so true, see if you agree

Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of the Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio .

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I've ever written.

My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16.. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come...

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

I love all of these sayings and most of them I have found to be true in only 26 years!!

My dare to you, re-post on your blog, print and share with others, copy and paste then fwd in an email, or just share a couple with loved ones.

Thanks to my Mom for emailing this to me. I have printed it to share with others and posted it on my blog to share also! :)

3 things about me

3 Things About Me!

Please don't break the cycle... it is fun to learn
different things about our friends!

A. Three names I go by: Ashley, Suzie, Ash

B. Three places I've lived: Noble, Anaktuvuk Pass, Charleston

C. Three places I've worked: South Eastern Special Education, Nunamuit School, Olney Central College,

D. Three places I have been: Canada, Alaska, VEGAS

E. Three people that email me regularly: Mom, Barb, Sheryl

F. Three things I love to eat: Pizza, Salad, french fries

G. Three people I think will respond: uuummm, whomever

H. Three things I am looking forward to: Amber's bday party, Paulina moving into her house, paying some bills off!!

Blog Update

Well it has been many months since I have posted an update on my blog and since I am up early today, with nothing to really do, I thought I would see how much information I could come with with to share with everyone!

~ I am working again this semester at OCC, teaching Constitution, 2 Reading and English classes, a Math class and an off campus Math class. Love them all!!

~ I have some wonderful students! They teach me something new everyday!

~ My best friend Paulina bought a house in Charleston, I now know how to paint, sand floors, sponge paint and have a great time with friends while doing it all!

~ Planning a 30th birthday party for my sister in October! hehehe

~ My niece has survived almost of month of High School, and Band!

~ My nephew is surviving 6th grade and JFL!

~ I love my business of selling Signature Homestyes. It allows me to meet some great people and have wonderful decorations and baskets for my home at the same time!

~ My sister Amber and her husband Jason just celebrated their 4 year anniversary... it seems like her wedding day was just here, now they have been happily married for 4 years, I wish them many many more years of happiness.

~ I know you can find out who your true friends are when you need to! I know many people dont like country music, but there is a great song about that, and I have heard it several times lately and if I listen to the words, I know its true! Paulina will agree to that! :)

~ I lost a great guy friend of mine in late August and his memorial Jam night in Mattoon brought 3 wonderful guys into my life! Again, thanks to Paulina. RIP Michael Hall

~ I fear my addiction to facebook is getting worse! Does anyone know if there is a facebook addiction group around town?

~ I also fear my texting is getting out of control... I think last month I had 1,400 text... which is only 45 text a day... but still...

~ I have learned to talk on the phone more tho. In the past 20 days I have talked on the phone more than I have since I was in Alaska! hehehe, but he is totally worth it!

~ I still watch netflix, which I love! I watch them instantly on my computer!

~ Is it weird that I bought a wii game and I dont even own a wii? I just take it with me and play it at others peoples houses who have a wii.

~ I am getting pretty good about wearing earrings, a watch and make up everyday! not sure where that came from, but its kind of a change for me!

~ I love love emailing with my mom back and forth throughout the day! It is so nice to talk with her like I did when I was in Alaska during the day!

~ Since I have mentioned Alaska a few times, I still communicate with some friends up there, and they are doing great! Teresa and Charlie are still in the village, and loving it, they have had some great weather this season. Kerri is in Fairbanks with her boyfriend Mike and their 14 dogs! I miss them all, and glad they are doing good... its hard to believe I have been home for over 15 months...

~ Well, I will stop with all the random thoughts for today! But I hope you have enjoyed reading about some things in my life!

Have a great day
:)

Blog UPDATE!!!!!!!

