tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-726555570432956462024-03-13T13:27:14.221-04:00Musings from the Middle of NowhereChronicles of my (usually uneventful) life in rural MichiganAshleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14258272040135505480noreply@blogger.comBlogger230125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72655557043295646.post-60333183838510907582011-01-16T17:58:00.000-05:002011-01-16T17:58:34.307-05:00Wedding Blog!If you're still reading this blog, you deserve a medal. I've been horrible at keeping up with my blogging here... Instead, I've been blogging on a word document when I have downtime during teaching. I'll be sure to copy and paste some of those entries here eventually. As it turns out, Blogger isn't blocked at the school where I'm interning right now! YAY! But, I'm not sure blog entries are looked fondly upon by the tech department. BOO. Oh well...<br />
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Anyway, I've been working on a wedding blog! This is exciting to me for two reasons: a) I can have an audience (no matter now small) to listen to me talk about wedding stuff, and b) I'm desperately trying to be a blogger for <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/">Weddingbee</a> and having my own wedding blog is the first step!<br />
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So, check out what I've been working on. To keep with the same style as this blog, I've named it <a href="http://www.marriedinthemiddleofnowhere.blogspot.com/">Married in the Middle of Nowhere</a> (there's a link on the top of the right column). I've got the first few posts ready, but they won't be published until sometime next week. Let me know what you think! I love talking wedding :)<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" height="66" src="http://bankerbyday.webs.com/signature.png" width="200" />Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14258272040135505480noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72655557043295646.post-11132649598087513122010-12-21T17:36:00.001-05:002010-12-21T17:38:54.363-05:00I'm on BREAK!Well, it's been a whirlwind month (<i>ok - 23 days - but who's counting?</i>), but I've got SO MUCH accomplished! Our Big Day will be on:<br />
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Dress? Check! (Day 6)<br />
Reception Venue? Check! (Day 13)<br />
Caterer? Check! (Day 13)<br />
Photographer? Check! (Day 16)<br />
Bridesmaid Dresses? Pretty much decided on... about Day 2<br />
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Now that I'm on break from school and my other school I've got much more time on my hands! I plan on sharing allll of my fun finds and ideas and inspirations with you! But first, I have to warn Josh that he's not allowed to read my blog anymore for fear that he may stumble upon pictures of my dress (<i>which I will be posting in the near future).</i><br />
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Side Note: I'm thinking about switching over to Wordpress... any advice/comments/preferences? I've heard that it's a lot more user friendly, and I've got a little html coding knowledge tucked away, so I'm thinking it might be more my style. Plus, I'm anticipating uploading a lot of pictures soon, and I've heard their photo uploading software is SO much better than Blogger... Let me know what you think!<br />
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<i> 7 Months and 30 days to go! (EEEK!)</i> <br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" height="66" src="http://bankerbyday.webs.com/signature.png" width="200" />Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14258272040135505480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72655557043295646.post-39912157372581426592010-11-28T10:14:00.000-05:002010-11-28T10:14:19.562-05:00A new look for my blog... and my hand :)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TPJv31eGiGI/AAAAAAAABXQ/r__M2_zQOag/s1600/100_3245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TPJv31eGiGI/AAAAAAAABXQ/r__M2_zQOag/s320/100_3245.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Please excuse my looks... I had been crying happy tears :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">I'm planning on changing over to a more wedding-centric blog, and I'm planning on posting MUCH MUCH more (I know I've said it before, but I have so much to post about now!). </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">What a perfect Thanksgiving weekend, reminding me of everything I have to be thankful for! </div><br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" height="66" src="http://bankerbyday.webs.com/signature.png" width="200" />Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14258272040135505480noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72655557043295646.post-12892907037896671242010-09-27T20:41:00.000-04:002010-09-27T20:41:23.842-04:00Rock StarsMy mentor teacher's classroom revolves around the idea of "Rocking Out." Her rules are all about rock shows and how it applies to the classroom, and she has a Rock Star Wall of Fame which is littered with awesome things our students have done. I'd like to incorporate this into my blog in some way... and I'm drawing some inspiration from a teacher-friend who did something similar last year. She would blog daily about good things that happened to her throughout the school day. I love this idea as a way to reflect and also to share some of the amazing things my students are doing! (<i>Now, I doubt this will happen daily, but hopefully I can post more frequently about the good things that are happening in my classroom!)</i><br />
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Star 1: Friday, I taught my first original lesson from start to finish and it went well. Seriously, I was on an adrenaline high when I got done. With the exception of one kid who nodded off a few times, those kids were engaged with my lesson and participated more than I expected. I even got participation out of students I didn't expect! What an awesome feeling...<br />
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Star 2: Friday, one of my students came up with a sweet idea for a writing project, and she was genuinely excited about it. I loved seeing her so inspired to write!<br />
Star 3: One of my Emotionally Impaired students opened up to me Friday. Not only was she participating like crazy during my lesson, she also came up to me after class and told me about her exciting weekend plans. She's never spoken to me before, other than to grumble a greeting to me at the door, so this was a big step!<br />
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What was your Rock Star Moment of the Day?<br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" height="66" src="http://bankerbyday.webs.com/signature.png" width="200" />Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14258272040135505480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72655557043295646.post-84914858912245315392010-09-23T19:41:00.000-04:002010-09-23T19:41:38.740-04:00And it begins...I'm finishing up my 3rd week at my Teacher Assisting placement. Woah! How did that happen? Time flies.... and my blog suffers, unfortunately.<br />
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Can I just talk for 3 seconds about how much I freaking love school right now? Seriously. It's completely wearing me out (<i>I'm recovering from a nasty cold; damn kids and their germs</i>), I've got no free time, I wake up at 5 am, but I'm not being one drop sarcastic when I say that I love it. I absolutely adore what I'm doing and I've got no doubts that I made the right decision about leaving that horrid, horrid world of banking. (<i>Sorry... I just threw up in my mouth a little at the thought of going back. ughhhhh scary!) </i>Did you hear the part about getting up at 5am? Yeah. I never would have done that for my other job. I would have slept in as late as I could and rolled into work looking like hell with a scowl on my face. Now, I'm up, eating decent breakfasts, straightening my hair, and picking out cute clothes. It's happiness. It's changing my life. Looooove it.<br />
So, what's so fab about it? Well, let me explain:<br />
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<ul><li>Even though some of them are downright asshole-ish, most of my students are great kids. They're funny, motivated, honest (<i>which can be humbling at times)</i>, and so far, they've been really nice to me. Let's hope I'm singing the same tune after I present my very first original lesson plan tomorrow. (<i>It's about sentence combining using conjunctions and punctuation. Don't act like you're not jealous that you can't experience it... It's going to be mind-blowing. Ok, yeah that might be a little sarcasm creeping in there..)</i></li>
<li>The staff at my school is freaking hilarious. Never have I ever heard so many F-Bombs dropped at lunchtime, during some of the most inappropriate conversations a teacher's lounge has ever seen. And I had some pretty intense lunchtimes at the bank... The other teachers have been so welcoming and friendly. They're such fun people!</li>
<li>I absolutely love when kids ask me if they can go to the bathroom, go to their locker, etc, because they realize that I have the same authority in the class as the teacher. It's kind of a power trip... haha kidding. kind of. </li>
