Where the Gum fits (blog #4)

So I must say, this blog was a lot harder to take pics along the way....One, it was A RIDICULOUSLY BUSY DAY AT WORK...holy shit.  But also, I don't feel that this assignment was as "easy" to track...But here we go.


I actually chewed gum, a lot more than "normal" today. I started out early...way early.  To not my choosing, I was up at 530am.  The boyfriend had to get up early, he has dogs, lights, and a lot of movement in the house, I COULD NT sleep...So with wedding season in mind I went to the gym...In popped the gum.

I kind of spaced taking the picture before I left, so I took it when I got home.  650am....ARG! So early, so totally not normal for me to chew gum that early...BUT, probably the best thing ever.  When I woke up, before I left, I felt tired, gross (like whoops forgot to brush my teeth before being out in public) so gum not only freshened my breath, but WOKE ME UP. My love for spearmint (the kind I purchased on Tuesday) helped in this instance, enough spiciness to get my ass to the gym, and open my eyes a little.  I expected this, as I enjoy this flavor of gum and I knew it would compensate for (don't tell anyone) not brushing my teeth.  So I guess that goes to the next question, did this replace something at 545ish in the morning, YES. . . my toothbrush.  and it made me feel great!  Like I tricked society.

It wast until I got to work, had breakfast, till I popped my next gum square.  I carried the spearmint around with me, although I have the juicy fruit on my desk, because I feel more "refreshed" with the spearmint.

My office mates were funny..."Why this one not that one."--Says two, mothers of their own children, who have adopted me into "mothering" me at work...office moms:  "Because", I said "I just had breakfast and need fresh breath.  Not a quick juice kick."  It wasn't until I finished this statement that I realized it was because of the assignment that I was choosing the gum vs the mint. So in a way it replaced the mint to have a "quick freshness" before seeing patients.

So again, I say, it was a busy day.  Not as many opportunities to take pictures.  The last time I popped gum was after lunch.  I know this will sound weird but, I felt that my mouth had to feel cleaner because I had a diet coke.  I don't usually drink soda but when I do, my teeth feel dirty.

So I guess this was about 2pm....

And as I am looking at my chicken scratch of notes I took today, I did pop one more piece of gum at 330...And it was completely and utterly out of boredom.  My office mates and I were so so so ready to leave, and I was in a lull.  I needed something to do, So I took the gum  I thought about this and realized that the gum replaced my hand-fiddler toys I have by my computer----I had no idea where they went...I snuck a peek to the very right of the computer, in a sand pal, and there they were---my toys!  I guess my office mate thought my toys needed to be "cleaned up."

I realized that usually in the afternoon, when I am in the afternoon slump, I play.  Its the basis of my job, so why not I guess.  I usually play with these wind up cars, and when they weren't in my reach, I reached for gum!  Guess this is what happens when I carry it on me.  I felt good to carry it with me, because I did feel like it fired me up, gave me some energy.  I do feel that it is because of the flavor, not just the "gum piece."  If it was the juicy fruit I don't think I would have chewed so many today.

It was difficult to add in gum when I was thinking about it, prior to this day.  When the day popped up, not hard at all, the gum totally fit into my day which was not was I was expecting....(as long as the case fit in the pocket--The juicy fruit case would not have fit!)  I looked to gum today as my "pick me up" vs the chocolate, mint, or more coffee.

Looking at the questions, I believe that I don't "typically chew gum" because i don't typically buy it.  But also because I have more options around me, like the chocolate, mint, toys, etc. that are already in hands reach.  These things take gums place because they are already present.