Well I have had several people telling me I need to do a Blog update, so since I have the time and nothing else that needs immediate attention I thought I would Blog - keep in mind, I should be doing homework, loading songs on Kierstyn's MP3 player, sending emails, doing lessons plans for next week and making sure I have everything ready for my trip to Chicago next week, but I am taking time out of my day to BLOG!!! LOL

So I think the easiest way to cover everything is to post 25 Random thoughts:

~ 1. I am teaching at OCC this semester, as I did last semester. I teach 2 reading and 2 english classes 1 math and 1 constitution class, all for GED or ABE. I also taught a job skills class, but it ended at midterm. VERY BUSY SEMESTER! But I love it. When I started teaching out there I was not sure how I would like teaching adults, but I really enjoy it and it is rewarding!

~ 2. I love winter and snow, but this weather is just AMAZING!

~3. I love spending time with my family. Even if we are not doing anything, I just love to be around them.

~4. I get along with my parents (all 4 of them) and Lisa, Amber and their spouses better than I could ask for. They are always there for me not matter what. I talk with my sisters or text them all the time! Its amazing how much love I feel with a GREAT FAMILY!

~ 5. Kierstyn and Aaron are my life, they are such great kids and are going up so much! I love seeing them whenever I want and cherish the time I am with them. They are amazing to be around and make the my life seem complete.

~6. I am sooooo happy for Amber and Jason for getting their house. It is a super nice house and I am so happy I get to help a little bit to get it ready. I am very sad I will not be in town when they move, but atleast I have had some time to help them!

~7. To continue with Amber and Jason, I love to get away from my house and come live on their couch for a day or two. Its so nice to be that girl on the couch! LOL

~8. I am leaving on Tuesday for Chicago for the Spring Conference. I will be in Chicago until Friday afternoon, then taking the train to Springfield, where I will meet the AWESOME bowling girls for our bowling tournement. I am excited about both things! Going to be a GREAT weekend!

~9. My house is still coming along. I finally got a computer. Thanks to my mother! She gave me her computer so I am slowing getting into the now! I may eventually get internet, but we will see! hehehe

~10. I am hanging out with some great girls from high school again! Shannon and I see eachother quite often, as well as Jen B, Jen D, Katie, and Christina. Its great to have friends that you have history with!

~ 11. Shannon has the cutest 2 year old I know! Her name is Addysen and she is a GREAT kid. I love to spend time with her. She majorly puts a smile on my face!

~12. My students this semester are great, I love seeing them ever week and we get along so great. They are all very different and bring something new to the classroom.

~13. I am eagerly waiting to work in my yard this spring. I know its going to be alot of work, but I think it will be fun, hopefully I will have some help! hint hint - Mom, Amber, Lisa :)

~14. I love pizza, I could eat if for every meal!

~15. I finally got a treadmill. Used it once this week. then since the weather has been nice I walked outside. Took king for a walk at moms Tuesday, he loved it! he is such a GREAT dog!

~16. I am excited for Baseball season, GO CARDS!

~17. I was so busy earlier this week I thought I was going to go insane! But that is over and now things are back to normal!

~18. I am going to the chiropractor. I hurt my shoulder when I was in Alaska and he found out my body is all out of line, so its going to be a long process, but he is GREAT!

~19. Single and LOVE IT!

~20. I love love being home from Alaska. I loved it up there, and I miss everyone up there, but I love being with my family and friends.

~21. I love to talk!

~22. I love to text and do it all the time!

~23. I also check facebook daily or a couple bizzillion times a day on my phone!

~24. I totally think people change and friendships end, and they can not be repaired!

~25. CAN I SAY IT AGAIN, I LOVE MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS. ITS SO GREAT TO BE LOVED AND HAVE THE SUPPORT I HAVE FROM EVERYONE!

~ thanks for reading my blog :)

award - not a CMA, even better...

How nice of Amber, my lovely sister to give me a Fabulous Blog award. I actually didnt even know I had the award until she told me to look at her blog. I dont blog much anymore, and I need to appologize for that. I do not have a computer at my new house, that may come after the holidays. Also I really dont lead a very eventful life to blog about on a daily/weekly basis. Very uneventful compared to when I was living in Alaska. But I will try to get better and blog more often, when I can.

