WILW

Linking up with Jamie

This is my first WILW in some time.  And by some time, I mean since May!  Not there wasn't anything to love over the summer; I just never found myself to be in a blogging routine over the summer.  These post remind of the little things in my life that I over look mostly because of the hustle and bustle of school.

I'm loving this weekend's activities! It is my school's Homecoming and one of my close friend's from high school is getting married.  I went to the same private school for all thirteen years of primary/secondary education.  My parents graduated from there, as well.  And, my sister is a Junior, now.  Therefore, Homecoming is a big deal for my family and friends.  My classmates were more like family than friends.  My friend Chelsey is having a pleasant plantation wedding in Beaufort.

I'm loving the release of Lion King 3D! I saw it last night with a group of friend's at Cinebarre for $5.  I was somewhat surprised to see a bunch of twenty somethings in the theatre.  This time was way better not only because it was in 3D but because I was able to sing-a-long with all the songs.  Yes, I own several Disney movie soundtracks and they are on my ipod.

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I'm loving my new leaves candle from Bath & Body Works.  It makes my room smell just like Fall.

I'm loving all of your sweet comments yesterday.  They were much appreciated.

I'm loving this video from the entrance during the Navy game this past weekend.  Wish I could have been there.

Soulfully,

Ashton

Two Years.

Two years ago today, the Lord welcomed the funniest angel into His gates.  And, I lost my best friend and big "brother." {see here}

It remember every emotion of that day like it was yesterday.  I have replayed the entire weekend in my head over the last few days.  A few friends and I had just finished dinner and were heading to Moe's Downtown to have a few drinks and watch the football game.  I had just sat down when my mom called me.  The first thing she asked me was, "Where are you? And, are you with someone?" I told her of course I was with someone; I wasn't out by myself.  I then realized by her tone that she was not calling just to check in.  She was calling to tell me that Justin had suffered heart attack.

Justin had Kawaski Disease as a child.  He had a stint put in when he was twelve years old.  The doctors believe his stint was jarred and moved out of place when he slide into third during a church league softball game.  Over the next three days, our family and friends gathered at the MUSC in Charleston. We prayed, paced, prayed a lot more, comforted, paced some more, and prayed again.  We knew God would not take this person away from us.

As Sunday evening approached, there was only a few of us left at the hospital since many people had to return home for work the next day.  It was almost 10:00, so I decided to head home {about five minutes away} myself since I had class in the morning.  My dad was going to stay the hospital a little while longer and would call when he left.  I did not pull into my driveway good before my dad called me and told me to come back to the hospital.  At that moment, I did not want to think about it.  It could only be a good reason I was coming back, right?  I would not let myself think it.  Not until I walked off the elevator into the waiting room did I let myself realize that my best friend was gone.

A little bit of me still wonders "Why?"  And, I believe I always will; it is natural.  Looking back now, I realize that we were so very lucky to have him in our lives for as long as we did.  Justin was the kindest, most genuine person I knew.  He was never seen without a huge smile on his face and was the first person to make sure you had one on your face, as well.  Always the jokester.  He loved the Gamecocks and the Bravos more than anything in this world.  Well, other than his fiance, family, and friends.  My heart still aches when I think about how much he has missed seeing and how much I have not been able to personally share with him.

I can't watch a Will Ferrell movie without thinking of Jus.  Many of my favorite memories from college include Jus.  Some of my fondest childhood memories involve our families.  I think of all the advice he gave me and how protective he was of me.  Looking back, I can't help but smile and tear up occasionally.

I leave you with one of the best pictures I have that truly captures Justin's out-going, fun loving personality.  Yes, this was during a themed party in college.

Kevin, Allen, Ray, and Justin

Soulfully,

Ashton

Friday Fancies: Gameday Chic

I know this Friday Fancies is coming late in the day evening, but I have had a long day and just now getting to sit down to type without something else going on.  Today started with me and our social committee chair looking at locations for Barrister's Ball followed by an all day editing session for law review.  I grabbed dinner with a close friend from college, and we, of course, chatted for hours afterwards.

