tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25747782194352459572024-03-13T11:33:53.311-05:00A Meandering MemoirAshley F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15838346155942851227noreply@blogger.comBlogger380125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574778219435245957.post-45147758692786429982017-05-24T20:17:00.002-05:002017-05-24T20:17:54.484-05:00ONEAlmost two weeks ago, our little baby turned one.<br />
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We celebrated the day as a family going to brunch and then exploring the Wildlife Safari Park. Of course, the day ended with some cake.<br />
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Just a few days later, we had a party for family. The theme was "One in a melon" because I couldn't resist. I was determined to make beautiful watermelon sugar cookies, and it was a hot minute away from disaster. Thankfully, everything turned out pretty ok.<br />
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It's hard to imagine that it's been one year since we met this little life. I have loved getting to know her, and I look forward to watching her grow into an amazing little person. Her spirit shines through with every smile and laugh.<br />
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Favorite food: cheese, banana<br />
Least favorite food: broccoli<br />
Favorite show: Wheel of Fortune<br />
Bedtime: 7 PM<br />
Loves: kitties, climbing, reading books, drinking water<br />
Favorite toy: baby doll<br />
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I love you, Cora.</div>
Ashley F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15838346155942851227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574778219435245957.post-90504952477840605972017-05-18T20:23:00.000-05:002017-05-18T20:23:40.875-05:00THEODORE ROOSEVELT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The mustache is real. The cause is deserving.<br />
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Without hesitation, Andrew decided to once again participate in Mustaches for Kids. He has been growing (his stache is named Theodore Roosevelt National Park) and raising money for a couple of weeks, and he is doing really well!<br />
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This year's Mustaches for Kids campaign is raising money for Ronald McDonald Charities of Omaha. Andrew set a lofty goal of raising $1,500 before the first check-in. Friends and family generously helped him surpass that goal in record time, so he upped the ante! He has prizes, business cards with his face, and even a special pint night fundraiser at The Casual Pint.<br />
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I'm so proud of how well he is doing and how passionate he is about supporting a local nonprofit.<br />
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If you would like to support the stache, <a href="http://bit.ly/FlaterStache" target="_blank">donate here</a>!Ashley F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15838346155942851227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574778219435245957.post-6414397079928265922017-04-19T22:21:00.001-05:002017-04-19T22:21:52.011-05:00CORA'S 1ST EASTERAlthough we didn't get around to taking Cora to see the Easter bunny, or to an Easter egg hunt, and I forgot to get treats to put in the Easter eggs in her basket, I think Cora really enjoyed her first Easter.<br />
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She was a little restless during church (also her regular nap time), but she loved watching the kids play the bells. She also couldn't eat any of the candy, but I guess there was more for me! Annnnnd she is still too little to find Easter eggs with her cousins, but a ride on her uncle's shoulders is just as good.<br />
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After spending the day at my mom's house, that little girl slept like a rock - and so did Irvin after getting plenty of play time with Axel.<br />
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Hope you all had a joyous day!<br />
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<br />Ashley F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15838346155942851227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574778219435245957.post-5341728336162385032017-02-27T22:19:00.002-06:002017-02-27T22:19:23.572-06:00FEBRUARY <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "puritan"; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><b>Reading: </b>I feel like I have been abandoning books left and right. I'm currently reading <i>Imagine Heaven</i> by John Burke, and I'm not jazzed about it. I really love hearing about the experiences people have during their near death experiences, but this book is just all over the place. I already have another book at hold on at the library. What to do...?</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: puritan; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><br /></b><b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: puritan; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Watching: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "puritan"; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Well Andrew and I zipped through <i>The OA</i> on Netflix - a show about a women who's story revolves around near death experiences. Are you sensing a theme here? We are also sooooo far behind on <i>The Walking Dead</i>. I just feel like we have no time for tv - at least when we are together. </span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: puritan; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Listening to:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "puritan"; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"> Andrew and I are going to the Johnnyswim concert later this week, and they have been on repeat lately. </span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: puritan; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Thinking about:</b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "puritan";"><span style="font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"> I've been trying to have a new experience each month. In January, I got a chemical peel (it was just okay). In February, I took a calligraphy class (way harder than I thought it would be). I'm excited to try something new each month, and I'm excited to see where the year takes me!