The End Of 2014

Wow. I can't believe it's finally here. The end of 2014 as we know it. I will miss 2014 oh so very much. It will forever hold a very special place in my heart.

Here is why:

In 2014 I went from being a shy individual who hated public speaking to someone who was a state Secretary for an organization (FCCLA) and spoke and acted on a stage in front of hundreds of people.

I got to meet people from all over the state and spend time with my incredible team.

My FCCLA chapter at my high school was also wonderful. So many amazing people that I became such great friends with. I got my nickname Yolanda which I adore. My advisor, mentor, and second mother even got married in 2014. It was so hard to say goodbye to this several year life changing organization. It allowed me to find myself, be surrounded by good company, and travel. That's one great thing that happened in 2014.

I spent half of 2014 finishing up my senior year of high school. Graduated in May, class of 2014. I enjoyed my senior year, and the classes and teachers I had. My school as well was great! In my opinion at least. It definitely ended with a bang as I had no regrets from my years in high school.

I feel so blessed to have spent this year with the best people I could have ever asked for. I was able to become better friends I hadn't been great fiends with before. I truly could write forever about all of the memories and inside jokes the guys and gals and I have. Since most of us were separated for college, we all easily kept in contact. On Facebook the girls have a messenger group that we always talk on. The guys and girls have a messenger group as well that kept us all connected.

In summary, we are all weird and unique. We have this somewhat unspoken thing that we do. It's that we are all ourselves. We don't judge each other, we just live, support, and enjoy life together. In public we don't care what people think of us. We will go crazy and be having the time of our lives, always. I love that. I'm so thankful for that. I would never change it for the world.

This break, having everyone here, it has been just like high school. Actually, it's been better. We all get together like nothing has changed. And I don't think it ever will. I think this group of friendship we have found is rare and extremely valuable.

Work wise, I continued to work at leialohas lemonade/blue feather bakery. I have been there for many years actually. This year I became better friends with my coworkers and enjoyed each and every moment.

In 2014 I also began to work at Rekluse Motor Sports. I love it there. They work with my schedule so well which is great for a college student. They are the reason I am able to pay fully for my college right now. Besides that, the people I work with are amazing. We always are weird and have fun. It makes an 8 hour day pretty smooth and easy.

You also cannot forget that I started my first semester of college. I even ended it with a whopping 4.0 GPA! Which is a whole lot better than I have ever done in school ever. I made some pretty cool friends in my classes as well. In my communications class I had a group of friends where we would stand by our cars for 30 minutes or so after class. It was fun and made the class quite enjoyable and exciting. 

In college I also joined the Media Club (click link to see cool things about it!). Through this club I have became friends with those also highly interested in photograph and video. It is fun being around those type of people. You may or may not notice that video people are quite crazy, outgoing, and generally fun to be around.  The club also allowed me to be in a horror film festival which was a wonderful experience. I also helped and was in the College of Western Idaho holiday video (click on Media Club link above to see the video. I am in the 12 days of Christmas at the end of it). 

The media club has helped me realize that I do want to do something related to film and photography career wise. Speaking of photography. In 2014 I bought my first big camera. A Nikon d5200. I LOVE IT. I also, this Christmas, received a Hero 3+ Go Pro camera. 

While we are on this subject, the second it turns to 2015, I will have been doing daily videos for two whole years. How absolutely crazy is that? It has gone by so fast and I am excited to continue it. It will also mark my one year of this blog you are on right now. I love it and plan to continue it with more exciting content next year. Of course, it is practically the same with my YouTube. 

Finally, one thing I forgot to mention.I got my first long board, courtesy of my brother! I quickly became obsessed with it. When it is nice out, you will find me riding it! 

Enjoy some of my favorite pictures and such below! PS: It is somewhat organized and somewhat not.

Before I let you enjoy and go, I want to say thank you for reading my blog. I don't do this because I want everyone to see it, I do it because I love this blog, and when people do read, it makes me smile. So, thank you. Now, enjoy your last moments of 2014. 

This next year will be hopefully just as crazy and wonderful. Check back tomorrow for my first post of 2015. Thank you, and I love you.

Love, Ashley Marie. 

CHRISTMAS!

