An Awesome Weekend in Sports and Oatmeal Cookies

This past weekend was one of the best weekend in sports for my teams in a long time. The Pirates slammed the Tar Heels on Saturday (55-31), beating them in their stadium for the first time since 1975, so that was an excellent start. Then, the Brownies beat the Bengals in Cleveland, giving them a 2-2 record, which is 2 games better than the "Stillers"...enough said. And THEN, the Indians swept the Twins and took over the top AL Wildcard spot...Oh, and the Buckeyes won, too. So, overall, a pretty fantastic weekend for sports. Not a great weekend for my fitness/weight loss goals, as we went out two nights in a row, and that never ends well on the scale...Oh well! Just gotta keep on truckin'! In any case, I made some pretty awesome cookies today, so I'm sharing the link: "Healthy" Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
The consistency is a little different than the typical cookie, though I had to make them without baking powder. I know, I know...what good baker doesn't have baking powder? Well, needless to say, it's on my grocery list for next time! In any case, they were pretty delicious, though I suggest adhering to the directions of shaping them how you want them because they will bake in whatever shape you plop the dough down in!

Here's to hoping the winning keeps going!

-Ashley

Singalongs and a Recipe...Happy Friday!

I was watching The Today Show(I think this is going to become a regular phrase in my blog posts...), and they were talking about how Jefferson Starship's "We Built This City" was voted the worst song ever...WHAT?! I would have to disagree. I realize that the lyrics are not earth-shattering or especially meaningful, but let's be real...there's a lot of music out there that falls in that category. This song became one of my favorite memories from college, and is perhaps one of the greatest songs out there to blare on the speakers and scream out the words. Quite unfortunate that so many people feel it is a terrible song. Another song that brings back memories is Weezy's "Fireman", which is not in a typical singalong genre, but let me tell you...this girl could rap this song. I love to sing(my boyfriend knows that all too well...), and who doesn't love a good roadtrip with a car full of friends blurting out the words to N'Sync or whatever other throwback music you can get your hands on? In any case, singalongs bring people together wherever they are...and that's all I've got. Talk about not tying together an entry with a good conclusion! Oh well, this isn't an essay, people!

Also, I made a super-easy chicken bake last night...It can be found below. I used sour cream instead of the yogurt because I didn't have any here, and it was delicious. I would suggest laying off some of the salt included in the recipe, maybe exclude it from the mayo mixture...

 Creamy Swiss Cheese Chicken Bake

Hope you have a GREAT weekend!!

-Ashley

Going Against the Grain

So, I was watching The Today Show this morning, as has become my usual routine, and I saw another story that is helping me restore my faith in humanity. The story is covered here: Awesome In case you don't want to read it...Basically, a high school football coach in Utah suspended his entire team and made them complete tasks and requirements in order to earn their jerseys and playing time back. They weren't representing their school or team well, so he took charge and put things into perspective for them. It makes me happy to see that there are people out there who encourage our youth to be upstanding members of society. There are a lot of student athletes out there who think that they are "the bomb dot com"(Yes, I just said that) and that they can do whatever they want with no consequences because they play sports. I wish more coaches would teach their players lessons like this guy did...
Something else that happened today was that I got an email from a job that I had forgetten I applied to, and they wanted me to complete and online cognitive test, as well as an online interview. Now, I was thinking this online interview would be set up on Skype or Google Hangout, and I'd actually be talking to someone. I've never had an interview like that before, but I had heard other people talking about it. Oh no, not this interview. This interview was 5 questions long, and each question was asked by someone who had been recorded before today asking the question. How very impersonal! I had 20 seconds to think about my answer to each question, and then the camera would come on and I had about 1:30 to answer it. Let me just say that I hope I never have to interview like that again. I didn't feel like I was able to relate to anyone, so I had a hard time keeping eye contact or really showing off my personality. I guess I just prefer the interviews that become more of a conversation, with dialogue going back and forth, instead of this Q and A stuff the entire time. Oh well, I guess it's an interview!

In any case, I'm still looking for jobs!

-Ashley

Friends Are Awesome.