</span></span></span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: puritan; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Loving:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "puritan"; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"> I have been working hard to finish Cora's quilt. I really, really want to have it done before her first birthday. There is still so much to do, but I keep thinking about how this can be something she can keep for years to come! So with each finished block, I love it a little bit more. </span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: puritan; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Looking forward to: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "puritan"; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Fish fry is right around the corner! I'm excited to take Cora to her first one. I'm even going to have a shirt made for her! Oh, I can't wait. </span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: puritan; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Making me happy:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "puritan"; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"> Cora is learning something new all of the time! She is growing up so fast, and while it makes me happy to see her grow, it also makes each moment a little bit sweeter. Don't get me wrong, we have our struggles. There are days and nights where I need a break, and she just doesn't want to cooperate. But I find myself taking small snapshots of the sleepy snuggles and goofy antics.</span>Ashley F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15838346155942851227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574778219435245957.post-33580495256471686782017-01-30T21:55:00.003-06:002017-01-30T21:55:36.468-06:00WEEKEND RECAP: JANUARY 27-29This weekend, Andrew's parents came to town for a last minute visit. It had been almost a month since we saw them in Dubuque for Christmas, and they were excited to see Cora again.<br />
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+ Our first stop after their arrival was at The Casual Pint to show them where Andrew spends a couple of nights each week<br />
- Andrew broke about three glasses at The Casual Pint. Luckily, they were pretty cool about it, but I told them to take it out of his paycheck.<br />
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+ On Saturday, we headed to Lauritzen Gardens to check out the latest LEGO sculptures. Andrew had never been before, and I am always amazed with the work that goes into them.<br />
+ We grabbed some lunch at Farnam House before scoring some pretty great deals in the Bargain Cave at Cabella's<br />
+ I had dinner in the slow cooker at home and we headed back so Cora could have some down time.<br />
- After Cora woke up from her nap, she had a low grade temp and no appetite...<br />
+ After putting her to bed, we introduced Jim and Steph to our current favorite board games Ticket to Ride and Exploding Kittens<br />
- We had plans to go to brunch on Sunday morning, but Cora's temp had spiked to 102F overnight.<br />
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+ Although Sunday because a lazy day because Cora was sick, I was so glad for the extra cuddles.<br />
+ Thankfully, by Monday morning she was feeling much better. We kept her home, just to play it safe and I think she had fun hanging with dad all day!<br />
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Sick babies make for an exhausting weekend, and I'm so glad she is on the mend! What fun things did you do?<br />
<br />Ashley F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15838346155942851227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574778219435245957.post-88290498673595598102016-11-08T08:57:00.001-06:002016-11-08T08:57:30.163-06:00CORA'S 1st HALLOWEENCora had her first Halloween last week! As much as I had hoped that it would a magical event, she had other ideas. I had grand plans to get everyone dressed up and trick-or-treat at the neighbor's houses, she thought it would be a good night to go to bed at 6:15 PM.<br />
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So while I spent far too much time working on and stressing about her chicken costume (and our themed accompanying costumes*), I might have been better suited to stick with the $5 hot dog costume I bought on a Facebook swap group. I totally could have been mustard and Andrew would rock the hot dog vendor outfit. I guess you live and you learn... babies just don't appreciate Halloween as much as they should.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">we like to sing a song about cat pants, it goes like this...<br />"cat pants... ch,ch,ch,ch,ch. cat pants... ch,ch,ch,ch,ch." </td></tr>
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Either way, Andrew and I spent the evening enjoying some fall brews, carving pumpkins, watching The Shining, and handing out candy to the trick-or-treaters. Bonus: Irvin dressed up like a lion and the kids loved it. So, I guess it wasn't the worst Halloween ever!<br />
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*which we didn't even get a picture of, and I might make us get dressed up just for the photo opp because I made her chicken pants, damnit!<br />
