+The death of former New Orleans Saint Will Smith has been on my mind. What a crazy story/tragedy. Smith, who was just 34, was shot eight times, seven in the back. His beautiful wife was also shot twice, but survived. It makes you think twice about road rage. I covered a similar story when I was in Phoenix. A woman rear-ended an exchange student...then got out of the car and shot and killed her. Pathetic. You can see the story here

+Switching gears - I had a minor, minor cameo on John Oliver's show. In case you didn't know, Alabama's governor is in the midst of a gross sex scandal. Check me out at 18 seconds grabbing a mic off the table. Basically #famous

+Disturbing video from Montgomery, Alabama - now going viral. A man, angry that a black woman jumped in front of him in the ATM line (because he was sitting in his car) spews a whole lotta racist hatred toward her. The bank is aware and may be closing his account. Check out the video here

+Did you know you can buy a gold donut? It'll cost you $100 a pop. But look how pretty

Also, new posts under the 'People' and 'OOTD' section of the blog. Check them out.

TV

April 7, 2016 Ashley Thompson

I've been "out the biz" for a few months now. The break I am taking has been so good for me mentally. News is VERY demanding. And in my biased opinion, being a reporter is the hardest job in the newsroom.

People are always asking me why I left TV. First, let me say - I don't think it is a permanent leave. There are many reasons for the break - but my reasons may not resonate with those who have never worked in the industry.

I love reporting (most days). I love meeting new people. I love that it's not a desk job. I love that I can go somewhere new every single day. I love having connections in high places. Those are all very cool aspects of the job. But for all the pros - there are many cons. Most days, it's not glamorous. You're going to horrible crime scenes, working outside in the cold/heat, working every holiday, stressed beyond belief everyday as you try to meet deadline after deadline. Say goodbye to lunch breaks and in most cases, a healthy social life. It's truly a job where you need a STIFF drink after you clock out for the day.

A young meteorologist, 27-years-old, recently took his life. I'm not sure if we'll ever know WHY he did it. But a piece of his life story is going viral.

I encourage you to read it HERE

Vision Boards

April 4, 2016 Ashley Thompson

Remember a few years back when everyone and their mother was reading ‘the secret’ and being all weird and cult-like? Me too. Countless people had the book and just KNEW their lives would be forever changed. Hey I'm not judging. Actually yes I am. Even my brother read the book. I actually had someone I had met just once, mail me the DVD. I haven't yet watched..

All this to say - regardless of whether 'the secret' is or isn't legit, I think the notion of a vision board is. So I decided to make one. Just in my head. Won't be cutting cars out of magazines and taping them to my fridge or anything.

Over the past few years, I think my 'vision' has completely changed. Because I have changed careers temporarily, some people have asked what my long-term goal is. Right now, I can't say I have an answer to that. A few years ago, I wanted to have a long, successful broadcasting career. I'm still not opposed to the idea. What I am opposed to, however, is sacrificing everything else to get it. So here's what I do know I want, at least right now.

1. I would LOVE for this blog to grow and to reach more people. And although I am highlighting certain fashions here & on my instagram, believe me, I know stuff doesn't matter. Stuff won't ever make me happy. Well, some of it does temporarily but I know that it's not the secret to happiness. If all my clothes and shoes burned in a fire, that would really suck. But I would be okay. I want people to want to know more about God because of this blog. That's what's most important. (PS - if you ever have any questions, please email me!)

2. I want to start a non-profit. This is something I've been researching lately. It's a BIG dream that has to start with baby steps. But I would like to do good and be able to do something for others long-term.

3. I would like to buy my own place. Preferably a condo downtown. I would say this is more short term.

4. I want to go to Germany, Nigeria, Rwanda. All for different reasons - mostly the historical significance. And Paris - for the architecture and prettiness.

5. I would like to pay off my student debt. It's annoying.

So that's all I got right now. That list in itself is pretty complex. What is on your vision board?

PS - I have a great devotional today over on that tab. Go check it out. As always, I like and appreciate your thoughts. I love to be challenged on my own thoughts and see things from the perspective of others. So I won't get offended if you disagree with me. Maybe I will. But I'll get over it and think about what you say.