Ashley's Going Vegetarian????

Well, No. Actually. I doubt it very seriously. In my recent quest to reduce how much space I take up in this tiny world (or in other words, shrink my fat ass), I've decided to just stop eating a lot of things that I know can't be that good for me. Oddly enough, the worst foods in my repertoire aren't even meats. In fact, I hardly ever eat beef, and I've recently been kinda grossed out by pork anyway. In a hearty effort to save money, Matt and I have gotten used to eating very cheap and undernourishing meals. Man it sure is cheap to eat nasty, but delicious, unhealthy food. --let's say it all together-- thanks Wal-mart!!! (but no, thanks.)
            So lately I think my body has been telling me that the time has come. I've been craving and eating bags (yes, entire bags) of spinach. I'm becoming ok with not eating a huge meal every night for dinner. I'm wanting to keep almonds at my desk instead of peanut butter crackers to snack on at work. Could it be?? Ashley's starting to make healthy decisions?!?!
           Now, all of you non-vegetarians, or should I say ANTI-vegetarians, are wanting to ask--What does all this have to do with the wonderful world of meat? We are equipped with 6 molars in the back of our mouths to chew meat. Animals kill and eat other animals. It's all part of the food cycle. We were meant to have BBQs and eat Filet Mignon! All of those things were exactly what I would've said to myself, and still say to myself, really. I LOVE a delectable juicy medium rare Filet. I LOVE CHICKEN!!!

         But the sad fact is, I've recently begun to understand what terrible things are being done to these animals during their lives before they are being slaughtered. And it's not something I'm going to or even want to preach about. I've just decided to be one less person contributing to inhumane practices. 
         I went searching for some informative, yet not preachy, sites to add to this blog, and just got sick to my stomach doing the research. So, I'll just post a couple of articles that I found that pretty much sum it up. 


Animal Cruelty
WWF- Environmental Impacts of Beef Production
Possible Effects of Too Much Red Meat?

I'm the last person in this world who should be an outspoken advocate and/or activist for Vegetarianism. But I am beginning a journey that may take me there, who knows? (I highly doubt it.)

Top Ten Favorite Things -- Take 1

Top Ten Favorite Pieces of Advice from My    Dad --- a late Father's Day Tribute

10. Only ask someone how they're doing if you really care to know.

9. If you want to get something done, you have to do it yourself.

8. Know what you like to do and learn to be really good at it.

7. Don't make your hobby your career or you'll end up hating it.

6. Whatever you do, Don't become a DJ.

5. Careful not to burn bridges you may have to cross again later.

4. Curb Appeal is Everything.

3. If you keep your expectations low, you'll never be disappointed.

2. Don't Ask Questions you don't want to know the answers to.

1. There's nothing more important than family.




Happy Father's Day, Dad! All those times in high school when I rolled my eyes when you said these things, all along I was listening! You're a great dad and a wonderful grandaddy. I love you!

Efficiency => Punctuality.

My co-worker wrote a humorous blog recently about the fact that she is always late. Although I see her at work everyday, I guess I never realized she was "one of those" because she's usually pretty much very punctual getting to work. Her blog does inspire me a bit to put into words what I've always wanted to say to those people and never had the courage. And if you've read my previous blog entry, you'd know that when it comes to saying words out loud that are intended to be organized into complete thoughts and put into some sort of meaningful sequence, I'm absolutely the worst. Here's my opportunity to share my thoughts (in writing) on this very frustrating topic.
   Let me first say, there are some things I complain about that I am personally and admittedly guilty of doing. This, however, is not one of those things. If I know anything about anything, it's 2 things: kids and time management. 
    If you are one of those people, these are important points to keep in mind:
1. telling someone you are closer to your destination than you really are doesn't "trick" that person into thinking you are actually going to be on time. In fact, when you finally do arrive an hour late, the person has already figured out your lie and is twice as angry that you kept him waiting.
2. when you are procrastinating around the house before you leave for an appointment or a date, just take a second to think about what the other person(s) might be doing while you're watching the last 5 minutes of some reality drama and putting on 20 minutes worth of concealer and foundation. Nine times out of ten, keep in mind that person is probably feeling pretty unimportant and hearing every second on his watch tick by and thinking he could've spent this last hour doing something better than waiting for you.
3. No one is so incredibly awesome that blatant and consistent tardiness is excused. I think that only works if you're sleeping with the professor.
4. When you are the one who is always late, believe me, if no one's telling you how irritating it is, they're thinking it.

How to NOT be one of those people:
1. If you've been an adult for any length of time, you pretty much know how long it takes you to get ready to go somewhere. Take that time, add it to the amount of time it takes you to realistically get to your destination, and then subtract that total time from when you are expected to be somewhere. That's when you need to begin your routine.
2. Once you've decided you are on the move, keep going until you are out of the door. No pit stops.
3. Learn to be more realistic. Look at the clock and know how much time is left.
4. Always overestimate.
5. Don't sleep late! Get up early, have some coffee and relax for a while.
6. If you have kids: Get YOU ready first. Then start with the breakfast, packing the bags, etc.

So easy, a caveman could do it.  ;)
If I can keep my punctual reputation afloat even after having a baby, then I know it's possible for anyone else to give it a try. I'll read this again after baby number 2 and see if I'm not laughing hysterically at myself.