<br />Ashley F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15838346155942851227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574778219435245957.post-35417432683998180252016-10-17T21:55:00.001-05:002016-10-17T21:55:44.806-05:00LITTLE PUMPKINThis last weekend, Cora experienced her first trip to the pumpkin patch! Vala's Pumpkin Patch is a popular October destination, and we were excited to share this with her.<br />
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Although Cora isn't old enough to really experience all that this place has to offer, I think she still enjoyed herself. Cora loved looking at all of the animals and sleeping. Andrew and I enjoyed a delicious piece of triple berry pie and the beautiful weather. It will be fun to see how her (and our) experience changes as she grows!<br />
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Thanks to our friends Matt and Jenny for asking us to tag along!Ashley F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15838346155942851227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574778219435245957.post-60345110326043132742016-05-08T10:07:00.000-05:002016-05-08T10:07:04.611-05:00MUSTACHES FOR KIDS<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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Well, he is at it again! <a href="http://meanderingmemoir.blogspot.com/2010/10/epic-mustache-final-week.html" target="_blank">Do you remember when he initially grew a mustache for Steve and Amber's wedding</a>? I don't know if it will be that epic, but it will be worth it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2covsfzIp5A/Vyyyqd0KnHI/AAAAAAAACc4/l5a6vuz86mccR9YiIpF6jNbxQW4iS7kiwCK4B/s1600/Stache-Andrew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2covsfzIp5A/Vyyyqd0KnHI/AAAAAAAACc4/l5a6vuz86mccR9YiIpF6jNbxQW4iS7kiwCK4B/s1600/Stache-Andrew.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mustache throwback</td></tr>
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This year, Andrew is participating in <a href="http://www.m4komaha.com/" target="_blank">Mustaches for Kids</a>. Mustaches for Kids is a local nonprofit that recruits male growers in the month of May to grow mustaches and raise money for a local children's charity. This year, that charity is Youth Emergency Services!<br />
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I'm really excited to have Andrew jump on this bandwagon, and I'm even more excited that YES is the Charity Partner of the Year! It's really a win for everyone.<br />
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If you want to support Andrew's face, follow this link - <a href="http://bit.ly/YESMustaches">http://bit.ly/YESMustaches</a> - to make your donation. A gift of any amount gets his that much closer to the coveted Selleck Society (he gets a fancy button, ok?)Ashley F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15838346155942851227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574778219435245957.post-81176271303800986012016-05-06T09:58:00.000-05:002016-05-06T09:58:41.090-05:00MAY 2016 UPDATE<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oJpeTS57Joo/VyywrwzuHhI/AAAAAAAACcg/zBO6mjrmzjsAhJbFgmITAHBdtFuEpvI8ACLcB/s1600/May%2B2016%2BUpdate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oJpeTS57Joo/VyywrwzuHhI/AAAAAAAACcg/zBO6mjrmzjsAhJbFgmITAHBdtFuEpvI8ACLcB/s1600/May%2B2016%2BUpdate.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">baby bump / irvin / erin in a box / LNA meeting</td></tr>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Puritan; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Reading: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "puritan"; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><i>The Girl in the Spider's Web</i> by David Lagercrantz. I have to say that when I initially started reading this, I was very skeptical. I felt like the book was a cheat because it wasn't written by Stieg Larsson. Additionally, the book was hard to start. Lots of foreign names, new characters, etc... I'm now 3/4 of the way through, and I really am enjoying it. As it goes on, it feels more and more like it fits in with the series. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "puritan";"><span style="font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">I also halfway finished <i>Go Set A Watchman</i> by Harper Lee before I had to move on. I was dreading reading it because the story is so slow to progress. Lee passed away while I was in the middle of it, and I will finish because I feel a sense of obligation. I don't think it will be one of my favorites unfortunately... </span></span></span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Puritan; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><br /></b><b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Puritan; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Watching: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "puritan"; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><i>11.22.63</i> on Hulu was fantastic! I didn't think I would actually get into it, but it really was engaging. We are now flipping between <i>Master of None</i> and <i>Last Man on Earth</i> (I don't even know how/why we started that one). Of course we are all caught up on <i>Girls</i>, and anxiously await Sundays for <i>Game of Thrones</i>. YAS!