I'm happy to say that I'm going back to work today. After a month off, I'm done with cabin fever and not getting anything accomplished. This is it, I'm doing it, getting back in the game, and feeling accomplished.
I'm also looking forward to the social interaction I get from working in a college cafeteria. It's wonderful to see so many smiling faces every day, and it really does give me a positive boost. I'm so thankful for my job there.
Speaking of food, it's been fun trying to see how low we can keep our grocery bill while still buying food that is healthy. Yesterday, it was only $56 for the week, and that included a TON of veggies, an $11 package of frozen chicken, and some dairy stuff- you know how expensive that can get. It was really nice to see so many vegetables on the conveyor belt, and I had a hard time not comparing our foodstuffs to the woman's beside us, which amounted to over $100 and consisted of a lot of junk (truth be told, I think she was buying it for her daughter who was just starting university).
Both Jake and I have a hard time feeling full after eating vegetables. In my case, I always feel the need to eat something hearty, like bread, rice, or pasta with a meal.
Case in point:
Last night I made a roast pork loin with squash and peas. Were we full afterwards? No.
What we chose to eat as a filler, I am ashamed to say, was not healthy in the least. Some gummi bears and a bowl of peanuts, marshmallows, and chocolate chips were our vices. I think bread or rice would have been a better option by that point.
As much as I know about health and nutrition, these are the times that I cry out, "What was I thinking?!" It seems as if I still have a long way to go to break the habits that I've taken 20 years to form (including needing something sweet after a meal).
I just pray that God would continue to keep me on the healthy path of nutrition, and that He will help me to form better habits that will stick with me for life.
Because we all know that eating healthy and exercise should not just be something you add and take out of your life at will.
They must become part of your lifestyle.
Here's to a happy and healthy 2012.
Love,
Ashleigh
1.10.2012
1.09.2012
Good reads...
Some of you have been asking me to recommend some good books to read, so here are some that I have enjoyed over the past year or two:
The Book of Negroes, by Lawrence Hill- A hard but realistic fiction book which follows a woman's capture into slavery in the early-mid 1800's. I loved the character development and the detail. It was probably the best book that I read in 2011 (hence being at the top of the list!)
Redeeming Love, by Francine Rivers- An all-time classic for some of us Christian fiction lovers, this one is a fiction take on the Hosea-Gomer story from the Bible. It's set in California in the mid-1800's.
Wuthering Heights, by Emily Bronte- If you want to step your Old-English skills up a notch, this book is perfect. It can be a bit dry, but I personally liked the intrigue and mystery of it. Heathcliff and Kathy forever!
Secret Daughter, by Shilpi Somaya Gowda- A secular best-seller in 2009, this book is an adoption story that will break your heart, but it's a very good read none-the-less.
Warrior Princess, by Princess Kasune Zulu- An autobiography written by an HIV-AIDS positive woman from Africa, this book will touch your heart and give you understanding of the reality of AIDS.
Hidden Places, by Lynn Austin- I would recommend literally anything by Lynn Austin, but this one was my absolute favourite. If you like books that are set on farms, and deal with secrets of the past and understanding God's love, this one is for you.
The Help, by Kathryn Stockett- Aside from being a popular best-seller right now, this book is actually very good. If you haven't yet read about the two black maids who talk about their escapades working for white women, it's not too late to begin! An easy read.
Immanuel's Veins, by Ted Dekker- We all know that Ted Dekker is not for the faint of heart, and this book is probably one of the most disturbing but intriguing books that I've read. Think Twilight meets Christian values and you'll be right on track. I liked the Christian symbolism, as well as how "out-of-the-box" Dekker wrote for this one.That's all for now. I tried to include a few different genres, since not everyone has the same taste. Let me know if you read any of them, and what you think.
Happy reading!
Love,
Ashleigh
p.s. Jake and I had a reading contest last year. Guess what happened? We tied! We both read 38 books this year (although, he concedes that I read more pages than him, since most of his books were short). However, I am determined to read more than him in 2012. Bring it on!
For the Love of...
Sometimes I go to Psalm 119 when I need a reminder of why it's good to love God's Word. Here's a part that stood out to me today:
Psalm 119:81-88
Kaph
81 My soul longs for your salvation;
I hope in your word.
82 My eyes long for your promise;
I ask, “When will you comfort me?”
83 For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke,
yet I have not forgotten your statutes.
84 How long must your servant endure?[a]
When will you judge those who persecute me?
85 The insolent have dug pitfalls for me;
they do not live according to your law.
