being a grown-up

new year...new chair??

2012-01-09T15:05:00.000-06:00

With the new year comes new resolutions as we all know too well, but I decided this year to let the dust settle on January before making any resolutions. I mean who says that I have to get started right away on nearly impossible goals, and instead of trying to come up with something spur of the moment I can take the time to think of a few things I really want to accomplish.

I will say for sure that I do want to keep up this healthy lifestyle I have been living the past six months so naturally I decided to buy a stability ball...for work. I call it "the onion." Check. it. out.

Totally Normal

Balancing Act

wait...you're still alive?

2012-01-05T09:51:00.000-06:00

That's right. I'm back. Alive. And well. Last year was a pretty awesome year including the 9 months that you know nothing about which included a volunteering stint at the Life is good festival (talk about a seriously happy atmosphere).

But enough about last year...it is over and it was awesome. Viva 2012. I have a lot of good things in my future, and my year started out with this...

Enough said. Happy new year.

back to reality

2011-03-10T13:40:00.000-06:00

Well it's official. I finally returned to Disney after the longest hiatus of my life (5 years) and lets just say I'm never going that long again without some d. world. So what did I learn from my recent trip?

Walking around Disney for two days is adequate for half marathon training.
The monorail is still my favorite ride. Peter Pan is a close second.
I wish I was not a muggle.
I should be the poster child for roller coasters.
My mom was a street performer in a former life (see video below)
Always go in February (I guess any other off season day would work too).
A plane's descension makes me sicker than any roller coaster ever could.
Butterbeer is actually quite delicious.
I really need a hot tub.
You can never outgrow Disney. Never ever.

Picture time...

My dad's attempt at getting the castle in the background.

Mickey at the Hall of Presidents

Umm...don't mess with the White girls.

HOGWARTS!

valentingrid

2011-02-15T20:07:00.000-06:00

I am on a video craze. For those of you who have unfortunately not seen Ingrid live. Check our here VD special below. She says Valentime's just like mom. Loves it.

life ruiner

2011-02-15T14:13:00.001-06:00

seriously. this mom just ruined her kid's life by documenting (and sharing) this...

believe it

2011-02-11T17:27:00.001-06:00

basically the same...

but slightly more awesome

lady and her uke

2011-02-10T22:59:00.002-06:00

original from the lady. no video/just audio...sorry.

I still remember the day that we first met
You said hello because you had taken a bet
That look on your face like you were just fine
You hid it so well even though you'd just finished a line

If I'd have known then the pain that I know now
I would have turned and ran or left there some how

Then you said "I do" through your bloodshot eyes
Nobody knew that our love was a bed full of lies
I wanted to leave but my heart made me stay
I wish I could say I'm the girl that got away

I think everyday "Why did I act so blind?"
Why did I say yes as if I was frozen in time

It's eight years today and we have two girls and a son
What do I say when they ask why there dad's always gone
With a tear in my eye I look at them and smile
and tell them that daddy will be home in awhile

I'm constantly worried the kids will turn out just like you
and break my heart into more pieces than two

I still remember the day that we first met

happy birthday carole!

2011-02-09T14:36:00.003-06:00

http://performingsongwriter.com/carole-king/

in case you missed it...

2011-01-26T09:01:00.002-06:00

...like me.

lady and her (long lost) uke

2011-01-21T05:34:00.002-06:00

Why is Motown so good on the uke? I have no idea...but it most definitely is.

Baby Love - The Supremes

what I learned from enzo

2011-01-19T20:54:00.000-06:00

One thing I really enjoy about traveling is my opportunity to read a good book and catch up on some sudoku (preferably while on a plane and not while driving). I know I'm cool. You don't have to tell me.

So I decided to start a new book during my winter tour 2011 that I have been wanting to read for some time now. It is The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein, and it, my dear friends, is amazing. I finished the book up last night. The narrator of the book is a dog that goes by the name of Enzo, and let me just tell you I never knew I could learn so much from a fictional dog.

What exactly did I learn?

1) Live life to the fullest.

"To live every day as if it had been stolen from death, that is how I would like to live. To feel the joy of life, as Eve" (not of Adam and Eve) "felt the joy of life. To separate oneself from the burden, the angst, the anguish we all encounter every day. To say I am alive, I am wonderful, I am. I am. That is something to aspire to. When I am a person, that is how I will live my life."

2) Everyone has their flaws, but it's how you overcome those flaws that's the real test. That's what makes you stronger.

"The true hero is flawed. The true test of a champion is not whether he can triumph, but whether he can overcome obstacles - preferably of hi own making - in order to triumph."

3) Sometimes it's okay to escape (or "go wilding").

"I am not a dog who runs away from things. I had never run away from Denny before that moment, and I have never run away since. But in that moment, I had to run.

There was something about it. I don't know. The setting of the dog park, perched on the eastern bank of Mercer Island like that, so ready. The split rail fence, not a containment fence in any way. The entire scene begs for a dog to run, to flee from his captivity, to lash out against the establishment. And so I ran.

Off to the south, I burst off down the short path throughout the gap in the split rail and out onto the big field, then I broke west. Over the asphalt path and down the other side to the amphitheater I found what I was looking for, untamed wilderness. I needed to go wilding. I was upset, sad, angry - something! I needed to do something! I needed to feel myself, understand myself and this horrible world we are all trapped in, where bugs and tumors and viruses worm their way into our brains and lay their putrid eggs that hatch and eat us alive from the inside out. I needed to do my part to crush it, stamp out what was attacking me, my way of life. So I ran."

4) We all have a purpose here on earth. When it's our time to go then it's our time to go. We must trust God with that.

"He died that day because his body had served its purpose. His soul had done what it came to do, learned what it came to learn, and then was free to leave. And I knew, as Denny sped me toward the doctor who would fix me, that if I had already accomplished what I set out to accomplish here on earth, if I had already learned what I was meant to learn, I would have left the curb one second later than I had, and I would have been killed instantly by that car.

But I was not killed. Because I was not finished, I still had work to do."

5) Give it your best because anything less is cheating yourself (Okay. This one is not from the dog's mouth, but I couldn't leave it out).

" 'There is no dishonor in losing the race,' Don said. 'There is only dishonor in not racing because you are afraid to lose.' "

Seriously guys, this book is awesome. Enzo not only gives you some serious thoughts to digest but he's also quite humorous at times. I highly recommend this book.

muzak

2011-01-18T21:44:00.001-06:00

Okay. Maybe just regular music.

Tennis released their first full-length album titled Cape Dory today. It's superbly superb, and while listening to it today on my first day back to work in almost two weeks, I couldn't help but feel like I was on the beach somewhere during the 60s...not in a freezing office watching the rain fall.

Plus, the story behind the songs is pretty cool.

Cape Dory

my first post from a jet plane

2011-01-07T23:37:00.009-06:00

I'm currently on my first of two flights en route to Phoenix, and I've decided to go for my first mile high blog post. Ironically enough I'm headed to the mile high city in time to run (or sprint) to catch my next flight to Phoenix, and with that I just managed to say mile high more times than in my entire life.

But enough about that.

I have recently come to really appreciate how truly blessed I am, and this awesome trip I am about to partake in just further proves that. I have always had a soft spot for traveling, but now being the self sufficient woman that I am (yes...I just said that), I feel like my travels are just starting and that makes me smile...bigtime.

So what's on the agenda for this 10 day journey? Well...

Friday: Nashville to Denver to Phoenix via air. Meet up with the bro and drive to the Grand Canyon.

Saturday: Grand Canyon sunrise followed by a morning hike and lunch at the canyon. Short drive to Sedona for a sunset jeep tour. Drive to Scottsdale to meet up with the parents for a late dinner.

Sunday: Day with the mom either at the hotel spa, a ranch, dunebuggy driving or Sedona. Random, right? Dinner with the bro for his bday and off to Sir Charles' legends party.

Monday: Musical Instrument Museum. Tailgating. National Championship Game.

