tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40051064192244148182024-03-12T22:00:38.178-04:00Blurbs from a Bean Counter<img src="http://tinyurl.com/69txjmc" height="200" width="200" border="0" align="center"><img src="http://tinyurl.com/6zceqlx" height="275" width="275" border="0" align="center"><img src="http://tinyurl.com/6dszfnq" height="275" width="275" border="0" align="center"><img src="http://tinyurl.com/5u3mfyl" height="200" width="200" border="0" align="center">Ashley Kastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13253571532752407678noreply@blogger.comBlogger393125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4005106419224414818.post-81971269896874130112012-11-04T23:48:00.002-05:002012-11-04T23:48:50.993-05:00October in Review and November goalsSince I decided to document my October goals last month, I needed to follow through and tell you how I did!! I'm relatively satisfied with how my goals were incorporated into October but I still have things to work on that I will be striving for in November!<br />
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<span style="color: red;">1. Do at at least 100 crunches a day. <span style="color: black;">I would say that during the first 3 weeks of October I did this about 4-5 days out of the week. As some of you know I started a new job in Mid October and we were doing quarter end close the last week of October and working out did not happen. AT. ALL. since I was working long and late hours!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;">2. Do at least 10 real push ups a day. <span style="color: black;">Same answer as above, since when I did the crunches I followed them with pushups. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;">3. Eat better. <span style="color: black;">Fail fail, double fail, super fail! I realized as October rounded to a close that I felt awful in regards to my eating habits in the past month. All the crud I was eating made me feel sluggish and tired! With the new job and getting all situated I for some reason started buying Healthy Choice meals. I HAVE NEVER DONE THIS BEFORE WHY DID I START? Cause I was being lazy! Healthy choice meals have SO much salt in them AND they barely keep me full! And then there's the candy bowl, for some reason my new coworkers and I continually dominating that candy bowl which lead to afternoons of regret and then a repeat the following day. Thank goodness Halloween has come and gone, maybe that means the candy won't be coming in as quickly and tempting me to make terrible choices!</span> </span><br />
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4. Get back into consistent running shape. <span style="color: black;">womp womp. I have not been running consistently. There were a few days one week in october that I did a couple of outdoor runs when it was nice out but due to my poor food choices I have felt too tired to run even when I end up at the gym I opt for the elliptical due to my lack of energy. We did run a 5k with some friends though! And I did run with Carson for the first time since we moved to Columbus!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;">5. try at least ONE pinterest recipe and ONE pinterest craft in month of October. <span style="color: black;">SUCCESS SUCCESS, I guess this is the only goal I truly succeeded with! For Michael's birthday I made him caramel apple cheesecake bars, huge success!! Michael's mom and grandmother enjoyed them and then Michael took them to work and everyone loved them too! yippee!! My Pinterest craft was a christmas decoration that I plan on hanging over our fireplace:</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">I think it turned out cute. I had originally wanted to make this saying "thankful" and have a thanksgiving decoration for the house since I am limited in that aspect, however, the craft store decided to go full blown Christmas on me in October so that's what I went with! </span></span><br />
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And how am I doing on my October/November Activities that I listed last month? I think pretty darn well so far!<br />
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1. pumpkin patch - <span style="color: red;">didn't happen</span> <span style="color: red;">and I'm not sure how this happened but I didn't carve a pumpkin either!!!</span><br />
2. <a href="http://www.pumpkinshow.com/">Circleville Pumpkin Festival</a> - <span style="color: red;">Went with Michael, Liz, Catherine, and Drew and had a blast eating pumpkin everything!</span><br />
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3. Bonfire<span style="color: red;"> - not yet but there's still time! The chilly weather definitely calls for a bonfire!!</span><br />
4. <a href="http://www.keeneland.com/">Keeneland in Lexington</a> - <span style="color: red;">CHECK! A few of my friends had a little going away get together for my amazing high school friends Tim and Bailey, since they are moving to Texas. We decided to have this get-together at Keeneland and it was a blast! Pretty chilly but when you are with great, long-time friends it's worth it!</span><br />
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5. OSU tailgate - <span style="color: red;">Nope. Michael has worked every weekend that the team is in town, but now that he may have some weekends off coming up maybe we can participate in the OSU activities!</span><br />
6. Hiking and seeing the gorgeous changing leaves <span style="color: red;">- Not yet, but I'm hoping with Michael's availability that we can maybe do this soon!</span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: blue;">***added to my list***</span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: blue;">7. Football game - Michael, Michael's sister Andrea, brother-in-law Matt, and I went to the Bengals vs. Broncos game this past Sunday! We had so much fun! (footbal is definitely a fall activity!) </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: blue;">8. Bake with pumpkin -- made 2 loaves of pumpkin bread!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">November goals:</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">1. Create a meal plan for the month and cook more at home</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">2. plan my workouts at the begin of the week in order to fully commit to them</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">3. pack my lunches....healthier lunches!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">4. work on my fall activities list </span> </span> </span>- do something new in Columbus!<br />
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5. Vote in a swing state! woah!<br />
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6. Read Les Miserables ...i've never read it!<br />
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Well there ya have it! Lets hope November is a good month and that I don't freeze to death!<br />
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<br />Ashley Kastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13253571532752407678noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4005106419224414818.post-76829721383019550682012-10-01T22:39:00.001-04:002012-10-01T22:39:26.552-04:00October goalsRemember that one time I made a New years resolution to blog once a day for an entire year and I somehow made the time and had the energy to pull that off? Why is it so hard for me to continue to routinely do other things? Maybe I need this blog to publicly say my goals and/or resolutions and then I'm held more accountable to it?!<br />
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I think that may be the answer folks...<br />
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So in blogging fashion I am going to write down some of my October goals. Not something that I've been thinking about for a long time, actually i thought about it during the last 5 minutes of my elliptical workout in the hotel workout room but a few minutes ago. I guess since I was exercising these would be more like healthy living goals for the month of October, so here we go:<br />
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1. Do at at least 100 crunches a day. That's not hard and takes only a few minutes. September got out of hand with the amount of ice cream, vacations, and laziness that occurred. No one likes to be more squishy on the tummy area. 100 crunches a day... at least. I can do this!<br />
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2. Do at least 10 real push ups a day. ONLY 10?! UM HELLO, have you seen my arms ?! They are basically toothpicks, do toothpicks have definition? do they have mass? um no. 10 is a good number for this girl.<br />
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3. Eat better. No specifics but really it is not necessary to have a super sugary breakfast and a dessert with lunch and dinner every single day, Ashley, you are getting out of control! I am THINKING about cutting down or totally removing Gluten. My aunt and cousin have done so and have seen great results, the Webb family has tummy and digestive issues and hey it couldn't hurt to try...so no this is not a bandwagon thing, its a Webb thing. A stomach ache every other day is no bueno.<br />
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4. Get back into consistent running shape. With changes in the season and to my schedule I'm hoping for a more consistent work schedule. Run 3 times a week, other workout 2.<br />
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5. OK OK, i'll throw a non-exercise one in there. Since October is UBER FALL MONTH AHHH pumpkins, candles, hoodies, etc. why not put that ever growing pinterest board to good use?! I pledge to try at least ONE pinterest recipe and ONE pinterest craft in month of October (so that may go against my healthy eating). WHO WANTS TO CRAFT OR EAT AT THE KASTENS?!<br />
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I think 5 is a reasonable number of goals, right?!<br />
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BUT ALSO there are some things I'd like to do in the months of October and November. AND I WANT YOU TO COME WITH ME TO DO THEM TOO!<br />
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1. pumpkin patch<br />
2. <a href="http://www.pumpkinshow.com/">Circleville Pumpkin Festival</a><br />
3. Bonfire<br />
4. <a href="http://www.keeneland.com/">Keeneland in Lexington</a><br />
5. OSU tailgate<br />
6. Hiking and seeing the gorgeous changing leaves<br />
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So with that I am done with my lists. Doesn't it feel nice to get a couple of good lists out of ya?!<br />
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So what are some of your October goals/resolutions?! Write em down and I"ll keep you responsible if you do the same for me! :)<br />
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What activities would you like to participate in with me or you think I should add to my list?!<br />
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Happy October to you all! :)Ashley Kastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13253571532752407678noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4005106419224414818.post-25162152799415273122012-09-14T15:48:00.002-04:002012-09-14T15:48:13.830-04:00Work AdventuresSo I say this like every time. But I am literally kind of in awe of how the blogging from 2011 to 2012 has changed. I can't believe that I went from blogging every single day for a year, even twice a day on some occasions to blogging like once a month. I really do enjoy blogging but life does get crazy, and lately the crazy has been in a pretty good way, so I can't complain, I guess living life is more important than blogging.<br />
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This week I got to travel for work. OH ...right...I'm an auditor, I "travel" a lot for work. But REALLLLLLY this week I actually traveled in a cool kind of way instead of driving to small town USA town in Ohio. This week I got to travel to CALIFORNIA. Yes traveling for work does entail working, but i was able to fit a couple of few things in and an even more amount of work in.<br />
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Since my husband has been working for about 100 days in a row without a break (ok ok, that might be a little exaggerated, he has worked like 16 days in a row without a day off) i decided that I could leave a little bit early to go on my work trip. So on Sunday morning I drove myself to the long-term parking at the Columbus airport and headed out west! Ok well first I made a stop in Chicago to change planes and then head on our to San Jose. Never once have I worked on a plane before but on this flight i ended up working for 2 1/2 hours which definitely helped to pass the time quickly. It's amazing how much work you can get done when you literally cannot move anywhere (aka being trapped in the window seat) and having no internet access or people to talk to (60 year old woman next to me fell asleep while reading for like half the flight).<br />
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Once I arrived in San Jose I wasn't quite to my destination. I had to drive to Paso Robles, CA! That was about 2 1/2-3 hours away. However my awesome friend Eric and Danielle from California had kinda mentioned things for me to do. But i was soooo hungry I just got on the 101 (the boring highway) to find food, it took me like 30 minutes to find one, ya know since you can't use you cell phones while driving. boo. I stopped at In n' out. I had never been there before and the burger was delish! The fries and milkshake I got were meh, slightly disappointing. PS I felt so cool eating by myself while everyone else was sitting with friends and family like a normal person would on a Saturday.<br />
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So since I had already messed up my sight seeing plans I called up Eric and Danielle again and told them where I was. I really only wanted to see the ocean for a little bit, I missed it. So they told me the best plan for my time was to head on down the 101 and drive about 40 minutes passed my final destination to Pismo Beach.<br />
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I was off! The drive was pretty boring. Flat areas with big brown hills in the distance and tons and tons of farms with fresh produce. OH and people in this part of California drive S-L-O-W! I felt like a speed demon at 80 mphs!<br />
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Once I arrive at Pismo beach I was so excited to go to the beach I grabbed my camera, purse and sweatshirt and headed to the beach. I had wanted to at least change into shorts or maybe my bathing suit but my excitement over took me and I could only focus on the beach!<br />
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Once I got to the beach I wasn't really sure what to do. What does one do when they are at the beach alone? I had definitely never been to the beach alone before. So I just started walking up the shore towards the gorgeous white rock wall (these walks were super chalky!). Since I still had my travel clothes on I had jean capris on and they definitely got soaked from walking in the water, plus I was holding all of this junk that I decided was necessary for me to carry. At one point I had dropped my sweatshirt and didn't even realize it for a few minutes and had to walk back and rescue it from the surf!<br />
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It really was peaceful being there on my own though. Especially with low cell phone battery, I had nothing to distract me and I enjoyed myself and took pictures.<br />
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After my walk I just plopped down on the beach and watched all the surfers that were magically coming out of the woodwork, it was around 5:30 or 6 at this point.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia_hWeaS9ahQigGR2qKwjt1T2QudSeqG9XCFyQz1Bo5vp5TSY26ieDjWd2xPGuEcK7G-Xpch4i7gK_c2Tu_s5nnoZb4rIDMVkl_Mlu_ylazks1rWQlCFQN1eyaOtVKguJR-ONJAG7x-zCf/s1600/california+726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia_hWeaS9ahQigGR2qKwjt1T2QudSeqG9XCFyQz1Bo5vp5TSY26ieDjWd2xPGuEcK7G-Xpch4i7gK_c2Tu_s5nnoZb4rIDMVkl_Mlu_ylazks1rWQlCFQN1eyaOtVKguJR-ONJAG7x-zCf/s640/california+726.JPG" width="426" /></a>
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After realizing it would be getting dark soon and I wasn't sure where the hotel was I headed on back to Paso Robles.<br />
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Paso Robles is a super cute little city. It is a wine country city with vineyards surrounding on the country. It is basically precious.<br />
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Most days we worked until 6 and would go eat some seriously wonderful food. If you know auditing life, or at least mine, you would know that normally the food we have during audits is a chain food restaurant or mediocre mexican restaurant, as these are the only options. In Paso Robles the only options are places that menus mainly consist of steak and fresh fish. HEAVEN for someone that likes to eat like me!<br />
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After work on Wednesday, my coworkers decided they needed to do some work in the hotel so I took it upon myself to be brave and go to the Paso Wine Centre (which was recommended by my amazing friend Charlie!). They have over 48 wines to taste and it is a self serve style. I purchased a $10 sampling card and was able to taste 7 different wines while enjoying a large cheese plate with crackers and almonds. I had some great conversation with the lady that worked there for about half an hour, seeing that I was the only one in the Centre (it is not the towns busy time of the year). I ended up buying 2 bottles of wine; a red and a white and i hope i'm able to get them back to Ohio without breaking. OH I also happened to somehow lose my credit card in this process. Luckily no strange purchases!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dk6H3oZQUBixORNOOHhgA6MTM7Qd7zY35Yul3muZbOYQWo-yFslA9sac4Itvay4fGlHmyIOhzvXvankqOC5yobirg5UX_n1OW5te5c-I-pksmISO2Q7ORjoRhYs5Skgwkud45oBkXbxF/s1600/IMG_0740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dk6H3oZQUBixORNOOHhgA6MTM7Qd7zY35Yul3muZbOYQWo-yFslA9sac4Itvay4fGlHmyIOhzvXvankqOC5yobirg5UX_n1OW5te5c-I-pksmISO2Q7ORjoRhYs5Skgwkud45oBkXbxF/s640/IMG_0740.JPG" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrrIN8tT1VDnY2Ky3pr6B7dHvJcFVAE4v7S-tOJDeR_BlWnPCyJZrgff8EXPYAoJTLZGrOgG8rfey01VuRPuFmixa8mlxI9ahq1CoO-Ls05hzdHfkhk7QawKBddUt1QIICjgoH-aCEzaD1/s1600/IMG_0742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrrIN8tT1VDnY2Ky3pr6B7dHvJcFVAE4v7S-tOJDeR_BlWnPCyJZrgff8EXPYAoJTLZGrOgG8rfey01VuRPuFmixa8mlxI9ahq1CoO-Ls05hzdHfkhk7QawKBddUt1QIICjgoH-aCEzaD1/s640/IMG_0742.JPG" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_6r3gm5osFna8pZE0FmW-t0Pv6r8gAgI4rTCkBi_up6V8GLGjWaQKKGRNDzXMONTs7bM48s6vXZ3QZ3zquCbec026PHSa9RVjnxDFAuVwjmkuUN5eNsWyGlUr7X9XTYa9KIIZF7dpD7wj/s1600/IMG_0741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_6r3gm5osFna8pZE0FmW-t0Pv6r8gAgI4rTCkBi_up6V8GLGjWaQKKGRNDzXMONTs7bM48s6vXZ3QZ3zquCbec026PHSa9RVjnxDFAuVwjmkuUN5eNsWyGlUr7X9XTYa9KIIZF7dpD7wj/s640/IMG_0741.JPG" width="640" /></a>
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Tonight we had another fancy dinner. Do you know that I had steak TWICE this week. Hanger steak monday and Filet Mignon tonight. I NEVER ORDER STEAK. not cause I don't want to spend the money or anything I just never crave it, but since I knew the quality would be exceptional I guess my body knew that I had to have it, and my body was soooo right both steak experiences were exceptional!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUlSPF6oiknAfz_ROH29GYc6AOGjoMSTZJHxmu7LLYK7HJLHeu3nGydHQ9FG4QjsAepC-_HW2p08LzW8WVRPiYyNTimUXK7Bf5FaVutX-Xgf0-l4yB9BpNjN413jEWZ9bBWpGT16ON5mD/s1600/393233_10100899374238740_1471966016_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUlSPF6oiknAfz_ROH29GYc6AOGjoMSTZJHxmu7LLYK7HJLHeu3nGydHQ9FG4QjsAepC-_HW2p08LzW8WVRPiYyNTimUXK7Bf5FaVutX-Xgf0-l4yB9BpNjN413jEWZ9bBWpGT16ON5mD/s320/393233_10100899374238740_1471966016_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8bF8QZRkVhm8bPEUBAgx2EVXTDlh24am9njVhn3RRwFCaLLiAVVzhIq1uO81lytVA7mbzDK_KZxtjTOSyxE8_4tSeLXWAzPl2Gc7swuFDjeJi4fs43xA7o0udVph-bJ6I7-suQqW_hnA/s1600/383312_10100899343285770_1605123201_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8bF8QZRkVhm8bPEUBAgx2EVXTDlh24am9njVhn3RRwFCaLLiAVVzhIq1uO81lytVA7mbzDK_KZxtjTOSyxE8_4tSeLXWAzPl2Gc7swuFDjeJi4fs43xA7o0udVph-bJ6I7-suQqW_hnA/s320/383312_10100899343285770_1605123201_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So many great local wines!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnlx54FZtG9RY27nso66lXFn6LallO_0dNupCpFk-d4J91icl7OVzRhgUD73Zi62bFLNLdgmpFjfkxqtK297CIq3LAUQzNMZdWqrY8cg2EkCi2m90RPPZ4vEU_3jEA49TJxLzHj3Gu4utF/s1600/271126_10100898106145010_613772674_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnlx54FZtG9RY27nso66lXFn6LallO_0dNupCpFk-d4J91icl7OVzRhgUD73Zi62bFLNLdgmpFjfkxqtK297CIq3LAUQzNMZdWqrY8cg2EkCi2m90RPPZ4vEU_3jEA49TJxLzHj3Gu4utF/s400/271126_10100898106145010_613772674_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">delicious and fancy sushi everywhere too!</td></tr>
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So to sum it up my California work trip wasn't what I expected (for some reason i thought i'd be able to go to the beach every day and do super california-y things every day) but I was able to do a few things that I wanted to do so I'm pretty satisfied. AND HEY GUESS WHAT, Michael and I will be back in California at the end of the month to visit my sister-in-law, brother-in-law, and adorable nephew!<br />
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Now I need to pack so that I can make my very LONG trek back east. Flight leaves tomorrow at 7:40pm which means a super early arrival into Ohio at 5:50 AM....ick....hopefully some sleeping happens on the plane as I do have amazing plans to look forward to this weekend. WICKED in Louisville with Kara Saturday afternoon and then throwing a baby shower with my friend Liz for Catherine on Sunday!!<br />
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(the only downside to returning is that Michael will not be there!...sad face, we will go over a whole week without seeing each other and barely even talking considering by the time I'm done working Michael has normally fallen asleep).</div>
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WOAH long post! Hope you enjoyed! Chat with yall later, which most likely probably means in a month!Ashley Kastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13253571532752407678noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4005106419224414818.post-40652030120305345872012-08-20T23:10:00.000-04:002012-08-20T23:10:36.432-04:00Columbus Life<br />
I know you all are DYING to know what I have been up to in Columbus?! Yes, you are sitting on the edge of your chair patiently waiting to hear.<br />
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(ps this post has been sitting in my draft box for the past week, its hard uploading pictures, ok not hard, time consuming maybe?! OH i'm lazy?! riiiighhhhttt!) So when I say this past week, I actually mean 2 weeks ago!******<br />
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I'm really exciting. I cannot deny that. Anywhoooo all sarcasm aside. Life in Columbus has been pretty great, I can't complain and we have kept ourselves surprisingly busy.<br />
