My Day with FRIENDS

I must give credit where credit is due… thanks to constant reference and quotation of the series, first in high school from Julie D. then during State Officer year with Q.P., somewhere along the way I developed quite the affinity for F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Lately I've taken advantage of every opportunity to catch TBS and MTV provided reruns, and link me to the bandwagon all you

want, this is some seriously great TV! (Granted, save Grey's Anatomy and a few other occasional views, I'm far more partial to 90's/early 2000 sitcoms than I am toward anything airing these days.) Alas, spurred by my recent heightened interest in the series that swept the nation, I thought it would be fun during this extended NY adventure to checkout Greenwich Village, where the series was largely set.

Gotta hand it to him, Q.P. knew right away exactly where I was just by looking at this pic. :-)

Along the walk from 42nd St. to approximately 8th St. (where I was officially in Greenwich Village) and then while mulling in Washington Square Park, I had some time to let my imagination roam. I couldn't help thinking how cool it would be to live somewhere like this, have five of my closest friends living with or near me, spend time in our routine "haunts," have a "usual" at a local eatery (if you're ever in Greenwich Village, I highly recommend Two Boots Pizza - be sure to try a Fizzy Lizzy!) I digress…

The longer I thought on this concept, the easier it became to see that a) there is no way I could limit myself to merely five close friends that I would want nearby, and b) I am blessed with one really eclectic group of folks to call my best pals!

For instance: some of my best friends have traveled the world, others barely step out of the county. There are farm kids with huge FFA backgrounds, sports gurus who've played at impressive levels, skilled culinary masters. Security guards, stay-at-home-parents, mad scientists, fitness lovers… Seriously this list could last all night.

I, for one, find that I am all the better for the diversity that this wide realm of camaraderie brings to my life. Though I am devout in my own beliefs and convictions, I consider myself open-minded, tolerant and able to co-exist with nearly all walks of life. I understand and respect that while we are each unique individuals, every life has something to offer another, and as my relationships both grow and multiply, I am ever happy to keep expanding my mind (and Facebook friends list) to include the gains to be made.

As blessed as I feel, there's no way I could fit my crew into a Greenwich Village apartment… but in the meantime, if anyone wants to buy me the compete season set of F.R.I.E.N.D.S., feel free. :o)

Be Blessed,

Ashlee

And it all comes down to this...

A few weeks ago, it was brought to my attention that my bloggin' was slackin'. To that I say, MY life is flying by faster than I can type (which is pretty darn fast when I get on a roll!) and I dare YOU to TRY AND KEEP UP!


Summer 2010 has been a whirlwind of greatness! Last night I calculated that over my 3+ months in Louisville, I've put somewhere in the 15,000 mile range on the "little, black Monte Carlo," and I'm proud to say I don't regret a mile!


Working with KSF YAP has been a spectacular experience and is an opportunity that I'm beyond thankful to have had! This program has so much potential and I'm confident that the YOUth of Kentuckiana will continue to grow this awesome entity. (Obviously there are still four days left of the 2010 Kentucky State Fair) and YAP's biggest event - Battle of the Bands - is yet to come! If you have time, definitely stop by the tent, ask about FREE T-shirts and buttons, the Ultimate Photo Booth and the ALL NEW KSF Fan Bandz (our custom silly bands!) I'm currently sporting my green rabbit! YAP truly does offer something for everyone, and I'd love to see as many people as possible take advantage! Shameless plugging... who, me?


In addition to 37.5 hours per week hanging out at the KEC, I've managed to fill my "free-time" -what's that?- with more than my fair share of adventure and memory making with the best family and friends anyone could ever ask for! From celebrating my grandparents' 50th Anniversary (I hope I get to see that milestone in my own life!), to fearlessly (or at least with a lot less fear than I had six months ago) rapalling in Red River Gorge, to savoring memories of a very special "gone-home" Saint of God who's impact on my life, and many others, will never be forgotten, to sleeping in just about ANY desperate setting imaginable (including, on occasion, my car), to reconnecting with a million old friends (and even family - you should meet my Aunt Thumb!) and making dozens of wonderful new ones... it's definitely been a ride worth taking. A good friend recently noted that every year somehow manages to be better than the last. She's right. I remember thinking that my high school summers of traveling softball teams and memorized TV schedules would always be my favorite, and then a summer spent traveling the state/eastern continent with 10 of my favorite people topped the charts followed by months of life changing work at KY FFA camp, and yet somehow I'm continually blessed to live a life of never-ceasing awesomeness!

Alas... in true word-obsessed Me fashion, enjoy some of my favorite quotes from Summer 2010:


1. Why are you mean muggin'? You're the one looking like a Golden Retriever!
2. It'll eat.
3. THAT IS A FORD FOCUS! (and numerous other Katt Williams classics!)
4. Something in the basement growled at me!
5. You like pickled eggs?
6. Are you wearing underwear? (just realized that this quote has occurred on multiple occasion)
7. Here Am I... Send Me.
8. Do you wanna be exclusive?
9. Hey buddy... you want some Doritos?
10. Kacie just donated me a mirror...


...there are far too many more to list!



The remainder of 2010 already proves to have me constantly on the go, and I can't imagine living and loving my life in any more fitting fashion. Though I can hardly fathom that my senior year of college has ALREADY begun, I'm chomping at the bit to relish every last taste of Murray State University - of 100s (or hopefully more) new friends, out-of-my-comfort-zone experiences and jam-packed days before embarking on a lifetime of whatever fantastic journey God has in store! Thus far it's been remarkable...


P.S. 5 Things I've Learned from the Kentucky State Fair


1. (2) Krispy Kreme Donut + (1) Hamburger + (X) Bacon Slices = FABULOUS IDEA!
2. Even the quickest jaunt through the hog barn leaves a lingering odor on your clothes...
3. Be nice to Security. They know people.
4. Don't share a remote trailer with an elephant. (And no... that's not a fat joke.)
5. WATCH YOUR STEP!



Peace, Love and Nachos (B/C They are my Favorite Fair Food!)

-Ashlee