So, I went to lunch with my one of my good friends who also happens to be a KD sister, and it reminded me that this month has been International Women's Friendship Month. There wasn't always an entire month dedicated to celebrating friends(only one day in September), but why not celebrate friendship every day? Friends have gotten me through some of the most difficult days of my life, and celebrated with me on some of the greatest. It is for that reason that I'm dedicating this post to my friends and sisters. Though I have lost touch with some or am not friends with others, at one point in my life, they were there for me, and they made a difference. With Big/Little reveal just around the corner for my KD sisters, I'm reminded of how wonderful it was to get a big sister(even if we didn't have the best relationship), and how great it was to take TWO fabulous little sisters! I love that my KD family has grown and continues to grow, and that they let this old alum meet the newest additions. I always enjoy thinking back on fun memories from living in the house and talking about how we had more fun than the girls there now...which I am sure EVERY group does once they're alum. Kappa Delta was not about making 70+ best friends because there's just no way that everyone is going to get along...but it is about making a handful of lifelong friends that stick with you, no matter how far apart you may be physically. I met some of my future bridesmaids(God willing I ever get married...) and we'll always share that special bond of sisterhood. Aside from my sisters, I have other groups of friends from high school and ECU that will always be a part of my life, and to stop my ramble...I'm just really glad that I have good friends. I've posted a few "throwbacks" below...

Fall '07 on Bid Day 2008

Sisters at a very rainy ECU game...2009?

Snow Day Running Buddies!

DMB 2008

Pals from High School

Bid Day 2010

Semi-Formal 2008

I love my friends...

-Ashley

Meh.

Today's blog post is coming late because I really couldn't think of much to write about today, which seems like it may be the norm for a lot of days. Have you ever just felt like you're stuck? You're not where you want to be, but you're not where you don't want to be either? That's how I've been feeling lately, and it's really frustrating because nothing seems like it's going to change. I'm just ready to get out of this rut I'm in and move on with my life. I'm not sure how I'm going to do it, but it's going to happen, and I hope it happens soon. Sorry for the short blog post...again. Maybe tomorrow will bring something a little better...guess we'll wait and see!

Have a good night.

Ashley

Happy Fall!

So, I kind of lied when I said I'd blog daily...I guess I should say every week day, since I'll be skipping the weekends. In any case, lots of excitement in the sports world this weekend. The Indians hold a wildcard spot AND the Browns beat the Vikings for their first win of the season! Fabulous! Guess we didn't need Trent Richardson to win a game! This weekend was full of wedding planning and organizing, but not for my own wedding(don't worry friends, I'm not hiding news). I'm fairly certain that by the time it's my turn, I'll know what I want and what I don't want, which will be GREAT for decision making! I also spent some time practicing my shag moves with Nate, and I think I'm finally getting the hang of it. I can't wait for the first time we're out somewhere with beach music! In case you're not familiar with shagging, check out this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGJ2XjQDEBE I really encourage you to try it out of you have the chance!!
In other news...yesterday was the first day of fall, and I finally feel like it's okay to burn fall candles in the apartment...but I'll probably wait until October 1st. October just feels more like fall than September. Is anyone else ready for long-sleeved shirts and sweaters? I know that mine are dying to be unpacked!
Sorry, not a very inspired blog post today...I'm going to try baking some "healthy" peanut butter cookies today. Not sure how cookies can be healthy, maybe they should call them "Not as many calories as regular" peanut butter cookies? Supposedly, each cookie is 36 calories, but I'm not sure I believe that. Anyway, below is the recipe I'm about to use...I'll edit the post with a picture and my review later.
Have a great Monday!!

-Ashley

"Not As Many Calories As Regular" Peanut Butter Cookies
1 cup peanut buter
1 cup honey
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 egg

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix the peanut butter and honey together, then add in the egg and baking soda.
Bake for 10 minutes.
(Evidently, they're delicious? We'll see...)

Cookie Update: I only used 3/4 cup of honey because...that's a LOT of honey. They look fairly normal...and they don't taste too bad, either. They're pretty gooey, which may have been avoided with smaller amounts of "dough" for each cookie or MAYBE baking longer, but I doubt it. Even though it makes them less "healthy", I might add some chocolate chips or toffee to the mix for something different. Overall, not too bad, if you don't mind using your entire honey bear to make them. They do expand A LOT, so if you're going for presentation, you're going to want to give them plenty of room(see below).

Happy News in a Sea of Awful

One thing I enjoy about not having to go to work in the morning is that I have time to eat my breakfast and watch the Today Show. I like the Today Show because it gives me the news, weather, and also a talk show atmosphere. I grew up watching the Today Show in the morning with my mom, and though many of the anchors have changed, they're still a fun crew to watch. Some of the stories they have covered lately have been pretty great, and today they shared two that really made me happy.

The first was a story about a Dairy Queen worker who stood up for a blind customer. The customer had dropped a twenty dollar bill, and another customer picked it up to keep it for her own. The worker asked the woman to give it back to the man or she could leave. She refused to give it back, left the store, and then the worker gave the blind customer twenty dollars out of his own pocket. It makes me happy to hear that there are people in our society that want to right the wrong-doing of others, even when it means that they give up something of their own.

