Weekend Recap

Well, another weekend has come and gone. This was a pretty well, I guess I will say, unique weekend! I spent the majority of the weekend in Huntsville. I was off on Friday and was able to go up early and visit with my grandfather who is in the hospital. Then my mom and I went out to eat and shop a little. I then got to hang out with a new friend and reminisce about college. Saturday, after a quick trip to the hospital, we got up and went to Nashville and went shopping and my parents, brother and I had dinner at Joe's Crab Shack. There were so many girls out for their bachelorette parties it wasn't even funny! Seriously I have never seen so much penis paraphernalia in my life, not even in New Orleans!



Speaking of bachelorette parties, we are in the car on the way home after dinner and I got an urgent call and message from my best friend Jenn and she called to tell me that she is ENGAGED! Yay! I was over the moon! They have been dating for a while and he totally surprised her with a proposal at Disney World during the fireworks! So special! And I am SO excited for them! Sunday, was spent taking my grandmother to visit my grandfather in the hospital (because my mom was sick and couldn't go) and then driving back to Montgomery. Nothing too exciting, except that my BFF is getting MARRIED!! :) It is Monday, so now it is time to get back in the swing of things! Here's to hoping for a great week! Football starts this weekend and I am SO excited!!

Pictures: 1. Jenn and I at a Braves game last year. 2. The group in the suite. Josh, her fiancee is the one in the blue.

24

My cry.
Sitting up.
My first steps.
My green eyes.
My sassy attitude.
My independent nature.
My first day of school.
Learning to drive.
Graduation speech.
Moving me to college.
Graduation from college.
My first job.

All things that my parents weren't sure they were going to get to enjoy on this day 24 years ago.
They were expecting a baby sometime in November of 1985, a daughter and a sister who would join a brother six years her senior. But, that was not the plan. I was born in August. A full three months before I was expected to arrive. Not only was it unexpected, it wasn't easy. That day or for a while after. I was tiny. I stayed in the protection of the hospital until my due date three months later. I couldn't wear normal clothes, only those made for what would become my favorite accessory: a cabbage patch doll. I had to take growth hormone shots until I turned 15. I had to visit a hospital in a town 2 hours away every 3-6 months. However, this didn't slow me down, didn't keep me from learning to be a fighter, appreciate life, enjoy things, make friends, endure heartaches, and develop an independent attitude. Nope, here I am, 24 years later still going strong and you would never know where I had come from and that I almost didn't make it here. So, today at 2:10 pm, I will welcome the start of my 24th year, and be thankful. Thankful for God giving me a purpose and letting me begin on the journey we call life, thankful to my mom for letting me share her for those 6 months. As she always said, I came into the world fighting and I haven't quit. I fight for what I believe is right, fight for what I want, and sometimes fight to be heard. But, I am me, here I am, closing the door on 23 and opening the door to 24. Happy Birthday to me! Here's to many more.

We shall be called Goose and Maverick

So, I really don't get guys. Really really don't. Last night, C and I went to a new (relatively) bar in town because she had never been. I swear I think we had a sign flashing over our heads that said "Hello, if you are married, or old enough to be our fathers, PLEASE come talk to us."

Dear married/un-single men at the bar,

If you are married, you need to NOT try to pick up girls at a bar, nor, do you need to send your old, old, old co-worker over to a girl and ask her if she would like it if you came and talked to her. Her reply will be: "I don't care, but I am VERY sure that his wife would NOT appreciate it." (I mean these men were not even trying to hide the fact that they were married. But me, being the person that I am, reminded them if they were trying to in any way flirt.) Yes, I know I am from the South and you are not. Yes, I know I am wearing a skirt, heels and pearls, which you may not see everyday. Yes, I am aware that I have a nice smile (my parents paid enough for braces that this is kind of a given) and I have heard it before. You do not impress me one bit. Yes, I know I look bored, you don't have to tell me. I look that way because I AM, and I DON'T WANT TO TALK TO YOU. Now, would you kindly walk away from my table because you are getting on my nerves. Thank you! (Said in my sweetest, most Southern voice, sarcastically).

Hope this serves you well in the future,
Me

Google'em

For the past few days, this word has become a frequent one in my vocabulary, and I have no idea why. It isn't even a word is it? When I say it, it sounds like I am a life-long resident of Jersey. It is funny. My co-worker C and I have been laughing at that all the time and throwing it out there whenever possible, just because it sounds so silly when we say it. But, it is amazing how we pick up things and they just become a normal thing. I mean, ten years ago, if someone said "google'em" to you, you would have thought they were crazy. Now, you know it means that they are telling you to look up something on the internet by typing it into Google. I guess today has been a weird day, and we have to find anything we can to amuse ourselves, but this has been it. What are some other phrases that have come into our language that we wouldn't have known had it not been for our expansion of technology?

