Goodbye, Ruby Tuesday

My sister and I got a car on our 16th birthday. We named it Ruby. I secretly called her Ruby Tuesday.

Ruby lasted a pretty long time. One-hundred-eighteen-thousand-eight-hundred-twenty-four gorgeous miles.

As I was driving to sell Ruby I actually got a tear in my eye. Sometimes I think I’m overly nostalgic about things, but as I thought about it more I realized that I’m okay with it. I think it’s okay to look back fondly about the things that got me where I am today. It’s the journey, right? Ruby was my first car. She took me to the events that shaped my life.

If Ruby could talk she'd probably tell you about that time we were at our secret meeting spot. Or that time we made out in front of our parents’ house. Or that time we made an inside joke. Or that time that burn got on the back seat. Or that time the radio turned up when it was turned down. Or that time with the nurf gun. Or that time the spider crawled out of the air conditioning. Or that time you killed it with an ice pick. Or that time I cried. Or that time that guy said that thing. Or that time I was speeding. Or that time there were more spiders. Or that time the visor broke. Or that time the emblem fell off the back. Or that time it smelled really really bad. Or that time I went to soccer practice. Or that time I went to a soccer game. Or that time I drove to Garland, Plano, Dallas, Fort Worth, Tulsa, and Austin. Or that time we got in a fight. Or that time I sang off key. Or that time I confessed. Or that time I laughed. Or that time I made a friend. Or that time I lost one. Or that time that dent got there. Or that time it rained. Or that time I realized I loved you.

I'm definitely going to miss Ruby, and no one will ever be quite like her. But I have a new friend, and her name is Elenor. I know we're going to get along famously.

This is Ray. I couldn't have gotten this car without him. He rocks pretty hard.

This has been Ashley, and still I'm going to miss you.

A Happy New Year

A Note from the Authors

We realize we haven't written in a while. We found ourselves to be quite busy as 2009 came to a close. We have given ourselves a resolution to commit to this blog more fully in hopes that it will keep us on track with our other resolutions.

Enjoy our new masthead. A fresh new look for a fresh new year.

Chapter One: The Snowball Effect

Thanksgiving was the the first flake of snow that began our snowball into busy times. We both went to our respective homes for Thanksgiving and spent time with our families.

Patty was thankful for green bean casserole and a brave sister who hit the doorbuster sales for the $10 Hamilton Beach coffee maker.

Ashley was thankful for Cherry Pie and seeing her grandparents.

Chapter Two: The Trimming

We found ourselves itching for Christmas to arrive. With holiday party thoughts dancing in our heads, we began to trim our little home with a little Christmas cheer. We made holiday music mixes, drank hot chocolate, lit Warm Apple Pie and Hazelnut Cream candles, put up the tree, and sat in front of classic holiday movies while we stringing popcorn for trimming.

Chapter Three: The Shindig

Convinced that it had been too long since we had a gathering at our place, we started planning something we called Holiday Shindig. Festive drinks and baked goods for everyone! Our spread included Peppermint & Chocolate Cover Pretzels, Ginger Snaps, Rum Cake, Puppy Chow, Candy Canes, Egg Nog, Dark Rum, and various other delicious things.

The White Elephant was possibly the highlight of the night. Some of our favorite gifts included a box of Qtips, a dirty romance novel (live reading included thanks to Drew), a really large pair of women's underwear, and a giant Hillshire Farm sausage. Go Meat! We were glad to see that everyone walked out a little more festive than when they walked in.

Chapter Four: The Trips Home

Patty left for San Antonio, excited to spend 5 straight days almost entirely in her pajamas. The highlights of this year's 'gifts received' included cold hard cash, a transmission flush, and an array of kitchen appliances.

Ashley was only able to go home for two and a half days but found that it was a much needed break. Both her sisters were in town and she thought that was neat. She also celebrated her 24th birthday and was happy that a lot of her friends were able to celebrate it with her. She came back to Austin a little bit richer and a lot bit fuller.

Chapter Five: The New Year

We think that maybe our 2009 New Year's Eve was eventful enough to last a whole year. So this year we had a more low key celebration, and went to one of our favorite bars with a few close friends. We were en route to home at 12:05 am.

For both girls, 2009 was a year of transition. Patty graduated, and moved into her first apartment. She is very much looking forward to what 2010 has in store for The Soldier Thread. Last year was not particularly awesome for Ashley, but necessary nonetheless. She's happy to start the year in Austin, and has some plans and goals she's excited about. However, if any one hears of any jobs like Professional Day Dreamer or Full Time Gypsy, be sure to let her know.

This has been Patty and Ashley, and it's all happening again in 2010.