The Study of Narcissism

2009-08-08T06:56:00.000-07:00

Study of My Write To Run

2009-05-24T21:12:00.001-07:00

So, I'm starting a new blog. It's all about running, cause that's what I do all the time. Now I have a blog dedicated to it. FOLLOW IT.

http://mywritetorun.blogspot.com/

Study of Christmas

2009-03-22T20:19:00.000-07:00

So, I found out that uploading photos on facebook is eaiser than updating this blog. So, here's a link!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=233535&id=571315054&l=75bb086ae4

Study of Photos

2009-03-19T20:20:00.000-07:00

I uploaded some photos on my facebook.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=232391&id=571315054&l=508eebeada

That is all.

Study of A Letter to My Knee

2008-12-03T13:15:00.000-08:00

Dear Left Knee,

Two weeks ago, I made you run your hardest three days in a row. It was fun running 3.1 miles in 29 minutes. I thank you for your help with that.

I realize that maybe the last time we did that, I might have landed on you wrong, or twisted something. Who knows what happened. All I know is, it hurt.

I decided to give you a week off. I thought that giving you some rest, is just what you needed. So, we went for a run on Thanksgiving, and you decided that it wasn't. The pain that was felt after running that brisk holiday morning, was not something I wanted to experiance again. Running is supposed to make me feel good, not "crap, I cant mooove my leg" good.

You do realize it's been a week since then? So, technically I've given you two weeks off. You know I'm addicted to endorphins right?

So, please. Stop being scared and knock it off with the weird stining pains.

Seriously.

Stop being a weenie.

Thanks,

Ashley's Brain

Study of Chopin

2008-11-29T07:20:00.001-08:00

I need to learn some Chopin.

Not just Chopin. I just need to play music, more often than I do.

WATCH!

Study of Stuff

2008-11-09T13:22:00.000-08:00

I love this:

Little Kid on Bike Rides Into Pole - Watch more Free Videos

"Whoah! dahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh"

The Study of JJ's Sickness

2008-11-07T08:30:00.000-08:00

I've posted this story at Trusera. After typing it all up, I'm sure all the blog stalkers would like to hear this story too.

Here goes:

This isn't a story about me. Cause, let’s face it, I'm healthy. I never get sick. During the winter I might wake up with a stuffy nose, but once I stand up, breath a little, it goes away. This is probably because I keep the house on the cold side during the night. I'm also try to hit the gym 3-4 times a week. I really need to kick that up a notch because I'm GOING to run a half marathon in April (Salt Lake) and I need to stop taking days off. I also try to eat as healthy as I can. I cheat here and there, but life is about living. I do not believe in "dieting". I believe in balance. I also think running and getting your heart rate up is the best feeling in the world. Well, one of the best feelings.

I've never really had a reason to write on Trusera before. No one really wants to read about someone being healthy. Do they? I guess I could have written about me losing 25 pounds this year, but eh. Maybe another time.

So, this is a story about the husband, JJ.

Over the past couple months JJ has been slowy going downhill health wise. He has rapidly lost 20 pounds. He's been experiencing diarrhea, very foul smelling gas, painful bowel movements, fatigue, etc.

At first, he thought he might have a lactose allergy. He tried taking lactaid a few times, but that didn't help. The symptoms were still there.

I should cut in and say JJ hasn't been to the doctor since he was a toddler. I would say he's been pretty healthy until this point.

We thought about going to a Gastrologist (GI), but we wanted to rule out everything, before going to a specialist.

So, we took him to an Instacare. If it was something bacterial, this could possilby be an easy fix. They would prescribe an anti-biotic and he would be on his way. However, after running a few blood tests and a stool sample, they found nothing bacterial. The only thing they found was he had elevated white blood cells. So, his body was fighting off something, we just were not sure what it was.

Appointment with the GI doc was made. We went to Granite Peaks Gastrology. Other than their really annoying fountain in the lobby, and $1300.00 iMac’s running windows, they were really nice. The doctor thought JJ might have Celiac Disease, so blood tests were drawn, and we waited a few days.

Celiac Disease came back negative. Celiac Disease is an auto-immune disease where the body starts attacking the small intestine, when the body eats wheat. So, if JJ had this, he wouldn’t be able to eat Gluten anymore. Gluten is in everything. We were relieved it wasn’t that, but we still didn’t know.

So, doc said it was time for a colonoscopy. I took JJ in on Wednesday for the procedure. It was fun. For me. I still want to be a nurse, but that’s another story. After the procedure the doctor came in with a diagnoses.

JJ has Chrons Disease.

Chrons Disease is another auto immune disease. You can get it anywhere in the digestive system. It creates inflamed sores, and ulcers in the digestive track. However, this one has no cure, and no cause. You just get it. They only thing you can do control the symptoms, and put it into remission.

For those of you really curious, this is what a normal colon should look like.

This right here, is JJ's colon. Photos from the colonoscopy.

Doctor perscribed JJ an anti-inflammatory, and anti-botics. I’m really hoping this helps. We go see the doctor in a couple weeks, and by then JJ should be feeling better.

In the meantime…

JJ is going to start exercising, and taking his vitamins. I shouldn't be the only one healthy in this family.

After all, I kinda like Mr. Dasher.

2008-10-19T18:48:00.001-07:00

Hi.

I'm posting from word.

Let me add a photo and see what happens.

Alright. That's done. What happens now?

The Study of a Post From a Blackberry

2008-10-12T14:29:00.001-07:00

So, this is me posting from my phone.

Hmmm.

I will probably delete this.

th

2008-10-12T14:29:00.000-07:00

Study of Twitter

2008-10-10T21:42:00.000-07:00

Turns out, twitter is pretty fantastic. Twitter is a place where I can type a sentence, and it considers it an update!

Unlike here. Where one feels guilty for typing pointless stuff. So, here I am at Twitter:

https://twitter.com/ashdanz

If you don't have an account, get one!

Study of Nothing

2008-10-08T09:19:00.001-07:00

Thank you google reader for being 10x's better than bloglines.

Two pointless posts in one day?

Yeah, I can't believe it either.

Study Study McStudy

2008-10-08T05:31:00.001-07:00

I dreamt about writing something really clever on my blog.

But, now I forgot what it was.

Great.

This post was pointless.

Well, here is something:

I registered for the Salt Lake Half-Marathon, again. Remember last year? Remember how I registered, but then didn't do it? I promise it will not happen this year.

My hairs are brown now. As of April, I've lost 26 pounds. Someday, I'll post a picture.

I still can't remember that clever thing I was going to write.

Oh well.

Study of the Day I met Ben Folds

2008-06-23T12:57:00.000-07:00

The day was April 23, 2008.

It was 7:30PM.

Me, JJ and April pulled into the Saltair parking lot. I was excited. Ben Folds was going to rock it out on his piano, in REAL LIFE! In true Ashley style, we were running late.

However, sometimes being late is a very, very, very, very, very, good thing.

We pull up into the parking lot of Saltair and there is a group of people coming toward our car and April says, "Hey Ash?......that's Ben Folds."

I looked, and said, "No, it isn't. That's just someone that looks like him."

April: "Yes, it is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Me: "No, it isn't!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

April, "uhhhh........ YESSSS IT IS!"

I did a double take. Maybe April was right.

She was.

She won.

"Holy crap."

I slide out of the car, forgot that I'm shy, and then this photo happened:

He shook my hand. I acted like a crazy fan. Starstruck perhaps? Yup. Embarrassing? Yes, that too. I told him, "I love you!" I don't love Ben. His music? Yes, that I looooooove. But, him? Nah.

I shook for the next hour or so.

Massive amounts of texting ensued after that moment. If you don't realize how exciting this was for me, imagine the person you've always wanted to meet in real life, and THAT is how it felt.

Other photos happened. Like this one:

Then, we listened to some music. Want photos of that?

They didn't turn out. BUT! I got to see Ben's infamous Baldwin close up.

Dear Baldwin, Why do you have to produce such pretty piano sounds, but have the price tag of a house? (not really, but for a the grand, it's close) Huh? Whhhhhhhy?

The universe defiantly delivered on April 23rd.

Maybe I should start asking for a Baldwin.

Study of The Weekend I Got Married, Part Two

2008-05-26T12:42:00.000-07:00

Saturday, February 16th,2008:

Me and JJ planned on going to Vegas to get married for 2 weeks before we actually took the plunge. After much deliberation and a "blessing" (if that's what you want to call it) from my mother (the most important person to witness us getting married), who said, "Ash, just get it done. You love JJ, so it doesn't matter if anyone else is there, just do what you feel is right, and nothing else will matter".

Since it took me so long to finally decide to go (anyone who knows me knows I take after my father when it comes to actually deciding to do stuff) we left Riverton at 6:30PM (the plan was to leave at 230ish). We arrived in St. George around 12:30 that night. Our plan was to just stay there, and make our way towards Las Vegas in the morning.

Little did we know, that people like to go to St. George Valentines Day/President's Day weekend. We spent about an hour trying to find a place to stay. Everywhere was full! Do you know how many hotels there are in St. George? Not enough. Even though, there are probably 25-30ish. Always make reservations!

We were lucky, and found one with one last vacancy. It was a room with a kitchen and fishing wallpaper. Here is JJ, being JJ:

Sunday, February 17th,2008:

Here we are enjoying breakfast.

I asked JJ to take a photo of me in the palm trees. It was February in St. George, and I was outside without a sweater on. It was exciting?

We made our way to Vegas. We decided we would stay at Planet Hollywood. Here is a video for your watching pleasure:

How about another one? Okay. Here is a tour of our room at Planet Hollywood:

After settling in, we spent Sunday walking around and enjoying Vegas. Vegas doesn't excite me, at all. I would rather go look at something historic, rather than a bunch of flashing lights, and advertisements. Maybe if I drank like a fish and wanted to gamble, it might be a different story. I just don't fit in with that type of crowd.

Here we are in front of the Bellagio.

Sunday, February 18th, 2008

This was the day we got married. I took the traditional photographs.

One of JJ in bed:

One of me getting ready:

Here it is! the infamous Chapel!

Here we are, driving through "The Tunnel of Love".

Then, we got married.

I don't have many photos to show you of the actual ceremony. Actually, to be honest.. I don't have any. We could have paid $20 more dollars for photos, but who wants to pay that much?
Yes, I regret it. Oh well. :D Turns out, JJ was really sad about it:

Not really. We drove through the Tunnel prepared to get married, but didn't realize you need a license to get married. But, we got that taken care of and we got to drive through the tunnel.. twice! Then, we really got married.

