Tuesday, January 31, 2012

BE THE CHANGE DAY!



Taking a blog break for the day to GIVE and SERVE to those around me!

I will be posting about my experience on Friday as well as linking up with Ashley over at My Shine Project
We urge you to do the same!
LETS BE THE CHANGE WE WISH TO SEE!!


Love ya!

XOXO

Tara Ashley

Friday, January 27, 2012

An Award & A Birthday

Happy Friday Loves!!
I hope your{hearts}are happy and full today.

I have a very special nomination happening on the blog today 

If any of you checked in last Friday you probably know that Dusty
over at Girls Love Fried Pickles nominated me for the Liebster Award.
 I was soooooo excited!! I felt so accomplished, even if it is a silly blog!
I put a lot of time and energy into my blog in hopes that it reflects exactly who I am

So since it means so much to me to know that at least a few others love my blog as much as I do it's only appropriate that I nominate 5 other amazingly talented ladies with super awesome up at coming blogs as well.

The RULES:
*choose up and coming blogs with less than 200 followers
 *mention them on my blog
  *let them know by sending them a message that they have been nominated


Let me just say choosing just five has been a struggle 
I love all the blogs I follow and try my best to read all of them daily, if time permits of course

DRUM ROLL PLEASE
...
Put your hands together for
Holly @ here's to the meantime
Her posts are always right on point to what I seem to be thinking for the day, but of course she puts it into words better then I can. Thank you Holly for such inspiration and truth. I love your blog
Whitney @ Writing on a Whim
Let me just tell you...This girl LOVES Disney!! She has such a sweet spirit and you can feel it when you read her blog. Her dog is beyond adorable too! I can say I know Whitney personally and although we have only hung out a few times, she is the most down to earth awesome person.
Cassie@ Live.Laugh.Love 
I have been reading her blog for a while now and she is so honest and real that I know a lot of people can relate to her. She even has a cute little shop!. Check her out
Brittany@ Aviation of Love
Being a girlfriend of a man in the AF I can relate to her as I read about the life of her and the hubby's adventures in the military. And the funny thing her hubby's name is Shane...of course I have a Shayne, but it's still cute.
Megan@ Absolute Mommy
Yep, you guessed it, she's a mommy and a real fire cracker at that!! I just love the funny things she says about her kids. She is also a women of my own heart, an awesome craft queen!!! She has some fun ideas. 

THANKS FOR BEING SO AWESOME LADIES!!!
I had fun 

__________________________________________________________________________

Two posts in one day? No, this cannot be.
Oh but it is!!
Guess why?

IT'S THIS MAN'S SPECIAL DAY!!

Happy Birthday, Shayne!!!

26 
...

yup...you're old
Wish you could be home surfing the day away, eating some Fun-Fetti Cake and of course have a yummy dinner at Lowery's 

WE MISS YOU!!
I MISS YOU!

Have a great birthday in Korea, baby!


& Happy 13 months lover!

Counting down the days until July

XOXO

Tara Ashley









Thursday, January 26, 2012

It's OK Thursday



WOOHOO!!!!!! 
I love Thursdays...I'ts Friday Eve, It's Gray's Anatomy Night, Work is busy so the day goes quickly.
AND of course the It's OK linky party...duh!!

It's OK
...
That I went to McDonald's yesterday
Now let me explain, because well for one, I don't GO to McDonald's unless I'm craving a plastic burger with a side of SALT. It just so happens that I needed to go to Wal-Mart (my favorite place, NOT) for something and low and behold a McDonald's in the Wal-Mart....tricky tricky...you win genius people who thought of that idea. So first of all, I walk in and the aroma of their addicting fries hits my noes faster than you can say (insert long silly word here)...HAHA. Then I wait in an obnoxiously long line because there seems to be only two employees working. When I finally get up to order I decided on a simple cheeseburger kids meal with no pickles. 
(I'm trying to relive my youth here people, don't judge, plus they had Barbie toys.)
Once I FINALLY go my order and cup I first realize my drink is smaller then I remember. I did't think much more of it other than I no longer have kid hands and continue to my car with the goods.
This is me before opening the famous kids meal box
(Sorry the quality is bad)
I was a happy girl!!
BUT THEN
...
this!!!!
I WAS FOOLED...Not only did I get a TINY I mean tiny fry I got 5 tasteless apple slices, a stale almost warm burger and NO TOY!!!
WHAT THE HECK?
The ONE TIME I go to Micky D's and they disappoint beyond disappointment 
So sad.
But hey It's OK because it makes for a fun silly story.