</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Puritan; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Listening to:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "puritan"; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"> The Lumineers recently came out with a new album, and it's been on repeat. We also have gotten addicted to Chris Stapleton - so good! Now if only we could find reasonably priced tickets to his sold out show on July 1. </span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Puritan; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Thinking about:</b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "puritan";"><span style="font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"> When is this baby going to finally come?!? Yesterday was my due date, and I'm getting very impatient. This baby is taking up all of my insides and it has become very hard to sleep, walk, eat, and breathe (you know, the essentials to maintain life). </span></span></span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Puritan; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Loving:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "puritan"; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"> Working on the house! Andrew and I have been in baby prep mode which did wonders for the nursery. We even got a new dining room light fixture and are working on improvements to the windows. </span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Puritan; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Looking forward to: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "puritan"; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Summer. Andrew and I will be on family leave for most of it. I can't wait to meet the little person we made and enjoying the warmer weather as a family. </span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Puritan; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Making me happy:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "puritan"; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"> Sunshine! It has been so dreary the last few weeks (thanks, April), and I love the sunshine and warmth that May has brought so far. </span>Ashley F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15838346155942851227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574778219435245957.post-32231912561713333832015-08-18T06:00:00.000-05:002015-08-18T06:00:01.479-05:00AUGUST ADVENTURESFor the last couple of Thursdays, my friends and I have started to try new things. We just thought this might be a fun way to experience some of the fun activities and attractions that Omaha has to offer.<br />
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We started with Fun Plex. Alexa, Alicia, and myself took advantage of the spring like temperatures in August and dove right into a freezing lazy river. We also paid $5 for a locker the size of shoe box, tried and failed to avoid all of the stray human hairs in the "motion ocean," rode around a track on the fanciest lawn mowers you have ever seen, and those two sissies let me ride on a four-person, push-start "roller coaster" by myself.<br />
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To cap it off, we almost got hit by a rogue hot tub. It was on a trailer that had detached from it's truck and started barreling down the road... right towards our car.<br />
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<i>Whose idea was this anyway?!?</i> That Thursday night activity was definitely an adventure, and we made the most of it. It's one experience that we won't soon forget.<br />
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(I regret that I don't have any pictures of this epic adventure. This is not a mistake I will be making in the future...)<br />
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The next week, Alicia and I decided to take a break from physical adventures and relax at Jazz on the Green. It was exactly what we needed to balance out the week before.<br />
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More adventures to come!Ashley F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15838346155942851227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574778219435245957.post-29709514771085949602015-08-16T17:14:00.001-05:002015-08-16T17:14:25.055-05:00IOWA STATE FAIR 2015Another year, another Iowa State Fair. This was by far the hottest one yet. It was a humid 95 degrees. I think we were exhausted just from walking to pick up the tickets at will call. But, as always, it was well worth it.<br />
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This year's foods included:<br />
- Deep fried peanut butter and jelly (gooey and delicious)<br />
- Cheese curds<br />
- Turkey burger<br />
- Pumpkin spice funnel cake (Emily liked this better than the pineapple upside down one, but I disagreed.)<br />
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Andrew ate:<br />
- Strawberry ice cream cone<br />
- Jalapeno corn dog<br />
- Chili cheese dog (He ate it while we reminisced about his days as a fair food vendor, and we all weighed in with our opinions on fake cheese.)<br />
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Alex and Kelly met up with us after a few hours, and we had fun seeing the animals (the giant ones and the babies... one day old piglets and a three week old calf). It was East Sider's night at the fair, and we decided it was best to head out before then. I'm glad we left when we did, because I was so dehydrated.<br />
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On Saturday, we spent the morning at the Des Moines Farmers market with Andrew's uncle Mike and aunt Lynne, visited Mallory and her beautiful family, had lunch at Fong's, and ate dinner at Alex and Kelly's before getting our buts beat in a round of bags.<br />
