Miracles Really Do Happen!

When I was a little girl I planned out a very unrealistic plan for myself. By age 21 I would be out of college, married and by age 25 I would be a mom. For starters, I am Hispanic so all my cousins had babies way before my timeline. I didn't meet the love of my life until age 21, and we married at age 25. About a year into our marriage we decided we wanted a baby so I went off the pill. Little did I know I spent a fortune on birth control when in fact I didn't need it. My ovaries were my own birth control. After trying unsuccessfully for a year we made an appointment with a fertility doctor and was shortly diagnosed with Polyscystic Ovarian Syndrome. The doctor said it wasn't impossible to become pregnant but it would be harder since I only ovulated like 3 times a year. We didn't lose hope. We tried various treatments but nothing seemed to work. At our last doctor's appointment we were told the next step would be IVF, this scared me. I told my husband that I didn't have it in me anymore and needed a break from all the tests, drugs and doctor appointments. He was so supportive and understanding. For several months we didn't even speak the word "baby". We continued with our routine but there wasn't a second of the day that I didn't think about the situation we were in. I worked very closely with pregnant women and their children, so I couldn't escape it. Last year around this time I was promoted and am longer in the clinic day in and day out, breathing, thinking pregnancy & babies. After settling in to my new position, I communicated to my husband that we needed to think about our options because I really didn't think I could face the disappointment if IVF didn't work. On our 5 year anniversary we headed to the beach for some relaxation. Months had passed with out a period but wouldn't you know I started one that weekend. 4 more months went by until another period in August. 2 weeks after that menstrual cycle I started having period symptoms again, I remember commenting to my husband that I might have 2 periods in a row, a rarity for me. Well the time came and went for my period to start and I was still having symptoms. On a Thursday night we met up at a Mexican restaurant with some close friends for dinner. Having grown up eating Mexican food my whole life and enjoying spicy food, it struck me as odd when I got the worst case of heartburn after dinner. My husband and I starting thinking back and he pointed out that I have been very tired lately. He said he noticed that I didn't order a beer with dinner or had for a while now. He suggested I take a pregnancy test. I told him there was no point because they were always negative. I said something must be wrong with my stomach and that I would make a doctor appointment the next day. That night I couldn't sleep, I was so sick. I tossed and turned all night. The next morning I thought back to what my husband said and remembered I had a pregnancy test in the cabinet. I took it out of the pack, read the directions, like I hadn't done this 5 million times before. After completing the test, I set the test on the sink and proceeded to shower. When I was drying myself I didn't dare look at the sink, I kept telling to myself it was negative. When I finally glanced at the sink I saw the darkest pink little lines (for the first time in my life). I picked up the test and shook it, (why I don't know) I stared at the lines for what seemed like an eternity. I can't possibly express what I felt that very moment. I walked to the bedroom put some panties on and grabbed my phone. I took a picture of the beautiful little pink lines and sent it to my husband. In my text I told him not to freak out, that it may be a fluke. For some reason I always think the worst so I am not disappointed. He text me back and said that I was going to have to explain how not to freak out! When I got to work, I called my doctor and made an appointment for later that morning. I took another test at the doctor's office and within minutes the nurse came in and hugged me. She knew how long we had been trying. I was speechless! That was the beginning of our wonderful pregnancy! I use the word wonderful lightly because it has been quite awful but I don't care, it will all be worth it! Since week 6 I have been ONE with the toilet. After every meal I vomit, the nausea lasts all day long. I felt so weak and tired. All of that was irrelevant when we got to see and hear our little peanut's heartbeat. It became so REAL for me that day. We are now approaching our 17 week and I am starting to feel much better, the vomiting episodes are less and less. Our next ultrasound appointment is next week......what will little peanut be? A boy or a girl? Only time will tell for sure!

Freaky Friday

Our second Halloween Costume Contest at work was a flop! I was really the only one who dressed up. Two co-workers kinda thru something together but I went all out. Winning this year was a piece of cake!

This little girl makes my heart melt!