     Christmas. What a wonderful time. Usually I am not a extremely excited person when it comes to the holidays but this year...well this year was different. Since it did not feel like the holidays I decided to make it feel like it. I listened to Christmas music on my radio and Pandora non stop. I sang along and danced to all of the classics on repeat. Our house being all decorated inside and out helped since I couldn't escape the festiveness. A couple nights before Christmas some friends and I were hanging out. I decided to turn on the festive music and tune out...so I could dance and sing along to it. It was wonderful. 

     The holidays in Boise Idaho this year was perfect. The morning of Christmas brought not only joy but snow as well. A white Christmas it was indeed! As the day went on the weather turned into a beautiful blue semi warm day! It was quite splendid and very lovely. 

     I spent the day with my parents and my brother. In between cooking the dinner and inspecting the presents we had opened, we watched the entire movie of Forest Gump. I had to say the entire movie because I have been to the famous restaurant, I have heard the stories, but I previously had only seen about the first 20 or so minutes of the movie. After watching it, I have to say it was wonderful. Okay, so maybe it isn't my favorite movie of all time, but I did enjoy it! Since I hear it to be many peoples favorite, is it yours? Let me know! If it isn't your favorite, then what is?

     Okay back to the Christmas topic. What did I get you ask? Well...before I tell you I want to make sure you know that this is not me bragging. I am just sharing some items that are apart of my life that I enjoy oh so very much. 

   First of all, my favorite present was a Go Pro Hero 3+. I love it! I have not been able to go and mess around with its features yet but I have read the booklet and am excited to put it to use!Next, I got a white sweater which is soft and comfy. and to be honest...who doesn't like soft and comfy sweaters? I also received a portable speaker, which I have used many times already. An old fashion vintage camera, a portable charger (for my phone and I pod and such), candy, money, and a lottery ticket are also now apart of my life. 

     Alright, we cannot forget that the holidays are all about being around your loved ones. Speaking of loved ones...my friends are on their way over for a movie night! I enjoy nights like these. Especially since I just got a cookie monster onesie today and I am wearing it as I am typing. 

I hope you had a wonderful Holiday, with whatever you celebrate! 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

IM DONE....well....

   I AM DONE with my first semester of college. Its kind of like a milestone, but not really. No matter what you categorize it as, the semester absolutely flew by and I am so happy it is over. I had a math class that was nearly every day in Nampa (40 minute drive) (Monday through Thursday), and the rest of my schedule was all over the place. One class was two days a week at 8:30am, another was also two days a week at 8:30pm, and my other one was twice a week in Nampa at 5:30pm. My 5:30pm class, I had to stay in nampa from 12:35 till then. I am not sure you realize how hard it was to stay busy for that long. There was a coffee shop I used to go to, but it closed sadly. Enough complaining, all that is over, and I guess I was the one who put that schedule together in the first place. 

Anyways...it's so nice to finally be done with math and English.Now...for a 3-week Christmas vacation. Yay! The best part is that all of my friends are coming back. This means you should be expecting all of the crazy pictures and posts.

 Well, I'm off to enjoy time with my friends! Have a great day and break to all you in school!

The District Coffee House

Imagine This:
   
       A large room with wooden floors, white walls, large windows the cover two walls facing the downtown streets, a high ceiling, small tables either white or wood looking, Bohemian style lights hanging from yellow wires, plants, bohemian cushions on couches, vintage lights, modern like yellow and wooden chairs, and wall decorations. 

      These all describe one place...the coolest, most unique, relaxing, quirky place located in downtown Boise. This place, is The District Coffee House. It is the kind of coffee house you see in movies, or imagine when you think of a coffee place. They hold swing dance lessons, live local music, poetry slams, and more. The people who come here seem nothing but sweet and to be simply living life, which I envy. Some may be lost, trying to find there way, others just strolling in for a coffee to go. I have been sitting in here for a while, and it is so peaceful. I almost feel right at home. Especially since I usually only go to Starbucks, this place is quite the incredible step up. And of course, their coffee is heavenly. Probably the best coffee I have ever had. I highly suggest following them on Instagram..even if you live no where near here, as it is such a wonderful display of pictures. Here is an example of what you may see on the site...I took this myself, as it is the mocha coffee I ordered....YUM. 

     Yep...it is that kind of place. What kind of place am I talking about? The kind of place that does cool designs on top of the coffee! I mean..who doesn't absolutely love that? Actually, I think it makes the coffee taste a million times better. Even cold...I have been here long enough, and am such a slow drinker, especially with coffee, that it is cold now. BUT, it is still so very delicious. I mean, I guess you could say I am enjoying myself...I guess...

