Expectations

I like doing my own thing - regardless of what others around me are doing.

Life is full of them.  Everywhere you go and everything you do expectations are everywhere.  Sometimes they are obvious and other times not so much.  It's like the song, "Signs" by Tesla.  We are always faced with signs and expectations put on us by people and circumstances around us.  The song says it quite well, "Long hair freaky people need not apply."  My question is, "Why not?".

What am I talking about?  Well, take this week for example, it was Thanksgiving.  So what is it everyone immediately equates with Thanksgiving?  Turkeys.  But why?  (I know Greek Girl did take history... and I know it was the Pilgrims giving Thanks for surviving) But why can't we do the unexpected?  Why do we have to get together with the whole entire family?  Why do so many people follow it up with a trip to the mall on Black Friday?  If you ask me it's because we are programmed to thinking and doing what is expected of us.  So, instead this year we did things different at the Aston house.  We had a London Broil cooked on the grill with a little A-1 Steak-sauce.

A-1, It's how Thanksgiving is done. :)

Now take me for example.  I am an independent recording artist who aspires to be an internationally known act on the same level as The Goo Goo Dolls and Kelly Clarkson.  But because I am over 20 years old people tell me I can't be serious and have to give up.  Or they hear I would love to be able to perform on Broadway and immediately I am told the "standard expectations" that go along with if you can even be considered for Broadway.  Then my all-time favorite is that because I am married I should have 2.5 kids by now, love sewing, and be up baking apple pies at 5AM.  Nope no way, my honey does the cooking around here while I'm downstairs in my sanctuary working out!  That's just how we roll.  And we don't have kids, we have dogs.

Don't get me wrong, I am all for a good apple pie but really?  Why all the silly expectations?  Why the rules and the stereotypical answers to everyday situations?  It's like my newest song, "I Don't Even Care" (lyric video below), that talks about this very thing.  There are tons of people and expectations we place on ourselves and molds we try to fit into in order to do what - keep up with the Jones' - or to please others?

All I am saying is, life is way too short to not do what you want and not what others expect of you.  It's one thing to be respectful and to maintain a civilized manner and of course obey the law.  That's not what I am talking about.  I am saying, too many times in each of our lives we are faced with people and situations - mostly people who don't like our choices.  They feel like they are an expert at how you can best live your own life.  They act like because they have been around the block a time or two that the rules and situations they encountered must exist for everyone including you.  This is especially true to those who are either close to us in our own lives or they are the gate-keepers who can help you along your journey.

Basically, I see it like this.  God gave us all a free will.  He also called us to stand out and to go the extra mile.  He even said we should walk the road less traveled.  People will know us by our fruit and if we are all bearing the same exact fruit all the time, then how will they know us to be any different?  How will people want to come to know God through us?  For that matter, how will God know us as being responsible with the gifts He gave us?  He put in each of our hearts a gift and talents.  Each of which are specific for our purpose here on Earth.  So, in order to fulfill that purpose, one that can only be fulfilled by yourself, then you can't live by the expectations and rules placed on you by others.

Blessings, Love & Music~
Ava xo :)
www.avaaston.com 

You Decide

So, which do you think is healthier?

So if things weren't bad enough that I had to skip my work out for almost 3 days but then I  found myself debating with my husband over which was more healthy, McDonald's or Five Guys Burgers and Fries.  I know what you are thinking... and no I did not hit my head, not this week at least.   But I did break down and yes in case you were wondering, it was Yummo.

Let me set the stage for you (this was an actual conversation).  We were out running errands and of course the Martha Stewart in me had to change things up in our house.  Because truth be told, I have a little OCD and nothing bugs me more than my house being out of order, or just blah.  I can't be creative when it is, and once I get too much HGTV into my Greek noggin, the "I have to paint this room or change that rug" urge kicks into high gear.  So, we were out at Home Goods (for those of you who don't know what that is, it's a TJ Maxx to the 10th power only with stuff for your home).  It just so happens that Home Good's is in a plaza that is home to a brand spanking new McDonald's which sits across the parking lot from a Five Guys.  There we were, smack-dab in the middle of both of them and of course my husband who doesn't work out for months and still has a 6 pack says to me...

Keith
"Oh man, can you smell that? Those McDonald's french fries smell so good."

Me
Okay well, I'll make you a deal.

Keith
Oh...?

Me
"Yeah.  How about we get McDonald's for dinner and you stay out and help me pick out the paint, rug and new office chairs."

Keith
(Pointing)
"Okay.  But there is Five Guy's over there."

Me
"What?? Five Guys? Are you serious?"

Keith
"Yeah.  Think about it.  They are healthier."

Me
"How do you figure?"

Keith
"They have to be.  They cook all their burgers made to order.
They don't over process their food like McDonald's."

Me
"You think?  Hmm.  I wonder if they really are.  Maybe you're right.
Let's go there instead."

Keith
"For real?  You know you can't order a turkey burger there and they
don't have salads right?  Cuz I don't want to go in there and have you
ask for one Go Greek on me and then decide to go to McDonald's instead."

Me
"No, I know.  You are probably right anyway.  They probably are healthier.  Should we drive the car over or walk?  Probably walk."

Keith
"Why?"

Me
"Well, this way at least we can somewhat earn that burger."

