Saturday, March 29, 2008

I have a cold

I haven't posted in several days because I've been SO SICK. You would think if you're home for two entire days, feeling like shit, with a runny nose, sore throat, body aches, coughing yourself into an early aneurysm, you would have plenty of time to write in your blog. Right? Wrong! I could barely drag myself out of bed to take a shower, let alone stomach the thought of drumming up enough brain capacity to type sentences with coherence. To top it off, I had to miss a spectacular party last night with my friends Rhi, Josh, Kara, Jeremy, Amy, etc. Boo-hoo. :( And the cherry on the cake, I'm SO OVER BEING SICK! Just like an ex-boyfriend, I want to roll my eyes and tell this cold, "God, go away already."

I have two questions for you this gloomy Saturday morning. My first question lifted my spirits yesterday, but still has me racking my brain this morning.

Question #1) Do you know who sent me a fun gift at work yesterday? The card said, "Get Well Soon. Thinking of you." If you are the person who sent this "surprise" please reveal yourself so you I can give you a proper hug and kiss (after I recover from my cold, of course!) for TOTALLY making my day! I have questioned all the usual suspects, but to no avail. If you have a clue . . . I'll take it. Agent Ash is on the mend and hunting this one down!

Question #2) Does everyone know who Ingrid Michaelson is? You should. In the past 3 days I've memorized her entire Boys & Girls album. I love the simplicity and clarity of her music. She's brilliant. My top 3 personal favorites: Corner of Your Heart, Breakable & Overboard. Check it out. Good stuff.

P.S. Does anyone have any "tried and true" methods for recuperating? I think my body has built up an immunity to Alkaseltzer Cold and NyQuil.

Monday, March 24, 2008

What's your name, what's your sign?

What are you doing this Friday evening? If you want to be a part of the cool kids club, here is where you'll be: Top-Secret Social Group

. . . but you have to RSVP so the doorman has your name and will let you in. No name, no entry!

Good luck!

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Pearl, The "It" Dog of Portland


Just making sure everyone knows how much I love Pearl. For modeling inquiries, email me. She usually responds to treats and princess apparel.

Isn't she THE CUTE!

The Unabashed Week in Review

These are all the action items I either accomplished this week and/or happened. As you can see, it was a very eventful week for me!

- I finished my first non-training week at the new job. My supervisor commended me and told me I was fabulous. The Director of Marketing even wrote me an email, and I quote, "LOVE having you here." Yay me!

- One of my nearest and dearest, Heidi from Alaska, came to visit for the weekend! It was a random and impromptu visit and I was SO ECSTATIC it worked out so well. We met up on Friday night and ended up at Suki's "Karaoke Hole" by the end of the night, and I woke up with a hang-over and cold. Then on Sunday we had an early morning breakfast with Donnie and Rowan (both extremely smart and witty kids!) at Kenny & Zukes, and then I'm taking her to the airport around 5:30pm tonight. Sad, but glad we were able to catch-up- it's actually been 3 years since we've seen each other. And she had me in hysterics on Saturday night at Camellia Lounge when she was talking about how I "connect" everyone with my life. It was funny because I'm so impressed with her photo journals of travel and big changes, like backpacking through Thailand and building a new house, and feels like she can't keep up with the letters and updates I send. I guess we're both good a keeping in touch in different ways! :)

- Rhiannon and I enjoyed a breakfast at Bridges Cafe. Not only did we gab about my boy problems, her boy problems, family problems AND her 30th birthday, . . . . (we interrupt this announce to bring you a news alert)
NEWS ALERT: MARK THE DATE: Dec. 5, 6 & 7 2008. YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST. AT A CHARMING HOUSE IN NESKOWIN. THE WEEKEND WILL BE COMPRISED OF A WINE & GAMES NIGHT AND A BONFIRE & BEER NIGHT. ATTN: DO NOT TRY AND STEAL THIS DATE. IT'S ALREADY IN MY BLACKBERRY AND MY BLACKBERRY IS LAW. BACK TO OUR BREAKFAST NEWS . . .

I'm prety sure we could solve most of the world's problems over some Stumptown coffee and a bacon omelettes any given day. Seriously, we're that good.

- Sent Chainsaw one of my favorite books, "My Life in Heavy Metal" by Steve Almond, and my favorite CD of 2007, The Reminder by Feist. He received the highly prized items and sent me a cute little text. However, I am wondering why I haven't heard from him. I definitely miss our late night, marathon phone conversations. I'm hoping to hear from him soon . . .