<li>Tomorrow is homecoming, and I'm chaperoning the dance. I'm helping out with advising Student Council this year and it's been so much fun so far. For Spirit Week, they did a limbo contest at lunch Wednesday. I was in charge of recruiting people to come out to the lobby and participate. And guess what? There were a TON of kids there, either participating or watching. More kids than they had the previous day, and more than they had today. I'd like to think it was because I personally went to each table and called students out by name and told them they needed to participate. I could be totally off, but this is my blog so we're going to go with that...</li>
</ul>So, even though I'm bogged down with homework and no longer have time for my precious little bloggy, I'm a very happy teacher... Hopefully I'll have more time to share about what the coming year brings, but don't hold your breath!!<br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" height="66" src="http://bankerbyday.webs.com/signature.png" width="200" />Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14258272040135505480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72655557043295646.post-7944905788179826662010-09-17T11:33:00.035-04:002010-09-23T19:47:53.795-04:00Goin' to the Chapel... But first, we party!<i>Note: I thought I published this last week, but apparently it just saved. Bummer... Anyways, the wedding was Saturday and it was beautiful! I'll share pictures of that later. For now, enjoy bachelorette party pics!</i> <br />
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My bestest friend Erin is getting married tomorrow! We've known each other since we were three years old. Last month, we had a bachelorette party at <a href="http://www.stationsquare.com/">Station Square</a> in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, complete with vodka, a limo, and a mechanical bull. What more could a bunch of girls ask for!?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful bride before the partay started!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenna and I, two of the bridesmaids!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me with the <strike>Matron</strike> Maid of Honor (<a href="http://amsterwill83.wordpress.com/">this amazing chef</a>) and another bridesmaid. (we were a few drinks in. no judgment)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bride riding the mechanical bull! She was pretty good, too : )</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stage dancing at <a href="http://barroompgh.com/">Barroom</a>! Tons of fun, and only one fall-off (no, it wasn't me!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Late night/Early morning lounging on the patio at the last stop. They had a grill on the patio where you can get a meal at the end of the night. Amazing idea!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This was SUCH a fun time and I'm super excited for the wedding this weekend!!</div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TI-YE2C5bCI/AAAAAAAABME/G5rTQvVezSk/s1600/102_3031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" height="66" src="http://bankerbyday.webs.com/signature.png" width="200" />Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14258272040135505480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72655557043295646.post-20284697967754865252010-09-15T11:09:00.000-04:002010-09-15T11:09:00.350-04:00Sidewalk Sales!While Josh and I were in Holland, there were sidewalk sales going on! Downtown Holland has some amazing little stores, so I was thrilled at the opportunity to buy stuff on sale : )<br />
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The first place we went was the <a href="http://holland.org/locations/127-holland-peanut-store">Peanut Store</a>, which was a delicious place to start! It has bins of candy throughout the entire store, along with salt-water taffy, roasted nuts, and homemade fudge! We picked up a pound of taffy for Josh's parents because they watched Diesel for us : )<br />
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Our next stop was for dinner, and we chose to eat at <a href="http://www.butchs.net/">Butch's</a>. They had an amazing wine selection (<i>one of my favorites from Traverse City!!)</i> and delicious food! Of course, I forgot to take pictures... <br />
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We tasted more than just wines while we were in Holland. We also tasted balsamic vinegar and olive oil! <a href="http://www.fustinis.com/">Fustini's</a> is a store that doubles as a tasting room for their oils and vinegar. I never knew that there were so many flavors so it was a lot of fun trying and tasting everything... that is, it was a bunch of fun until Josh spilled some vinegar all over the floor! It was pretty funny... but we left quickly after that.<br />
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This is just a SMALL sample of all of the amazing stores around Holland. I'm thinking this would be the perfect place to buy Christmas presents ; )<br />
<a href="http://bankerbyday.webs.com/signature.png" imageanchor="1"><img alt="post signature" border="0" class="centered" height="65" src="http://bankerbyday.webs.com/signature.png" width="200" /></a>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14258272040135505480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72655557043295646.post-80528481691975188242010-09-14T11:09:00.000-04:002010-09-14T11:09:18.514-04:00Mini In-state VacayThe day after I finished my summer classes, Josh and I headed off for a little over night trip to Holland, MI. Neither one of us had been there before, and there are lots of touristy things to do, as you can see. It was HOTTT outside but beautiful and I had a lot of fun... I think Josh did, too.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first touristy stop was <a href="http://www.windmillisland.org/">Windmill Island Gardens</a>, which has, well, a lot of gardens and a windmill. Surprising, huh? </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table>The windmill is completely legit and came over from the Netherlands to be rebuilt in Michigan. They actually still use it to grind flour, and we were given a tour (<i>a very, very hot tour in an old windmill with no air flow) </i>to see how the grinding is done.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TI-IXEpoiCI/AAAAAAAABLM/_qmJ3qKRG04/s1600/102_3051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TI-IXEpoiCI/AAAAAAAABLM/_qmJ3qKRG04/s320/102_3051.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a view from the deck of the windmill. The white tent you see is where they have wedding receptions. The gardens are absolutely gorgeous in spring when the tulips are blooming! I'll actually be attending a wedding here next Memorial Day : )</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's a replica of a dutch village on the island, too. Inside are little shops, exhibits of Dutch clothing and historical items, and the bridal room for weddings.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The windmill is over 7 stories tall! This was taken from the deck of the windmill - the same place where I took the picture of the entire island.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TI-HT3KB57I/AAAAAAAABKc/GEUSIEO2bRs/s1600/102_3052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>After leaving the gardens, Josh and I stopped for lunch at <a href="http://www.newhollandbrew.com/">New Holland Brewery</a> I had the baked potato pizza and Josh had a Caesar salad.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmmm delicious! It had goat cheese which I adore.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummy microbrews - So refreshing after being out in the hot sun!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I found a tasting room for a local winery in downtown Holland, and Josh humored me by tasting a few wines. Surprisingly, he actually liked some, and we ended up buying 3 bottles! We purchased <a href="http://www.warnerwines.com/">Warner Vineyard's</a> <a href="http://www.warnerwines.com/white_wines.php">Traminette </a>(<i>similar to a gewurztraminer</i>), <a href="http://www.warnerwines.com/red_wines.php">Sangria</a> (<i>always a favorite), </i>and <a href="http://www.warnerwines.com/sparkling_dessert_wines.php">Blueberry Wine</a> (<i>mmmm tasty). </i>After our little buzz wore off, we headed for <a href="http://www.dutchvillage.com/">Dutch Village</a>, which is a small theme park set up as if it were a village in the Netherlands. It was kind of cheesy, but we went all-in and acted like tourists!<span id="goog_1404756667"></span><span id="goog_1404756668"></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Josh got weighed to make sure he wasn't a witch/wizard. Luckily he wasn't! He even got a certificate to prove it : )</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TI-HNg5gsaI/AAAAAAAABKM/RZOxxedP274/s1600/102_3057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TI-HQZMFBUI/AAAAAAAABKU/04NyycLmA4s/s1600/102_3059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TI-HQZMFBUI/AAAAAAAABKU/04NyycLmA4s/s320/102_3059.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not a witch!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TI-HFoPZ0ZI/AAAAAAAABJs/D-iJxRzQ5WU/s1600/102_3066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TI-HFoPZ0ZI/AAAAAAAABJs/D-iJxRzQ5WU/s320/102_3066.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They did a demonstration of how to make wooden shoes by hand...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TI-HHfAWYXI/AAAAAAAABJ0/w1Ad7wsHhVk/s1600/102_3067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TI-HHfAWYXI/AAAAAAAABJ0/w1Ad7wsHhVk/s320/102_3067.