That is all I have for "Weird Word Tuesday" (ok, I just made that up, but I don't want you to think I am too crazy.) Now, off to waste the rest of the day and try not to fall asleep. Then, C and I are going across the street for "Happy Hour" and to enjoy Montgomery's version of Fleet Week. Ha. We are on the river, no doubt. Ok, not really it is just a technology conference, but we have to take what we can get, right? (Really it is just for the $1 drafts)

Feels Like Fall

Who didn't love the weather this weekend?? It was absolutely WONDERFUL! I actually got to sit on my screened porch and drink coffee and eat my breakfast without dying from heat and humidity! I actually needed a cardigan! Then again, this morning, when I went for my run, I needed a jacket because it was cool!Fall is in the air and I am SO excited! Football season is almost here! That is the BEST time of year! I had a pretty relaxing weekend, but Sunday, I spent it at the park reading and playing with my favorite little man:



Enjoy your week! It is going to be a GREAT one!! :)

When Life Hands You Lemons.....

....Learn how to make orange juice and make them wonder how you did it!

Lately things have been pretty stagnant around here. Nothing really good happening, but nothing really bad happening either. Everything is kind of just in a stand-still, while the calendar presses on. It is a little weird. But, oh well, I guess when there are no major life events, it gives us time to sit back and observe, if we will. Sometimes I like to be able to slow down and really look at the path that I am on. It is interesting to me how my focus shifts from things I thought were so important to other things. That is kind of where I have been lately, a stagnant observer. Well, stagnant isn't entirely accurate, because I have made some changes. Changes in my attitude, changes in my focus, changes in priorities, and some changes in behavior. They have all been changes for the good, and I am happy about where I am going (for now). I figured since the calendar isn't going to stop moving forward, neither should I. So here have been my conclusions lately:
1. Don't depend on other people to make you happy.
2. Surround yourself with people who know your goals and are willing to encourage and/or help you reach them.
3. Find happiness where you are. There is a reason you are there, so learn from it.
4. Appreciate what you have. We are all in a society where we always want more, this can be a good thing, except when it gets in the way.
5. Pay attention to more things around you.

So, these are a few of them. Thanks for listening. It is Friday, hope you all have a GREAT weekend!

I hate Speakerphone

So, today, I really have nothing for you, except for a list. Here are some things NOT to do while at work. Not that any of these happen at my office, but if they did, they would really annoy me, and probably some other people as well. But first, for all of you who have asked, the shoes are GREAT! They make a HUGE difference! I would recommend them to anyone looking for new shoes. They are very worth it! The only store I have seen them in so far is Sports Authority. But they are the best running shoes ever. And now, the list:

1. Use your inside voice. (I know this sounds like I am talking to 3rd graders, but seriously, remember that there are other people working.)
2. If you can't be quiet on your cell phone, go outside.
3. DO NOT use speakerphone to call someone in the office who is less than 50 feet away from you so everyone in the office can hear everything she/he is saying.
4. It is NEVER ok to walk around barefooted. (I know we live in Alabama, but we own shoes. You should know this by my rave reviews of my recent purchase)
5. It is NEVER ok to come behind someone's desk, or look over their desk to see what is on the computer screen just because you are nosey, unless invited.
I think I could go on, but for now, this is all I can think that could happen in an office. So, just don't do it! You will help make the corporate world a better place, thankyouverymuch.

What a weekend!

Wow! I had a busy weekend! I didn't really do a whole lot, but it seemed like a whirlwind! I started out with dinner in Birmingham with friends from college, then continued to Huntsville. Saturday, my parents and I decided to check out the new Sports Authority that had their Grand Opening. Man, we had so much fun! We acted like we were kids in a candy store. See, we are all running a 5k in October, so we are trying to train and be prepared. I needed some new shoes and have been researching shoes that were the best for me. I found a pair that I LOVED but never found them in the store (because they are brand new). We registered for prizes and my dad even participated in the longest drive competition, it was just lots of fun. We did win tickets to the movie though! Anyway, I was looking at their shoes because they had a bunch of sales, and the biggest display in the store was : Nike LunarGlide+!!!! I was SO excited! I tried them on and they were awesome! They are so light, and they have foam in them that was designed by NASA, so you know its good. We got a few other things, and just had a great time, we were there for 2 hours! Then, my mom and I went to the mall and went shopping some more and then we visited with my grandparents for a while! After that, we went to eat at my favorite restaurant, Phil Sandivals, and then out to a new place called The Station 2. It was a lot of fun. Sunday, we enjoyed coffee on the porch, a trip to Costco and lunch at Newk's. Then, it was time for me to get on the road back to Montgomery. The only negative thing about my trip is that my phone went to be with the phone Jesus in the sky. It quit working (again) and I have to get a new phone (I am patiently waiting for the nice UPS guy to deliver it today). This will be the 3rd Blackberry I have had since I got one last September! Seriously, that is ridiculous! Oh well, until the iPhone comes out for Verizon, or I go back to a regular phone I guess I will have to live with it. I just hate how dependent I am on my stupid phone! So, since I was driving, I have my mom's phone. I guess this should be a lesson to not depend on my phone so much!!