Tuesday: Farewell to the fam and hello to solo travels. 6 hour drive to Utah (through the Grand Canyon). Tour of Best Friends Animal Society sanctuary. Possibly ATVing at sunset.

Wednesday: Volunteering. Dogs in the morning. Cats in the afternoon. Taking a dog home for the night.

Thursday: Volunteering. Pot-bellied pigs in the morning. Horses in the afternoon. Drive to Flagstaff or Sedona.

Friday: Drive to Phoenix. Fly to Nola to meet up with the girls for bachelorette fun. Bourbon street.

Saturday: All day in Nola. Hopefully some French Quarter eating and shopping and another night on Bourbon.

Sunday: More Nola fun. Flight back to Nash.

Monday: Day off = Rest.

So yeah. I'm just mentally preparing to live. it. up.

the Christmas present you wish you got

2011-01-05T11:10:00.002-06:00

...and the Christmas present I did get...

It gets me every time.

are we officially in the future?

2011-01-02T21:00:00.002-06:00

Well, well, well.

Happy 2011, everyone! 20-11. Twenty. Eleven. Can you believe it? Remember when people thought 1984 was scary (including my sister who read it in 1998)? Craziness. We are officially in the future. I wish we were all wearing matching silver onesies like in the movies, but unfortunately we're not.

I hope everyone had a very, merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year's Eve.

I will say that I am pretty sad to see 2010 aka "the year of weddings" end. Not only did I get to see many of my closest friends marry their best friends, but I just had a great year all around. I ran my first half marathon. I got to enjoy the rest of my golden year. And not to mention the travels galore...3rd annual rafting trip, Nola, Biltmore, Holiday World, San Diego (which I still need to update you on), the beach and lake and I could go on and on...but I'll save you for now.

AND even though most of my weekends during football season were booked, I still got to enjoy the best Auburn football season since 2004 (which I will continue to enjoy in a week in...Arizona!).

I can also say that at the end of this year I did a little soul searching, and I've discovered a lot about myself that was holed up. Maybe it was the dreaded quarter-life birthday that finally got me thinking although being the mathematically minded person that I am...I am less than convinced on 25 being the quarter-life birthday since most of us won't live to 100. Truth hurts.

I was actually thinking that since I did so well with myself that I should probably pursue a doctorate in Psychiatry, but then I realized I couldn't make it through a million more years of school.

Wow...tangent. Maybe I should put work on attention span on my resolutions list. Oh wait...I don't have a list yet. With that being said I guess I'll go with three resolutions (completely spur of the moment) that I have for the year...

1. Find a church that fits
2. Run my first marathon
3. Volunteer more

These are all pretty big goals for me, but you know what? I think 2011 is the year for me.

Number one is a must. Last year was a crazy weekend travel year for me, and I really want to get settled in to church that I love.

Number two...I'll be training with the lovely Miss (soon to be Mrs!) Amy Williford (soon to be Sloop!), and just like she helped me through the half marathon training last year, I know we'll be able to get through this training together, too. Must prove the doubters wrong.

And last but certainly not least...I already have a wonderfully/amazingly/tremendously awesome volunteer opportunity set up in Utah for when I head out to Arizona (more to come on that) that I could not be more excited about so I'm starting that resolution as of right now. Woot!

Hey guys...it's going to be a GREAT year.

soup season

2010-12-14T15:43:00.002-06:00

Well guys. It's that tights wearing, soup making, hot chocolate drinking, carol singing, fire warming time of the year.

Now I'm a pretty big chowder person. Don't get me wrong, I like my thin soups, but there is just something about a creamy soup that makes me melt. One particular lobster bisque I had in San Diego may have been in the top ten of best things I've ever eaten. However, that creamy deliciousness normally comes with a price to pay...it's not the best thing for you.

Not so fast my friend (thanks, Corso).

I've found a soup that is chowder-esque and healthy. This soup has been a staple for me during the past couple of winters, and I'm actually whipping it up as we speak.

It's Ellie Krieger's Corn and Vegetable Soup and it, my dear friends, is amazing. Check it out here.

It's so easy to make, and I substitute the red peppers with orange just to add another color to the mix. Enjoy!

phlog: sec championship

2010-12-07T16:02:00.000-06:00

So I actually wrote some things for this post, but they magically disappeared. Imagine that.

View from our seats...not too shabby.

Sir Charles. Four (okay...maybe five) rows in front of us.

Heisman ~~Finalist~~ Winner

Me trying to get on the big screen for fans of the game, but the broseph's AT&T

coverage wasn't allowing it. Then again my Verizon wasn't doing too well either.

Georgia Dome = Black Hole

a few of my not so favorite things...

2010-12-03T19:29:00.012-06:00

Okay. Maybe just one...

Now I'm not one to normally judge hair because lets be honest...I'm not known for having my hair perfect all the time or any time for that matter. However, I also don't have my own personal stylist, and I'm not on tv everyday. I mean come on. That is a styled mullet. And as my then 4 year old nephew said one Christmas Eve while hiding under my parents bed..."I just can't take this anymore."

Lady. Fire. Your. Hair. Stylist. PLEASE. KThanksBye.

cyber monday and how it owned me

2010-12-02T11:05:00.002-06:00

Cyber Monday has really been catching on the past few years, and this year...it caught me. You like that play on words? Thought so.

I can honestly say that I cannot believe what all I bought Monday. I am basically finished with my Christmas shopping as of Monday aka November aka that has never happened in the history of my life.

So besides the wonderful presents/steals that I bought for the rest of the fam, I bet you are really wondering what I bought for myself. If you are not, you might as well quit reading this post now.

=

NEW PIANO(-ISH)!!!!

Other purchases:
New running shoes
Seasons 1-3 of Mad Men
Beatles Rockband Bundle

Woot!

archived post: norah jones

2010-12-01T15:57:00.001-06:00

What do I have to say about FINALLY getting to see Norah Jones live at my favorite venue ever...a lot. So here it goes.

First of all, it was pretty awesome to know that Norah was just as excited to play at the Ryman as I was to see her play at the Ryman. I mean after all (as she explained) she did play her first song ever at the Ryman with Willie Nelson.

She played quite the variety, and I was pleased with her song selection. Who am I kidding though? I love all of her songs. I was surprised to see her not only play the guitar for a good amount of the songs but completely rock it. I mean you try to play riffs while singing (I just hope that most of the time I can get strumming patterns down while singing). It's harder than hard, and she made it look easy.

For those fans that strictly love her piano playing ways, she did have a small set where it was just her and the piano. She played Cold, Cold Heart, Man of the Hour, and Don't Know Why (classic). Pretty magical.

After I thought the concert could not get any better...it did. Her encore was completely acoustic. Her and the band used a single mic that was used back in the Grand Ole Opry days, AND they played Creepin' In. This is one of my faves of hers, and she had not been playing it in her recent sets so I was more than thrilled. I almost felt like Dolly was about to walk onto the stage and join in.

For those of you who are fans, you HAVE to see her live. For those of you who aren't fans, you STILL HAVE to see her live... and what is wrong with you? She has always had one of my favorite voices. If I could describe it in two words they would be smooth and calming. Those of you who are familiar probably already know this and also probably won't believe this when I tell you...

Her voice is even better live.

Funny sidenote: I called my mom during the show so she could listen to some of her favorites (like I did with Regina). Well she listened to three or four songs, so I called her afterwards to see if she liked it. Turns out my dad was the one listening since my mom was already asleep when I called. Oh Pops.

hey you guuuuuuuys

2010-12-01T14:59:00.004-06:00

Well guys...it's been awhile.

Just as I was attracted to the world of facebook during my first semester of sophomore year finals, I have also been drawn back to the world of blogging thanks to a massive amount of studying I've been doing for a certification test that is quickly approaching.

That was quite the sentence.

Over the past six or so months I have had some pretty amazing experiences...in a nutshell...

Best friends are now married.
Travels galore.
Great shows upon great shows upon great shows.