In the car.

In Vegas.

It was a very very very good day. :D

When we got home, we were met with this:

My sis-in-law Cher, my neice Grace, and my sister April decorated my car and house. There were love notes all over the windows. My favorite was:

My niece wrote her name on the door. :D

A few weeks later....

My mom organized a "reception" for us. It was held at Carvers, and it was fun.

I got to wear a veil, AND smash cake into JJ's face. I think I got it worse though.

Here are a few photographs of the event, for you to enjoy:

Opening gifts:

Hot hot hot!

Me and Ape.

Matt, JJ's brother, and JJ.

Erik and Cher.

My dad and I.

The mother and father.

My nieces being future brides:

JJ invited his family to be there, but only his brother was able to make it. Both of my grandparents were there. However, the photographs I have of them, are not so good. Austin my youngest brother was there, and for some odd reason I have no proof? But, I do have proof that he's a dork. See?

It was fun getting married, exactly how I wanted too.

No dress! Just jeans, chuck taylors and my JJ.

Studies of Ben Folds....but not really.

2008-04-23T23:36:00.001-07:00

I came home excited to post on my blog. However, JJ says "You can NOT blog about your Ben Folds adventure, until you blog about the wedding."

So, I shall be a good wife, and do as my husband says.

Cause I MUST BLOG ABOUT BEN!

But, it's late.

Posts will come later. See that? Plural. Which means, they are coming.

Promise.

This isn't Part 2, but it's the study of something

2008-03-26T08:08:00.003-07:00

I've been married for 1 month, 1 week, and 1 day, and I still haven't posted the story about how it all transpired yet.

I have the post written, it's just waiting for me to stop being lazy and add the photos to it. Can I promise I will finish it tonight? Yes, I can.

Patience my dear readers, patience. :D

Study of The Weekend I Got Married, Part One

2008-02-21T22:34:00.000-08:00

Stay tuned.....

Study of Feburary 14, 2008

2008-02-14T08:22:00.000-08:00

Official Valentines Day Re-Cap.

I woke up this morning to find gifts on the kitchen counter.

www.dashfest.com/love

With a little note inside this box:

www.dashfest.com/more

My Valentines didn't end there...

Cher, Grace & Kadence dropped me off this:

And, these:

To cap off all the excitement, my secret admirer left me these:

He's been doing this little trick for the past three years. I think my grandma helped me figure out who it was? Maybe it was my mom? I don't know.

I'm not telling you who it is. It's a secret!

HAPPY VALENTINES! <3>

Study of Voting

2008-01-31T07:06:00.000-08:00

I just called the Salt Lake County Clerk.

Turns out, I'm registered un-affliated.

Do you know what this means???

I can vote on Super Tuesday!!!!!!! However, I'll probably just go over to Draper City and vote early.

Time to measure the pro's and con's with Obama/Clinton.

WAH HOO! Ashley is happy.

Studies of Videos

2008-01-30T08:00:00.000-08:00

This is another post I wrote a about 2 weeks ago, that I never posted. It should be noted: I do not own the LG Shine anymore. I traded it in for a Blackberry Pearl. More details of that, to come.

Here we go:

Because I have had the same phone for almost 3 years, we decided it was time to for an upgrade.

So, I got a new phone for Christmas. The LG Shine. It does videos. Not the best quality of videos, but it does something. These videos I can put on the internet to embarrass people.

Today, I shall embarrass JJ.

P.S. Wondernig what he's doing? He has a computer on his lap, and is looking inside of it. Pondering.

The Study of Arty Assholes

2008-01-29T21:20:00.000-08:00

Blogger says I have 98 posts. However, I have only posted, 78 of them. So, I currently have 20 posts that I have written, but have never got around to posting.

Here is one I wrote back in the summer time (with my edits):

I don't know how many of you out there know how much I love Radiohead. It's almost as much as Ben Folds. But, not quite.

I do like them enough to put this

in the form of a sticker, on the back on my car. My brother has a vinyl cutter, so he made it for me. I stole. We stole. Arrest me.

The sticker is the Radiohead bear. Do I know what it "means"? No, not really. I kind of do, but I don't want to write anything that I'm not sure about, so we will just leave it at that.

I was at the gym on Monday, and I get out of my car. There was a guy standing by his car next to me, and this is what transpired:

Mysterious Man: "What is that? Some sort of crazy monkey?"

Me: "Uhhh.. Oh. No. It's a bear. Have you heard of Radiohead?"

Mysterious Granola Man: "Yes, I have."

Me: "I love them. Well, it's artwork that was on the Kid-A album. You know, the album Kid-A right?"

Mysterious Granola Man with Curly Hairs: "I'm not really familiar with that one."

Me: "Basically it's just a symbol that Radiohead has, and people who are big Radiohead fans knows what it is."

Mysterious Granola Man with Curly Hairs and Jesus Shoes on: "Well, I guess I'm not big enough" (He then rolls his eyes)

Me: "Guess Not."

When did I turn into an arty asshole?

Have I always been one, and never noticed?

I hope not.

(This was written before I made THIS POST, which is okay. I still love me some Radiohead)

Studies of Accomplishments

2008-01-28T21:00:00.001-08:00

Ready for this??

3 miles in.... 29:47!

GO ME!

Study of Field of Dreams

2008-01-27T10:26:00.000-08:00

I just watched this movie for the 55th time today. That is right, 55!

Just kidding. I have no idea how many times I watched it. However, that estimate is probably pretty close. I have a few movies that I can watch, over and over and over again. This is one of them.

I do realize that it's a silly movie. But, watching it today reminded me of what Draper, Utah (my hometown) used to be like, before everyone decided it would be cool to move there. When it was just a small town full of middle class families, with fields and farms EVERYWHERE. Now, those fields are gone and it's just a sea of rich people. I'm not saying it's necessary bad thing that Draper grew to what it is now. It is nice that my mom doesn't have to drive 15 miles to Sandy to get her groceries. Wait. I said that wrong. April and Austin don't have to drive as far. It's just weird to think how Draper was, and how it is now, with it's million dollar homes on the mountain.

I really shouldn't complain about development. I work in an Civil Engineering office. If development didn't happen, I wouldn't have the greatest job on the planet. :D

Anyway, I don't even LIKE baseball, but I enjoy this movie.

A little too much?

Nah. I've probably watched GHOST more.

Studies of Positive Image

2008-01-25T11:03:00.000-08:00

I found this photo here, while browsing around on Flickr this morning.

Now, I do agree that society does have the perfect woman skewed with what the actual average woman actually looks like. Woman do put down themselves when it comes to their bodies. No matter if they are a size 4 or a size 16. If it's not their hair, it's their butts. If it's not their butts, it's their thighs. If it's not their thighs they hate their eyebrows. Etc. Etc. Etc.

Why can't we just love ourselves? Find the positive stuff perhaps?

I'm kind of being a hypocrite, cause I put myself down all-the-time. But you know what? I am in shape. I can run 5 miles without stopping. I WILL run a half-marathon in April. My immune system rocks the house, so much so that I never get sick. I plan on staying this way until the day I die. So what I'm not a size 6. I'll get there someday.

But, honestly?

This photo just makes me laugh. Wouldn't it be nice if I could just whip out the iron, and BAH BAM smaller boobs?

I would like that.

Study of Bloglines

2008-01-24T07:16:00.000-08:00

A while ago, I bookmarked this site: www.bloglines.com.

I didn't realize how fantastic it was, until today.

Cause, it is... pretty fantastic.

Studies of Almost Quitting

2008-01-18T08:12:00.000-08:00

I almost quit training for the half marathon, cause I got bored.

Then, I got some new tunes to listen too.

I'm not quiting anymore.

If I tell you that I'm quitting cause I'm "bored", please just don't listen to me.

I WILL run it. I WILL. I WILL. I WILL.

Oh, and Ms. Ape D!. Please still train to run the 5K (even though running it with you would be excellent). That way the people at the finish line can cheer on 2 people instead of just one. :D

The Study of How to Pick Your Nose

2008-01-07T11:00:00.000-08:00

Moments of Immaturity shall commence in, 5-4-3-2-1...

If JJ taught you how to pick your nose, this is how he would do it.

First Step: Do what everyone does, pick like no one is watching.

Step Two: Notice someone is watching, and make it known that you were in fact, picking your nose.

Step Three: To further exaggerate the point, wipe finger on butt. Like so:

The End.

Study of The Loss of The Manhood

2008-01-06T21:06:00.001-08:00

Looks like I haven't posted for a while. This obvious fact, should not surprise you.

Alot of things have happened since December 11th (my last post). Things like: Christmas, Christmas Parties, Christmas gifts, a surprise on the weight scale, knitting projects, New Years, Lets Become Actors , shows, hang outs with my sister, etc. You know, important blog worthy stuff.

But, what makes it on The Study of Narcissism as far as topics go?

This:

Kronk (my other cat), has lost his mojo. He will no longer have intense feelings for the ladies.

He lost his precious kitty balls on Friday. You think he would be pissed, and not talking to me. Oh no. It hasn't even phased him. Only took him a full day of lying on the couch, and he was back to his old ways.

It must be the Spinach Puffs. ZING!

Study of Books I'm Reading

2007-12-11T07:16:00.000-08:00

My little blog readers, this is what I'm currently reading:

Hey Ape, have you read this book? What about you Mom?

I'm into it 130 pages, and so far so good.

I haven't read a book in a while. I've been watching way to much of TV, and waisting time. So, I've decided to utilize my time, and read a book instead. Even though, I'm not really producing anything, at least my mind is being exercised right? When I'm done, I'll tell you all about it.

Now, while I'm on the subject of books, I really enjoy this author's writing. Granted, all of her books seem to have the same story-line theme, I still really enjoy them. I feel like she puts facts into what she's writing. Instead of just reading a story, you get gain some knowledge as well.

Especially this one:

What I really enjoyed was the different point of views you get throughout. It's written in 1st person, but it's 1st person between 5 people. So, every chapter you change who's point of view you are getting.

It's too bad I didn't hate this book. That way, I could have actually have something to say about it. But, I don't. I really enjoyed it. So, you should read it.

The people who post on amazon.com, write reviews. Check both books out here and here.

Study of Half Marathons

2007-12-10T07:48:00.000-08:00

Here is what Ashley Dasher (that's me, after April 5th, 2008) will be doing Saturday April 19th, 2008:

I registered for the half-marathon. It's 130 days from now.

My goal is to run it in at LEAST 2 hours 36 mins. That's a 12min. mile the entire time. If I'm in the back of the bunch, so what?