Friends

Well, we find ourselves in another Friday! This week (here in the South) school started back for most, so there is a lot more traffic in the morning and less people out during lunch. I miss school! I was always so excited for school to start back from the time I was in kindergarten to the time I graduated college. I really did love it. And I loved everything about it.

One thing I do miss is friends though. When I was in high school, I didn't hang around the same people I did in elementary and junior high, and when I went to college, I lost touch with most of the people from high school. And now that I am out of college, I have lost touch with a lot of my friends from college (minus a few of my bests). But it is so funny how people change and grow over the years, and how we really come full circle. Lately, I have reconnected with a few friends that I had way back when in elementary and middle school, and it is so neat to see how much we have changed. People go down so many different paths to get where they are going, but somehow, paths usually always cross again. It is so funny (the whole 6 degrees of separation thing). But I must say, i am enjoying it. The other day, I was given a prayer request through Footprints Ministry that I told you about in this post, and it was for a baby here in Montgomery in the NICU. I went to his parent's blog and saw a picture of his mom, and realized that she was my dance team sponsor and a teacher when I was a Freshman in high school! Crazy how we ended up in the same town (4 hours from where we started) and I crossed paths with her 10 years later through a ministry! Don't you love when things like that happen? I sure do. It has been fun reconnecting with people from my past! Have any of you reconnected with people lately that you have built new friendships with??

Well, I hope you all have a great weekend, it is Friday, so this weekend I am traveling to Huntsville for an adventurous weekend. What? You thought I was done traveling for a while? Do you honestly thing I would stay at home for 2 weekends in a row?? Not. A. Chance. ;) Happy weekend!

RUSH

It is August again. That brings a lot of things. Heat. School. Another year of my life celebrated. The end of summer. and sorority rush. My friend Lindsey has the privilege to be revisiting our younger days and joining her sorority for rush, this time as an advisor. Wow, we are getting old. Now, if you are not from the south, you may not know how we do it down here (especially at The University of Alabama), but Bid Day for some girls, is just as important as their wedding day. There is crazy planning that goes into planning for recruitment from both sides, the girls and the sororities. It is the most stressful two weeks (times 4 years) I have ever been through in my life. But, it is serious business and we don't play. One thing I will always remember is the first time I saw a door song. (If you don't know what it is, I don't know how else to explain it to you other than a wall of girls singing at you.) The first thing I heard was (VERY LOUD AND VERY FAST):
"OOOOOOOHHHHHHHHH......ADPI girls here we are, just what you've been looking for, we're waiting, we're waiting for you to come in. We're hoping you'll like us and come back again. Duh duh duh, we'll be sisters firm and true, spending all our time with you, so come on in and have a seat, ADPI girls can't be beat. A-L-P-H-A-D-E-L-T-A-P-I-Pi Oh Myyyyyy!!!! Alpha Delta Pi. Hi. Welcome to the ADPI house, come on in."

Then, after you go through the house and do whatever is scheduled for you that day, they sing again on the way out. I will NEVER forget the first time I saw that! There is nothing like it. I cannot tell you how overwhelmed I was that first day. But I got used to it and had a BLAST! And am very glad I chose ADPi and called it home for the next 4 years. (I lived in the sorority house my Freshman (2nd semester) through my junior year. It was a lot of fun, and gave me lots of memories (and lots of patience). I even got to live in the ADPi house at George Washington University while I worked in DC. My roommate was an ADPi from The University of Michigan, and we still keep in touch! I made friends and memories that will last a lifetime! So to Lindsey: good luck and may you have LOTS and LOTS of patience! I can't think of a better person to be a DZ advisor! :) Wish we could be back in 2006 for a little less stress as Rho Chi's! :)

Alpha Delta Pi - DJ $crilla
*All photos by Sarah Kramm.

