Unhealthy Addiction...

I have learned over the past few months that I have an unhealthy addiction to workout videos.  

The two years post college, I lived in an apartment which had a workout facility.  I still had a pretty good metabolism, so the treadmill and small weights were fine with me.  When I moved into my house, I joined a gym.  I was in grad school so I got a student discount which was quite handy and affordable.  I was pretty religious about my routine.  All was well.  

Then, after a year I decided I could save a little money and attempted to have the mindset of "I will become a wonderful runner".  That worked for a while.  I seriously would get up at 4:30, go for a three mile jog, then return home to prepare myself for work.   Where in the world did that motivation go?


As the seasons changed, the warmness of my home became more appealing than putting on twenty layers and hitting the pavement so I fed into the whole P90x craze.  HA!  That lasted for a good 40-45 days.  Despite the results I saw in others, my fatigue and inability to climb the stairs effectively at work won out.


Next came Jillian's 30 Day Shred.  I really did like this.  Laziness won out on this workout, and boredom.  Sorry Jillian.


After Jillian became old to me, I got roped into buying Chalean Extreme.  This one I really did like.  But, I noticed my jeans were becoming tighter in the thigh area.  Not because I was gaining weight, but because my muscles were becoming larger.  While this is a good problem to have, I wasn't justifying in my head going out and buying LARGER clothing items because I was becoming more fit.  Seriously, that was messing with me.  So, I stopped.  Although, I should start it again.  


Now, I am desiring a new workout DVD.  Jillian has enticed me once again with another video.  It is only $10.  And I PROMISE I will run more if I just got some new shoes and some warmer pants.  


Who am I kidding.  I just need to bite the bullet and join a gym.  My husband is somewhat tired of this unhealthy addiction.  Anyone want to buy some workout DVDs? I think I need to purge.

Oh My

 

Out of pure boredness this morning, I looked through some of Chris' old pics on his computer.  Granted, the boy doesn't have many, but I stumbled upon this one.  This was taken at least two years ago.  Don't we look so young?  Boy time does fly.

Well, it's Thanksgiving week.  Time for turkey, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, family, and officially ringing in the Christmas time goodness. 

My sister will be with me for Thanksgiving this year which means one major thing... Black Friday Shopping.  She is totally having a Monica moment and has her plan of action mapped out and ready to go.  I am along for the ride.  However...  I did mention to the good Dr. if I found a good deal on a camera, I might be inclined to grab it out of sheer adrenaline.  After all, I whole heartily believe this particular purchase would greatly improve my blogging. 

Happy Thanksgiving all you fine folk! 

The Good Dr. Boschen

I have the tendency to brag about my sweet husband.  Excuse me, but I highly think that is appropriate and healthy and so yeah, this is a bragging post (fair warning).  

We have been busy, Busy, BUSY over the past several weeks, add stressful day to day stuff to it and life gets the best of you.  The last date we attempted to go on was caught off guard by a car who decided not to start.  This resulted in Chris' dad and Gramps coming to our rescue, getting a battery late in the evening, and a wife who just wanted to go home and forget the day ever happened.  (this en devour later resulted in an alternator being replaced, thank goodness for warranties)  This maddening date occurred well over a month ago.

This weekend we had it on the schedule to head up to KC for a baby shower for a dear friend, but after taking a closer glance at upcoming weekends, decided to stay home.  (Don't worry, we have the blessings from the pregnant mom that it's ok.  And Jenny, we promise to bring lots of diapers when we come see the babes)

I've been so caught up in the week's agenda I haven't really given much thought to the weekend.  However, my husband has.  I received this sweet email this morning:

Itinerary: Mrs. Ashley Boschen

Dates: 11/4/11 - 11/5/11

Travel Companion(s): The Dr. Christopher Boschen

 

11-4-11

 

1st Destination

To begin your "stay-cation" you will partake in a delicacy within the world of fine cuisine.  The small eclectic island of Japan lies shrouded in ancient mystery and lore and is responsible for the mouth-watering sushi dishes enjoyed worldwide.  For dinner, your taste buds will embark on a wild exotic adventure that will leave your hunger satisfied, but at the same time longing for more.