Little Cheli is technically my second cousin but she calls me Tia. Her mom is like a sister since I grew up with her. Anyway, we just celebrated Cheli's birthday a few weekends ago. She is the littlest child in our family right now so she is spoiled rotten! When my mom asked her what she wanted for her birthday, she said "a cellphone, a real one", mind you she is four years old. I had already purchased her gift; which consisted of clothes and one toy, a sufficient gift for a four year old I thought. Boy was I wrong. My mom and stepdad actually bought her a cellphone! Everyone at the party couldn't believe that a four year old got a cellphone..... yes folks, that just happened. I just shook my head at my mom and stepdad, as I thought "those suckers"! To make a long story short when the party was over and we were cleaning up, Cheli ran over to me and asked me to pick her up. I did even though she is too heavy to pick up, then she brushed my hair away from my face with her little perfect hand and said, "Tia Clarissita when I grow up I want to be just like you". I was speechless for a second, I would have gave her my car that very moment if she asked me for it. Who is the sucker now?

Can't read enough lately!

I finished "The Girl with a Dragon Tattoo" & "The Girl Who Played with Fire". I absolutely love Lisbeth Salander, she kicks ass!

Funny tidbit: I had to sleep with the lights on one night b/c I was scared to death during a couple chapters of "The Girl with a Dragon Tattoo". (I know I am a big puss) Regardless, I would stay up half the night reading this suspense novel... I just couldn't get enough. I am looking forward to reading "The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest"

Old School

Recently while cleaning out our closets and I stumbled upon old pictures documenting my adolescence. I was flooded by so many memories as I leafed through the pictures. I hadn't laughed so hard in a long time! We think we know so much, we think those are the most important years of our lives but in reality those years were mere stepping stones. Yes, those years helped shape the person I am today but I have experienced and learned so much since then. I am lucky to have all those memories to look back on, so lucky that some of the people that meant the most then still mean so much today and definitely lucky that I have so many more memories to live through with those dear to me. That's why I always carry my camera, a snapshot is a memory waiting to be remembered!

Talavera Baby!

Claymates is my NEW favorite place to hang out with my girlfriends.
Girl's Night Out Consists of:
a little wine, some snacks,
great conversations,
laughter & letting your creativity run wild~PRICELESS!

P.S. This is my first attempt at painting a Talavera design and it definitely won't be the last!!!

EAT PRAY LOVE

Just finished indulging in "Eat, Pray, Love"; an incredible memoir about Liz's journey to find herself. I have always wanted to travel the world. Elizabeth Gilbert is my hero! Up next on the read list is her book "Committed, A Skeptic Makes Peace with Marriage".

*Holy crap I almost forgot to mention that one of my favorite actresses, Julia Roberts, will play Liz in the upcoming flick. Javier Bardem plays the sexy Brazilian named Felipe she meets in Bali and even better than that James Franco plays David (I couldn't think of anyone better to play David). Only time will tell if these actors and movie writers do this GREAT book justice. August 13th can't get here soon enough!

Vegas Baby!

On July 10, 2010 our friends
Travis & Jennifer
got married at the

Graceland Chapel in Vegas!

I am so happy for these two

lovebirds!

It was absolutely perfect....

from the hustle to get the

guys ready,

the limo ride, to Elvis

walking the

bride down the isle.

She was gorgeous!

He was gorgeous! Everyone was gorgeous!

Though it was a quick trip to Vegas, it was ridiculous how much fun we had.

The casino pool was my favorite, I finally got some sun on my pastey legs.

Pictures were taken by the Bellagio Water Show, during the mad

blackjack betting & after the nuptials.

It was so nice to visit with old and new friends.

Thank you Roland's for getting married in Vegas!!!!

She's my Girl

We have the most unruly, stubborn, prissy dog EVER!

A few examples:

She refuses to get her paws

wet if it is raining,

she pees on the top step instead

of walking a few extra steps to

pee on the grass like normal dogs,

she HATES bath time,

she sits with her back turned to

us if we leave her for the weekend

(with doggy sitter), she must get

18 hours of beauty sleep a day (I may be exaggerating but she sleeps alot),

she does not play well with other dogs, she only jumps on guests,

she shakes uncontrollably (due to a skin issue), she barks non-stop at our

neighbors & she sheds like crazy in the summer time.

I never thought I would be a dog person but

our little Blanca makes my heart smile,

she's my girl.

Happy 30th Birthday Love

My truck had Jet Fuel for Breakfast!

End of an era.

A little background information......when Travis & I started dating he had two vehicles.
One he drove to pick me up in when we went on dates to Asheville and one that he
drove most of the time. The one he drove most of the time was a 1988 Isuzu pup truck.
He had purchased her for $900.00 a few years before we met.
She wasn't the prettiest thing, she was old & loud but she got us places.
We have numerous memories with the "Zu", she witnessed tons of early
dating shenanigans.