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But this is the machinery they use to make the wooden shoes sold at Dutch Village.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TI-G9u-QnqI/AAAAAAAABJc/oZUuqROrtgY/s1600/102_3071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TI-G9u-QnqI/AAAAAAAABJc/oZUuqROrtgY/s320/102_3071.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I never realized the shoes could be so beautiful! I actually tried a pair on and they are surprisingly comfortable! A little clunky and hard to walk in, but kind of cool.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TI-HDVw5giI/AAAAAAAABJk/l0H2I7heyg8/s1600/102_3070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TI-HDVw5giI/AAAAAAAABJk/l0H2I7heyg8/s320/102_3070.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Josh tried on a pair, too!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They had huuuuuuge street organs (this is one of the small ones) that were still working! Josh is doing a great job as Vanna : )</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TI-HJ_9CGyI/AAAAAAAABJ8/rckadfVKshA/s1600/102_3064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TI-HJ_9CGyI/AAAAAAAABJ8/rckadfVKshA/s320/102_3064.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see the large street organ in the background here. Every hour they have demonstrations of traditional Dutch dances, wearing clothing similar to the period. I think 3 wooden shoes flew off the feet of the dancers as they were dancing! These girls can really kick their feet...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TI-HL3Zz9iI/AAAAAAAABKE/CWON0bzw5R0/s1600/102_3062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TI-HL3Zz9iI/AAAAAAAABKE/CWON0bzw5R0/s320/102_3062.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There also was a petting zoo... and Josh scooped up this sweet little baby bunny. It was for sale, but he said we couldn't have it : (</td></tr>
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<i> </i>I'll have to do a separate post on all of the amazing stores in downtown Holland... there are just too many to talk about in one post! <i> </i><br />
<a href="http://bankerbyday.webs.com/signature.png" imageanchor="1"><img alt="post signature" border="0" class="centered" height="66" src="http://bankerbyday.webs.com/signature.png" width="200" /></a>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14258272040135505480noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72655557043295646.post-60929835578970641672010-09-12T19:52:00.000-04:002010-09-12T19:52:09.264-04:00Wow...So... yeah. It's been awhile. I've heard from many readers (or like 3) that I need to post more. And I honestly wish I could because I have about 498 posts going on in my head, and nowhere to put them! Here's just a random sampling of what's going on in my noggin...<br />
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<ul><li>I started my teacher assisting (24+ hours each week of being in a real live high school classroom) plus 3 graduate classes plus a seminar, so needless to say, I'm a busy girl! I'm hoping to post a bunch more on Tuesday because I have a morning off from classes and teaching. I have a feeling I'll come to treasure those Tuesday mornings!</li>
<li>Josh and I took a trip to Holland, MI and I have some hilarious pics to share... </li>
<li>There's a rumor that a Verizon tower is being built really super close to my house... YAY!! That might mean that I can actually have decent speed of internet at my house for a decent price! I am beyond excited about it.</li>
<li>My bestest friend is getting married next weekend... crazy!</li>
<li>College football season is upon us, and that means Pick 4 every weekend! I came THISCLOSE to winning the first weekend, but I lost and I'll explain that later.</li>
<li>My other bestest friend has a super amazing new boyfriend and I couldn't be more excited for her! Plus, he and Josh get along rather well (they bonded over a game of beer pong) so that's always a plus.</li>
<li>I've become obsessed with watching reruns of Grey's Anatomy on Lifetime and Ally McBeal on Reelz... and WOAH I never knew Robert Downey Jr. was such a hottie!</li>
<li>The first novel I'm/we're teaching is The Lord of the Rings. Which I've never read. And I have no interest in reading. Teacher fail.</li>
</ul><br />
Student Quote of the Week: (<i>in response to my purple suede pumps) </i>"Ms. Leak, are you going to wear fabulous shoes every day?" It kind of pretty much made my day.<br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" height="66" src="http://bankerbyday.webs.com/signature.png" width="200" />Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14258272040135505480noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72655557043295646.post-83506509525403950872010-08-29T07:34:00.002-04:002010-08-29T07:34:00.536-04:00The Redneck Days of Summer: Part 6This post will wrap up my recaps of the Fair. (<i>Was that cheering I heard?? No... couldn't be!)</i><br />
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Like I mentioned before, I spend as much time at the Fair as possible. I didn't take pictures everyday, and so I'm really only scratching the surface of all the things that the Fair has to offer. A new development at the Fair is Antique Village, which my grandpa and grandma help out with many times during the week. There are exhibits with antiques (<i>duh)</i> and old pictures from my hometown and surrounding areas. I find it fascinating, and for the last 5 or so years, I've actually learned a lot about this area. I've even felt a little old as my grandpa brings in antiques that I distinctly remember playing with or seeing him use on the farm when I was younger. I really had no idea how old some of his things are!<br />
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Now, since I'm there so frequently, I often don't play the "tourist" part; I prefer just walking around and seeing people I haven't seen since the previous year's fair. This year, Jenna joined Josh, my sister, and I and we had a lot of fun being kind of touristy (<i>read: dorky)</i> as we took in the Fair on the last night.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/THaLl7UgsGI/AAAAAAAABIA/S8mMwNLZB9M/s1600/Fair+week+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/THaLl7UgsGI/AAAAAAAABIA/S8mMwNLZB9M/s320/Fair+week+1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bingo! Jenna's grandma got us hooked on bingo the second we turned 18. At the fair, it's a whopping $.50 a card to play!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lindsey (my sister) was SUPER excited to play! (<i>Sorry Linds, I had to!)</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/THaLoy1DKVI/AAAAAAAABIQ/pKjRTfTO4yE/s1600/fair+week+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/THaLoy1DKVI/AAAAAAAABIQ/pKjRTfTO4yE/s320/fair+week+3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenna Bingo'd twice, and I didn't win anything, hence the sadface.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/THaLqRB9nJI/AAAAAAAABIY/miesLbgPF2I/s1600/fair+week+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/THaLqRB9nJI/AAAAAAAABIY/miesLbgPF2I/s320/fair+week+4.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Posing in front of the Corn Dog stand... with a creeper in the background. Honestly, my sister isn't always making that face... </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/THaLubRVZ_I/AAAAAAAABIo/KrPq1w0XR3w/s1600/fair+week+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/THaLubRVZ_I/AAAAAAAABIo/KrPq1w0XR3w/s320/fair+week+5.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best Fair game in the world. Seriously. Put a quarter down on a square that is painted to look like a specific type of candy. Lindsey picked Hershey Kisses and I think Jenna picked Cotton Candy (?).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/THaLwB88-KI/AAAAAAAABIw/-ImBlCYypKM/s1600/fair+week+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/THaLwB88-KI/AAAAAAAABIw/-ImBlCYypKM/s320/fair+week+6.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then, a ball gets thrown onto this table, and if it lands on the candy that corresponds to where you put your quarter, you win any candy of your choice! Lots of fun, and a cheap way to entertain yourself. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/THaLxTRYwiI/AAAAAAAABI4/y8r1YjKMPpw/s1600/fair+week+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/THaLxTRYwiI/AAAAAAAABI4/y8r1YjKMPpw/s320/fair+week+7.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The obligatory picture in front of the Ferris Wheel to bring our time at the Fair to a close. This year we were all enamored with the Ferris Wheel because the lights were replaced with LED lights and were super bright and pretty... it doesn't take much to entertain us!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I hope you enjoyed my recaps of Fair Week! I had a lot of fun, like every year, and I'm looking forward to next summer!<br />
<i> </i><img alt="post signature" class="centered" height="66" src="http://bankerbyday.webs.com/signature.png" width="200" />Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14258272040135505480noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72655557043295646.post-31261866368884900792010-08-28T08:14:00.000-04:002010-08-28T08:14:00.483-04:00The Redneck Days of Summer: Part 5This is what many people consider the best part of the Fair: The FOOD!<br />
