, or simply didn't use some sort of a contraceptive, should give a child up for adoption. After much thought and consideration, I don't know if that is always the best or only solution to the problem.
However, I am pro-choice. Pregnant women, no matter how they got pregnant, that want an abortion will get one, whether it's from a health-care professional or from a guy in a dark alley with a coat hanger. I would much rather give a woman the choice go to a heath-care professional than to have no options for a professional procedure and use a hanger instead.
Another reason why I tend to be pro-choice is because of an article I have read. People living in poverty-stricken countries engender a considerable amount children as a survival mechanism. Mal-nutrition, particularly starvation, serves as an aphrodisiac. Because of their impoverished circumstances, the mother and the child's lives are at risk.
My final reason why I'm pro-choice is that--choice. I'm an advocate of the right to choose and if a woman chooses to get an abortion, it's not my responsibility to judge whether or not she is in the wrong, the consequences of their choice will eventually follow and God knows their situations better than we humans can.
Since I'm such an advocate agency, I want people to respect my choices and beliefs, and I don't want someone to tell me I can't do something because it's wrong according to their values. I'm not trying to make people think abortion is right, but I do want people who are so dogmatic to get out their "my way is the only way!!!" mindset and realize their beliefs are just a point of view. All of our opinions and ideas are just another lens to look at. Perhaps by looking at different perspectives, we can gain a better understanding.
Abortion, the ultimate evil. Right? Uh...well...yes...but is that the end all and be all answer? Let's think about it. Women, whether it's rape, incest, or by choice, get pregnant and for some reason do not want to have their child. The ideal choice would to give the baby up for adoption, but since when the world was ideal? Circumstances are varied as people, and in a woman's mind, she could possibly say, "why should I go through pregnancy and labor for a baby I don't want?"
Don't get me wrong here. I strongly believe in the sanctity of life and I get sick when I hear 44% of women would get an abortion because of selfish reasons. I used to think that if a girl was a rape victim, failed to exercise moral restraints, or simply didn't use some sort of a contraceptive, should give a child up for adoption. After much thought and consideration, I don't know if that is always the best or only solution to the problem.
However, I am pro-choice. Pregnant women, no matter how they got pregnant, that want an abortion will get one, whether it's from a health-care professional or from a guy in a dark alley with a coat hanger. I would much rather give a woman the choice go to a heath-care professional than to have no options for a professional procedure and use a hanger instead.
Another reason why I tend to be pro-choice is because of an article I have read. People living in poverty-stricken countries engender a considerable amount children as a survival mechanism. Mal-nutrition, particularly starvation, serves as an aphrodisiac. Because of their impoverished circumstances, the mother and the child's lives are at risk.
My final reason why I'm pro-choice is that--choice. I'm an advocate of the right to choose and if a woman chooses to get an abortion, it's not my responsibility to judge whether or not she is in the wrong, the consequences of their choice will eventually follow and God knows their situations better than we humans can.
Since I'm such an advocate agency, I want people to respect my choices and beliefs, and I don't want someone to tell me I can't do something because it's wrong according to their values. I'm not trying to make people think abortion is right, but I do want people who are so dogmatic to get out their "my way is the only way!!!" mindset and realize their beliefs are just a point of view. All of our opinions and ideas are just another lens to look at. Perhaps by looking at different perspectives, we can gain a better understanding.
Impressions of the Impressed
My husband tells me that I should post blogs. I don't always have the time so we shall see how this works. I would like to think of myself as a free thinker. Since I've been to college, my views have been broadened and I like to hear all sides to issues. People of the LDS faith (especially if they are hard-core Republicans) may be surprised about how liberal some of my viewpoints are. Don't worry, I still lean towards the conservative side, but I feel that people, and LDS people at that, need to realize that things aren't always black and white. Discussion and argumentation on controversial issues help us lead to better solutions to problems. As an idealistic student, I have this romantic idea to pull people away from self interest and foster public awareness. If you don't understand what I mean, look for my blog posts, read, and--this is my hope--you will be enlightened even if you disagree with what I think. I love when people think for themselves especially if they have a humble intellect.
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