Things That Make Me Happy

Guess who’s back at school and ready for the last half of her second semester of her first year of college (phew, confusing)? This girl! I’m so ready to be done with school, hopefully get my “dream” summer job (either at Whole Foods or one of my favorite clothing stores) and move on to next school year, when I’ll be a sophomore and have a dorm to myself!

Today has felt really weird. I’ve been really tired and kinda out of it, I guess because I had to wake up at 5:30 (3 hours earlier than usual!) so my mom could drive me back to school. Even though I’m exhausted, I’m glad I decided to go back today instead of yesterday, because I got to spend more time with my family. The first day back after a break always feels strange, and it was even stranger getting back to school this morning and having an hour to start unpacking my stuff and then rush out the door for a full day of classes.

The best part was that it was really sunny and pretty warm today. It actually felt like the first full day of spring, which it is! I ate my lunch outside today, and I spent almost another whole hour sitting on the grass after my last class before I had to go to the library to take some notes. It really made me calm and happy to be out in the sunshine, and it inspired me to make a list of things that have made me happy recently!

1.   The warm weather. I love that it’s felt spring-like most days and I’ve had the opportunity to take walks and play tennis with my dad and sister. Not to mention outdoor yoga, which I will be doing again in the near future. Plus, with daylight savings time, the sun sets a little after 7. More sunshine is always a good thing!



Just imagine this tree with leaves...hopefully soon!

 2.   Spring break. Unfortunately, it’s over for me, but I really enjoyed mine for the most part. I did have to fill out a bunch of job applications and I did struggle with my ED thoughts, but getting a week-long break from school was refreshing. I liked having the house to myself in the mornings and getting the chance to do outdoor activities with my family. And we went out to eat a few times (yum), and spent a great day out and about in Denver. My spring break was definitely more positive than negative.

3.   New Whole Foods goodies. Seriously, I spend my parents spend so much money at that store, it’s not even funny. See why I want to get a job there, so I can get an employee discount?! I got quite a few things there that are new to me, such as Gardein meatless BBQ Pulled Shreds, cinnamon sugar pretzel thins and Mix1 antioxidant drinks, and I can’t wait to try them (and tell you all about them, of course!)

4.   My iPod touch. I got mine for Christmas, and it rarely leaves my side. I’m almost always listening to music (it makes me so happy I could dance!), playing around with the apps (hello, Fruit Ninja!), checking the weather and catching up on all the blogs I read. It’s so portable, so it’s like having a computer everywhere. I love it!


Hi, my name is Ashley, and I'm addicted to pink :)

5.   Yoga. This is a true lifesaver for me. I started doing it at the beginning of February, and I doubt I could stop. It relaxes me, wakes me up and stretches out all my muscles, even ones I never knew I had. I love the new yoga app I tried out because it has even more intense flows that seem as strenuous as a typical cardio workout. And outdoor yoga in a quiet environment is even more amazing.

6.   My family. I wish my spring break were this week, because both my mom and sister have theirs this week. I missed out on a lot of time with my sis especially, since she was in rehearsals for a musical she’s in at her school. But I appreciated every second I got to spend with them, and I’m looking forward to the first weekend in April because I get to see them again!

7.   Finally, you guys! I could never thank my readers/commenters enough for all the great advice and such that you give me with. Seriously, all your comments touch my heart! Even if you don’t comment, I love that I have readers, period! I never thought anyone would actually want to read this, it was more of a recovery tool for me, but I’ve learned so much from reading your blogs and comments on my blog. You girls rock my world J

Q’s: What makes YOU happy?

Busy Bee

Hey girls, thanks for all the words of advice in the last post. I am working on implementing them and hopefully something will change sooner or later. If not, I only have about 8 weeks left of school. I can’t believe in a week, I’ll be home for spring break! My first year of college has gone by so fast, it’s crazy!

I’m gonna be pretty busy this week, but hopefully I’ll get a post in sometime in the next few days, if not, then definitely Friday. I have two exams this week: an advertising midterm on Wednesday (first midterm ever!) and a regular exam in human origins, which is an anthropology class. It’s a pretty tough class so I’m studying my tail off for that one, and of course the midterm because it covers everything since mid-January. I usually don’t tend to get too stressed out about tests, but I do get a little distracted when studying! So I’m going to set a time-limit for myself on Monday when I go to the library so I don’t waste time on my iPod Touch. I tell you, it can be pretty addicting, all the apps ;) I also have a paper due Friday and a big homework assignment due the same day for my climate change class. And all the usual homework and stuff. I hate how the professors try to cram everything in the week before a break, but at least I’ll have a stress-free spring break! I’m so excited for it because I haven’t been home for longer than a weekend since mid-January. I really miss my family and being able to cook food in the oven, stove or grill! I definitely have some recipes lined up, so I’ll be sure to let you know how those turn out (pictures to come!) I’m also planning on doing some trail riding on my bike and long walks on my street.

Here are a few random pictures from this weekend so far. Not exciting, since I’m pretty much just studying and doing homework and laundry. But I have done some yoga and a little cardio, along with some late-night “Say Yes to the Dress” watching. And I’m not gonna miss the new SNL episode tonight!



My afternoon snack plate: half a mushy-ish banana, Kashi TLC crackers and spicy chipotle hummus





I've been putting these in my planner since I started second semester and they really are encouraging!



Q’s: When is your spring break (if you have one)? Any plans? Do you watch Saturday Night Live?

A Pain in the Neck

Literally. I woke up this morning, and the left side of my neck hurt when I turned it in that direction. Ouch!!! So my range of neck motion has been pretty limited today and I’ve been popping the ibuprofen like crazy…jk, I’ve only taken 5 and they don’t seem to be helping a lot. I think hope I slept on it wrong, so it will hopefully feel better tomorrow.

On a happy note, it is finally in the upper 50s/lower 60s here on the Front Range. Woohoo!!! It seriously feels like spring, so I’ve been bustin’ out some of my spring clothes—including flip-flops!!! I’ve missed mine so much so it’s great to reintroduce them to my other shoes (lol). Even if it’s supposed to snow on Friday, it’s finally March and almost spring break. So I’m in a good mood.



My feet are always red, no worries!


I’m thinking of making strawberry banana overnight oats for tomorrow with that Mix1 so I’ll let you know how that turns out. I also had a yummy yogurt mess for lunch yesterday with Oikos vanilla, Bear Naked vanilla almond granola and blueberries—yum!!! Up for tomorrow is a chocolate version which will be even better. And I’m planning on going out for dinner with a friend so I’ll tell you how that goes. Enjoy the rest of your evening, ladies!!!


I'm becoming obsessed with yogurt messes

Q’s: Don’t you just hate it when you wake up with a sore neck? Is it getting warmer where you live?