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<b>Disclaimer: If looking at lots of greasy, deep fried food makes you queasy, you may want to skip this post : )</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/THaGK0GmO2I/AAAAAAAABH4/LrYQ994FqN8/s1600/102_2986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/THaGK0GmO2I/AAAAAAAABH4/LrYQ994FqN8/s320/102_2986.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favorites is the bloomin' onion. Now, you can get these at some chain restaurants, but nothing beats the one at the Fair, split with your 3 favorite people. There's just something about the smell and feel of grease running down your fingers that just makes you feel at place at the Fair. (<i>That sounds really gross as I reread it. But it's true. Don't judge)</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i> </i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/THaF9_eC2mI/AAAAAAAABHw/06DpDYkPDaM/s1600/102_2987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/THaF9_eC2mI/AAAAAAAABHw/06DpDYkPDaM/s320/102_2987.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now, I'm not a fan of corndogs, but Jenna is. This was her, and many other people's, must-have dinner at the fair.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/THaF1QnNxnI/AAAAAAAABHo/btNnj8Z_VNY/s1600/102_2989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/THaF1QnNxnI/AAAAAAAABHo/btNnj8Z_VNY/s320/102_2989.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Josh's food of choice is Old Tex barbecue. They cook it in a huge iron roaster and the smell is amazing! He loves the chopped pork sandwich, topped with their spicy barbecue sauce and lots of jalapeno peppers and pickles! I admit, I've become a huge fan of this place too, thanks to Josh.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/THaFf0LZSZI/AAAAAAAABHY/dkKMyBLCqpk/s1600/102_2991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/THaFf0LZSZI/AAAAAAAABHY/dkKMyBLCqpk/s320/102_2991.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The classic funnel cake. Even after years and years of going to the fair, my first funnel cake was actually just 3 years ago (<i>it was my <b>first </b>first date with Josh, which I'll explain later, if you want to know what that's all about). </i>These are SO much better than elephant ears. They're like fresh fried donut batter all tangled together. DELICIOUS! I think we split this one between 4 people. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/THaFrWr4EpI/AAAAAAAABHg/1Qg2L0JQutc/s1600/102_2994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/THaFrWr4EpI/AAAAAAAABHg/1Qg2L0JQutc/s320/102_2994.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the new vendors at the fair had fresh fried potato chips on a stick. They were really good and had a lot of different seasonings to pick from. Jenna is modeling hers, fresh from the beaches of Lake Michigan!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table>I didn't take pictures of everything we ate, and believe me, there was much more. An absolute must is Frazee French Fries. They are amazing, and I really can't even begin to explain why. There's just something about them that are so delicious, especially with a little malt vinegar on top. They are my Fair tradition, and have been since I was young.<br />
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There is also a gyro wagon with possibly the best gyros I've ever had. This guy is authentic Greek, and speaks very broken English. He also takes his time making the gyros, regardless of the size of the line of people outside his wagon. At any time, there is at least a 30 minute wait for his food, and believe me, the wait is definitely worth it!<br />
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What's your favorite fair food?<br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" height="66" src="http://bankerbyday.webs.com/signature.png" width="200" />Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14258272040135505480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72655557043295646.post-78881292540445492702010-08-27T08:37:00.000-04:002010-08-27T08:37:00.263-04:00The Redneck Days of Summer: Part 4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">How are you liking my recaps of the Redneck side of my town? Hopefully you're enjoying it because there are 3 posts left! Today I bring you the cutest parts, seriously. This is a huge contrast from our friend with the lovely cartoon cows on his shirt. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4h"> 4-H</a> is a major part of the fair. When I was in 4-H, there was hardly room enough for all of the animals, food, and crafts that us kids made. Sadly, participation is dwindling, so this year saw a decline in the number of 4-H entries. To this day, my favorite part of the fair is watching the kids show their animals. Showing animals is so much more than just walking them around in a circle or putting them on a table for judges to look at; there are specific rules and procedures that need to be followed to the utmost perfection in order to be a good showman (showperson?). I used to show dairy cattle, and it was a big deal. Not only did my cow need to be cleaned and gleaming, I needed to know her lineage, anatomy, and other important facts about her production (most of this can be BSed and the judges don't know, but that's just not the way I roll!). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now, if you've never been in Michigan in July, let me tell you it is HOT! Shorts are not allowed in the show ring, and neither are sandals. It's long pants and boots! Not only is it extremely hot for the showman, but it's also hot for the cow. And sometimes they get a little stubborn... or wild. My very first year included being dragged in the dirt by a cow that just had no interest in being shown. Since I was all of 9 years old, I just cried and let her drag me. BUT - the next year I came back and scored 1st place in my division!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Although 4-H showing starts at age 9, they do a PeeWee show for kids under 9. This year it took place outside on the walkway in front of the barns, and Josh's 2 younger cousins showed their calves. Now, this is what I'm talking about when I say it's the CUTEST part of the fair! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First they walk them in a circle around the judges. Five of Josh's cousins are actually in this picture, all of the people except the girl on the left side. The boy in yellow and the girl in red behind the calf are the showmen and are being helped by the group leader (in black) and their mom (in pink). </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After walking around the judges, the judges pull the calves in and line them up according to placing. In this case, everyone is a winner, so the calves are just lined up. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/THZ-I--AhQI/AAAAAAAABHQ/H5QezY6bp8M/s1600/102_2968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/THZ-I--AhQI/AAAAAAAABHQ/H5QezY6bp8M/s320/102_2968.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't you just love his boots! I don't know who is cuter - the calf or the kid! His calf is all of 10 days old in this picture, and he's handling it all by himself. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/THZ94X2IhLI/AAAAAAAABHI/ohyE9i0P7NE/s1600/102_2973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/THZ94X2IhLI/AAAAAAAABHI/ohyE9i0P7NE/s320/102_2973.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everyone gets a big pretty ribbon! Her calf is about 2 weeks old I think... The calf was being pretty stubborn and didn't want to walk, but once ribbons were handed out, Josh's cousin was all smiles!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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As you can see, some parts of the fair are down right adorable! The fair is about so much more than rides, food, and carnies!<br />
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<a href="http://bankerbyday.webs.com/signature.png" imageanchor="1"><img alt="post signature" border="0" class="centered" height="66" src="http://bankerbyday.webs.com/signature.png" width="200" /></a>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14258272040135505480noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72655557043295646.post-76226572759254498862010-08-26T10:04:00.002-04:002010-08-26T11:10:33.613-04:00The Redneck Days of Summer: Part 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">So, what else is at the fair besides crashing combines and inappropriate shirts? Well... A lot! Josh and I went to the tractor pulls, which I had never been to. It was HOT outside, and the pulls are LOUD! So loud that they sell earplugs so people don't damage their hearing.</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/THQHi0PcxsI/AAAAAAAABE8/R9g8dH_MU_Q/s1600/102_2937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/THQHi0PcxsI/AAAAAAAABE8/R9g8dH_MU_Q/s320/102_2937.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is actually an antique tractor, probably from the 1950's. I loved the antique tractor pulls. There were quite a few models that my grandpa once owned, so it was a little bit of nostalgia.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/THQB2VGQ0HI/AAAAAAAABDE/M5B6hNnq124/s1600/102_2984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/THQB2VGQ0HI/AAAAAAAABDE/M5B6hNnq124/s320/102_2984.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Definitely not an antique! This one was SO loud and, as you can kind of see, produced TONS of smoke.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/THQD7ekznlI/AAAAAAAABDo/NhOqMi3H-EU/s1600/102_2982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/THQD7ekznlI/AAAAAAAABDo/NhOqMi3H-EU/s320/102_2982.