Role Models

Isn't funny how eventually, all of us will become our parents. We will try to deny it, fight it, change it... all effort that will go wasted. We mimic our parents/ guardians because we spend 18 years of our lives watching them. The good and bad come in a package deal, no returns. With that being said, I might be one of the luckiest girls out there :)

I am blessed beyond belief with two amazing parents who are still together, which as we all know is rare. My mother is hands down, the greatest person I know. Now I know all of us say that... but honestly my mother has a way of softening someones heart with her kind and healing touch. She can turn a cloudy day into sunshine, pain into relief and anger into laughter. She makes a difference everyday, how many of us can really say that?

Please pray for my Mom and other volunteers as they head to Haiti with Friends and Family Connection tomorrow. They will be serving the people of Haiti with their service of love and hope for a better tomorrow.

I love you Mom. You are my role-model. Thank you for being a wonderful person.

http://ffccsd.org/

Living with Less Makes Us Sexy

Decided to post these videos, taken the day we moved in. We popped a bottle to celebrate (our friend accidentally took a video, and ran through the house with sage to get rid of bad omens and spirits).

Isn't it funny how easy it is to minimize your worldly items when you move? And just how quickly and easy you consume to fill your life back up? I think is important is that we do not overly consume. As Americans, we always want the next best item, the newest trend, the best electronics. We even purchase more items to simplify our lives. I know I personally like to purchase items because it fills a temporary void.

So even if you haven't moved in a while, take a look at what you own. How much of it do you really use? If you haven't worn that shirt in a year, donate it. If you feel that your items are weighing you down, I suggest this book/blog written by Joshua Becker. http://www.becomingminimalist.com/ following this lifestyle shows us how to "stop consuming and start living"

I know for myself I am trying to use less. One of my dreams in a different life would be to give away everything I own (minus the sentimental things) and travel with nothing but my backpack. Then I could really live minimalistic once I returned to a place I wanted to call home.

Thing about what you own and compare it to who you love. A mere reality of what really matters in life, to love and be loved in return.

Resolutions

Today is a new year, a fresh start, a clean slate. An opportunity to focus on the things that matter, start a new diet, change your routine. Although we have the ability to do this everyday, there is something about the New Year that allows us to begin again.

I am the keeper of many friends and family's resolutions throughout the years. I can look back in my book and tell a loved one their resolutions from last year, and it is always a wonderful feeling when you know you have accomplished them. I know for me personally, almost most of mine happened. The biggest one in 2011 was to move out of California, which has brought me to Denver, CO.

Which leads me to my goals for the dreaded year of 2012.

1. Start writing again. 2011 was a giant writers block for me.

2. Adopt a dog. I need to wait until I live in a pet friendly establishment... The 21st floor with no yard is not suitable for a best friend.

3. Finish my Master's in Education.

4. Run a half marathon in Denver. I have a lot of training to do...

5. Lose the lbs I gained, back to healthy Ashley.

6.Forgive and let go of the past.

Focus on your goals and resolutions for this year. Let me know if you need me to be your accountability partner, it is important to share them.