Time to start the training process.

I'm excited. :-D

The Study of Friday

2007-12-07T16:21:00.000-08:00

I picked up some fabric from IKEA on their clearance isle. It was 99 cents.

Here it was at 4:10PM, today.

With the help of my sewing machine, thread, and a little imagination 1 hour and 30 mins later, it turned into this.

Then, because of my latest creation, I gave Kronk a kiss.

Study of Project Runway's

2007-12-06T07:23:00.000-08:00

Everyone gather around, I have something to tell you.

I have grown a liking for, Project Runway. But, did you know there is another Project Runway?

Project Runway, CANADA!

My favorite designer = Marie Geneieve. Check out her gallery here. What I like most about her designs is she always uses colors. Nothing wrong with colors. I also like Lucian. His gallery is here.

I'll take Iman hosting this show over, Heidi Klum anyday. I know, it's not the entire point of the show, but it's great for entertainment purposes. I just like how Iman talks, and says what she really thinks. "You missssssssed that!"

This show inspires me. I know, it's just a silly reality tv show. I want to design clothing. I have pretty much everything I need, so I should quit procrastinating and do something about it.

Season 4 of Project Runway (the US Version), is also great too. I haven't really picked who I like the most. I'm sure I'll swing in on the blog and tell you all about it.

You know what else? JJ likes watching this show with me. He even has input. Now, if I could just have him give me input when I go shopping, that would be awesome.

Wondering how to watch it? Download? Yup. Do it. Break the law!

Study of Buddies

2007-12-05T07:19:00.001-08:00

I like to keep my road rage, G-rated.

I also like to give people nicknames, while driving. However, it's only a specific name I use. Everyone on the road is my "buddy".

"Move it, buddy!" "Come on, buddy!" "Learn how to drive, buddy!" "Nice turn signal, buddy!"

How I wonder, could someone that is pissing me off turn into my automatic "buddy"?

Study of Things and More Things

2007-12-04T09:30:00.000-08:00

I know what you're thinking. "Nice blog Ash. Thanks for keeping us updated."

Do I always admit I'm a lazy blogger? It's kind of a redundant apology, and for that I apologize, for apologizing to much.

Anywho.... who is excited for Christmas?

Your not? Yeah, I'm not that excited either. Maybe I should put up my Christmas lights, and wrap a present or two to get me in the mood. I should be knitting some presents, but I just don't want to really make anything this year. Call me lazy.

But, who is excited to see what I did to my apartment? I am! You should be too!

It's just too bad I don't have the photos to show you just yet. Yes, I realize I ripped that ugly wallpaper off about 1.5 months ago, and I still haven't taken a good photo of what I put in place of it. But, I will. I will. I will. Soon. Like, tonight perhaps?

Moving on..

April 5th, 2008 is the official date JJ and I will be hitched. It's going to be small and quaint. Small = immediate families only. Remember this post? Well, I figure if I make it small, I might actually enjoy my own wedding.

So, that's basically it for my update. Yes, I'll post those pictures.

Oh, one more thing. I decided to start training for a 10K. That's 6.2 miles. Then, after I get up to that, I'll start training for a 1/2 marathon (that's 13 miles) then, on Saturday, April 19, 2008, 7:00am I'll run the 1/2 marathon at the Salt Lake City Marathon. Then, I'll get a tattoo that said I finished. Alright, that part was just a joke.

How about I go register right now, so I don't back out.

Sound like a good plan? I think so.

Study Of Rants

2007-10-23T08:17:00.000-07:00

//Begin Rant\\

I have to say a few things about people in blogland.

If you don't want blogger stalkers reading about your personal life, don't write about personal stuff that you don't want the people on the internets to see. Stop thinking it's "weird" that people come upon your blog and don't leave comments. It's like reading a book. Do you have to write a comment to the author when you read a book? Didn't think so!

Also, if you write something people don't like, they somehow don't agree with, and then they leave a rude comment trying to justify your actions, please don't freak out. Remember, you wrote it on your blog. If someone doesn't like what you write, or how you live you life, take a chill pill and get over it. You can't please everyone! Maybe even disable the comments! Problem solved. Oh wait, that wouldn't prove how popular you are. Hmmm... get a tracker?

//End Rant\\

Wait, forgot something.

//Begin Rant Again\\

STOP READING THE TWILIGHT BOOKS. THEY SUCK!!!

//Offical End to a pointless post\\

Studies of Wallpaper Rippage

2007-10-22T19:21:00.001-07:00

Here you have it folks. The wallpaper that has been plaguing my apartment for the past 3 years, is now GONE!

Believe me, it isn't just one wall. I'll be sure to post all areas when I paint it like this:

Excited? I AM!

The Study of How Kronk Wakes Me Up

2007-10-19T06:06:00.001-07:00

THIS is EXACTLY what Kronk (my other cat) does to me in the morning. JJ is asleep right next to me, and he doesn't bother him... just me. Enjoy.

Study of In Rainbows

2007-10-10T20:35:00.000-07:00

Here it is, 5 years after the release of Hail to the Thief, and Radiohead decides to be awesome and release a new album called, In Rainbows.

This morning, I downloaded it(legally!), and gave it a listen.

First listen: "Wow, this is boring."

Second listen: "Wow, this is still boring".

Third listen: "Yup, I'm still bored."

Fourth listen: "Why am I still listening to this? Wait, this is starting to grow on me. It's not so bad. Is it? Wait, I found a song I like. The others, still boring."

I am not impressed. I like slow stuff, but when an entire album consists of it? No, thanks.

Here I was feeling guilty for the past 5 days that I chose only to pay $0.00 for it(thanks for that guilt trip, Matt Glass), but now that guilt trip is gone!

I like fast loud Radiohead. Crazy sounding Radiohead and some slow Radiohead, but not an entire album of it!

Back to the classic stuff I go!

Studies Across The Universe

2007-10-08T08:24:00.001-07:00

Me and JJ went and saw this film last night.

Here, is the preview:

Yes, it is a musical made out of The Beatles, songs. Awesome? YES. However, I'm not going to give an official review of the movie. I can't give a review without giving you spoilers, and I really don't want to do that. So, how about you to go see it, and judge it for yourself. Then, we will discuss. I did have a few(very few) minor problems with it but, the singing, the acting overall, the dream sequences, the directing, and the cinematography ruled out those problems.

Jim Sturgess could sing me to sleep if he wanted.

Especially this song:

However, when he sings, "Something". Oh my. Makes goosebumps on my arms. Kind of like when Ewan McGregor sings "You're Song" for the first time in Moulin Rouge. "My gift is my song!!!!!!!!" (that part).

JJ: You should get your British accent back, and learn to sing. Would ya? Oh. You won't? Okay. I'll just have my fantasies instead. :-D

Study of How to Pose For The Classic Kissing Photo

2007-10-04T20:56:00.001-07:00

It's all about the lip pressing. The harder you press the better the PASSION.

That is exactly what this photo is, pure adult kissing passion.

That or, it's just frightening. You pick.

Study of The New Photo at The Top

2007-10-04T20:31:00.000-07:00

I was getting sick of looking at myself at the top of my blog, so I decided it was time for a change. Since it is October I figured I would make my blog festive.

Festive for Halloween, I guess. I don't know. I tried?

Yes, I took the photo. BUT, I had some fun in photoshop.

Click This.

The Study of JJ's Free Time

2007-10-03T15:53:00.000-07:00

The following three posts are what JJ does late at night.

Notice how they progressively get worse, and worse.

Funny stuff, but boy do I regret taking self portraits.

Enjoy.

The Study of Funny Stuff 1

2007-10-03T15:52:00.001-07:00

Star in Your Own JibJab! It's Free!

The Study of Funny Stuff 2

2007-10-03T15:51:00.003-07:00

Star in Your Own JibJab! It's Free!

The Study of Funny Stuff 3

2007-10-03T15:51:00.001-07:00

Star in Your Own JibJab! It's Free!

The Study of My Hair

2007-10-02T14:16:00.000-07:00

Oh great, Ashley is making a post about her hairs. I bet you didn't know this was coming. Oh, you did? Well that means you want to read it, right? Let's start studying shall we?

You know what, lets don't. I realize it would probably bore you to death if I just wrote about.. hairs. Whoopie do?

In my head I had this post all planned out. I was going to compare photographs of how I've had my hairs really long, and really short, and everything in-between. But, you know what? That would just be too much work to do all that and frankly, who really wants to read that anyway? Or look at crazy photos of really dumb hair mistakes.

Like this one:

Overnight I started to look like her.

So, rather then bore you, how about we jump to what the whole point of what this post is going to be.

First point (which the photographs would have proven), I think I look better with longer, blonder hair. Second point, because of the first point I have ONE thing set in stone when it comes to getting hitched, and that is.. growing my hairs out as much as possible.

Is that really superficial? Probably. Then again, my blog is the study of narcissism, so it fits.

So, here is a photograph of myself taken on Saturday. I figure I have about 6 months.

Did I just mention when my wedding, could be? I did. It's not set in stone yet. So, pretend like you never read it.

The Study of The Project I Took Forever to Post About

2007-10-01T20:25:00.000-07:00

Remember when I made this post? Of coarse you do, it was only 2 posts ago.

Anyway, here is the finished project:

I purchased the fabric here. I did not use a pattern, just my imagination. However, it didn't turn out like I had hoped. Or, what my imagination was telling me.

So, these are the reasons why I took forever to post about this. See, I'm "studying".

1. I didn't use enough fabric, I wish they were a little fuller.

2. The fabric is a too bright for the kitchen.

3. I suck at blogging.

I might redo them, I might not. Having them up for a month, they have grown on me.

Yes. Me and JJ like plants.

Why do I always put Study in my Titles?

2007-09-19T07:22:00.000-07:00

I realize that you are all anxious to see what the world I made with my sewing machine. Truth is, I wasn't really happy with the result, so I'm starting over on the project.

Which, made me procrastinate even posting about it.

I am now only working 4 days a week (10 hour days) and have fridays off.

That means, I'll be able to re-do my project and post about it.

Also, I have more things to update about, so come back soon (I'm hoping Friday) for one big update!

I really suck at blogging.

Study of Making Things

2007-09-07T21:57:00.000-07:00

Exciting things are in the making...

Tune in tomorrow for the results!

Study of Kronk, again

2007-09-05T13:58:00.000-07:00

I have no blog topics up my sleeve. So, how about we gaze in awe and wonder at how cute Kronk is?

Okay.

