Farmer's Marketing

Justin now has four classes left to complete his MBA. Four classes now stand between us and a cramming-for-the-next-exam-free lifestyle. We haven't both been out of school since we met, so it'll be quite a change for us both to be on similar schedules and both have an income (despite the fact that mine should really only count as half of an income)... But back to the four classes. One of these classes happens to be held over the course of three weekends this summer, which did not please me at all. Summer weekends are so precious! However, I devised a plan that while Justin is spending between 8-12 hours per weekend day learning business-y things, I am going to try to take advantage of the plethora of farmer's markets in Philadelphia. 

This weekend I checked out the Chestnut Hill Farmer's Market, which is about 20 minutes from where we live. It was small but packed with tons of beautiful fresh food and some not so beautiful (but I'm sure tasty) cuts of meat. There were stands of comfort food, sushi, baked goods, prepared Italian salads, Mexican fare, fresh flowers, and even a sign shop that sold one with the phrase "Gone to Therapy" that I was tempted to buy...  I took some photos while there that you can check out below. I had a hard time, however, due to trying balance a camera with bags of stuff I bought and the horrible fluorescent lighting. Oh well... I'll be more prepared on my next trip. 

Falling in Love in Graduate School: A Photo Recap

With our commencement ceremony just a few days away, I got to thinking this weekend about the past five years of graduate school. I generally try to avoid thinking about this because it at times causes a post-traumatic stress reaction, but since avoidance is part of the problem, I tired to willingly embrace the memories (yes, going a little ACT on you). Of course, not all of graduate school was traumatic. In fact, much of it was stimulating, challenging, and even, yes, rewarding. And perhaps the most rewarding thing to come out of graduate school is the friends that I made along the way (and meeting my husband of course!). Yes, you figured it out - this is to be a mushy post. You may want to quit now if you aren't fond of the "we'll be BFFs always!!!!!" and kumbaya type of entry. But if you are, I'm sharing some photos I've dug up (electronically, of course) highlighting the (friendship) road to the doctorate...

This was on the night of my 21st birthday at the end of first year. I had to go the entire year without drinking!!!! (read with sarcasm) We were waiting until midnight to go out. I don't think Shannon made it ;-) 

So many nights spent at the Hofbrahaus. We could always count on John as a partner in crime. 

The good old APAGS Halloween Party. Could always be counted on for inexplicable drama. 

The Holiday Party was one of my favorite events. Professors chugging from flasks in the bathroom just can't really be topped. Oh wait, it can when they then start dancing. 

I cannot believe Shannon wore the controversial t-shirt to the Reds game. Well, maybe I can. 

Again at Hofbra - this time with my then future-husband in tow. He's always been our favorite sixth wheel!

After our second year we received our Master's, which was unfortunately kind of anti-climactic. We were back in class three days later. However, it was still a reason to celebrate. Mmmm, Montgomery Inn!

Mulligan's on St. Patrick's Day - pretty much the best holiday ever celebrated. 

APAGS Summer Party at Dr. Hellkamp's 

After much talk, we finally planned and took our much anticipated trip to Vegas. This photo is from an evening I call "The Best Night of My Life." That's about all I can tell you. 

And then the wedding festivities began, and I was so grateful to have these girls with me every step of the way! First up, the Couples Shower Tequila Shot. Doesn't everyone do that?

Then the Bachelorette Party!

And then a pre-wedding Obama Rally ;-) 

And finally, the Wedding Day. I was so thrilled to have these ladies by my side. This deserves a few pictures... First, my loves with my love.

Pre-Wedding, Post-Shot @ MLTs

Mid-Wedding

And Post-Wedding - perhaps my favorite picture ever. 

So thank you to my girls for your support, humor, and love over the past five years. I could not have done it without you. 

Love,

Ashley

A New Identity: Help Needed!

As you hopefully know by now, I recently started a more professional blog called Nourishing the Soul. Here's an excerpt from the introduction to give you a flavor:

This blog is focused on the struggles we have with eating and appreciating our bodies as beautiful, the directions that the fields of eating disorders advocacy and research are taking, and thoughts about recovery and self-improvement. 

While I hope that you check it out, I actually need another favor right now. I'm working on developing a fuller "brand identity" (maybe I'm getting ahead of myself, but I blame living with a brand marketer) and had Justin create some logos. While I have some thoughts, I'd love to get some feedback on what others are drawn to. I'm posting some of these and am happy to hear what you think, so please leave comments! Thanks in advance =)

Ashley

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