Wipe Out

Ok, so this morning I was listening to the radio and they were giving the "Entertainment Report" and after the announcement that Brooks and Dunn are ceasing their partnership, the guy made a crack that at least they weren't running out of toilet paper like Cuba. I thought, that was a weird joke, am I missing something? People around me have been talking about a lot of poop lately so I thought that I heard him wrong. Well, I get to work and me being the habitual Googler that I am, googled "Cuban toilet paper shortage". Now, some of you are laughing at me, but some of you just copied and pasted that into your browser to see what I am talking about. People, Cuba is running out of toilet paper because of the poor economy. I don't know why I thought this was so funny, but I did and I am sharing it with you. Of all things to run short of...toilet paper? Seriously. I am not shitting you. (HA) I had to throw that in there (even though I absolutely hate that phrase and don't get it). Yahoo! says that Cuba's economy is so bad that they are having to cut down on the importation of certain goods (even some necessities) and that even though they have the means to make their own T.P. they just simpley can't afford to spend the money. They are having to wait until the end of the year until they can start spending more money on importations. Wow. Can you imagine what would happen in America if we ran out of toilet paper? Not only would we not be able to use it like it supposed to be used, but teenagers and Auburn University fans wouln't know what to throw in the trees. Come on, who hasn't rolled a yard or had their yard rolled? I think we had it down to an art. And if you are from Auburn, you get accustom to this practice quickly. Maybe Cubans could just visit Toomer's Corner.
Yes, that is right. At Auburn University, right down the road, they roll a tree on campus after every game won. They could certainly share some of that with people who need to wipe their butts in Cuba. Now, that we have talked about toilet paper, or lack there of, I hope you have a Happy Tuesday. Be thankful for your toilet paper.

Weekend Recap

No, this weekend I did not see a body of water or get a massage. This weekend, I had absolutely no where to go and only a few things to do. It was GRAND! I mean I can't tell you the last time I wasn't running around on the weekends with 101 things to do and 201 places to be. This weekend, I stayed home ALL WEEKEND. (OK, I did leave one time but that was only to get my oil changed and car washed) Friday, I was absolutely exhausted from two hard, stressful days at work, so as soon as I got home, I put on my PJ's, laid down, and curled up with a book and my favorite little man (Scout). I think I was out by 7:30. Then, Saturday, I woke up SUPER early (obviously, because I went to bed before the sun) and decided to exercise a little, so I went for a run. I came home, showered and laid back down for a bit to read my book some more. Then, I decided that the oil change place must be open and I went and got my oil changed and my car washed. I came home (before lunch) and I had the rest of the day to do nothing. Well, I decided to deep clean my whole house. That always makes me feel so good, so not only did I clean, I rearranged my bedroom and lit candles all over the house. I didn't turn on the TV all day and just listened to music. It was so relaxing! I read my book some more, and fell asleep early again. Sunday, I got up early and went for another run, then showered, read and napped all day long. I did not get out of my PJ's yesterday (except to go run). Then, last night, I watched the first football game of the (pre)season, the Titans v. Buffalo Bills. And that my friends, was the ONLY time I turned my TV on. I had all intentions of watching movies that are on my DVR, but I didn't. And I must say, it was SO NICE. That brings us to the here and now. Usually, Mondays bring a 3:15 am wake-up call so I can drive from Huntsville to Montgomery and I am tired, grumpy and sluggish all day. Well, not today! I am in a great mood, and feel so rested and recharged! It was a much needed break. Here is to a smooth week! i hope the good mood lasts all week! :) Have a wonderful week friends!

Happy Friday!

Have a great weekend! I plan on taking it slow and relaxing! More on Monday!

Footprints

"For this child I prayed." ~ 1 Samuel 1:27

I am so excited to share with you the wonderful opportunity that I have recently come across. Everyday when I park in the parking lot (we share with a lot of other buildings in the area), I saw this car with this lime green magnet of a footprint on it. Finally, one day I got close enough to see the magnet said "Footprints Ministries". I decided to Google it that day (because I in fact, Google everything). I found out that this organization is a Christian ministry founded in 2007 by a local church here in Montgomery that serves families with children in the NICU. They use volunteers to make gift bags to give to the families in the NICU with a bible, a disposable camera (this is for the nurses to take pictures of things when the family can't be there), a burp cloth, gift cards to local restaurants, and other things like toiletries. It is such a neat idea, and so useful to families who are unexpectedly finding themselves in this situation. They have recently expanded with chapters in Birmingham and Huntsville. I will be helping out in Montgomery and Huntsville, since I spend time in both. Right now, I am going to be writing letters of encouragement to the families! And if I haven't told you already, I LOVE sending stuff in the mail! So, I am thrilled to be doing this. Nothing brightens your day than to open the mailbox to find an encouraging word! This is right up my alley. Most of you don't know, but I spent a lot of time in the NICU when I was born (almost 24 years ago). I was born 3 months premature and didn't go home until almost my due date (which was in November). So, this organization hits a little close to home, especially since I was born in Huntsville. It is a great way to give back and I couldn't be more excited!