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All of the trucks had tons of smoke and soot coming from the stacks. You can't really see, but the trucks and tractors were painted really nicely with different graphics and stuff. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These tractors FLY down the track!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/THQFKrzZHkI/AAAAAAAABEM/XnwxOOsbuZU/s1600/102_2979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/THQFKrzZHkI/AAAAAAAABEM/XnwxOOsbuZU/s320/102_2979.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ok, just keepin' it real, once again. It was HOT outside, and after a few beers, I was definitely not looking the greatest. Oh, and I've taken care of that mess of dark roots already. yuck.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">This was the first time I've attended tractor pulls, but I'm sure it won't be the last. Josh absolutely loves them, and it's kind of fun to watch how fast these huge machines can go when they're hauling tons of weight behind them. </div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Coming up next: the cutest parts of the fair, and the best tasting parts of the fair :) Stay tuned! </div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="post signature" class="centered" height="66" src="http://bankerbyday.webs.com/signature.png" width="200" /></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14258272040135505480noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72655557043295646.post-20341889997305919712010-08-25T10:33:00.000-04:002010-08-25T10:33:00.164-04:00Redneck Days of Summer: Part 2Yesterday I promised you the best part of the Combine Derby: The people. Specifically, one man who was sitting in front of us provided us with much entertainment.<br />
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</tbody></table>When I first saw him, I noticed the cows on his shirt, but didn't think much of it. People in this area, especially at the Fair, wear cows on their clothing sometimes. It's not really that odd of a sighting, sadly. However, upon further examination, I realized exactly what was on his shirt. Let's zoom in a little, shall we?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/THPZNH7Vs0I/AAAAAAAABB4/sNkVnXo5s0s/s1600/102_2931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/THPZNH7Vs0I/AAAAAAAABB4/sNkVnXo5s0s/s320/102_2931.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Yes folks, that is the Kama Sutra, illustrated by cows. Only at the Fair... </div><br />
But how 'bout those suspenders??<br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" height="66" src="http://bankerbyday.webs.com/signature.png" width="200" />Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14258272040135505480noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72655557043295646.post-13969663468624155852010-08-24T10:33:00.000-04:002010-08-24T10:33:00.925-04:00Redneck Days of Summer: Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
Mid-July in Mid-Michigan can only mean one thing: The Fair. People know my hometown for two reasons: The Fair and Prisons (more about the prisons later...). When I was younger, my summer revolved around the fair. I spent weeks perfecting my crafts to exhibit, went to countless meetings where I learned how to bake and cook and serve food, and worked with my dairy cows for the 4-H show (yes, I used to show Jersey cows... I've got pictures but I haven't taken the time to scan them in yet. Some other time). I lived at the fair for 10 days, but rarely spent time on the midway riding rides and eating horrible *cough*delicious*cough* fried food. Fair week usually involved some sort of "Fair Fling," or a boy that I sought out to pretty much be in love with for a week. In short, I love the fair.<br />
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Fair week always brings out the "best" in my town and surrounding areas. This year, I embraced exactly how redneck the fair can be, just so I could share it with all of you. Some of you already know and love/hate the fair (people either love it or hate it, most of them hate it), but I doubt you saw the sites I saw this year.<br />
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And so, I bring to you, The Fair AKA The Best 10 Redneck Days of Summer<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a combine. It's used to shell corn that is grown in the fields. Or, at the Fair, it's put in a Demolition Derby.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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If you don't know what a Demolition Derby is, check out <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demolition_derby">Wikipedia's definition</a>. In this case, combines are used instead of cars, and the last one running wins. This was the first year that the Fair had a combine derby, so it drew in LOTS of people. Seriously more people than I've EVER seen in the stands in the 25 years I've been going to the fair. (Although the Nelly concert in 2001 may have drawn more people... I wasn't there.)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This combine was my favorite! It was decorated like a cow, and driven by a kid I used to be in 4-H with. He won People's Choice!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The combines are crashing into each other... it's really a lot more fun than it looks. These things are massive!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All of the combines lined up for the crowd</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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And the best part of the derby was the people... But I'm saving one priceless picture for tomorrow. Does your hometown have any strange but wonderful traditions that nobody understands but you just adore?<br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" height="66" src="http://bankerbyday.webs.com/signature.png" width="200" />Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14258272040135505480noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72655557043295646.post-42794397223507585232010-08-18T11:26:00.000-04:002010-08-18T11:26:09.274-04:00Oh Blogosphere......how I've missed you!<br />
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I'll admit, I didn't jump right on Blogger the minute I finished my last final exam (final final?) of the summer. I was overwhelmed with the sheer amount of things I wanted to blog about. My solution? Just don't blog yet. Make sense? Absolutely not. Blogging fail.<br />
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Anyways, I've decided to put on my big girl panties and just get started with it! So on with the show...er, blogs!<br />
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I'm just going to do a few posts to recap what happened in July: We bought a camper, which I posted about but never showed a pic. Well, here it is in all its glory! The perfect size for two people and a dog (who, coincidentally, thinks he's a person).<br />
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We learned the hard way that all of the supports need to be in place before we test the strength of the bed... yeah. We almost ended up on the ground. Oops! One metal bar makes a world of difference!<br />
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We also had a wedding in July at the fabulous <a href="http://www.soaringeaglecasino.com/">Soaring Eagle Casino Resort</a>. Josh's cousin Tony married the lovely Juliane and they threw a fabulous party! Josh's parents got a hotel room for Josh, me, his sister Ashley, and her boyfriend, Jason. Here are just a few pics from that night!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you like that necklace, I know where you can find it :) </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The four of us on a search for ice cream after the reception wrapped up (or maybe that was just me...)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TGv5uvQgB9I/AAAAAAAAA_4/nJVx6zGBYZo/s1600/102_2899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TGv5uvQgB9I/AAAAAAAAA_4/nJVx6zGBYZo/s320/102_2899.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ashley and Jason (who just celebrated their 1 year dating anniversary Sunday :) )</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TGv5x-xDQVI/AAAAAAAABAI/C8cGegGkrm0/s1600/102_2920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TGv5x-xDQVI/AAAAAAAABAI/C8cGegGkrm0/s320/102_2920.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Open bar with beer and wine = these ridiculous pictures</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TGv5xBGs58I/AAAAAAAABAE/G_fZCdy3Uz8/s1600/102_2919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TGv5xBGs58I/AAAAAAAABAE/G_fZCdy3Uz8/s320/102_2919.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hahahaha I just love him</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TGv5wv3uQNI/AAAAAAAABAA/S4_3bCJ9bwg/s1600/102_2908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TGv5wv3uQNI/AAAAAAAABAA/S4_3bCJ9bwg/s320/102_2908.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They weren't clearing away my empty glasses... I think it was on purpose </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TGv5vdHAUJI/AAAAAAAAA_8/YFFOV7sE_GQ/s1600/102_2906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TGv5vdHAUJI/AAAAAAAAA_8/YFFOV7sE_GQ/s320/102_2906.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah I just couldn't resist</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;">Stay tuned for the Best 10 Redneck Days of Summer...You won't want to miss it!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="post signature" border="0" class="centered" height="66" src="http://bankerbyday.webs.com/signature.png" width="200" /></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14258272040135505480noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72655557043295646.post-54608357712375662982010-07-10T11:40:00.000-04:002010-07-10T11:40:23.582-04:00Please Forgive Me...... for my lack of posting lately.<br />
