It's a Beautiful Life

**Warning: If you haven't yet enjoyed your morning cup of coffee, don't read on.
If it's 9:00 am and you have a "case of the Mondays", read no further.
If you have some other condition that would prevent you from wanting to listen to someone gush and ooze about how life is so awesome, turn back now before it's too late.

For me, nothing is more annoying that people talking about how amazing and wonderful their lives are, when 99.9% of the time I know it's because they are full of shit. Pardon my French. This post however, is complete, accurate and honest.  

My life > Everything else 

Why, you say? Well, I'm glad you asked. Allow me to elaborate (in no particular order): 

Numero Uno: Two weeks ago I was offered a promotional position at work. I job share as the Executive Assistant to the Region Director with the sweetest little gal, I have my own corner office (with a window!),awesome bosses, and I make more moolah per hour. Best of all, I get to maintain as much from my previous job (that I still love more than anything) as I can handle. The things that I don't love will get passed down to whoever inherits my old position. Best of everything, right? Right.
In case you want to keep score: Ashlee: 1 - Everything else: 0

#2: Anyone that knows anything about me knows that animals are my passion, specifically dogs. I have been volunteering with Cause for Paws Utah for a little over a year, and was asked about 6 months ago to be in charge of the silent auction for the 3rd Annual Howl-o-ween Fundraiser event. During that time, I have had the opportunity to work more closely with the Director of CFPU and develop an awesome friendship. Apparently, she really trusts me because I have been asked to take over as the Foster Coordinator for the group! This may not sound like much, but knowing that I am now able to have such a direct impact on saving the lives of shelter animals is something that I value more than anything you can imagine. Anytime you get to devote your time and energy into something that you are passionate about is a gift.
Ashlee: 2 - Everything else: 0 

#Three: I just got back from Vegas, spending the weekend with my Sister-Aunt Terri, my Mama, and my Sister. We had fun celebrating Xander's 9th birthday, went to go see The Phantom of the Opera one more time before it leaves the Venitian, and just spent a whole weekend giggling and having a great time. Mini vacations like that remind me how lucky I am, allow me a chance to catch my breath and refuel my batteries, and get me pumped about coming back to reality.
Ashlee: 3 - Everything else: 0

#Quatro: October 9th is going to change my life. I am scheduled to have a surgery that I have always wanted/needed but have always been too afraid. Guess what? Not anymore. It's happening. This is my year. I'll keep you posted as it gets closer, but basically I would appreciate any positive thoughts or energies you could send my way!
Ashlee: 4 - Everything else: 0

Remember how I finally got my Salazar tattoo that I have been wanting forever?  Just as a ship's helm steers a ship,  my family steers me. Your feet point you in the direction you choose them to point you, and they take you wherever you ask them to take you. All good things.  

#5: Remember how I have a house? A car? The sweetest, dreamiest, most thoughtful and wonderful sweetie that anyone could ever ask for? Remember how I live 5 minutes away from my Grandma and get to see her anytime I want? Remember how my furkids are precious, adorable and make me smile everyday? Remember how I live within 5 blocks of some of the very best friends a girl could have? Remember how we have enough money to keep food in our fridge? Lights on? Remember how we still get to play all the time, and can do whatever we want, whenever we want, and don't have to worry about any obligations or anything holding us back? Yeah.
Ashlee: 1,000,000 - Everything else: 0

Remember how my "Little" and I have so much fun, and she is just the cutest thing ever?

"It's a beautiful life" doesn't even begin to describe it.