86 All your commandments are sure;
they persecute me with falsehood; help me!
87 They have almost made an end of me on earth,
but I have not forsaken your precepts.
88 In your steadfast love give me life,
that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.
I hope in your word.
82 My eyes long for your promise;
I ask, “When will you comfort me?”
83 For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke,
yet I have not forgotten your statutes.
84 How long must your servant endure?[a]
When will you judge those who persecute me?
85 The insolent have dug pitfalls for me;
they do not live according to your law.
86 All your commandments are sure;
they persecute me with falsehood; help me!
87 They have almost made an end of me on earth,
but I have not forsaken your precepts.
88 In your steadfast love give me life,
that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.
The psalmist gives us three examples of troubles that he encounters:
a.) needing salvation
b.) needing comfort
c.) being tormented by enemies
With each example, he turns to God's word for help and strength
a.) I hope in your word
b.) I have not forgotten your statutes
c.) I have not forsaken your precepts (God's commands or laws)
When I feel troubled or downcast, I often don't turn to God's Word to comfort me, and I forget to call out to my God who created me. Here is my checklist, straight out of the Psalms:
Needing salvation? Hope in God's Word
Needing comfort? Remember God's Statutes
Being tormented by enemies (seen or unseen)? Cling to God's precepts
Love,
Ashleigh
1.07.2012
Winterscapes...
The tri-cities are not nearly as snow-filled as is my home-town. Jake and I visited my family this week-end, and we had a wonderful time hiking in the woods with the baby and the dog. Unfortunately mom and Graham couldn't come, but Mel, Nate, Vanessa, Karl, Dad, Jake and I (and even sleepy baby Oliver in his wee little covered sled) were all eager to get out and breathe in the fresh air. As Jake put it, God had the weather on 'random shuffle'...first it was mild and gray, then dark and hailing, then sunny and blue skies, all in the span of two hours. I was happy to get some exercise, after being stuffed to the gills with a delicious turkey dinner last night, and waffles and bacon for breakfast. My younger brother, Karl, was eager to go tobogganing, and sister Vanessa wanted to go for a walk. It was a happy medium, as the trails in the woods abounded with hills and valleys. We hiked and tobogganed our way through, and thankfully no one sprained their ankle as we slipped and slid down slush-covered terrains.
Later, as I sipped Coffee Crisp hot chocolate and listened to my mom and sister talking in the kitchen, I felt content to be there with everyone, immersed in the craziness that makes up an expanding family of seven. I'm so grateful for my family and the love that we have for one another, despite the hardships that we have endured in the past few years. Every time I hear Jake talking with my Dad, or overhear the ever-enthralling history conversations he has with my brother, or see him laughing with my youngest brother as they come up with schemes to get me riled up, I thank God. It's hard to get close when we live so far away, but somehow the relationships get better and better by His grace. Week-ends like this help, and we're looking forward to spending more time with them in February.
I'm going to bed tonight with a warm feeling in my heart.
Love,
Ashleigh
Later, as I sipped Coffee Crisp hot chocolate and listened to my mom and sister talking in the kitchen, I felt content to be there with everyone, immersed in the craziness that makes up an expanding family of seven. I'm so grateful for my family and the love that we have for one another, despite the hardships that we have endured in the past few years. Every time I hear Jake talking with my Dad, or overhear the ever-enthralling history conversations he has with my brother, or see him laughing with my youngest brother as they come up with schemes to get me riled up, I thank God. It's hard to get close when we live so far away, but somehow the relationships get better and better by His grace. Week-ends like this help, and we're looking forward to spending more time with them in February.
I'm going to bed tonight with a warm feeling in my heart.
Love,
Ashleigh
1.06.2012
Prep for the Day...
How do you start your morning? Do you put on the coffee maker, stumble into the bathroom for an obligatory shower, then guzzle your cup of java like it's your lifeline? Or do you get out of bed with the sun, and don some workout clothes to go for a winter run?
More often than not, my morning routine includes a beeline for my laptop. I stumble out of bed, grab a glass of water, then head online to see what's new. If I'm not careful, I can easily spend the first two hours of my morning on the net, even before I eat breakfast.
I think it's time to set parameters for myself. I have been feeling almost physically ill by spending so much time in front of this screen. It's time to take back the morning, to fill it with purpose, and get prepped for the day in clarity.
I'm always grateful when God shows me areas in my life that I can change; even small modifications are better than nothing.
Love,
Ashleigh
1.05.2012
Finishing a Trilogy...