- Met my Ryan for an early morning breakfast at Mother's. Ate the best biscuits and gravy of my life. Got caught up on everything. Promised to meet for coffee at 7:30am once a month to chat, brainstorm and support.

- Habes now has Managerial duties at Delica. I'm super excited for her, but know it's kicking her ass right now. The baby knows she's in our thoughts, and Que-Syrah and I are having a "fish" dinner this Wednesday and will be calling her amid wine giggles and squash salad to offer support. WE'RE SO PROUD OF THAT BABYGREEEEEOL! YAY!

-One last item, I attended my 2nd writing workshop class and I cannot believe I didn't do this earlier. I love my instructor and I'm continually amazed at how theraputic it is! Stay tuned for more details . . .

Friday, March 21, 2008

Some men are idiots.

While at work yesterday I was joking around with a friend over email and he admitted that he had met up and had drinks with a girl that he was hiring as a business partner in an event. He also admitted that they hit it off and she ended up going back to his place and giving him a blowjob. For some reason, this irritated me. Not that I care what he does with loose women, but I think it’s because I have a large number of good male friends who all insist they want to find “The One.” They are adamant that they want to find a secure woman with the same values and expectations they have . . .or at least, this is what they tell me, and then . .. they go out at 10pm at night to meet the caterer of their next event and then end the night with a sexual favor.

Seriously? Really? You think you’re going to find the love of your life- someone you want to settle down with and raise a family with- in a woman who gives out blowjobs to someone she’ll be working with imminently? You think there’s a future in a “wham-bam’thank-you-ma’am” hook-up? I call this practice the Monica Lewinsky Syndrome: the act of declaring you’re looking someone who understands you and unconditional love, blah, blah, blah, but actually you’re full of shit and you’re looking for instant gratification . . .and you probably have a wife stashed away at home too. I’m pulling the bullshit card.

Then I speak with another good male friend last night, let's call him Paul, and Paul tells me that he has a system for dealing with his "prospective Mrs." (Yes, unfortunately, this is what he calls them.) If he gets a "wink" from a cute girl, he'll "wink" back or chat back. If she's hot then she's definitely in. If she's "semi-okay looking" (Still not joking, he actually used all these words) then he'll still talk with her, and if she's not that attractive but on match.com that's a pretty good indictor that she gives good handjobs.

Ash Unabashed: Excuse me? Did you just say that unattractive girls on a dating service are better in bed? I'm not following your logic. And anyway, beauty is in the eye of the beholder idiot. No one thinks they're ugly. You're mean.

Paul: What?! (Said incredulously, like I was the one acting like an asshat.) Think about it. They're looking for a husband or boyfriend and since they're not that good-looking they're more inclined to perfect other skills so they can get a boyfriend. Therefore, they're usually good in bed. I could date a semi-okay (there's that word again!) looking girl if the sex was hot, but I wouldn't seriously date her.

Ash Unbashed: I thought you said you went on match.com to find a soulmate . . . I didn't realize you were in the market for an an ugly girl who gives good handjobs???!!!!!!

Paul: That's why I'm on match.com. To find someone to love.

Ash Unabashed: (Stunned and confused) Un-fucking-believable.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

50 Odd Things About Me

1. I like bleu cheese only with chicken wings, or crumbles on salads, but not on burgers.

2. I've never smoked heroin.

3. I don't own a gun, but have shot a Glock.

4. I've only been to a Sonic Drive-In once in Norman, OK.

5. I always get nauseous before doctor or dentist appts.

6. I like to pour beer over hotdogs when camping. Preferably, the Beast.

7. My favorite Christmas song is, "Baby, it's cold outside." (The old version.)

8. I prefer to drink water in the morning.

9. I haven't done a push-up in years.

10. I'm considering getting a tattoo soon.

11. I have a favorite piece of jewelry. The tiny diamond pendant my Dad gave my Mom when they were dating.

12. My favorite hobby is sleeping. I'm a rockstar at sleeping.

13. I'm unlucky in love.

14. I'm clinically A.D.D.

15. I tend to make the same mistkaes over and over and never learn from them.

16. My middle name is Erin and everyone thinks I'm Irish.

17. I'm thinking I wish I could go home and take a nap right now.

18. I bought a domain name yesterday.

19. My favorite tree is the Magnolia Tree.

20. I'm currently worried I'll never fall in love with someone who will love me back.

21. I currently hate that I'm actually worried about #20.

22. My favorite place to be is snuggled in bed. Someone in there with me makes it even better.

23. I spent my New Year's Eve 2007 with my sister and with Josh. She was sick at home and he had a party that I went to for 1/2 the night.

