Thursday's Thoughts

It's no secret that I'm OBSESSED with the show, Big Brother. Each summer, my family and I look forward to seeing Julie Chen greet the unruly house guests on a weekly basis as they battle it out for the coveted role as Head of Household. It's especially fun to pick the players apart and predict which one will play the best social, physical, and mental game. After watching the show devotedly for years, I sometimes think about what it would be like to compete. As a non-athlete, I probably wouldn't rely on my physical game. It would be laughable! The mental portion could go either way (I'd like to think I'm a smart cookie), but I get easily frazzled when I'm under pressure and I absolutely HATE puzzles. I guess that means I'd have to rely on my social game, which makes me chuckle a tad. I can be overly awkward around new people, but I'm sure they'd grow to love me as we'd be confined to the Big Brother House 24/7. In the event that I won HoH, I thought about what I'd request in my basket. Here's what made the list...

Ashley's HoH Basket Booty:

• Mrs. Meyer's Lemon Verbena Counter Spray // I would totally cash in on my love for cleaning in hopes the house guests might keep me around. Naturally, I need my favorite cleaning products!
• Striped Straws // Fact: The party doesn't start unless there are striped straws.
• Boom Chick A Pop // Because snacking is aplenty in the BB Household, it might be nice to mindlessly nosh on something that's low in calories.
• Oscar Blandi Dry Shampoo // All of those crazy competitions would take a toll on my hair color, so I'd try to wash it as little as possible. Of course, I'd need as much of this as possible!
• Hendrick's Gin & a Lemon // There's nothing like a little social lubricant to put Awkward Ashley at ease.
• Mike & Ike Candy // It's my favorite non-chocolate candy. I'd plan to eat these while the other house guests aren't around. I'm not big on sharing candy! Just ask Flyboy or my sister, Aubrey.
• Mixed CD // One of the perks to winning HoH is listening to music of your choice. You can bet my selection would be abnormal with artists ranging from George Strait to Biggie Smalls.
• Smith's Rosebud Salve // Love this stuff! It can be used for almost anything.
• Illume Body Butter in Thai Lily // It might be nice to get away from the crazy and pamper myself.
• Essie Polish // I'd take any new shade! I'm sure the other house guests wouldn't mind a mani/pedi.
• Washi Tape // Lord knows I'll be going through withdrawal, and you never know how it might come in handy around the BB House. Not to mention, it might be a great opportunity to introduce the wonders of Washi to my house mates. They'll thank me later!
• San Pellegrino Limonata // Because I'll need something fizzy to mix with m' Gin.
• Party Time Headband // To wear while imbibing. 
• Framed Photos // Time away from family is always a bit rough, so these will serve as the perfect pick-me-up (frame sources here and here, family members are my own).   
  
  
  Do you watch Big Brother? What would you request in your HoH Basket?
  

A Toast to The Office

Cocktails & Carell:
The Falero, Aperol Spritzer, Havey Wallbanger, Northern Spy Cup, Sloe Gin Fizz, Singapore Sling, Vodka Thyme Lemonade

I started watching The Office in college after my parents insisted I tune in. Boy, I'm sure glad I did! I was instantly hooked after the first episode I watched: The Booze Cruise. My friends and I would meet every Thursday night to watch the mockumentary. If there wasn't a new episode, we'd watch reruns. Obsessed is an understatement. We had every line memorized, and no matter how many times we watched an episode, it still provoked big belly laughs. I'll never ever forget the roaring excitement that spread throughout the halls of our dorm when Pam and Jim first kissed. We loved the show so much, we even hosted our own Office Olympics. It was epic! 

And just as the lives of the characters progressed, so did ours. Much like Pam, I was in a crummy relationship and managed to convince myself that Flyboy was just a really close friend. I was somewhat unaware that I was actually smitten and that "friend" would someday become my husband. Call me dense, but I didn't realize the similarities until my mom pointed them out to me. I denied it for the longest time, but she was right. As newlyweds transplanted to Texas, we didn't know anyone, but we found comfort in our trusty TV show. After a few months of settling down in Swell Rio, we thought it was time we add a Bernese Mountain Dog to our brood. On the 5.5 hour drive to pick her up, we decided that Pam's last name would be fitting. We named her Beesly! I told you we're obsessed.

There's just something so lovable about the painfully hilarious nine-to-fivers. The dialog was clever; I often found myself snorting or slapping the couch cushion because the one-liners were so stinking funny. Michael's antics, relationships with the staff, and his need to be liked were so endearing. Do I even need to mention the love-struck chemistry and awkward flirting between Jim and Pam? The show was refreshing!

Call me an emotional twit, but the thought of The Office series finale, which airs tonight, has made me snivel for the past few weeks. I must be a glutton for punishment, because I've gotten lost in a black hole of reruns and retrospective interviews with the cast and crew. I'm honestly not sure if I'm ready for tonight's episode; I'm not ready to close this chapter and say good-bye to a show that's meant so much to me. Of course, if you asked me this question a few years ago after Michael Scott's exit, I would have told you they should have ended the series right then and there. I was bitter, and I didn't think it would be the same without Steve Carell's beloved character. I took a year off, but Flyboy devotedly watched the show and convinced me to tune into the last season. Despite some of the ups and downs (um, Jim and Pam's breakdown!?!), I'm sure glad I did. I was reminded why I love The Office so very much. Thanks for the countless smiles, laughs, and episodes filled with George Foreman-grilled feet and rooftop grilled cheeses. Have a hanky and cocktail handy, because tonight's episode is gonna be long and hard...

ANF

IMAGE CREDITS: Cocktails via Grub Street New York and NBC

Quotables

My Favorite Schmidt Quotes

If you asked me a few months ago to name my favorite character on New Girl, I would have said Jess in a heartbeat. And while I'll always find Zooey D's character charming, I never would have guessed the resident ladies' man, Schmidt, would steal the spotlight. With each episode, my love for Max Greenfield's character intensifies. He's got me rolling over his ridiculous lines and quirky catchphrases. I guess you could say that his fear of cats and collection of pea coats had me at hello. Take a peek at some of my favorite quotes from this season...

Be sure to tune-in to FOX's New Girl on Tuesdays at 9/8c.

Are you a fan of New Girl? Who's your favorite character? Got a favorite quote? Do tell.

Happy Tuesday!

Toodles,

ANF

P.S. Can't get enough of Schmidt? Then you MUST take a look at his rental application and dating profile.