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Okay, okay. Michael has kept himself, UN-surprisingly busy. Why?! Cause basically all he does is work. For instance, I was out of town for work ALL week and then when I get home Michael continues to work, and then he works the whole weekend and doesn't get home until 8 or 9. His life is crazy and sleepless. That is definitely not for me, I would be a monster!<br />
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So since my hubby is working about 98% percent of his awake life I have had to figure out how to get by on my own as a fake single lady. Does that sound wrong, cause I don't mean it that way! So what have I been doing? And what do Michael and I have do when we have a chance to see each other? Here's what we've been doing lately:<br />
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1. I have been eating tons of ice cream! Is this a surprise?! No! This past week while I was out of town for work I convinced my coworker Azure-Dee to eat ice cream with me 2 of the 3 nights she was there. OH and that one night we didn't have ice cream?! I convinced her we needed to buy candy at Wal-mart, because dessert is necessary.<br />
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2. Trying to exercise. OK I have been a slight slacker compared to where I was before we moved. This past week while I was out of town I set my alarm every morning to wake up , of the 4 days out there I got up 0 and turned off my alarm and chose more sleep. I blame this on the olympics, since i HAD to watch ALL of primetime each night. I mean, it's addicting. However, I did workout 3 of the 4 evenings I was there, but you can't do a ton on crappy hotel equipment.<br />
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Yesterday, AKA Saturday, I woke up early and wanted to enjoy the fall temps and went on a run around our cute town. I had a hair appointment at 10 and thought a half hour run would be good. Well I got lost in all the neighborhood streets and was phoneless so my run turned into almost an hour long run. It was still wonderful though, just slightly stressful towards the end!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">I did make it to my haircut though, post haircut pic!</td></tr>
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Today I woke up and wanted to give my lovely bike some attention. I hit the Olentangy River Trail hard and biked ALL the way downtown on my own! I was proud of this accomplishment!! The ride back was tough since I felt the thing was uphill the whole way back (obviously it wasn't). But I ended up successfully riding a little over 20 miles with only 1 picture stop break!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Made it downtown!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Oh hello Christopher Columbus Ship and river!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Post bike ride, very proud of myself and my bike!</td></tr>
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3. Watching Olympics - I know I mentioned this already but I LOVE them. They make me feel so patriotic and the little stories they do on the athletes make me tear up almost every time. I have enjoyed everything from the Women's gymnastic team to all the track events to swimming to basketball to sand volleyball to diving to I could go on forever. Seriously, people take these games for granted! And what better way to motivate an obese nation? I mean I'm not sure if i'm the only one but I definitely wish I was in the athletic shape that these competitors are in! Although I find it slightly confusing that our country dominated in medals but then we also dominate in the highest rates of obesity in the world. SAD.<br />
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**side note** --- thanks to the olympics I want to find an adult beginners tumbling/gymnastics class. i don't think they exist in Columbus, I mean I googled it. If anyone knows more than me please let me know!<br />
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4. Not cleaning my house -- again I blame the olympics. House cleaning is not fun, i just skip it :)<br />
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5. Opening up the windows in the house -- cause um this weather this weekend is phenomenal and who doesn't love a fresh breeze through their house? ***note*** AC has been off in our house for over a week now, and its refreshing!<br />
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6. Enjoying local attractions like Buckeye Lake! -- Last Sunday Michael and I headed out to Buckeye lake with 5 or Michael's coworkers to enjoy a day out on the lake on a Pontoon boat. This day ended with some very silly people but it was a great time! The weather was overcast but still warm so we were one of the few boats out on the lake! This trip definitely made me consider owning a boat in my near future.<br />
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7. Going to the beautiful Tackett wedding in Kentucky - Last Friday I checked outta work early and headed to Lexington to celebrate the marriage of Brittany and Tyler! Their wedding was super cute and very pinterest-y. And it was great getting to see soooo many friends. Michael couldn't make it to the wedding cause of work though and at our table I was the 11th wheel...how ridiculous was that? I also got to cuddle with Becca all night long since she let me crash in her bed that evening! :)<br />
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8. Date night with the Hubs - Michael actually had the weekend off last weekend (first day off in 19 days) and we had a little date night last Saturday. He was recommended a restaurant called Figlio's near the Scioto river. The food was excellent and fairly priced! I had a super delicious chicken and mushroom ravioli (this exceeded all mushroom ravioli I have ever had!) and Michael had a yummy pizza and of course we split dessert! We then went home and enjoyed some Breaking Bad (obsessed). I love spending time with the hubs!<br />
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9. Hanging out with friends - Last night Catherine, Drew, Liz, and Brian came over to our house for cocktails, boardgames, and a bonfire. Well the bonfire was a fail, it rained alllll nigth. BUT I did make smores in the oven and we played taboo and scribblish and talked and laughed late into the night!AND Micheal made it home from work by like 8:30. It was wonderful! I love these Columbus friends!<br />
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10. Friday night we went to a brewery restaurant downtown for 2 birthday celebrations for Michael's coworkers. I thoroughly enjoy all of Michael's coworkers, I think he got super lucky with them. They are all awesome so far! Sadly Michael had to work the next morning though so we had to leave around 10.<br />
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11. Dog Park - today i took the doggys to the dog park for the first time in Columbus. The dog park was Meh, I think it's new, but I'm glad to get the little stinkers out of the house.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">On the way to the doggy playland!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">playing and sniffing, sniffing and playing!</td></tr>
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12. Trying to learn how to landscape --- I left monday and everything was all good in the yard. I returned Friday and 1 fir tree is totally brown (what the what..it rained during the week!), 1 was partially brown, an animal is obviously eating my zucchini but does not have the taste for tomatoes cause there are approximately 20 of these monsters growing, and there is something living under our shed. I called my dad multiple times about these issues since the man of this house wasn't around. I watered the crap out of the dying trees, fingers crossed. But the animal thing...uh...I just couldn't get the courage to look under the shed. The past 2 days Willis has been freaking out about it. Whining and digging at the shed. I just don't want a rabies infested animal to jump out and bite me in the face. WAH. Fake single wife life.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Sad dead trees :(</td></tr>
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13. Plotting a way to get all the mosquitos out of our backyard. I hate these monsters and they eat me alive! I just want to be able to enjoy my hammock. Any suggestions?<br />
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14. Watching every HGTV show known to man. I record every one of them i see on the TV guide. I think I've said this before, but in the past year I have watch more HGTV than I have ever watched in my entire life. I really enjoy Property Brothers, Income Property, House Hunters (not international ), and Love it or List it. I can't get enough.<br />
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AND that's it for the 2 weeks following Moonfest...I'm hoping that since I am out of town for the week I can catch you up on some awesome things I did this past week! I definitely kept busy, loving all the new friends and activities in Columbus (don't worry Lexington, NKY, etc friends, I love you too! )<br />
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<br />Ashley Kastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13253571532752407678noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4005106419224414818.post-67020573756869920402012-08-12T18:08:00.001-04:002012-08-12T18:08:06.744-04:00MoonfestWell Moonfest has come and gone already and I've been meaning to write a little bit about it just for memories sake. But like everything else that isn't super necessary, it got pushed aside, hence my lack of blog post in exactly 1 month! Hopefully my memory will serve me well and I can recall that wonderful weekend 2 weeks ago!<br />
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First off, wanna know what Moonfest is? Moonfest is awesome, that's all you need to know. But really, Moonfest is a pretty awesome gathering/party thrown at my Uncle Guire and Aunt Pat's house/property in the beautiful mountains of Pennsylvania. I say property because my Uncle, Aunt, and beautiful cousins (Anika and Melina) live on a bajillion acres of land, and I thought I had it made living on my quarter acre in the city (*wink wink*). This massive amount of space includes multiple ponds, their house, a fully furnished cabin, a pavilion, a 9 hole golf course, a creek, a massive field used for the annual softball game, tons of trails through the woods, and other amazing amenities!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The party hosts - My fun loving Aunt Pat and Uncle Guire! (as pirates!)</td></tr>
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Back to the party.. Now this isn't any type of ordinary party. This party is thrown on the full moon weekend in July, typically falling towards the end of the month. The party used to be thrown annually back in the day (this party has been occurring for many, many years, like before I was even a thought), but since everyone's lives have become hectic, kids are growing up, and traveling is expensive Moonfest now occurs every other year. Now the name "Moonfest" does not only relate to a festival thrown because of the full moon. It is also because mooning people is fun, and at moonfest you are guaranteed to catch site of a mooning, isn't it great to know super fun and silly people that enjoy mooning each other?! And there aren't just a few moonings, this isn't just a Webb-family affair, there are about 100 family friends and family (and dogs, we are doggy loving folks so at any time during moonfest there are probably about 5-10 large dogs running around) that come to this get together. People from ALL over the country show up from places like California, Kentucky (us), Ohio (us), Florida, Minnesota, Texas, etc.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A picture of half of the pavilion, just so you can get an idea of the size. </td></tr>
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So, each Moonfest has a theme, on Saturday night (our big dinner night), everyone dresses up for that theme. This year's theme was Pirates of the Moon. The themes are fun and a good way for people to get all silly and creative on each other. OH and another big note about the party, its camping! I LOVE camping, mainly because of moonfest. Everyone finds a piece of property to call their own and then sets up their outdoor home for the weekend. It's wonderful! Some people don't like camping due to the lack of plumbing..alas, this is no issue! My family built an outdoor shower at their house to accomodate the party and their are restroom facilities everywhere!<br />
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So what happens at this party besides mooning and dressing up as pirates?! Well, a good amount of the party goers arrive Friday at some point during the day, sets up their stuff, and then gets to helping prepare food, because honestly thats what Webbs do, we surround our get togethers around food! Friday we have a yummy dinner and stay up late having some drinks, or maybe a beer from the locally brewed keg and just enjoy seeing everyone that we haven't seen in a couple years or more (I missed the prior Moonfest due to being in a wedding). Saturday involves more eating, hanging out, maybe some drinking, eating some more, a softball game, and then our big dinner (chicken and grilled corn and a ton of sides and peanut butter pie for dessert!) and a late night of enjoying each other's company some more. Sunday is the day I always hate, knowing that the weekend is coming to a close. More delicious food is made, campsites are torn down and people say their tearful goodbyes, but you are always certain to get millions of hugs as you leave! Moonfest makes me feel good. It makes me feel happy.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All of the Webb cousins minus Ryan and Eric (who had departed prior to pic taking) and Whitney. </td></tr>
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This year's Moonfest was different for me since I was coming from Columbus (michael had to work, surprise, surprise!) and I was going to attempt to drive. LUCKILY Dustin and Christina were going to be driving from Northern Kentucky so on Thursday evening they made their way up to Columbus, through many thunderstorms I might add, to make our journey to PA! Once they arrived we loaded up the Prius, cause come on folks we are gonna save money where we can and not have to buy gas, and headed out on the road! Not leaving Columbus until 7pm, made for a 2 am late arrival but the drive honestly wasn't bad. I drove the first half and Christina drove the second. Dustin stayed up and chatted with me the first half while Christina rested from an early start to her day, but after her nap we were up the rest of the way, chatting, listening to good music, and enjoying each other's company.<br />
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When we arrived at my family's house obviously everyone was pased out, we found a place to lie down on the floor and did the same! Friday morning came really fast once everyone else in the house was rising pretty early. Dustin and I were both up by 8 and surprised to find that my Dad had already made it to PA. That morning I consumed a ridiculous amount of bacon. This isn't ordinary bacon. The bacon from my aunt and uncles town is fresh from the meat plant which is right next to their house. Something about this bacon is ridiculously heavenly, its crispy, yet melts in your mouth. Can I keep talking about the bacon?!<br />
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After breakfast Anika and I were recruited to drive to Elmira, NY to pick up some folks from the airport. Side note, Anika asked me to be a bridesmaid in her wedding that weekend while we were out there, so exciting!! We allowed extra time cause a tornado had swept through the town the night before. While we were out I commissioned Dustin and Christina to set up camp near the creek. While out we made a Walmart stop to buy a crap ton of milk, butter, toilet paper, and drink mixers. You know, the essentials. Since we were out for so long we had to stop for lunch. The town my cousin is from is tiny, itty bitty. So we had limited choices but they were delish! AND the restaurant had ice cream, I ordered the small birthday cake flavor which approximately a gallon's worth of ice cream and immediately went into a food coma. This girl cannot meter her ice cream intake, I think the communication from the stomach to the brain is broken when i eat ice cream.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Anika hanging out</td></tr>
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Anywho, we arrived back at Moonfest and got to see some more of the people that had arrived. Hugs and more hugs ensued. While we were gone Ryan (my brother) had arrived too, I knew the weekend was about to get crazy!! A lot of fun was had that evening. I played it cool cause I didn't want to feel icky on the big day, Saturday. but lots of fun and talking was had, I face planted onto my air mattress around 2am and slept soundly until about 8 am.<br />
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Breakfast Saturday morning was exceptional. French toast made on the massive outdoor grills, MORE bacon. AND super fresh delicious fruit! Drooling on computer just thinking about it. YUM!Not really sure what took place between breakfast and early afternoon. I think a bunch of lounging, chatting, and snacking occurred. But before I knew it, it was softball game time! One of my favorite moonfest events!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Got to finally chill with this little guy, my cousin Ian's son, Graham ! He's precious!</td></tr>
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This is how our game works. Basically it's the old folks versus the youngins. And typically the old folks win. This year we split up those under 25 and those over 40 and then divided up the inbetweeners. The youngins took the field first and immediately got creamed by the old folks. yes they are all our parents but they are all pretty good at softball and smacking that ball way out into the outfield at fast speeds. Once the young folk batted it was pretty obvious that we were going to get killed. After a few innings a trade was made. Some older folks were sent to the young team and then myself and an 11 year old were traded to the oldies. I actually started performing once switched to this team and made a few outs and made it on base once. In the end the old folks won.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Softball spectators</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The old guys team</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the young folks (notice there are 4 women on our team *liz not pictured*, old men had none)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cousin Eric beating a softball to death. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7Gay556hHJ9ZtsiQVKv1FOEX5Ds-gdatMW-mgNPlWAEuOvNgODth79WcJ47PLhxmqZMtRAP9jaho6zp_tzcFgvanacxXjFbjybpq40rH0Gpe5BJWpwDU-mxLJVOKlOottkLG9ra7lsIz/s1600/524426_474153629270572_1977286720_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7Gay556hHJ9ZtsiQVKv1FOEX5Ds-gdatMW-mgNPlWAEuOvNgODth79WcJ47PLhxmqZMtRAP9jaho6zp_tzcFgvanacxXjFbjybpq40rH0Gpe5BJWpwDU-mxLJVOKlOottkLG9ra7lsIz/s640/524426_474153629270572_1977286720_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some pretty cool spectators (Ryan and Alycia!)</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;">After the game it was time to prepare for dinner festivities. Everyone started changing into their pirate apparel. everyone was slicking on dark black eyeliner and fake tattoos, It was amusing watching some of the men put on eyeliner. I will let the pictures do the talking about the evening.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiffLXhNzLIVYqoMGgkDUjdAr5m6ooAQJMzeXNBUH0z9kkzFJ5nKCW8eGvbf2XRO-h0ubYB42-J5pZXqCIFRMnP-0ZlUvF86JaXjBfNFbEXPooSfZ5oxrSI0HAdoUj96rFJqjETtdQSrGLC/s1600/304766_10100839302827330_1354923272_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiffLXhNzLIVYqoMGgkDUjdAr5m6ooAQJMzeXNBUH0z9kkzFJ5nKCW8eGvbf2XRO-h0ubYB42-J5pZXqCIFRMnP-0ZlUvF86JaXjBfNFbEXPooSfZ5oxrSI0HAdoUj96rFJqjETtdQSrGLC/s640/304766_10100839302827330_1354923272_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of my piratey family!</td></tr>
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<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRf4PDFFHXeXfBekNkTAvdqmSytXLIPywdQ6wYzTmii1snnrTJ9oI3kpWvD53Un4JJZrO-3ikdEWvTaWYFPB90BYx-HnM044XkJmfeF0ipK81iI8nX12K7QOwDYHAE2HoKXFtNJZyc_ecP/s1600/555495_10100839298680640_2120995500_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRf4PDFFHXeXfBekNkTAvdqmSytXLIPywdQ6wYzTmii1snnrTJ9oI3kpWvD53Un4JJZrO-3ikdEWvTaWYFPB90BYx-HnM044XkJmfeF0ipK81iI8nX12K7QOwDYHAE2HoKXFtNJZyc_ecP/s320/555495_10100839298680640_2120995500_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the people getting creative part...you get it? Pirates...seaman?!</td></tr>
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<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje4kp0cub4fYj2l_4SifZpIQKmkE_6-rrB2NqMMy7VuBO3dEE4_ZU0Z1PYtI2YL-roxs_5j7RhV60magcxit06v8QiSfAq-OOtCKXeRukWYIHLvQ_wYP4LoRGUQbjDLjTnHombarabHF5u/s1600/553389_10100839287872300_1368611125_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje4kp0cub4fYj2l_4SifZpIQKmkE_6-rrB2NqMMy7VuBO3dEE4_ZU0Z1PYtI2YL-roxs_5j7RhV60magcxit06v8QiSfAq-OOtCKXeRukWYIHLvQ_wYP4LoRGUQbjDLjTnHombarabHF5u/s320/553389_10100839287872300_1368611125_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet Mikaela</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Pu-Nw_IEiun15eudT2XVcfRq1SDAfg1gG_Gna90Bnd4mcAkuSX3GKd3AE-f0IdMpc8w45vDGw22fVlKl6-I8p1nu1rIxQlZtCBpwNFj24agi3l5lf4hZQgsN_qmdnNNmZk9zrUR1BupO/s1600/549631_10100839285402250_1259938798_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Pu-Nw_IEiun15eudT2XVcfRq1SDAfg1gG_Gna90Bnd4mcAkuSX3GKd3AE-f0IdMpc8w45vDGw22fVlKl6-I8p1nu1rIxQlZtCBpwNFj24agi3l5lf4hZQgsN_qmdnNNmZk9zrUR1BupO/s320/549631_10100839285402250_1259938798_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The original Webb girl cousins</td></tr>
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<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi59yQqoN3wCR8orZhowHyNboxgB0lohOCGDAfBo-W3t0JcZ979fKDP7NBtTs7K1tgeiJLNBHEO6JV-WA9uHWT_X2X65gC8Z5UoZJ7A15Va1OsvqnaRcXjUnQf7qTy22oLj8vv-5-i_QAgm/s1600/394690_10100837978556180_540727217_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi59yQqoN3wCR8orZhowHyNboxgB0lohOCGDAfBo-W3t0JcZ979fKDP7NBtTs7K1tgeiJLNBHEO6JV-WA9uHWT_X2X65gC8Z5UoZJ7A15Va1OsvqnaRcXjUnQf7qTy22oLj8vv-5-i_QAgm/s320/394690_10100837978556180_540727217_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">awesome collage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQU3rGZ8uH9_LrQiR6fGm94XhnCBh11CEioj396p6PSvOdO_oZ_CeN6H7a0GUyU856TBajbkGkdeEjwZ3PFL18zsoJgUCRMYa-uEe_qBxxX9DQejjrWCSidjGXM4mgM6v1eCUQMPEibDS/s1600/557998_10100839293046930_306464077_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQU3rGZ8uH9_LrQiR6fGm94XhnCBh11CEioj396p6PSvOdO_oZ_CeN6H7a0GUyU856TBajbkGkdeEjwZ3PFL18zsoJgUCRMYa-uEe_qBxxX9DQejjrWCSidjGXM4mgM6v1eCUQMPEibDS/s320/557998_10100839293046930_306464077_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cousin Nora and her boyfriend Mitch!</td></tr>
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<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQD2CQKPw5SYu0RNp5LsYEBuoQJ3pcC6q-FZjUImAgdEVpNIsQkL9LjYynVO6c6xnUIvta0rrddlslu00hhJkABj1qaqBOP4-a8MkZ_1dL8iy4396_fh3dn7mwGUeobU5QY4iZZBZNCqr/s1600/487286_455863341113291_72937589_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQD2CQKPw5SYu0RNp5LsYEBuoQJ3pcC6q-FZjUImAgdEVpNIsQkL9LjYynVO6c6xnUIvta0rrddlslu00hhJkABj1qaqBOP4-a8MkZ_1dL8iy4396_fh3dn7mwGUeobU5QY4iZZBZNCqr/s400/487286_455863341113291_72937589_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alycia (cousin's wife, so basically cousin) and me</td></tr>