The Study of 2 years of Dating

2007-09-04T00:02:00.000-07:00

Two years ago this happened . Oh the memories of way to short hairs, and falling in love in hot humid weather.

3 months later, JJ moved to Utah. That's right, we hung out in real life for 5 days and then he moved to Utah, and in with me.

It has been TWO YEARS. TWO YEARS! Take that you people who were sceptical of our short term dating in real life. We had many Internet chat dates, and phone call dates. There wasn't a "lets get physical", cause we couldn't. We were 1,800 miles apart! I think it's a good form of dating. What else are you going to do but TALK and get to know the person?

Read more about it, here.

Anyway, like true JJ and Ashley style, we forgot about the great 2 year mark. However, I remembered a week later. So, I purchased JJ some of these:

Which, disappeared from their box before I could snap a photo of the real ones.

It should be noted that the night before I gave JJ his favorite candies ever made (according to him), I had a bout of self induced sickness and he took care of me all night long. So much so that he slept next to me while I was on the floor, and he was on the couch.

I forgave JJ that he forgot cause he redeemed himself with a nice king size bar of this:

Mine are still in the freezer.

He also purchased the flowers which are featured above. Yes, I complain that I don't like flowers. BUT, these are actually planted in dirt. Big difference.

They don't die in a week.

A few things I've learned while dating/being engaged over the past 2 years:

1. The D.I. is probably the best place to go shopping in the Salt Lake Valley. Even though I complain about going there.

2. Never pass up a clearance rack. Espically the ones at Walmart and Target.

3. You can download anything for free that you want on the Internet. You just have to know how, and what to search for.

4. JJ is: Encyclopedia Dasher. I can ask him a question about anything, and he pretty much knows the answer to it. But, there are often times he doesn't, and pretends like he does. Which makes playing the game, "I win", alot more fun. Cause, well "I win!". So I try to prove him wrong. Like that one time JJ thought Albertsons was owned by Krogers. That was a fun one. Speaking of which, where's my $20?

5. Marmite. The great tasting, Marmite.

6. Patience. With JJ you have to have patience, times 10.

Here's to many many many more anniversaries to come.

I love ya, Mr. Dasher.

Lets Study Gollum and His Bling Bling

2007-09-01T23:19:00.000-07:00

Ha ha ha?

The Study of My First Wedding Post

2007-08-31T09:19:00.000-07:00

Here it is people, my first post about my wedding.

I bet you've been waiting since I got engaged to here all about the wedding plans.

Right?

"Ooohhh my gosh.. I'm so excitied. I have my dress, the flowers the.. gahhh a;sldki341!!!!wuirppz/x.c,m1!#rka;djf!!!!!"

Wait, that wasn't me. That's how I sort of WISH I was. SORT OF. A teeny tiny dose of that girlishness would be nice.

But.....

I was NOT born with the bride gene or the wedding gene. What? There is a specific gene for this sort of stuff? Well, according to people at my work, this sort of gene actually exists, and I was not born with it. It's like I'm allergic to anything wedding. I have never been a fan of the, white! cake! garter! flowers! scene. Anytime I read, look, or think about planning anything that has wedding attached to it, I want to break down and cry. I even have. Numerous times. It only takes a few minutes of exploring wedding sites , and BAM allergic reaction.

Maybe they have some sort of benadryl that helps with allergic reactions like this?

Now, don't get me wrong. I love JJ. I can't wait to be Ashley Dansie Dasher. I've been engaged for over a month, and I still haven't picked a date. I just DO NOT want the traditional wedding that goes with it. I just want to wake up one morning and be married to JJ.

Is that too much to ask?

Edits, The Study of

2007-08-30T10:40:00.000-07:00

Sorry for all the color changes on the blog.

I just can't decide what I want.

So, get used to it?

Study of School Dreams

2007-08-30T09:28:00.000-07:00

I keep having re-occurring dreams that I'm back at school.

These are not the type of dreams that consist of me walking around school missing certain clothing items (even though those dreams happen from time to time).

These dreams consist of me going to school, and then skipping school. Then I miss certain assignments, then I have to talk to the teacher about raising my grade. Or, I'm late to class, and I'm embarrassed. Or, I see a certain boy I like, and then having really ugly clothes on (see, the clothes are ON).

Sometimes, I'm even back in high school, and I don't graduate.

I have to wake up an convince myself that I am in fact, not in school.

Why am I dreaming stuff like this?

I have an Associates, is that not enough? Maybe it's time I went back. I've always wanted to be a school teacher. Maybe the fears of school are re-surfacing and that's why I conveniently forget to register each semester.

Or maybe, I'm just a huge procrastinator and my sub-conscious is telling me to knock it off.

Yup, that's it.

I need to purchase a shirt like this.

More Studies of Kronk

2007-08-29T14:37:00.000-07:00

I must say, I'm glad Kronk climbed into our window.

Who couldn't love a kitten this cute?

(Photo by: JJ Dasher)

Study of The Tip Jar

2007-08-29T08:31:00.000-07:00

Am I supposed to tip the Barista that makes my delicious coffee each morning?

Cause, I don't. Ever.

I consider myself a good tipper, if it's someone that makes $2.13 an hour like a waitress.

But, come on. Barista?

Their tip jar beckons me every morning, but I never put money in it.

Does this make me a jerk?

The Study Of Kronk

2007-08-17T14:17:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to post for the past 2 weeks. For some odd reason blogger wasn't saving what I was writing.

Or, so I thought.

Turns out, I'm just weird one. The problem is solved. Anyway, enough of the rambling. I've figured out the mysteries of blogger. I promise to post the last 2 days of the trip. So, I shall be back to regular posting.

Regular posting? Huh.

Anyway, time for a story.

Last Monday night at about 5:30AM, JJ and I heard a "meeeeeeew, meeeeew" outside. Half asleep me thinks it's just Yzma being her weird normal self. However, JJ wakes up and says, "That isn't Yzma".

He was right.

There was cute kitten at our window begging to come inside. BEGGING. Not only did he beg, he actually stuck his head inside the house! So, JJ let him in (while he is mewwwwwing) feeds him, and after about an hour of the kitty talking to us, he finally falls asleep on our bed.

He's been living here ever since. I mean, it's not every day a kitty climbs in your window.

He sure has made himself at home, Yzma is already teaching him her tricks.

Now, we have Yzma and Kronk.

See any resemblance?

The Study of A Trip to West Virgina, Day 5 of 7

2007-08-09T07:45:00.000-07:00

Saturday July 27, 2007

April was SO excited to go to The Andy Warhol Museum. It was the only thing she talked about when she told everyone she was coming to West Virgina with me. April likes Andy Warhol. I'm not all that excited about his art. But, April is. So, when she found out Andy's museum was in Pittsburgh, we decided to go there.

On Monday. Monday was the day we were leaving. Our original plan was to wake up early, leave Parkersburg early(like 6am) and make the trek up to Pittsburgh, and tour the museum before we left. Monday.

But, I'm talking about Saturday right?

Well, out of chance (and weird coincidence) I looked at the website to check the times when they would be open. I found out it was closed, on Monday.

CLOSED!

April was so upset. Actually it was more like, "disappointed". I thought we were doomed. Doomed to never see Andy Warhol's artwork in real life. I didn't really think of any other options, cause I didn't really think there were any.

Until JJ stepped in.

Again, I didn't think anything could be done.

He convinced Kim to let us borrow her truck and drive ourselves up to Pittsburgh, so April could go to her coveted museum. Thank you so much Kim!

See why I love JJ?

So, that is exactly what we did.

April decided it would funny to stalk film me with her camera. Here is a video of her doing just that:

Ape just took self portraits:

It was a good fun safe drive.

We arrived in Pittsburgh, and drove through:

I'm perfectly fine with Tunnels. No big deal that we are driving through a Mountain.

Not this tunnel though. This tunnel I do not like. Because, when you drive out of this tunnel you are on one of these:

BRIDGE! I know, weird fear. Fear of bridges. I just don't like them when they are over water. Especially when I don't know there coming. It's like "BOO!!". Boo from a bridge.

Turns out Pittsburgh is full of them. Could be why they are called, "The City Of Bridges". Great. I'm putting this city on the bottom of my list of favorite cities. They were EVERYWHERE!

Somehow April got me to walk out on one of them. I guess it's not THAT big of deal. Even though I'm not that far out on it. :-)

After we made our way across a couple of them, we arrived at our destination.

Here are those famous soup cans. Whoopie!

Ape is in these photos, cause that makes Warhol's art a bit more interesting. Gotta have something else going on.

This isn't Andy Warhol's. Some guest artist that was on display. April wasn't supposed to take photos of their art. But, she did anyway. She broke the rules!

Then, some dude yelled at her.

After touring the museum, April's opinion of Andy Warhol changed a bit. Turns out, he's an arty asshole just like all the other artists in the world (go figure). However, her opinion about his art didn't change, so that's a good thing. And, even though I'm not a fan of Andy Warhol, it was still fun to spend the day with April. Where we could giggle and be weird to our hearts content!

The rest of the day was us driving home, and THIS happening.

Day Five Complete.

The Study of a Trip to West Virgina, Day 4 of 7

2007-08-08T19:26:00.000-07:00

Friday July 27, 2007

This day was the day JJ and Mark planned on going to AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days . I woke up to see JJ off on his 2 day adventure. I will post the photos that JJ took of his adventure, on another post.

Remember that purple bike I was telling you about a few posts back? Well, here she is:

It's Kims bike. JJ's bike couldn't really fit on the plane ride, so this was the bike he rode. See how excited he is to ride it?

So, with the boys gone, me and April went on a free tour of, Fenton Glass. They have free tours where you can go walk around their factory. Yes, that means you get to see them blowing glass and hand painting the glass as well. However, the photos that me and Ape took didn't turn out. :-(

After our tour, we met up with Kim and we drove 2 hours to:

AMISH COUNTRY

This was the best part of the trip(other than JJ's question). The best part, and I hardly got any photos of it. Most likely it was because I was in so much awe that Amish people actually exist. I've never seen them in real life, so they've always just been sort of fictional to me. It felt like I was meeting a celebrity. You just think, "Whoah, they are real!" In the words of April Dansie:

"This is surreal"

Supposedly where we visited, (Holmes County, OH) is where the most populated area in the country where Amish/Mennonite communities are. So, we of coarse saw ALOT of these:

Kim took us to The Yoder Amish Home. Please, click the links for more info!!

I really enjoyed touring this home. I would recommend it to anyone that wants to see first hand, what the Amish life is like. You got to tour 2 homes, and a barn with animals.