I totally chewed gum a LOT more in high school and in college.  I think because in high school, I was constantly in sports, activities, etc.  I was always "on the go" and not a lot of down time, so I would chew during practice and games.  In college I think I was always under a lot of stress...sometimes great stress (which parties, what happy hour) but also, classes, rent, and work.  I think when i chewed gum, it helped reduce my stress, gave my mind something to do.  I think things have changed because of priorities.  Sometimes food and rent are my top of all top priorities, and I just don't think about buying gum.  I think even though I have other types of stress then I did in college, I have other things to help reduce stress, I tend to drink more wine now (for fun, and to relax), a different type of social structure (young professionals in the professional world), and more walks around parks, nice Happy Hours on porch...more a relaxed way of dealing with a lot of stuff going on, vs having to fix things quick like in college (if it wasn't the school schedule making you get things done, it was the maturity age of your peers.  You know a lot more peer pressure...We are all alot more mature now)

To make gum more of a regular part of my day, I would need to stock it---as simple as that.  I have mints, chocolate, toys, all in my arms reach whenever I have a "lull" at work.  After these assignments, I think I do "look" for something to perk me up, something to light my fire, something to freshen me up throughout the day.  I do feel that a spearmint flavor not a fruity flavor would do the trick more often.

This has been such a fun week, completing these assigments.  Cant wait for the focus group.

Thanks again!

Ash

Shopping (blog #3)

So interesting day, interesting task you put us on...As I was leaving work, I realized I needed other items (face wash, lotion, flowers for our garden, etc) then just Gum so I decided to go to the most cost effective place I know.... 

Oh yea...quite the experience.

This is not my "typical" shopping place, nothing wrong with WalMart, just not my "typical."  I chose this because 1. cheap face/body lotion 2. thought it would be cheap flowers, weed killer, and chairs 3. on the way home, I didn't have to "back track" to go shopping (backtracking is probably my number one pet peeve)

When I first walked in, I went straight to the flower garden section...75 dollars later!  AHHHH.  So mad. But I put all the flowers, chairs, and weed killer in the car then ventured back in.

It was withing seconds I realized I should have done my Gum and lotion shopping first, flowers second, as this time, when I am doing my "normal" shopping, everyone, EVERYONE was in that place.  A freakin ZOO.  Which is also usually the reason I DONT COME HERE.  But anyway.  I headed toward this isle...

When I first think of gum, I head here--to the Candy Isle.  I would think of the check out line for gum, only while checking out.

           Some observations:  LOTS OF COLOR--

I guess it makes sense as there ares so many, a lot more than I was honestly expecting. I mean I have been in the candy isle before, but never really paid attention.  I also noticed a shit ton of "dessert flavored" gums.  Not sure how I feel about this.  If I want a dessert flavor in my mouth, then I want to eat the real damn thing.  Also, and I know its most likely because I am in the candy isle where things come in bigger packs vs individual, but I was very surprised by all the mulipack packs.  And there's some friendly competition..."3 packs in this package"...."8 packs in this package".....I immediately went to, well how much for this pack, vs that pack, which means its this much per pack..."what that's not a deal!!"............

Weird what you see when you pay attention.

Gum choices today...Well, I tend to borrow, so choices today was I actually HAD to make a choice.  My Mom usually has dentyne, people from work varies, and my desk has juicy fruit....

But if we are talking about the past past, like past present and future, then I would say holy cow theres a lot to chose from. 

When I was little, it was bubble tape gum, the multi stripe gum that had animals on it (the name is escaping me right now) or bubble chew.  Because all of these things were fun. So FUN. 

Now there is desserts, layers, mints, fruits, mints that turn into gum, so many.  Which is good, as products need to suite the needs of the consumer, but for me, now its more for the practical purpose--to freshen my breathe...and of course the occasional bubble blowing contest. SO for me, I could have the products be dropped down to just a handful for me to chose from.

The Trends...Whitening, Things that try to taste like something else, and Flavorful (mint with melon...wft?)

.

Feelings:  Of these three I would say Whitening would be my top choice, then the flavorful ones...The gum trying to be desserts, are just NOT for me....I would rather EAT the real dessert than CHEW the pretend gum.

Even in the "original" flavors---mint, winter fresh, cinnamon---theres tons of choices!

 DENTYNE PURE Mint with Melon---NO
eclipse Spearmint---YES

Brands NOT FOR  Me                                            Brands FOR Me

I am pretty much a Spearmint flavor hands down. So I could go for either the eclipse or the trident white.  trident white offers the added benefit of "whitening your teeth"  (can that really happen btw????) I chose the eclipse spearmint vs the trident white simply in my hands reach...I think I had the camera in my right hand so I reach left.  These two indifferent.

