Work – Blondie Birdie

A Midsummer Night’s Flu…

July 24, 2019July 31, 2019by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment

Good Afternoon and Happy “Hump Day”, everyone!

So, like most things in my life- I like to keep my blogging/blog posts on a semi regular schedule. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays are typically the days I share content while en route to my office for my full-time job, unless there’s a holiday or something- in which case the posts are delegated to Tuesdays or Thursdays.

Last week, after I had posted my tribute for my late father commemorating several years since his passing- I had already started drafting my content for Friday morning before I left for the weekend and I braced myself for the heatwave that was scheduled to blanket New England until late Sunday night/early Monday morning.

But then I started to feel a little funny. It wasn’t too alarming- not at first- I just felt unusually fatigued and I kept losing my voice at the strangest times. I spent my Thursday and Friday in a bit of a pre-cold fog and, frankly- forgot to post all together. All I could do was sleep in-between grabbing dinners and seeing a couple of movies with friends (“The Lion King”, which was excellent- and “Rocket Man”, which was… Well.. It was something?)

By Saturday afternoon, after I’d left the Indie617 station and was trying to protect myself from triple digit temperatures outside- I had a full-blown, Midsummer’s flu. Coughing. Sneezing. Fever. The works.

And while fevers are problematic on their own- fevers during a severe heatwave are a major cause for concern. I just couldn’t cool down, and on more than one occasion- friends and family were considering taking me to the hospital since I was borderline delirious and nothing was working at lowering my temperature and making me feel better.

Of course, I had to keep working during all of this- between my office job, volunteering for the Pan-Mass Challenge, and my work with PaintBox Theatre– so I was essentially running on fumes until Monday evening when I could finally rest right and properly with the A/C on, the blinds closed, and an ice pack on my head. No worries, though- I kept my mouth/nose covered and slathered antibacterial gel all over my hands on what felt like a ten minute routine.

Thankfully, the fever has since broke- and I’ve been on the mend and getting better and better since Monday. Today, both my “Work From Home Day” and mercifully a half day as well- is the best I’ve felt since right around this time last week. I’m up, moving, talking, and taking plenty of medicine and getting a ton of fluids. I’m even considering braving the outdoors today for some much-needed fresh air and even more needed coffee!

Of course, being sick had me in a bit of a funk/depression- especially when bedridden and all I wanted to do was scratch more things off of my “Summer 2019 Bucket List”- but I’m resolved not to waste what’s left of July and cram whatever is left into August. Being sad and sick is the worst. Being said and sick during a heatwave is torture. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.

All that being said- thanks to everyone who heard through social media I wasn’t well and touched base. It meant a lot!

I’m excited to get “Blondie Birdie” back on track and savor the last few days of July!

I’ll be back – bright and early – on Friday morning! Until then, enjoy what’s left of your Wednesday!

– Ashley –

March 2019: In a Nutshell

March 31, 2019April 7, 2019by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment

Good Morning and Happy Sunday, everyone!

I hope you’re all enjoying your weekend so far. It’s been beautiful here in my neck of the woods- with sunshine and comfortably warm temperatures- and today is actually the first day I’ve been able to wear sneakers since early Fall of 2018! I was nearly starting to forget how my legs looked without knee-high boots on.

I don’t really follow basketball (sorry, Celtics!) but I had my own version of “March Madness” this year with regards to how unbelievably busy this past month was. I was essentially moving non-stop from one side of the state to the other- back and forth- at any given time. Not only was I working my full-time job Monday through Friday (I actually just got a raise, too- which definitely kept me from succumbing to stress!) but I also started my Saturday radio show in the city and working diligently as the Marketing & Publicity Director at a family theater company in Western Massachusetts. I had written more in-detail about those opportunities and career paths HERE.

Despite spending a lot of time on my feet (and maybe even more time in my car!) I still managed to take some time out to do a little cooking, raid my wardrobe to show off my favorite Springtime looks just as we kicked off the season, spend time with friends/family and a few surprise visits from those arriving from out of state, put together a light and pretty playlist to say au revoir to Winter– and enjoy some local traveling/sightseeing- including a stop at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and a brief trip to stop and smell the flowers during the Bulb Show at Smith College’s Botanical Garden.

Perhaps one of the biggest things to happen this month, however- is that I may be potentially relocating to the Pioneer Valley. I don’t want to speak too much into the universe right now- since the details are still being sorted out and I’m waiting for definitive confirmation and getting ahead of myself may result in it not coming to fruition- but so far the signs are good and I may have a pretty exciting “In a Nutshell” post ready to go by the end of April. I’m anxious and excited and hopeful and trying to be optimistic- but we’ll see how it goes!