Did someone say PUPPY? You bet!

(This beagle was for sale, for only $60!!!)

This is a baby bunny. CUTE!!!

There were ducklings walking around the yard. April somehow caught this one. Just like April to catch the ducks.

After our tour of the farm, we stopped at Lehman's . We browsed around the store for a while (it's huge). Kim picked us up, The Budget Newspaper which is the weekly newspaper by and for the Amish.

On our way to find a restaurant we just happened to drive by the Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center. They have a 265' mural-in-the-round depicting Amish/Mennonite history. I would recommend this too. This gives you a history of how the Amish/Mennonites came about. It was also very good artwork as well.

We stopped and ate in (I will insert the location here... later), OH. We were served home cooking food (it was excellent) and enjoyed some Apple Pie.

What a good day this was.

Day Five Complete.

The Study of A Trip to West Virgina, Part 3 of 7

2007-08-02T08:15:00.001-07:00

Thursday, July 26th, 2007

Seeing as JJ had to figure out a way to keep me busy on Thursday as well, Kim decided to take me and April to The Middleton Doll Factory in Belpre, OH right across The Ohio River from Parkersburg.

Our plan was to tour the factory. However, they moved the factory to China. So, we browsed around the gift shop and the museum for a while instead.

This was the doll factory featured in the movie, Bubble. No, I do NOT recommend this movie. It's really bad. However, if you are interested in seeing a bit of the area we visited on the big screen, then you can watch it. Its a terrible movie though.

Since our doll factory visit was cut short, Kim decided to take us to Blennerhasset Island as well.

To get to Blennerhasset you have to travel by The Sternwheeler boat down the Ohio.

Haha. This photo is awesome:

After arriving on the island, we took a horse drawn wagon ride around the island. It is really beautiful there.

After our tour of the island, we got to tour the Blennerhasset Mansion.

(Kim, I hope you don't mind I stole this photo from you. I didn't get a good one on my camera)

I would show you photos of inside house, but they didn't really turn out. Besides, that makes you want to go inside the house. Right?

We left, and decided to go shopping to the outlet center of Coldwater Creek. They are located in Parkersburg, so they have a clearance/overstock/return center. They do have good deals on their clothing. However, I wasn't able to find anything my style.

I guess April thought I should.

(No, she didn't buy this outfit)

We finally met back up with JJ and Mark. JJ took us to the mall, and me and April did some more shopping.

Then, Mark BBQ ed and we hung out the rest of night and watched for Fireflies.

Day Three Complete.

The Study of A Trip to West Virgina, Part 2 of 7

2007-08-02T08:13:00.001-07:00

Wednesday, July 25th:

There is something great about going for a run, when you don't know where your running, or where you will end up. This happens when I go for a runs in Parkersburg. Granted I can get around the town pretty well now (this is the 4th time visiting) but, running on the streets of a foreign place is alot more entertaining then running in places that are familiar.

So, that's what I did Wednesday morning, on our 2nd day of the trip. However, I went out a bit too late (10:00am) because of the time change, so I didn't go for very long. The heat mixed with the humidity didn't do well on my lungs. However, I was able to pull a "run-by" JJ's old apartment. Which was thrilling.

I know, I have dork written all over my face.

After I got back, Kim suggested we (me, ape and her) go to the local beauty school to get pedicures. While JJ and his dad shipped his Go Cart he made while he was living in West Virginia.

See something fishy? At the time I didn't pick up on it. Are you picking up on it? They were trying to get me out of the house, so JJ could go shopping. Shopping for that ring.

Me, Ape and Kim walked to the local beauty school. We walked through the historic district in Parkersburg. There are quite a few big historic homes in the area we walked through.

After our pedicures, we met back up with JJ and Mark, had lunch at the local Lebanese restaurant and then went to a really neat old book store in Parkersburg called, "Trans Alleghney Books". Kim has a very informative profile on Virtual Tourist, which is full of information about the area we were at, but the entry on the book store is here. Please click the links, it will explain why the book store is so neat!

That's right. You are looking at me one floor up, kneeling on glass.

Lets read some books, shall we?

After the good times at the bookstore, we dropped Mark and Kim off and the rest of us went for a ride around Parkersburg. We were supposed to meet up with some of JJ's old friends, but we were not successful. So, we took ape to the river and took more photos!

After our mini-adventure we met back up with Kim and Mark and went across the river to, Historic Marietta, Ohio.

It was nighttime by then, and we didn't get any good photographs of the historic monuments about Marietta,OH. The following photo did turn out.

Day Two Complete.

The Study of A Trip to West Virgina, Part 1 of 7

2007-08-01T17:21:00.000-07:00

JJ's dad invited JJ to go to the AMA Vintage days that are held in Ohio in July every year. So, me and JJ planned a trip to West Virgina, and I decided to bring April (my sister) along with me.
JJ's parents live in a town called, Parkersburg. It is right on the Ohio River. It is where I fell in love with JJ. Read about my first time there, here.

I will be posting all about the events that transpired while we were there, July 24th-30th, 2007.

Day One, July 24th:

Here we are on the plane at 6:15am, ready to conquer West Virgina.

Our flight left Salt Lake and landed in Denver, Colorado. Where we sat and waited for 3 hours for our other flight to Pittsburgh, PA.

So, this is what we did to pass the time:

And this:

BUT, never ENOUGH of this:

After our 4 hour flight, we landed in Pittsburgh, PA. We walked through the terminal, and the following shoes were on display in a case.

Can you guess who these shoes are?

Maybe you want to go visit the land of make believe? Wouldn't you want to be his neighbor?

That's right. It was Mr. Rogers. He's from Pittsburgh.

His red sweater was even in there!

JJ's dad, came to pick us up at the airport. On the way home we stopped in a town called, Stubenville. Not "stupid"ville as Ape kept thinking Mark was calling it.

Then, it was another 3 hour drive to Parkersburg, WV. We took the scenic route home, where I could look out the window and wish all the tree's that grace the east would come home with me.

We arrived safely, and decided to go for a walk to show April around Parkersburg.

Our destination was, The Pizza Place. JJ really loves their pizza. We also go there everytime we visit. So, we went there, and guess what we did, we ate pizza. I know! Isn't that amazing?

On the way back, we saw some bugs flying around. I don't think I've ever been so excited to see a bugs. Because, these insects were:

FIREFLIES!

Now, those of you that get to see these glowing bugs all the time, this might not be a big deal to you. However, to me and Ape it was a big deal.

So big in fact, we didn't take any photos.

But, April was successful in getting a good photo of me and JJ.

Day one complete.

The Study of My Engagement

2007-07-31T11:24:00.000-07:00

I've spent the last week in West Virgina/Ohio with JJ and April(my sister). We have been visiting JJ's dad, and step-mom. I will be posting about that trip later, but for right now lets talk about the best part of the trip.

On Saturday, July 28th @ about 9:30pm eastern time JJ said,

"Ash, let's go for a bike ride to that place I almost drove off the road and killed us the first night we hung out."

I said, "Okay. Try not to kill me this time."

So,we both put on our helmets and road JJ's step-mom's purple bike (more on this later) to South Parkersburg on a road called, "Lost Pavement Road". I didn't die, or almost die this time. :-) Afterwards, we road to the highest point in Parkersburg called, Quincy Hill.

On this hill is where me and JJ spent the first hours of hanging out with each other. Where we go visit everytime I'm in Parkersburg. It's "our spot".

So, we sat on a bench on Quincy Hill on July 28th. After sitting on the bench for about an hour, at 11:30PM JJ handed me this:

How about another view:

How about a photo of me posing with it?

Isn't it pretty? It's just what I wanted too.

Then, he popped "the question".

"Will you marry me?"

After I was done crying, I said, "Yes, I'll marry you."

I am the luckiest girl on the planet. I'm going to marry the cutest, sweetest boy ever.

:-) :-)

The Study of My First 5K

2007-07-23T10:47:00.001-07:00

After much pushing and shoving from JJ, (and staying up until 2am so I could get a copy of THIS) I ran my first 5K, Saturday July 21st at 7am, for Draper Days.

Here I am at the finish line, being Gene Simmons.

See any resemblance?

GO ME!

The course actually went in front of my parents house. My Mom, Dad, and sister were out in front of their house, cheering me on at 7:15am (it was about the 1.5 mark) and JJ was at the end taking photos.

It was the awesome. Here's to the first steps, soon it will be a marathon. SOON.

P.S.

You're probably wondering what happened to Monday Reviews? Well, it's been postponed. I wanted to talk about this, and I will be out of town this week. I'm on my way to West Virgina from Tuesday-Tuesday with JJ and Ape.

I'll pop in with a post, if something exciting happens. *wink

:-)

The Study of Things You Shouldn't Say

2007-07-20T13:54:00.000-07:00

I got a speeding ticket back in the cold month of December 2006.

I fought it in court yesterday.

I lost. But, I almost won.

I'm not going into the details of the case. However, I did learn something.

Whenever you get pulled over by a police officer, NEVER, EVER, EVER admit that you were speeding, or tell the officer how fast you were going. Just a simple "I don't know". Plead not guilty from the beginning. This was the deciding factor in my case yesterday. So, listen.

Also, I am glad I fought the case and didn't just give in and give them the total cost of my fine. I made them WORK to get my money. If I ever get a ticket again, I will always fight it.

One day, I just might win.

By the way, the snake came back. :-)

Further Studies of My Cat

2007-07-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

Just when I thought Yzma (my cat) had brought in all the creatures she could, I have something new to add to the list of creatures.

Here is the list:
-Dragonfly
-Numerous Katydids
-Earthworms
-A Mouse
-Baby Bird

JJ was home yesterday, and while I was at work he IMed me to tell me of her latest catch.

THIS:

JJ was so excitied!

A New Pet!

So, he stole it from Yzma before she could kill it. If he didn't, she would have killed it, and left it on the kitchen floor for me to see. Good thing he did. That is the last thing I would want to see hanging out on the kitchen floor, thank-you-very-much.

I told JJ to either kill it, or set it free. He said, "Nope, too late!". He was going to put it in the empty fish tank, and let it hang out in the computer room.

He must have been joking.

He gave it a name too, "Amzy" (that's Yzma backwards).

Oh great, now he's given it a name, now he's attached to it. A SNAKE!

So, JJ started reading online what to feed it. "Hey Ash, are you watering the lawn tonight?" I said, "Probably, why?". He said, "Well, if you see any worms that crawl out of the lawn, will you pick them up for my snake?"