 

2nd Destination

The United States neighbor to it's south often evokes thoughts of drugs, poverty, and Co-Ed spring breaks.  In light of this reputation it has blessed the world with a simple and wonderful game...UNO!!  It's name fits it's simplicity and goal, but hidden beneath it's calm exterior lies a cut-throat game that begs to be played over and over.

 

3rd Destination

One sweet and tasty treat traces it's roots back to ancient Rome and Egypt.  Say the word...and you will instantly find yourself walking along narrow stone roads past a corner cafe, or past the Medici court in Florence.  So what is the word we are looking for... you're darn right, the word is GELATO and you (we) are getting some!!

 

4th Destination

Each year the film industries biggest names descend on the French Riviera and flock to a small town named Cannes.  The festivals guests are then given preview to highly acclaimed films of all genres for their viewing delights.  You have been given an all access pass to frolic with Hollywoods elite along the French shore and to escape in to a world or imagination.  As a side note, the Dr. mentioned he wanted to see Bridesmaids again and I highly recommend it for it's quick wit and funny dialogue

 

11-5-11

 

1st Destination

After a morning of leisure and relaxation the days activities will commence.  You will find yourself in a shoppers paradise at just the right time with the holiday season fast approaching.  Picture yourself walking along Michigan Avenue.  A brisk breeze causes you to wrap your coat a little tighter around you and to pull your shopping companion in close.  The buildings rise sharply to either side of the road that is flooded with patrons of all ages, sizes, and shapes.  Take your time, enjoy the season and make a great day of it!! 


How fun is he?!  Once again I am blown away by how lucky I am. 

Exciting Day

Today is monumental people...

I got to help cook dinner.  

I know, I know.  Hold your gasp of bewilderment and confusion.  I love cooking dinner for Chris.  Sure, at times it is a pain in the rear and adding more fuel to the fire is our lack of a dishwasher.  But, overall I really do enjoy it.  Since marrying the guy almost four months ago, I could probably count on two hands the times I have actually been able to prepare a meal for the two of us.  

Today is different.

Today, I got to help.

Now, seeing as how my day will still not end until 7:15ish, Chris still has to do the "cooking" aspect of things.  Here is how my helping plays out:

On the menu tonight is Olive Garden's Chicken Gnocchi Soup.  So, I wrote out the recipe, set out the dry ingredients and put the chicken in the crock pot.

Next, I cut up all the veggies and set the other ingredients close by.  (just to clarify, Chris could figure out where the heavy whipping cream and milk are located, but it makes me feel more involved)

I set our wonderful soup pot on the stove, ready to go.

Finally, I typed up an email to Chris letting him know everything is ready to go, the time I will be home, when to start the soup, and that there is bread in the freezer.

 

 

 

And there you have it.  I got to help with dinner.  

Oh, and in case you were interested, here is the recipe for this fabulous soup.  I got it from my mother, not sure where she got it from.  It is amazingly wonderful and best of all, not difficult.  Now, if I could just have the Olive Garden salad (I know there is a recipe on Pinterest, wasn't thinking ahead this week) and some bellini tea, I would be set.

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

1/3 c. butter
2 cloves of minced garlic
1 lb chicken--cooked & cubed
1/3 c. flour
1/2 sliced carrots
1 stick sliced celery
1/4 c. chopped onion
1/2 c. fresh spinach torn in pieces
2 c. milk
2 c. heavy cream
3 chicken bullion cubes
Pepper to taste
17.6 oz. of Gnocchi (I rarely use all of it--too much)

On medium heat:
Melt butter in a soup pot, add garlic and saute.
Add chicken and flour.  Mix well until flour is cooked into chicken.
Next add milk and heavy cream.
Add veggies (carrots, celery, onion, spinach)
Add 3 bullion cubes.
Add Gnocchi last--it takes 3-4 minutes to cook throughout. 
Mix ingredients well until soup thickens and stirring occasionally.
Cover and simmer 10 minutes.