Anywho, I am home now and settling in for my weekend of doing nothing but watching football! Whoot!  Y'all know I love football and everything that comes with it.  I mean I started a blog solely dedicated to it.  But, I am not sure y'all understand how much it is a part of my life.  I speak of future weeks plans in terms of football. "Oh, the weekend of the Kentucky game, I have a conference for school."  I know those dates, but I don't speak in terms of dates.  I speak in terms of who South Carolina is playing.  I have our schedule and some other team's schedules memorized.  When I look back on college, I will say "That happened the week of the Georgia game."  And, lets be real.  Please don't plan your wedding in the fall, unless you want me to be checking my phone constantly for game updates.  It is like an unwritten rule in the South.

Tomorrow, I plan on watching football all day.  This is one of the first weekend's I had no plans since July.  I am really looking forward to getting some work done this weekend and relax.

A little bit of me wants to be in attendance of our home opener against Navy, but I know my body needs  a weekend to wind down.  This week's theme for Friday's Fancies is Gameday chic.  The outfit I put together is something I would wear later in the season.

Anthropologie Tsuru Blouse

Pilcro Stet Slim Bootcut Jeans

Kate Spade Scatter Necklace

Longchamp Purse

Prada Velvet Ballet Flats

I also put together an outfit on TBS that I would wear earlier in the season.

Have a wonderful weekend, friends!  Good luck to all your teams.

Soulfully,

Ashton

We The People

Happy Constitution Day!

Well, almost.

It is really not until Saturday, but it will be observed tomorrow.  I have a Gameday Friday Fancies planned for tomorrow.  And, the Constitution deserves a post all of its own.

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"In Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity"

Many of you probably had to memorize the Preamble at some time during your elementary education.  I know I did.  I wish I had kept count of the number of times I have read the Constitution for various classes.  I have taken four Constitutional law classes - two in college and two in law school.

Shouldn't we give Constitution Day the same respect we give Independence Day?  Without the Constitution, we would not be afforded those inalienable rights.  Without the Constitution, we would not be afforded the ability to pursue Life, Liberty, and Happiness.  On September 17, 1787, the supreme law of the land was signed and has stood the test of time and interpretation.  In 224 years, the Constitution has only been amended twenty-seven times.

I want to share some of my favorite Amendments to the Constitution.

1st Amendment {1791}

Freedom of Religion, Speech, & Press

No brainer, right?

2nd Amendment {1791}

Right to Bear Arms

This one has raised some controversy in recent years.  I am firm supporter of our 2nd Amendment rights.             When you take guns from law-abiding citizens, only those members of citizen wanting to commit crimes will have guns.  How does the law-abiding citizen protect himself or herself?  I know my up-bringing has something to do with it.  I come from a family of hunters.  I shot a gun before I was ten.  My sister and I were taught gun safety at a young age.  Yes, I do own a gun, so don't break-in my house.

4th Amendment {1791}

Protection Against Unreasonable Search & Seizure

Officers must have a warrant supported by probable cause and signed by a neutral party before they can search your home.  It is a check on government's power and a protection of privacy.

5th Amendment {1791}

Protection Against Self-Incrimination

A defendant does not have to take the stand in his own criminal trial.  In 1966, the Supreme Court decided the landmark case Miranda v. Arizona.  Miranda warnings were formulated following that decision to protect the criminally accused.

8th Amendment {1791}

Bar Against Cruel & Unusual Punishment

13th Amendment {1865}

Abolishment of Slavery

14th Amendment {1868}

No Citizen Shall be Denied Equal Protection of the Laws

15th Amendment {1870}

Voting Rights

No citizen shall be denied the right to vote based on previous servitude, race, creed, or color.