And while it feels like I’ve done so much this month- there were a few things I couldn’t quite get to because of my schedule- including a planned trip to Nantucket, NYC and some sponsored posts I’ve been working on. Sometimes there just isn’t enough hours in the day or days in the week!

The good news is there’s always April- and with it comes the time to follow through on those plans/posts, as well as get ready for some upcoming events- including Marathon Monday and Easter! Now that I’ve gotten myself into the swing of all these new roles/responsibilities- I think I’ll have a much easier time keeping up with my day trip/weekend plans and my content here at Blondie Birdie, as well.

So as crazy as March was- it was invigorating and exciting and has me eager to move forward into April and Spring! I’m recharged and ready to go!

Because I’m posting on the weekend, I’m taking a short posting schedule this week (Tuesday and Thursday.) On Tuesday, I’ll have a look back at some of the things I did over these past couple of days- and on Thursday I’m going to be re-capping the most recent season of “The Walking Dead”. The finale is tonight and this season has been one of the best I’ve seen in years. I’m so excited- but also a little terrified!

Here’s wishing you all a wonderful rest of your Sunday and an easygoing Monday! I’ll see you in a couple of days!

– Ashley –

Bloom Where You’re Planted…

March 20, 2019March 26, 2019by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment

Good Morning, Happy “Hump Day” and Happy (official) First Day of Spring, everyone!

It seems fitting that the season of blossoming and blooming would start just as so many exciting new opportunities and changes are happening for me/around me right now. I know I always briefly mention how busy I am lately- but I really mean it! I’ve been going non-stop!

Back at the end of 2018, I had mentioned a couple of new projects I was preparing to start working on and had admittedly been excited to delve more into the details when the time was right. One project was for a radio station based out of Boston, and the other was for a family theater company based in the Pioneer Valley. Considering both of those projects are essentially on opposite sides of the state- I go back and forth fairly often!

I also maintain my full-time legal specialist position and still make sure to find time to spend with family and friends- all of whom are thankfully very understanding to my occasional time restrictions- so with everything finally coming to fruition and all the smaller, more intricate details being ironed out- it feels like I can relax much more easily now!

So, what’s the news?

Well, beginning this Saturday- I’ll be starting my very own weekly show on Indie617 from 12-4 PM where I’ll get to play the music I love, talk about upcoming shows, recap recent events around the city of Boston, etc. I’m so excited since I simply adore everyone at the station and have been having a blast popping by for occasional sit-downs/chats over the past couple of months during the “Morning Glory” show.

You can stream my show online at the website or download the Indie617 app (it’s free- so no excuses!)

Additionally, I’ve taken on the role of Marketing & Publicity Director at Paintbox Theatre– a company I have loved and held dear for a very long time now. The work that they do for children and families in the Pioneer Valley is beyond admirable and I’m so thrilled to be a part of all the fun, crazy, and adorable things they have planned for their upcoming Summer season!

Of course, working across and around the state has sort of grounded me in the New England area- which is funny considering it was around this time a year ago I was earnestly and vehemently talking about moving out to Las Vegas/Henderson, Nevada- and as I continue with my year of self-reflection and attempts at bettering myself by learning from past mistakes and missteps- I think that’s one flaw I need to tackle head on: my eagerness to move to a new location- sometimes places that are thousands of miles away from everything I’ve ever known or worked for- without addressing the reasons why.

First it was San Diego, and my main drive behind that was because I wanted to be closer to friends (and yes, a guy I liked at the time)– but I had never stopped to really consider career opportunities or the astronomical cost of living out there. Granted, where I live is on the pricier side as well- but I can still live and support myself without stretching myself out too thin.

I had just assumed my career could be easily transitioned across the county- but that wasn’t the case.

With my planned move to Las Vegas, my intentions were more fine-tuned- I wanted to live somewhere warm, close to my West Coast Wife, and in an area where the cost of living was infinitely more manageable (and I still do so much!)– but being so far away from my family, my friends and restarting a career over in a part of the country where the turnover rate of the population is nearly non-stop was a bit intimidating.

Plus, financial setbacks throughout 2018 kept delaying the process- and now here I am- finally getting my momentum back.

While Vegas/Henderson is not off the table by any means- I need to rebuild my foundation, first- and I need to do it here at home and by utilizing the aforementioned opportunities/projects I’ve taken on to build up both my finances and my resume (should I decide to switch career paths at any given time. I have to show I’m versatile!)