(If too thick, add milk to consistency you want.)

Ummm, Hello, My Name is Ashley

I have been asked three times this week alone why I have stopped blogging.  My response is always the same, my life is so not interesting right now.  This lady has been pretty monotonous lately.  But, alas, I will do my best to get back on the blogging wagon.  I think my biggest hindrance is the fact that I take no pictures anymore.  My phone has a pretty good camera on it, but it is a pain in the rear to email myself pics, save them on the computer, then upload them to the el bloggo.  I have misplaced my actual camera, perhaps I should locate that today.  So, forgive me for a pictureless post (again), but here is an update on this Boschen's life as of late:

• Work is picking up and becoming more consistent.  I am not sure I will ever get used to my schedule.  My friend Natalie who works from like 2am to 11am (not to mention her husband gets home from work about the time she is headed to bed) put is perfectly in an email to me however.  We have this "idea" of how we would like our day to day marriage to be and when work forces it to be different, it will always be hard to adjust.
• I got to see two of my favorite people for lunch the other day, Natalie and Haley.  Don't get to see them near enough, but always delightful when I do.
• Due to my work schedule, Chris has picked up the job of cooking.  He does pretty darn well with this.  
• We are becoming more and more aware that we will be replacing one or both cars in the not so distant future.  Praying they last until June or July at least.  Car troubles are the pits, the pits I tell ya.
• We have three weddings to attend over the next month.  All of which are optometry folk and we are so excited to catch up with everyone.
• I miss my teacher friends (notice I didn't say I missed teaching).
• My home does not have a mum or pumpkin in or around its vicinity, this makes me sad.
• I made an MU yarn wreath and listen to Chris talk about MU going to the SEC almost nightly.
• The Cardinals play tonight, hope they win.  When the season is over, talk will switch to what will happen to Albert and if they will fire the manager.  Right now I am enjoying the yelling at the TV, much more entertaining for me.
• Enjoying feeling more connected with my church people.
• Chris made the praise team at church, that will be fun to watch.
• First Thanksgiving and Christmas as a married couple are quickly approaching.  
• We have a white Christmas tree that I look at daily in the garage with great anticipation of decorating.  The possibility of putting it up while Chris is at work has crossed my mind on numerous occasions.  That would be hil-ar-i-ous.

Thank you for allowing me to share the randomness and boringness that is our life right now. I promise (ok so maybe my fingers are crossed right now) that I will check in again sooner than later.  You might just get real lucky with a picture or two.  

Funny Stuff

When you are dating someone seriously, the question is always, "When are you two getting married?"  Once you walk down the isle the question quickly transitions to, "When are you going to have babies?"  One of my dear friends from Texas actually emailed me today with this question, which made me giggle and so I thought I would share a silly story with you.

Since my job change I have been home more.  I get bored easily, so I joke with Chris about having a baby to keep me occupied. (emphasis on joke)  He laughs and banters with me and we go on.  

Last night before going to bed I made the joke again because I didn't have to work until 5 this evening and didn't really have anything planned for the day.  Well, our precious pup got sick last night and woke us up at about 4:45 which resulted in a clean up and having to turn on dreaded light when all should be dark.  He got sick again at 7 when Chris was already up and about and I sat with him and babied him, cause that's what I do.  (Side note to those who might be concerned about Jasper, we gave him his heart worm medicine last night and I think it didn't sit well.  Chris seems to think it was the two grapes I gave him before bed, whatev.)

All that to say after running into each other and being half asleep while cleaning up a mess in the wee hours of the morning, I don't think we are quite there yet =)  

Transitions

I have been out of ideas as far as what to write about on here.  Today marks two months since our blissful wedding day.  I walked into the kitchen this morning to find a new pair of Toms sitting on the table with a cute note attached.  He's so sweet.  With my new job I get to be more casual in my attire and these will be perfect for fall and winter months.  Way to go Chris!