I am NOT (if you couldnt tell already) into the dessert gum...Have I tried them?  No.  BUT I would just rather have real desserts!  Also in the past, double mint gum easily falls apart, so I would not chose that.  I know juicy fruit is up there, and I have it on my desk at work, but I would not actively chose to purchase it.  Ill take any gum if its free.

As I stated before I purchased the eclipse spearmint gum.  anything spearmint = golden with me, and this one was the one i went for...close proximity.  Its not my usual brand, although the flavor is. 

What does this say about me....normally I love to try new things, love adventure, love excitement.  but when it comes to "buying" gum I tend to lean toward mintyness...spearmint...greatness.

I do enjoy fruity gums, they just dont usually last long, so I would not chose to purchase but if someone has some.....I will totally mooch.

ONE wish for gum:  I wish for the best bubble making gum to come out soon---I dont believe we have it on the market yet. 

We need a great bubble blowing gum that doesnt hurt your jaw.

If I didnt use the 5 bucks for gum (lets be honest Walmart gum is like 2 bucks) but still if I needed to spend the 5 dollars on something else, I would have bought myself dinner out like Chipolte or Subway.  I know both places are a little more than 5 bucks, but I would have rather spent it on that.  Gum is not a nessesity,  but lunch/dinner is.  And if someone gave me 5 bucks, or if I had an extra I would use it as a "treat" and buy Chipolte!

Thanks for allowing me to be a creeper in WalMart and take pics of things...I got a lot of stares.  G'Night.

Day in the Life (blog #2)

715ish: So when I wake up, I crave water, icy water with no straw, which if very unusual for me...I am a Straw kind of girl.  I woke up later than usual today, so I quickly got ready made coffee and was out the door.  I did make sure I brushed my teeth before running out the door---Crest toothpaste with whitening. 

Apparently I was to busy singing in the car, as I didn't even go for a sip of coffee until I got to work.

815ish:  I am starving when I get to work.  I have two office mates, who are already hard at work.  I purchased some Haribo Mini Rainbow Gummi Frogs, for one of my office mates for Mothers day--her favorite....So I guess we can call this the breakfast of champions?

The coffee you ask....black no name brand my roommate bought with about tbs of Peppermint Mocha Creamer---everyday is like Christmas!  Why did I chose to eat gummi frogs and coffee the first thing in the morning?  Well, the coffee is what we had in the house, and the frogs we ate early because my office mate opened them early---I am no good on peer pressure.  After eating frogs, I was not satisfied, so when my colleague asked if I wanted to get a "snack" for breakfast, I felt guilty as I had already had a "snack".  Sure sugared up coffee and sugared up frogs, not the best but oh well....So I went to the cafeteria with her.

845ish:  Trying to get over my feelings of guilt, I say to my self, "Self you need normal food, some protein of some sort.  You are not full or satisfied with just gummies"  So I met my friend Ali in the cafeteria and got some scrambled eggs and bacon.

Yes they look plain...I added salsa, Tabasco, S and P.  I sat they wondering why I made this choice, as I new I had to reflect on the blog.  My normal, breakfast sandwich or breakfast burrito.  I couldn't get the breakfast burrito today, as I knew I was going to the Rio this evening for dinner and drinks, and the breakfast sandwich, to expensive.  So cheap eggs from the cafeteria it is!

1115ish:  The day is going, and I have finished off a nalgine and a half of water.  My water bottle has a sports straw in it and throughout the day found my self chopping on the straw.  Near this time, I realized how frustrated I was getting at reading some docs notes about my patients.  I found my self opting to chew a piece of sugar free Juicy Fruit Sweet Fruit Gum.  I chose this because it was on my desk and I was on my computer, but I found that I wasn't so frustrated when I was chewing the gum.


I left my office for a little and returned to find my self alone again in my office, and needed a "refresher" before meeting with some patients and their parents.  I grabbed a sugar free winter fresh mint from my office mates stash and off to meet my patients.  I also finished up the other half of the water bottle.