16th Amendment {1913}

Income Taxes

This is not because I like taxes, but because of the IRS and Internal Revenue Code, I will have a career.

19th Amendment {1920}

Women's Suffrage

After 113 years, women are finally given the right to participate in the political process.  You best believe I would have stood right beside Susan B. Anthony to fight for this right.

21st Amendment {1933}

Repealing 18th Amendment

Let the spirits flow!  Prohibition is over! Though, how fun would it have been to sip on cocktails in a real speakeasy?

24th Amendment {1964}

No Poll Tax

Part of the Voting Rights Acts of 1964, this amendment prohibited a tax to vote.

26th Amendment {1971}

Voting Age is 18

What are some of your favorite Amendments?

Soulfully,

Ashton

Gameday with TBS Week 2

This past weekend I headed up to Clemson, SC.  This is not my normal destination on a Saturday, but a bunch of my friends from Charleston were going so I decided to go, too.  Clemson played a small in-state college, Wofford.  I have several friends who went there and go there, so I knew I would see a few friends that I don't get to see that often.  It was a fun weekend complete with a midnight booze cruise on Lake Hartwell.

Typically, orange does not fall in my color wheel {a la Leigh Anne Tuohy} on Gameday.  In efforts to be a good friend and a good fan, I wore a dress from Vestique that was not overly orange.  I proudly wore my Beat Georgia button.

Heather and I

Heather graduated from Clemson.  I stayed with her and her boyfriend, Eddie, who also graduated from Clemson.  Our close friend, Gregg, who is in law school with us was friends with Eddie in college.  He grew up in Clemson. 

Gregg, Heather, Eddie, and I 

We busted out the karaoke tunes to liven up the tailgate.  I think I need to add karaoke to my special interests on my resume. 

Shannon, Richard, Russ, and I

Jonathan and I 

In honor of 9/11, it was military appreciation day.  Prior to 1960s, Clemson was an all-male military college.

The Summerall Guards from The Citadel preformed at halftime.  I have had the privilege to watch the Marine Corps silent march, but this was the first time I had seen The Summerall Guards.

I left the game at halftime to catch the remainder of the Carolina-Georgia game.  I meet up with Elizabeth and Kathleen at The Esso Club.  It was an intense second half, but we came away with the victory Between the Hedges.  Go Cocks!

Kathleen, Elizabeth, and I

With everyone coming away victorious on Saturday, there was some celebrating that night.  Definitely a wonderful Saturday Down South.

Head over and share your Gameday pictures with The Belles of Saturday.

Soulfully,

Ashton

Never Forget

Today, above all days, we cherish the freedom that our country provides and stands for.  We honor those everyday heroes that serve our country so bravely.  May we never forget the sacrifices they make everyday to make this the greatest country in the world.  Many days go by without us thinking twice about the comforts and freedoms we enjoy.

Simple things like having six different options of toothpaste and watching a little league baseball game.  To the big things of higher education for women and the ability to buy a house.

Ten years ago, I was in my third period Freshman English class when I was told the WTC had been attacked by terrorists.  I juxtapose that with me sitting on my couch studying for my Business Associations exam when my roommate came down the stairs to say that Bin Laden had been killed.

"We will not tire, we will not falter, we will not fail." ~ George W. Bush, September 2001

"Whether we bring our enemies to justice or bring justice to our enemies, justice will be done." ~ George W. Bush, September 2001

May we never forget the tragedy and loss of innocent lives.  May we always honor those that have answered their call of duty to protect us.

"There is no question what the roll of honor in America is. The roll of honor consists of the names of men who have squared their conduct by ideals of duty." ~ Woodrow T. Wilson 

Soulfully,

Ashton

Gameday with TBS Week 1

Today, I am linking up with The Belles with their Gameday link-up.  Head over and share how you celebrated Gameday.  Did you make it to the game? Or did you stay at home and have friend over to watch the game?  What was on your menu?  Let us know!