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Today, I was absolutely exhausted. I'm glad we got home early so I could get a good long nap in before a long afternoon of doing nothing. Cheers!Ashley F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15838346155942851227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574778219435245957.post-35995587431237073862015-05-21T07:47:00.000-05:002015-06-08T19:18:56.467-05:00MAY 2015 UPDATE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5N0L16fvSfI/VV3TfTYUMqI/AAAAAAAACWw/kabArn8WUe0/s1600/Flater%2BCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5N0L16fvSfI/VV3TfTYUMqI/AAAAAAAACWw/kabArn8WUe0/s1600/Flater%2BCollage.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Reading: </b>Since I last posted I read <i>The Art of Fielding</i> by Chad Harbach and <i>Everything I Never Told You</i> by Celeste Ng. Both were pretty good. I actually found myself waiting to read the last 15 pages because I wasn't ready for it to end. Next up: Working on my classics list.<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Watching: </b>Since getting rid of DirecTV, Andrew and I watched all of <i>Orange is the New Black</i>. Love it! And just in time for the third season! Hooray! I'm actually really glad we got rid of DirecTV. Now we can focus on watching the things we really want to watch.<br />
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<b>Listening to:</b> I have been hearing a lot of Death Cab for Cutie's new album. I haven't intentionally listened to it, but Andrew seems to always have it on. I've really been in a country funk lately. Maybe I just miss the Iowa State Fair? Already counting the days...<br />
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<b>Thinking about:</b> How in the world did I get so busy? Between work and Omaha's YNPN, I don't have as much free time as I would like. How do I find a good balance? I want to make sure I'm not burning the candle at both ends... Now I just need to figure out how that works.<br />
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<b>Loving:</b> Working on crafty projects with Alicia. We have some pretty cool stuff in the works!<br />
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<b>Looking forward to: </b>Summer. So much to do, so little time. Trips, concerts, more weekends away. We sure do love being busy. Just we just need to find some time to relax.<br />
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<b>Making me happy:</b> Sleeping. I have been so tired lately. I don't know what my deal is, but I sure do love hitting the hay.Ashley F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15838346155942851227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574778219435245957.post-49311364891133614852015-04-06T21:36:00.001-05:002015-04-06T21:36:21.071-05:00WEEKEND RECAP: EASTER<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BGOwEauuJdQ/VSNB1kK0L7I/AAAAAAAACUo/Sd9mSBrSmkM/s1600/MrMason.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BGOwEauuJdQ/VSNB1kK0L7I/AAAAAAAACUo/Sd9mSBrSmkM/s1600/MrMason.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">>> Aunt Ashley accidentally gave Mason candy that turned his mouth blue... Oops! <<</td></tr>
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Andrew and I decided to get out of town on Friday night and see what Lincoln had to offer. We also spent some time working on the house, hanging with friends, and spending Easter with my family.<br />
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Highlights:<br />
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<ul>
<li>A Friday lunch date with Andrew at Block16. Holy cow. Love it!</li>
<li>Mellow Mushroom.... mmmm. We actually got a pizza free when they messed up our order. This was one occasion where I really didn't mind.</li>
<li>Spring cleaning. I find a lot of joy in getting rid of a bunch of stuff we don't need.</li>
<li>Seeing Mason get so excited for Easter and candy. Just being around him in general is one of my favorites.</li>
<li>Making too much food (including making carrot cake from scratch, and it wasn't event bad) and dyeing Easter eggs with my family.</li>
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Lowlights:<br />
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<ul>
<li>The service we received at a bar in Lincoln.</li>
<li>Eating my weight in Easter candy.</li>
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How was your Easter?Ashley F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15838346155942851227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574778219435245957.post-39526101876537740282015-03-30T21:38:00.000-05:002015-04-06T21:36:29.906-05:00WEEKEND RECAP: MARCH 27-29Alicia and I headed to Des Moines right after work on Friday to make the most of our weekend there. Emily greeted us with snacks, and the fun began!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oaKblcqb2Gk/VRoIBKBSFjI/AAAAAAAACUE/wNomRI-S9N4/s1600/crafts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oaKblcqb2Gk/VRoIBKBSFjI/AAAAAAAACUE/wNomRI-S9N4/s1600/crafts.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank goodness Tessa was there to help us get started. </td></tr>
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The weekend included:<br />
- Drinks, basketball, conversations about the ugliest person you would have sex with (please just go watch Broad City already), and calling the cops on a very intoxicated man who thought it was okay to drive.<br />
- A morning full of coffee and antique shopping... Alicia's favorites!<br />
- A craft project that took nearly five hours - it was totally worth it, and I'm not even being sarcastic.<br />
- A sightseeing trip to the neighborhood Hy-Vee, two trips to Hobby Lobby, and a fun car ride featuring Nickleback.<br />
- Three episodes of Broad City, one full Otis Redding album, and three games of Sequence.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PlWATl1oO80/VRoIBONP53I/AAAAAAAACUA/RNwrSn7v_ps/s1600/Shopping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PlWATl1oO80/VRoIBONP53I/AAAAAAAACUA/RNwrSn7v_ps/s1600/Shopping.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CW// HyVee trip - Alicia's find - Weird/cool mural</td></tr>
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Oh, and I taught Mickey to bow when I bowed at him. Karate!Ashley F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15838346155942851227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574778219435245957.post-49440578396583535252014-09-10T06:00:00.000-05:002014-09-10T06:00:01.012-05:00THREE YEARS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On our actual anniversary, we spent the evening being disappointed with a Green Bay loss to the Seattle Seahawks... but I think we made up for it this weekend.<br />