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<div>
<br />
That night was another late night, maybe 3 am and crashing face first in the dark onto my air mattress again. It was awesome getting to hang out with all my cousins and friends for such a long period of time, I just didn't want to go to bed! Morning came quickly though and I felt good still even with the lack of sleep. Another delicious breakfast was consumed and then came the denial. The denial of leaving Moonfest of course. I began acting like we didn't need to pack up our tent. People were slowly trickling out. I should have chained myself to the pavilion and refused to leave. but after lunch at around 2 Dustin and Christina pulled me out of Moonvalley kicking and screaming. The whole 7+ hour trip home I was already reminiscing about the weekend. <br />
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And there's my Moonfest 2012.<br />
<br />
Yes, some of this means nothing to most of you. But this get together is very important to me and I wouldn't change a thing about it for all the money in the world . </div>Ashley Kastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13253571532752407678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4005106419224414818.post-84854049890545409742012-07-12T14:00:00.002-04:002012-07-12T14:00:41.570-04:00More Thursday ThoughtsSo here' s some of what i randomly think about during the day, the little things that get me excited, or even stuff that's going on right now.<br />
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1. Lunch breaks in columbus are totally different than the ones i had in Lexington. I rarely bought lunch at work in Lexington, I am always in money saving mode so lunches there were spent at my desk checking all my social media, maybe writing a blog while everyone else enjoyed their more delicious meals. Well in Columbus a majority of people pack their lunches AND we eat together in a conference room. Grand idea. I love it. At least I get to step away from my desk for a bit!<br />
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2. I get rather excited about small things...like this bowl I found at walmart for like $1 something. perfect container for veggies and dip....well until said container tips upside down and the veggies and dips intermingle whilst the dip tries to drowned the veggies.<br />
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3.I have been knocking out my reading a book a month challenge in the past month. I read like 2 1/2 books in June and 1 in July, and am on my way to many more. What does a girl do when her husband is working constantly?! read outside on the hammock and get eaten by mosquitoes while her totally cute puppies gallivant around the yard!<br />
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4. Exercise has been my thing in the past week...quick flash back to that whole workout wednesday thing?:<br />
Tuesday: 5 miles on treadmill in theater room at gym<br />
Wednesday: Clean and cook like a wild banshee for 4th of july party - sweat like crazy<br />
Thursday: Elliptical 30 minutes, Bike 10 minutes, body rock workout 12 minutes<br />
Friday: Pure Barre class with awesome groupon<br />
Saturday: 11.5 mile bike ride in 93 degrees...hot!<br />
Sunday: rest...lazy and loney..not a good combo to get you motivated to workout<br />
Monday: Swim - not sure how many laps, swimming makes me feel so out of shape, its a nice challenge for me<br />
Tuesday: WAXED my car...geez...this takes arm power!<br />
Wednesday: Early morning run around the neighborhood, just winged it and avoided death hill. Just mapped it and apparently only ran under 3 miles (WOAH when did <a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/my_home/">mapmyrun </a>change so much?!)<br />
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5. I think this is the first time in my life that I am excited about garbage day tomorrow. We have had the same garbage sitting in our can for about 3 weeks. UM gross. and it has been so hot. therefore it is SO stinky. SO I want to get it away from our house ASAP. please someone text me and remind me to take it out tonight, it NEEDS to happen, we cannot forget, I think something has died in that nasty thing!<br />
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6. I listed my car on craigslist last night. And then I cried and then Michael thought I was weird. Emotional attachment to inanimate objects much?! I have had my lovely snow white since i was 16. I felt bad for her. I am an irrational crier, but don't hate! Anyone who would like to extend the life of my awesome 1998 white 2 door civic ex please let me know. I'd love for her to go to a good home.<br />
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7. Along with listing a car comes purchasing a car. Purchasing a car is terrifying. I just need to have something with 4 doors. plus I travel a ton so it needs great fuel efficiency. I have flipped and flopped about a million times on what i want. what i like. nothing will stand up to snow white! i love her so. We may finally have a winner though. It makes me wanna throw up, out of nervousness of purchasing a car, having a car payment, AHH i need to stop talking about it, i WILL have a heart attack!<br />
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8. My husbands work is making my husband a very tired man. I do not blame him, i understand the work and all. but geez. he's tired for the whole hour he's home. HOWEVER last night since i had dinner ready pronto we were able to chill out on the hammock, he made it out there before me, he had some studying to do so I snapped a photo through the blinds. I'm glad he got to see the sun a bit yesterday!<br />
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9. speaking of the hubs, I am so excited for the weekend! Michael gets Saturday and Sunday off! woot woot! i already have it planned, eek, he probably hates this idea. But I have been slightly bored and lonely and craving activity....do I sound like a dog?! I hope to go kayaking saturday (weather permitting, since you know my luck), maybe a movie or chill at the house after, then dinner with a giftcard we got from michael's parents for our anniverary. Then sunday church and hanging out at the pool allllll day (weather permitting again), pool days are easy on the body, i dont think it's that rough :)<br />
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10. Next week starts back a lot of my out of the office work. Luckily next week is not overnights but at least I will be busy during the week which normally means faster workdays!<br />
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11. I am obsessed with summer fruits, so vibrant and colorful!<br />
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12. There's nothing like spending your lunch break talking to yourself on your blog!<br />
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13. I am still so happy about free slurpees at 7/11 happening yesterday. And so glad Mrs. Catherine could join me. I enjoy free things, who doesn't? (pina colada on the top, wild cherry on the bottom)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdb5FsnzMHuN8Ec_rpAwYnAwNeGMtDdXa82-PRBBe_DF9jo5QIGxTjGGUTeZhjwOqlQ00wb35XtTUZbN8dUzF5vzE8IwkEDkjXGJ3Sd-mUe9-pZpNOWwARt7gjQR9_GxIYcQsFCsjifGbG/s1600/603531_10100815822302490_217042784_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdb5FsnzMHuN8Ec_rpAwYnAwNeGMtDdXa82-PRBBe_DF9jo5QIGxTjGGUTeZhjwOqlQ00wb35XtTUZbN8dUzF5vzE8IwkEDkjXGJ3Sd-mUe9-pZpNOWwARt7gjQR9_GxIYcQsFCsjifGbG/s400/603531_10100815822302490_217042784_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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14. For some reason my phone has decided to selectively send pictures from my phone to my email. This is lame, since i want to add pictures to this blog and it is just doing its own thing. urgh. silly technology!<br />
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15. Breakfast for dinner is always a sure fire win for me. Blueberry pancakes with blueberries leftover from the 4th and turkey bacon, yum!<br />
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But really, I have been cooking a whole lot more this past week than I had in the past few months. Some of the stuff I've made? Well theres all the cookout food I made, turkey meatloaf, baked ziti (one of our new favs), grilled cheese and tomato soup (ok that's easy), and on the menu for tonight...chicken breasts marinated in this delicious sesame teriyaki sauce we got from trader joes!<br />
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16. Dogs sitting in gardening boxes are my favorite. Paparazzi from a far (ok now i'm just going through my phone photos, can you tell?) (Plus I HAD to have a dog pic!)<br />
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17. I am currently reading <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._J._Jacobs">A.J. Jacobs, the Guinea Pig Diaries</a> (he is hilarious by the way, read his book about living biblically for a year!) and one of his essays talks about how we have become such large multi-taskers and he tries to eliminate it from his life for some time. I tried that today. This morning it worked semi-well. Afternoon comes and its all shot. Being a uni-tasker is hard!<br />
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Well that's it for now! Lunch break is over and I got to get back to work!<br />
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P.S. I think my blogging comes in pairs, its like once I post once I realize how much I enjoy it basically as my personal diary and memories tracker. Will this posting extend beyond 2 this week? we shall see!Ashley Kastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13253571532752407678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4005106419224414818.post-49510536945072221392012-07-12T07:10:00.001-04:002012-07-12T07:10:29.868-04:00Just a quick thought...Last night this awesome girl randomly called me out of the blue.<br />
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(picture from her 5th grade graduation in May)<br />
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She was calling to wish me a belated happy anniversary since her cell phone was dead on our actual anniversary so it couldn't remind her.<br />
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This meant a lot to me. First of all I rarely get phone calls from ANYONE, the only person great about calling me is my Dad, I've been told that I am the type of person that will keep people in touch, the "party planner" and "family reunion organizer". Adrielle isn't always a super chatty girl and didn't normally call me when we lived in Kentucky. BUT last night we talked for over 12 minutes on the phone it was wonderful.<br />
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She told me all about the billions of camps she's been to this summer, all the sports she's been doing (this is amazing to me) and all the fun she has been having this summer. I am so glad that she is keeping busy! She also mentioned that she misses me, and I could tell, she was the chattiest I have ever heard her. I loved every second of it. I feel so bad that I can't be there for her as a mentor any longer but I hope that we are able to keep up our phone relationship and hopefully the next time I'm in Lexington I'll be able to see her sweet face!<br />
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Miss you Adrielle! I hope your summer continues to be awesome and fun-filled! Love yoU!<br />
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***just a quick note before I head into work***Ashley Kastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13253571532752407678noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4005106419224414818.post-22868388260055174012012-06-24T21:56:00.000-04:002012-06-24T21:56:11.827-04:00The New house Tour!Since the only visitors that we have had to the new casa have been Michael's parents, the Larsons, and some of our Columbus peeps I think it might be appropriate to do a new house tour!<br />
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What do you think?<br />
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Well I'm gonna do it! Even if you don't care, its my way of documenting/journaling this whole new experience!<br />
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So this will be in super random order because it took me approximately..um...forever to download all these pictures!<br />
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Here is the 1 full bath in the house. Yes only one full bath, I think we will be able to manage. And hopefully our visitors will be able to too! Our shower is tiled, the floor is tile as well and the counter top is new. Also a pretty awesome feature only in the bathroom is the "in-between the windows blinds" <br />
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This is the super meh room. So lets just get it out of the way. When we moved in it was green and yellow stripes (a kids room). Well we decided to paint it the same color as the rest of the house. It isn't working. Like at all. that's why there are about a million different things going on with the room cause we were trying to make it work. 2 different bedspreads, random wall art, curtains (room gets hot too). We have no idea what to do with this room, it has our old dark bedroom furniture in it. Any suggestions? cause this room is just darn bleck!<br />
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Oh the one awesome thing about the room still?! We haven't taken down the ah-mazing girafee light switch. OH and we also have light green ABC drapes if anyone is in need of them, they are very nice however I do know my ABCs and don't need a constant reminder!<br />
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Here is one of my favorite rooms, our bedroom! Our room has 3 nice windows, 2 closets (his and hers), and plenty of space. So much space that we brought our old living room chair up to fill in the void and it goes nicely. However, now we need a replacement chair for our living room tee hee. Do you like our new bedroom furniture? Cause I Love it!! OH and we didn't have to paint anything in the house except for the baby room. pretty awesome!<br />
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Opinions --- do you think we need a rug for the room? Right now I think it's fine but wasn't sure on what was proper. The dust bunnies do like to hangout under the bed, i wouldn't like to evict them! :)<br />
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Here is the "third" bedroom on the second floor. It is an office. I'm sure you could make it a bedroom if you'd like. There is SOOOO much storage in this room! When you walk in to the left is a window seat with storage and huge cabinets!<br />
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The room also has huge bookshelves! We don't have a ton of books so we put our UK memorabilia, graduation programs, and other random novelties to fill in the spaces...We aren't super keen on the tiny glass desk but since we just bought a house a new desk is defiinitely not at the top of our priority list, it'll do for now!<br />
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Another awesome room in the house...the sunroom! The sellers left their wicker furniture which saved us from an empty awkward pretty visible room. We love this room, and our scripture wall art given to us at our wedding and the stained glass window work perfectly in here! We love chilling out here and talking or reading a book or whatever!<br />
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The dogs stand here a lot...let us out let us out!<br />
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The view of our patio from the sunroom with our new, very orange patio set. We were frightened about the orange color at first (the brown version of this was $100 more, silly? Why yes!) but I think it really works fine! It looks super orange in this picture for some reason that, i promise in person it is not THAT orange!<br />
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Moving on to the dining room, this is coming from the sunroom, directly across is the kitchen which has a cool swinging door! To the left is the living room!<br />
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An amazing feature in this room? Built in china cabinet! And lucky us, we happened upon some china for free from one of Michael's great aunts! I think it's pretty nifty!<br />
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Into the kitchen we go! Gas oven, with bottom drawer cooking ability, however I have no idea what you cook in that drawer, do you? The stove also has a long middle burner with a griddle, fancy! This kitchen has a ton of storage too! The door to the left exits to the 1 car garage<br />
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Huge sink and more counter space<br />
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Fridge, key hanging, and to the left of the fridge is what we use as our pantry! So weird/nice to finally have one unlike our old house!<br />
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Tiny itty bitty half bath off the kitchen before leading into the basement. I love the tiny window in this room!<br />
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Here is our half finished basement. Currently our ironing board lives down here and apparently also a random backpack. The cabinets are built ins with MORE storage! Sadly we do not have the proper size tv, need a 37 inch OR any furniture to go down here yet, but that's why we have dreams people! Since the room is basically hidden away it doesn't bother me that much, but Michael REALLLLLY wants his man cave. One day hubs!<br />
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Our beautiful new washer and dryer...and yes the washer is on ghetto wooden boards to keep it balanced, we should probably cut those sometime soon!<br />
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The dog's cages are in the unfinished part of the basement, it is pretty cool in temperature down here and I think they like it. Plus it keeps the dog fur level down a bit along with the doggy smell!<br />
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And look ya'll even more storage space!<br />
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And now we have jumped back up to the living room!<br />
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See our beautifully mounted tv over the gas fire place?! This job was quite a task but my professional hubby was able to do it. We are in the process of ordering cord hiders because they are slightly out of control!<br />
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Here is our furniture situation...see that space where we need a chair or something? we have no idea what size furniture to put there, our old chair wouldn't really fit since it had an ottoman, so we probably need something without that. Also, we need a rug, definitely in process, kinda a drab part of the house. <br />
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HOwever I do LOVE the front door, it's soooo pretty and has a really nice storm door that Willis thoroughly enjoys looking out of! Do you see where the 4th of July wreath is hanging? That's our mail slot, one of the things I thought was super cute about the house!!!<br />
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And look the photo stairway has returned from Gray Hawk. I Love personal pictures so I begged and pleaded my handyman to return our wall of glory to our Worthington home! He's so awesome!! Finishing touches at the top!<br />
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And there ya have it folks! Our new house which we honestly love love love. If you asked us (after being here for about a month) what we didn't like about the house I'm pretty sure we would have a hard time determining what that would be!Ashley Kastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13253571532752407678noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4005106419224414818.post-65712610990907115382012-06-22T14:54:00.002-04:002012-06-22T14:58:32.994-04:00Time TogetherAlthough it is not quite our anniversary yet (June 26th) Michael and I did our celebrating a little early. However, I fully believe that we will celebrate it on its actual day as well. The main reason for the early celebration? Well, Mr. Michael started his first day of residency (well orientation for a few days) on June 20th and I knew he would be busy for...well...errrr.... the rest of his life. So I planned a surprise. I was determined to keep it a surprise too!<br />
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About 2 weeks ago Michael had mentioned that he had purchased my anniversary gift. *GASP*, Michael planned ahead AND had beat me to the purchase of the gift. DANG BOY! Well that got me thinking about what I was going to get him. I wanted it to be something fun and something he would be able to use. Then I remembered that he loved the Cleveland Indians as a small child and since we are now conveniently located in Central Ohio the city of Cleveland isn't truly that far away! Then I looked at the schedule, geez, of course we hit the time where the team was basically out of town for forever, except there was one day that I could make work...a monday night. We both had no plans. I would make this happen!<br />
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So I purchased 2 tickets to the 7:05 game in Columbus. Lucky us it was the Ohio showdown games -- Indians vs. Reds -- so it would be an exciting game! I went all out -- for me -- in my ticket purchasing and got us tickets in the 5th row. Ok 5th row like in right field, but still, we were sooooo close!<br />
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Anywhoooo...after the purchase of the tickets I realized that Cleveland is a little over 2 hours away so that would make for a late night, so I got us a cute little room to stay the night in so we could enjoy our last carefree days together! (I took Tuesday off to spend time with Michael).<br />
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So now we are to Monday, June 18th. I leave work at 3:30 and plan to get on the road by 4:30. Michael has no idea what we are doing. Well he actually thinks we are either A) going hiking since I asked about hiking places near columbus on Facebook or B) going hang gliding (michael saw i groupon for it, um hello why would I choose to risk his life before he starts work?!). I tell Michael to put his shoes on while I change and sneakily pack a bag for him with an Indians shirt and overnight stuff. We head out the door.<br />
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The slight problem we had was that we have 2 dogs. 2 dogs that do not have thumbs or the ability to pee in toilets that would need to be let out since we were staying the night. OH and did I mention we live in a new city where our super supportive family in Lexington and NKY do not live? Oh and where we have a grand total of maybe 8 friends?! So I schemed a bit. Our awesome and totally helpful next door neighbors that I already love to death had mentioned helping us with our dogs if we need it. the thing is I was at work that day when I determined we were going to be doing an overnight visit. Planning fail. AND I didn't have their phone numbers. Plan devised -- tell michael I MUST talk to the neighbors and send him over for their phone number. Michael was super awkward about it and told our neighbor's recently high school graduated son that "Ashley needed his number" ...too cute! Well i called and called once I received the number but to no avail. This is when I came to my last resort and called some of our newer friends and left voicemails begging that if our neighbors couldn't watch the dogs that maybe they could.<br />