For the last couple of years the "Zu" was nothing more than a lawn decoration.
Every once in a while Travis would crank her up & take her for a spin but she
mostly collected pollen, dried up Christmas trees, old Pepsi crates & leaves.
Last week our neighbor approached Travis & asked if we were interested in
selling the truck. We had visited the notion a few times in the past but usually
would dismiss the idea b/c Travis couldn't part ways with her. This all changed
last Monday when I got a call from my mom, she said my Stepdad knew someone
who was really interested in buying the "Zu". Two interested buyers in the span
of a week. She didn't even have a FOR SALE sign in the window.
It all happened so fast....Travis came home from work, cleaned off the windshield,
took her out for a spin, washed her and she sold Wednesday for (get this) $500.00.

Of course nothing in our lives happens like it should, nothing is ever easy.
I only state this b/c I couldn't find the original title, so I had called the
tag office and inquire what we had to do in order for this sell to take place.
I was told all Travis had to do was sign a paper and that the buyer would then
request the title in his name. Easy enough. We arrived at the tag office at
4:00pm (it closes at 4:30) the lady tells Travis he can't sign the title over just yet
b/c there is a Lien on the truck. What? (Long story but he had taken a loan out for
a friend of mine several years ago). Mind you the guy purchasing the "Zu" is already
there. Ugh! Travis & I ride to the bank, get the signature but have to drive to the
other branch to get the paper notarized b/c the lady who signed the paper can't
notarize her own signature. Please also take into account that we are in Sylva,
traffic in Sylva when you are in a hurry is a NIGHTMARE. When we drove
past the tag office Travis noticed that the guy's vehicle was no longer there.
This motions Travis to start throwing an "Ashe Fit".
(For those of you who have never witnessed this so called fit.....
basically it involves some cussing, raising of the voice & rattling off why
we shouldn't have rushed the sell, etc.). Did I mention that it was hotter
than hell yesterday? We finally make it back to the tag office at 4:22pm and see that
the guy had just moved his car to a shaded area. Travis's frown quickly turns upside down.
After apologizing to the buyer......
( for our inability to have our shit together-Travis's words during his fit)
the signing over of the title takes place and money is exchanged.

I have to say that after all of that; seeing someone drive the "Zu" out of our lives was bittersweet.

My Mom, Tio Jorge & I...circa 1983-1984?

I love old snapshots!

GOOOOOOLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The fact that I have Mexican blood running through my veins technically means I should know everything
there is to know about Futbol (Soccer). Now I can't in good judgement call myself a Futbol aficionado.
What I can and will argue is that when a goal is scored and the Sportscaster screams GOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLL,
(this can be drawn out for a couple minutes) I can't help but get excited like all Futbol Aficionados do!



This Saturday started out like many Saturday's do at Casa Ashe. I whipped up some breakfast burritos,
drank coffee and ate while watching ESPN. The plan for the day was to drive to Asheville,
maybe watch a movie and eat some Sushi.
After catching the World Cup bug we decided we would go to the Bier Garden
and watch the Inglaterra vs. EEUU game.
On the ride over we were discussing the fact that we don't get to experience the hoopla caused by hometown teams.
(let's face it.... people aren't rushing to Whitmire Stadium).
Travis hoped that Ashevillians were out supporting the USA team and that we would get to witness
the madness that a win or goal would cause. After parking, we found our way into the bar,
enjoyed a cold refreshing beer and came to the conclusion that we were about to experience the "hoopla".
105.9 The Mountain was broadcasting from the bar and was inviting the crowd to
enter a drawing for Futbol Team Jerseys.
Caught up in the moment, I approached the table and filled out 2 drawing tickets.
We were then instructed to the back of the bar where the tickets were being turned in.
There we had to kick a soccer ball past a girl who was "the goalie".
As I line up for my shot, she tells me to keep it low, like I can control my footwork.
Well I kicked the ball and it ricocheted between two tables and didn't even get close to the goal.
I was embarrassed to say the least. Travis of course makes the goal.
The game was exciting, but watching the crowd's reaction to the game's play by play awesome.
During Half-Time the drawing began and get this, my name was the first one picked!
I never win anything! I ran over to the table and picked out my jersey.
I was torn between the Mexico Jersey (for obvious reasons) and the USA Jersey.
Since we were there watching the USA game it seemed fitting that I grab that one.
A few names later Travis gets picked, luckily the Mexico Jersey was still available so he snatched it up.
When the game ended we were definitely "day drunk" and ready for some food!