I will say that I did attempt to write blogs over the past months so I'm going to attempt (key word) to edit and post those.

Lets see how this goes, shall we.

love it

2010-10-07T16:41:00.003-05:00

fear facing success

2010-09-30T10:27:00.004-05:00

I finally got my first taste in a good while of a free weekend this past weekend (I will eventually update you on my life for the past 5 months but for now lets concentrate on the recent past). I decided to try to catch up on some sleep Friday night so I got up at a decent hour Saturday to go for a hike.

I decided on Percy Warner Park since it's only a couple of miles from my house. Woke up. Packed my bag. Hopped in my car and guess who was on the radio? Carole. It happened to be "Tapestry" which is definitely a song you don't hear much on the radio now (and probably didn't back when it was released), but man, is it a pretty song. I instantly knew it was going to be great day.

Turns out there was some kind of track meeting going on at Steeplechase and the parks so there was a bit of traffic, but I managed to find a parking spot near my starting point and headed into wilderness.

Well I got to within about five feet of the trail entrance, was about to take a step, looked down, and what did I see but a decent sized snake right in front of me. Holy shiitake mushrooms.

I jumped. Turned around. Started walking back to my car. Paused. Turned back around. Saw no signs of the snake. And thought to myself a nice little three step sequence:

You are not going to let your fear ruin a good time (positive reinforcement)
What are the odds you see another snake? (statistical reinforcement)
It's more scared of you than you are of it (superiority reinforcement)

So I marched back to the woods, and I'll be honest with you. I wasn't even thinking about snakes when I met my first uphill challenge.

2 hours, some jogging, and a near fall that led me about 20 ft off the trail that but an end to my jogging for awhile...I made it to this.

Totally worth it.

I'm Alive and Well

2010-09-28T15:31:00.010-05:00

...and so is Joaquin Phoenix.

Check it out. It's hilarious...and not for children.

Superpowers

2010-08-24T10:34:00.002-05:00

This might be the most important question you answer in your entire life.

If you could choose between invisibility or flight as your superpower, which would it be? You'd be the only one with this superpower in the world, but you can't have both.

I know, right? Pretty deep stuff.

While listening to a This American Life podcast ironically titled Superpowers on the way from ATL Georgia to Opelika, I was asked this question. The funny thing is I knew my answer right away. No hesitation. Why? Well, kids, apparently I think about this on a more normal basis than most people.

So what did I choose? Flight. Hands down.

You see. There are many reasons I can think of that reaffirm my choice, but I'll just list a couple.

I love heights. Always have. I love jumping off the Lost Boys rock at Lake Martin. I love rappelling (regular and Australian style). I love every part of a flight. The ascent when things grow smaller and smaller, and you can use the finger trick on huge lakes and entire cities. The cruising altitude when all you see around you are clouds galore, and you feel like if you look hard enough you might just see Mary Poppins' umbrella in the distance. And last but not least...the descent, when the little specks turn into a baseball field or a swimming pool. The part of the flight when you return to reality.

Besides the fact that I love heights, the number one reason I can think of to back up my superpower choice is a recurring dream I have had since I was little.

I want to preface this by saying that there are maybe ten (probably a stretch) dreams that have stuck with me throughout my life. This dream is far less complex than some of the other dreams I can remember, so I'll sum it up for you real quicklike.

It starts out with me jumping on the trampoline in my backyard. I was fortunate enough to have a trampoline from the time I was one through my stint at the parentals house. Two of my close friends who happened to live in my neighborhood also had trampolines so needless to say we spent a good amount of time on our tramps.

(SENTIMENTAL SIDE NOTE: I have a great memory of jumping on the same tramp with my oldest nephew just as my mom had jumped with me sixteen years before on one of our home videos)

So I'm jumping just like normal in the dream, and then out of nowhere I start flapping my arms and I can fly. I can fly from anywhere after that. I just have to jump and start flapping my arms (wings?). This dream is always so bittersweet though when I wake up I realize it was simply a dream.

That, my friends, is why I choose flight.

According to the podcast, you're choice can tell you a lot more about yourself than you would think. Men lean towards flight more while women lean towards invisibility more. Flying means you have nothing to hide while invisibility means you want to hide yourself. Flight is the hero. Invisibility is the villain.

The conclusion according to one interviewee is that we all want to choose flight because it's the heroic and noble choice but deep down we know we want invisibility because that's who we are. It's a battle of who we are versus who we want to be.

Me? I just really wanted to fly. I had no idea it would take a turn for the deep. I guess I'm still a kid at heart.

I did ask two of my nephews at dinner the night I listened to this podcast what they would choose. Ironically enough, they chose invisibility. Apparently, I'm more of kid than they are. What I liked about their reasons for choosing invisibility was that they were actually thinking about which superpower would be better in a fight. They decided that if nobody can see you then how are they ever going to attack you. So it turned out they were still pretty good at being kids, too.

After talking to them, I realized that my answer was actually pretty selfish. I wanted flight simply for me. I wanted to get that feeling back from my dream. I didn't care about anyone else. It seems that even though I chose the heroic and noble superpower it wasn't for a heroic or noble cause. Heck...it wasn't for any cause. It was simply to enjoy MY life more. Weird.

You can listen to the podcast here.

no worries

2010-08-23T10:57:00.004-05:00

While your already million item to-do list is doubling in size on this wonderful Monday, I would advise you take a much needed break from your day, and enjoy some encouraging words via Disney songs.

new records

2010-07-25T20:27:00.002-05:00

Just enjoying some new (used) records while anxiously awaiting the season 4 opener of Mad Men.

When shopping for records at McKay's, I always go for random...see for yourself.

check this out

2010-07-15T09:25:00.003-05:00

Everyone who knows me is very much aware of how much I love Life is good (aka LIG when I'm feeling lazy) products. Well they have a super awesome project that they call Fuel which is just a bunch of inspirational letters that they receive on a daily basis.

"Here at Life is good, we are blown away and humbled by the amazing letters that arrive each day from people who have had powerful experiences that they would like to share with us. Some are funny and light, others are deeply meaningful stories from people facing life's inevitable challenges. This steady supply of inspiration keeps our engines running, and that's why we call it FUEL. We're happy to share these with you and hope that you can send us a note with your own story of optimistic inspiration."

- The Crew at Life is good.

If you have time, check it out. If you don't, you should probably find the time.

FUEL

another reason why I love Disney

2010-07-14T21:00:00.004-05:00

my youngest nephew at disney world...melts. my. heart.

all the nephews at disney world

Definitely the happiest place on earth.

Imagineering here I come...

3rd Annual 4th O' July Trip - Phlog

2010-07-12T13:14:00.000-05:00

Phlog = Photo Log = Beth is a genius

Hot Tub

Rafting

Engagement

S'mores (and possibly the worst candid of me ever)

Getting lost(ish)...don't have a picture because we didn't take a phone. Smart. The photo below best represents one of the hills we walked down then back up when we had to turn around.

I should probably quit my day job.

you're totally gonna be clapping in your cube

2010-07-12T07:24:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday, y'all!

just call me betty

2010-07-11T21:30:00.003-05:00

Betty Crocker that is...

I thought I would take a picture while they still looked good unless anything happened to them in the 24 hours until the pops and I consume them. Or some of them at least.

These cupcakes put the light in delightful. Literally. I used the old diet soda pop and cake mix trick with a lower sugar icing. Did you know that existed?

I love the effect I used for this picture. Circa old school finish. I'm playing around (not nearly as much as I have wanted to) with this new app on my phone. Vignette. The first photo I took was at work on Friday. I think I had already called it a week hence why I was taking pictures of my feet.

more carole and james

2010-07-08T15:30:00.001-05:00

another way to enjoy centennial this year

2010-06-25T22:22:00.001-05:00

http://www.musicianscornernashville.com/index.html

See you July 10th.

Guys...we can see Sam & Ruby for free without party crashing. Although I think I prefer the party crash method. Much more exciting.

and the week begins...