The second story that struck me was about a camp called "Camp BroaderWay" put on by Idina Menzel and Taye Diggs. If you don't know who they are, you can easily google them, but they are a married couple that have both had roles in Broadway productions, among other endeavors. The goal of the camp is to give girls from urban communities a place to embrace self-expression and creativity through art-centered activities. The camp works on building self-esteem and other qualities that will help the girls achieve their goals and go after their dreams. The girls get to come back each summer for 4 years, which also allows the older girls to take on greater leadership and mentoring with the younger campers. I love this idea and it makes me happy to see people with awesome talents sharing them with people that can truly benefit.

It's nice to hear news that is uplifting and happy, especially with all of the terrible events that are reported daily in our world. Along with those uplifting stories this morning, I heard about the shooting at a park in Chicago, where 13 were shot, including a 3 year old child. The news outlets are reporting that it was gang-related, which does not surprise me in the least. Thirteen people seemed like a lot, but then I read an article that said that there were eighteen gunshot victims within four hours across the city yesterday. It's really unfortunate that people are shot all over the country and it has gotten to the point where it's no surprise anymore.

I find it hard to understand why people have to resort to shooting others, or violence in general, in order to solve their problems. Granted, my life is a lot different than many of the people that commit these crimes, so maybe I'd think differently if I had their problems...In any case, I think it's something that needs to be stopped, but until our country's government can become a cohesive force to solve problems, I doubt we'll make much progress in this area. In any case, it's stories like Camp BroaderWay that make me realize that there are people in our society trying to help people create better lives for themselves, and these are causes that we all need to support.

Have a great day!

-Ashley

 WWh

Grocery Lists

Well, after yet another TERRIBLE decision from the Browns, the Indians also lost to the Royals, making it a perfect day in Cleveland...if perfect means that all went the way it's expected to go. But, the real reason for my post...This morning, I'm sitting here trying to make a grocery list filled with healthy, practical foods. And then, I remember the 5 million(I may be exaggerating) recipes I have pinned to my pinterest boards. If any of you are avid pinners, you know that sometimes, those recipes can make the grocery list twice as long as when you just listed the things you need. Terrible. However, I'm still excited to try a new chicken bake recipe, and these "healthy" peanut butter cookies. Before Pinterest, I think my grocery spending was less, but my culinary life was much less exciting. 

Grocery shopping has always been something that I enjoy. I can't decide if it's because I love food or because it's one of those things that makes me feel independent...probably both. I always walk around the store looking at all the different foods and ingredients I could use, and I think it's just the pleasure of knowing that I don't have to ask Mom or Dad if we can get a specific item. I started grocery shopping at a very young age, as my dad used to take my brother and I with him to the store on Saturday mornings to give my mom a break from the kids. I sure hope that my husband will do that for me one day...but I'm not sure I'll be so lucky. 

Shorter post today and kind of random, but maybe I'll add more later...As for now, I need to go get some grocery shopping done!

Hope everyone has a fabulous day!

-Ashley

A Cleveland Sports Fan Using the 3 P's

So, last night, I realized that the Indians were playing the Royals in the 2nd game of their series by the time I went to bed, but it wouldn't have mattered anyway, since I can rarely find Cleveland games on television down here. So, I resulted to constantly watching GameTracker on my phone, and hoping that Chris Perez wasn't going to come in to close and Royally(pun intended), screw up...Now, normally, I'm a fairly optimistic person when it comes to life, but being from Cleveland, I find that it's better to have a pessimistic outlook on sports. If I tell myself that someone's going to screw up and blow the lead for the team, then I'm ecstatic when we actually win the game. This time, Chris Perez came through in the clutch, and the Indians won 5-3 over the Royals. I was pretty happy about this, since the Indians were just half a game back from the Wild Card race, but then the universe remembered that it's Cleveland, so naturally last night's win kept them at half a game back. So, the Indians are currently stuck, and the Browns have started off their season at 0-2 with losses to the Dolphins and Ravens. Maybe they can get a win on Sunday against the Vikings? I won't get my hopes up...
In other news, I've figured out that full recovery from tailgate dehydration takes me two days. And with that, I've decided to take a look at myself and make a few changes. I'm tired of starting and stopping my efforts toward goals that I've been making for years, and I'm finally taking charge and pushing through. Being a public health professional(can I still call myself that if I'm not currently an employed individual in the field?), my opinion on the best way to get healthy and fit is probably way different than what others believe is the best way, but then again, each person is different. My belief is that a healthy, well-portioned diet and dedicated exercise is the best way to reach health and fitness goals. It's about making SUSTAINABLE lifestyle changes, and sticking to them.
My problem is that I make changes, stick to them for two to three weeks(sometimes less), and then I'm right back to where I started. It's a frustrating process, but I know it can be done because I've seen proof. I'm calling my boyfriend out on this one because he is a prime example of someone that put his mind to losing weight and did it. His way may not be the best way(in my opinion), but it worked for him, and he lost over 100 pounds. I've seen tons of other people, men and women, who have done the same thing by changing their diets and incorporating more physical activity into their lifestyle.