Little Nugget

Chelsea Handler...Love her. I love her because she is funny and she says things I wish I had the pelotas to say.

If you have not read; "My Horizontal Life: A Collection of One-Night Stands", "Are you there,Vodka?

It's me, Chelsea", & "Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang", I strongly urge you to pick one up.

Picture this:

I am comfortably curled up under a blanket on my couch or bed reading and out of nowhere

I start laughing hysterically. These comical masterpieces have me wiping away the tears and

my husband looking at me like I have lost my mind (Nice)

I particularly like reading these books (or any book) on a rainy day and Nascar Sunday's.

Home Away From Home

I am officially back home(NC)! Back to the good ole grind.
Some would agree that a 2 week vacation is magnificent but
facing the reality of being GONE for 2 weeks is not so magnificent.
Definitely worth it, tho!

Flying to my hometown is always bittersweet; since the majority of

my familia is there and my selected family is here.

We flew into Tucson May 15th, we immediately went to

El Guero Canelo & BK to judge our very own

Sonoran Dog Food War (El Guero vs. BK).

Umm Sonoran Dog how I miss thee. El Guero Canelo won, Hands Down!

The Travel Network got it wrong my friends.

That night I met up with my 2 best friends from Sahuarita High at the

Desert Diamond Casino for dinner & drinks.

Those girls haven't changed a bit, que locas.

I visited my dad & his family. It's so weird that I have 3 younger siblings I hardly ever see.

Cute kids.

We had breakfast with my cousin Patricia & her hubby at EL Merendero,

the breakfast burrito is a must.

Trav had the huevos rancheros and said mine were better but

I think he was just being nice.

I also had my very first Lemon Eegee (Thanks Lyndsey)!

I don't know how I survived the smoldering weather without one.

Of course it wasn't a Tucson trip without hitting up

Pico de Gallo, they make the

BEST steak tacos ever!

For those of you seeing a pattern, eating indeed played a huge factor in our trip,

nothing better than REAL Mexican food!

After spending a few days in Tucson we drove down to Tombstone, AZ.

Travis is a fan of the Wild Wild West

movies so it just made sense. We walked the same streets Wyatt Earp &

Doc Holiday walked and took a few pictures.

We met my cousin Maribel in Sierra Vista,

loaded our bags in her car and proceeded into Mexico.

We continued our Sonoran Dog challenge by stopping at

Clementes Hot Dog stand for a sample of a true Sonoran Dog.

They are the best in my opinion, something about the

bread & standing in the street eating hotdogs!

The week flew by with the wedding preparations and such.

The wedding itself was BEAUTIFUL!

The pina coladas were flowing and I had my dancing shoes on.

The next day wasn't so grand, our table was one of the tables

that was served under temperature meat (I can only assume since I hear about food

handling from the Environmental Health Specialist at work), meaning we ha diarrhea

the next morning. Poor Trav he had to fly home feeling poop-y :)

The rest of the week was pretty low key. It goes without saying that I laughed a lot.

Then.....there is always a good-bye which is so hard but

I knew my love was waiting for me.

There really is no place like home and home is where the heart is.

Our Cinco de Mayo Celebration

Cinco de Mayo

Quick fact:

The day associated with tequila and

guacamole actually commemorates a

brave battle against French invaders.

Cinco de Mayo is NOT celebrated in

Mexico nearly as much as it is in the

United States, Mexico's most widely

recognized national patriotic holiday is

Mexican Independence Day on September 16.

Regardless, Cinco de Mayo gets plenty

of attention in the U.S. not just from

Mexican-Americans, but also from

anybody interested in seeking out new

forms of cultural exposure.

Not one to shy away from a reason to drink, I like to celebrate with a

margarita in one hand and a chip full of guacamole in the other! Salud!

My Chunky Guacamole recipe:

4 peeled, seeded, & coarsely mashed avocados

1 small finely minced onion

2-3 tbps. finely chopped cilantro

1 medium diced tomato

1 finely chopped fresh jalapeno

1 mashed garlic clove

1/4 c Mexican crumbling cheese

2 lime's, juiced

salt to taste

Mix ingredient in large bowl & serve with tortilla chips.