What's OK with y'all today??

XOXO

Tara Ashley





Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Fighter Pilots

The Air Force life is very different then any other, well I guess you could say that about military life in general, really.
There is always somewhere to be, someones BS to deal with, and let's not forget the work load and hours put in daily.
(These men and woman really are awesome!)
Now I'm definitely not in the Air Force or any military branch, but being a girlfriend of someone who is, I have been around it for a few years. I've seen and witnessed for myself the lives of the enlisted maintenance men and women and then of course the officer's too.

I've lived with a fighter pilot..."My Pilot" as I refer to him.
Can I just take a moment to tell you, these boys may work hard, but they play even harder (sts)
Bottom line: these pilots are CRAAAAZZZY!!
Yep, I said it.
They have so many inside jokes, rules and traditions that I don't think anyone in the civilian world could even comprehend. 
With THE PILOT being away and us living this long distance relationship day in and day out I have noticed myself saying or doing certain things that I normally would never give a second thought to before dating him.
And to that he would say..."trainable"...which with I'd respond, "ya ya ya babe." 

So to give you all a little sneak peek into the lives of an Air Force Fighter Pilot and of course for a good laugh as well, today is all about
...
You know you're dating a fighter pilot when
...
You set the air controls in your car to 69...always
You don't say the word BOX or HEAD and instead you refer to them as container, nugget, cranium, skull, etc
You catch yourself singing Sammy Small, The Hound War Song, I'm a Pilot...the list goes on and on really
caution these song are crude


Then you notice yourself wearing current squadron colors, a lot
If you're brave enough you might even be convinced to take a shot of Jeremiah Weed
(the worst alcohol around)
You like your popcorn with a little jalapeno spice in it
You forget everyone's REAL name because you refer to them as their call sign ALL.THE.TIME
You start making call signs for your roommates who clearly don't understand what you're talking about
You say so to speak after any comment that could be taken sexually to cover your butt from embarrassment
and again your roommates still don't understand
You find yourself actually cheering at CRUD games and tournaments. 
(If you don't know what that is and I don't expect you too, I'm sure Google will tell you all you need to know)
You actually support Mustache March & No Hair November
(even though you really, really hate it)
You want to yell out DEAD BUG every chance you get
The phrases FOG, CAS, BFM, etc, etc, etc actually make sense to you
and above all
You begin to except their AWESOMENSS

Even though it may all sound nuts to you or you may think I'm crazy because I'm in a long distance relationship, it's life to me and I love it.
I wouldn't give this life up for a second.

I love him...that's why I do it.
That's why we make the sacrifice because I know he feels the same
That's why I support him if he wants to take shots of Jeremiah Weed or an 18 month assignment to Korea
IT'S WORTH IT!
He's worth it!
I'm worth it!
WE ARE WORTH IT!

So lets all Kumbaya to some inappropriate Dos Gringos songs and have some fun!

XOXO

Tara Ashley



Tuesday, January 24, 2012

FAT KID!


Yes, this is in my freezer RIGHT NOW!
See what I mean?

I'm a fat kid trapped in a skinny average body
...
for now anyway! 
I'm just waiting for the day when it doesn't come off as easily.
Wait...what am I saying...no one actually waits for that to happen.
It's more like you wake up one day and BAM you have boobs and a butt with some extra jiggle.
WHY oh WHY??
Isn't being a Woman AWESOME...no but really it is.
I guess this means I need to get my fat kid butt to the gym
...
again
Before any more EXTRA jiggle makes it's way to my behind.
Isn't that the truth?!
 I am very thankful for the body I do have and I realize I'm not ever going to be perfect, so it's my job to take the best care of the one body I do get while I can. 
So I have to set a GOAL...I'm all about them, can't ya tell
HAHA!

The Fat Kid Work Out Schedule
Monday-Gym at Lunch...NO Complaining or excuses that it's Monday!!
Tuesday-Cycle Class-I have to survive my first class first, subject to change ;)
Wednesday-Yoga Class
Thursday-Gym at Lunch
Friday-Catch up day ONLY if missed on M-Th!
Saturday-OFF
Sunday-OFF

Well that's it...it's in writing...HERE.WE.GO!


I did also find this awesome home workout plan on Pinterest I'd thought I'd share

Can't you just feel the burn?
Totally want to try it out.
I'm definitely no fitness nut (not saying that I wouldn't love to be) But I'm going to admit, this is going to be hard for me. 
I DISLIKE THE GYM! 
But it has to be done
...
I will report back to you on the progress the first of March

What are you doing to keep your body healthy??