     At the moment, it is dark and pouring rain. The lights from the stop lights, cars, and local stores coat the damp street with a beautiful arrangement of color. I almost feel like I am in another town, another city, as if I could say "I live that downtown life". Sadly, I don't come down here much, but I should, I really should. The shops and cafe's down here are amazing. In fact, there is a cafe across the street I would really like to try called BleuBird. 

Bye Bye November

       

      Turkey. That is the first thing that pops into my head when I think of November. Every month I say why I enjoyed my 30 days, and this time, I am going to do the exact same thing. This month has included a lot of counting down, such as for Thanksgiving break and the end of the semester in December. The most memorable was seeing some old friends! See for yourself either in my last post Thanksgiving Intermission, or my November Daily Videos below! 

Thanksgiving Intermission

*Written throughout the week*

*Also thanks to my friend Leena for a lot of the pictures from her lovely amount of beautiful Snapchat story photos*

Thanksgiving Break is like an Intermission, but from school. And it finally is upon us! It may be a week before Thanksgiving, but it feels more like the week before Christmas.

 The shopping is discounted, malls are busy, peppermint drinks are everywhere, there is Santa around every corner, red became the new everything, and Rudolf the red nose Reindeer music never leaves your side. The snow, also did not seem to help. 

The only thing that allows it to feel as if it is still November, is all the turkey talk. Every advertisement and store has ads about how to get a turkey, and you can't forget the beautiful and unique decorations provided.  

    What will my turkey intermission consist of? Well, I thought you would never ask. Let us start with the boring, nobody cares kind of activities. Besides eating all of the food, I will be doing homework like math and writing essays, and cleaning. Now that all of that is out of the way, it is time to bring on the fun! When college starts, your friends and or yourself may leave for their studies. In return, literally, they all and or yourself of course, might go home and that means the reuniting will begin! Even though not everyone will be back, some will, which leads to all of the hanging out and being with some of the best people. This means movie nights (which I can already check off the list), coffee shop visits, shopping adventures, Walmart strolls, and parking lot parties. Although that appears to be the best part of Thanksgiving break, another competes for the first place title. There...is...no...school. After nearly on semester in college, a break from classes is nothing but needed. 

     Wow...well, this break has been quite a wild one. It is now nearly the final day of the week, which is sad but also nice because it means I can go back to college, and finish up the semester in the next three weeks! Christmas break here I come! Lets see now, what have I ended up doing? 
    I started it off with shopping of course. At the mall I bought two shirts, and heels. Yes, me, a tall person bough heels, and I absolutely adore them! As mentioned above, the break started out with a bang! My friends and I, including a few who were away for college went to my friends dorm at Boise State and we had a movie night! We watched 22 Jump Street which was hilarious, and filled with many cringe like moments. Before we started the movie, we went on a car ride to pick people up which pretty much consisted of a lot of dancing and singing! 

    The next event included spending a great amount of time in Starbucks. By myself. I went there and wrote part of this blog post, another one, and planned out the next few months! After a while two of my best guy friends joined me, and before I knew it, we were off to shoot some videos! Here is a clip of what occurred that evening...

Finally, Monday had arrived. This was the day that I finally got to see another one of my best friends ever! A few of us met at her new home, then went to the best sandwich place I have ever been to, Firehouse Subs. After loitering there for quite some time, we moved on to loiter somewhere else...the village. Instead of sitting outside by the fountain and such, we sat inside a lounge area and showed off our crazy weirdness to anyone and everyone who walked by. At the end, I stopped it because important business type people were walking in...

 Later that evening, some of us went home, and myself and another sat wearing Christmas hats, reading random magazines, on the floor of Albertsons until two of our old pals back in town found us. The night continued to be interesting as we stood in the store talking about nothing really...except the amount of gift cards that were by us was quite astonishing. 

 We then made an executive decision to move out to...the parking lot. Where we stood in the cold for about an hour. I guess we didn't just stand there, at one point we walked to see where a subway moved to, and made a circle around the empty dark parking lot. And then...another wonderful decision was made. This time, we actually got in our cars and drove somewhere! Except...that somewhere was to Walmart.  When we got there, we looked through pretty much every CD and DVD they have in those cheep bins. 

