Parents.

They are the people I take for granted the most. The people who I snap at when I've had a bad day. The ones who get "the pleasure" of hearing about a fight with friend or a bad day at work. The people who love me too much for my own good. The adults that I feel I can relate to the most. The ones I currently call my roommates, but are far more than that. The ones who I use to scream at when I got grounded. The ones I am so thankful for for grounding me. And trying their best to teach me right and wrong, even though they knew I would figure it out on my own. The people who instill confidence in me when I feel insignificant and self conscious. The Dad who would drive 3 hours to Tuscaloosa to have lunch with me....on his birthday. The Mom who drops everything she is doing to comfort me during a break-up.  The people I want to be exactly like when I grow up. My support system. The people I consult on every life changing decision I make. And the people I consult on many small and trivial decisions that feel life changing at the time. The ones who have taken me and my friends on too many beach trips to count. And who truly enjoy every moment of that. The father who gives in too easily when I find a handbag that I "really need." The mother who gave up a job that she loved because I hated going to After School Program when I was 5. The people who can take one look at me and know that something is wrong. But let me come to them when I'm ready. The ones who I want to kick back and have a beer with. And the people I want to sit in church with. The ones who never cease to amaze me with their strength, courage, confidence, ambitions, decisions, and ability to laugh and cry and admit when they're wrong. The people who try their hardest to treat me like an adult, even though I'm still their little girl. The people I know I can count on, no matter what.


I don't say it enough, but I am so blessed and so thankful for my parents. 

JazzFest Friday

In typical Ansley fashion, I waited until the last minute to figure out what I wanted to do for my JazzFest Friday post. I didn't hardly think about it until today....which is Friday....the day I am supposed to post. And of course, when I got to work this morning I realized that the speakers on my computer are not working. Therefore, it made choosing a song nearly impossible to do on my own. 
Luckily, I have a friend who is somewhat freakishly obsessed when it comes to great artists, great melodies, and great songs. She is the one who introduced me to Mumford & Sons and The Avett Brothers. And in a span of 3 months she will have gone to Coachella, JazzFest, and Bonnaroo. So basically I trust her judgement on all things music. So when I sent her a text this morning asking for her genius insight, she suggested "Supply and Demand" and "Colors" by Amos Lee, with a side note that "Supply and Demand" is more up-tempo and fun (I would know this if I could hear the song). Since I am planning to have an incredibly fun weekend, I opted for this jam.

I'll be surrounded by old and new friends all weekend at the Braves game! Where will you be? Whatever you do, I hope it's great!

JazzFest Friday

TGIF! It's been quite a week over here in Atlanta. Lots of rain, lots of work, and lots of recovering from an incredibly fun (and slightly wild) weekend. But....we are 1 week closer to JazzFest. Which means I am 1 week closer to seeing these guys live. I chose The Avett Brothers again this week because I felt a pang of jealousy when my JazzFest companions went to go see them in Athens on Tuesday. (Well that, and I just really dig their tunes).

So if you've got some time, hang out and enjoy 16 minutes of pure amazingness.

This little jam sesh just makes me want to put it on repeat and chill out. Luckily I'm heading to Hilton Head Island for a little R & R and quality time with the fam! What are your weekend plans?

Ain't That the Truth

"Let's face it, a nice creamy chocolate cake does a lot for a lot of people; it does for me."
-Audrey Hepburn

Because it's gloomy....

What a rainy week so far. And it doesn't look like the gloom is going away anytime soon. Here is something to brighten your day!

JazzFest Friday

For those of you who aren't as big into some of the folk rock groups as I am - hence the numerous Mumford & Sons (here & here) and Avett Brothers (here) posts - I decided to spice it up with another headliner on April 29th at New Orleans Jazz Fest. And that would be Wyclef Jean.

I thought this song was particularly relevant for today's JazzFest Friday due to the recent disasters in Japan. Wyclef Jean wrote this song right after the earthquake in Haiti last year, and seeing as he is from Haiti, it holds incredible meaning for him. Although the situation in Haiti and the current tragedy in Japan are different, I thought the message in this song was one to hear. Not only that, but Wyclef also used "Hold On" to raise awareness. 

Let us not forget that there are thousands of people in Japan right now who have lost their families, homes, and even more that we cannot even imagine. Do what you can to help.

Counting down the minutes....

Today is Thursday. Which makes tomorrow Friday.

 And I am looking forward to the weekend!

{Sorry for that Rebecca Black moment}

I am extremely excited for this particular weekend because I will finally be reunited with all of my amazing friends from college to CELEBRATE the engagement of Elizabeth & Rusty!

I have been looking forward to this shindig for months now and it is finally right around the corner!

So while I really hate wishing away time, today I just might.

Photos from this great website. 

And thanks to Leigh for sharing that site with fellow bloggers and readers!