No, that is not me eating a french fry at Five Guys. No way, I would never do that. I was at home working out when this photo was supposedly taken. ;D

Then we both strolled across the lot and past the golden arches right into Five Guys Burger's and Fries.  I felt like I was doing something so wrong but it kind of felt good.  Before I knew it I had actually ordered a cheeseburger with extra lettuce, tomato, pickle and onion.  We both shared some fries and a Coke.  No, not a Diet Coke either.  You know what the best part was?  I didn't even spontaneously combust, and I actually enjoyed it.  Which made me totally forget the question of which one was better or worse for you.  In the end they both were about the same and equal to some sort of junk food.  But who cares since I got to do it with my favorite person in the whole wide world.  Besides, like they say - everything in moderation.

Blessings, Love & Music ~
Ava xo
www.avaaston.com

Thank You

Freedom Isn't Free. Thank You.

November 11th is special for one reason and one reason only, our Veterans.  This day is a very special day.  It is a day we take the time to reflect on and honor all the men and women who have been so brave to offer their lives a living sacrifice for all Americans and the rest of the free world.  They do it not because they are forced or obligated.  They do it for the love of country and the compelling nudge in their heart that is to serve.

Some of you know I am very much a strong supporter of our military and the Veterans.  Even though I am married to a veteran, and my mom works for the Military Order of the Purple Heart and have a father-in-law who also served, I still have a special place in my heart for each and every one of them.  There is something unique and special about each of them.  Those of us who have never served will never truly know what it is that unites them all in this amazing capacity.

What saddens me about our Veteran's is the number of obstacles they face.  This year, like many years lots of our veterans and their families will suffer in a number of ways.  There are thousands who are homeless and many more who are struggling to just get by.  This is in addition to the many who suffer wounds, some we will never see that have dramatically changed their lives.  Many others struggle without being able to get jobs or hold down jobs, while others can't find ways to cope with the transition back to being a regular citizen.

The sad truth is that they often have no place to turn and don't know what resources are available to them.  What is worse is that because there is so much beaurocracy in the VA system some vets are waiting up to 2 and 3 years before they can be granted the benefits they so humbly have earned through their sacrifice.  On top of that, they have to struggle and navigate the red-tape and frustration of the VA Hospital system.  It is one where it can take months and even several years to get things diagnosed and appointments for certain procedures.  Let alone just even to set an appointment for a routine exam... It is a muckery sandwich to say the least.

If you ask me there is no excuse.  Our Veterans are a quiet group of people who willingly put their lives on the line every single day.  They do this in order for the rest of us to live in the peace and enjoy the many freedoms we take for granted.  Because of those who died we can vote.  Because those who serve we can still speak freely.  Because lives are on the line we can sleep well at night.  Yet for no excuse I can imagine these brave souls are constantly misunderstood and mistreated.  If you ask me our Veterans should never have to wait in line and should never have to deal with bureaucratic red-tape - NEVER FOR ANY REASON.  They need to be revered and held with esteem and given any help they may need.  This year, I am encouraging each of you to do something to help a veteran.

Blessings, Love & Music~
Ava xo :)
www.avaaston.com

To Be Or Not To Be

To Be, Or Not To Be... Blonde or Brown?  That is the question...

Hi, my name is Ava Aston, I am Greek.  No, I am not kidding.  Yes, this is my real hair - I just color it.  What am I talking about?  Well, it seems a lot of people don't realize or even think it is possible for me to be Greek when they are first introduced to me.  For some reason people always ask me, "Are you Russian?" or "Are you from Germany?" then I just look at them with a slanted glare and exclaim, "No, I am Greek!" Paidimou...  (that means "my child" in Greek) Like they should have known this information.

So why am I sharing this amazing tid-bit with you today?  Well, I figured it would be best if I finally cleared the air of any confusion.  When I was a little Greek Girl my dad used to take me and my sister to the local Greek school.  There we would learn all sorts of things about our Greek heritage.  That is where I learned we invented many great things like Coffee, Politics, Drama, Music, Olympics and lets not forget the Windex.  So, if any of you know me, you know right away just by my behavior that I must be Greek just based off of these simple facts.  Here, let me prove it.  I can't live without coffee, seeing as I have 3 coffee machines at home.  I love to argue politics  especially with any uninformed liberal in New York.  I am always overly dramatic especially when I am hungry, and I like acting on camera too.  Don't forget I am first and foremost a singer and I love to work out and wear sneakers.  Last but not least, I am OCD when it comes to keeping my house clean, that would explain the Windex.  So, it would be clear to anyone just by a simple observation that through calculated deductive reasoning I must be Greek, despite my Blonde hair.

I feel some new characters coming on for my Politichicks video parodies...

Now in an effort to tap into my Greek roots and dispel any doubt about the issue I took a trip down to the mall.  There I found what else...?  A wig store! Yep.  So I decided to go put on a brown wig and show you all just how Greek I really am.  Once you see me in the brown hair - the color that God gave me, you will know I am in fact truly Greek.  But wait you say... "What about the blue eyes???"  Okay, like I was saying earlier.  When we went to Greek school we also were made fun of because we had blue eyes and light skin tone unlike most of the kids there.  When my sister and I came home crying, our dad explained something very important.  He said, "The real Greeks came from the north.  They were Dorian and they all had light hair and blue eyes.  The only reason they got the dark skin and the dark eyes is because.... (raising his voice and pointing finger on the table) they mixed with the Turks!"

Now I know what you are wondering... "Why do I even bother dying my hair since it looks good both ways?" Well, I do it because like any girl and Bobby Brown said, "It's My Prerogative" and I like it like that.  No I'm not going to dye my hair brown Mr. Bricks if you are reading, so step away from the McRib please.  Just wanted to ask my blog readers - So what do you think?  To be or not to be... Blonde or Brown?

Blessings, Love & Music ~
Ava xo :)
www.avaaston.com