 Then, after looking at boxes filled with mysterious things such as "movie night for two", another move was made..this time to a car where we talked for a little, then as someone had to leave, we moved to my car. We sat in my car, including a small quite trip to the candy isle in Walmart, till nearly 3 am... in other words, 3 hours. Honestly...I missed nights like these.

   The next few days I spent doing nothing but watching Netflix of course. One night however, a bunch of my friends went to see a movie, and I went to take pictures at the village, and after we met at McDonalds. After,we watched The Neighbors at someones home and some of us were off to say our goodbyes till Christmas. 

   Finally...it was Thanksgiving! I had some family members over for the day which was a blast! That evening...at midnight I should say was none other then the famous Black Friday. A few of my friends and I were off to the mall until 4 am. Oddly enough, I only bought one beanie. The rest of the morning, till 5 am was spent with my incredible friend and I talking in the car till it was time for our goodbyes for now. 

 On Black Friday, my mom and I also went and walked around some shops in town...but did not buy anything. However, the weather was incredible. It felt like spring and was so nice I wish it did not go away. 

   Saturday, I went and spent my last time with Erica until it was our goodbye time. We went to the usual Starbucks for hours which was so weird...it has been so long since we have done that. We then trekked on to the Village and bought some awesome face masks from Lush. The face mask by the way was pretty cool if I do say so myself. 

Finally, I spent my Sunday, my last day of break doing all of the homework I did not do over the week. Although it wasn't the most exciting day, I did however go to a restaurant I have been wanting to go to for who knows how long, The Counter Burger. Which was delicious by the way! 

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   Enough about me, how has your Intermission or Thanksgiving? If you do not celebrate Thanksgiving, then how was your week? Was it filled with school? friends? work? 

I am blessed to have this blog...and I love you all! Yes, you reading or even skimming this, you are the best! Much love, Ashley. 

The Village

   
   The Village vibe most definitely is not like a small town village feel as you may imagine. Swarms of people roll in and out to see a movie, eat, drink, or watch sports. Some may even come to socialize by the fire pits and heat lamps. You can't forget the main attraction that is the water light show. And...I guess you can't miss the shopping, but that tends to be more expensive so I usually do not partake in those activities as often. The village is the crazy busy hot spot that is Boise...well...until about 10:00 P.M hits. At that point, silence and peace rolls in. It turns into a place meant for sitting, chatting, relaxing, and listening to the music being played surround sound style. Sounds like paradise in a crazy middle sized city to me. 
       
    Now, Imagine it at Christmas time. It seems as if, nearly overnight, a tree, ice skating rink, and a fake gingerbread house appeared between the fountain and theater. The tree is coated with red, gold, silver, green, and purple bulbs. What I find a bit disappointing is the fact that they have a tree lighting way after its up. I mean tree lighting's are fun and all but I just want to see the tree all pretty and lit and lovely already...is that so hard to ask for? It is as if they declared it to be Christmas without the music and lit tree. Lame...but in their defense it is still November, and as I am writing this (4 days ago), Thanksgiving is two days away. They wait hand have a big event for one tree, and all the other trees in the area are living in white lights all year long. It is a beautiful sight though. Anyway, enough rambling on about it. IF you don't live in the area, here is a chance to see the...partially...Christmasafied so called village that is the Village at Meridian. 

                                     Is it just me or does this bear look evil?

The Beginning of a Winter Wonderland

     Last week, a winter storm covered Boise with 8 inches of snow. It turned a fall town filled with colored trees to the beginning of a winter wonderland. Of course, I took out my camera and went on a winter wonderland adventure. Venturing out into the fog and fresh powdered snow. A trip that left me frozen and may be a reason I feel a cold coming on. It was most definitely worth it. Its weird living in a wonderland meant for Christmas time magic, before Thanksgiving even occurred. However the oddness involved, I think this winter...may be the most magical, and a memorable one at that. I hope you enjoy some of the photos I have taken while exploring through a fancy neighborhood.

Sophie adores the snow!

It may be cold....but the vines think otherwise.

I thought it looked like a heart. 

I may have fell in love with this absolutely stunning tree.

I have always learned to be the person who stands out in a crowd, and being yourself is the best way to do that. Here, is fall leaves living beautifully in the midst of a winter wonderland they usually don't belong in.

Trash can's can be stylish too....