*On a side note....I'm working on something really great for MY ONE WORD
Reminder the Year challenge starts on February 1st!!
I hope that you will join in on the journey and that you will LIVE YOUR WORD with me
I can't wait for the reveal. 

XOXO

Tara Ashley



Friday, January 20, 2012

Friday Funnies....THEY ARE BACK!!

Howdy Y'all!!

No, I'm not from Texas or any southern state, but sometimes I pretend I am and talk with an accent. 
It's Fun! You should try it.

Before we get to any of the Friday Funnies I first want to send a 
BIG 
THANK YOU
to my sweet friend Dusty at Girls Love Fried Pickles!!! (Love the title)
For nominating me for the

Award!!
She is a hilarious fun loving momma and I just love the silly words she comes up with...seriously cracks me up! Go check out her blog!
I will be making my five nominations next Friday so remember to check back!

Now
...
On with the show

Seriously...water would get everywhere

AMEN!!
Brady...mmmmmm!

HEHEHEHE. This reminds me of Denali!

And the sad thing is, I watched it

Typical Cat!

HAHA!! Love it

Something Shaynold would definitely say to me

I totally did this when I was a kid...but it was with our dog and yep she hated me for sure.

I hope these made y'all laugh!!
Have an awesome weekend guys!

XOXO

Tara Ashley






Thursday, January 19, 2012

It's OK Thursday



It's that time of the week for some It's OK's and LINKY parties. I just love reading everyone's "OK's"
Visit Neely at A Complete Waste of Makeup to see them all!

It's OK
...
That I haven't gone to the gym since the new year started, even though I tell myself everyday, "today's the day, just go."

To want to reach over the counter and punch some patients lights out
That I'm addicted to my IPhone

To read almost a whole book in a night on my new Kindle...thanks momma

To not want to do anything some nights when I get home from work

To wish I could hang out with the Pilot and do nothing with him

That I drink coffee everyday

That I'm going to go to In-N-Out for lunch today and I'm not going to care how many calories I'm putting in my mouth, because after all "today is the day" I'm going to the gym

That I can't wait for 8pm and 9pm to watch my Gray's Anatomy and Private Practice

That I'm still in somewhat of a "funk"



Yup that about sums it up for me.
What's OK with you today?
Until next week bloggers.
*muah*

XOXO

Tara Ashley

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Moving on

I've talked about moving on before...but that was also a different time in my life so obviously it can mean something totally different at any time in your life and for me this is one of those times.

It's kinda like how people say they read The Book of Mormon one year and it has great meaning to them, but then the next year they read it or a particular passage and suddenly its meaning has completely changed. 




In the last week I was reminded of this multiple times.
I've talked to a handful of folks and while many opinions have been given.
I'm still not finding the answer I need.

And then today someone posted this quote:

"If you live with 1 foot in the past, you don't have both feet in the now"


So if that is true, why do some of us hold on to the past?

 Even  simple things such as those Barbies from when you were young.
That card from your 16th Birthday.
Pictures.
Are we holding onto them in fear of losing our childhood memories or memories in general?

Or 

What about those past loves we keep in contact with?
...
Do we keep in contact with them because we haven't moved on? Or because we cherish our friendships and don't want to lose that?
Can you be friends with an ex?

I ask these questions because well, I do not know!

I've been praying for an answer and hoping that somehow I can learn to trust the past of others and even the past of my own as well.

I'm waiting to wake up one day and find the troubles of these worries have disappeared and
EVERYONE is LIVING IN THE NOW!
I'm waiting to find that my insecurities have left my thoughts.

Of course I think it's healthy to remember the good/happy memories of the past.
I'm not saying that everything in ones past is bad. Because I know we certainly learn from our past. We build friendships and sometimes there are those special relationships we have that just are what they are regardless of the present or the future.
Does holding on to them keep you from growing?
Not necessarily.

I know my past is well...just that, my past.
I am thankful for what It was at one time in my life.
Do I need it now in my present?
No!
Do parts of it haunt me and cause doubt and troubles in my present?
Sure!
I am not perfect.

But I do need to learn to let go
Because that is something i have control over
...


LET.IT.GO!!
LET.IT.GO!!!
LET.IT.GO!!!!


And when that is said.
That is all that needs to be said.
&
Walk away.
Right?
Is this all it takes to be done with the past and to leave it there?
I guess we will find out.
What are two things in your past that you are both thankful for? Or wish you could forget?
And if you have any opinions on any of the questions I have asked, please feel free to comment.