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With my fingers crossed for some sort positive reply, we put our dogs in the cage (Michael still doesn't know where we are going or that we are staying overnight somewhere). I secretly hope and pray that we don't have to return to 2 dogs that have massive potty issues or bladder infections and we head out.<br />
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Once on the road the sky begins to turn dark, REAL dark. You know, just my luck. Michael continues to say that this is my fault. That I always bring the rain. He is still thinking we are doing the activities I mentioned above, which could be terrifying to do in the weather that we were currently driving through. Although a baseball game can't really occur during this weather either. We ended up driving at least an hour through monsoon style rain and lots of lightning while Michael complains about being starving. Since he told me what he thought we were doing I told him we couldn't stop and eat cause I didn't want him to barf when in reality I just wanted him to save his appetite for a big ol' hot dog and a beer (see i was looking out for him!).<br />
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During our drive our neighbor called me back. I had to be super vague and tell him I had to call him back in like an hour. Michael was like um what was that!? I didn't wanted to reveal the secret! So once Michael knew the plans I was able to call the neighbor back and we had a dog watcher! YIPPEE!!<br />
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By the way, while it is monsooning I am moderately freaking out. Super depressed that our plans would be ruined. When we are 30 minutes outside of Cleveland we have to make a gas station stop. OH and Michael had to drive his car over the 100,000 mile mark. (Michael is a car guy and was very excited about this).<br />
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While we were stopped we were both getting grumpy and complain-y cause we were so hungry so we split a package of poptarts! :) Since Michael was now driving he needed directions and once i informed him to get on I-90 he figured out we were going to the Indians game! He was pretty excited and surprised! I also told him we'd be staying the night! fun fun!<br />
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Amazingly, once Michael started driving the skies instantly cleared and the sun came out and it was perfect. I mean really weather?! We parked in and skipped into the game with beach towels in tow (luckily we had them in the car) to wipe off our seats.<br />
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Michael has been to this ballpark before but it was my first experience there and it is a pretty nice park if I do say so myself! We walked around a bit then took our seats! We were pretttty close! As we were sitting there, Brandon Phillips from the Reds came out to take pictures and sign autographs. It was pretty cool to see him so close up!<br />
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Since we were finally settled in Michael went to grab some food while I was finally able to relax about the whole surprise thing! He returned with a hot dog, brat, fries smothered in nacho cheese in a baseball cap, popcorn, and a beer! hahah it was baseball food heaven! We woofed down our food while enjoying the great game!<br />
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Seriously though, I think this was my first professional baseball game that I have watched with full attention for its entirety! The game was so intense and pretty high scoring with hits happening left and right and a good amount of home runs! And the park was basically filled with half Indians and half Reds fans so the noise level was awesome at all times! The Indians had michael worried at some points but they ended up pulling out the win! Super exciting!<br />
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Oh and did I mention I almost died at the game? We were sitting along the foul line and a batter hit one, I ducked into a ball and it slammed into the guys shoulder that was about 2 inches from me. It was basically like a line drive, the ball ricocheted off his shoulder and flew back 5-10 rows! He instantly bruised, so glad that wasn't my face! Michael said he was glad he didn't grab for it or he might have broken his hand...not to worry about my poor face! :( haha!<br />
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After the game we headed to our hotel which was a pretty sweet random find. I found it on expedia and it was called t<a href="http://www.gliddenhouse.com/">he Glidden House</a> located on Case's campus. The hotel was a mansion built in 1910 and it was super cute! Breakfast in the morning was delicious too!<br />
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My favorite part?! The massive bowl of fresh strawberries and blueberries! yum - o !<br />
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On our way home we stopped by some outlets -- yes this is super exciting --- I bought some running shorts -- even more exciting --- and Michael bought a polo from the polo store! <br />
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And there you have it! Our anniversary celebration! I believe that we both thoroughly enjoyed ourselves which is spectacular! Hopefully I didn't bore you to death!Ashley Kastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13253571532752407678noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4005106419224414818.post-44150674703186472672012-05-02T20:51:00.002-04:002012-05-02T20:51:47.100-04:00April Resolutions and May goalsHey friends! I'm still out here don't you worry! And yes, I am still trying to keep up with my New Years resolutions. I have been slightly failing at a good amount of them but I thought it'd be good to do a little recap.<br />
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Goal #1:<br />
Try to cook something new a each week.<br />
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Ok, this is a fail. However, 2 weekends ago I made a new homemade dog treat recipe. Michael made a new tasty spinach, garlic and chicken lasagna recipe a week ago too. So we are randomly trying to cook new things. But with all the busy season work, buying a house, preparing to sell a house it seems like a bad idea to go out and stock up our kitchen since we will be moving at the end of the month! I would like to try some new recipes though, definitely in a food rut!<br />
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Goal #2<br />
Sub 1:50 the Derby Mini marathon<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ9R5YVnSrbeaZ3dYJr2Qr1Ll39m6ueVgh2PkMwXXtR1_-5eIwXIfkKREuhKWDJajY0dcZXH89sOtAx64mhtaDzDBruselN-JDgktt5rhcSPAbv8XXl7FLrWkp3_3ly_VuYnDRR1EI2yA/s1600/photo-38.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ9R5YVnSrbeaZ3dYJr2Qr1Ll39m6ueVgh2PkMwXXtR1_-5eIwXIfkKREuhKWDJajY0dcZXH89sOtAx64mhtaDzDBruselN-JDgktt5rhcSPAbv8XXl7FLrWkp3_3ly_VuYnDRR1EI2yA/s640/photo-38.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">stole this picture from Andrea. From left to right. Michael's Dad Greg (ran his first full marathon in 5:10), Andrea (PRed her 2nd half marathon by 7 minutes, how awesome!), Michael (ran the full in 3:50), Me (half marathon, 1:52), Jeff (Abby's husband who ran his first half marathon, Abby ran with us last year but is super cute and preggo this year!)</td></tr>
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Oh look another excuse. I did run the half marathon however I did it in 1:52...wah wah. I was glad though that I did not walk at all. In my training runs I had been mixing it up with running and walking but I did not let myself walk at all even though my hip and knee joints were screaming at me. I realized looking back at my <a href="http://blurbsfromabeancounter.blogspot.com/2011/05/derby-mini-marathon-and-weekend-review.html">derby post from last year</a> that I did it in 1:59 so i guess it's an improvement but my overall PR is a 1:52 at the Indianapolis mini marathon.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chip Time was 1:52</td></tr>
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Michael ran the full marathon and did it in 3:50. He is now being crazy and wanting to PR a half marathon and is looking for a race to run in May or June. I think we now may be going to Chicago for their half in June. Now the question is do I put myself through the torture of training alone. Which I despise, guys, I get super lonely, and then negative, all in order to get a PR or do I just go and support?! Opinions?! Anyone wanting to train if I decide to continue on since I'm already in the running shape?<br />
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Goal #3<br />
Try to complete a book a month.<br />
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January - The Hunger Games Series<br />
February -"Is Everyone Hanging out with Me?" - By Mindy Kaling<br />
March - nothing ...fail...busy<br />
April - Wicked<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a class="e" href="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=6cc8fb9938&view=att&th=1370fd7ff9669f52&attid=0.1&disp=inline&realattid=1400898190212857856-1&safe=1&zw" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="2012-04-25 19.26.23.jpg" class="hv" height="480" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=6cc8fb9938&view=att&th=1370fd7ff9669f52&attid=0.1&disp=thd&realattid=1400898190212857856-1&zw" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reading Wicked last week while eating Michael's lasagna!</td></tr>
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<span id=":b1"></span><br />
I finally sat down and dug into Wicked at the beginning of last week and ended up flying through the 400 page book in a week! Glad I made my April goal before the month was over! Now to pick a new book to read....<br />
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Goal #4<br />
2 date nights a month with the hubby<br />
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I'm pretty sure it was April when Michael and I went out to dinner at Merrick Inn, we also went to the theater (which is rare for us) and saw 21 Jumpstreet last month. I know there were a few other times that we did activities, like getting massages together. Now we must work on setting actual real date nights, not just turning a night into one. Although i'm afraid that once Michael starts working this may be near impossible :(<br />
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Goal #5<br />
Choose Optimism<br />
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I can say that this is true. The night before the half I was very anxious as usual. But as I was laying in bed trying to sleep I just kept talking myself up, encouraging myself that I had trained hard and that I could do this run no problem. I can say I chose joy!<br />
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<br />
A couple of Goal for May:<br />
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1. Ride this baby more often. I LOVE traveling via bicycle. I must make the effort to ride my bike more often! -- I rode it to the gym yesterday and was reminded how much I enjoy doing that!<br />
<span id=":an"><a class="e" href="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=6cc8fb9938&view=att&th=1370fd708e319c03&attid=0.1&disp=inline&realattid=1400898109371842560-1&safe=1&zw" target="_blank"><img alt="2012-05-01 15.42.56.jpg" class="hv" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=6cc8fb9938&view=att&th=1370fd708e319c03&attid=0.1&disp=thd&realattid=1400898109371842560-1&zw" /></a></span><br />
2. Reduce sugar intake. Beach vaca is right around the corner and honestly I consume WAY too much sugar, even at breakfast I'll sneak in some jelly beans or a cookie after I eat my cereal. So this month I will attempt to reduce my dessert each meal way of life and limit my self to special occasions and fun times with friends! That means I shouldn't be enjoying ice cream cones like this one that I got while in Louisville for training and hanging out with my brother. Also doesn't help when Michael's mom gives us a bag of jelly beans, which I have an official addiction to. <br />
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Less of this:<br />
<span id=":ai"><a class="e" href="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=6cc8fb9938&view=att&th=137102251664c860&attid=0.1&disp=inline&realattid=1400903295815385088-1&safe=1&zw" target="_blank"><img alt="IMG_20120430_182621.jpg" class="hv" height="320" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=6cc8fb9938&view=att&th=137102251664c860&attid=0.1&disp=thd&realattid=1400903295815385088-1&zw" width="240" /></a></span><br />
More of this: <br />
<span id=":ao"></span><br />
<span id=":ao"><a class="e" href="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=6cc8fb9938&view=att&th=1370fd84a9649c9a&attid=0.1&disp=inline&realattid=1400898205185474560-1&safe=1&zw" target="_blank"><img alt="IMG_20120425_122043.jpg" class="hv" height="480" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=6cc8fb9938&view=att&th=1370fd84a9649c9a&attid=0.1&disp=thd&realattid=1400898205185474560-1&zw" width="640" /> </a></span><br />
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<span id=":ao">And of course to keep up with my other goals. </span><br />
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<span id=":ao">So there's that, a little review of my goals and my progression! Hope your goals are being achieved as well! </span>Ashley Kastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13253571532752407678noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4005106419224414818.post-46651974614587203482012-04-16T16:47:00.002-04:002012-04-16T16:47:24.977-04:00Columbus - Our new homeWell there was my post about Lexington. And I'm still sad about it. BUT exciting things are too come in a couple short months/weeks. Do we want to learn about Columbus, Ohio now?!<br />
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Well obviously since I've never lived there before and been there maybe a total of 3-4 times (1 for shopping, 1 for fireworks, twice looking at houses) I can't really give you a ton of things like I did for Lexington but I can give you a bit AND the internet will help me out a lot too! :)<br />
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We can start with this though. Here is what our house looks like! Its in a super quaint town/area and I'm very excited about living here. Still waiting on a couple of loan things to go through and the fixing of a couple items noted in the inspection. Our lovely little house was built in 1940 and has a picket fence and a yard! :)<br />
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1. COSI - What is COSI? No, not the restaurant. Only the coolest field trip location for an elementary school student and everyone else too. We went to COSI once in elementary school and it was epic. It's a science museum, a VERY interactive science museum. I can't wait to take Michael there. SO FUN to get your hands on everything!<br />
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2. Ohio State University ?! - Yes, being a large UK fan does not make me happy to be moving to a city with a large powerhouse school. BUT it is pretty exciting to be living in a town that LOVES their football season. So maybe OSU football and UK everything else, especially basketball! I definitely think it will be fun to be involved with OSU, especially since we already understand how to be hardcore fans!<br />
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3. Easton & Shopping<br />
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4. More and more food - from what I hear they have more vegetarian and vegan options in Columbus. Not that I'm either but that definitely makes it sound like the restaurant scene is a tad bit more diverse than Lexington. However I will be missing my country southern cookin' of Lexington!<br />
5. Running Trails! - The handful of times Michael and I have been to Columbus we have taken notice of the running/biking trails that seem to be everywhere and booming with people. Apparently the Olentangy trail is 13.75 miles long, starting in Worthington Hills and ending in downtown Columbus! Can't wait to give that a try!!<br />
6. Arena District - This area was recently built and is pretty snazzy. My friend Drew also works in this area and there are areas to live. The Hockey team is housed in this area along with concert venues and the minor league baseball park. The area is pretty awesome and apparently used to be the Ohio Penitentiary<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;">.</span></span><br />
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7. The North Market - Our friends Drew and Catherine took us to the North Market when we originally came to visit. This place is awesome and reminds me of a downsized version of Seattle's market. A year-round farmer's market/eatery sounds good to me! :)<br />
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8. the Olentangy River and the Scioto River - growing up down the road from the Ohio River I became used to being around rivers. Lexington doesn't have any major waterways going through. Columbus has 2! And they both have funny names!<br />
9. Festivals - From what Michael and I have read there are some great festivals in Columbus. I have been to their red, white and boom 4th of July fireworks show and it's pretty impressive. Also something I'm looking forward to is the Ocktoberfest held in German Town (super cute area of Columbus!).<br />
10. Professional Sports Teams - Professional sports teams in Hockey, Soccer and a minor league team. That's a tiny bit of a leg up when compared to Lexington, which has no professional teams, well, unless you count our UK basketball team :)<br />
11. Concerts - Something that Lexington often lacks is a large amount of concert options. Columbus has venues of all sizes and attracts a lot of the musicians I enjoy! I will most definitely be attending more concerts in Columbus!<br />
12. Columbus Zoo - Jack Hanna originally worked at this Zoo! And who doesn't love the zoo? ! i love animals obviously. In 2009 this zoo was named the #1 Zoo to visit!<br />
13. Buckeyes Candy - the perfect combination of chocolate and peanut butter! Yes it's slightly embarrassing for OSU's mascot to be a nut, but I will fully support the candy version! :)<br />
14. OH and the reason we are moving to Columbus --- Riverside Hospital! Where Michael will be working!<br />
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Annndddd that's all i've got for now. Do you have anything to add? I'm sure i'm missing out on major attractions/events/etc.<br />
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Fill me in, I want to know more!Ashley Kastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13253571532752407678noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4005106419224414818.post-172504222440569242012-04-10T16:16:00.003-04:002012-04-10T16:16:40.453-04:00A tale of 2 Cities<br />
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<a href="" name="_GoBack"></a>So I thought it would be kinda fun to
write 2 different posts about the 2 cities that are important to me right now
in my life…<o:p></o:p></div>
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Lexington<o:p></o:p></div>
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And<o:p></o:p></div>
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Columbus.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I thought I would talk about some of the things I’ve loved,
will love, haven’t enjoyed, etc. A good way to realize how good I’ve got it but
to also help me realize how exciting our future will be. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I decided that I will start with the great city of
Lexington, KY. <o:p></o:p></div>
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As I sit here trying to think of where to start, I slightly
teared up. So much has happened for me in this city since I was first welcomed in
in 2006 when I graduated from high school and came to high school.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now let’s get this straight first. During my college search
my dream college was the University of Miami (OHIO). I got in, however, the
financial aid was not at the level that I needed it to be. Therefore I had to
pick another more affordable school. I REALLY wasn’t all that interested in the
University of Kentucky. Mainly because so many of my high schoolmates would be
attending this university. But once my friend Bailey informed me that she
enjoyed the campus of UK better than U of L , I had to check it out and before
I knew it was packing up my room in in NKY and heading down to Lexington to
start college. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I have fallen in love with this city. Not sure if its due
the fact that I met my love here. Or if its because I got married here. Owned
my first home here. Raised 2 super cute puppies here. Met a ton of my friends
here. Or even the scenery (um, hello gorgeous!) <o:p></o:p></div>
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What I do know is that it has been perfect for me!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Lexington is moderately sized. Not large and overwhelming to
me like a Chicago/St. Louis/NY type city but not as small as my hometown. And
also not as urban as Louisville and Cincinnati. It’s the type of town where you
can see people you know out and about all the time or not at all. AND I LOVE
RUNNING INTO MY FRIENDS! <o:p></o:p></div>
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See a small town feel…<o:p></o:p></div>
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So now it’s time to start a list, because I like lists,
being the task-oriented person that I am !<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->11.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->The University of Kentucky – I spent 4 years
earning my undergraduate degrees and 1 year obtaining my masters at this
University and I loved my entire time spent here!<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span><!--[endif]-->My wedding – even though I am not originally
from Lexington I knew I wanted to have our wedding in Lexington. It’s a
gorgeous setting for love. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->33.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Basketball – Can you say 8 National Titles? I
knew NOTHING about basketball when I came to Lexington. Now I am fully entwined
in basketball. This city breathes for basketball season. Everyone awakens with
a full spirit when basketball starts back up. It is so much fun to be involved with
such a well-respected and historic basketball program. This is something I will
greatly miss, guess I better get used to football season being the important
season in Columbus!<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span><!--[endif]-->CSF – I met almost all of my friends from
college at the Christian Student Fellowship, some of these people have played
very important roles in my life. For instance, Becca went to CSF before I met
her, then I ended up living with her for 3 years and we are still super close.
