Lots of work, lots of play.

Hello reader,

I apologize it's been such a long time since I last wrote to you. When I left off, the school year was wrapping up and I was telling you how happy I was to be with such amazing people here at Whitworth. Finals week came with a smash, bang, and a POW! but somehow, I survived. I am incredibly proud to say that last year, I did not fail a single class and managed to earn 35 credits towards my degree! I also said goodbye to many lifelong friends for the summer-- I didn't like that part. But with school wrapping up came summer and I was too excited for that.

When I got home, I had a job in mind which I was later hired at as a waitress at Tim's Kitchen. (Although it wasn't as much of a job as it was a blessing and a good time.) Tim's Kitchen opened up on May 25th and I got to work on opening night... holy cow. It was definitely an... interesting night. For most of us, it was our first time ever in the restaurant workplace so we definitely had no sense of a system or anything but we made it work and most importantly, we had fun. Even though it felt like a big ball of chaos, we made it through the first night and people were happy with the restaurant. This was great because this excitement from the Orting community led more and more people to come see us (in a lot of cases, even regularly). I have absolutely loved waitressing and the Speakman's are a blessing to work for. I doubt I will ever have a job in which the management truly looks after their staff the way that the Speakman's do.

So with the new job came some income. Typically, it's not kosher to talk about making money but I'm actually really excited because I was able to save up and buy myself a new(to me) car in July! Her name is Padme (I would add the accent to the "e", but Blogger doesn't like that...) and we are basically best friends. I really wanted to buy a car with all-wheel drive this summer so I could cart home over the holidays/winter season without having to buy plane tickets so I am really happy to have my little Subaru Forester.

This summer, I was also blessed a visit to see my good friend, CeeJay. I don't even know how to express how amazing this getaway was for me. All I know is that it's really nice to spend a few days with someone who you can just sit with. No tension. No obligations. Just spending time. Maybe going paddle boarding? Or geocaching? Or hiking? Or to see an overlook of beautiful Salt Lake lights. I don't know. I am so thankful that CeeJay and I have been able to keep that calm, adventurous friendship that we have despite the distance that separates us. He really is a blessing.

I also went to a family reunion at an awesome cabin-like resort in Montana. It was on a lake where we had access to canoes, kayaks, and rowboats so that was fun. Dad, Marcus, and I were able to go fishing on the rowboat which, if you can imagine, was an adventure with a three year old... We also had a campfire every night in which my dad and two uncles (Brad and Jason) attempted to charm us with their guitar and banjo playing... It was definitely interesting. The last night I hopped onto the bandwagon with one of Uncle Jason's harmonicas and basically fell in love. I also felt like the trip was very strengthening for the relationship that I hold with my parents. It's been a while since the three of us have had time to just sit and chat about life. It was really nice.

Oh yeah! Also, Chrissy had her baby this summer. His name is Lucas and he is basically HUGE and ADORABLE. I am definitely stoked to have a nephew number two! I love him lots and lots.

Now, I am sitting at my desk in the new room at Whitworth pondering life. Like the beginning of last year, I'm not really feeling the love for college but hey, it's only been a day. Plus, once you hit bottom, there's nowhere to go but up, right? I am looking forward to being around some really, really great friends but I honestly just want to be at home sitting in my favorite spot while watching The Big Bang Theory with an Alaska Roll to munch on. I don't know-- I'm sure everything will be just great. But in the meantime, if you feel inclined, prayers would be appreciated.

I think that's all I have for you for now... Sorry this posting is so long!! And really, seriously, thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy life to read about mine. I really appreciate that.

Love you,
Ashley


P.S. You didn't think I'd forget pictures, did you? They're posted below!

In case you were wondering, this is my ideal setting.

I do this quite often, actually.

Ma and I went to sushi when I got home. It was awesome.

Chrissy and I spent some time bonding over pedicures this summer, too.

Luke Smith took me to the Paul McCartney concert in Seattle.

It was a once in a lifetime experience spent with a great friend. Priceless.

Marcus, Makayla, and me on the slide at the park. We had fun.

I love being an aunt.

CeeJay and I spent a lot of time geocaching. This is one that we made!
The first, but definitely not the last!

This is CeeJay and me during a freaking exhausting bike ride on Antelope Island.

There were bison roaming free around us and we were expected to 

bike a mountain up a sandy pathway.
Bike Trail: 1   Ashley and CeeJay: 0

This is CeeJay and me on the beach of The Salt Lake on Antelope Island.

After our tiresome day of biking and hiking, we spent a day in making fresh salsa. Yum.

The day I got home from Salt Lake, I bought this hot mama.

The license plates will soon say "SENF". :)

This is what fishing with Dad and Marcus looked like. Pure fun.

Jason and Dad practicing guitar before performance time. ;)

The new dorm room. Crystal and I have eight puzzles hung up (on the left) as do Tori and Sam.

We did LOTS of puzzles last year... Those are my favorite part of the room.

I"m still waiting on my new comforter to arrive, but I'll post a video tour after everything is complete!

Thanks for reading! I'm going to go back to my weird college-kid antics now!