Now the rules say all I have to do is pass this award along to 5 other fabulous blogs and also write about 5 things that I am obsessed with right now. BUT, as most of you know, I am not very good at following the directions, so I am going to just say.. all of you bloggers in the blog world deserve this award and if you are reading this and you have not already been honored with this award I want you to post it on your blog and also post about the 5 things you are obsessed with at this time.

Now for my 5 obessions...

1) I am obsessed with getting my house organized. It is not near complete yet, but hopefully after the holidays I will have some more money to purchase the things I need to complete my den and spare bedroom.

2) Now that I am home from Alaska and can drive down the road or to the next town to see my family and friends I am obsessed with spending time with them. I guess I didnt realize how much I need to be around them to be happy and enjoy myself to the full extent. I can just sit and watch tv or a movie and be happy when I am with my family and friends. They are great, and I cherish the time I spend with them. I love to be able to drive to Newton and see Kierstyn and Aaron whenever I can! As well as, the rest of my family!

3) I am also, as many others are, obsessed with facebook. I check it daily (on my phone) and read status updates of my family and friends. It is just nice to hear how their days are going and if they need anything. I love to read about good days and good events in their lives. It is a fun and easy way to stay in contact with people I dont see or talk to all the time.

4) As a follow up to #3 I am obsessed with text messaging. I send and recieve about 8,000 text a month. I love to text and recieve text. YES, I have conversations through texting and I express emotions through text as well. I know it is hard to fully understand people while texting, but I do it anyway. I love it. I dont really enjoy talking on the phone anymore, conversations have been replaced by texting for me. I also feel more comfortable with texting some people as opposed to talking on the phone! Its just me! :)

5) My final obsession to add to this list would be books. I have so many books in my house, which is hilarious to me because I dont really read all that much. I have kids books, educational books, and teaching books. My spare bedroom is full of totes that are full of educational books and supplies. I know when I have a full time teaching job most of the educational "stuff" will move to my classrooom, but at this point is just appears I have way to much. I guess thats the perks and down falls of being a teacher and loving my job. :)

Well those are my 5 obsessions. I will try before the end of the month to post pictures of my new tattoo. no promises though!

All about me and my life

OK, I know I dont blog near as much as I used to or near as much as I should, but I rarely catch myself at the computer for more than 20 or 30 minutes a day, and that time is spent reading emails, playing on facebook and checking my bills...

So I just thought I would take a minute to catch some bloggers up and let you know what I plan to get online soon.

~ I am moving to Noble. In town in Noble, I am renting a house from two wonderful people, and I am only 3 miles from my dad's house :)

~ I still have blonde high lights in my hair. Which I am finally used to when I look in the mirror.

~ I love being home with my family and friends more than words can describe. I do miss Alaska, and the friends I made up there, and the dogs in my life up there, but there is no place like home.

~ I am working at OCC, and love it.

~ I am also subbing in surrounding counties in the schools. Which is very interesting :)

~ My nephew is number 40 on the JFL green team. GO Aaron!

~ I spend my Sunday afternoons at Newton on the bleechers of the football field (see above).

~ Kierstyn has two parades coming up this month she will be marching in for the Newton JR Band.

~ I will be watching 2 parades this month (see above)

~ Dustin Granby is running for Jasper County Treasurer! VOTE FOR GRANBY! :)

~ My brother in law's bday is Friday - 9/25/09.

~ Lisa and Scott just celebrated their anniversary today. 9/24/09

~ Now, future plans include posting pictures of my new house, car, hair do and the kids upcoming events... if you would like to find me on facebook, I update my status often on there :)

Have a great Weekend and enjoy the wonderful weather we are having :)

Love to all

A little behind

OK OK, I know I have not been blogging much, but man, I have just been so crazy busy... Na, not really, I am just lazy and never really want to sit down and blog. I cant add any pics right now, but I will sometime soon.