Then there is Vanna who I ended up being her matron of honor in her wedding and
she being a bridesmaid in mine. Then there are the countless others, Andy, the
Sams, Mike, Beau, LB, Drees, Ferg, etc. You all have played a crucial role in
my life and a reason why I love Lexington!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->55.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Adrielle – April 14<sup>th</sup> marks 2 years that
Adrielle and I have been matched in our mentor/mentee relationship. And with
our move comes the “official” end of our mentoring relationship. That doesn’t
mean anything is over, but I have come to learn so much about this young woman,
we have had all kinds over adventures together throughout Lexington from
skating, movies, snacks, crafts, baking, dog walking, Wii, etc. I will always
cherish the relationship we built in Lexington. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->66.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Old homes – One thing I knew I would miss
immediately when leaving Lexington were the old homes. I truly enjoy all the
old homes in the Chevy Chase, Chinoe, Richmond Road area. Their character, the
tall trees, the history, I always dreamed of living in one, and you never know
we may end up back here :)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->77.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Horse farms – After match day my family, michael’s
family, Michael and I went out to dinner at a vineyard in the countryside of KY
for dinner. On the way out to the restaurant I teared up. The scenery is
gorgeous in Lexington. Lexington is surrounded by horse farms every way around.
I love the green rolling hills, the fences, the horses doting the scenery, the
beautiful blooming trees, the grand barns that resemble massive houses. It is definitely
unlike any other areas I’ve ever seen. It is so peaceful. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->88.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Southland Christian Church – A few weeks ago the
Larson’s came to Southland with us for church. While walking out Jonathan said,
“hey isn’t this your name on the wall here? “. I have been looking for that
since it happened! Southland has a wall behind the baptismal that everyone signs
when they are baptized. I was baptized at Southland on 11-11-07 and knowing
that a piece of my history is there for everyone to see helps remind me that I’ve
left my mark. Michael and I will greatly miss our church. The people. Jon
Weece. <o:p></o:p></div>
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99.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Castle – There is a real castle on the outskirts
of Lexington – how many cities do you know with a full blown castle that isn’t
in Europe?!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->110.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Legacy
Trail – This trail is a great new addition to Lexington. About 17 miles out and
back to the horse farm, the scenery of farmland, rolling hills, it’s fun for
the whole family! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->111.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Local
Eateries – Some local eateries we have come to love include Merrick Inn, Ramsey’s,
Billy’s Barbeque, Rincon Mexican, Cheapside, DeShas, Sals, Malones, Drakes. Who
doesn’t love a good local restaurant? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->112.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Weather
(spring and fall are may favorite in the bluegrass) – EVERYTHING is in bloom
here. It’s wonderful. Unless you have allergies, a lot of people get dragged
down during this time of year since Lexington has some of the highest pollen
counts in the US! The fall is also pretty awesome here too with all the
foliage. I can’t complain :) <o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->113.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->The
Gorge in close proximity – Michael and I have taken many a trip to the Gorge
with the dogs, without the dogs, hiking, camping. I’m sad that it will be more
than just an hour car ride away!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->114.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Keeneland
– Horse racing is one of the 4 things Kentucky is known for (Bluegrass,
Basketball, Bourbon, and Horses). Although I’m not the gambling type Keeneland
is a great place to dress up, meet up with friends and make a day of the races!
And since I’m a creeper and love people watching so much this is definitely the
place for it. From the preppy guys in their suits to the girls in their pretty
dresses. It’s a fun place for everyone! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->115.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Family
– I didn’t mean to save this until last but this is definitely a great thing to
have around. I can’t count how many times Michael’s family has been able to
help us out with things since they are so close by. Watching our dogs, taking
us out to dinner, letting us in the house when we are locked out, watching
basketball games together, letting us crash their house for bible study
parties, cookouts, etc. It is definitely an asset to have the Kasten’s in town
and my family only an hour away and my brother an hour away in Louisville. Now
the Kasten’s will be 3 hours and my family 2 hours. Although this is still
manageable it won’t be as convenient. You think if I offer them a dog
babysitting job that would be enough to convince everyone to move up to Columbus?
<o:p></o:p></div>
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Well there you have it. My short list version of some of the
things I love about Lexington. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I shall return one day Lexington, don't you worry!</div>
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What do you love about your “Hometown”?<o:p></o:p></div>
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What do you love about Lexington? <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Ashley Kastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13253571532752407678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4005106419224414818.post-13347421960658167262012-04-06T22:33:00.002-04:002012-04-06T22:34:20.559-04:00Well take a look at that...I cannot believe I have not written a blog post in over a MONTH!! That is crazy. But truly, my life has been crazy the past month, so I apologize for not writing, BUT tomorrow is the first Saturday that I don't have to work!! So I actually have time to sit down and write a blog. But oh where do I start?<br />
<br />
So much has happened in the past month, like sooooo much. Ok, well a lot of it was working a ton. But there were also things like oh you know, Michael matching into a surgery residency program at Riverside Hospital in Columbus, OH. Oh you know, no biggie, we will just be moving very shortly. Hopefully into this totally awesome house that we have basically bought, inspection done, just need to finish up the financing. I really hope nothing happens to mess up getting this house because it is adorable! I am a super fan of old houses since I grew up in a 100 year old farm house, old houses have a special place in my heart. "Our" house was built in 1940 and you know what else it has?! A yard! Our dogs can finally roam free, I feel happiness for them :)<br />
<br />
So what else besides a job for Michael, a new house for us in a completely new city? Well today I found out that my company will be able to keep me on with them in their large office in Columbus!! What great news! No job search for this girl! I was kind of getting worried that this might happen, but thankful the big man in the sky pulled through, purty awesome!<br />
<br />
Oh yeah and about a week ago I turned 24. But that was kind of boring. Busy season birthday = lame. But at least my coworkers were pretty awesome about celebrating it with my in the good old eastern kentucky town of Hazard. <br />
<br />
What else what else? Oh the past 2 weeks i've been a pretty big slacker in the whole training for a half marathon thing that will be happening on April 28th. 10 mile run tomorrow should be interesting. I blame this lack of interest in running due to my job's busyness AND the WILDCATS WINNING THE NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP! If you were unaware UK won the big tournament and brought home our 8th national championship and our town went crazy! It has been 14 years since we won the last one, and for UK fans that is an eternity. So lets say there were grand celebrations throughout the city involving multiple couch sacrifices, a couple cars, lots of honking and people surfing on top of cars as they moved down the street, lots of cops, public drinking and drunkenness, and an overall since of happiness and togetherness. I loved being in the city to watch the game and celebrate with everyone, this is definitely one huge thing I will miss about Lexington. Luckily they won in our last year in Lexington, what a send off cats!<br />
<br />
So that's my quick update for now. Thought i'd fill you in on what's going on. Hopefully I will be a little more regular with my blogging, but now that busy season has settled down it appears that I will be traveling to weddings, baby showers, bridal showers, stock the bar parties, bachelorette parties, family reunions, etc. on the weekends through the next few months. WHEW...I need a vacation!Ashley Kastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13253571532752407678noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4005106419224414818.post-50094977297846491662012-03-04T16:23:00.002-05:002012-03-04T16:23:57.964-05:00Valentines Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So it's cool that I'm finally blogging about Valentines day about, oh, you know a half month after the fact? Well, I want to document it so i can remember it forever and ever! DUH!<br />
<br />
Anyway. Here is our Valentines Day story -- 2012.<br />
<br />
Oh my oh my was I a lucky girl when I discovered that I would be working in Lexington during the week of Valentines day. As soon as I found out I knew where we needed to have Valentines Day reservations.<br />
<br />
3 Suns Bistro in Brannon Crossing.<br />
<br />
Why this place? well about 4 years ago this is where Michael and I went on our first ever Valentines Day date. We had been dating for only a week and he took me out for a pretty fancy meal. Spoiled? I realize this.<br />
<br />
I knew it would be meaningful to me and hopefully Michael especially since #1 we are highly likely to be moving away in the next couple of months for Michael's residency and #2 Michael and I have issues with restaurants that are important to us closing.<br />
<br />
Exhibit A: Buddies Bar and Grill on Tates Creek/High Street - This is where Michael and I went on our very first real date (you know if you don't count fazolis, which I don't!). A few months ago the place went out of business. sad, sad day.<br />
<br />
Exhibit B: Murrays Restaurant on Harrodsburg Road - This is where Michael and I ate dinner before he took me back to his house (now our house) to propose. Michael used to work here too. It's a fancy restaurant like Malones where basketball coaches and the like ate. They shut down about a year or more ago. Even sadder day.<br />
<br />
Both restaurants were VERY good. Never really had a bad experience there, but now they are gone :(.<br />
<br />
Back to the Valentines day story. <br />
<br />
Anywho, so I knew we had to hit up one of the few remaining influential restaurants still surviving. I called and made a reservation about 3 weeks in advance to make sure! i'm a planner!<br />
<br />
Also, I wanted to make our Valentines day gifts special this year. So I devised a plan that I got the idea from Pinterest on. It wasn't going to be expensive, just time consuming. I call it "Gifts on the hour"<br />
<br />
A week or 2 before Valentines day I started collecting small, random, unique, or useful gifts for Michael. Nothing costing more than $8 or so a piece.<br />
<br />
Once I collected about 12 items it was time to set my plan in motion. I selected random times throughout Valentines day that ended up being signifcant to our relationship:<br />
- 6:26 pm (wedding anniversary)<br />
-4:01 pm (Willis' birthday)<br />
-2:08 pm (dating anniversary)<br />
-10:26 am (MIchael's birthday<br />
etc, etc.<br />
<br />
I did have to fudge 1 or 2 hours because I was trying to get them to be hourly from about 8 am until 10 pm.<br />
<br />
Each gift I wrapped separately and attached a time stamp for when to open and a little note about the gift. I hid everything in the closet and told Michael if he went in there I would seriously hurt him. Cause I'm loving like that! :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqYyjBhk5-Jxlzd8ghh6XWooLq1W5L3wmY7-gM1AcnomG80b9opWTdwZ4QBcyA0swdQADlvHtJSvShuiW82fh5A_OK2PDjwLffS9LLImNZEZxiUfg7vFo3bqrDDgEbnem9OgJlvJ_TccIy/s1600/IMG_0354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqYyjBhk5-Jxlzd8ghh6XWooLq1W5L3wmY7-gM1AcnomG80b9opWTdwZ4QBcyA0swdQADlvHtJSvShuiW82fh5A_OK2PDjwLffS9LLImNZEZxiUfg7vFo3bqrDDgEbnem9OgJlvJ_TccIy/s640/IMG_0354.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Valentines day approached as I frantically wrapped and finished things up the night before to ensure the perfect giving. Valentines morning Michael woke up with me (he had to be into the hospital an hour later than I did for work) and we headed to Magees (a local bakery) for breakfast to use a Groupon that was expiring on that day.<br />
<br />
Michael got a yummy egg and bagel sandwich while I munched on a delicious pumpkin muffin. We chatted and it was wonderful to spend time together before we went our separate ways and started our busy days. As we were saying goodbye I ran to my car and pulled out a card and a brown paper sack. The note told Michael where to look once he got home and addressed the rules of the gift game. In the brown sack I gave him our camera to document everything since I'd miss a good part of it. He was confused but I think he thought the idea was cool.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOQUJCGNKxrqb3FejFIoRtUlrzBKV_y9WiGn5sSHSqv14el0_jPEusC30qkFDVArsB45NSIb4_1Cos4yHdhdHWxFMS410cqHQ2S7XGoxzb2tAS-271TEbDx8UblY7pFK84Rs5hO-3En19/s1600/IMG_0356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOQUJCGNKxrqb3FejFIoRtUlrzBKV_y9WiGn5sSHSqv14el0_jPEusC30qkFDVArsB45NSIb4_1Cos4yHdhdHWxFMS410cqHQ2S7XGoxzb2tAS-271TEbDx8UblY7pFK84Rs5hO-3En19/s400/IMG_0356.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Sadly though and to my great disappoint he didn't have time to go home after breakfast. I pouted, saying my hard work wasn't going to workout right. Luckily he only missed about 3 gifts and headed home. So he just opened them all at once!<br />
<br />
I would get random texts throughout the day and pictures of him with some of the gifts. It made me smile. Here are a few with some explanation:<br />
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6djXXb-BxzaOwrf2GkdGoFEKeMoWxuB9Uek3Zy1dM0ZFHgSYhKER-hmYOeOig3aBWwSAc981-mv_7C2FdjEdy3GnZSKy9RUwiJHGBiCltg8YLIbR2jOAFSVJQNavlAzAM6uSgeInkHI2/s1600/IMG_0359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6djXXb-BxzaOwrf2GkdGoFEKeMoWxuB9Uek3Zy1dM0ZFHgSYhKER-hmYOeOig3aBWwSAc981-mv_7C2FdjEdy3GnZSKy9RUwiJHGBiCltg8YLIbR2jOAFSVJQNavlAzAM6uSgeInkHI2/s320/IMG_0359.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After coming back from our honeymoon Michael used my toothbrush by mistake. Silly gift! :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfKEjaxaDVgq5TL4ebyNmyVREelrR-9Joon1NARv7X-MJ9fDxleGW12H2bA8xS53CY-6SdAW9jkuihalXvVQrDARuYbJzcewMePLRI3FuD64xSpWJQxG74Z9pxXY-txzm40abTl4zWjLMy/s1600/IMG_0362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfKEjaxaDVgq5TL4ebyNmyVREelrR-9Joon1NARv7X-MJ9fDxleGW12H2bA8xS53CY-6SdAW9jkuihalXvVQrDARuYbJzcewMePLRI3FuD64xSpWJQxG74Z9pxXY-txzm40abTl4zWjLMy/s400/IMG_0362.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When in Louisville for Michael's marathon we tried on crazy sunglasses at Lynn's Paradise Cafe</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2BakmprK379fsZso7UlORx8qm7W3IcZ5YJGuJRc_6NRx7ua6A38I8RNrYUDWQ0M5t3xHe9KH_ho-98XeVyZ_yRF1n6HETufimv2alZ8EJOZFzJ33lot5fczfczYr7sRi6wHjnzN1NglRE/s1600/IMG_0364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2BakmprK379fsZso7UlORx8qm7W3IcZ5YJGuJRc_6NRx7ua6A38I8RNrYUDWQ0M5t3xHe9KH_ho-98XeVyZ_yRF1n6HETufimv2alZ8EJOZFzJ33lot5fczfczYr7sRi6wHjnzN1NglRE/s400/IMG_0364.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is silly, acting like socks are mittens! :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj91Tjn7fyo2tYXIa-Ud7-QjYoEO-lLRBMOVHoAAgQAEZwzyyqf9y68lWVtL8WV_W5pOZAmGDWHlcaEe5-ShTN7r8vn-KmJJCesjFe_GY2uIh2rSxHM1HnjBbJKKVpko1NqfBrqsetZ-YN1/s1600/IMG_0366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj91Tjn7fyo2tYXIa-Ud7-QjYoEO-lLRBMOVHoAAgQAEZwzyyqf9y68lWVtL8WV_W5pOZAmGDWHlcaEe5-ShTN7r8vn-KmJJCesjFe_GY2uIh2rSxHM1HnjBbJKKVpko1NqfBrqsetZ-YN1/s640/IMG_0366.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the gum Michael ALWAYS chewed when we were dating, the smell of it brings back great feelings.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYoqJ6kb25PKgUT5fuHeZfpYIHgw6V3KXsxdLVnCVsj3OdtQQ5iuwx_IPVHH7JJymGe0Hh9qivo5Z4Frd6pGzLqs40AnTO-rUq8MXl017tplQ55AkAPcZhG70EmYucY2BH_eQDcTVdG3gH/s1600/IMG_0370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYoqJ6kb25PKgUT5fuHeZfpYIHgw6V3KXsxdLVnCVsj3OdtQQ5iuwx_IPVHH7JJymGe0Hh9qivo5Z4Frd6pGzLqs40AnTO-rUq8MXl017tplQ55AkAPcZhG70EmYucY2BH_eQDcTVdG3gH/s640/IMG_0370.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Willis smelling the "bouquet" of tootsie roll pops. I mean a guy deserves a bouquet of something too! Carson is so jealous in the background!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAiFYEWAkQRCfBC75dxlCswXCBO6WVvB7jeH3X5A-Uio_4oXdSfXSB3pilqoz2Ni9jzMDm9fRwUM_2-qt0RJ-0MIHHn1jAAzwkvgwujTVNmjw0uEaxweOaX1Glrg-ujMt3kUFw1hrCqzp7/s1600/IMG_0371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAiFYEWAkQRCfBC75dxlCswXCBO6WVvB7jeH3X5A-Uio_4oXdSfXSB3pilqoz2Ni9jzMDm9fRwUM_2-qt0RJ-0MIHHn1jAAzwkvgwujTVNmjw0uEaxweOaX1Glrg-ujMt3kUFw1hrCqzp7/s400/IMG_0371.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fazoli's giftcard.... no awkwardness about who is going to pay... i had it this time :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgGz4u7OfiUclO_lGm_ju1K2WKaMR2TXryyyfxm7KwAbJXYd9h7fWwuniyQb-M_iMJTcIgVwB5vbKiEk3d4rn3fik6_450kX82uAMSzDdJwb25qxaVBEHLHXgx2vwba7iQlaHkZhB-C1Jm/s1600/IMG_0374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgGz4u7OfiUclO_lGm_ju1K2WKaMR2TXryyyfxm7KwAbJXYd9h7fWwuniyQb-M_iMJTcIgVwB5vbKiEk3d4rn3fik6_450kX82uAMSzDdJwb25qxaVBEHLHXgx2vwba7iQlaHkZhB-C1Jm/s400/IMG_0374.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A canvas with the words to our first dance song on it...didn't turn out as nice as I'd hoped though :(</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Since it is busy season I worked until around 7 and headed home to get all fancied up. I couldn't wait to talk to Michael about my gifts and get ready for our dinner (which the location I kept secret from Michael).<br />
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I arrived home to see a BOUNTY of Valentines day gifts. I was like woah! He went super way overboard. It was intense. I felt SO very much spoiled.<br />