2010-06-21T09:05:00.001-05:00

I heard David Bowie on the way in to work this morning, and it made me think of this...

I miss Extras. Maybe I'll watch both seasons again soon. I need a good round o' British humor.

Also, I totally called into the station to answer the trivia question on the way to work this morning. It was a Harry Potter question so I definitely knew the answer, BUT they told me to call back one more time, and I'm lazy...so I didn't. I don't even remember what I would have won. Probably something incredible.

Lady and Her Uke

2010-06-17T10:39:00.006-05:00

I promise when I feel inspired to write again I will catch you up on all of life's happenings (concerts, weddings, training, etc).

But until then, I'll just play my uke.

Cheers!

tomorrow starts the perfect bonnaroo for me

2010-06-10T15:31:00.005-05:00

... and I won't be there. Ironically enough, this probably worked out for the better seeing as the medication I am on right now makes me highly sensitive to sun, and there is no drinking allowed. A sober, third degree burn Bonnaroo would have made for a pretty shitty first.

So if you are holed up inside at any point this weekend (including tomorrow), check out the live coverage at NPR and YouTube. Julia Nunes is kicking off the YouTube coverage, and rightly so seeing as how that's the media outlet that really got her music career to where it is today. I will definitely be watching this concerto over lunch seeing as how she is the one person on my list of tops that I have yet to see live. Grrr.

Anyways, enjoy if you want to. Don't if you don't.

one can dream...

2010-06-07T16:03:00.002-05:00

Lady and Her Uke

2010-06-02T12:24:00.000-05:00

Because she's not singing this on her tour, I thought I would sing it for you.

One Fine Day - Carole King and Gerry Goffin

That's right. I decided it was songwriter week.

tuesday should definitely be the new monday

2010-06-01T20:28:00.004-05:00

Why?

IGOTAPROMOTIONTODAY!

I am officially a Sr. Systems Engineer. In other words, I am officially higher up in the nerdom...and I'm totally fine with that.

Jennie, you were there. You just didn't know it.

AND

I'm already halfway to my total blog post count for the month of May. Just call me overachiever.

two days

2010-06-01T09:46:00.002-05:00

Yes...I've been MIA again, and I have a lot to tell. But for now I just want to say that I am beyond excited to see my most fave artist for the third time. THIRD. I didn't even know if I would ever see her live period...but more than once? Awesomeness.

And my broseph is so great that he is seeing Carole live for the second time. I guess that's what happens when you have a sister that's slightly obsessed.

Throw James in the mix, too. I am beyond ridiculously excited.

stuck

2010-05-17T09:50:00.003-05:00

This song makes me cry almost every time I listen to it. So haunting and beautiful. Plus the lyrics have been interpreted in many different ways which is what I love about music.

And yes...I'm a softy.

summertime

2010-05-14T11:28:00.000-05:00

Stand by Me Cover

The skip at the beginning was me getting one or more of the following:

1) Text message
2) Work email
3) Gmail email
4) Twitter update
5) Facebook update
6) Application update

And the list goes on. Oh smartphones...you really do too much.

great news

2010-05-13T16:04:00.003-05:00

...for me. I have two what-I-know-will-be-amazing shows at the Ryman within the next week.

I'm going to see Norah (first name basis as usual) tomorrow night and the Swell Season next Tuesday. I'll be flying solo for Norah which I have really started to enjoy. I know...weird, huh?

After I took a tour of the Ryman with the broseph, I managed to enlighten my boss and his wife on the historical background of the Ryman. Let me tell you. I think I'm going to enjoy knowing where the bands/artists are hanging out prior to the show. It's almost like I'm part of the crew. I know...weird, huh?

Anyways, I just wanted to say that I'm essited. Since I'm hitting up the Ryman, that means tomorrow and Tuesday will also include the Flying Saucer which I feel like I haven't been to in ages (aka maybe a month).

Yea for the Nashville plans that I love. More to come on the shows. It's only been like 8 years since I've wanted to see Norah live.

Right at the very second I am enjoying the song that Norah contributed to the "Hank Williams Project." You should, too...

number game

2010-05-11T14:47:00.003-05:00

0: times I've exercised this week
1: times I watched Once this week (I've watched Once once...get it?)
2: times I've searched for my keys for 15+ minutes this week and subsequently times I've been late for work
3: hours I worked in the office last week
4: times I've tried to blog but have been unsuccessful in the past week
5: games who farted won this season
6: navy showers I've taken this week
7: horse races I saw on Saturday
8: hours wasted on Sunday due to Saturday
9+: times I've played Hanson songs on the uke this week (I kid you not)

Well, that was fun. My life is soooo exciting these days.

picture edition: who wants to run that many?

2010-04-30T14:13:00.007-05:00

Compliments of the broseph's phone and the race photographers...

Everyone getting ready to start.
You can see the start line in the distance.

Start line!

The race started around 6:45 instead of 7 because of weather.

Hardcore.

After the race.

What happens when my fam tries to take pictures...

Mom telling Trey to hurry and take the picture
because rain had started to fall.

Trey trying to take a picture of us after my dad
failed multiple times/ways with the iphone cam.

Oh. Oh. And I had a couple of signs that stuck with me.

1) Relax. You're not going to win it anyways. (around mile 6)
2) Your feet hurt because you are kicking so much ass. ( around mile 7)

My fave signs were back to back.

And. I'm. Out.

who wants to run that many?

2010-04-30T13:47:00.003-05:00

13.1 miles...who wants to run that many miles? (in little old lady voice)

That's the response my mom got from her friend's mom when discussing my race during a lunch date with my grandmother, my mom's friend and her mother earlier this week.

...Apparently me.

When I started training earlier this year my two goals were to a) run the entire time and b) finish. I had no goal set for time seeing as how any finish would be a PR. Good news though...I did better than I thought.

I ran the whole time. I paced myself. I drank a ton of Cytomax and water. I didn't have to use the bathroom at all. I timed my energy gel just right with a little practice during my 12 mile practice run. AND the storms that were suppose to hit Nash didn't roll in until about 15 minutes after I crossed the finish line.

Was it hilly? Yes. Did I want to quit at times? Only within the first 5k. It took me that long to get in sync. Did I almost cry twice during the race because of the ways I could tell I had changed both mentally and physically? Yes until I realized it affected my breathing so I tried to prevent it when I felt emotions rising. Did I cry at the finish? No...I had no water left in me to produce tears. Haha.

I finished about 4 minutes faster than I had predicted. I managed to dead sprint the last quarter mile because I could see the finish line so I wasn't completely out of gas but I don't know how much longer I could've made it.

I had my parents and brother there for support along with amazing fans that lined the roads. I think I high fived about 20 kids during the race. What a great feeling.

One stretch of the race is strictly residential so folks were outside tailgating with mimosas and bloody marys in hand. They had all this food laid out and I even saw one table with a bunch of tiny mouthwash cups full of beer. One of my coworkers and I were talking about it and he said that he saw one guy take a couple of beers and then a mile later saw that same guy off to the side...not racing for the moment.

So I guess you can say I am officially a distance runner. I enjoyed it enough to do it again so we'll see what the future brings. I will say this. If you think there is no way in heck you can do it, that's just not true. I couldn't even run a mile without walking when I started earlier this year, and now my short runs are 3-5 miles. And the best part is...I enjoy it.

Pictures to follow.

humpday

2010-04-28T13:18:00.001-05:00

Song currently stuck in my head...

Your welcome.

taylor swift meets auburn

2010-04-27T10:11:00.002-05:00

For those of you who aren't aware of what's going on between two Auburn students and Taylor Swift...check out their website here.

Challenges from Taylor...

And completed...

Will I ever like her music? Probably not. Do I like her? After watching these videos...yep.

crafty

2010-04-19T21:45:00.003-05:00

Since I'm not going home for Mother's Day this year and my mom is going to be up this weekend for the race, I thought I'd give her her Mother's Day present this weekend. After shopping galore out at Opry Mills on Saturday, I stopped at Michael's to buy some paint and canvases. As I do at most stores I walk into, I walked in with a set gameplan and walked out with something that wasn't on my list and nothing that was. Go me.