Hope you all have a happy Thursday, it is almost the weekend, so hang in there! :)

Happy Birthday Mr. President (only a day late)

Well, yesterday was our President's birthday. He turned 48. So, since Mr. Obama has a birthday in the best month of all, I thought I would share a few facts about August birthdays.....(really it is only because I am really sleepy and have little to say other than the fact that I have been told twice today that I am very "Jackie O").

On to August birthday facts:
(found on butlerwebs.net)
1. More people in the US have a birthday in August than any other month.
2. Astrological signs are Leo and Virgo.
3. Birthstones are Jade and Peridot.
4. The flower is Gladiolus (meaning "simply beautiful")
5. Monthly observances this month are: Eye Exam Month, and Romance Awareness Month (among others)
6. Cool people are born in August. (Ok, this may not be a real fact, but to me, an opinion is a fact)
7. I have already mailed more cards this month than I have almost all year.

Facts about August in general:
1. In the Northern Hemisphere, this month brings the hottest days.
2. In the Southern Hemisphere, it means winter is almost over.
3. Birds are starting their planning to fly south for winter.
4. Colorado became the 38th state August 1, 1876 and Missouri became the 24th state August 10, 1821 and Hawaii became the 50th state.
5. Richard Nixon became the first US President ever to resign from office August 9, 1974.
6. The first atomic bomb that was used in warfare was dropped in August. (August 6, 1945)
7. British troops burned the White House August 24, 1814.
8. August is the busiest time for tourism.
9. The Model T Ford (or the Tin Lizzie) first went on sale in the month of August.
10. World War II ended in August 1945.
11. The Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre in August1911.
12. Martin Luther King made his famous "I Have a Dream" speech the month of August.
13. Princess Diana was killed in August of 1997.

So, Happy Birthday Mr. President (a day late). Thanks for giving me this opportunity to ramble on about silly facts about the month of August to bore my readers to death. I promise that more interesting things will come soon (well, maybe).

Happy August 5 everyone.....one real life birthday that is today, my friend Alyse that I have known forever! HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALYSE!! I hope you are enjoying the beach and I am very jealous that you have your toes in the sand and a bathing suit on while I have my toes crammed in heels and am wearing a business suit! Happy Birthday though! Hope it is a great year with many more to come!! :)

Tune Tuesday

*Photo courtesy of the Salt Lake Tribune

Today, I am listening to Holly Williams (she is the daughter of Hank Jr.). Her CD is really good, and a lot of her songs have some great stories behind them. Check her out here and go buy her CD!

Monday..Fun Day!

Hello there! It is Monday again already! Quickly....I tried to update the picture that accompanies my last post, so let me know if it worked and you can see the picture!!

Now, on to my weekend. I left work Friday and went to Nashville. It was pretty late when I got there, so not much was done besides watching a few old school video games being played and relaxing. Saturday, was a day of shopping and then an art show to see this guy who is one of J's friends. Since I am plugging artists today, have i told you that J is also an artist? Well, he is, you can see his work here. Can I just stop and say that the weather was absolutely wonderful in Music City this weekend. Saturday night being outside was perfect, it was slightly cool and there was a great breeze, it was great! Then we went and grabbed a drink and went to a dinner party. I learned a lot.....from an old drunk man...AKA Captain Tinsley.

Here is what I learned:
- I do not like Drambuie (yes, even though the recipe is a secret and has been for centuries)
- You can capture a crowd if you talk a little bit of non-sense.
- People will listen to you if you if you wear a band hat with Jesus and smiles drawn on it.
- J has great hair.
- Having a "women's tea party" with wine and being a grown adult is kinda fun.
- Jesus turns frowns upside down.
Sunday, we cooked, J played football, and I cleaned and laid in the sun and read my book, and napped. Scout enjoyed Nashville too. :)

Now, I am super tired, having woken up at 3:15 am to drive from Huntsville to Montgomery in order to work today. Luckily I am not a surgeon and no one's life depends on me performing well at my job. For now, I am drinking coffee, listening to relaxing music, working by lamp light and enjoying my soy candle. I hope everyone had a great weekend and is ready for another week ahead! Hope it is a good one!