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On Friday, Andrew and I celebrated three years of marriage with a quick trip out of town to a local vineyard. Not only does <a href="http://www.svevineyards.com/" target="_blank">Slattery Vintage Estates</a> have a great selection of wine in their tasting room, but they also offer a limited appetizer and dinner menu and on-site bungalows to rent for the night.<br />
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This trip was a complete surprise for Andrew. He had no idea where we were going or what we were up to, and I think in the end he was pleasantly surprised.<br />
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We spent the evening sampling wines, talking, and playing cards.<br />
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The weather wasn't the best... it was rainy and cold, but we made the best of it. Luckily, all of the bungalows have space heaters and we brought an extra blanket. Phew!<br />
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Just like camping, we were up with the sun and back to our nice warm car.<br />
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It was a great quick getaway, and I'm really glad we took some time for ourselves.Ashley F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15838346155942851227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574778219435245957.post-48146112820783309062014-09-08T20:46:00.000-05:002014-09-08T20:46:30.808-05:00NEW WHEELSLast weekend, I got a new car! Once we decided that this was something we could afford, it didn't take much searching to find exactly what I was looking for. Andrew spotted a 2013 white Subaru Outback online, and I knew I had to have it!<br />
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The one downfall was that my new car was in South Dakota. Luckily, the dealership was willing to meet in the middle and last Saturday Andrew and our friend Elliott went to pick it up. Everything checked out, and it's all mine!</div>
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All was fine and dandy, but within 24 hours of ownership someone hit my car. I was sitting at a stop light when I felt a bump from behind. I quickly put on my flashers and jumped out to check out the damage. I knew this guy was no good when he immediately said, "You hit me!" Oh really? I told him that we would need to pull over to double check the damage, and when walking back to my car I noticed he didn't have any plates. Sure enough, he just drove away. Go figure! Luckily, it was only a scratch.<br />
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Now that I have been driving it for a week it's starting to feel real. I feel very fortunate, and I'm glad to finally have a safe, reliable vehicle for many years to come.<br />
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Anyone looking to buy a 2001 Chrysler Sebring? :)</div>
Ashley F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15838346155942851227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574778219435245957.post-4208494022275268642014-08-21T08:00:00.000-05:002014-08-21T08:00:05.157-05:00AUGUST UPDATE<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sister birthday celebration > fair pumpkin > Em & I made a pie > Alicia & Elliott at Simon's birthday party</td></tr>
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<b>Reading: </b>I just finished reading <i>The Memory Keeper's Daughter</i> by Kim Edwards. It was really good in the beginning, meh in the middle, and pretty good at the end. 7/10 On to my next read, <i>Eleanor and Park</i> by Rainbow Rowell. I remember when I was younger I would get so excited for her weekly column in the Omaha World Herald. I can't wait to really dive into this YA book!<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Watching: </b>There is this show called <i>Backyard Farmer</i> on PBS, and I cannot get enough. I have learned so many thing about gardening, bugs, and lawn care. I will probably never put any of this new found knowledge to use, but I sure do love it!<br />
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<b>Listening to:</b> I just discovered <i>The Wind and the Wave</i>. I already think it might be my official album for fall, but I'm open to other suggestions.<br />
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<b>Thinking about:</b> Andrew and I have already decided that it would probably be a good idea to host a Halloween party. October 31 will be here before you know it, and that means I need to get to work dreaming about all of the Halloween crafts that I will never finish. Time to get to work!<br />
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<b>Loving:</b> Getting stuff done! I recently made a bedskirt, and I have a few other projects on my plate. It feels so good to cross some things off my list.<br />
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<b>Looking forward to: </b>Andrew is taking is month-long sabbatical from work in November-December. I'm looking forward to putting him to work and spending some extra time together. I think we might even be planning a trip!<br />
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<b>Making me happy:</b> Spending time with my Omaha friends.Ashley F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15838346155942851227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574778219435245957.post-48931002797003682932014-08-20T21:01:00.003-05:002014-08-20T21:01:54.904-05:00WEEKEND RECAP: IOWA STATE FAIRIt's August, and that means it's time for another day at the fair! The night before, Emily and I prepared a list of the must-see and eat items.<br />