What did I get? A mosaic coaster kit. What? Haha. I thought my mom could use some cute coasters outside during the spring/summer time, and after hours of working on them from glue mishaps to a black grout sink to vegetable oil shining...here they are.

Before the grout...

Finished product...

This was my first time doing a mosaic so I was pretty excited just to get a finished product.

I just can't hide it

2010-04-15T13:23:00.007-05:00

Less than 9 days until the half AND less than two months for CK and JT in concerto! Just doing a little bit of research/reading on their shows thus far on tour.

I liked this review just because of the title, but once reading it, I thoroughly enjoyed the content as well...The Earth Waggled Its Hips.

A couple of my faves (beware if you get motion sickness...apparently the lady/lad recording was a bit shaky).

Oh...and guess who else is a fan?

Carola tweeted this pic herself. Oh twitter.

livemocha

2010-04-13T09:03:00.007-05:00

One goal I have always had is to be multilingual...bilingual at the least. After many failed attempts to get started, I finally found a site last night that I think I'm going to stick with.

It's called livemocha, and it's completely free to get you started. You can take lessons, submit written and oral assignments, and receive comments from peers who are fluent in whatever language you are learning. I even commented on a few English submissions and earned some teacher points.

The main thing that drew me in to this site was the opportunity to interact with people who spoke the language that I am trying to learn. I feel like the more I dive in and interact, the better off I will be.

I guess when I think Spanish the first thing that comes to mind is how quickly the words roll off of the tongue. I wasn't sure how well my Southern tongue would adapt to this seeing as how I can't even speak English that fast without getting tongue tied. Well last night I completed my first oral submission and one comment I received from one of my Spanish "teachers" was this...

Slower? Well at least I know that won't be an issue. Haha.

my productive weekend

2010-04-12T09:11:00.002-05:00

Not many items but three were pretty huge. Normally I crash after my long run but not this weekend. I decided to get things done instead...

Started and completed my taxes
Hung out at Centennial with a nice book
Got my prescriptions refilled (usually not very good at doing this on time)
Ran 12 miles
Cleaned my entire house (including closets)
Recycled
Played the uke (to most this would be unproductive but to me it's something that keeps me balanced)

Now if I can make this week at work as productive...that would be awesome.

Happy Monday!

sharing time

2010-04-11T18:17:00.003-05:00

Watched the season premiere of In Plain Sight today in between spring cleaning sessions. I really liked the quote at the end and thought I'd share.

We forget sometimes how much the world can hurt. It can hurt people we love. People we don't. People caught in the middle. Even people who'd give anything if they would never, ever, get hurt again, but sometimes the hurt can't be avoided.

It's just coming at us and can't be stopped. It's in us and can't be seen. Or its lying next to us in the dark... waiting, but sometimes it doesn't come at all.

Sometimes we get this other thing that just flutters down out of nowhere that stays just long enough to give us hope. Sometimes, rarely, barely, but just when we need it the most and expect it the least, we get a break.

I'm a firm believer in God never gives us more than we can handle, and I feel like this quote explains that quite nicely.

go ahead and...

2010-04-08T23:32:00.001-05:00

...smile! You thought I was going to say jump, didn't you? Be honest.

believe it

2010-04-05T10:45:00.003-05:00

I can't believe my first half marathon is less than three weeks away. I also can't believe that I pulled my quad playing in a rec kickball league game last Wednesday. I completely laid off training or physical use of my leg since (minus walking and a few games of ladder golf over the weekend). Good news is my leg has seemed to heal pretty fast (fingers crossed), and I'm going to try out some easy running today.

I also can't believe this...

It's called the double dunk. Woof on my face.

Lady and Her Uke

2010-03-29T20:38:00.004-05:00

What could be more uplifting than a John Denver cover?

Please excuse the semi stuffiness.

John Denver - Country Roads Cover

Song I was referencing at the end. I knew that it didn't technically have words, but I didn't even think I was getting the sounds right.

encouragement for the week

2010-03-28T19:00:00.003-05:00

Well it's Sunday evening and I have FINALLY recuperated from my long run yesterday. It didn't help that I've been sick the past few days as well. I've been told that I will get use to the longer runs which I do believe because I got super tired after 4 and 5 mile long runs, but those are weekday runs now. ANYhoo.

When I was running on Saturday around lunchtime in the absolutely gawgeous weather, I was very encouraged by people in general. First off right by Belmont there was a nice couple(?) that had set up water coolers for runners. They were on Belmont Blvd which is a main drag of the race. I thought that was going above and beyond and super nice. I actually almost changed my route to swing by there again because I ran out of water with a couple of miles to go. Instead, I just got dehydrated at the end. Testing out my physical and mental strength.

Now I shared this with Amy already, but when I am running I totally pump myself up in my head. I mean how else are you suppose to run for extended periods of time? I'll say stuff like "you got this" or "if you quit now, you're only hurting yourself." I guess you could say I give myself positive and negative encouragement. Call me coach.

Well, I was fortunate enough to receive encouragement from a fellow runner this weekend. Running a similar route to the race itself, I passed a good amount of the same people going the opposite direction. I happened to pass one guy for a second time. He looked up, smiled, and simply said "you got it." I was about 3 miles out from being done. So for the rest of my run, you know exactly what I said to keep me in the run. "You got it." Thank you stranger for helping me out.

This week should be a very trying week at work, and I'll probably need some sort of encouragement to get me through it. I think I already have it in my back pocket though. You. Got. It.

unforgettable

2010-03-26T14:08:00.002-05:00

I went to a bachelorette party down at the beach last weekend. It was sunny and beautiful, and I think I'm still tired from the trip thanks to my busy work week/sickliness. We went to Rum Runners one night, and one of the dueling pianists had on this shirt...

Love it. I should probably get it. Yes? No?

is it wednesday yet?

2010-03-16T10:16:00.000-05:00

I realized halfway (aka when everything was falling apart) through the day yesterday that it was the Ides of March. Naturally, I randomly said "Beware the Ides of March" ALL day as an alternative to "It is Monday." Aren't you glad you don't see me on Mondays? Or March 15th for that matter?

I think the best was when I explained what the Ides of March was to one of my senior engineers and rounded out the quick info session with something along the lines of me being a Shakespeare guru. Right, right, right.

Today has pretty much been another Monday for me at work. No worries though because tomorrow is one of my most favorite days o' the year, and then I am off to the beach for a long weekend. That instantly cheers me up along with this video...

I found this video a few weeks ago and had completely forgotten about it until this weekend when I showed it to the bro. We instantly laughed...multiple times.

weekend edition

2010-03-15T16:02:00.005-05:00

This weekend was a total blast.

The broseph got in town in time to dine in Nashville on Friday, so I took him to one of my favorite spots...The Flying Saucer. We started with just the two us and ended with ten folks with him being the only guy. Fun times. After that we hit up Demonbreum for a little bit of socializing and musical fun.

Saturday we decided to hit up the Shoney's buffet for brunch because lets be honest. If you can eat Shoney's bfast buffet and lunch then you are amazing. After that we headed downtown to tour the Ryman which I had been wanting to do for a while. When our tour guide met up with us, he informed us that the last tour he gave had 21 people in it...ours was just the two of us. VIP. I sat my nice little hiney where many a musician have sat.

We also played the Ryman...

After the Ryman, we tried to tour Yazoo, but since they are moving to a new location soon it was packed. We got there around 4, and the next tour we could take was at 6:30. So we voted no, decided to go back downtown and fight the sea of blue that was Kentucky fans, and spend the rest of the evening there.

Oddly enough, we apparently had the same schedule as former president Lincoln since we saw him in the two bars we went to, and I'm pretty sure I eye flirted with him which I'm not sure if I'm excited about or weirded out about. I tried to take a picture but it's not that good.