24. I really, really, really want to visit Cuba, Cyprus and China.

25. The majority of my closest friends don't live in the same state I do.

26. I own 2 pairs of slippers.

27. I'm wearing a yellow and black dress right now and black patent heels- with tights!

28. I have red satin sheets, but I hate using them because they're so slippery and my pillows always g flying off my bed.

29. Nordy taught me how to whistle.

30. My favorite color is black.

31. I would be a pirate or piratess if I could be.

32. I usually sing female vocalist songs in the shower. Like Colbie Calliet, Michelle Branch, Dixie Chicks, Feist, etc.

33. I really like the names Talasmin and Hadleigh for girls.

34. I really like the name Chapman for a boy.

35. I have a lighter in my pocket right now.

36. Al sent me a text message that made me laugh about 1 minute ago.

37. I had flannel kitten-print bedsheets as a little girl that I adored.

38. The worst injury I've ever had (that felt the worst) was a broken heart.

39. I'm not super happy with where I live. I wish I owned a cute little house.

40. I have 2 TV's in my house and I rarely turn them on.

41. My loudest friend is named Natasha and she's a load of fun.

42. I'm not allowed to have any animals where I live. :(

43. It makes the day easier to get through if I have a crush on someone.

44. My favorite drink is a tie. I love Cosmo's and I love Maker's on the rocks, with soda and a twist of lime.

45. My favorite book is: No one belongs here more than you by Melinda July

46. My favorite candy is Reeses Pieces.

47. My favorite sports teams is tied. The Saints and The Steelers.

48. I already have my funeral planned out.

49. If all guys behaved like Brad Pitt I would be such a whore.

50. The first thing I thought when I woke up was, "I hope I have pants on and I hope no one is lying next to me."

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Nothing funny about this mile-high club

Seriously. I'm so digusted. Read the story below. WHAT THE HELL? When did our social systems get so lax that no one noticed this when the poor girl slept. I'm sure she was shocked when she woke up and probably didn't know how to react to this heinous invasion of privacy and sicko pervert. It's hard to say what you would do in the same situation, but I'm pretty sure I would have started screaming and probably tried to punch the freak.

This whole sorry incident reminds me of a story. I had a friend whose mother owned a small boutique in a strip mall. Her and her sister were working together one day, and she left briefly to grab lunch for the both of them. While she was gone, and her sister was alone, a young male came into the store and began looking around. After about 15 minutes he continued to stand in one area not that far from where the sister was sitting behind the counter and register. She noticed he was staring at her and she asked him if she could help him. He didn't say anything and just kept staring and she immediately had a bad feeling. She said something to him again and he just continued staring at her . . . and that's when she realized he was jacking off! She stood up and that's when he just took off out the door. She ran over to the door, locked it, and then called the police. When they came she had to relive the entire sick experience again, and then they took DNA swabs of the "evidence" on the floor and wall. Fucking sick. This pyscho was never caught, so I'm sure he's still out there acting completely inappropriately at someone else's store. Maybe he's the dude on in this story. I just feel so bad for the women that this has happened too. It's tramatizing! :(


FROM THE SKY-LAB NEWS
March 14, 2008

Woman files lawsuit against AMR because passenger next to her masturbated while she slept
A 21-year-old Harris County woman filed a $200,000 lawsuit against American Airlines alleging employees on a flight to Los Angeles from Dallas/Fort Worth Airport failed to protect her while she slept from another passenger who masturbated to her and ejaculated in her hair, according to a lawsuit she filed last week in Tarrant County.

The Harris County woman alleges employees knew of the risks associated with failing to “police the passengers to ensure that passengers do not hurt one another,” the suit states.
Airline officials did not return calls seeking comment. In a statement to a Houston television station last year, a spokesman said the company regretted the incident, but the flight crew took appropriate action.

The woman and her lawyer could not be reached for comment. The Star-Telegram does not identify victims of sexual crimes.

Destined for a Spring Break visit with family and friends March 19, the woman flew from Houston to DFW Airport and had settled into her seat for the last leg of flight 2074 to Los Angeles about 11 p.m., the suit states. The woman slept most of the flight, but awoke about 20 minutes before landing when the pilot announced the plane was on descent into Los Angeles. When the woman opened her eyes, she saw that an unknown man had moved into the seat next to her and was staring at her as he masturbated, the suit states.

The woman turned toward the window in embarrassment and in an act of nervousness began to run her fingers through her hair where she noticed “a substantial amount of an extremely sticky substance in her hair,” the suit states.