"WHAT! Have you gone mad?!?! I'm not picking up food for your snake! I'll go buy you some worms at the store and never touch them, if you want me to do that instead."

So, after listening to JJ talk about the snake (and he was acting like an excited little kid) I decided it wouldn't be so bad, if it stayed in it's cage and I never had anything to do with it.

Now, wouldn't it be awesome if I had a photograph of this snake in it's new home? (Which, I'm not excited about... at all)

It's already loose in the house.

Time for the cat to go hunting again.

The Study of Eating with a Large Group of People

2007-07-18T07:42:00.001-07:00

It seems my blog has turned into negative rants. I'm sorry. I'm really not that negative.

But, I do complain and try to figure out the ways of people alot.

Here is what happened last night:

I went out with a group of 17 people, for my friend Lindsey's birthday. 17, 25-30 year old people. Yes, ADULTS. Anyway, we went to Buca di Beppo. If you've never been there, they serve large dishes, and everyone shares their food. Kind of like a Chinese restaurant with Italian food. Me, Carrie and Jake decided we would share our bill. So, the table ordered, the food came, and we all SHARED it. I mean, when you have a lazy susan on a huge round table with food rotating on it, and the pope staring back at you who wouldn't want to share?

Yes, there was a statue of the Pope trapped in a glass container staring back at our group in the center of the lazy susan.

Anyway....

The bill came and the total was $304.00. Everyone was trying to figure out how much they owed. What a mess. So, I'm sitting back watching everyone. Now, I hardly knew anyone at the table but Lindsey, her boyfriend and Carrie. I've have been to a few bbq's with these people, but don't really "know" them. So, anyone that knows me, knows I hate being the center of attention and I don't really take charge. So, as I was watching (we already figured out how much we owed) I said "Hey, why don't we split it for the whole table?"

So, instead of dividing it by the 17 people that had a plate of food, we did it by 14 (Cause, there were a few that only had dessert.... etc) So, the total for each person was $21.72.

We started to get complaints.

"I'm not paying $21.72 for my pizza!" then me saying "Yes, but you ate the appetizer and some of the pasta I ordered". "We cant afford that much!"

Me, Lindsey, Carrie and Jake were trying to convince people this was the better (and less stressful way to go).

4 against 13. Yeah.... you do the math on that one and see who won.

So, us 3 figured out how much we owed, and put it in the stack. I know for a fact that we our group probably overpaid. I should have counted the cash before it went to the waiter. Because, when the waiter came back he didn't have the change, nor did he even count how much money was there. But, that's another story.

Lessons learned:

If you go out with a large group of people, decide BEFORE you order your food how the group will pay the bill. Especially, if the restaurant you are going to eat at, does not do separate checks for large parties.

Make it easy. Just split the bill all evenly so you don't have to waste time figuring out what the total of your meal is. Again, figure out what you are going to do BEFORE any of the food comes. Set a price limit!

You will save about an hour arguing and trying to figure out what everyone owes.

So, after all the headache I've come to the conclusion to just have a dinner party if you want to eat with a large group. Bring your side, meat and drinks. I'll even host it!

No one complains about prices when there is a collar full of beer, and alcohol in the fridge waiting to be drank.

The Study of Hunting

2007-07-16T19:23:00.000-07:00

You know what hobby I do not understand?

Hunting.

Waking up at 4am in the freezing cold to track down a deer? Hanging out all day in a tree hoping an Elk passes by? Trekking through swamps just to shoot some ducks?

And, then IF by chance these things actually happen:

WHY do hunters feel its necessary to pose with the dead animals?

Like this:

"I know! Lets all gather around and show off the DEAD animals, that we KILLED! We are so awesome!!!"

Maybe I'm just being a jerk about it cause I REALLY don't like killing things. I'm also glad my dad isn't a hunter like his brothers are. He has guns, but they just hang out in the closet. From time to time he goes and shoots clay pigeons and raccoons that come in the yard (and then I cry about a rodent being killed...haha) But you know, I guess what ever makes them happy, but still. Why not just knit a sweater or read a book?

The Study of Weekly Reviews

2007-07-16T08:38:00.000-07:00

So, since I'm having the hardest time keeping this thing updated, I have decided something. Monday's here on, The Study of Narcissism will be devoted to reviews.

Yes, you read that correctly. I'm going to attempt writing reviews.

Books, Movies, TV shows, makeup products, you name it. Now, I'll warn you I'm probably not the best reviewer on the planet. But, I do try to have opinions about the things I see/read/participate in and I try to have some sort of reasons to back them up. So, take my advice if you want it. Otherwise, just skip my Monday posts!

So, without further ado, a book review.

I warn you that it might contain spoilers. Read at your own risk!

Thanks to my sister April and our recent trip to Barnes and Noble, I picked up the following book:

I actually heard about this book at a family reunion a month ago. My aunt and cousin were raving about how fantastic it was. Then, my sister said, "OH! I've heard such good things about it". Then, at Barnes and Noble while me and April were standing reading the entire new, Post Secret Book (which, sorry to get totally off subject, I suggest you read this Post Secret Blog every Sunday), the guy that was helping us reserve the new Harry Potter and The Dealthy Hallows said, "OH. Twilight. That book, is so excellent!" Even my friend Lindsey said she was reading the book, and was enjoying it.

So, I had very high hopes for this book being, well, excellent.

It was a disappointment. My review 2/5.

This book is filed in the Young Adult section. I enjoy Harry Potter so I didn't factor that in if I would enjoy this book or not. I'll admit that I like a little teen drama from time to time(in movie form), for some odd reason. So, I had high hopes that I was going to enjoy the book. But, basically it was just 300 pages about how this girl falls in love in two days with a hot Vampire guy. 300 Pages of her trying to figure out what he was (turns out he is a Vampire..which is not a spoiler, it tells you that on the back of the book). 300 pages of her blabbing on and on about how hot he was, and him telling her how good she smelt and how much he wanted her (duh, Vampire?). Him always trying to save her life in the most melodramatic ways. Sometimes I wanted to gag with the stuff I was reading. Like, him being so in love with her, but he can't have her because well, he's a Vampire! He might kill her! Who knew? The other thing that I did not like, was the author tried to make Vampires "good", and not the mythical creatures they are. For example, we all know that Vampires can't go out in the sun or they will burn and die. Well, in this book if they go out into the sun, their skin glows and they become god like (glowing, and magical). Yeah, right. ICK! If I did not get such a good reviews from everyone around me, I would have stopped reading this book by the third chapter. But, I kept hoping that it would get better, so I just kept reading.

Now, if you can survive the melodramatic, cliche drama this book beholds, then the last few chapters (and i mean, few) have some quite intense parts. Which, makes this book actually a good read. For a while. Even that whole drama is little bit too cliche for me.

Until the last chapter were it goes back to cliche love drama.

Would I recommend this to anyone else? Probably. If you like cliche romantic novels, with very basic characters. Which, I personally, do not. I like when the author lets me get to know who I'm reading about. Maybe Young Adult books do not do this. This one didn't, and it took me 3 chapters to get a clear image in my head what the main character even looked like.

So, if you like Vampires falling in love with people they can't, well read this book. At your own risk!

The next book I am going to start reading is this: My Sisters Keeper. April likes this author alot, so I'm going to give this novel a chance. I hope I enjoy it.

The Study of Nothing

2007-07-11T22:22:00.000-07:00

HI. I'm still alive!!

I'm just slacking with my blog (what's new?)

Just keep your patience, awesome things are coming.

Promise.

The Study of My Bike, II

2007-06-30T07:42:00.001-07:00

The bike is finished!

Remember when I made this post? I knew you would. Anyway, JJ has put on the finishing touches on my bike, and now it is ready to be driven on the road.

I took it for a spin around the parking lot to practice riding it because lets be honest, I'm a bit scared to drive it on the road. But, in the parking lot I just like to make a fool out of myself and pose cheesy for photographs.

The Dash is such a nice boy to get this for me. One day I might upgrade to a bike that is bigger, and faster. But, for right now.... I'm content with this one.

The Study of 3.1 Miles

2007-06-28T21:36:00.000-07:00

Holy crap people.

Guess what!

I just ran 3.1 miles in 31:23.

:O

How awesome is that?

The Study of Me and Some Flowers

2007-06-25T18:02:00.000-07:00

This weekend was The Annual Dansie Reunion.

I will be making a big long post about that event, sooner or later.

Right now, how about you take a peak at a photo Mr. Dasher took of me.

Me, Ape and The Dash went for a hike, and Ape and JJ picked the flowers and I held them. JJ thought it would be a grand idea to take a photo of me holding the wild flowers.

So, that is was he did.

Can we say, "haha?"

The Study of Old Friends & Acquaintances

2007-06-21T08:25:00.000-07:00

I participated in X-96 4-Play Concert Series at the Gallivan Center last night. I went to see, take a guess, can you? The Brobecks.

Old friends just seemed to keep popping up everywhere.

The first was, Austin Snow.

Me and Austin Snow, go way back. So far back we used to play b-ball in gym class and walk with each other to seminary... in 10th grade(which was, 9 years ago)! I used to hang out with him all-the-time. However, we just stopped hanging out. Maybe it's because I got a boyfriend? Probably.

The next person to show up was, Mike.

Mike is from the days of Derek Julio. Those days were, 3 years ago. I'm surprised he recognized me. I barely recognized him, in my beer induced state. :-)

Then, the most important part of the night. The Brobecks original keyboardist Bryan Szymanski played a couple songs with them. I was hoping that maybe for a second I could re-live what The Brobecks used to be like. It didn't work out very well.

But, at least I saw Mr. Szymanski, and said a friendly hello. Then, like true Bryan style he left 10 mins after he played the show.

I miss them oldbecks. :-(

Then, as I was walking around, bouncing around, acting like an idiot my cousin Michelle and her husband found me! Her and her husband never go to shows! Oh the coincidences!

I'm glad I saw all my old friends. It was such a good fun night. Summer shows are the bomb. The bomb dot com.

The Study of Zen vs. iPod

2007-06-19T14:52:00.000-07:00

I am attached to an electronic device.

That's right. I'm attached to a little electronic device that goes by the name of the iPod.

How did I realize I'm going to have a hard time parting with such a fantastic device?

I realized I was doomed with this attachment when a Creative Zen was offered to me. Here's how the story goes.

Matt Glass had this Zen, and the dial broke. So, he sold it to JJ for $50. Then, JJ bought the parts for it off eBay, and fixed it for another, $50. It is now in perfect working order. Perfect. JJ offered it to me, and said he would just sale my iPod. That's right, my 2 year old, 4th generation, 30GB iPod. It doesn't do much but play music. Well, you can put photos on it, but I've never done it. So, that was the plan, JJ would sale the iPod.