Marlon Gibson, featured on CNN for his outstanding weight loss(Check out the article: Marlon Gibson's Story)has become a huge inspiration for me. He talks about the 3 P's( Persistence, Passion, and Perseverance), and how important they have been to his success. Luckily, I don't have that amount to lose to meet my goal, but I've decided to use his story and the 3 P's as inspiration for my journey to better health, even if I have no intention of switching to a vegan diet. I think that a lot of people see the infomercials and hear about weight loss programs and supplements, and automatically think that those things will work for them. I was convinced until yesterday that I needed some sort of program to whip me into shape. Thinking about it now, I think I just need to let my self-control out of the closet and push myself. Encouragement from others is always helpful, but at the end of the day, knowing that I did this myself without having to pay for anything other than food(and maybe some new tennis shoes soon...) will be so much more rewarding for me.

I think the 3 P's are important for any goal in life...and Cleveland sports teams and fans use them every season. Persistent...The teams try to have a winning record every year, and sometimes even succeed! I've got to be persistent in my effort to achieve my health goal. Passion...God knows that Cleveland fans are passionate about their sports. If we're not passionate about our goals, what's the point? Finally, perseverance...One day, Cleveland will rise above the rest and bring home a championship...maybe not in our lifetime...And hopefully, over the next year, I will persevere and achieve my goals,too.

Here's to the 3 P's!
Oh, and a Cleveland Indians win tonight!!

-Ashley

First blog post...well, kinda.

I'm going to label this as my first blog post, but really, it's my fifth. I started a blog in the fall of 2011 when  I was beginning my MPH program, and managed to write only four posts. Needless to say, I simply didn't have the time to blog while I was writing endless term papers and working on group projects all the time. 

Well, I now hold a Masters in Public Health, a BS in Public Health Studies, and a high school diploma, and I still have yet to find gainful employment. I have applied to many different jobs, including those that require only that of a high school diploma, and have had no luck. It's really depressing to think about the amount of time I put into earning advanced degrees(not to mention the amount of debt I accrued and continue to accrue), and the idea that I'm still living off of my parents. I know I'm not alone in this predicament, as a handful of my classmates are feeling the same way, but this is not how I'm supposed to be living right now, or maybe it's just not how I imagined I'd be living right now. I suppose I can kind of relate to the recent article I've seen a few people post, about Generation Y, and how we feel we're better and deserve a great job right out of college. (Why Generation Y Yuppies are Unhappy) Well, not exactly. I wouldn't say that I think I'm better than anyone else, though I would say that I am overqualified for many of the open job positions I see, and that being said, I'm also underqualified for many of the positions I see. I think it's really terrible that companies or organizations refuse to hire people that they feel are overqualified because then they will have to pay that person a higher salary. WRONG. If you'd take the time to interview this so-called "overqualified" person, you might find that they're fresh out of undergrad or graduate school, and haven't worked in the "real world"(aside from maybe an internship or assistanceship), and really just want to land that first "real" job. I could honestly care less about making the supposed average starting salary. I just want and need the experience, and some sort of income that allows me to pay my own bills and living expenses. Maybe I'm not like others in my generation, who feel entitled and refuse to take positions that pay less than they're worth, but the employers will never know that if they don't give me a chance to have that conversation with them.

So, that's where I am...stuck in a continuous rut of applying to a plethora of open positions in a variety of fields, only to recieve a plethora of rejection emails. Sounds like fun, huh? In fact, I'm having so much fun that I'm considering a second master's degree and/or going back for a PhD now, instead of gaining valuable real world experience in public health. Yep, that's right, let me tack on some more loans to my current debt. It's the American way, right? Honestly, I just want to teach undergraduate public health students that they have the ability to change the health of our population, and inspire them. Unfortunately, it's difficult to be inspiring when I haven't had many chances to put my skills and abilities to work...

For now, I'll keep applying, and maybe, just maybe I'll get hired to do something I love...by November, I hope.

Here's to hoping your job or job prospects are better than mine!

Ashley