I am working out at OCC, two days a week, like is so far.

I have been spending time with family and friends lots :) I had a wonderful Labor Day weekend. We went to the Farm on Saturday and that was a blast, Lisa and I both experienced side aches from laughing so hard :) And Yes, I did the slip n slide again and my body hurt on Sunday. But it is always worth is, and no I am not too old to slip n slide :)

I check my facebook, usually everyday, so... I kind of know whats up with friends and family.

Mom and I got a new Wii game, Resort Sports, I LOVE IT! We play it lots.

Other than that, not much is new... well not that I can think of right NOW...................


OH WAIT :)

Today 09-09-09 - Is the 3 year anniversary of Amber and Jason McReaken's wedding. I am so amazed it has been 3 years since they got married. I will always remember that day, and the love they shared that day with family, and friends. I know they are so happy and love eachother, I wish them Many Many more years of happiness. I love to visit with them, it is always fun to be around them. And their ever growing farm.

Have a wonderful anniversary :) I love you both :)

Whats New?

Well its been almost a month since a posted anything, so I figured I could type up a short blog about whats new with me.

~ Still job hunting. But I am not worried or upset, just looking around...

~ I love spending time with my family as much as possible.

~ Took Kierstyn, Aaron, Cole, Amber and Jason to Holiday World last weekend, it was a BLAST. Of course the adults got sun burnt... But we all had a good time.

~ Also took the kids to Chuck E Cheese, it was a good time too. The kids had fun, so thats what matters.

~ Unpacked, no no, opened 3 boxes from my move, looked in them, then closed them back up and neatly stacked them in my room. LOL - it was not anything I needed or had anywhere to put, so I just left it in the box where it belongs.

~ PARKA - yeah in one of the boxes I chose to open was my - 60 degree weather parka and my -40 degree weather snow pants... dont think I will need them anytime soon. Hint the reason I just left them in the box.

~ BIG NEWS - Dad turned 59 yesterday (July 28th) So I had some family and friends come down to Olney we had pizza, and cup cakes for his birthday. I had a wonderful time and I think he did too, he seemed a little surprised, I hope he was anyway. My dad is so great, we get along so well, I dont know how I would have made it to where I am today without him. He is always there when I need something, and he is always watching out for me! I know I am closer with my dad then Amber and Lisa, but thats just the way it has worked out. I missed him so much while I was in Alaska, and it has been so great to be home and see him whenever I want. The Groves family is a very close family, and getting closer all the time... (thanks to myself and Daina) So it is great that so many family members were able to come down to help celebrate Dad's Day. Thanks everyone. :) It meant a lot to me and him.

~ Looking forward to this weekend, going swimming and having a cookout in Lville. Going to be a good ol time.

~ Next week I am looking forward to spending quality time with Mom while Brad takes a guys only vacation to Sturgis... Mom and I will have good times - Wii parties and the such. :)

~ Also plan to go to Charleston next week to visit Paulina and other friends up there :)

Well I think I have filled up enough for my blog. I have some pictures I will post next time I am at Amber's.

Take care and enjoy what we have left of summer :)

One Month home and a lifetime of Memories :)

Me and Mom out after spa day... it was a wonderful day/night

Christina and I out at the Fireside :)

Kierstyn on the ride at the lovely Jasper County Fair

Daina and I at the Newton Eagles... our pretty regular hang out :)

Paulina and I at Toasters in Mattoon, with the old gang... good times...

Amber and I at the Holiday Hotel. We had a wonderful time that day, night, and morning :)

Marty doing the CAT walk in her 1970's robe. She is hilarious, Spa day wouldnt be the same without Marty and her Old Man Balls Robe.