I thought this was a great idea! No more lame iTunes (even though I use Anapod Explorer now), and the Zen plays videos! The screen is pretty! I could change the skins! I can make my own playlists without hooking it up to a computer! I'm also certain the Zen doesn't rename files, and put them in weird places like the iPod does. Blah. I have so many quirks with the iPod. How in the world am I addicted to it? Go Zen!

Then, something happened.

I went running with it.

Of coarse it plays music exactly the same as an iPod does. So, what's the big deal? With the Zen, I'm not used to using the dials, and running with a device you are not familer with, is annoying. I don't use playlists because I have no idea what I'm going to want to listen to, until the day of my run. So, having the Zen that does it without a computer, sounds fantastic. So, with the iPod I'm used to changing albums/songs while I'm running. I guess I could have set up a playlist before I went running with the Zen, but I didn't think of it.

So, after running around the park for 45 mins, I came home and thought, "I'm keeping my iPod!"

Then, JJ came home, and we starting talking about it. Then, I started crying. Crying yes, over an electronic device! I did not want to give up my iPod. I still dont. I think it's because I've spent hour after hour, mile after mile with it, and I'm just having a hard time parting with it. It's like if I had to give away all my stuffed animals. That's how attached I am.

TO AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE!

So, the question I pose to you blog reader is:

Get over my attachment, cry again when it leaves my house, and update and go with the Zen?

Or be old school, and keep my iPod?

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions.

The Study of Something Ironic

2007-06-08T21:49:00.000-07:00

As I was driving home from the gym today, I saw the following sticker:

Now, we all know how the gas prices suck. That's nothing ironic.

It's ironic that this sticker, was on a FORD EXPLORER. A vehicle that gets 14 mpg.

That's like putting this:

On a HUMMER.

The Study of My Absence

2007-06-07T22:34:00.000-07:00

Wondering where I've been? I've been sick. I guess being sick, makes me really lazy. However, the sickness has subsided and I'm back in blogging action.

So, lets discuss my cat. Again.

For those of you that I instant message, and get messages like this "tt12200gjskdjfhghkjl" it's just the cat, trying to stay warm on the laptop.

Which, I caught her doing when I came home today from work.

That is all. Bye Bye.

The Study of My 25th Birthday

2007-06-03T21:45:00.000-07:00

Here I give you, the fantastic 25 candle birthday cake (a very sick) JJ made for me for my birthday.

I blew out candles a day late because, JJ and I have been under the weather. Sick for the past 4 days doesn't mix well with a birthday.

It was still good. Thanks to everyone for all the birthday wishes.

Also, thanks to those that helped me make my apartment a bit more brighter with the magical textiles/things from IKEA. It threw up IKEA in my apartment, and I love it. A post about it will come later.

Here's to another year!

The Study of an Image

2007-06-02T06:58:00.000-07:00

Ever think to yourself, "I wonder what Ashley looks like when she blogs?"

Well, here is your answer.

Candid photo taken by JJ while he was outside putting a new chain on, my bike.

Today is my birthday.

Happy Birthday to me!

The Study of Memorial Day Traditions

2007-06-01T23:55:00.000-07:00

Every year, the Sunday before Memorial Day my family, my Grandma and Grandpa Dansie, and my Uncle Trent and his family, take trips around to various cemeteries and place flowers on the graves of relatives. We visit the following cemeteries: Draper, Riverton, Herriman and Sandy. The following video is a montage of photos regarding the event that my mother made. She has made quite a few of these type videos, which I will be uploading more of at a later date.

The following photos were shot this year. Some people that came are not in the photographs. I'm sorry Cher, Erik, Taylor, Trent, Kris & Grandpa. :-)

Grace:

The Mother:

The Father:

Ape & Austin:

Grandma, Ape & Max:

Josh:

Allie:

Allie & Grace:

Sorry to get a bit off the subject, but everyone wanted a photo with my aviator glasses (well, almost everyone).

Kadence:

Austin:

Austin & Me!

Me and JJ:

Me & Grace:

Anyway, lets get back to the subject.

The following photo is me making fun of Grace, because everyone wanted her to smile for a photo and she didn't want too. So, I pretended like I didn't want to either.

Grace & Max:

My Uncle Danny's Grave (my mom's youngest brother):

My Great Grandpa Poor has a flag flying in his honor at the Herriman Cemetery:

That concludes the study of one of the many Dansie Family Traditions.

The Study of a Trip to The Zoo

2007-05-31T18:42:00.000-07:00

On Saturday me and The Dash (JJ) went for a much needed trip to the zoo.

The following are some photos we took of the adventure. (Be sure to click them for larger versions)

Photo: Me

Photo By: The Dash

Following Photos were taken by JJ and I took the last one.

First, these bears started out as friends, and whispered sweet nothings into each others ears:

Those sweet nothings resulted into a little foreplay:

Which, lead to this:

(All photos by JJ)

The following photos are of the baby orangutan, which isn't even a baby anymore she's already about 2 years old.

(Again, photos by JJ. I guess my camera stayed in my pocket most of the adventure.)

Then, the much talked about White Alligator.

(Wow. The following photo is actually one I took. Then, JJ's is next)

After walking around the zoo, JJ and I stopped and ate some fresh Kettle Corn and watched some very horny turkeys chase around a not so interested hen. Don't worry, nothing exciting happened. They just walked around for about an hour with their tail feathers out.

Finally! Photos I took.

While that drama was going on, we watched some mallard ducklings with their mama.

Yes, there was also some drama going on with the mallard male and female birds as well.

Speaking of Birds, here I am standing next to an Owl. Yes, the owl is staring at me. Yes, I should have taken off my shades.

We did walk around and look at more animals. My favorites (the cats) weren't doing anything special, but sleeping. Duh. There cats?

Oh well, at least I got to spend the day with this boy:

Isn't he cute? I think so.

The Study of The Gnomes

2007-05-25T17:45:00.000-07:00

Blog readers, I give you my 3 new friends.

Why? Why do I have these cute little men holding a watering can, a hoe and a radish? Why are they in my yard? Why do I keep saying, Why?

Well, I don't have a garden of any sort (which, I need to change). So, I have them to keep my lawn company.

That's right, my lawn.

Ever met a girl that LIKES mowing the lawn? Well, it's time you did. Cause, I am one of those people.

Here is a fantastic photograph of my lawn, and my $20 lawn mower from the DI (that works wonderful).

Had you seen my lawn/weed invested/dirt pile when I first moved into my duplex, you would be amazed how nice my lawn looks now. Before I decided to become obsessed with it, it was about 75% weeds, and 25% grass. I never took a photograph of what it looked like before, cause well, it wasn't worth photographing. I also did a horrible job of taking care of it. Horrible! I thought there was no hope what-so-ever with it. Little did I realize that to get lawn to grow, you have to mow it, fertilizeit, and water it. Amazing! Me and JJ put some seeds on it last spring, and this spring and the lawn has miraculously become a green and its not just weeds anymore! I've nursed the lawn back to health, and I look forward to the days when I can cut it.

That's right, I LOOK FORWARD to mowing the lawn.

Guess I did inherit my dad's green thumb, somewhat.

The Study of Giving Yzma a Bath

2007-05-24T16:57:00.001-07:00

This is another mystery of my cat. She never runs away when I give her a bath. Either she's use to it and just takes it or, she a masochist.

You decide.

The Study of Things to Come

2007-05-23T07:47:00.000-07:00

I guess you have probably noticed that I have not updated this blog for one week, and two days. I promised that I would keep it updated, but I've been slacking.

So, before I lose all my readers (if they really do exist) I'm going to jot down some things for them to look forward to on, TSON. I WILL update each day with one of these topics.

They are:

-My latest DI (thrift store) finds. Which includes an awesome bright green vintage purse, and some sweet looking dishes.

-My first trip to IKEA. Which, was on Saturday May 19th, before it opened to the general public. This is my new favorite store. Oh my! Such cute/stylish things, for a reasonable price!

-A video of me giving my precious cat, Izma a bath.

-A photo adventure of what it looks like when I go running outside. Speaking of running, my fastest time running, 3.5 miles is 38 mins.

-My attempt to put some awesome vinyl birds on my wall. My brother (and his wife) have a screen printing/vinyl making business. They were kind and made me the birds. We stole the idea. Oh well. Sue me. Here is what they look like (this is NOT my house):

Now, if I could just decide if I want to put them in the living room, or my bedroom.....

And finally:

-The gnomes I have living by my front door, protecting my front lawn. Maybe I'll even talk about my lawn. Maybe you will compare me to Hank, off King of The Hill. Maybe.

Look forward to these fantastic posts! I haven't died! I swear!

The Study of a Trip to Wendover, NV

2007-05-13T17:21:00.000-07:00

First things first.

Have you noticed I changed the layout, again? See that awesome photo of me at the top? JJ shot that. Isn't it AWESOME? Isn't he awesome for taking such an awesome photo of me? I think so.

Anyway, here we are enjoying the drive out to Wendover, NV.

On the way, we stopped by The Great Salt Lake. JJ shot some photographs, of ME!

Afterwards, I tried eating him.

25 miles outside of Wendover, we stopped by and explored, The Tree of Utah.

Here is JJ standing on top of it.

Then, we arrived in Wendover, NV. This is how I feel about it:

This is how JJ feels about it:

Oh well, and least we got a curly fry that was the shape of a Treble Clef.

Gambling just isn't my thing. So, the next day we travelled out to The Bonneville Salt Flats. Which, are very very cool. I've driven by Wendover quite a few times, but never stopped to explore the vast openness of a bunch of SALT!

I'm not sure what these things are in the following photo:

(Photo by JJ Dasher)

This is the marker for the race track.

Turns out I like to take photos of JJ taking photos.

And, he likes to do it to me too!

Ladybug!

Even though Wendover is pretty lame, it was a good trip.

I sure do love this boy.

The Study of an Announcement

2007-05-11T16:45:00.000-07:00

Me, JJ and a few cameras are headed out to Wendover, NV.

Photos of the Salt Flats and other things will be shot, and then posted on this lovely blog of mine, when I return.

Look forward to it!

Another Study of Yzma

2007-05-10T10:48:00.000-07:00

This is why I tell JJ to put the toilet seat down:

This is also why I think my cat is dog.