Top Hat Close Up - He's basically looking over the bar. Love it.

Notice the Kentucky fans. I'm pretty sure we were the only non-KY fans each place we went. Well, there was this one lady who was part of a (bum, bum, BUM) house divided. She was a TN fan and her husband...you guessed it...KY. She pointed him to the storage room when he was trying to find the bathroom. It was pretty hysterical.

At the end of the night, we found ourselves running (sprint style) up commerce to get to our parking lot before it closed for the night. We are guessing we made it within maybe 30 seconds to spare because when I actually pulled my car down to leave the garage door was closed. No worries though...it automatically opened from the inside.

Sunday was another brunch day (Noshville instead of Shoney's) followed by a 10 mile run around town with three of the gals. Not the best day for running, but we made it happen.

I have a new show

2010-03-13T09:20:00.002-06:00

I've been super excited about NBC's new show Parenthood since I first got wind of it late last year, and the fact that it was advertised every other commercial break did not hurt my excitement either. I'm a big fan of Gilmore Girls so I was glad to see a new show coming out with Lauren Graham...plus the rest of the cast is pretty amazing.

I'm two episodes in, and I love it. I've laughed. I've cried. I've laughed while crying. Enough, Beth, enough. The storylines are great. The music is wonderful. Seriously, though Beth. It's an hour long which I love, and it's on demand. It's always the small things for me. Lets just say...I definitely recommend it. I mean the pilot started with the Avett Bros Kick Drum Heart and ended with Dylan's Forever Young (which always gets to me). So on this terrific Thursday...enjoy this one on me.

May God bless and keep you always
May your wishes all come true
May you always do for others
And let others do for you
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.

May you grow up to be righteous
May you grow up to be true
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you
May you always be courageous
Stand upright and be strong
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.

May your hands always be busy
May your feet always be swift
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift
May your heart always be joyful
And may your song always be sung
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.

Lady and Her Uke

2010-03-12T08:56:00.000-06:00

It's Friday. Broseph is coming to visit this weekend. So this should most def be an uplifting song, right?...WRONG.

Bon Iver - Skinny Love Cover

HAPPY FRIDAY!

kind of excited

2010-03-11T08:57:00.001-06:00

Not going to lie...I'm kind of excited about this.

travelin'

2010-03-10T13:56:00.004-06:00

I'm getting settled back into Nashville life. I say that like I've been gone for months. My roadtrip was quite the success which started out with a great mardi gras bridal shower for a great friend and ended with a night on the town in dear old AU which showed me just how old I was getting.

My schedule went a little something like this...Bham to Otown to Bham to Otown to Nash. Redundant much?

I attended a sales meeting for the territory I work in at the beginning of the week at Ross Bridge...which was great by the way. While there I managed to bond with some new folks, was approached to enter the sales world with a different team, and earned the nickname 40 dollars. Success.

I headed down to Auburn for some recruiting midweek which I thoroughly enjoyed. Needless to say I got to hang out with friends and family while there. I always feel like I leave the hometown more tired than when I arrived. Totally worth it though.

I got to do a lot a fun things with the fam which always makes me happy. I visited my grandmother after she moved into her new apartment, had friday lunch with the men of the family (my dad and his dad), had dinner (I paid for it which thrilled my mom) and hung out with my mom on a week night, supported the nephews in their derby car races, and got to go shopping with the sis (and sis alone) for a good couple of hours.

I feel like the older you get and the more you experience...the more you realize that no matter what family will always be there, and I have come to appreciate this more and more lately. I was so fortunate to grow up with all four grandparents in the same town and all of my family close by. After meeting other people and hearing their stories, I feel so blessed to have had the relationships I did with my grandparents and other family members. Now that I live farther away and don't get to see the fam as much, I am trying my best to make the most of my time at home which made this past week a total success.

Yea for successes.

check it

2010-03-08T13:21:00.003-06:00

I just got back from a 9 day stint on the road. Glad to be home. Glad it is absolutely B-E-A-U-Tiful outside. I will update on my trip in a few but first things first. If you were a fan of SNL (or not) in the mid 90s, you will appreciate this cover...especially since it doesn't sound like the original version.

can't quit watching

2010-03-05T10:47:00.000-06:00

my thoughts exactly: winter olympics edition

2010-02-22T17:01:00.002-06:00

party crasher

2010-02-19T11:21:00.002-06:00

It's official. I crashed a birthday party...and not just any birthday party. A birthday party with great music. I happen to follow the lovely and wonderful Sam & Ruby on twitter, and I saw a tweet yesterday with the words free, dan mcguinness, party, show, and birthday in a completely different order. So I thought...lets check this out. Which is what a few of us did last night.

First up was Brooke Waggoner, who I must say I had never heard of until yesterday and totally dug. That's right...d.u.g. Anyone who plays the piano automatically gets some bonus points from me.

Next up and the reason we crashed, Sam and Ruby. They were as awesome as I remembered from their opener for Jake at the Belcourt. They also announced that they were releasing a new EP on Tuesday...whoopity whoop whoop.

My fave part of the night by far though was us talking about the first night we met Zach (the bday boy). What a crazy night that was. So crazy in fact...we couldn't even remember it. Good backup story, huh?

say what?

2010-02-18T12:04:00.000-06:00

The Avett Bros are on Ace of Cakes tonight. Really? One of favorite shows and one of my favorite bands collaborate. That is amazing. You should watch it.

Lady and Her Uke

2010-02-15T13:39:00.000-06:00

After karaoke at Lonnie's a couple of weekends ago, this song has been on repeat in my head. Enjoy.

4 Non Blondes - What's Up

best. valentine. ever.

2010-02-14T13:12:00.001-06:00

I have a valentine, and he is three. My nephew printed out a valentine all by himself and when my sister asked him who he wanted to send it to he said...Bess. Melt my heart times 20 bazillion.

white people: day 5

2010-02-13T19:20:00.002-06:00

Last day of evaluation. I ran seven miles today. Wow. Tired. Woot.

#25 David Sedaris
...he'll be in Nashville the night before my race. Still debating going. I would like to finally put a visual live performance to all of the books/podcasts I've read/listened to.

#24 Wine
...from boxed white to bottled red. Boy how I've matured.

#23 Microbreweries
...I have two within a 2 mile radius of my office.

#22 Having Two Last Names
...wish I did.

#21 Writers Workshops
...do songwriters workshops count?

#20 Being an expert on YOUR culture
...I wouldn't call myself an expert but...

#19 Traveling
...I've got the wheels to ride and the wheels to run. Some say I got ramblin' in my blood. I prefer to listen to this song a least once while traveling which is often with work and play.

#18 Awareness
...you mean like when I'm running alone at night? eek.

#17 Hating their Parents
...never really went through that phase.

#16 Gifted Children
...my parents were informed I was one, but I just turned out normal. what a let down for my parentals.

#15 Yoga
...I don't laugh while doing it like I use to. I think it's growing on me.

#14 Having Black Friends
...that think you're crazy.

#13 Tea
...green.

#12 Non-Profit Organizations
...don't think I work for one.

#11 Asian Girls
...huh? for white boys only?

#10 Wes Anderson Movies
...royal tenenbaums is probably my fave.

#9 Making you feel bad about not going outside
...I have to admit if I'm in the mood to do it then I really want everyone else to be too. Not good for any friends in my general vicinity.

#8 Barack Obama
...ask my friends.

#7 Diversity
...we having been talking for awhile about adding some diversity to our group of friends but it hasn't really happened yet.

#6 Organic Food
...I mean I buy some here and there. hard to avoid in whole foods.

#5 Farmer’s Markets
...can i say my favorite was the one with the ginormous blow up peach on the way back from the beach?

#4 Assists
...preferably alley-oops.

#3 Film Festivals
...I'd like to go to sundance once.

#2 Religions their parents don’t belong to
...I find all religions interesting but I only believe in one.

#1 Coffee
...nope. I do not care for THE #1 thing that white people like. Does that automatically rule me out as a white person?

