Changing States

So, changing states isn't easy...

It seems that the U.S. wants you to jump through hoops in order to move out of state. No wonder so many people live and die in the same place. First, we had to change our insurance over to a North Carolina company. Today, I am taking a test to get a new NC driver's license. A TEST!!! I have been driving for 10 years, and I'm still not sure what a 3-point turn looks like. I was supposed to get new NC tags for my car (p.s. we just bought new Alabama tags in May--total waste of money), but it is their policy to wait until the official license come back in the mail before you can get a new tag. So, I guess that will be something for next week...

FYI...you basically have to give over your first born to these people in order for them to believe you actually live in this state.

On a brighter note, I went to the grocery store yesterday afternoon and got all the stuff I am supposed to bring for Katie and David's shower this weekend. I am so so so excited to see them! It's been way too long! I'll let you know how it goes. Happy Thursday, everybody!

xoxo,
Ashley

Workshop

Yesterday, three of my co-workers and I went to an ESL workshop at the board of education. Although you never know what you are going to get when you sign up for one of those things, I thoroughly enjoyed my day. The speaker was entertaining, friendly, and approachable. I learned a lot about what I need to do differently to be a more effective teacher to my ESL (English as a Second Language) students.

I also got to hang out with some pretty cool people. It is so great to move to a new place and find people that make you feel so welcome. We got to do a good bit of group work and were treated to an hour and a half lunch break! It was a really fun day! Now back to the real world...

xoxo,
Ashley

WCHS Homecoming Week

Last week, I experienced my first Homecoming/Spirit week at West Craven. Monday was Mascot Day. I've gotta say, it was so weird not seeing Auburn and Alabama t-shirts covering the halls. Instead, there was a sea of purlple and gold (East Carolina Pirates), red and white (NC State Wolfpack), and even some Carolina and Duke blue (Who even knew they had a football team?). Tuesday, was Twisted Tuesday, which meant that the boys dressed like girls and the girls dressed like boys. It was highly entertaining, believe me. Wednesday was Wacky Tacky Day, so I think you can do the math there...Thursday was Salad Dressing Day, which meant that the kids dressed like their favorite salad dressing (i.e. ranch--cowboy, thousand island--islanders, Greek--togas, Italian, French, etc.). Friday, of course, was Spirit Day, so the kids dressed in red, white, and blue. In the afternoon, the whole school went to the pep rally, which was a lot of fun. It was good to see the kids show some pride and spirit for their school.

Steven and I went with Brandon and Emily to the WCHS Homecoming game Friday night, and although our team has had a tough season so far, they pulled out a major win. It was great to the boys and coaches so excited after the game. While we were there, we met up with some other friends and had a really good time.

xoxo,
Ashley

Disclaimer: Excited Auburn Alumni Rambling

I am so proud of my Auburn Tigers! It seems as though every Saturday I am on the edge of my seat during our games. This week was no exception, until the last quarter when things started to drastically swing in our direction. I am not the first and definitely not the last to say this, but Cam Newton is a Beast!

Last night, Steven and I watched the BCS countdown on ESPN, and we were very pleased with how the computers ranked us. It's about dang time...The BCS has Auburn ranked #4!!! I've never been much of a BCS fan, but yesterday, I felt that we finally got some recognition. Next week's game against LSU and the Mad Hatter will be tough, but I have faith that our boys will do their best. I wish I was there to experience all the action first hand, but I'll have to settle for t.v. this time. I have a feeling we are going to be eating a lot of cajun food at our house this week! War Eagle!

xoxo,
Ashley

Weekend Fun!

This weekend has been one for the record books. Friday night, Bryan, Bridget, Steven, and I went to eat at 37th Street and then went to see Secretariat at the movies. The movie was soooo good. A must see! I am not a big horse person, but even for me, the movie was inspirational. It didn't necessarily inspire me to go get on a horse, but I did add a trip to the Kentucky Derby to my bucket list :)

Yesterday, Steven and I went to Mumfest in downtown New Bern with a few people from Asbury. There were a lot of people there. The streets were filled with vendors, food, rides, shows, and games. We started by getting a bite to eat at Morgan's then headed out to see the sights. Although there was a lot to do, it was also really hot out, so we only stayed for a couple of hours. We went to the Farmer's Market, listened to musicians in the Bank of the Arts, and shopped at all the little booths. Afterward, we ran a few errands in town then headed home.