<br />
I mentioned it last week, but WOW, I'm really having a hard time balancing 3 summer grad classes with everything else going on in my life, and unfortunately, my blog has fallen to the back burner. It sucks because I have like a bazillion things I want to share with you, but I just don't have the time. I have a feeling it's only going to get better when a) my professors allow me to blog in class, b) Verizon decides that yes, in fact, I am important enough for them to build/fix a tower that will allow me wireless internet access, c) my body stops requiring sleep, or d) I quit school and spend all of my time blogging (<i>probably the most feasible option, but nonetheless, not going to happen</i>).<br />
<br />
<br />
But!! I do have a few pics from our Cedar Point trip a few weeks ago:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TDiPmCYhj4I/AAAAAAAAA9Q/mHu_sF6f6jA/s1600/102_2872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TDiPmCYhj4I/AAAAAAAAA9Q/mHu_sF6f6jA/s320/102_2872.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The view from our hotel's parking lot. Staying in the park was the best idea ever - I got semi-dehydrated at one point and it was awesome to go back and rest for a little bit in the air conditioned bliss of the hotel room. Plus, um, roller coaster fun when you look out the window? Yes, please!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TDiPuM4_YsI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/SCFV4LeyKHs/s1600/102_2873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TDiPuM4_YsI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/SCFV4LeyKHs/s320/102_2873.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I took more pictures of the hotel than anything else... I was sort of in love. This is the rotunda in the hotel and it reminded me of having tea in the 1920's or something... not that I've ever done it, but if I had, this is what it would be like</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TDiP5vqZ9xI/AAAAAAAAA9g/GpCKcIRRsIc/s1600/102_2875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TDiP5vqZ9xI/AAAAAAAAA9g/GpCKcIRRsIc/s320/102_2875.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Perfection in the rotunda... so bright and cheerful!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TDiQFSBlU_I/AAAAAAAAA9o/ai-AbFrwTh8/s1600/102_2880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TDiQFSBlU_I/AAAAAAAAA9o/ai-AbFrwTh8/s320/102_2880.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Outside of the hotel</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TDiQ6Gt1MxI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/2QnwZarrgM8/s1600/102_2886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TDiQ6Gt1MxI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/2QnwZarrgM8/s320/102_2886.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">History of the hotel.... Yeah, I told you I was sort of obsessed. For whatever reason, I was wayyy into the history of Cedar Point this visit. The hotel has a really interesting background - it's been around longer than the park, which is like close to 100 years old. The hotel used to house soldiers when they were in training and it has a really authentic feel to it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TDiQX7PfM8I/AAAAAAAAA94/8QF9Ywn1rYw/s1600/102_2876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TDiQX7PfM8I/AAAAAAAAA94/8QF9Ywn1rYw/s320/102_2876.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yikes. Because I'm keepin' it real over here, I couldn't leave out this horrible pic of me with no makeup and flat hair : )</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TDiStVLbJRI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/ri_FIpEHK6c/s1600/102_2871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TDiStVLbJRI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/ri_FIpEHK6c/s320/102_2871.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Also because I'm keepin' it real, I had to show the nasty bruise (the next day!) from riding the new Maverick roller coaster. I rarely get bruises, so when I do, you know that I got roughed up! Yes, those are my sorry excuses for biceps (<i>just for the record, I'm not flexing. Although I'm sure that's obvious).</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TDiQraYFBEI/AAAAAAAAA-I/odE0vBInk3k/s1600/102_2888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TDiQraYFBEI/AAAAAAAAA-I/odE0vBInk3k/s320/102_2888.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">On the way home, we stopped at Cabella's in Dundee, Michigan because it's like a heaven for hunters or anyone who likes to do anything outside. They have these huge bears in front of the place, so we couldn't resist a photo op! (<i>Well, I couldn't resist... Josh had to be prodded a little bit)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I actually don't have any pictures of our camper or our 4th of July weekend, although I realllllly want to blog about it, and probably will have a post out soon (<i>whatever 'soon' means...</i>)<i> </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">For those of you who I regularly read/comment on - I'm not ignoring you, I promise! I'm still reading (<i>usually during class, very quietly)</i> but I just can't comment while I'm in class and feel a little silly commenting on posts from days ago... but I'm still reading! I haven't left you!!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Miss you all : ) </div><br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" height="66" src="http://bankerbyday.webs.com/signature.png" width="200" />Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14258272040135505480noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72655557043295646.post-12073726526566131172010-06-30T11:25:00.000-04:002010-06-30T11:25:44.090-04:00Popping in......to say just a few things:<br />
<br />
1: I have SEVERELY less free time on my hands than I expected I would when I quit my job. I haven't been able to sleep in, blog, or do anything other than school and homey-stuff yet this week. Oh well... it will get better. I have absolutely nothing planned for Friday except hanging out with Jenna!!<br />
<br />
2: Josh and I bought a camper last night. A family friend had a small pop-up for sale, and everything just kind of fell into our laps. It was the right size for Josh's truck, the right price, and was immaculately clean. We picked it up last night and will be packing it up for camping this weekend with Josh's entire extended family. So much fun!<br />
<br />
3: On the way to pick up said camper, there was a pig in the middle of the road. A. Freaking. Pig. Although I live in the middle of nowhere, it's not some backwoods mountain town where people let their animals roam free on the dirt roads and drink moonshine on their porch. Farm animals, while not an uncommon site, are usually kept in fields or pens with fences. I couldn't believe it. A pig was running around in the road, and really seemed upset that I would have the gall to drive down the road where it was playing. It begrudgingly stepped off to the side and allowed me to pass, but I swear it gave me the stink-eye as I went by.<br />
<br />
You just never know what life is going to throw in front of you on any given day...<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" height="66" src="http://bankerbyday.webs.com/signature.png" width="200" />Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14258272040135505480noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72655557043295646.post-33870320103965417302010-06-26T13:26:00.001-04:002010-06-26T13:26:00.340-04:00Get to the PointToday I'm in Sandusky, Ohio, enjoying some quality relaxation time with Josh's family. His parents, being the extremely generous people that they are, took Josh and I along with Josh's sister and her boyfriend, to Cedar Point for the weekend. We are staying for 2 nights, last night and tonight. It's a 4 hour drive from home, so it's so nice to have a hotel for both nights. I've only ever visited when we either get up really early and visit the park all day and then stay the night and drive home, or leave home during the middle of the day and stay the night and then go to the park the next day. I'm sure that having both nights in Sandusky will be a welcome, relaxing mini-vacation. <br />
<br />