Gamecocks are victorious in Week 1.
It was rocky at first, but we got underway when we put in our veteran quarterback.  The reasons for which our fifth-year quarterback was not starting is worth a whole blog of its own.
Charlotte was good to me.  We made it to only one bar, Molly MacPherson's, to celebrate after the game.  One bar was enough for me; I was pooped after tailgating most of the day in unbelievable heat.  I didn't get to Sandstorm at all during the weekend - the only downside of playing at a neutral site.
Bring on the Dawgs!

I got to briefly see Jake before the game prior to him having to report to the team.  Jake tore his ACL this past spring during a scrimmage.  He is undergoing rehab this season.  Teams are only allowed to bring so many players for away games.  Since this game was not a conference game,  he was able to dress in his jersey and stand on the sideline.

Jake and I 

Meg, Emily, and I 

Big thanks to Emily and her parents for putting on a wonderful tailgate!

Collin and I 

Our tiny speakers.

Charleston Law SBA Vice-President and President 

Other law school pals in town for the game...Liz, Fred, Graham, and Megan

Leon, Mike, and Lauren

During the game, the lady in front of me told me to put my shakers down, because I shaking it too much and cheering too often.  NO ma'am, I will not {in the politest way possible}.  Lady, you are at a football game!  If you don't want people yelling, cheering, shaking pom-poms, twirling towels, and the like around you, then you need to either A) stay at the tailgate or B) stay home.  Might I add, this was right after we scored a touchdown.  Everyone is going crazy, chica.  Get over yourself!

How did everyone's teams do this weekend?  I hope everyone enjoyed their last official weekend of summer.  I have soaked up every bit of my five-day weekend...I don't have class on Fridays and my Thursday class got cancelled.  Yes, I have a short week in front of me.  I think I can already see Friday and the weekend to come.

Soulfully,

Ashton

It Is Time For...

CAROLINA FOOTBALL

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After a long offseason, my favorite time of the year has arrived.  The road back to Atlanta and the road to New Orleans {either for the Sugar Bowl or the BCS Championship, I will happily take one or the other} start now!

With a wealth of talent on both sides of the ball, Carolina is expected to have a record breaking year.  I cannot describe how excited I am.  I have been a Carolina fan all my life and witnessed our 1-21 run in 1998 and 1999.  I was there when we began to turn the corner in 2000 under Lou Holtz with back-to-back victories in the Outback Bowl.  I was there for both.  I there for our first victory over Florida since WWII.  I have seen us start out 6-0, only to pluck off six straight losses.  I am not the fair-weathered fan, yet I am realistic.  I fully believe we can pull off an SEC Championship this season.  We will see.  Win or lose, it will be exciting to watch.

For my fellow SEC fans, you must check out this video about The Road to Number 6!

Tonight, I will be Sandstorming my little heart out and hopefully celebrating a Gamecock victory in the Queen City.

Soulfully,

Ashton

September 1st! Holy Moly!

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September 1st seems like a glaring contradiction.  On the one hand, it is the last official weekend of summer.  On the other, college football starts tonight!  I am currently sitting by the pool. True story.  Yet, I am ready for the leaves to change colors and crisp mornings to greet me when I leave the house.  It will remain "summer" here until at least October.  I want to hold on to this summer forever, it will be my last until retirement.  Though all the pictures on Pinterest of pumpkins, apple cider, and warm colors make me want the holiday season to hurry on up.

I am so confused!  

Thank goodness I have college football this weekend to calm me.  I am soooooo excited to have football back in my life.  I am heading up to Charlotte this weekend for South Carolina's opener against ECU.  Who is going to be in town?

Check The Belles for some recent posts on tailgating items and big games to watch this weekend.

Has everyone signed up for their free Chick-fil-a breakfast? Get on that.

Here is a little song for my second favorite month of the year...

Soulfully,

Ashton