Happy Holi

What is better than getting to throw colorful, powdered chalk on random strangers? Ok, you're right. Maybe a few things. But it is still very fun.

The Hindus have an annual celebration called the Holi Festival, or the Festival of Colors, to celebrate the coming of spring.  Because it sounded like fun (and not because we have any desire to convert to Hinduism- although after last weekend, it doesn't sound like a bad idea), we decided to go join in the celebration.

(Warning: picture overload)

Before:

 

 During:

The girls, although skeptical at first, ended up loving every minute of it.

 

After:

We are totally doing this again, next year. So should you.

Although next time I think I'll wrap my purse in a plastic bag. I'm still finding green chalk in various pockets.

Today's random thoughts.

Today is a good day.

Why is it a good day?

Well, first of all, it's Tuesday. (Not to be confused with Friday. Or any other day of the week.)

It's the day after Monday.

That means a brand new episode of New Girl is on, tonight. (I have a girl crush on Zooey Deschanel)

Tuesday is Free Horchata day at Alberto's.

Second of all, it's sunny outside. That's always a boon, in my book.

There are daffodils blooming, which makes me very happy. (Happier than any normal person should ever be from blooming flowers.)

Kennedy and I leave for Seattle this week to visit mi madre. Yay!

It's Easter, soon!

It's my friend's birthday, today. (HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DA!!)

Did I mention that it's sunny, outside?

I think I'm going to try a new chicken recipe from Pinterest, for dinner, tonight.

Pinterest is my new obsession.

If you haven't perused this ingenious website called Pinterest, you are missing out.

I wonder how many times I can write "Pinterest" before it gets annoying.

Pinterest.

Pinterest.

Pinterest.

I love the springtime.

I made the best cinnamon rolls in the world, last weekend.

Guess where I found the recipe.

Pinterest.

I've veered away from the topic of "today," but I don't really care.

Kennedy's new favorite show is called "Ninjago." It's about Lego ninjas who fight Lego reptiles.

Nachos sound really good, right now.

Hey- I wonder if there's a good nachos recipe on Pinterest.

Lately

This is what has been happening as of late.

We had crazy-awesome-warm weather. So Kennedy learned how to long board. She rocked.

She has been fighting me every morning with having to brush her long, blonde, tangled, rat-nest hair. So we chopped it off. And our mornings have been much more pleasant.

We went to IHOP to get a balloon hat, and then we had to show it off to everyone at Costco.

And for our weekly girls' night, Ashley and I sent threatening (and extremely flattering) pictures to those who offended us.

Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle, wiggle, wiggle. Ugghh.

I'm assuming that you've heard the song "I'm Sexy and I Know It" by LMFAO. Because it's on the radio all. the. time.

It's quite the catchy tune.

However. The lyrics are stupid. (A common theme among rap songs.)

To show you just how stupid they are, here is a dramatic reading of the song.

(Skip to 1:05 to begin)

Love.

These two melt my heart.

They also drain my wallet because I love buying things for them.

Clearing confusion

I don't usually post intimate details of my day-to-day life. After all, this is a public blog, and I don't need Mr. John Creepy Stalker Doe to know every little, specific, personal thing about me. (Sorry, Mr. Doe.)

However, there has been one particularly significant event which I've kind of just danced around and avoided mentioning, because I don't usually share that personal of information. I realize that, in doing so, I may have caused some of you (my faithful readers, such as Mr. Doe) a bit of confusion. For that, I apologize.

Now, most of you already know. Others of you have probably assumed/guessed. The rest of you might be clueless or you just might not care all that much. It's totally cool if you don't care. Honestly.

Whatever the case may be, I thought I'd (finally) publicly announce it as to clear the air of any confusion.

I am divorced.

I'm not going into detail on the "why's", except to say that we did not come to the decision lightly or quickly. We both just decided that, after 9 1/2 years (most of those spent in counseling), it was time.

We have no hard feelings toward one another. He is an outstanding guy and a wonderful father to Kennedy. I have nothing negative to say about him.

If you know him, please continue to extend your love to him, and do not let this create a barrier. There are no sides to take.

Thank you to each of you for your love and support.

And in case you were wondering, yes. Kennedy and I are both very happy and doing well. We have such amazing friends and family to help us through everything. And, most importantly, we have each other.

"Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together."

-Marilyn Monroe

Spring excitement

Ohmygosh! They're so darling!!

I saw these while I was on my lunch break at work 

and I let out a little gasp because I was so excited.

And then I quickly took a picture.

And then I posted the picture on facebook. 

And then I sent said picture to my mom.

And now I'm showing all of you the picture.

I might be mildly obsessed with flowers.

I blame my mother.

Sure, why not?

I decided that each of you desperately wanted to know some random facts about me, and I aim to please. So here you go, my friends.
(Thank you, Sara Jane)


Age: Not 30.
Bed size: King (so I can lay diagonally)
Chore that you hate:  Scrubbing the toilet. Sick.
Dogs: Harley a/k/a the best dog in the world.
Essential start to your day: Breakfast.
Favorite color:  The sky on a clear day. And  the Caribbean water. And the sun.
Gold or Silver: Silvah.
Height:  5'4 and a half.
Instruments you play: Piano and guitar (barely).
Job title: Butt-kisser.
Kids: Miss Kennedy
Live:  In MY HOUSE!! (Emphasis added because I was going to have to sell it- but not anymore! YAY!)
Nicknames: Ashley Rae of Sunshine; Rae; Style Points; Ghetto Booty; A-dog; Ash; Smashley; Dumb-Ash... the list goes on.
Overnight hospital stays: After birthing my child. Woo!
Pet peeves:  People who think they're better than everyone else. Because I'm pretty sure they're not. 
Quote from a movie: "I'm kind of a big deal."
Right- or left-handed: Since I sprained my thumb last week, I've had to try to become ambidextrous. So far I suck.
Siblings: I love them.
Underwear:  Yes. Wait - let me check... ok, yes.  
Vegetable(s) you hate: As I tell Kennedy, I don't "hate" anything. But I strongly dislike tomatoes.
What makes you run late: Having a kid.
X-Rays you’ve had: Teeth, thumb, chest, jaw.
Yummy food that you make: Cookies. And other incredibly yummy things.
Zoo animal: Penguins and polar bears. And monkeys. And tigers. And pandas. And elephants.


Well, that was fun. Go ahead. Try it. You know you want to.