Here are a few of my favorite rides at Cedar Point: (click the links for more pics and info)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TCToS5qZnAI/AAAAAAAAA8o/JbhhICi-yew/s1600/iron+dragon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" ru="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TCToS5qZnAI/AAAAAAAAA8o/JbhhICi-yew/s200/iron+dragon.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cedarpoint.com/public/park/rides/coasters/iron_dragon/">Iron Dragon</a> - the first coaster I've ever ridden. It's a classic ride - nice and slow, no super high hills, but lots of fun!</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TCToTlkqU4I/AAAAAAAAA8w/INE3XbqJQyM/s1600/magnum.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ru="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TCToTlkqU4I/AAAAAAAAA8w/INE3XbqJQyM/s320/magnum.gif" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TCToVJd5OQI/AAAAAAAAA84/MKBjtqoqdtI/s1600/millennium+force.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ru="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TCToVJd5OQI/AAAAAAAAA84/MKBjtqoqdtI/s320/millennium+force.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cedarpoint.com/public/park/rides/coasters/millennium_force/">Millennium Force</a> - SO MUCH FUN! A 300 ft hill with a super steep drop and fast speeds. This one is my favorite, especially with my hands raised high riding in the front seat!</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TCToWdPPriI/AAAAAAAAA9A/h1o-QgmHey8/s1600/raptor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ru="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TCToWdPPriI/AAAAAAAAA9A/h1o-QgmHey8/s320/raptor.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cedarpoint.com/public/park/rides/coasters/raptor/">Raptor</a> - This is another classic Cedar Point ride. I remember when it was built, and I was terrified of it. But now, it's a good warm up for some of the taller, faster rides. I love this one because my feet dangle and you "Kick the Sky"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Have you ever been to Cedar Point? What are your favorite rides? Know of any other great rides at other amusement parks? I'd love to go!</div><br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" height="66" src="http://bankerbyday.webs.com/signature.png" width="200" />Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14258272040135505480noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72655557043295646.post-71314344985254312112010-06-25T13:24:00.000-04:002010-06-25T13:24:04.817-04:00This is IT!No, this isn't going to be a post about the one-year anniversary of Michael Jackson's death... although I did hear Thriller this morning on my way to work and it just made me smile. Love that song...<br />
<br />
However, the IT I'm referring to is my LAST DAY OF WORK! If you've been <strike>relentlessly stalking every day even though you already know the number is only going to be one less than the previous day</strike> following my countdown in the margin like I have, you have probably noticed that it has finally reached zero! I've turned in my exit survey, turned in my keys (<em>actually, they turned my pass card off already, which meant I had to pound furiously on the door this morning so I could get in), </em>and said most of my goodbyes.<br />
<br />
I cried about it last night. <br />
<br />
I don't think I was sad... it was more of a huge rush of all types of emotions that just flooded me at once. It's hard to describe, but I'll try. First of all, this company has been a part of my life for much longer than the 8 years I've worked here. Yeah - Eight. Years. I'm 25. Eight years at one company when you're 25 is a huge deal. I started here when I was 17 and it's pretty much the only company I've ever worked for (<em>unless you count the year I worked as a cashier for Goodwill. I try to block those memories from my mind. ugh...).</em> But my mom, stepdad, aunt, and stepsister have also worked for the same company. My stepdad has worked here for 30+ years! (<em>No, that's not how I got the job) </em>So I've felt like I was part of the extended company family since I was a child. <br />
<br />
I've come full circle here - ending in a cubicle that's not too far from where it all started. This journey has taken me from a co-op high school position that I used only because I wanted a job, to changing my college major from graphic design to finance, to working as a part time teller, mortgage sales assistant, and credit analyst, to being able to work in all areas of the state, and finally, back here in my hometown where it all started. It's funny to think that I wasn't even slightly interested in keeping this job after I left for college. Eight years later, I'm finally saying goodbye. <br />
<br />
I think the emotions I'm feeling are excitement, anxiety, nostalgia, fear, and ok, maybe a little bit of sadness. I told Josh last night that as much as I dislike my job, I'm going to miss coming to work every day. I can honestly say that I love the people I work with and those who have already moved on to bigger and better things. I would never have lasted this long in a career I'm not meant to be in if I hated my coworkers. Sure, I have my moments when I want to strangle some of them, but overall I have met some amazing people here. I'm still friends with people I worked with years ago in a different city and position, and I'm even friends with customers I met when I was a teller. One of my very best friends is someone who I worked with face-to-face for only 6 months over 2 years ago, and I have a very dear friend/former coworker who is 30+ years older than me. It's so strange how you never know how the smallest interaction with someone will affect your life and grow into so much more. <br />
<br />
So, this is officially my last post as a Banker By Day... I'm now a grad student and soon-to-be Teacher Assistant. I'm excited, nervous, scared... but I'm ready.<br />
<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" height="66" src="http://bankerbyday.webs.com/signature.png" width="200" />Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14258272040135505480noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72655557043295646.post-56380227761618650562010-06-23T14:32:00.000-04:002010-06-23T14:32:42.768-04:00I Feel the Earth Move...So, about half an hour ago, I was sitting here in my cubicle, counting down the days until I'm done, and trying to avoid work as much as possible. Then, I thought I felt our building move... It was really strange. It almost felt like a bad dizzy spell, or like someone on the floor above me was moving some heavy stuff around. However, there isn't a floor above me. Hmmmm, odd.<br />
<br />
So, I asked if anyone else felt it. Nope. And they pretty much looked at me like I was crazy. I chalked it up to a temporary dizzy spell, or the onset of vertigo, or my mind going crazy on me.<br />
<br />
Then one of my coworkers got a call from her daughter, who works in Grand Rapids, who also felt it. And then people started getting texts from other people who felt it (<em>not me though, I'm still the crazy one here</em>). <br />
<br />
It turns out, there was a <a href="http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/kent_county/Earthquake-in-Quebec-felt-in-GR">5.5 earthquake in Quebec</a> and it was felt in Grand Rapids <em>(and little ole Ionia, too, apparently)!</em> I'm not crazy, dizzy, or losing my mind (<em>at least not according to this episode). </em><br />
<br />
Whew... I survived my first earthquake. It was touch-and-go there for a moment.<br />
<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" height="66" src="http://bankerbyday.webs.com/signature.png" width="200" />Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14258272040135505480noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72655557043295646.post-52572011744583178802010-06-22T10:52:00.000-04:002010-06-22T10:52:53.874-04:00How much awkward can you pack into 20 minutes?So yesterday I decide to hit up the mall after work. I am in desperate need of shorts for our upcoming mini-vacay to <a href="http://www.cedarpoint.com/">Cedar Point</a> (America's Roller Coast... yay!) so I thought I could run into the mall super quick-like, buy a pair or two, and then jet on back home.<br />
<br />
Of course, I see that Victoria's Secret still has their Semi-Annual Sale going on... so, naturally, because I'm a girl who can't resist a sale, I "quickly" pop in to peruse the pink table-bins. I make my way over to the large-chested section and find that they have the VS version of Spanx on sale! Super score for me and my upcoming date with a bridesmaid's dress! So, after much deliberation (like, seriously, about 15 minutes longer than it should have taken me to make a selection), I decide on the pair that will hopefully make it look like the calorie-laden bagels I inhale 2-3 times a week never existed. <br />
<br />
And then I see the lady who usually makes said bagels 2-3 times a week for me. <br />
<br />
Now, let me reiterate how unlikely it is for me to see people I know from my hometown when I'm at the mall in Grand Rapids. I live about 45 minutes away from the mall, and most people from my hometown only venture to the bigger cities on the weekends. This was a Monday night, so I figured I wouldn't see a single familiar face. Wrong.<br />
<br />
And she recognized me and my bagel-induced need for some Spanx.<br />
<br />
We had a friendly chat, and I found out that she no longer works at <a href="http://www.sozocoffee.com/">my favorite coffee/bagel</a> place. So maybe I can show my face around there now that nobody who makes my food knows I'm trying to cover up the evidence... And I thought that would be the last of my awkward encounters.<br />
<br />
Nope.<br />
<br />
As I'm checking out, I see one of the interns I work with. Now, he works in a town that's an additional 45 minutes away from Grand Rapids, so even though I talk to him on the phone when he's working, I haven't actually seen him since my birthday, over a month ago. (Actually, he came out to lunch with us yesterday, so that was the first time since my birthday that I had seen him... but whatever, it's practically the same thing.)<br />
<br />