It was Justified

Dear Travis,

For the record I didn't want to watch this show when you suggested we add it to our TiVo. However, since it's all about compromise I shrugged my shoulders and went with it. Turns out my little compromise worked out b/c it goes without saying that I am officially hooked...... it's all I can think about today. Truth be known the show itself is good but I can't get enough of the tough, southern-bred but soft-spoken federal lawman who sports a Stetson and behaves like an Old West Sheriff, by the name of Raylan Givens.

Thanks Pumpkin ;)

For those who haven't watched the show; Justified is a series about Deputy U.S. Marshal, Raylan Givens based on a character in novels created by Elmore Leonard. Raylan is a 21st century U.S. Marshal who, for his questionable tactics, is banished to the part of Kentucky in which he was born and raised. Of course he has a past, an ex-wife, an outlaw father and a new hot blonde witness he isn't supposed to sleep with. To my lady followers Timothy Olyphant has those sexy lower ab muscles. Just saying.

My Mexican American Heart Aches

As an Arizona native I am distraught by the media surrounding
the Grand Canyon State.
Being Mexican American, meaning my parents are Mexican and I was born in America,
immigration is a topic very close to my heart.
I hate that my people, my beautiful culture is the target of close-minded people.
The Governor of AZ states that, "Racial profiling is illegal.
It is illegal in America, and it's certainly illegal in Arizona,".
I wonder exactly how Gov. Brewer plans to train law enforcement to
look past the race in order to investigate legal status.
People tell me I don't look Hispanic but I have relatives that do
(because we are Hispanic),
this bill makes it okay for us to be harassed based on our appearance.
This bill invites racial profiling and ignores the fact that the Hispanic culture
is an intrinsic part of Arizona's history and its future.
There are Wal-Mart's, KFC's, Safeway Foods, and JC Penny's right across the
border where the majority of people that live in border towns shop. Contributing to our economy, not theirs.
Since the Governor thinks this bill won't affect our economy,
I wish all Hispanic people living in border towns would stop purchasing at these
stores for a week just to prove a point. Some might think these wishes are un-American,
the truth of the matter is that this bill is un-American and un-humanitarian.

First & Last Political Blog

Hostess City of the South

This weekend we took a little trip to Savannah, GA. I love little trips!

The Ashe's loaded up, headed south for some family time and good seafood.

My father-in-law loves fried seafood, and for two years he had talked about

this restaurant called Uncle Bubba's Oyster House located in Tybee Island.

As we waited for our appetizer, chargrilled oysters,

I recognized a man at the bar (I had seen him on TV),

he was Uncle Bubba in the flesh.

Back to the food, the chargrilled oysters,

are these delicious bites smothered with parmesan cheese and butter.

I swear I could have ate two dozens by myself.

The fried shrimp, fried scallops, cheesy grits &

savannah red rice were equally as delicious.

My father-in-law was spot on.

As we headed out Uncle Bubba shook our hands, thanked us for eating at

his restaurant and took a picture with us. Uncle Bubba was Southern charm

and hospitality at its finest.

Kudos Uncle Bubba!

Instuctor Lady

All the cool kids are doing it............
My mamacita taught me to never be a follower but you know what, I want to blog about stuff too! Ultimately, the decision to create a blog was sealed when I watched Julie & Julia (thanks Katie!). Now I'm clearly not going to embark upon a cooking venture, that would just be silly but I do plan on writing about my own daily occurences.
For example:
Last night after work I went to 30/30 an exercise class offered at the Rec. Center in Cullowhee. It's an hour class where we do 30 minutes of step cardio and 30 minutes of strength training.
*Disclaimer... I haven't been to 30/30 in two weeks because I broke my toe playing basketball (a story for a different day). Not really a fan of working out, but desperate to lose my muffin top, I met D. We went in and got all the equipment like the step, weights etc. I knew our regular instructor was on vacation so I was hoping that we had an easy night to ease me back in. After seeing the instructor, which was an older and rather heavier lady.... I thought "YES". Well, I should note that my mamacita also taught me to keep ugly thoughts to myself unless she is around and we can discuss these thoughts in Spanish. Turns out instructor lady had a few tricks up her sleeve. Fifteen minutes in and my face was so red I couldn't even see the white in my eyes. I was sweating from places I never knew could sweat. All I could think was, oh she knows I underestimated her and she is showing the young whippersnapper who is boss. She kept yelling whooo hoo, clapping her hands in the air and telling us to step it up. To say the least, it was the longest hour EVER! Wish I remembered her name so I could name this blog after her but I was too busy critiquing her. SHAME ON ME! Good workout Instructor Lady!