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Look at this, I mean it's crazy!:<br />
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I have been talking about wanting a toaster oven forever, our ghetto $10 toaster just doesn't do it sometimes. He also gave me socks, cause he complains about how dirty and nasty mine are. I don't even know how it happens. Its not like i walk around outside shoeless. Crazy. He also bought 2 bottles of wine and a bottle of dark malibu since I was finishing up the bottle I received for my 21st birthday! Oh and he also got my CHOCOLATES! I have never received chocolates before and was so excited about this!! And lastly....boot polish. Cause my boots needed it, it's true! So super random assortment all so wonderful!<br />
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Once Michael and I got all fancy I handed him a gift that I had timed for him to open before we got in the car. It was a CD "mix tape" of songs that were important to us, I even put a picture of us on the case. I have NEVER made him a CD before, I felt like I was in 8th grade. It was awesome. Unfortunately Michael's CD player in the car only likes to play to about song 5 on the CD. BUMMER.<br />
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Once we got in the car I gave him another gift. He, still unknowing as to where he was driving me, unwrapped the gift to find a picture frame with a picture of a map and the 3 Sun's Bistro logo on it. So now he knew where to drive me!<br />
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Now is the unfortunate part of the night, slightly disappointing. We arrived at the restaurant at 8, our reservation time, and had to wait about 20 minutes for our table. Even though there were about 4 empty tables. The place was VERY understaffed and VERY unorganized. It kind of made me feel bad for them. However, the only accordion player in the city of Lexington was playin' away in his sparkly shirt. He was a very sweet man!<br />
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Once we finally got seated it took us FOREVER to get any service. Michael and I were polite, but also starving. We didn't receive bread or anything until about 8:45 and our food at 9-9:15ish. 2 other couples at different tables got up and left after they had ordered because the service was terrible. It was like I was foreseeing the future of 3 Sun's. Oh restaurant. Please don't fail!<br />
We still took pictures of ourselves though while waiting:<br />
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Our food was mediocre. But we enjoyed each others company and had a great time. I know many of you are Valentines Day haters, but you know what, I enjoy showering my spouse with love. (it's not like I don't regularly, but its just another day that you can make extra special!)<br />
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So there's that....my long Valentines day story!Ashley Kastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13253571532752407678noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4005106419224414818.post-54318688826090113562012-03-01T20:41:00.001-05:002012-03-01T20:41:42.797-05:00Thankful Thursday!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Despite a pretty tiring workday today (worked from 8:15am to
7:45pm at the client) and a icky run at 5:45 am this morning I can say to sum
it up that I can find wonderful things in my day. And the optimism continues. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Maybe my optimism can be somewhat annoying, but on days when
we are working 12 hours I think it is a way better option than being a negative
Nancy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Things that made my day:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Let start with the big one, cause you know it
really was pretty awesome. Today I became an AUNT! Isn’t that weird sounding?
No, none of my siblings had a child, Michael’s oldest sister Jennifer did! She
was a week late with no symptoms still so they induced her on Tuesday hoping to
have a child by Wednesday, which also happened to be Leap day! Well after hours
of waiting – almost 48 – Baby Antoine entered the world on March 1<sup>st</sup>
around 5am (Seattle time of course). What a great way to start the day. I
nearly shrieked with joy when I received this pictures of little Antoine:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->An employee at our client, who dresses cute and
such complimented me on my shoes today. It made me feel good. You can’t bring
me down work!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->3.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->I was able to run 5 miles before my work day
even began. Yes the run felt AWFUL, which I blame on mozzarella sticks, French fries,
and mcDonald’s hot fudge sundae (I hadn’t had ice cream all week and was really
craving it guys, how bad!) that I had consumed the night before at dinner. But
you know what, I’m glad I got a significant run in during the middle of the
week! (i am so sweaty and gross and look like death warmed over):<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->4.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->I am 75% through my “February” book. I am
counting this as keeping up with my resolution. I sure hope you accept this.
Still enjoying Mindy Kaling’s book, I read it on the touch pad during our 30
minute drive to the client and in the hotel room at night before bed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->5.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->My fortune cookie from the Chinese Buffet we had
for lunch today was actually a fortune for once. And you didn’t even need to
add the usual “in bed” at the end, it was sort of implied! :)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->6.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Um hello guys. The sun. it’s shining. Like crazy.
And it’s so warm. My lunch break rides in the car to lunch are spent smiling
and gabbing about how much I am loving this. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->7.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->And it wouldn’t be an Ashley post without some
dogs. Loving that I have an awesome hubby that knows I can’t get through a week
without some pictures of my pups!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhUU2_i1cpOYfzshp6KfTt7BdzxWpiRPeiRJM9f4PmyQppqqaMLqbm9L_HllzvyA4e3gfYdM51qMw07zIhtK-kSXZhHzGPZE_fvJXZjCqLyn7Sk18aY6sPJQRsSOrET_B5vbprc598MQD/s1600/download+(5).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhUU2_i1cpOYfzshp6KfTt7BdzxWpiRPeiRJM9f4PmyQppqqaMLqbm9L_HllzvyA4e3gfYdM51qMw07zIhtK-kSXZhHzGPZE_fvJXZjCqLyn7Sk18aY6sPJQRsSOrET_B5vbprc598MQD/s400/download+(5).jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjULuzL08Cm4s4dIjNX8oD0hHiUUVfuMspF1YzcDIxN47CY7aAih8xg-u1_keTY2hrgNBp0AN19OO3xYXYX8VT359bm_NtsvDhtqvg20Y8KiF6Zc-Va04uSlZwd9f0V3cKc_eUIfhT9b2c/s1600/download+(6).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjULuzL08Cm4s4dIjNX8oD0hHiUUVfuMspF1YzcDIxN47CY7aAih8xg-u1_keTY2hrgNBp0AN19OO3xYXYX8VT359bm_NtsvDhtqvg20Y8KiF6Zc-Va04uSlZwd9f0V3cKc_eUIfhT9b2c/s400/download+(6).jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->8.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->I’m about to go out to eat pizza with coworkers
and watch UK. Michael is at the game and it’s Senior Night! I love me some
Darius and Eloy! Go Cats!<o:p></o:p></div>Ashley Kastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13253571532752407678noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4005106419224414818.post-56206470317729819482012-02-20T21:51:00.001-05:002012-02-20T21:51:47.621-05:00And the fun don't stop!Whew! Guys, life has been crazy busy!<br />
<br />
Like I have been so busy Michael has taken it upon himself to clean our house 3 times!! I haven't cleaned it in sooo long! But things have been good the past couple of weeks!<br />
<br />
Yes, I am working 55 + hours a week...but I'm finding that work life balance they talk about except its like. Workkkkkkkkk 8-7 then hurry workout....then doing something fun...then go to bed...do it all over again!<br />
<br />
So why not get caught up on what i've been doing?<br />
<br />
I have a hefty amount of pictures on my phone so here we go!<br />
<br />
- I have been running...well when time permits<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8zgi9HoirTeJuAirsiYnZGWOWEowtx28m3PbT0bkDtv8SCDhpJendEU1k69j_7tIw2Gh1IR9chHcf_yuuGWLFXnxUlr5Cmt9ZWaKQsRZQ6q_X6O4tajtpTzqNu4iQc3vEIPmNScV8Tdq5/s1600/mail.google.com3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8zgi9HoirTeJuAirsiYnZGWOWEowtx28m3PbT0bkDtv8SCDhpJendEU1k69j_7tIw2Gh1IR9chHcf_yuuGWLFXnxUlr5Cmt9ZWaKQsRZQ6q_X6O4tajtpTzqNu4iQc3vEIPmNScV8Tdq5/s640/mail.google.com3.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
- I have been trying to cook new recipes...well when time permits --- Tonight we made spaghetti squash with chicken, peas, broccoli, sundried tomatoes, and garlic and it was tastey and you couldn't tell it was healthy. Michael even gave me a high five.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVpIaef4eidisZah1cpFfqoSVaki7oce1Rd8xLwlRUxttKIA4tZK6QGAiH4_0bp1USoSpO3hnig3wtIPWdw9FPNG2e-qQj1_1hJJgLgj7mXuqoQfuzTb2QLSIW3u6p7e21e98cBTivJpAX/s1600/mail.google.com.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVpIaef4eidisZah1cpFfqoSVaki7oce1Rd8xLwlRUxttKIA4tZK6QGAiH4_0bp1USoSpO3hnig3wtIPWdw9FPNG2e-qQj1_1hJJgLgj7mXuqoQfuzTb2QLSIW3u6p7e21e98cBTivJpAX/s640/mail.google.com.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
<br />
- I have been patiently awaiting becoming an auntie! Michael's sister is due on the 21st!! whoop whoop! exciting!<br />
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- I have been trying to read but failing due to my busyness and trying to incorporate fun into my life.<br />
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- I went to the UK vs Ole Miss Basketball game on Saturday. Walked straight from work to the game. It was awesome and it made me a very happy lady.<br />
<img alt="" class="alignnone" data-lazy-loaded="true" height="413" src="http://ksr.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/MillerDunk.jpg" style="display: inline;" width="275" /><br />
- I have been taking full advantage of our free work meals on Saturdays. Um hello can you say Panera bagel + half a pumpkin muffin + fruit for breakfast?!?! So I definitely wasn't that hungry for lunch and filled up on pudding with bananas, cool whip, and nilla wafers!<br />
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- I have been having a movie night with my love Becca, with wine, and peanut butter m&ms and cuddling under blankets.<br />
<br />
- I have been counting down the days until Michael's match day ---25 if you'd really like to know<br />
<br />
-I've been mentoring my girl Adrielle. Bowling and getting our nails done all in one week?! super fun!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZKsAkyaZrsCBNZr8_u4S8TIeLdZy6jT61rjZQ1MPEt2cDY38vw2Y3N3MpNDKwCIwFa4CjJEPxCAeI93LdR4sS1l80XFPekMxY5f0LtzXbNpng-Ab9FZ7SijyUhW5jpSmnXWqZA5h3Je5/s1600/mail.google.com11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZKsAkyaZrsCBNZr8_u4S8TIeLdZy6jT61rjZQ1MPEt2cDY38vw2Y3N3MpNDKwCIwFa4CjJEPxCAeI93LdR4sS1l80XFPekMxY5f0LtzXbNpng-Ab9FZ7SijyUhW5jpSmnXWqZA5h3Je5/s640/mail.google.com11.jpg" width="480" /> </a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinqZQYI80eoWxbZ2kapLaoiKSCdGGekXpOqz3Se8WsaIGdqJArxksYP1mOXkBVczZ1DHMO3Dfcv3t3BuPkGBs3asICGTMmnIgVe095MGkGqyNW017FhCrIS5cDFJ643w6wyYm9V8Eq6gpF/s1600/mail.google.com4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinqZQYI80eoWxbZ2kapLaoiKSCdGGekXpOqz3Se8WsaIGdqJArxksYP1mOXkBVczZ1DHMO3Dfcv3t3BuPkGBs3asICGTMmnIgVe095MGkGqyNW017FhCrIS5cDFJ643w6wyYm9V8Eq6gpF/s640/mail.google.com4.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br />
- I've been celebrating birthdays...you know...Kara's birthday...cause she's awesome<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJPnK4XcbBCsB62VoBJmP_O8xFgitIUGL9QRy-03UtXx2pscrm8-LCiTwT8br1lI6DHcoglNeOr4qvFe7HB-ALNzUUssvEwV4ghLZ0WGR1nh-fy-oRN_9tgFJmB1J1WfrNOGhRWTCQDcNk/s1600/IMG_0351.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJPnK4XcbBCsB62VoBJmP_O8xFgitIUGL9QRy-03UtXx2pscrm8-LCiTwT8br1lI6DHcoglNeOr4qvFe7HB-ALNzUUssvEwV4ghLZ0WGR1nh-fy-oRN_9tgFJmB1J1WfrNOGhRWTCQDcNk/s640/IMG_0351.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdR5G7GOKif263thQg9aPdjjFzGNX0PifMlPY_EYHkC3tNzU9K-s3FBR6EBw1k2B0m5ozwXgSItyxdpQECIaGo6Mw9kkQw83ae_6h8VhFKTVDNpI9TRXd65YqQ84ODliFg8xndWTi-PmGO/s1600/IMG_0343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>- I've been enjoying large margaritas! <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIkki3eur_TKlFa1hhWKyoZxxwCGcHfDLbztvMy3T3-d-oxJ6KMF_Ykcsi_dytUfDtljGufqrlRW9LMOrIvLOV7TV1PQ8-K0BGPIdrA12YHijE6jsSp94mJRuhg45Xuys3GGufv4F6cMP0/s1600/IMG_0346.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIkki3eur_TKlFa1hhWKyoZxxwCGcHfDLbztvMy3T3-d-oxJ6KMF_Ykcsi_dytUfDtljGufqrlRW9LMOrIvLOV7TV1PQ8-K0BGPIdrA12YHijE6jsSp94mJRuhg45Xuys3GGufv4F6cMP0/s640/IMG_0346.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
- I've been playing scrabble with awesome friends...you know like real life words with friends?!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSL21PWGmh18F6KBm6FjPu4-GMXHaB6VgO6Rl4VTaMxrtSu12LKBWy0fvJckmvqFyaHiqlofue5ZP8BXdZLhRgEtk3KacopejzsMha2H5V8stGbmdVnxYUAgh9L1hVGz_Un_O_Iv5c9MFE/s1600/mail.google.com12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSL21PWGmh18F6KBm6FjPu4-GMXHaB6VgO6Rl4VTaMxrtSu12LKBWy0fvJckmvqFyaHiqlofue5ZP8BXdZLhRgEtk3KacopejzsMha2H5V8stGbmdVnxYUAgh9L1hVGz_Un_O_Iv5c9MFE/s640/mail.google.com12.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br />
<br />
- I've been celebrating Valentines day (post to come about this wonderful day)<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQxv0fGRJP_vYvayC2SFfkgwlErrMsGCMqpLq0vAG_YMu0m9YriU75T5j7lK1p8_b7I8rO_YYoyDZBgh9xA3_ZCRm2lwiVRW6jR3bkJMa9_SV12I4V3npTSl9L5yHd4fnyfPQvNUpPfalc/s1600/mail.google.com8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQxv0fGRJP_vYvayC2SFfkgwlErrMsGCMqpLq0vAG_YMu0m9YriU75T5j7lK1p8_b7I8rO_YYoyDZBgh9xA3_ZCRm2lwiVRW6jR3bkJMa9_SV12I4V3npTSl9L5yHd4fnyfPQvNUpPfalc/s640/mail.google.com8.jpg" width="480" /></a> <br />
<br />
-I've been enjoying the little things in life like Dunkaroos!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYD1SzXPtDwVJtNK8cePsNSbVT1MNSJtZ1astWku-quNp971lw4AYyclZDWxPes6WYtdQZpXOKjqszbtS3yQ7qxd0QOuPRutitEjil6emgs9bI7Ipo3tIb3X-CAmY2SdSQgTU8Wsw94tMX/s1600/mail.google.com7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYD1SzXPtDwVJtNK8cePsNSbVT1MNSJtZ1astWku-quNp971lw4AYyclZDWxPes6WYtdQZpXOKjqszbtS3yQ7qxd0QOuPRutitEjil6emgs9bI7Ipo3tIb3X-CAmY2SdSQgTU8Wsw94tMX/s640/mail.google.com7.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br />
<br />
- I've been visiting Columbus to visit the very Cute Drew and Catherine Hamilton while enjoying a tour of the city and some fancy ice cream from Jeni's and yummy lunch from North Market (Columbus has reached the top of our list of places for Michael's residency)(this is gooey cake ice cream!)<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYu7BQl8dHjYlVCsBIJRFaMRWNdJ-Yi8SXDDLi8T4imnEaMdfLoOzpOPrJ9WbiGUy53Mm-IUF8-a3FZK92VnV-1P3ZTIPHWE2x9tuvOQcQS-s6H1a-kIpsv4_9wjjjDtei_Cp8nhkFpiJE/s1600/mail.google.com1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYu7BQl8dHjYlVCsBIJRFaMRWNdJ-Yi8SXDDLi8T4imnEaMdfLoOzpOPrJ9WbiGUy53Mm-IUF8-a3FZK92VnV-1P3ZTIPHWE2x9tuvOQcQS-s6H1a-kIpsv4_9wjjjDtei_Cp8nhkFpiJE/s640/mail.google.com1.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
I've been spending a TON of quality time with my hubby since I have been home the passed 2 weeks and it's been wonderful. Just the perfect work pick-me-up I needed!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4NiAN8tNu1VTTQyEMo4fTuDuFQOFyot0wKSwBQ1EdUktesgykXezHkJoGcUogjcqNPJ33T1y2vViy06F0EaYcr94aKwjwD5iIi-sD80nx5oJuChM5L1A1Ni3V31CDmWj85qT3c6lgp7HT/s1600/mail.google.com6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4NiAN8tNu1VTTQyEMo4fTuDuFQOFyot0wKSwBQ1EdUktesgykXezHkJoGcUogjcqNPJ33T1y2vViy06F0EaYcr94aKwjwD5iIi-sD80nx5oJuChM5L1A1Ni3V31CDmWj85qT3c6lgp7HT/s640/mail.google.com6.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdR5G7GOKif263thQg9aPdjjFzGNX0PifMlPY_EYHkC3tNzU9K-s3FBR6EBw1k2B0m5ozwXgSItyxdpQECIaGo6Mw9kkQw83ae_6h8VhFKTVDNpI9TRXd65YqQ84ODliFg8xndWTi-PmGO/s1600/IMG_0343.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdR5G7GOKif263thQg9aPdjjFzGNX0PifMlPY_EYHkC3tNzU9K-s3FBR6EBw1k2B0m5ozwXgSItyxdpQECIaGo6Mw9kkQw83ae_6h8VhFKTVDNpI9TRXd65YqQ84ODliFg8xndWTi-PmGO/s640/IMG_0343.JPG" width="640" /> </a><br />
It's been great! It's been crazy busy, but I'm young, I can handle this. At least I'm having a good time!!<br />
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Goodnight friends!Ashley Kastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13253571532752407678noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4005106419224414818.post-23517500378109742212012-02-17T12:24:00.003-05:002012-02-17T12:24:48.579-05:00GriffeyIn loving memory of my family's dog Griffey.<br />
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Lisa, my stepmom, found Griffey one day during my sophomore year of high school. He was standing in the middle of a fairly busy street near our house. No one claimed him. We were very excited to have him in our lives. We soon discovered that Griffey had the tendency to escape and "run away". Probably how he ended up with us. Oftentimes during the summer someone from the Ryle Marching Band would call to say they found our dog Griffey. He was so friendly he just wanted to hang out with everyone.<br />
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He was super spunky. He liked to lick ...well... EVERYTHING. He had a favorite toy that made bird sounds.<br />
(My brother, Dustin, whipped up this drawing in a day after Griffey leaving us, isn't it awesome?)<br />
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He really loved Lisa a lot. He was a cuddler. He thought he was a guard dog. He was small yet mighty enough to scare the living day lights out of Willis.<br />
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Yet he was still like a puppy in some ways. How he felt comforted by sucking on blankets, towels, etc. while kneading them with his paws, kind of like a cat or a puppy feeding off it's mother. It was cute and gross at the same time.<br />
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He had bladder cancer for a year or more and was given a very limited time to live but he kept on keepin' on despite the bloody urine and doggy diapers. He lived much longer than we expected with the cancer but that doesn't mean we were ready to see him leave. He was only 8-9 years old.<br />
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It's never easy to lose a dog. They are so helpless. And so loving.<br />
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I saw this in a blog I was reading the other day and it made me cry. But I'm happy knowing he is no longer in pain.<br />
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<strong>A Dog’s Purpose</strong></div>
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Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog’s owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.</div>
