Ashley’s Weekly Blog
Monday, Oct. 26

            After a weekend home, Dan and I were already restless and made plans to leave town this past weekend since we just can’t stay in one place for more than a few days! Joking aside, we flew to Chicago last Thursday and then drove down to our race shop in Brownsburg, Indy Friday to get some work done. I’ve been working on a children’s book and set up a photo shoot with my crew chief Ron and his wife Mandy, and kids Warner and Ella, as they are posing as the ‘characters’ in my book! It was a lot of fun and the kids did really great. I’ve been involved in many photo shoots but it was exciting to be on the other side of things, directing and organizing the shoot instead of starring in it! Brandon Baker, our team photographer shot the photos and Kelly Antonelli came along to help me get things set up for the shoot and help out. We had fun and finished the outside photos just in time as the rain started to come down on us at the very end of the shoot! Perfect timing!

            That night we went over to Guido and Kelly’s house for a team dinner and it was great to see all of my crew guys and catch up with everyone since I hadn’t seen them since Richmond! They finally got some down time at home to catch up and also see there family and friends and everyone was excited to get back on the road and head to Las Vegas in a few days for our second to last race of the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Season.

            Saturday morning Dan and I drove back up to Chicago to spend the weekend with his parents and friends. Dan and his dad had a bunch of projects they wanted to work on at the house, and I headed to a few malls to try to find a banquet dress for our NHRA Awards Banquet and I found one! I’m really relieved because I’ve basically run out of time to go shopping since the next couple weeks will be very busy. Dan’s mom made dinner that night and we hung out with the family and Penny the dog. It was great to see them all!

            One thing that I love about the Chicago and Indy is how beautiful it is in the fall. All of the trees had changed colors so I was constantly taking pictures. In California, we don’t really have seasons so this is a big deal for me! I did show my lack of knowledge when it comes to weather however when Dan and some of his friends were talking about winterizing soon. I asked them “Isn’t it a little early to put up Christmas decorations?” I don’t think I’ll ever live that one down!