Finished with another 80% which brings me to...

110.5 + 5 for my last name
= 115.5/131
= 88.2% white

But does anyone really care?...nope. I love wasting time.

white people: day 4

2010-02-12T17:54:00.001-06:00

#50 Irony
...si.

#49 Vintage
...oui.

#48 Whole Foods and Grocery Co-ops
...a whole foods is being built about 10 seconds from my office. I. Can. Not. Wait. Even though there is one about 5 minutes from my office already.

#47 Arts Degrees
...I mean I changed my major 4 times in college, and they were all BS degrees. if I was even the slightest bit talented in "the arts" then heck yes.

#46 The Sunday New York Times
...not really.

#45 Asian Fusion Food
...very much so. I just had pei wei for din din actually.

#44 Public Radio
...when I'm not singing at the top of my lungs...This American Life and All Songs Considered get me through roadtrips.

#43 Plays
...plays, musicals, concerts. Yes, yes, yes. I did try out an opera as well but I laughed through one of the murder scenes. Whoops. I had never heard anyone sing so beautifully while stabbing someone multiple times. Sheer talent.

#42 Sushi
...nope. I tried it once like 6 years ago and didn't like it. I tried it again a few weeks ago...still didn't like it.

#41 Indie Music
...hate it. Just check out my music collection. You don't believe me, do you? Paste's recent cover story is about the death of indie music. Just saying.

#40 Apple Products
...nope. nada. nilch. nay. in no particular order.

#39 Netflix
...I do thoroughly enjoy all of the netflix movies that I watch thanks to my friends.

#38 Arrested Development
...have been told by many that I would love it. I'm working on making a weekend out of watching it. Unfortunately, I've been pretty booked so far in 2010.

#37 Renovations
...performing them or watching people fail miserably at performing them on TV? Both.

#36 Breakfast Places
...i love eggs from my head down to my legs. the delectable egg. denver, co. that's all I'm going to say

#35 The Daily Show/Colbert Report
...I mean I've watched each from time to time.

#34 Architecture
...like it so much it was my original college major.

#33 Marijuana
...what is this?

#32 Vegan/Vegetarianism
...not my cup of tea but have definitely eaten tofu fettucine noodles.

#31 Snowboarding
...YES. And I can't wait for my cousin Shaun to take home the halfpipe gold. yea for the winter olympics...I mean games.

#30 Wrigley Field
...and the Cubby Bear.

#29 80s Night
...my hair and the 80s were meant for each other.

#28 Not having a TV
...the closest I've gotten is not watching TV for a week. Productivity was through the roof.

#27 Marathons
...will soon be officially part of this wonderful group of people.

#26 Manhattan (now Brooklyn too!)
...not my favorite. no offense.

80%

white people: day 3

2010-02-11T09:52:00.000-06:00

#75 Threatening to Move to Canada
...I normally pick Australia.

#74 Oscar Parties
...eh.

#73 Gentrification
...seeing as how I bought a place in Brentwood...

#72 Study Abroad
....still not sure why I didn't because I'm jealous of everyone that did.

#71 Being the only white person around
...awkward at first but it grows on me. Being the only girl around? An everyday affair.

#70 Difficult Breakups
...never been through one. I guess that means I was the mean one.

#69 Mos Def
...does liking the saying count?

#68 Michel Gondry
...Eternal Sunshine. I dig it.

#67 Standing Still at Concerts
...I mean sometimes I sway.

#66 Divorce
...fortunately not my parents.

#65 Co-Ed Sports
...I get to add another notch to the belt in a month with kickball.

#64 Recycling
...we must close the loop. unfortunately, I am not really helping.

#63 Expensive Sandwiches
...I wish I wasn't.

#62 Knowing What’s Best for Poor People
...I don't even know what's best for me most of the time.

#61 Bicycles
...my mode of transportation prior to 16 and again freshman year of college until I almost hit a Tiger Transit bus.

#60 Toyota Prius
...are their pedals sticking, too? (Note to reader: I wrote this on Monday and was quite amused when Toyota added the Prius to the recall list on Tuesday).

#59 Natural Medicine
...how about no medicine? Well, I guess Ricola from time to time.

#58 Japan
...don't think I've jumped on this bandwagon yet. Oh wait...I have driven a Toyota, followed by a Toyota, followed by a Mazda, followed by a Honda. I would say Japan plays an important role in my means of transportation.

#57 Juno
...I used to watch it on all my flights since I have it on my zune, and I totally own the slinky shirt. You know the one...

#56 Lawyers
...I thought about being a patent lawyer at one point during my college career.

#55 Apologies
...sorry seems to be the hardest word. That's what Sir Elton thought at least but not me. I'm totally on the unnecessary sorry bandwagon.

#54 Kitchen Gadgets
...have taken all of my money.

#53 Dogs
...this is in my top five at least.

#52 Sarah Silverman
...inappropriately wonderful.

#51 Living by the Water
...who wouldn't love that?

19.5/25

another win for google

2010-02-10T17:07:00.004-06:00

Can we talk about Google voicemail? Yes. I jumped on the bandwagon today with my droid, and I really wanted to get a message so I could laugh at how bad Google botched it...and I got my wish.

Hubbell lawyers check check check to get a check to see if you can transcript. This is Judy check. I know you.

I'm pretty sure the only words that match are check. And the guy who called me was not named Judy.

This is Judy check...I know you.

Small things, ladies and gents. Small things.

white people: day 2

2010-02-09T14:56:00.000-06:00

I went swimming this morning at the gym and can I just say that it was soooo refreshing. You should try it.

#100 Bumper Stickers
...life is good for only $1 yo.

#99 Grammar
...missed no questions in this section both times I took the ACT. This blog really doesn't show it. On a different note, I think engineering if slowly causing my already lacking vocabulary to disintegrate.

#98 The Ivy League
...I had a crush on Harvard in 10th grade.

#97 Scarves
...see #111.

#96 New Balance Shoes
...although my new shoe of choice is asics, I've owned my fair share of new balance shoes.

#95 Rugby
...yep.

#94 Free Healthcare
...negative.

#93 Music Piracy
...only the legal stuff.

#92 Book Deals
...if I could write...yeah. sure.

#91 San Francisco
...do I even need to explain myself?

#90 Dinner Parties
...a chance for someone to embarrass themselves. winner.

#89 St. Patrick’s Day
...the green breakfast my mom made every year growing up just made my love for this holiday even stronger.

#88 Having Gay Friends
...guys.

#87 Outdoor Performance Clothes
...I live about 5 minutes from an REI. Need I say more?

#86 Shorts
...by shorts do you mean the 15 pairs of soffees I owned in high school or the 10 pairs of nike shorts I own now?

#85 The Wire
...never watched it.

#84 T-Shirts
...I am a t-shirt whore. Sorry, that is offensive and derogatory, and I shouldn't have said it. Most recent shirt added to my collection...
#83 Bad Memories of High School
...I only remember good things. I guess I had a unique experience.

#82 Hating Corporations
...I work for one.

#81 Graduate School
...in my future.

#80 The Idea of Soccer
...the idea...yes. trying to pronounce (and totally botching) the players' names like I'm a big fan...yes.

#79 Modern Furniture
...Ikea is my heaven on earth.

#78 Multilingual Children
...I like children. Multilingual included.

#77 Musical Comedy
...13 or so years ago my brother introduced me to a cd by the name of They're All Gonna Laugh at Me. Lunchlady Land was our anthem.

#76 Bottles of Water
...grape flavored Aquafina is my new favorite which is weird because I've always been a Dasani person.

I gave myself 2 points for St. Patrick's Day. So another 2.5 deduction...22.5/25.

white people: day 1

2010-02-08T19:51:00.002-06:00

This came up in work today...and by came up I mean I brought it up. For those of you have not become acquainted with Stuff White People Like, you officially will...now.

I decided to see just how white I was by going through each item. There are 131 on the list so I am breaking this up over the work week. Aaaannnnnnddddd GO!

