Hey all! My name is Ashley Bloom, and I am a busy mom of two amazing kiddos, Paul, 7 and Emma, 2, living in this crazy world, one day at a time! My late husband, Jason and I, both graduated from Big Lake, moved away, and were drawn back in to this amazing community. In high school Jason was a captain on our Becker Big Lake Eagles hockey team, while I lettered in golf and choir! Tragically, Jason past in January 2021 after a long time battle with PTSD which stemmed from his time proudly serving our country. The past year and a half have been a series of ups and downs for my family and me. But, our amazing, friends, family, and community have been our rock to help us through it all.
Ashley was nominated because she is “so strong…and an awesome hockey mom. She is one of the strongest, most amazing mamas.”
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Paul is always on the go! He loves playing all kinds of sports with his friends; soccer, football, baseball, but his favorite is hockey, something his dad passed on to him. Our hockey community has been such a solid support in our lives from day one! Miss Emma is also the life of the party, constantly wanting to keep up with her big brother! She is a ball of sass, and such a hoot to watch grow into her own!
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
KJ’s Refuge! It became our main spot after hockey practice on the weekends! Their burgers are the BEST!
Q: Please tell us about your current, past or future career plan. What do you/did you love most about it?
I work for Xcel Energy in electric distribution construction, coordinating underground electric construction in our downtown Minneapolis and surrounding areas. I absolutely LOVE what I do, and work with the most amazing group of individuals! I love going to work with people who are passionate about what they do, and who truly love teaching others! I also love the fact that I am constantly learning and being challenged daily.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I moved here 4th grade, 1996 – I feel old! and have lingered around ever since.
Q: Who is an interesting person in our community that you’ve met and deserves to be included in The Faces of Big Lake project?
When I think of my life in Big Lake, a person that sticks out to me is Jeanne Freichels. I’ve known her since I was a child, and she has always been so involved in our community, and works at Liberty Elementary. She has taught me so much in life, and someone I know I could always turn to.
Q: Do you have any pets? If so, what are they and what are their names?
We have two cats, Callie and Tiny. They double as guard cats as they pretend to sun bathe on our front porch.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV Shows?
Ah, that’s a tough one… I’ve been really into true crime podcasts lately, so I’d have to go with my favorite podcast right now- Morbid.
Q: What is your favorite holiday? Favorite season?
Fall is by far my favorite season, and Halloween my favorite holiday! I love that time of year; the smells, activities, and how fun Halloween is for adults as much as kids!
Q: What advice would you give to people living in Big Lake?
Don’t be shy, wave at your neighbors, strike up conversation with people at the gas station. It’s so awesome getting to know your community, and such a great feeling going into places knowing people. It all starts with a “Hi”.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To learn how to ice skate, like good. There is so much beauty in skating, especially in hockey. It’s funny, for a rough sport, they move with such grace.
Q: What is your favorite current or former business in our community?
Advanced Styling. I have been getting my hair done there since I was in elementary school. It’s has since been sold, and Shanna hasn’t missed a beat, growing it into what it is now!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
We are the land of the spuds.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Hopefully as a hockey mom who has her life a little more together, lol.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I would LOVE to be in an acapella group! – Me, me, me, me me…
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Paul and Emma. Honestly, in the last year and a half, there are many days that I didn’t want to even get out of bed, but waking up with them here with me, I knew they deserved better, and that’s what keeps me driving to do better.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of Big Lake?
So. Many. Banks.