Thankful... Turkey Day 2011

So much to be thankful for today, and every day. This year has been sort of a tough one for us, through transitions with work, parenting, marriage, and life in general; I think it was a pretty good wake-up call to me that there are things in my life that need changing, and so I've started the very slow and not-so-easy journey of self-improvement. Who isn't doing that? Or trying to, at least? But I think there have been some moments in my life lately where I realize that I'm not who I want to be. What better time to figure out who you are than when you turn 30? Who knows... it sounds good right now. So here I go... as I started to feel like I was 'losing' myself lately and couldn't really figure out what made me "me"- I'm not just Casey's wife and Keaton's mom... but what else is there? Well, I don't know exactly, but I know I'm working on it.

I think part of blogging for me is a therapy to try and figure out just what's going on in by brain... and although it usually just comes out as a play-by-play of what we did for the day, someday I can look back at this time in my life and remember it for just a tiny second. Life changes so quickly these days that if I don't write it down, I'm afraid it will be lost forever. (I say this and realize that I have only written a handful of times this month... but it's the thought that counts, right?) I do know that I am thankful for the blogs I've written previously: My Experiences in America and most of all My Experiences in Japan because it allows me to go back and experience it all over again. Lots of words, lots of time, and someday, lots of fun stories to tell Keaton. (And maybe some to leave until he's much, much older...lol...)... Anyway, I'm thankful for all of it.

I am also thankful for all the people that have stuck by me, watched and helped me grow, and dealt with my very random and sometimes manic thoughts, emotions, or actions. If there is something I've also realized lately it's that there are certain people that come into your life to make you realize what living is all about. I feel totally blessed that I can count those people on two hands.

I guess that's all for tonight... hopefully more to come before the end of the month.

Love,

Ash

And...30.

What an incredible end to my 20s. My best friend of 25 years surprised me on Thursday by flying up to Chicago for a few days. I was able to go out and celebrate with her and have some girl time on Friday night at a bar/restaurant where my friend and classmate Aaron works, and they treated us like VIPs. It as nothing short of an epic night with great food, terrific company, dancing, and drinking. Oh, and did I mention that my husband volunteered to make the 40 minute drive to drop us off? Amazing. Saturday, Casey threw a birthday party for me. It was great seeing local friends and I really enjoyed watching all the kids have fun together. Lindsey flew back home Saturday night, and then Sunday was spent with my boys. We had a great brunch and spent some quality time together. Casey helped me clean the house while Keaton took a 2.5 hour nap (and just woke up from another 2 hour one just now!). We went shopping and I refreshed my very tired wardrobe. Awesome, awesome birthday weekend.

That is a very short recap, but I wanted to write it before I get sidetracked again! So far, turning 30 has been very very good!! :-D

-Ash

End of my 20s: A look back. And Forward.

Only four short days left in my 20s. Um...what? Where did that go? How did that happen? And what do I have to show for it?

I have an amazing husband and adorable little boy. I have a family who continues to care for me and support me, even though I have never stayed consistent with what I want to do with my life. I have amazing friends who support me and listen to my ramblings, worries, and many insecurities, and still stick around. I've got a car that runs and a house in a great neighborhood. I've got a job that may not pay money, but it pays in slobbery kisses and even the occasional "I wuv you". And that's just right now.

So much has changed for me in the past 10 years. Colleges, majors, living in a dorm. Being engaged. Moving home. Working for photography companies. Getting married. Moving to South Carolina. Getting Charley Brown. Working for the University of South Carolina. Living in Japan. Supporting Casey while he got his Ph.D. Moving to Illinois. Owning a house. Becoming a mom. Losing Charley Brown. Going back to school again. Man, what a ride!

As I look ahead, I have no idea what to expect. More losses and new beginnings. Jobs and schools and new adventures. Obstacles and bumps in the road. But one thing I've always had- and with care, I hope to continue to have- is a loving and supportive group of people around me who are there through it all. If you are reading this, you are most likely one of those people. Thank you for being some part of this journey, no matter what role you might play.

-Ash

And then it was November.

I officially reached an all-time low in October for 3 total blog entries. Seriously, that month was insane! And I doubt this one will be any less crazy, but I think it's better that way. Here are some highlights: Time with Grandma De was great. Halloween was awesome. (Keaton loved trick or treating, even if he was a bit tired and shy- but he said "please" and "thank you" at almost every house! He also thought that the kids that came to our house were supposed to give HIM candy, so when a little girl came to our door and he tried to take candy from her bag, he was kind of upset and confused because she wouldn't allow it... haha! He caught on quickly, though.) I know we did a bunch of things just since the last entry, but I can't really remember them. Luckily I have taken a bunch of pictures during that time, though, so just check out the Flickr pics if you'd like to know what we've been up to.

Keaton is starting to put two and three words together, and is starting to tell little 'stories'. He is also a tattle-tale among our little group of friends, and tends to rat out anyone who isn't doing what he thinks they should do. I can't help but laugh... I think he comes by that honestly. He is a bit stranger shy these days, but it really doesn't take long for him to warm up to people. Once he feels comfortable, he starts chatting away. Last night, my Biology class was canceled for the second time this week, so the boys and I went out to dinner. Casey had been requesting a trip to Hooters for awhile now, and I always had some decent excuse not to go... until last night. Wouldn't you know, the second we opened the door, Keaton saw the hostess and then looked directly at her chest. I couldn't help but laugh... he is a GUY, after all. LOL... I'm in for it with this one. He continued to pour on the charm with all the waitresses. He even got a balloon and a free rubber duck out of the deal. What a little flirt! (Glad it was him and not his Daddy! Just sayin'!) :-)

What else is new... hmmm. I turn 30 in 10 days. I am trying to figure out what to ask for and am coming up empty handed thus far. I would love to have a better flash for my camera, but the ones I am currently looking at cost almost as much as the camera itself. Is it worth it? I'm not entirely sure. I have so much more to learn about this photography stuff! I am also looking into classes to take next semester. It appears as though my luck has run out with the classes I can take close to home, and I'll have to drive the 40 minutes to main campus in Glen Ellyn from now on... which may mean preschool/daycare for Mr. Keaton next semester. There are so many things up in the air right now that I'm having trouble sitting down and really looking into it because I first want to find out what is going on with Casey and job opportunities he is looking into. So far it looks as though we are staying put, but I'd hate to enroll and then end up backing out due to moving, etc. So, I'll wait a bit longer. Semester doesn't start until mid-January, so I have a bit of time. I've said it before, and I'll say it again- there is never a dull moment around the Hetrick household anymore! I do think it's better that way, though... it tends to keep me a little more motivated.

Mr. K is awake now, so it looks as though my break is over. More later!

-Ash