This week has really been my first week to dive into my new work scene.  I am at the half way point in regards to number of clients, but am thankful for how quickly things have moved along.  Yesterday I had my first "full day" with five clients.  I went along with a coworker to the clients I will be taking over for her next week (she's having a baby).  So, my day looked pretty much like this:

8:30-10:30ish: Supervision
10:30-12:00: Went home and folded laundry, did dishes, talked to my sister, set out dinner stuff, and did some paperwork.
12:00-5:00: Client time


I was home by 5:30, had a conversation with Amy while making waffles for dinner, and the rest of the evening Chris and I watched TV and went for a jog.  


The hours are still foreign to me.  With school starting up I will be working more into the evening (my goal is to be done with clients by 6:30 with maybe one later night a week).  Chris has been sweet to continually say he will step up and cook more dinner time meals.  I am working on forcing myself out of bed by 7 in the morning just so I can do housework and any leftover paperwork prior to my day beginning.  But, overall, things are going pretty smoothly.


Just a little update into our world right now.  Nothing overly humorous or exciting is going on.  No pictures to add really.  I'm alright with that though =) 

Bouquet of Freshly Sharpened Pencils

I think that's it for the wedding stuff for now.  I was going to show off some photo booth pics, but I'm not in the mood to shift through them.  Laziness has over powered me as of late.

It is back to school time and my heart is full of all sorts of sentiments.  While I only taught for five years, by no means a veteran, it is strange to not be up in my classroom frantically trying to get it ready.  As far as the new job goes, I am officially licensed, still waiting for insurance approval, and will hopefully have clients soon (eek).  However, there are a few things I am missing about teaching right now that I thought I would share.

• Writing names on name badges.
• Looking through your class list for the first time.
• Printing out the same page five times due to it not being the right font, a child being added or dropped from your list, or because it didn't fit in the frame correctly.
• Having everything organized (because it won't be for the rest of the year).
• Rewriting your plans for the first week at least three times due to changes or new ideas (ok maybe I don't miss this).
• Getting to leave work for lunch.
• Sonic runs.
• Run ins with Emmett or perhaps a velociraptor. 
• Going through your purchase order and thinking, "Why in the WORLD did I buy this!?"
• Talking sweetly to your computer or printer because they don't want to go back to work either.
• Wearing gym shorts and t-shirts to work (with no make up and a pony as a bonus).
• Conversations with your neighbors that keep you from doing what you really should be doing.
• Staying later than you would EVER stay (without complaining at least) during the school year, simply because you want things to be just so.

I will somewhat miss my pals when school starts officially next week.   I used to think change was the worst stinking thing in the world.  However, sometimes a change will do you good.


Happy school year to so many of my very favorite people!!!  May I never forget how hard you work and always appreciate the teachers I will encounter in my future.  You all really are amazing =)

Reception

Alrighty, I'm back.  For our reception our intent was to be as laid back as you can and allow our guests to enjoy the backyard.  We had a tent set up and decorated, a few tables around the pool, a dance floor, washers, a photo booth, and games for the kids.  I so wish I would have taken more time to enjoy our reception.  Let me rephrase that, I wish I would have allowed myself to venture around more rather than feeling like a chicken with my head cut off.  

My mom did an amazing job at listening to all of my little request and making them possible.  We collected frames for months, followed by days of spray painting.  She kept her eyes out for the prettiest vintage table cloths and my grandma sewed up several herself.  On several of the tables were tins we had picked up from place to place or mason jars borrowed from a sweet friend.  And the kids had a bucket of games to keep them busy.

I think it turned out pretty swell.

Frames were hung all around the tent.

Flip flops were available to guests with barkin dogs.

The pool which we did not jump in.

Wedding party dancing!

Pictures of our family members.

And a sparkler send off.

 

Ceremony

Our ceremony was meant to be very personal and meaningful and Chris and I felt it was just that.  Our uncles performed the ceremony, which meant a lot.  Steve took that time to ask us questions about our parents and what we admired about them.  Jeff took scripture we held near and dear and used it as a charge for our marriage.  

