17 THINGS ABOUT ME
I spent some time last week looking back on 2016 and planning for 2017, and one thing that really blew me away was the increase in followers S&C has had. Since going full time in early January last year, we've grown from reaching just under 200 people to reaching just over 11,000! Can you believe it? I'm so grateful for all of you, and excited that you are resonating with what I'm sharing through this platform.
Since I know a lot of you are new, I thought I'd take today to share 17 things you might not know about me!
(1) BIOCHEMISTRY WAS MY FORMER CALLING
You read that right! I have a B.S. Biochemistry and an M.S. Biology! I've worked in cosmetics, hair product development, marine chemistry, ocean monitoring, run some of the top aquarium water quality laboratories in the US, and lived in the caribbean studying sea turtles. While I loved (and love!) science, my heart simply wasn't in it anymore. Instead, I felt called to pursue what had been my side-passion (ministering to women) into my new career.
(2) CALIFORNIA IS HOME
While G and I will likely move several more times with his company before making our way back to the West Coast, I look at each place we live as a temporary adventure. I'm a California beach girl, born and raised, and that's where my heart will always be.
(3) I LOVE AMPERSANDS
They suggest so much possibility. It's never over. There's always an "&"
(4) I DEVOUR BOOKS
I love to read, and I demolish book after book after book in my down time. My most recent favorites are Quiet (such a great perspective on the importance of introverts!) and The Night Circus.
(5) WE HAVE TWO PUPPIES
I've had my Cavalier, Claire, since late 2009, and she's been my best buddy ever since! After moving to Texas, G and I added a Whippet named Chloe to the mix. She's an adorable, loving handful!
(6) I REALLY LIKE CACTI
Seriously. I can give you the common and scientific names for almost every one that's native to the Baja Peninsula.
(7) I AM THE KARATE KID
Okay, not really, but I do have two black belts. I did Shoto Kan from age 5 to age 17, and Shito Ru from 17 to 21!
(8) ACCESSORIES ARE MY JAM
While I love clothes, you'll find my heart lies with my sunnies, shoes, and handbags.
(9) I'M DEFINITELY A CITY GIRL
I find myself happiest in a bustling city with endless opportunities and my earbuds in (San Francisco, New York, and London top my list of favorites).
(10) I ALMOST ALWAYS HAVE MUSIC ON
I associate so many of the best moments of my life with songs. G and I are Sweet Pea by Amos Lee, my Phoenix Pandora station is what I groove to before photo shoots, and I love me some Kesha for a sweat sesh.
(11) SPEAKING OF MUSIC...
I'm also a classically trained pianist! I considered pursuing that as a career when going into college, but realized I wanted music as a creative outlet, not something I had to do to make $$.
(12) I LOVE TO COOK
I grew up baking, but since graduating from college my love of cooking has really grown. I posted recipes on here for a bit (you can still find those on Pinterest), but decided I wanted to focus the blog on other things and just cook for fun.
(13) I'M A GOOF-BALL
All joking aside, I'm a sucker for a good pun (or even a bad one) and G has to put up with both daily.
(14) I'M PASSIONATE ABOUT HUMAN TRAFFICKING
I've posted a few blogs on this topic (here and here), and plan to make the organizations I support that fight it a bigger part of S&C in 2017. My heart breaks for people who are taught that they are worthless, and I passionately believe that part of the reason I have this platform is to shed light and bring hope to those who need it most.
(15) I'M CRAZY ABOUT MY HUSBAND
It took some time to find G (we actually met online! and I asked him out!), but I can honestly say that I've been happy to be with him every single day since our first coffee date. Not all day every day (we're a real couple, with real struggles, just like anyone else), but every day I am grateful to his girl, and I can't believe how much love we've packed into the last 4 1/2 years.
(16) I'M AN INTROVERT
While I have many close relationships, and crave time with my girls, I'm definitely an introvert! It's alone time and quiet that recharge my batteries.
(17) I LOVE JESUS
I didn't grow up in church, but I did grow up knowing there was a God and I was loved, I finally put a name to that knowledge in 6th grade and I've been His ever since. I'm not perfect, but I am perfectly loved, and always happy to share my story with anyone who asks. Feel free to drop me a line anytime (ashley@simplicityandcoffee.com).
That's it! I hope you enjoyed learning these tidbits about me, and I look forward to walking through 2017 with you!