The Study of My Music Devices

2007-05-08T20:04:00.000-07:00

The following photo was taken a while ago, but it still has the same effect:

I have an accordion that lives in my house. My father gave it to me to learn how to play and I get it out once and a while. I attempt to learn "the black keys", but I get frustrated and set it aside. Or, I just play random keys and dance around the house.

Not anymore. (I'll still dance) but, I AM going to learn a gig on the accordion. Maybe even some Yann Tiersen. It's a fact. I am setting a goal, and it's going to be awesome when I get finished.

Otherwise, how about a photo where the ISO was up too high but, somehow it works. Here you go:

Another instrument that lives in my house, is a guitar. I've had a guitar in my possesion since I was 16 Years Old. If I actually kept up with learning how to play it, I would probably be in a band. But, we all have regrets. Me putting off my music skill is one of them. BUT, not anymore! The following photo is me playing... A BARRE CHORD. Now, I've attempted these chords before (again, get frustrated and go back to the basics), but not today. Today, it was a success!

The most important of all my instruments that live in my house, is my keyboard. Someday I will own my own acoustic piano, someday. The piano is where my heart is at.

Here are some old photos I took with pianos in them:

Isn't music fun?

The Study of Misc. Photos

2007-05-06T18:55:00.000-07:00

I was searching through old photographs and found these:

I took these photos at my parents house, about 2 years ago.

Enjoy!

The Study of a Great Knitting Book.

2007-05-02T20:06:00.000-07:00

This book came in my mailbox today:

I am SO excited to start knitting things from this book. Check out the following patterns:

So stylish!

The great part about these patterns are, you large size needles and really bulky yarn so making a project takes less time.

CLICK HERE to see more fashions from the book. If you click HERE! you can see what fellow knitters (like myself) have made.

Knitting is awesome!

On a side note, Tori Amos came out with a new album. Delish!

The Study of Mr. Fix It

2007-04-30T20:54:00.000-07:00

This is how you brighten a kids day:

You fix their "Power Wheels".

That is just what JJ did for his half brother, James and half sister, Hannah on Easter.

I just sat around and took photos. :-)

Then, JJ took it for a spin:

The Study of Yzma

2007-04-29T21:11:00.000-07:00

I would like you to meet my kitty cat, Yzma.

Pronounced: Ease Mah.

Crazy name you say? Well, if you knew her in real life, you would understand why I gave a crazy name to a crazy cat.

Cause, she is named after:

Yes, my cat is named after the villain in The Emperor's New Groove. In the movie she turns into:

Now, my cat is in no way mean like that kitty looks. She is one of the nicest cats you will ever meet. If, and only if, you can get pass her weird, neurotic, skittish ways.

The following is a list of her habits:

Habit One: Perching

(**Be sure to click the photos for the larger versions**)

This is her perching in the window. See how all the flowers are pushed to one side? Well, those flowers used to be where she is laying, but she kept knocking them over so she could "perch". Cat's always win.

She chooses other areas to perch on as well. She finds the warm area's, and will sleep on them. Examples: sitting/sleeping on top of the fish tank, stealing my place on the couch after I've sat there, and her most recent perch: THE LAPTOP.

Habit 2: Eating too much, then puking it out but still looking like a "rat cat" while she walks around.

Here she is sitting underneath the table waiting for me to feed her. See her belly? Looks like little baby kitties are in there doesn't it? Well, that's just extra food. (Click the photo, to see more of what I'm talking about). However, (this is really gross) she pukes. If she eats too fast, it just ends up on the floor. Sounds like she's bulimic. This doesn't happen everyday. But, it happens often enough for me to ponder where that belly actually comes from.

Habit 4: Meowing, Meowing, begging, and Meowing.

I have never met a more sociable cat(to me), then this cat. She meows and talks to me....all-the-time. Did I say that loud enough? ALL-THE-TIME!! However, she doesn't meow and talk to everyone. She is very skittish, and very choosy with who she talks too, and who she rubs up against, and who she doesn't run away from (like you are going to kill her). The only people she doesn't run away from when they come over are me, my mom and my sister.

Here is an example:

If JJ is home and hanging out, she will sleep on the couch and not make a peep. However, the moment I walk into the door she starts meowing and asking me for food, or just asking for attention. This isn't a typical "meeeeow" like a normal kitty. She acts like she's dying. When she meows she doesn't kid around.

Habit 5: Q-Tips

This is the only thing she ever plays with. No fake plush stuffed mice, no toys covered in cat-nip, she just doesn't care. Instead, she plays with q-tips. She flings these things around like they are mice. I'll try to catch a photo of her playing with one, so you can understand what I'm talking about.

Habit 6: Bringing me treats from outside.

Treats include: Katydids, birds, mice, earthworms, and a dragonfly.

(Sorry, no photos of these yet. I took a few photos a while ago when she did this, but I can't find them. If I find them, these words in parenthesis will disappear.)

But, here she is inside, trying to catch a fly:

I didn't get Yzma when she was a kitty. The place I used to work at had cats, and they gave her to me, when they got rid of all there cats.

Sometimes I wish I wouldn't have took her home (cause, she does drive me nuts at times), but most of the time I'm glad she's around to keep me company.

The Study of Jogging

2007-04-27T09:34:00.000-07:00

Warning: This post MIGHT not contain photographs.

I like reading blogs that have photos. It makes reading the posts alot more interesting and fun. Also, you don't have to read so many words, and being a blogger like myself, I don't have to write as much. And, you being the reader, you don't have to read mine(or others) fantastic writing skills. Which, I don't have. Cause, I, use, too, many, of, these : ,,,,,,,.

Let's discuss one of my hobbies today. Shall we?

Jogging.

Yes, I said "jogging". How is this a hobby you might wonder? Let's ask dictionary.com shall we?

hob·by–noun, plural -bies.
1. an activity or interest pursued for pleasure or relaxation and not as a main occupation: Her hobbies include stamp-collecting and woodcarving.

Relaxing? How is jogging of all things....relaxing? Isn't it hard?

Keep reading...

Now, I haven't always considered jogging as a hobby. In fact, me and jogging used to hate each other. Loathe, despise, want to kick in the teeth, type of hate. But, in December 2005 I started/decided it was time for me to get in shape. So, I signed up at a local County Gym (the hidden treasures of cheaper/affordable gyms), and magically (after about a 9-10 months) jogging became a hobby.

First, my goals were to loose weight (like every girl that goes to the gym... even the skinny ones). Even though my goals still include loosing it, I don't really care that much. When it leaves my body, it will leave. I look forward to 5:30 at night when I have a date with the pavement or the treadmill (usually it's the treadmill).

My new goals include "improving times". The best I have ever recorded when it comes to "jogging", is doing a 5K(3.1 Miles) in 32 mins. For those fast runners, it's probably really slow. But, for someone who hated jogging in the beginning, it's awesome. When I first started out, I could barely get to 1.5 miles without stopping (and almost dying in the process). Now, if I jog at a slow pace, I just keep going, going, going and going.

How far have I travelled without stopping? Probably 5-6 miles (this was outside, so I have no idea. I jogged for 70 mins, without stopping... and could have kept going if I didn't have places to go).

It's so liberating.

One day, I'm going to jog a marathon. One day.

The Study of My Bike

2007-04-26T08:56:00.000-07:00

I'm interrupting the recent patterns of "introduction" posts to bring you the latest news.

JJ likes bikes. JJ wants Ashley to ride a bike too. So he decided it would be fun to purchase me one. It's little, and it's great for a beginner who is scared of bikes. It might not look the greatest right now, but that's besides the point.

I CAN RIDE IT!

First, we get into the starting position:

Then, we GO! VROOOOMMMMMM!

JJ is currently working on changing it's color to somewhat look like the following picture:

I've always dreamed of owning a light blue Vespa. Now, my dreams can somewhat come true.

I'll be posting photos of when it's complete. I will also be wearing a white helmet and old fashioned goggles to add to the fun.

The Study of Me and JJ

2007-04-25T08:54:00.000-07:00

Before I start making my adventure posts, the next few first posts will be introductions about myself.

So, I thought it would important to start of my fantastic new blog with the story of how I met:

Julian Joseph Dasher "JJ"
Photo by: Matt Glass

You probably have heard those crazy stories about how people meet on the Internet? Well, that is how this story begins.

But first, I have to give some background information.

Referring to the side bar my interests include "going to local music shows". Back in 2004, I started going to see this band. They have quite the following now, but back in the day, I was a "Brobeck SuperFan". Which means, I went to every show they had and was basically the only fan they had, on a regular basis. Now, they have quite a few.

So, anyway the drummer of The Brobecks was (he isn't anymore), Matt Glass. Check him out here, here, here or here. So, I became friends with Matt, and we would AIM on occasion. Well, we all know how the Internet is these days, and Matt would talk about a certain "JJ Dasher" that used to live in Utah, but he moved to West Virginia a few years prior. Matt linked me to this: JJ's Photos. Now, being the internet stalker that I am, if you look on his page his AIM name is listed on there. So, what did I do? Added him to my list, and never talked to him for about 3 months.

Then, one night on April 5, 2005 I finally sent him this message:

"You're dead".

The rest is history.

We started IMing each other (that's how these stories go). Then, we started talking to each other on the phone, then I got a crazy idea in my head that I would fly out to West Virginia to meet JJ in real life.

2,000 miles to meet a guy? I must have been crazy. Everyone thought I was crazy, maybe I was. But, I wasn't really all THAT worried about it. Afterall, he was friends with Matt Glass, so it wasn't like I was going to meet a total stranger. Was it?

The trip is explained here, on my xanga. Click it.

Well, as you can see from reading that post, those 5 days were awesome. We fell in love.

The next 2.5 months were just annoying (from September thru October). How anyone survives long distant relationships is beyond me. This was quite long distance too. 2,000 miles in fact.

Well, at the beginning of November 2005, I flew back to West Virginia, stole JJ from his home, and we drove back to Utah. Yes, you read that right. D-R-O-V-E.

JJ moved to Utah just to be, with me. Does that make him an awesome boyfriend? I think so. We currently live together (yes, for almost 2 years), and I couldn't be happier.

Welcome

2007-04-24T13:31:00.000-07:00

Welcome to "The Study of Narcissism". On this blog we will study, yours truly. Topics that will be studied are: my adventures, my photographs, my hobbies,(running, knitting, sewing) and ramblings of a specific nature: narcissism. How you got here, I will probably never know.

Maybe you clicked on a link at my old home (xanga, livejournal). Maybe I even sent you a link.

Whatever the reason, this blog is basically all about ME. Where it's perfectly okay to call myself narcissistic, because after all it's all about ME.

Enjoy.