Kierstyn, Aaron and I doing our Twister Act. Gotta love those kids. But the funny thing is I came up with the ACT. LOL

Duke being Duke, as soon as he sees a box he thinks he has to get in it, no matter the size. He took over my cell phone box.

Bailey Joe, enjoying his mom's slide show of pictures through the door. Amber pulls some good tricks out of her pocket at times... As long as she is not stuck :)


NOW FOR MY BLOG TEXT... I had technical difficulties with this blog stuff... so my pictures are above my text... sorry for any confusion...

I know I know.... I have not blogged in awhile, but I have been so busy now that I am back in Illinois. I LOVE LOVE being home. I am having such a good time with my family and friends. We have had family get togethers, reunions, spa days, wedding receptions, dinners, nights out, movie trips, babies born.... and so much more.

So blogging has just not been on the top of my to do list, but I am now taking the time to blog and share a few pictures I have take. I hope you enjoy them...

Also on a good note, for those of you that dont know, I have a new car (well new to me)... I got a 2001 Ford Taurus... I LOVE IT, its a really nice car.

I am just enjoying my life at home, and my family and friends. Its so wonderful to be back home. I have also talked with people from Alaska since I have been home, so that was nice, they are enjoying their summers and spending time with their families also.

On another note, I am still job hunting, guy hunting and house hunting... LOL, maybe I should just learn to hunt deer I will prolly have better luck. :)

enjoy the photos... lots of Love from Ashley Marie

Home and Loving every Minute of it!!!

Well, as most of you know, I made it home, Saturday evening. I am so happy to be home. It seemed like a very long trip, but well worth it.

When I arrived at the Effingham train station, to my surprise I had 2 sisters, (Amber and Lisa), my brother in law (Jason) and Amber Tonn there to greet me. I was so excited I screamed when I got off the train, and dropped my bags to give hugs. (Thank you Jason for picking them up for me) We did not stand a chat much, since they had been waiting well over an hour on the late train. (and it was not my fault it was late, I know I am late everywhere I go, but this time it was out of my control)

We soon left and headed to Vandalia to my cousins wedding reception. (Congratulations to Matt and Erin Koehler) I was very happy to my mom, Brad and the rest of my family. It was a great evening with the family. I am sorry I didnt make it to the beautiful wedding, but being at the reception with the family was wonderful. Amber Tonn and I stayed at the reception for a couple hours...

Then we drove back down to Olney, so I could see "my boys" I was only able to see 2 out of the 4, I ran with all last summer. But it was great to see them and other friends in Olney. I was also able to see Mariah when we got back to Amber's house that evening.

The next morning.. ok, ok afternoon Amber woke me up, to get ready to head to the farm to see the GROVES family. (and yes, we were a little late) That was wonderful. Most of the family was there, and it was a great time as always, fun, food, games, family, friends, four wheelers, what else could you ask for. We had a great afternoon and evening...

I was so happy to see so many members of my family and so many friends already. There are several people I have not seen, and I will eventually get around to seeing everyone, just give me time.. I had a couple priorities to get out of the way...

I am in the process of buying a car, I am very excited about it. I am also interviewing for some teaching jobs for next fall, and of course helping the Turner's get the pool up. I have spent the past couple days with the Turner family, I think they missed me lots, I know I missed the kids sooooo much, Lisa and Scott as well. I have kind of became the other "mother & wife" for them. LOL

So since I have been home I have been very busy... tonight was actually the first time I have been back online, sorry for the delay with any contacts. I do have a new cell number, hopefully no one has trouble getting a hold of me, surly you will be able to track me down. Also, I am going to be living with my mom and step dad until something more permanent comes along.

I want to send out a big Thank you for everyone who offered beds, floors and couches! That was so nice. I even meet some new friends who were more than willing to let me stay with them. Thank you very much to the preacher's wife at my sister's church. Vicki, your opened arms were very well appreciated.

Please return for furture updates, and pictures of my new car.

LOTS OF LOVE FROM ILLINOIS :)