I had a rather sleepless night, and woke up groggy and disoriented. The morning has been slow and unproductive; yet I did finish the Millennium trilogy by Steig Larsson.
You might recall the first book in the trilogy, since The Girl With A Dragon Tattoo has been circulating and talked about for quite a while now. In fact, the English version of the movie just came to theatre at the end of December (there has been a Swedish version since 2009). While I would not necessarily recommend any of my friends to read them (Larsson deals with heavy subject matter), they were a gripping trilogy that I couldn't seem to put down. The unfortunate parts were wading through the swearing and some graphic violence, and, since I am unfamiliar with police and political jargon, the books were tough going. I was impressed, nonetheless, by Larsson's ability to embellish the characters with incredible description and back story. Characters introduced even in the third book were developed down to the very last detail.
Unfortunately, Larsson died before he could even see his books turn into bestsellers-or movies for that matter. I wonder where his creative mind would have taken him, after creating the character Lisbeth Salander, whose tattoos, slight frame, intelligent mind, photographic memory, hacker skills, hostile sociality, and inexorable hatred of violent and abusive men have taken the literary world by storm.
What are you reading these days?
Love,
Ashleigh
You might recall the first book in the trilogy, since The Girl With A Dragon Tattoo has been circulating and talked about for quite a while now. In fact, the English version of the movie just came to theatre at the end of December (there has been a Swedish version since 2009). While I would not necessarily recommend any of my friends to read them (Larsson deals with heavy subject matter), they were a gripping trilogy that I couldn't seem to put down. The unfortunate parts were wading through the swearing and some graphic violence, and, since I am unfamiliar with police and political jargon, the books were tough going. I was impressed, nonetheless, by Larsson's ability to embellish the characters with incredible description and back story. Characters introduced even in the third book were developed down to the very last detail.
Unfortunately, Larsson died before he could even see his books turn into bestsellers-or movies for that matter. I wonder where his creative mind would have taken him, after creating the character Lisbeth Salander, whose tattoos, slight frame, intelligent mind, photographic memory, hacker skills, hostile sociality, and inexorable hatred of violent and abusive men have taken the literary world by storm.
What are you reading these days?
Love,
Ashleigh
1.04.2012
Happy New Year...
It seems that I have a problem with reading other people's blogs instead of writing my own. I often find myself getting frustrated when some of my favourite bloggers haven't written for a while. Then I remember that some people may be really looking forward to my blogs, and I'm making some of you disappointed while you wait for me to write. So, for that, I apologize for not being more diligent and posting more regularly.
I hope everyone has been having a great week in this new year. The past two week-ends have been filled with driving and visiting and eating...and more eating. It was a great holiday season, and Jake had a decent amount of time off as well.
I will write more tomorrow...just wanted to check in :)
Love,
Ashleigh
I hope everyone has been having a great week in this new year. The past two week-ends have been filled with driving and visiting and eating...and more eating. It was a great holiday season, and Jake had a decent amount of time off as well.
I will write more tomorrow...just wanted to check in :)
Love,
Ashleigh
12.30.2011
Baking tidbits...
This may very well be my last blog of 2011. Although it's been a fantastic year, I'm excited to see what God brings in 2012.
This year I tried my hand at some Christmas baking, and I learned a few things.
1. Never bake things that are your favourites. You will end up eating them all by yourself.
2. Make things appropriate to whichever side of the family you are visiting. i.e. Don't make the Skor bark for the family that doesn't have much of a sweet tooth. *See #1*
3. Don't post pictures on Facebook of what you're making unless you intend to bring it to a particular family gathering. You may disappoint people.
4. Make sure your spouse isn't around while you're baking- unless, of course, you want to hear them beg you for 'One more cookie'.
5. Giving out little Christmas plates of homemade baked goods to neighbours and local businesses that you frequent will warm your heart and theirs.
6. People love non-traditional desserts at the family gathering. That being said, make sure someone had the foresight to make a Yule log.
7. Make sure your spouse is around while you're baking- unless, of course, you want to expand your middle from that extra lick or scrape of the bowl.
8. Baking is extremely rewarding, as well as extremely stressful. Learning to balance both sides of the coin can be a painful process.
9. Make sure someone is around to calm you down if you accidentally spill water on your freshly baked Oreo crumb crust. *See #8*
10. Bake a lot one day, rest the next day, then take it up again the day after that. You'll find yourself more productive giving yourself a break in between.