That means making the best of what I have here (“bloom where you’re planted”) for the time being- which includes potentially finding a less expensive place to live within the Pioneer Valley or outside of the city so I can better accomplish my short-term goals- and gradually work my way towards my long-term ones.

With smaller plans in play and these new projects keeping me occupied and focused- I can say with all sincerity that I’m excited for the future and looking forward to what’s ahead without any nervousness, uncertainty or anxiety- something that plagued me in the past when I was trying to relocate/reignite my life and passions.

And hopefully the future will be warmer here in New England real soon!

I’m off to play catch-up after an unexpected day off from work yesterday- and a little later on this week I’m dabbling with floral print again. I’ll have the photos to show you all what I mean!

Enjoy your Wednesday, everybody!

– Ashley –

“She’s creepy and she’s kooky – Mysterious and spooky…”

November 2, 2018November 8, 2018by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment

Good Morning and Happy Friday, everyone! We made it!

That photo above would be the pumpkin a group of us (and mainly one of my more talented co-workers) carved at work. It came out pretty great!

While my weekend is looking pretty busy with my friend’s wedding and some Sunday Self-Care in the works- this past week has been extraordinarily fun! Halloween was a blast, kicked off with a large potluck brunch with everyone in my office (nearly all who came in some seriously kick ass costumes!) and an impromptu Red Sox/World Series celebration while the parade was happening.

I really do love our Rolling Rallies whenever a hometown team wins a championship. It’s an absolute free-for-all and a great excuse to take a day off of work- and everyone is in such a great mood. The feeling of camaraderie is really fantastic!

Following the party, it was time to set up my Halloween decorations (and the weather both on Wednesday and yesterday was warm, sunny and lovely!) and prepare for an early evening with my niece, brother and sister-in-law. While my niece made out like a bandit with all the candy she got trick-or-treating, pizzas were prepared and AMC’s ‘Halloween’ marathon was on full-blast.

Yes, that included “Halloween III: Season of The Witch’. Such a bad film that it’s actually a classic.

As the night drew to a close, Troy and I- both still in costume- decided to catch a late night movie and stopped by a screening of ‘Bad Times at the El Royale’ which was fantastic. We both loved it. Great cast, terrific acting, awesome soundtrack- and a really interesting/unpredictable and keep-you-guessing story.

Don’t sleep on that one, guys! It’s worth a watch!

But for now I’m going to be powering through some work today (and probably heading into a little early-evening overtime with it as well) so that I can return from my weekend refreshed and as stress-free as possible this coming Monday. It’s always good to stay one step ahead of the game.

Here’s wishing you all a wonderful, warm, and fun weekend ahead! I’ll have plenty of photos to share next week from my friends’ nuptials.

It’s going to be a beautiful ceremony- but I know for a fact the reception is going to be insane.

– Ashley –

Costumes, Pizzas and Promotions…

November 3, 2017by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment

You’ll Float Too! Oliver and I (kind of) matching. Halloween 2017.

Good Morning and Happy Friday, everyone! I’m two days into my new position at work and so far, so good. I’ve just been focusing on getting my office in order and staying on top of my caseload as best as I can. My new team has been very welcoming, friendly and helpful so far- and I’m so grateful to them for it!

I am, admittedly, still trying to get out of the Halloween state of mind. It’s tricky, what with having a ton of leftover candy from Trick-Or-Treating the other night and horror movie marathons still going on at local theaters and on television- but I’m doing my best to prepare for Thanksgiving and the last days of Fall. This weekend, I’ll be going hiking with a group of my friends while the not-too-cold-weather holds up- and trying my hand at a couple of recipes I’m hoping will be a smash at the holiday get togethers my family and friends have planned in the coming weeks.

I had said I had two Halloween costumes this year, and my Georgie from ‘IT’ was undoubtedly the universal favorite- but I also went as part of a group costume at work where we all dressed as “Social (Media) Butterflies” that represented different social media apps- and of course I went as Tinder- because why wouldn’t I?

The costumes were creative enough to help my team win a company-wide contest- and to celebrate we ordered a bunch of pizzas yesterday and stuffed our faces together. It was worth wearing a scratchy tutu and oversized wings for a couple of hours. We had so much fun!

I’m storing my costume materials away until Halloween 2018 (or until the occasion to wear them again before then arises!) but I’m hoping we can hold onto our championship next Halloween should we all participate again.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. I’m going to head off to get my work done so I can get a head start on my Friday night plans!

– Ashley –