The woman began to cry and tried to get the attention of a flight attendant, but was unsuccessful, the suit states. Finally a passenger in the row in front of the woman comforted her and verified the semen in her hair, the suit states.

When the plane landed, employee called airport police and the man was arrested.
The suit alleges that the during the investigation, American Airlines employees told police they witnessed the man move from his assigned seat into the row where the woman was sleeping.
The woman is seeking punitive damages and a jury trial.

-- Melissa Vargas

Posted at 07:27 PM in American Airlines

No flaming Irish whiskey shots for me!

I had such a fun St. Patty's day with my mom last night. I came home from work, totally exhausted, and we had a drink, changed into comfier clothes and headed out to Echo, a new restaurant in my neighborhood. When we arrived they rang a big bell and Mike, our server, was THE BEST. He's probably one of the greatest servers I've ever had the pleasure of being waited on. He seemed like an old drinking buddy I hadn't seem in awhile and he was filling us in everything that had been going on in the neighborhood and with the restaurant- like we were regulars. My favorite line was when my Mom asked if he was the owner and he said, "No, I've been here since it opened. I just pretend like I'm the owner. You know, I sit in the back and drink." Hilarious! He was a gem. I'm pretty sure I'm going back just so I can interact with him again. The Echo burger and Echo salad were pretty yummy too. And I just found out they have a HH that looks killer. WILL BE BACK TONIGHT.

I also received a call from one of my lovelies, Rhi in Pink, informing me about the state of her girlfriendness. Meaning, she's now an ex-girlfriend. She's been going through some very difficult issues and her boyfriend hasn't really been as supportive as he should have been. So- sensing his withdrawal she offered up the customary out, "I know I'm dealing with a lot of tribulations right now, if you want to take a break I understand." At which point he should have responded, "Of course not baby, we're going to get through this together, nothing can compromise our love and commitment to each other." Obviously he did not get the memo on this type of arrangement, because he responded with a mundane, "Ok, blah, blah, blah (Rhi probably quit paying attention at this point.) Seriously. Yes girls, he DID actually say that. Here poor little Rhi has lost her special Grandmother, her car now has a boo-boo, and now her jerk-boyfriend takes her up on her "break" offer. I'm totally disappointed in him. I will be creating a memo for his perusal. Obviously he needs a clue. See memo later tonight . . . .

Thursday, March 13, 2008

If I could I would . . .

If I could I would . . . learn how to fall in love. I would learn how to love and be loved without holding anything back - without the excuses, stops or inevitable falls from grace. There's a point where you recognize you're about to let yourself go--- and that's when I stop. I can't do it. Because I typically know the outcome and it usually ends badly.

You try it. What is one thing that you would do if you could? It could be an event from your past that you would do over, a time you know you would stay in the moment forever, or a new dream that you have. Run with the ideas and possibilities. Good luck!

Finish this sentence:

"If I could I would . . . "

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Happy Birthday Zoers!

I totally forgot to mention Zoe's birthday today! I sent her a fun e-card today and I'm hoping we'll get to connect for lunch and gossip this weekend. I miss her and hope she knows I've learned my lesson! IT'S ALWAYS HO'S OVER BRO'S!

Loves you! xoxoxo

The funny contents of my freezer

Today I decided to become a stealer. As in, I'm stealing the idea to post about the details of food and/or other various items, in my freezer from Missy over at If I Were Queen of the World. She posted the funniest picture of her freezer ingredients yesterday and I was suddenly inspired to post a list of mine too. Except that I think her freezer says that she's a fabulously single girl, swinging by the chandelier of life and my freezer exclaims, "Bitter, bitter, bitter! Single girl in need of a good man." Yikes. Oh well, I'm always down for a fun social experiment. Remember Manuary 2008?!?!?!

After you read and dissect my list, let me know what you think. After my fall from grace in the man department in the past few months, I'm beginning to think a life full of frozen strawberries, crab cakes and party ice might not be so bad.

List of freezer contents- March 11th, 2008!
-One bottle of Maker's Mark bourbon
-One bottle of Jameson Whiskey
-One bag of Trader Joe's Chicken Fried Rice
-Assorted party ice baubles
-Kona coffee
-Kauaian coffee
-Edamame
-2 Lean Cuisine
-Crab cakes
-4 chicken breasts
-Elk meat
-6# of hamburger (Umm, thanks Dad, that will last me at least a year)
-Ice cubes
-Spinach/Artichoke pastry purses
-Organic peas
-Nonfat Frozen yogurt (chocolate of course!)
-2 T-bone steaks

Did anyone else notice I have a lot of meat in my freezer? I wonder if this is my freezer’s subconscious telling me to stay away from men in general. Apparently meat equals men in my brain. It's probably a good idea (to stay aways from the male population, it usually ends badly for me). That being said, does anyone know about my new next door neighbor yet? Yep, I thought not. THAT'S BECAUSE I'M KEEPING HIM A SECRET for awhile . .. until . . . well you get the idea!