Instead of a unity candle or anything of that nature, a sweet friend (Natalie) had our vows framed and our wedding party signed around them.  They, along with all of the friends and family who surrounded us, are the ones who will say the prayers to lift us up or we pray they will say the words to put us in our place if needed.  Marriages are a lot of work and we need all the help we can get.  

Despite the heat, there was a nice breeze during the ceremony (and some questionable clouds) that made it more bearable.  Our arbor was put together the day before and that was an adventure =)  All of our flowers during the ceremony were picked up that morning at the Farmers Market, I loved it.

I walked down the "isle" to Perfect by Jon McLaughlin and our friends Skyler and Chad performed Sailboats by Brooke Fraser.  We exited the ceremony to ABC by Jackson 5, why?  Because our monogram is ABC!!!  (I bet 99.9% of the people there didn't even pick up on that)

Here are several pictures from the ceremony:

Two of my favorite people in the whole wide world.

My bridesmaids minus my sister.  Their dresses were from AE, I thought it came together quite nicely.

The Dress

I like of think of myself as a pretty decisive individual.  Now, if you ask me a question I genuinely do not have an opinion on, I will respond with an, "I don't care."  This probably annoys the tar out of people.  But, if there is something I really want, you don't have to ask twice.  

For example, I looked for quite a while for houses, but when I found mine an offer was made quickly.  I knew I wanted to marry Chris before I met him.  And the story is no different with my dress. 

My sister was down for a week and we scheduled an appointment at a local boutique, Norman's.  We had always gone to Norman's for our prom dresses, Katie had purchased her wedding dress from there, and so I went in with the mindset that today I would find my dress.  

I will say what I had in mind was not what I got.  I wanted something very 27 Dresses, Tess like.  Spaghetti straps, full skirt, simple.

Since I was having an outdoor wedding, they automatically took me to the destination wedding portion of the store which lent itself to more casual, airy dresses.  Everything the girl pulled out I was indifferent about.  A dress in a plastic bag is limp and doesn't shine much.  My sister took over and started pulling dresses for me.  I think she was sensing the, "good grief, they aren't going to have ANYTHING for me" vibe I was puttin out.

After pulling about five dresses, we started trying them on.  There was one dress that made me look like a mummy, that was a no go.  The next dress was the exact dress I had in mine.  Empire waist, no details, v-neck, spaghetti straps, no train...  It had been what I had envisioned, but I wasn't feeling it.  I liked it, but didn't feel beautimous.  So, slightly discouraged, we pressed on. 

The third dress I tried on was beautiful.  Champagne colored, empire waist, lace everywhere, a small train, comfortable, I was in love.  It was nothing I had in mind, but more than I could have ever dreamed of having.  My sister and mom were instantly in love.  I did try on one more mermaid style dressed, which was pretty, but too formal for what we had in mind.

So, texts were sent to friends asking for their choice between the two.  But, before we could even hear back, I made my decision and never looked back.

My mom made my hair piece out of the wrap that came with my dress and I wore yellow shows.  I have told Chris that even if I have to leave it unzipped, I will put my dress on at each anniversary and take a picture.  I love it so much and hope that some day we have a little girl (or little niece) who can play dress up in it and I won't mind at all if she wants to cut it up and use some of it on her big day.  

Wedding Pics are In!!!

I received our wedding CD from our lovely photographer yesterday which can only mean one thing...  time for some wedding pics!!!  My plan is to do a few blog entries about the details of the wedding before exposing the pictures all over facebook.  So, today I begin with one of my favorite parts of the wedding,

THE CAKE!

I apologize ahead of time for the excessive number of cake pictures, but I love em.

Rather than going with just one cake, I decided to have several.  Why not?  I saw an idea a long time ago on a friend's tumblr (Skyler) and went with it.   Our original intent was to use the toppers from our family members' weddings, however no one seemed to have kept them.  Therefore, we ordered all of our vintage cake toppers off of etsy.  It was always fun to get a package and decide which toppers to use and which to discard.  My sister and I had to convince my mother at one point that the skin tone on a particular topper wouldn't really work for Chris and I...  