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Pineapple Inside-Out Funnel Cake - Check!<br />
Iowa State Alumni Wall - Check!<br />
Quilt expo - Check!<br />
Iowa Craft Beer Tent - Check!<br />
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We didn't go on any rides or visit the animal discovery center... but there is always next year!<br />
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Oh, and then there was this one time that Emily almost getting trampled by a Clydesdale. That was fun!<br />
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Did you go to the fair this year? What's your favorite fair food?Ashley F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15838346155942851227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574778219435245957.post-60370548156316211052014-08-15T06:00:00.000-05:002014-08-15T06:00:04.493-05:00FLASHBACK FRIDAY: MORRISON KIDSWanna see some super cute babies? I found these pictures in at my parent's house when I was visiting last month.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just in case you can't tell... Mikey / Lindsey / Ashley</td></tr>
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Those are some good looking kiddos. Ok, some stages are cuter than others! </div>
Ashley F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15838346155942851227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574778219435245957.post-59020928233131552972014-08-12T19:47:00.000-05:002014-08-12T19:47:45.017-05:00ANOTHER SETBACK<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last week, we took Erin to the vet to finish up a set of tests. We learned that she still isn't getting enough insulin, and we will have to increase her dosage again... I'm so glad she is starting to feel better and act more like herself, but it's disheartening to hear about the increase.<br />
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We also had them test the pressure behind her eyes to try to determine the cause of the goop we are currently seeing in her left eye. We were told that her pressure is extremely high (Normal range: 12-21, Erin's left eye: 88, Erin's right eye: 44), and she most likely has glaucoma. Now in addition to the insulin, she will need eyedrops everyday. Poor kitty...<br />
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It's hard to imagine her not being a part of our family, and hopefully it doesn't come to that anytime soon. She just is really struggling to stay healthy right now, but we will continue to love and care for her.<br />
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Please send Erin all of your good thoughts!Ashley F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15838346155942851227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574778219435245957.post-89889635292215767822014-06-30T19:31:00.001-05:002014-06-30T19:31:32.160-05:00HOUSE UPDATESWhile I spent some time away from my blog, I have started (and finished) a few projects around the house. I thought that I would share them!
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>> I made a super cool painting!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's gold, and it's hard to capture in a pic. Use your imagination.</td></tr>
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>> We painted the front door!<br />
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>> We fixed our door handle!<br />
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>> I painted an orange accent wall in the guest bedroom and painted our entryway!<br />
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>> I installed a key safe!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think I actually said, "I'm handy as f---!" after installing this.</td></tr>
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Phew. On to the next projects! </div>
Ashley F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15838346155942851227noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574778219435245957.post-8324569348569090362014-06-24T20:34:00.000-05:002014-06-24T20:34:49.691-05:00JUNE UPDATE<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-1322767457524060328" itemprop="description articleBody" style="position: relative; width: 670px;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">favorite lil' human >> coby taking it all in >> calypso feeling out some tunes</td></tr>
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<span style="line-height: 1.4;"><b>Reading: </b>After </span><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">quitting</span><span style="line-height: 1.4;"> on another book (Little Bee by </span>Chris Cleave)<span style="line-height: 1.4;">, I have finally started on a book I want to read - <i>Memory Keeper's Daughter </i>by Kim Edwards. It's so good, so far! I have picked out another four books that I want to read after this one, and I really want to get through all of them in record time. </span></div>
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<b style="line-height: 1.4;"><br /></b><span style="line-height: 1.4;"><b>Watching: </b><i>Homeland</i>. I really cannot get enough. If you haven't started watching this, do it. Now! If I had access to all of the episodes, I would be caught up by now. But alas, I will wait until my regular babysitting fam calls me up so that I can cram at least three episodes in after the kids are asleep. </span><br />
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<b style="line-height: 1.4;">Listening to:</b><span style="line-height: 1.4;"> Echosmith and First Aid Kit. On repeat. </span><br />
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<b style="line-height: 1.4;">Loving:</b><span style="line-height: 1.4;"> Coby and I have both been really enjoying our nightly walks. He get really worn out, and I know it's so good for both of us. </span><br />
