laughter is the best medicine

i used to dread my birthday every year because it seemed like something bad happened or that i was just in a bad mood. this seems like typical behavior for people and birthdays, but this year i was really not looking forward to it. don't get me wrong, i had an awesome weekend planned, but i was thinking about where i "thought" i would be when i was 25. there are some old "ten year plans" i filled out once or twice that stated by 25 i would be graduated, married, with a kid and plans for another! but when i woke up friday morning, next to my boyfriend, i couldn't imagine being anywhere else. maybe i haven't walked the stage, or have a diamond on my finger, but i do have a beautiful life that i wouldn't trade for a kid or a degree. (right now)

neal sang happy birthday to me all morning while i planned the day ahead.. mom stopped by the house to feed me breakfast tacos and bring me starbucks.. we hit the road for the beach and so began one of the best birthdays a girl could ask for. i don't think i have laughed so much on a 3 hour car trip... and at Sushibar http://sushibar.tv/ that evening, i laughed until it hurt.

i believe that laughter really is the best medicine. think about the last time you couldn't control your laughter or the last time you actually "laughed out loud" ... it makes you smile. it's those moments when we really don't think about anything else. no one can take them away. i feel sorry for people who don't have this in their life- that is why i surround myself with people who keep a smile on my face. i try my best to be that person for other people too.

next time you are down, just remember what remedy i suggest...

xo, ash

 

it's my party...

my 25th birthday is on friday, october 8th. i have made numerous lists over the years of "things to do before i'm..." this blog was one of them. i haven't completely decided what this blog will be about, but i want to share with you (whoever you are) the little things that make me happy. whether is it a new recipe, a new outfit or a new song i come across... if it makes me smile, then i'll do my best to share it. my goal is to look back on this blog in a year and see how i have (or haven't changed).

i have grown up and learned a lot in the past year. one thing i will leave you with today is "appreciation." i have an amazing family, great friends and a beautiful boyfriend. i have learned that it's the little things that let us know we are appreciated. i try my best to have the house clean when my boyfriend gets home, or make enough food to share with my family when i cook- because it's those sweet little texts that read "the soup was amazing" or "the kitchen looks great, thank you" that warm my heart and let me know that i am loved. if you get a chance, do something small for someone, or send an unexpected text to an old friend or loved one. let them know that they are appreciated even if it just says "thank you" or "i love you." like the old saying goes- it's the little things.

my brother recently sent me a nice, unexpected text..

and my boyfriend responded to my sweet note...

i'll continue to share my smiles, 

xo, ash.