Brandon , Emily, Steven, and I outside of Morgan's

the girls from Asbury outside the farmer's market

Upon our arrival, we learned that the Saban nation was losing to South Carolina. Although I love and respect my parents, sister, and brother, and only want good things for them, this news brought a smile to my face. We watched the rest of the game and honestly couldn't believe the outcome. The Sabanator usually finds a way to pull out a W, but ol' Spurrier got one for the Gamecocks this time.

Anyway, for dinner I made baked club sandwich rounds and warmed up veggie soup I had made earlier in the week. We watched the first half of the Auburn game with great pride...the second half we watched with great worry; however, our "cardiac" tigers pulled out another W, and I didn't think I could have been prouder UNTIL I checked the rankings this afternoon and saw that Auburn is ranked #7 in the nation and #1 in the SEC!!!

This morning at Asbury was amazing. It was Homecoming week (p.s. Steven had never heard of an old-fashioned homecoming, so I had to fill him in on what to expect). The church was completely packed out, and the service was better than ever. Afterward, we made our way to the fellowship hall, and I can honestly say I have never seen so much food in all my life! Everything was delicious and it was an absolutely gorgeous day!

Now it's back to the real world of cleaning the house, doing laundry, and grading papers.

xoxo,

Ashley

I love fall!

I love fall sooooo much! Honestly, I love the changing of seasons in general, but there is something about crisp air, warm jackets, and fun festivals that really make me happy. In my opinion fall is the most beautiful time of the year--especially when the leaves begin to turn all different shades of red, orange, and yellow. I love passing by homes with big mums planted by the mailbox or in flower pots, while huge pumpkins decorate the front porch.


This weekend, the city of New Bern is hosting the 30th Anual Mumfest and I am so excited! There are going to be all sorts of muscians to listen to, yummy things to eat, and vendors and booths for shopping. Since we are new here, we have obviously never been to this festival before, but we have heard only good things about it from all of our friends. We plan to go to Mumfest tomorrow morning until early afternoon. I can't wait!
Then tomorrow evening, we will be watching our Auburn Tigers play/hopefully defeat Kentucky. I am so proud of our team this year. We have some rough spots, but overall, we have really improved since last season. It's great to see a great Christian influence and man like Coach Chizik be so successful out on the football field.

Looking forward to the weekend! I'll let you know how it goes!

xoxo,
Ashley

Bad Blogger

Hi, I'm Ashley, and I've been a very bad blogger...

It seems like forever since I have written. I always think about writing, but then something else comes up, and I mistakingly forget about all my previous thoughts. It's a symptom of being an educator. I suffer from short term memory loss at the end of each day. Seriously. No matter how many things I tell myself that I have to complete after the students leave, it never fails that I sit down at my desk and my brain is empty. It's like I have used it to its capacity for the day. I have just enough brain cells left to find my car in the parking lot and figure out my way home.

Anyway, a lot has happened since I last wrote. Namely, we were approved for our loan on the house, Steven had a small wreck in the old Jeepers, and we experienced our first flood due to Tropical Storm Nicole.

I'll start with the house news...Steven and I are officially grown-ups and are now less than a month a way from closing on our first house! We are so very excited/ anxious/ worried/ remorseful. I know it sounds weird to be remorseful over a house that we both really want, but we are spending A LOT of money on this. I'm the type to get buyers remorse after making a twenty-five dollar dress purchase at Target (if you don't believe me, ask my sisters). This purchase makes my chest feel down-right heavy. However, the Bible says, "Do not be anxious over anything," so that's my new motto.

In an ironic twist of fate, Steven, a.k.a. granny driver, was involved in a car wreck last Wednesday afternoon. Luckily it wasn't his fault and everyone involved was fine; however, with his Jeep being on it's way over the hill, we still haven't found out what the other insurance company is going to do as far as fixing it goes. We are praying that it is not totaled because we love his car! If you have a minute, say a little prayer that the damage done won't be more than the total value.

Lastly, Steven and I experienced our first Tropical Storm flooding. Everyone kept recanting, "Well, welcome to Eastern North Carolina," which leads me to believe that this won't be our last bout with flood waters. There was no damage done to Brian and Bridget's (our landlords and friends) house although we were completely surrounded by water for four days. Little did I know that when I pulled in the driveway Wednesday afternoon, I would not be back out until Saturday night. It was crazy and I definitely have never seen anything like it in my life.

Picture Below: Steven and Bryan boating through the field. It was pretty entertaining.
All in all, it's been an eventful month to say the least. Sorry Liz, I am going to try and be a better blogger from now on.

xoxo,
Ashley