I'm Thankful For...

Darling, isn't it?

Hawaiian Breezes

We don't have an air conditioner, which is bearable most days. However, lately the trade winds have become my best friend. There's nothing more relaxing than reading a good book or blogging to the sound of trickling water from a fountain outside, curtains blowing, and two snuggly pups at my feet. A sudden chill makes me smile, grab a light cardigan, and be grateful for little moments. Life is good.

FaceTime

The sound of my computer ringing and my heart skips a beat. I wait patiently for a familiar face to pop up on my screen, and my face lights up with sheer delight. Thousands of miles away from the ones I love the most, but I suddenly feel closer and connected. I see Flyboy's friendly mug, the warm smiles of my mom and dad, and loving scenes from my cousin's cheerful household. Life is grand.

Random Spells of Organization

Around 11:30 one night, I decided it might be a good time to go through our office to purge and organize. About an hour later, knick knacks have been rearranged, my bulletin board got a little editing, and the drawers of our filing cabinets were primped to perfection. On to the next room, I say. No, but seriously, I was up until 2 a.m. working on my closet and rearranging my jewelry display. Side note: All of this spaz attack organization was done to the sweet sounds of Andy Cohen and the infamous arguing of Atlanta Housewives. I love trashy reruns. Life is spontaneous, but orderly.

"Girl Jack Lemmon"

Never before has a lead female TV character used Walter Matthau to describe her perfect man. I am in lurve with Fox's New Girl. Why so tickled, you ask? My sister and I used to LOVE the Grumpy Old Men movies. We liked them so much, we'd request to rent them on the rare occasion my mom and dad went out. A little Matthau and Lemmon action paired with a Totino's pizza and you have Friday night fun-anza! We were quirky children that knew how to have a good time. Little did we know the movie is somewhat poetic -- we're all looking for the "putz" to our "moron".  Life is funny.

A Catchy Music Download

There are those rare moments when I actually stop to listen to lyrics, and that was the case this week with LMFAO's Sexy and I Know It. I realized they were saying, "When I'm at the beach, I'm in a Speedo trying to tan my cheeks." Ladies and gents, that right there is pure gold! If you follow One Fine Day, you may already be aware of my neighbor who often sunbathes on his roof in a thong. A giant light bulb went off in my mind, and the next thing I know I'm on iTunes downloading the song. I realized that I have to have this particular tune on hand when he sunbathes next. I love it when a song and a moment collide -- it feels like a scene from a movie. With a little direction à la Ash, we'll have ourselves one hilariously funny moment. I don't think I've been this excited for him to tan since we moved in. Now if this moment could go down in the next few weeks while my sister and her boyfriend are in town, that would be epic. Life is wiggle, wiggle, wiggle, wiggle, wiggle yeah!

*Been living under a rock? Not sure about this jam? Let me help you out. Sit back, watch this, and be prepared to wiggle and snap (or maybe even cover your eyes).

Saying "Yes"

I'm not exactly sure what happened, but this past week I realized I've been playing things a little too safe. Maybe it was my decision to make my bucket list public? I need to put myself out there, try new things, and not be so afraid to fail. Even though I miss Flyboy when he's away, I find that I gain another level of independence and confidence in myself. Yes, I may spend the first week (or two) sulking. Then I realize that life goes on when he's away. While I'd rather have him by my side, I'm grateful for the time that he's away because I learn a little more about myself. Life is creating your own happiness.

J.Crew's Holiday Gift Guide

This is just plain materialistic, but I look forward to J.Crew's annual holiday gift guide like it's the September issue of Vogue. I will sit and pore over the images for a good hour. Someone come wipe the drool from my face. There's just something fancy about the way they display their items. It's colorful design candy, and I'm left smitten every year. This annual love fest has occurred since I was in the 6th grade, and my infatuation has grown into another level of unhealthy. Instead of gathering gift ideas for others, I find that I'm only adding items to my wish list. Oops! This is the season for giving, not receiving, Ashley! But I really love that glitter purse! Life is just plain adorable.

If not now, when?

Toodles,

ANF