Jake and I will be ringing in the New Year with some wonderful friends, and then celebrating with more family on New Year's Day. Here's to a happy and healthy 2012. May God bless you and yours.
Love,
Ashleigh
This year I tried my hand at some Christmas baking, and I learned a few things.
1. Never bake things that are your favourites. You will end up eating them all by yourself.
2. Make things appropriate to whichever side of the family you are visiting. i.e. Don't make the Skor bark for the family that doesn't have much of a sweet tooth. *See #1*
3. Don't post pictures on Facebook of what you're making unless you intend to bring it to a particular family gathering. You may disappoint people.
4. Make sure your spouse isn't around while you're baking- unless, of course, you want to hear them beg you for 'One more cookie'.
5. Giving out little Christmas plates of homemade baked goods to neighbours and local businesses that you frequent will warm your heart and theirs.
6. People love non-traditional desserts at the family gathering. That being said, make sure someone had the foresight to make a Yule log.
7. Make sure your spouse is around while you're baking- unless, of course, you want to expand your middle from that extra lick or scrape of the bowl.
8. Baking is extremely rewarding, as well as extremely stressful. Learning to balance both sides of the coin can be a painful process.
9. Make sure someone is around to calm you down if you accidentally spill water on your freshly baked Oreo crumb crust. *See #8*
10. Bake a lot one day, rest the next day, then take it up again the day after that. You'll find yourself more productive giving yourself a break in between.
Jake and I will be ringing in the New Year with some wonderful friends, and then celebrating with more family on New Year's Day. Here's to a happy and healthy 2012. May God bless you and yours.
Love,
Ashleigh
12.29.2011
Christmas Aftermath...
I concede that this month hasn't been that busy. I have been off work since December 9th, and only baby-sat a handful of times after that. I have been reading- a lot. I have been slowly picking away at my TESOL course. But I have been lacking motivation this Christmas season. To be more honest, I have been lacking motivation and loving procrastination for most of my life. They have been my very best friends, it seems. This morning I was confronted with the Israelite cycle, for the billionth time. I hate the emotional appeals that bring to my knees before God, but don't actually change anything. One of the things I was reminded of as I read Psalm 25 was waiting.
David says-in one of my favourite verses- "Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach my Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation. On You I wait all the day." (Psalm 25:4,5)
Jeremiah writes, "The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord." (Lam. 3:25,26)
It's interesting that waiting is tied in with salvation on both occurrences. God has saved me from my sins, and has rescued me from certain death. But I need to keep waiting on Him. Change doesn't happen overnight.
In both passages you'll notice that the writers talk about seeking the Lord, and asking God to reveal his ways and lead us to his truth. I have found that this is key, when desiring to change. As Jake said the other day, we need to sweat. The Christian walk isn't easy. God is willing to change our hearts, but we also need to be willing to work and seek. Desiring God comes at a cost...giving up time spent shopping, going online, reading other books that aren't as uplifting.
The question I have to ask myself is this:
How willing am I to desire God at whatever cost?
Love,
Ashleigh
P.S. I love listening to this song when I need to get into a God-space.
David says-in one of my favourite verses- "Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach my Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation. On You I wait all the day." (Psalm 25:4,5)
Jeremiah writes, "The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord." (Lam. 3:25,26)
It's interesting that waiting is tied in with salvation on both occurrences. God has saved me from my sins, and has rescued me from certain death. But I need to keep waiting on Him. Change doesn't happen overnight.
In both passages you'll notice that the writers talk about seeking the Lord, and asking God to reveal his ways and lead us to his truth. I have found that this is key, when desiring to change. As Jake said the other day, we need to sweat. The Christian walk isn't easy. God is willing to change our hearts, but we also need to be willing to work and seek. Desiring God comes at a cost...giving up time spent shopping, going online, reading other books that aren't as uplifting.
The question I have to ask myself is this:
How willing am I to desire God at whatever cost?
Love,
Ashleigh
P.S. I love listening to this song when I need to get into a God-space.
12.02.2011
Decembering...
I am feeling a little bit ecstatic this morning, the shock of my returned assignment not having worn off yet. A couple of days ago I finished one of the assignments that was plaguing my subconscious for a month. I waited eagerly for over 12 hours to receive my marks and...drum roll please...I got 90%, which is the best mark I've received in the course yet! God is so good.
Now I must finish this portion by December 23rd, and then I will start the Phonology module. This is my December, folks :)
Enjoy your morning...I'm just going to sit here for a while and drink some tea before I start my homework.
Blessings,
Ashleigh
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