The groom's cake of course had an MU theme.  We stuck with plain old white and chocolate cakes, no fillers.  While I love cakes with fillers, I am perfectly happy with butter cream goodness.  We had fruit as well, so that was sufficient for me. 

A few weeks before the wedding, some one had asked if we were going to do the whole cake in the face technique.  I was, of course, all for it.  Chris had warned me that if I went after him, I would get it in return.  So, my technique was to strike quickly and catch him off guard.  I think it worked. 

Our cake topper is all wrapped up and tucked away in my parent's deep freeze for June 18th of next year.  I am already excited to eat it!!

At Odds

Chris and I like to dream a lot.  He refers to his "man lair" several times throughout any given week.  Currently, our house does not encompass enough space for such a desire, however it is on the list for our future home.  My dreams are a little more practical.  Oh say, a dishwasher and garbage disposal to begin with.  If you have either of these amenities in your kitchen, thank your lucky stars.

Lately we have been dreaming of things which are a little more practical and within our reach, although very different.  

For Chris, 

The boy wants an Xbox.  His previous system underwent the "red ring of death" and he has been without for over a year.  He isn't a serious gamer, however he does enjoy his occasional video game.  We still have some Target gift cards I am setting aside for him, we shall see.

For me,

I want a new camera so stinking bad.  I have been looking for over a year now, but can't seem to push myself to save up for one.  Currently most of my pictures are being taken on my phone which just isn't cutting it.  My goal is to have one before we have kids, surely that is realistic!?

So, even though we dream a lot and have a wish list a mile long, we are doing quite well.  Our home is looking pretty cute, our cars are stickin with us, and I had a Starbucks this morning.  I'm pretty content with life right now, pretty darn content.

Little Behind

Last week was our first week really home since we've been married.  Yes, one month of marriage and only one full week at home.  Chris has had to travel a lot for work, surprisingly.  

So, with full intentions of being a good wife who hasn't started working yet (praying on that one)...  I set off with domestic dreams of sweetly set tables for every night of the week.

Ha, reality sets in quickly.  Here is what our week looked like.

Monday:

On Monday nights some friends and I get together for the guilty pleasure of watching the Bachelorette.  We also bring treats.  For me, I kind of slumped on this task due to wedding planning and sheer laziness.  Chocolate covered strawberries here, chips and salsa (not homemade) there...  But, for this week I wanted to feed into another guilty pleasure, Pinterest.  I figured, I spend so much time pinning delicious foods, why not try one.  

Since I knew Chris would be left to fend for himself for dinner, while planning out what to make for the Bach, I also made him some of Pullan's famous salsa.  Sorry girls, Chris got the better end of the deal on this cooking experiment.  I made ice cream bread for the girls, not so good.

Haven't mastered the "clean cooking" technique.

Salsa=delightful

Tuesday:

Cooking night.  We had steak, corn on the cob, and salad.  We watched the All Star game and ate on our fanciful tv trays.

Wednesday:

BLTs, mac and cheese, and salad.  Cooking bacon has got to be one of the worst things.  The smell lingered for days.   

Thursday:

We ate out with a group of friends to celebrate the Worley's  home coming from Amsterdam.  Didn't plan on this, but well worth it.

Friday:

Another surprise outing.  I went to Kai to celebrate Chrissy's upcoming nuptials and Chris went to the Brew Co. with his parents and brother.

Saturday:

Pancakes, made by the husband.

Sunday:

McDonald's on the way to Arkansas (another work related outing, but I got to go this time).  I will note that this was my first time to McDonald's in FIVE WEEKS!!!!  Sorry folks, but I love that place.  However, I will say that after a five week subbatical, not craving it like I used to.  This could be a blessing.

So, as you can see, my dreams of eating at home didn't fan out as much as I would have liked on this particular week.  We are trying our hand at a "budget" and food is one area we are struggling with.  Things just seem to pop up and you just don't want to say no.  

This week we have been gone Monday-Wednesday and Chris leaves again on Friday.  Perhaps we shall try again next week...  (however, I wouldn't trade any of it for the world)