Here I am, checking out with my pseudo-spanx approximately 4 hours after he watched me wolf down some sushi. Awesome. At least I wasn't holding up a gigantic ugly bra*... because that would have been awkward.<br />
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*PS: Can I just vent for 3 seconds about how Victoria's Secret never has cute bras on sale in my size? Seriously, I'm sick of all of the D and DDs being made in white, nude, and black. Blah, gross, boring. Spice it up a little bit! And don't charge me extra because my boobs are bigger. I realize it might use a little more fabric, but doesn't it average out when you make the A sizes? <br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" height="66" src="http://bankerbyday.webs.com/signature.png" width="200" />Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14258272040135505480noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72655557043295646.post-88196935157904290772010-06-21T16:03:00.000-04:002010-06-21T16:03:33.426-04:00Birthdays and holidays and cakes, oh my!First off, I have to wish Josh's sister, Ashley, a happy 21st birthday!!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TB_CLQwa8SI/AAAAAAAAA8g/XP_DF3IvhRU/s1600/happy21stbirthdaywithcandlesballoon.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ru="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TB_CLQwa8SI/AAAAAAAAA8g/XP_DF3IvhRU/s320/happy21stbirthdaywithcandlesballoon.gif" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.balloonmaniacs.com/images/happy21stbirthdaywithcandlesballoon.jpg">yay</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Unfortunately, Josh and I aren't going to be able to make it up to Central Michigan University to celebrate with Ashley and all of her friends. However, we are all going on a weekend trip to Cedar Point Friday, courtesy of Josh's parents (thanks!!), so I'm sure we'll have a drink or two to celebrate in Sandusky!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Since yesterday was Father's Day, Josh and I hosted a small get together with my dad, stepmom, sister, and brother. Friday was my stepmom's birthday, so we thought we'd grill some steaks and enjoy our often overlooked picnic table. Lunch was really good! Josh is an amazing steak griller and seasoner, and he knocked it out of the park yesterday, grilling and seasoning his way through a migraine headache! Poor thing - I felt so bad for him, especially because my family has a tendency to get a little... shall we say... ridiculously loud... when we all get together. For dessert we had angel food cake with ice cream, fresh strawberries, pineapple, and whipped cream for a Create-Your-Own whatever you want for dessert. Mmmm... I love angel food cake with fresh strawberries. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After my family left, Josh and I went to his parents' house to celebrate Father's Day, his sister's birthday, and welcome his parents back from their Alaskan cruise vacation (!!!). We got to have birthday cake (YUM) and Cookies n Cream ice cream (<em>ok, it's been years since I've had a bowl of Cookies n Cream, and I have no idea why I've stayed away... it's probably my favorite! It definitely hit the spot yesterday afternoon).</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then, since this day marks the beginning of the end for me, in a completely amazingly wonderful way of course, I had a sushi lunch with some of my Grand Rapids coworkers at a brand new place that opened up a few months ago. Delicious - although it's no <a href="http://www.eatatginger.com/">Red Ginger</a>. Unbeknownst to me, today was also my coworker's birthday, so his wife brought in a Cheesecake Named Desire ice cream cake from <a href="http://www.coldstonecreamery.com/">Coldstone</a>. mmmm... Raspberries and cheesecake ice cream layered with graham crackers and yellow cake. Soooo good.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So that means I've had three different pieces of cake with various amounts of ice cream over the last 24 hours. Plus, my sister made a Snicker-Apple salad yesterday.... which means my sweet tooth has been very, very happy :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">How was everyone's weekend?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><img alt="post signature" class="centered" height="66" src="http://bankerbyday.webs.com/signature.png" width="200" />Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14258272040135505480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72655557043295646.post-88762785912284678002010-06-20T20:22:00.000-04:002010-06-20T20:22:35.898-04:00Whirlwind Weekend - Part 4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.brysestate.com/">Brys Estate</a> was the third winery of our tour and I thought it was beautiful! The outside was really understated; it was next to a farm. Then there was the inside... holy wine bar! It was so pretty - there's a pic below. This was the only winery that charged us to taste any wine, but then they credited that $3 back when we purchased our bottles. At this point, Lindsey wasn't feeling that well, but she quickly snapped out of it! Our pourer was really nice and knowledgeable, and I made quite a delicious purchase of <a href="http://www.brysestate.com/TastingMenu.pdf">Pinot Grigio</a>! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TB6s4wdQsYI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/7XJR4cpqFc8/s320/brys+estate.jpg" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jenna and I outside of the tasting room</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TB6tAeeDaCI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/Q33G_PTgzJM/s320/brys+estate1.jpg" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Isn't the outside so pretty? It looks so quaint.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TB6tIDTeuxI/AAAAAAAAA7g/ekgTL3XJdLY/s320/brys+estate3.jpg" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But the inside is beautiful! It really surprised me that something this pretty was inside of such a sort of plain building!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80xpBSxvqOQ/TB6tNFJnnXI/AAAAAAAAA7o/MjthyMq3t9U/s320/brys+estate+2.jpg" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Linds and I inside waiting for the tasting to start!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This was the last winery Jenna and I needed to complete our tour of every winery on the peninsula! But that didn't stop us that day! We continued on and visited the wineries from last year... Coming up next - the rest of the wineries, the food, and more fun!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><img alt="post signature" class="centered" height="66" src="http://bankerbyday.webs.com/signature.png" width="200" />Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14258272040135505480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72655557043295646.post-4232582135359879492010-06-18T13:52:00.000-04:002010-06-18T13:52:07.253-04:00Friday QuestionAlmost every Friday my boss poses a "Friday Question" to the credit analysts in our department and throughout the state, along with a few other people he throws in for good measure. The questions are usually a little off the wall, but they make us think, and they allow us to get to know one another (<em>at least, we get to know those who choose to participate. There are quite a few stick in the mud boring people who stay silent every week). </em>Since I'm not creative enough to put these type of questions together, I think I'm going to post my boss's Friday Question on my blog each week, in hopes that it will make my readers respond, think, and hopefully allow me to get to know some of you a little better!<br />
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Each week's question has a theme. Sometimes it's blatantly obvious, other times it's obscure. Bonus points if you can figure out the theme each week (<em>points really mean nothing, just so you know, but it's always fun to get bonus points, right?)</em><br />
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Here's this week's question:<br />
<span style="color: blue;">Johnny Cash, as a “gift” to his daughter one day, gave her a list of the essential 100 country songs. What is the essential list you would want to pass down to your child? As an side, Rosanne took the list and created a pretty cool cover album of classic old country songs.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Sometimes they’re hokey, and sometimes they’re pretty cool; and every once in a while there is a compilation or duet of unlikely partners that really hits the mark. The Highwaymen – Cool, Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder – a little hokey. Under Pressure was cool by Bowie and Queen and also by The Cure and My Chemical Romance. What would be your dream compilation or duet?</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Clarence Thomas, Tommy Lee Jones, Gary Player</span><br />
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(<em>Oh- just to explain, usually the last part of the question is three people, places, events, etc... there's no 'right' way to answer the last one, just give your thoughts or preference, with reason of course!)</em><br />
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So, what do you think? I'm really excited to see who answers and what your answers are!<br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" height="66" src="http://bankerbyday.webs.com/signature.png" width="200" />Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14258272040135505480noreply@blogger.com0