she's a pretty girl: got milk?

Oh my goodness…where did summer go?!?! I feel horrible that the last time I actually blogged was almost 2 months ago. I don’t know about you, but July just about did me in. August hasn’t been so grand either, but I feel that my head is at least staying above water regularly. And I have officially decided that I am over 100 degree heat. I’m ready for fall. I thought I would at least like to be in a swimsuit this summer, but nope, no way. I’m ready for cooler weather (in Texas that means I’ll be quite happy to see 80), pumpkin spice lattes, running outside without feeling the need to pass out in my neighbor’s yard, seeing the leaves change colors for a day…green to brown—you know Texas Fall. :)

To give you a recap, back at the beginning of July, I did something some might say is a little out of character for me…when in all actuality, if you know me at all, it’s most definitely me. Let me go ahead and forewarn you the pictures below aren’t very pretty…but very much a “she’s a pretty girl” moment.

So back at the beginning of July, I went to my church’s Jr. High camp with my roomies. Britt, being in charge, was already down there, so my sis and I headed down Friday night after work. I guess I should say up since it’s Oklahoma—never do get that right! Unfortunately, on the ride up, I wasn’t feeling the best, so I was kind of on the blah side most of camp. By around Sunday night I started feeling back to myself, but was bummed because I hadn’t really had a chance to bond with the kids, or experience any of the game time with them. What to do…what to do…

Monday afternoon I’m sitting in the lodge with the other staff members enjoying some chips and salsa, when our Jr. High pastor and his intern start talking about the “Gallon Challenge.” For those that aren’t aware, this is where you chug a gallon of milk in an hour. It’s virtually impossible to do without it making a magical reappearance…if you know what I mean.

Anyways, Marshall (intern) has already nominated himself and they are trying to figure out who would do it against him. Keith (Jr. High pastor) nonchalantly asks me, “Hey Ash…wanna do it?” (insert laughter as a “yeah right” from all the other parties). As I’m stuffing my face, “Sure.” “WHAT?!?! Are you serious?!?!” “Why not?” “You do know you’ll throw up, right?” “Yep…kinda regretting the chips and salsa right now, but hey…why not…just let me change clothes.” After getting over his shock and verifying over and over again that I was serious, we move forward with the challenge.

My sister, who has learned not to be surprised over these kind of things says, “First of all, you have never been more like your father in this moment (my dad was a youth minister and has been known to do quite a few things for shock factor) and second of all, I have never been more proud of you in my life.” I told you my family was a bit sick and twisted.

After changing clothes, I go outside for the challenge, and there are like 10 kids. I tell Keith, “You had better get a bigger crowd than that because yes, I’ll do it, but there ain’t no way I’m doing it without a crowd…because throwing up for the sake of throwing up…nope…ain’t happenin’.”

They gather a crowd and on the count of three the challenge begins. I should probably tell you at this point, I’m lactose intolerant. Yep, not my smartest move…but there’s something in me that just can’t turn down a good challenge…especially against a boy. Underneath all this class and style is still the tomboy that played soccer with the boys, caught salamanders in the gutter, climbed trees and went fishing. At one point, when I was about 10, covered in mud with band aids all over my legs my dad just rolled his eyes and said in exasperation, “You’re never going to be able to wear a skirt again, your legs are going to be scarred for life!” Naw…I turned out quite fine, and can still rock a mini :)

Oh, and yes, I did beat the boy.

The responses I received after it was all said and done included:

• “OMG…that’s disgusting!”
• “I have never had more respect for you in my life!”
• “I am so proud of you!”
• “You do know people on Facebook will see this, right?”
• “And you’re single, why?”
• “I am so in love with you right now.”
• “I have never seen someone throw up with so much class.”

Why you ask would I do something like that? Well…shock factor mostly, nobody expects a classy, 30 year old, 5 foot 3, 100 and something pound woman to do something like that (little did they know I’ve won my fair share of burping contests). Second of all, makes a great experience for the kids…teaches them to not take life so seriously, to get out there and take risks…and more importantly…LAUGH AT YOURSELF!!! And wouldn’t we all like to go back and repeat Jr. High with this knowledge? Ok, maybe not. I just broke out in hives thinking about going back.

Go take some risks this week…and more importantly, when you trip and fall, dribble a little water down your chin, shoot coffee out your nose or enter yourself in a Gallon Challenge…be sure and laugh at yourself! : )

WARNING…pictures and video might cause nausea...