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I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn’t do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.</div>
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As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.</div>
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The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker’s family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.</div>
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The little boy seemed to accept Belker’s transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker’s death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.</div>
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Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, “’I know why.”</div>
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Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I’d never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live.</div>
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He said, “People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life — like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?”</div>
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The six-year-old continued, “Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long.”</div>
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<strong>Live simply.</strong></div>
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<strong>Love generously.</strong></div>
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<strong>Care deeply.</strong></div>
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<strong>Speak kindly.</strong></div>
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Remember, if a dog was the teacher, you would learn things like:</div>
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When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.</div>
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Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.</div>
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Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.</div>
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Take naps.</div>
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Stretch before rising.</div>
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Run, romp, and play daily.</div>
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Thrive on attention and let people touch you.</div>
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Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.</div>
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On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.</div>
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On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.</div>
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When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.</div>
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Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.</div>
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Be loyal.</div>
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Never pretend to be something you’re not.</div>
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If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.</div>
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When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.</div>
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There comes a time in life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh, forget the bad, and focus on the good. So, love the people who treat you right. Think good thoughts for the ones who don’t. Life is too short to be anything but happy.</div>Ashley Kastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13253571532752407678noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4005106419224414818.post-37816473711321714892012-02-09T18:54:00.000-05:002012-02-09T18:54:15.894-05:00My sincerest apologies<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="" name="_GoBack"></a>Hello little bloggy <o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m Ashley and I’ve been a bad blogger as of late.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Can I make excuses?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Will you forgive me?!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Guys, honestly, my days have been packed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Some of these days they are packed for the good and some of
them, depending on the week, are packed full of icky.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And I mean I feel bad every day that goes by that I don’t
blog. But it just can’t happen<o:p></o:p></div>
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Last week, well I won’t give last work week more than a few
sentences. It just was not a good week. I’m not going to harp on it. Tears were
shed but it’s over.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now this week. I’m pretty happy with this week. My client is
pretty low stress. I’m working in downtown Cincy. I have gotten to see my parents
2 nights this week. See my high school girlies (Bailey, Olivia, and Azra) for a
chic sushi dinner in Hyde Park and ice cream at Bay’s after. I’ve been able to
get in my parent’s hot tub. Michael joined my parents and myself for dinner
Monday night. We visited ice cream heaven (Brusters). This week while working
and living “on the road” I am a happy Ashley. And it’s allll good.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Optimism and Joy?! I think so!<o:p></o:p></div>
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And you know what else I haven’t even mentioned yet?! I
haven’t exercised in a full week today. Ok that’s not good news. It’s actually
bad. I had plans of starting my official half marathon training on Monday. But
last Tuesday or Wednesday (can’t remember, week was a blur of ick) I was doing
a circuit workout in the gym at like 6 in the morning. Sometime during that
super intense and awesome workout I did something wrong. And now my back is
jacked. Like I am constantly uncomfortable, even lying down I feel it. So
sitting in conference room chairs that are built for 300 pound men does not do
my petite frame well. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I have used a heating pad multiple times, refrained from
exercise (which is IMPOSSIBLE for me), even had a licensed massage therapist
work on my back, applied icey hot, Lisa rubbed it down for a while. And it just
doesn’t seem to be feeling better. I’m going through workout withdrawals. Plus, I
can’t give myself an excuse to eat that ice cream and not feel bad about it
later, but since I’m used to working out all the time I’m used to burning it
off relatively quickly by working out every day. UGH. So there, I haven’t been
exercising and it’s so annoying. I really don’t want to get behind on my
training plan but here I am already behind. And I guaranty I’ll feel out of
shape on my first couple of runs!<o:p></o:p></div>
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But you know what? It’s hasn’t gotten me down! Not this
week! I have my family and friends to distract me at night. And I think a cold
came along to help me realize to chill too, so my body is appreciating the
extra hour of sleep that I can get in the morning, or more work that I can get
done in the evenings. I mean if you can’t hear out of your right ear and your
back is feeling strained constantly I’m guessing its time to listen to your
body. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Anywho…enough about my body. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I have so much to fill you in on and some pictures to post
but this is getting pretty lengthy and well, I might just try to catch up on a
little tv since I haven’t watched in a week. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Tonight on tap in Cincy fun?! Dinner with my good ol’ J-Boh.
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Also, be looking forward to a recipe post. I NEED to make
one this weekend and I have one in mind. Kinda excited about it. I failed at
the whole recipe thing last week. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Also, need to get to reading my February book. I just haven’t
wanted to read after the awesomeness that is the Hunger games, nothing can
compare!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Well goodnight little blog and I hope to see you shortly!<o:p></o:p></div>Ashley Kastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13253571532752407678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4005106419224414818.post-10440175074701221442012-01-29T22:53:00.002-05:002012-01-29T22:53:47.394-05:00Granola!So today I forced myself to keep up with my resolution and make something new to me. Since there wasn't much extra time in my day I decided to make homemade granola. I had all of the ingredients already and I knew it would keep since I would be gone all week at a client.<br />
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I stole this recipe from a blog I read called Ben Does Life, it's his girlfriends recipe and its really simple but tasty! I tried a tiny bowl of it tonight with some milk but I can't wait to mix it in with my yogurt later this week!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhix5TxZx_ZB0eUDVzYUiZ-jzotunfynJvZ2xDqDzGNxNpma_-n8aNbgKDuLfA686k1onQS2qSpJv9hnC8L4znGTX51Vwmdx5i5SQJvEthoTKN53ZpCDPaNdYaf5Feg-l4Nmyyr8rb4eUTp/s1600/mail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhix5TxZx_ZB0eUDVzYUiZ-jzotunfynJvZ2xDqDzGNxNpma_-n8aNbgKDuLfA686k1onQS2qSpJv9hnC8L4znGTX51Vwmdx5i5SQJvEthoTKN53ZpCDPaNdYaf5Feg-l4Nmyyr8rb4eUTp/s640/mail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
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<span>Fact: Granola is delicious. AND easy to make (even I can do it!). </span><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
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<ul>
<li>3 cups large flake oats</li>
<li>1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut</li>
<li>1/2 cup chopped or sliced almonds</li>
<li>1/2 cup chopped walnut</li>
<li>1/2 cup liquid honey</li>
<li>1/3 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy.. doesn’t matter)</li>
<li>2 tsp ground cinnamon</li>
<li>1/2 cup raisins/dried cranberries </li>
</ul>
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<li><span>Heat oven to 350. </span></li>
<li><span>Mix together oats, coconut, almonds, walnuts in one bowl.</span></li>
<li><span>In another (microwaveable) bowl, mix honey, peanut butter and cinnamon (sometimes easier if you microwave it before for 25 seconds). Add to the oats/nuts and fold in until all mixed up. </span></li>
<li>Spread on one cookie sheet (I would go with one that has a lip/edge to minimize mess).</li>
<li>Bake for 9-10 mins. Take it out, flip it overstir. </li>
<li>Bake for another 9-12 minutes. Add raisins/cranberries. </li>
<li>Let sit to cool then store or eat!</li>
</ul>
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Using large knives to chop up almonds is scary!!!<br />
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There's my yummy granola bakin' in the oven!<br />
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So there ya go. I am keeping up with this even though it's getting really hard! This week I've worked the most hours that I've worked so far. I guess I can't complain though since the client was in Lexington. But I did end up with something like 57 chargeable hours!!<br />
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However, I did get to enjoy my time off. Friday evening Michael and I had a little date night and hit up Hugh Jass Burgers for some yummy burgers, sweet potato fries, and there's marshmallow dipping sauce! SO GOOD! Afterwards we came home and snuggled on the couch to catch up on a few shows. With Michael and my schedule our show watching is REALLY behind!<br />
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After working until about 3:45 on Saturday I ran home to take care of my pups and then headed over to my friend Mollie's house to hang out cause the Robertsons were in town from NKY visiting for the weekend!! Michael was out hunting quail with his dad, yuck, so he wasn't there until later.<br />
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It was fun hanging out with bailey, tim, mollie, and becca. After the Cats won a nice little game of basketball we headed out to grab some dinner at Sals. I stuck with their classic wedge salad and consumed 2 of there AMAZING rolls in record timing!<br />
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On the way home from dinner we swung into my favorite place... ORANGE LEAF!! I can gladly hit that place up at least once a week. So if any of you need an orange leaf buddy, look me up!<br />
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After hanging for a while I was quite tired from my long week and wanted to head home to put on some stretchy pants. I wasn't feeling the whole going out to the bars thing, especially cause it was so chilly out. That is when the Larson's came over to chill and watch a couple episodes of Arrested Development. Fun times!!<br />
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Then today was another great day. Church. Lunch with the Kastens (I haven't been in ages and we got to get the dogs out of the house for the first time in a while!). Then Michael and I used a Groupon that I had to use at the Movie Tavern since it was expiring this week. We saw "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close". Michael and I weren't exactly sure how we felt about the whole 9/11 thing. Not sure if it's been enough time. But I thought the plot was moving and I teared up a couple of times! We rounded out our day with bible study and picking up around the house. Oh and packing my suitcase once again.<br />
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I guess that's about it in my life. I thought some of you might want to know what's going on. Sorry there wasn't really much of a purpose to my post! Goodnight Friends!<br />
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<br />Ashley Kastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13253571532752407678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4005106419224414818.post-45086143758707492982012-01-21T22:50:00.000-05:002012-01-21T22:50:03.243-05:00Recipe update plus moreI wanted to keep you all up to date with my recipe making! This week wasn't a true "recipe" since it was so simple, however, I had never made it before so I thought that would count, plus it was SUPER easy!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I made pulled chicken (Michael had it in sandwich form, I ate mine without the bread because I discovered my sandwich thins had turned green, that's what happens when you are out of town for 2 weeks!), corn bread muffins, baked beans, and peas! It was an easy comfort food filled meal. And man oh man, how much did I love having 2 home cooked meals in a row. Dining out is no fun to me anymore especially when you have pizza 2 days in a row, Bob Evans for dinner one night and for lunch the next day, and other nasty fried food.<br />
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My awesome home cooked meal yesterday was made by my one and only hubby!! He found a recipe on the spicy chicken sausage package for some yummy taco/burritos. The meat mixture had onions, corn, hot sauce, and sausage. Then we had refried beans, lettuce, and tomatoes! This was way better than something you would get at a Mexican restaurant. It was sooo good!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhYbSPdSQKnkF5m81Ewwi8D0pu6X3QcpAY8cN2jMWw2clVSrIftjHLnQsgFJ3In3PX5GFYSdTajU7r5LlFBxAvXO-QbUSnwhBwnx_Od840IBEjnGNzmtWhdiAabWxzjY0h3NkHGJnyj0yv/s1600/download+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhYbSPdSQKnkF5m81Ewwi8D0pu6X3QcpAY8cN2jMWw2clVSrIftjHLnQsgFJ3In3PX5GFYSdTajU7r5LlFBxAvXO-QbUSnwhBwnx_Od840IBEjnGNzmtWhdiAabWxzjY0h3NkHGJnyj0yv/s640/download+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a>Of course I had to help clean out our fridge and polish of the orange juice with a splash of malibu coconut rum! Can you believe I have had that rum bottle since my 21st birthday?! There is probably enough left for one drink, sad day! (sorry for the blurry pic)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1cQknHV8_YhKKIoJn717qtJPtFgzXJK5yTKhAPvfkFMwzb4IGRYyMQvm0qHxeOFI2IRr7f7UYq_QZU7kSoKpSdJ5F-2r2KuFnGKk4ZSoboJqe_NN5WA-4SBwIJRLEcq4DTo68p0HEsPLb/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1cQknHV8_YhKKIoJn717qtJPtFgzXJK5yTKhAPvfkFMwzb4IGRYyMQvm0qHxeOFI2IRr7f7UYq_QZU7kSoKpSdJ5F-2r2KuFnGKk4ZSoboJqe_NN5WA-4SBwIJRLEcq4DTo68p0HEsPLb/s640/download.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Also, since everything is so awesome I wanted to share my awesome workout that I did at the Johnson Center today. And can I tell you how at home I felt finally being back at the Johnson Center. Surrounded by motivated people, nice machines, and plenty to keep me distracted.</div>
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This run was awesome and with the intervals the 6 miles passed by so quickly! I ended up finishing in 47:59 which I was ecstatic about since I haven't ran 6 miles in months!</div>
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<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 171px;">
<colgroup><col style="mso-width-alt: 3913; mso-width-source: userset; width: 80pt;" width="107"></col>
<col style="width: 48pt;" width="64"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt; width: 80pt;" width="107"><u>Distance</u></td>
<td class="xl65" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"><u>Speed</u></td>
</tr>
<tr height="18" style="height: 13.5pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="18" style="height: 13.5pt;">0-1 mile warm up</td>
<td class="xl67">6.5-7.0</td>
</tr>
<tr height="18" style="height: 13.5pt;">
<td class="xl67" height="18" style="height: 13.5pt;">1-1.50</td>
<td class="xl68">8.0</td>
</tr>
<tr height="18" style="height: 13.5pt;">
<td class="xl67" height="18" style="height: 13.5pt;">1.50-1.75</td>
<td class="xl68">7.0</td>
</tr>
<tr height="18" style="height: 13.5pt;">
<td class="xl67" height="18" style="height: 13.5pt;">1.75-2.25</td>
<td class="xl68">8.0</td>
</tr>
<tr height="18" style="height: 13.5pt;">
<td class="xl67" height="18" style="height: 13.5pt;">2.25-2.50</td>
<td class="xl68">7.0</td>
</tr>
<tr height="18" style="height: 13.5pt;">
<td class="xl67" height="18" style="height: 13.5pt;">2.5-3.0</td>
<td class="xl68">8.0</td>
</tr>
<tr height="18" style="height: 13.5pt;">
<td class="xl67" height="18" style="height: 13.5pt;">3.0-3.25</td>
<td class="xl68">7.0</td>
</tr>
<tr height="18" style="height: 13.5pt;">
<td class="xl67" height="18" style="height: 13.5pt;">3.25-3.75</td>
<td class="xl68">8.0</td>
</tr>
<tr height="18" style="height: 13.5pt;">
<td class="xl67" height="18" style="height: 13.5pt;">3.75-4.0</td>
<td class="xl68">7.0</td>
</tr>
<tr height="18" style="height: 13.5pt;">
<td class="xl67" height="18" style="height: 13.5pt;">4.0-4.25</td>
<td class="xl68">8.5</td>
</tr>
<tr height="18" style="height: 13.5pt;">
<td class="xl67" height="18" style="height: 13.5pt;">4.25-4.5</td>
<td class="xl68">7.0</td>