PS. There is a New posting on the {create} Therapy page! 

XOXO

Tara Ashley


Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Forget-ME-not!





A heartfelt talk given by President Uchtdorf reminding us sisters we are not forgotten regardless of where we are in life.

It can be read... Here!

“No matter how dark your days may seem, no matter how insignificant you may feel, no matter how overshadowed you think you may be, your Heavenly Father has not forgotten you. In fact, He loves you, with an infinite love.”


And I believe that to every degree!


Just recently I had been feeling as though I was not strong enough to endure the trials of a long distance relationship. That I was too weak, even. I had lost my strength and my will, but with a little help I turned to my Heavenly Father and was reminded 
I AM!
I must be patient with myself.
And know that 

He KNOWS what's on my heart
He KNOWS my insecurities
He KNOWS my worries
He KNOWS my weakness
He KNOWS ME
but most importantly HE KNOWS YOU too!


He will always take care of you and remember you
regardless of how small you may feel or how weak you may think you are.


As daughter's of our Heavenly Father we must 
 not FORGET who we are!
OR
WHO WE WANT TO BE!
OR
Who HE is!


“You may at times feel a little like the forget-me-not—insignificant, small, or tiny in comparison with others,”  “I hope (the forget-me-not) will be a symbol of the little things that make your lives joyful and sweet.”

For those times when we do feel lost in this big world. Or even feel as though we  are undeserving of his love and that we are just not enough.


Remember
 WE ARE ENOUGH!
So be happy...NOW
Those simple forget-me-nots are beautiful and they do bring light to any dark day 
Let us be the LIGHT just as Jesus Christ is the LIGHT!




XOXO


Tara Ashley

Friday, January 13, 2012

Mistakes



We all make them.
The question is
...
What is it that we need to do to correct them?


I could say that lately I haven't exactly been the person I know I am and want to be.


I know we are all human and mistakes happen, but my actions and behavior have not reflected the person I know God intends for me to be. I came to this realization unfortunately when those mistakes started to affect the lives and relationships of those around me. 

That is when I decided that I needed to come clean, confess my mistakes, ask for forgiveness from Heavenly Father, from the person whom I hurt and from myself.
and 
NOW
This is where My One Word comes into play.


My one word? You may ask...


Well, in my need for a fresh start and coincidentally a New Year
I stumbled upon THIS website on one of my friends blogs and have decided that this year is going to be all about MY ONE WORD!


I am going to take this time to reflect and pray about the areas where growth needs to take place in my character as a person.


On February 1st I will then reveal "My One Word"


I'm excited to begin my journey and to share it with all {2}people that actually read this blog.
HAHA!


Here is to a year of challenge, change and a better ME!


XOXO


Tara Ashley





Monday, January 9, 2012

Beautiful Life




And I wish for just one minute
I could see your pretty face
Guess I can dream, but life don't work that way

But the struggles makes me stronger
And the changes make me wise
And happiness has its own way of takin' its sweet time


-Gary Allen

"You have to make yourself happy, before anyone else can make you happy."
...
This quote...100% TRUE

I know this..heck I've always known this but this morning during a conversation with the Pilot I was reminded 
I HAVE TO MAKE MYSELF HAPPY...FIRST!
*duh Tara*






I've been so caught up in feeling sorry for myself and being sad ever since I left Korea
(which was a wonderful visit, might I add...more on that later) I forgot all the amazing people and fun things there are to do right here, I just need to LET MYSELF enjoy them.

This past week was not a good one (sad way to start the New Year, I know) all my mind wanted to think about was a way, anyway I could be with Shayne, RIGHT NOW!

*I searched for a job IN KOREA
*I thought about selling my recently paid off car
*I wanted to have someone take over the rest of my lease at the house with my roommates
*I researched Visas
*Looked up the price of a one way plane ticket for late April
*Even found a date to put in my two weeks notice for work

But after a gloomy weekend and a talk with a close friend, I AM BACK TO REALITY!

I'm realizing I'm just going to have to wait.  And waiting does unfortunately means SIX MONTHS.

But I'm working on that impatient part in me that want's to be with my love NOW
Because as they say
...
" Anything that is worth doing isn't always going to be easy"
(or something like that)




Therefore, I'm putting on my big girl panties and I'm getting in the game.
Scary thought considering I'm sooooo not athletic.
HAHAHA!

SIX MONTHS
Ready.Set.GO!!


XOXO

Tara Ashley