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<b style="line-height: 1.4;">Looking forward to: </b><span style="line-height: 1.4;">I really wish I had an upcoming vacation to write about here. Wouldn't that be nice? Instead, I'm looking forward to the 4th of July. Emily and I are putting together a killer menu, and I need to get started on some craft projects. Oh, and you better believe I just placed an order for some awesome "star spangled hammered" koozies. It's happening!</span><br />
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<b style="line-height: 1.4;">Making me happy:</b><span style="line-height: 1.4;"> I'm back to focusing on me. It's been a long time, and I was really in a funk. It took me awhile to realize what was happening, but I think I'm getting back on track. </span><br />
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Ashley F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15838346155942851227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574778219435245957.post-87103524437217899532014-06-13T06:30:00.000-05:002014-06-16T08:56:30.911-05:00JUNE GOALS UPDATE<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Puritan;"><span style="line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">Well, I have gotten a lot of flack (ummm....EMILY!) for my extreme list of goals. I agree! It's very ambitious, and I won't be able to complete them all. Sometimes (almost always) I get motivation from seeing it documented somewhere. It's only been a few months, but I'm getting started! </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Puritan; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><b>Host a dinner party</b> >> Emily was there for this one! Andrew wanted to test out our new smoker, and w</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Puritan; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">e had a group of people over for dinner. We started with drinks outside, ate dinner pretty late (isn't that what you do at a dinner party?) , and ended with card games and a bonfire. I think it counts! DONE!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">YNPN (not brunch club)</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Puritan; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><b>Become involved in a young professionals group</b> >> Well, I guess I did a little more than get involved. I actually started a group. I'm hoping to form a chapter of the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network in Omaha. We had our first happy hour last month, and I deem it a success! It will need more work to really get off the ground, but I think I can cross this off. DONE!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Puritan; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><b>Start a brunch club</b> >> I have met up with a group of girls in March and May (and we are planning to meet in June!) for brunch at a couple of different places in town. I can't wait to report on all the new places we try! DONE! </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Puritan; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">Three down, soooo many more to go. </span><br />
<br />Ashley F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15838346155942851227noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574778219435245957.post-28918532098127603722014-06-11T06:00:00.000-05:002014-06-11T06:00:02.441-05:00DOG DAY AT WORK<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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While my boss (who isn't much of a dog lover) was away on vacation, we had a dog day at work! I was so excited to bring Coby in. As usual, he was well behaved and actually made himself right at home.<br />
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At one point, he decided the lobby was the best place to nap. He soon lost his lobby privileges because he barked when he thought someone was walking toward the door. At least he is a good guard dog.<br />
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Overall, having Coby with me made for a very relaxed day. If only he could come with me every day!Ashley F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15838346155942851227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574778219435245957.post-84525852704440702014-06-08T19:49:00.000-05:002014-06-08T19:49:00.855-05:00WEEKEND RECAP: MAY 30 - JUNE 2, JUNE 6-8MAY 30 - JUNE 2: Last weekend was another three day weekend. I know... life is rough. Andrew was supposed to be gone all weekend (Thursday - Sunday) at a bachelor party in the Quad Cities, but ended up coming home on Friday after getting pretty sick. So although he was still recovering on Friday and Saturday, we were able to enjoy each other's company on Sunday and Monday!<br />
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A few of the things we did: brunch/lunch, day drinks, and First Aid Kit concert. Also, we went to Borgota Brewery and on a scale of 1 to New Belgium, I give it a "meh..."<br />
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In reality, we almost missed the First Aid Kit show after I logged onto purchase tickets Saturday night and there was only ONE left. I snatched it up real quick, and (after a few tears and a lot of anxiety - all on my end) we bought one more ticket on StubHub. Lesson learned: If the band is also featured in Rolling Stones that month, make sure you purchase tickets EARLY. Ok? Ok.<br />
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JUNE 6-8: This weekend, we were super lame. Not only did we stay in on Friday night, but I made Andrew come babysit with my on Saturday night because... um... they have Showtime and we are addicted to Homeland. Other than that, we visited my grandpa and I had to work on Sunday.<br />
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Hooray!Ashley F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15838346155942851227noreply@blogger.com0