</tr>
<tr height="18" style="height: 13.5pt;">
<td class="xl67" height="18" style="height: 13.5pt;">4.5-4.75</td>
<td class="xl68">8.5</td>
</tr>
<tr height="18" style="height: 13.5pt;">
<td class="xl67" height="18" style="height: 13.5pt;">4.75-5.0</td>
<td class="xl68">7.0</td>
</tr>
<tr height="18" style="height: 13.5pt;">
<td class="xl67" height="18" style="height: 13.5pt;">5.0-5.25</td>
<td class="xl68">8.5</td>
</tr>
<tr height="18" style="height: 13.5pt;">
<td class="xl67" height="18" style="height: 13.5pt;">5.25-5.5</td>
<td class="xl68">7.0</td>
</tr>
<tr height="18" style="height: 13.5pt;">
<td class="xl67" height="18" style="height: 13.5pt;">5.5-5.75</td>
<td class="xl68">8.5</td>
</tr>
<tr height="18" style="height: 13.5pt;">
<td class="xl67" height="18" style="height: 13.5pt;">5.75-6.0</td>
<td class="xl68">7.0</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
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My endorphins were out of control after this amazing run!!</div>
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Even though I had to work from 8-5 today I still felt like today was a pretty awesome day!</div>
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Oh and I totally forgot to mention, I finally got to see my Becca today! She moved a week or 2 ago to her very own 1 bedroom apartment and I went over to hang out with her while she got ready to go out and hang out with friends tonight. I was invited but couldn't convince myself to get myself ready and presentable and I kinda just wanted to chill at home in my PJs since I haven't been here much. I loved seeing her though and we talked for a full hour. I just sat on her toilet lid while she got all prettified! </div>
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One last note. If you are one to read blogs I would recommend reading this one. My friend<a href="http://talesfromteamawesome.blogspot.com/"> Jessica</a> (and birthday buddy, we have the same birthday and went and got our permits on the same day) has been writing an awesome blog for the past year and she is a great inspiration! She has lost an awesome amount of weight doing weight watchers so far and working out hard, I am so proud of her!! So check out her blog!</div>
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Ok, I'm going for real now! Happy Saturday everyone!!</div>Ashley Kastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13253571532752407678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4005106419224414818.post-38485675373514585852012-01-19T22:19:00.001-05:002012-01-19T22:19:41.565-05:00Just checkin' in!Hello there little blog!<br />
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Not much to report here. Just thought I'd check in and let you know that I haven't died, just leading the life of a financial institutions auditor during busy season.<br />
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You know....<br />
<br />
-eating out for EVERY meal.<br />
<br />
-chillin' in the hotel room by myself after dinner with the coworkers. We eat, live, breathe, and work together each and every day.<br />
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-barely talkin' to the hubby cause there's no service ANYWHERE in the hotel for AT&T users. I think I have maybe talked to Michael on the phone for 4 minutes this entire week.<br />
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-trying to watch tv shows online -- tv show length 1hr 25min. Actual time it took me to watch because of SUPER slow internet 3 hours. Realizing I just wasted 3 hours of my life trying to watch a show that is an embarrassing guilty pleasure...*ahem ahem* the Bachelor (once again, never watched this show before in my life, not sure what my problem is!) Shameful!<br />
<br />
-waking up at 5:30AM to get a treadmill workout in on some purty old tmills. OH and remember, no service on cell phone = no pandora = no running music. Luckily TBS shows Married with Children at this early hours. Can you believe he's the dad on Modern Family?! hahah<img height="480" id="il_fi" src="http://images.zap2it.com/images/tv-EP00002804/married-with-children-3.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="640" />HOWEVER, made it to the gym in the morning Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Lets cross our fingers for tomorrow! This chicka is beat!<br />
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- trying to attain 55 CHARGEABLE hours a week...this is very hard. So is working in your hotel room after leaving the client.<br />
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- snacks, snacks, snacks!<br />
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-oooohhh Subway cookies?! Fazolis breadsticks?! Bob Evans TWICE this week, breakfast, yum?! Along with Mexican and Wendys?! This girl better watch out or she'll be puttin' on the busy season 15! One thing my group of coworkers discussed this week is our lack of ability to ignore food temptations while on the road. At least I'm not the only one that suffers from stuff yo face syndrome.<br />
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-Dreaming of wanting ice cream. Goodness gracious, Ashley please see above. I'm tellin' ya, when you're bored all you want to do is eat. Well, at least for me. You can ask the sour gummies and vanilla cookie wafers who I hung out with tonight.<br />
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- Wishing that one pair of my suit pants (out of the 3 suits I own, very limited) actually fit right and I didn't feel like a gangsta with a sag. Oh and also wishing that I didn't get mustard from my Subway sandwich on this same grey suit today, cause you know I RARELY get my suits dry cleaned -- EXPENSIVE!! -- (rarely as in I've only had my suits dry cleaned once since I started working at the end of August)<br />
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BUT tomorrow is FRIDAY! Which means I get to go back to Lexington! YIPPEE!!<br />
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Good night my little readers!<br />
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<br />Ashley Kastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13253571532752407678noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4005106419224414818.post-49869539348391249562012-01-16T20:18:00.001-05:002012-01-16T20:18:13.514-05:00Grateful<div><p>What's worse than having to work in a tiny town that's a 2 hour drive from home all week? Getting stuck in bumper to bumper stock still traffic on the mountain parkway. We've been sitting here and haven't moved an inch in 45 minutes.  I also have no phone service. And the reading apparently I have is starting to girt my eyes in the dark.</p>
<p>Yes, this is completely selfish of me. </p>
<p>Opportunity to be optimistic?</p>
<p>I am grateful I am not involved in that wreck in front of us that we've seen one ambulance leave another arrive, 2 cop cars, and 2 tow trucks drive towards.</p>
<p>I'm grateful for a warm car to sit in with Sirius radio.</p>
<p>I'm grateful for the great weekend I had with my hubby and some great friends!</p>
<p>I'm grateful we had dinner before we left. A nice and yummy dinner from cheapside.</p>
<p>I'm grateful knowing Michael's working in a different direction.  No chance he's involved.</p>
<p>And I'm grateful that once I started typing this blog we started moving.</p>
</div>Ashley Kastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13253571532752407678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4005106419224414818.post-55230422481249277042012-01-15T22:10:00.001-05:002012-01-15T22:10:25.314-05:00Week to Weekend-ish recap-ishHey guys. Sorry for the what seems long to me absence from blogging. When people call "busy season" in the accounting world is really just taking away a lot of blogging opportunities for me since I have to use my brain for mass amounts of times 6 days a week and then I'm just beat by the time I get back to the hotel room.<br />
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However, Last week I was able to finish the third Hunger Games. Now I REALLY can't wait for the movies! So that brings my January total of books read to THREE! whoop whoop! And guess who is now addicted to the books?!? Mr. Michael! He actually was up until 2:30 am last night reading the second book on his touch pad! He will have the whole series done in like 3-4 days! I think I'm going to finish reading/starting Wicked and maybe starting "The Help" this week.<br />
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Last week I was actually pretty proud. I didn't use the hotel room TV once. Ok ok, so I did watch the Bachelor (what is wrong with me, I've never watched this show before, but I guess with my semi-boring accounting life I needed some women fighting for one guy sillyness, really, what has gotten into me?!) and I watched the UK game in the hotel lobby with 2 of my coworkers. But that was the extent of my tv watching for the time periods that I would be in my hotel room from about 7:30 pm until I went to sleep!<br />
I spent most of my time reading and flying through the Hunger Games and then trying to get to bed at a reasonable hour!<br />
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I am also proud that I got myself up at 5:30 Central time 3 of the 4 mornings while in Indiana (working in Illinois). My body still does not seem to like that time because my legs don't really like moving that quickly in the morning. BUUTTTT I did it. Also, the gym as NOT connected to our hotel room so I would sprint through the snow in my shorts to the gym. Commitment. One week. Can I pull it off this week?! I sure hope so !<br />
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So, the little bit of a weekend I did have...AKA Saturday evening and Sunday was actually purty good but Michael and I were kept busy! Of course I worked all day Saturday and maybe snuck in a few seconds of the UK vs UT game. After work I headed home on a quest to complete a new recipe for week 2. I decided simple wasn't a bad idea since I was exhausted from the week. So I made a Lasagna. I have never made lasagna before, yes I know they aren't hard to make, but my challenge was to make something I hadn't made before, so there you have it!<br />
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The goal was to workout while the lasagna was cooking. That was a fail. I was exhausted. But I did end up with a yummy looking lasagna !<br />
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After consuming the warm and gooey lasagna it was time to hangout and socialize with friends since that has plummeted in a drastic way since starting busy season and working out of town more often.<br />
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We called up the Larson's and I decided I NEEDED some Orange Leaf. Of course, fat snowflakes were falling from the heavens, but this girl needed her froyo. AND when we arrived at OL they finally had the toffee flavor that I have been waiting for them to get for forever now! YIPPEE!<br />
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After froyo we all hit up the bowling alley. I haven't been bowling in forever and it was fun! My first round was terrible but I ramped up my play the second game and probably could have been close to doubling my first score if our lane didn't shut down when our 1 hour time expired in the 9th frame! 2 things I loved about bowling. 1. That I love people watching and so does Kara! 2. They played that LMFAO "Sexy and I know it" song a total of THREE times while we were there, none of us are typically fans of that kinda stuff but it was funny how we all were bobbing our heads and dancing to the beat!<br />
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After bowling we hit up Winchells (a local restaurant/bar) and the boys split a pitcher while the girls sipped on H20 and munched on nachos while watching the Pats slam down the poor little Broncos.<br />
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Do you see what I wrote?!!? This girl did THREE different activities in one night. Impressive! What fun!<br />
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Sunday consisted of CLEANING mainly with a break for church at Southland with the Larsons and Chipotle for lunch! The Larson's saved us by watching our dogs for a couple hours while we "de-doggified" the house cause we were showing it to someone. After meticulously scrubbing the house for days upon days and hours upon hours the guy ended up being here for maybe 15 minutes and he was out! (he does own 3-4 units in our area already so he was familiar with the area). He did mention how great our house looked though, it made me feel proud of all the work Michael, his parents, and a little bit of me put into it! Say a little prayer for us that we get a good offer this week!!!<br />
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And now that we just got back from bible study my eyes are burning telling me its time to go to bed. Sadly I had to load up my suitcase again for another week of work, but hopefully it goes well and I can keep on track with my reading and exercising which are some of the good things that come out of my little lonesome work routine.<br />
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I hope you all had a great weekend!! I'll try to blog when I have something blog-worthy!Ashley Kastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13253571532752407678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4005106419224414818.post-89117676758645427132012-01-09T22:43:00.003-05:002012-01-09T22:43:53.669-05:00Just so you know...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I finished numero dos in the Hunger Games series this evening...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnIHkssBPJl9B6PKEWHQuON0ZGLq6E5_1g3BtP0-wDACeLv-4sJLoaRMBTkMwYk6n3tlDKIEE_Jpex-VxSrRtibxieXhxhpwlnuj8N8PKzMxCEjmUxTdpLPNWEV52Zsq2XRHDdWZ-Qy-p6/s1600/2012-01-09+22.21.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnIHkssBPJl9B6PKEWHQuON0ZGLq6E5_1g3BtP0-wDACeLv-4sJLoaRMBTkMwYk6n3tlDKIEE_Jpex-VxSrRtibxieXhxhpwlnuj8N8PKzMxCEjmUxTdpLPNWEV52Zsq2XRHDdWZ-Qy-p6/s640/2012-01-09+22.21.24.jpg" width="640" /></a>Lucky for me I had a 3 hour and 45 minute ride to a client this morning and got to read, read, read. Oh and I stayed up until like 12:30 reading it last night, even though I had to get up at 6. And then when I finally got back to the hotel after work I finished the final three chapters!!</div>
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Now on to reading the third book which I have downloaded, thanks to Jessica, on my phone! Yippee! 3 Chapters in already!</div>
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Also, true life texting with Michael and Ashley:</div>
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Ashley: Wood floors and King bed this time! (in reference to cute hotel in New Harmony, the picture was attached):</div>
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Michael: I wish I was there!<br />
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Ashley: And a personal patio!<br />
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Michael: Wood floors and 25 beds (picture attached) (in reference to the Morehead University Hospital he is working at until midnight!)<br />
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Oh silly willy husband!!<br />
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Happy Monday to all!Ashley Kastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13253571532752407678noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4005106419224414818.post-11112026392470626852012-01-08T21:32:00.000-05:002012-01-08T21:53:55.619-05:00Successful first use of recipe!Well I succeeded in my first week of using a recipe challenge. However, I've determined that the weekly meal planning is not really feasible when I will not be home for the next 2 weeks and Michael was gone a good portion of the week last week. OHHHH welll!<br />
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I have also been doing purty good at being optimistic. My first Saturday of working was actually not bad at all and really productive!! One saturday down, 11 to go!<br />
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Oh and I have succeeded in already reading a book for this month! Finished the Hunger Games Book 1 on Friday night and I'm about 2/3 of the way through book 2! Loving this series so far! Would highly recommend it! I also can't wait for the MOVIE in March!!<br />
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More about my recipe cooking.<br />
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Back when I was in Atlanta before Thanksgiving my Aunt Carin was prepping for Thanksgiving and making twice baked potatoes. Once I saw them and knowing my LOVE for potatoes I knew I had to try them, plus they aren't that hard to make, just a bit time consuming.<br />
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So after my first busy season Saturday I came home from work and headed to the grocery bought my potatoes and fixin's and made these delicious babes:<br />
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MmMmMmM!! So cheesy and warm!! Oh and random poll question? Do you eat the skins on twice baked potatoes?! I totally do, I will eat the skins when i eat normal baked potatoes too. Michael thinks its gross, but he also thinks its gross to suck the salt off of a pistachio shell before cracking into the nut!<br />
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It seems like I made a lot of them and that's because I did. Potatoes come in LARGE quantities and I don't want these suckers sitting around forever! Plus I opted for the cheaper smaller ones. But according to the recipe these babies can be frozen so we froze a good portion of them!<br />
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Here's a link to the simple recipe I used!<br />
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<a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/easy-twice-baked-potatoes-152174">http://www.food.com/recipe/easy-twice-baked-potatoes-152174</a><br />
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Also, in other super randomness. When Michael and I got home from the gym (we both went and ran yippee!) after church we spotted this beaut when we got out of the car!!<br />
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All these fratty looking guys were hopping out of the thing. Super random! Michael and I did end up eating hot dogs for lunch though (even though we planned that before the Oscar Meyer sighting!)<br />
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And now that I look at this picture can I mention how much I have been LOVING this warm January thus far!! No complaining from this girl! I ran outside yesterday in shorts!! That's normally craziness for this time of year in these parts!!<br />
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Anywho....super random post. Just wanted to update ya on my recipe progress. Looks like Saturdays will be my only opportunity to cook for the next few months!!<br />
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Hope your weekend was swell! My one weekend day, Sunday, was great!Ashley Kastenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13253571532752407678noreply@blogger.com0