145ish:  After running around working, I decided to get some lunch.  My friend Ali (yes the one who I had breakfast with--I promise I work, not just eat throughout the day) had chicken noodle soup for lunch, and that sounded good.  Again, I knew I didnt want to eat "too" much as I will be having the Rio for dinner, so soup sounded like a good in between.  I wasnt starving, but knew I needed to eat.  I usually eat lunch around 1pm, so going down closer to 2pm, all my lunch friends had already eaten, so I purchased and came back to my office....

As you can see...NOT soup.  That soup did NOT look appetizing,so a Chicken Caesar Salad looked like it would do the trick!  It was already made, looked fresh...sold.   

  I purchased the Grandma Style Peanut Butter Cookies on a whim, thought I would eat them tomorrow....

I was wrong. 

I didn't eat them right away...I did finish another 24 oz water bottle however....

245ish:  I am back in my office to chart.  I felt stressed/overwhelmed/ and started to freak out that it was almost 3, and I had a shit done of shit to get done before 4...All of a sudden I found myself chewing on a bobby pin.  I didn't even have a recollection of when I took it out of my hair, and all of a sudden it was in my mouth!  But you know, its small enough I don't have to utilize my other hand to hold it, which was great as I was typing with both hands.

330ish:  Now the Grandma Peanut Butter Cookies get eaten! BOTH OF THEM!  arg........now I feel guilty and full.  I should go to the gym, but instead Ill go for happy hour!  I can always go to the gym in the morning, right?  At least another water bottle has been drank---24 more oz!

6ish: Ladies Night Out.  I meet my favorite friend Lo at the Rio, our favorite place.  She recently had a baby, and last week was her first week back after maternity. 

Here is me and her lovey Rylan....

She is a teacher and it has always been our tradition to go to the Rio when her (or mine) work week has been extra hard.  Our favorite items on the list...

Strawberry Light MargsChips and Salsa

and  Queso.

We love our Queso....

We also ordered a chicken burrito smothered in green chili, but we ate it too fast to take a picture.  We split the burrito, which made me feel better knowing I was only eathing half.  And I felt full, satisfiedd, but not pant buttons about to pop off. 

These are our typical "traditional" items we always get when we go to the Rio...

We had to stick with our tradition.

After consuming the queso, half of a burrito, and more chips and salsa, I realize that I had been chomping on all the ice my water glass, and my marg glass had to offer.  Reason, the salsa was flipping spicy (which I love) had a huge kick to it...another, I have a hard time NOT chewing ice.

927ish:  As I finish this last post, I have realized I have had my finger in my mouth, while I was reviewing, placeing pics, and watching TV.  I guess my finger because I want this blog to be "quality" something I am proud of so I am taking the time to review it, and I put my fingers or straws in my mouth when I think...Fingers are handy, straws are not.

Good Night!

All About Me and My Big Mouth (blog #1)

My name is Ashley.  I have never blogged before so my only hope is that this is interestiing to read....

A little about me.  To start from the beginning I was born on the sidewalk, in the snow, with my dad delivering me.  I am not sure if this incident shaped me in any way, but I can say that I love the snow, anything to do with the snow, and any chance I can play in the snow I do--maybe being a Colorado native also shaped me to love this kind of weather.  On the other hand, I cant get enough of palm trees, beaches, and cocktails on the beach!  After finishing up my degree from Colorado State, I bolted to California for some time in the sun, an internship, and figuring out how to live somewhere new, and alone!  I studied and ended up working out there for about two years, before getting my dream job at Denver Children's Hospital.  I am a child life specialist---big fancy words for playing with kids all day.  Well, playing with a purpose--my job is to help kids cope with being in the hospital, taking docs and nurse terms and helping kiddos and their family understand what is going on---but most importantly playing and making sure kids are still kids!  No kids of my own, just two adorable nephews, and a boyfriend, who acts like a kid sometimes.

I like to live by the motto of Work Hard, Play Hard.  I will work my ass of if that means, I can take weekend trips to Vegas, California, or up to the mountains.  I am a 27 year old professional who still NEEDS a spring break.  I am a big fan of patio happy hours and so glad summer is here!!!