Monday, March 10, 2008

Don't look now, but Ash got a new ride!

That's right . . . you heard correctly! This weekend I went car-shopping with my the number one main man in my life (aka Dad), and we bought a new car. Well, honestly, my Dad bought me the car, but he assured me I deserved it. :)

This is the first time in my life that I've ever purchased a brand-new ride . . . and now I'm hooked. I am convinced the smell, the new floor mats, the dirt-free crevices and warranty are the best things in the entire world. How could I have lived without these essentials before??!!?!?!?!? I got the fully-loaded package and I couldn't be happier. And what is the type of car you ask? It's a BRAND NEW JEEP COMPASS! Oh sweet world- it' sooooooooooo cute. I went car-shopping with a specific car in mind, a Ford Escape, but once I test drove it, it wasn't exactly what I wanted. The Jeep Compass fits my lifestyle much better, and all the speakers, little extras, car style (compact SUV) and car color (black) make it perfect for me. The more I drive it the more I like it!

Click here to view it: Ash's 2008 Jeep Compass in BLACK!


And homies . . . . like Tupac says, "Picture me rolling!"

Monday, March 3, 2008

OBAMA-RAMA PRIMARY!

Don't miss tomorrow night's Primary! This primary race is thisclose, with Obama almost taking the lead! Two weeks ago Hilary was up several points and now it's neck and neck! This event could potentially put Barack over the mark for campaign advantage. There are 370 delegates up for grabs . . . . here's hoping my man Barack gets them all!

Click here to find a Primary Watch Party near you: Barack's Big Primary Parties in Oregon!

Saturday, March 1, 2008

Partying the night away with the 'Portland Real Estate Industry Social' crowd

(Sidenote: Before I get into a more fun and frivolous topic, on a serious note, one of my best friends, Rhi in Pink, lost her Grandma this past week. Rhi and her G-ma were very close and this has been a difficult time for her and her family. Rhi is taking solace in the knowledge that her Grandma is now in a better place and with her Grandfather. If you have a moment, please send her your best wishes, or if you've gone through a similar experience, leave her a note on her comments section. Sometimes it helps others to hear they have comrades that have struggled through these circumstances too. No one likes to feel alone. All my love and support go to Rhi! LOVE YOU!)

On a lighter note, last night JL hosted the Portland Real Estate Industry Social, and it was MAJOR FUN! We're talking THE MAJOR here. JL looked handsome, urban and was the . . . .(what's opposite of "belle?" Bon? Boy?) . . . . ok, Boy of the Ball! He was in prime form and networking his head off! He loved it. I could tell. I KNOW him. On the other side of the coin, I socialized my pin-straightened-head-of-hair off too! JL had organized the event with great detail. He had an art installation, a great wine selection, Blue Heron beer, mood-lighting by the way of 74 votive candles scattered everywhere, passed appetizers and a fun netowrking game. No wonder the attendees didn't want to leave! :)

The night before JL and I attended a swank event at The Casey and chatted happily with our good friend, JS. I've decided JS is one of the most fun boys I've ever met, so as you can imagine, I was SO EXCITED he attended JL's party. One of the highlights of the night was chatting with him. I also spoke with HS, a casual aquaintance before last night, and PR maven of Portland. (Have decided she is THE FUN.) Her soon-to-be hubby, Ce-Zar! (must be said with zeal and depth) was there and he is quite the talker too- what a great couple. I also loved that the more tipsy Miss K got, the more promotion she undertook. She couldn't speak highly enough of JL, the catering company The Good Mule, and everyone who she could spot. Love that girl.(Ummm, did anyone else become a mini-pastry-puff-BLT-fiend? Those were like crack- I couldn't get enough. Yum!)

I also adored the part when the lights were turned on, all the "hanger-onners" were asked to leave and the last 12 of us packed it in . . . . and ran over to Paragon to continue celebrating! Yay! How cute are we! And then JS and I got into the best discussion: Who has the best rosemary french fries in Portland? PARAGON!

Seriously, loves-loved-love last night. Can't wait until the next shin-dig. Stay tuned for details . . . I'll post them soon!