#131 Conan O’Brien
...duh. I think I've already voiced my opinion on this.

#130 Ray-Ban Wayfarers
...love them but love Target's knockoffs even more. Oh...and my Auburn pair.

#129 Banksy
...I'm gonna say no since I just had to google to see what the heck this was. British artist by the way.

#128 Camping
...I prefer it with s'mores.

#127 Where the Wild Things Are
...yes. yes. yes. My mom read this to my nephews when I was home one weekend last fall, and I was into it more than the three of them combined.

#126 Vespa Scooters
...would I ride one if given the chance? heck yes.

#125 Bob Marley
...only in the summer but I definitely listen to him enough for the whole year in that one season.

#124 Hating People Who Wear Ed Hardy
...this is only recent to me thanks to Jon Gosselin and the Jersey Shore cast.

#123 Mad Men
...one person put it perfectly...90% of men would go gay for Don Draper. The other 10%? Already gay. I have loved Mad Men from the start.

#122 Moleskine Notebooks
...I almost buy one every time I go to Borders.

#121 Funny or Ironic Tattoos
...ummm...or just tattoos in general? or shows that are about tattoo parlors? did I just type parlor? yes.

#120 Taking a Year Off
...can not wait to do this.

#119 Sea Salt
...preferably on my pita chips.

#118 Ugly Sweater Parties
...only if the sweater belongs to my mom and she wore it in the recent past.

#117 Political Prisoners
...any criminal behind bars makes me feel safer.

#116 Black Music that Black People Don’t Listen to Anymore
...does Outkast's Aquemini and Stankonia count?

#115 Promising to Learn a New Language
...only for 10 years. I even started a notebook at one time. Italian is my language of choice...to promise to learn.

#114 America
...FUDGE YEAH! Comin' again to save the mother f'ing day yeah! (G rated version).

#113 Halloween
...

#112 Hummus
...see #119. I ate a whole tub of it last night while watching the super bowl.

#111 Pea Coats
...I'm wearing one right now...inside.

#110 Frisbee Sports
...interested but have yet to jump on the band wagon. I do love to throw the frisbee at the beach at least once a day.

#109 The Onion
...uh huh.

#108 Appearing to Enjoy Classical Music
...I like that Beethoven fellow.

#107 Self Aware Hip Hop References
...use them all the time. No joke, ladies and gents.

#106 Facebook
...not as much now as I did when there was studying to be avoided.

#105 Unpaid Internships
...fortunately, my internship was paid.

#104 Girls with Bangs
...if by like you mean jealous I can never have them since I always wear my hair curly...then yes. Apparently I wear my hair. Hmmm.

#103 Sweaters
...proud owner of tons upon tons. Unfortunately, none of the Dr. Huxtable style.

#102 Children’s Games as Adults
...don't get me started.

#101 Being Offended
...they called it right. I do get offended for others rather than myself most of the time.

28.5 out of 31? Sure.

love it

2010-02-08T09:03:00.001-06:00

puppy bowl...

2010-02-05T11:30:00.005-06:00

...the other bowl game I look forward to on Super Bowl Sunday. For a good two minutes of aww-ing, click here for the starting line up, and don't forget about the kitty halftime show.

I am a spaniel girl so of course of love, love, LOVE Winston and his crazy ears.

My heart = melted.

sips n strokes...minus the sips

2010-02-04T16:12:00.002-06:00

Sips N Strokes made me feel like I was a professional artist. Apparently, they are instructed on how to paint as well. Seriously though, all day I've been mapping out my future painting endeavors.

Can I just add that our "funky vases" were totally funky, and we didn't follow the rules as far as colors go? FYI to Emily since I know you don't like to follow directions when painting.

mish mash

2010-02-02T12:55:00.003-06:00

Just finished reading a few news articles on my break. Can I just say that I really enjoy the random ones? I mean the odd headlines really grab my attention. For example...

Article 1: A 9 year girl gave birth to a healthy baby boy. I'm pretty sure I was outside either jumping on the tramp or playing tennis in the street when I was that age. Craziness.

Article 2: Optical illusions. Love them which is probably why I enjoy MC Escher so much. Here were a couple of my faves in the article.

Focus on the center

Can I also mention the fact that I almost busted my butt like five times this weekend while wearing my boat shoes out in the snow? You heard me. They were the easiest waterproof shoes I had to put on...little did I know that I would basically be iceskating in them. Snow pictures!!!

NEW UKE ALERT

2010-01-26T09:28:00.001-06:00

I officially am the owner of multiple ukuleles. Emphasis on multiple and ukuleles. That's right. I bought a beautiful Oscar Schmidt Tenor Uke and received it last Monday. A tenor uke is a good bit bigger than the soprano I've been playing. Actually it is probably more comparable to a junior guitar in size. And I love, love, love it. With that being said, I decided to put my YouTube account to use since it makes uploading videos pretty simple...

The Beatles - In My Life

runner's delight

2010-01-25T12:14:00.001-06:00

For those of y'all who were wondering, what is this Music City Half countdown in Beth's side bar...let me fill you in. I am running the Country Music Half Marathon on April 24th of this year. I started running last year for one of my new year's resolutions, and I thought I would step it up a notch this year by signing up for a half marathon.

Last week was my first week of training, and I have a wonderful (and experienced) training partner Amy (check out her bliggity blog here). I must admit that after the bad weather/horrible training week I had I was kind of worried about my first "long" run this morning, but no worries. I finished the 4 mile run in a faster pace than I had been running all week,

I am really excited to see how far I can push myself. I have always been on the competitive side so I know I will enjoy some healthy running competition. The fun part about all of it is I can compete with myself and previous paces/running times.

The 4 miles we ran were actually part of the race and took us from the bars on Demonbreum down Music Row passed Belmont University down Belmont Blvd to Lipscomb. Oh...and I got to run over the interstate. It's the small things for me.

There were tons of folks out running (probably training for the same race) which made it fun for me because I tried to smile and say hey to everyone I passed. Plus, it helped me stay positive because I could NOT let these people down and walk one second. Oh...and I swear I got passed by the same guy like 10 times. He was running with his daughter so he would run passed me then jog in place for a few minutes waiting for his daughter to catch up then pass me again, etc. It was pretty funny and definitely prepared me for getting passed come race day.

I felt like such a dork when I had finished because I definitely turned to Amy and said..."That was so liberating." I do still stand by that statement, though. FYI. Oh and did I mention that old school Outkast got me through a majority of my run? You heard me. I'm talking BOB and Rosa Parks.

thanks again, carole...for being awesome

2010-01-21T12:43:00.000-06:00

It's raining and gross outside, but I heard this song on the way into work and it instantly made my day better...

Way over yonder is a place that I know
Where I can find shelter from hunger and cold
And the sweet tasting good life is easily found
Way over yonder, that's where I'm bound

I know when I get there, the first thing I'll see
Is the sun shining golden, shining right down on me
Then trouble's gonna lose me, worry leave me behind
And I'll stand up proudly in true peace of mind

Way over yonder is a place I have seen
In a garden of wisdom from some long ago dream

(Insert mean sax solo here)

Maybe tomorrow I'll find my way
To the land where the honey runs in rivers each day
And the sweet tasting good life is so easily found
Way over yonder, that's where I'm bound
Way over yonder, that's where I'm bound

Why do I like it besides the lyrics and the fact that the title is the phrase Way Over Yonder? Her rendition is so, SO soulful. But Beth, you always say that about her...and I mean it. What can you say? The woman's got soul. I mean this song really reminds me of an old gospel song, and that makes me smile.

Her live performance of this song at Carnegie Hall in 1971 compliments of yours truly.

check it

2010-01-18T19:41:00.002-06:00

Pretty amazing story...

Great, great write up in New York Magazine here.

Lady and Her Uke

2010-01-16T14:51:00.000-06:00

A quickie para tu. Lets just call this one a mixture of two versions of the song. Fugees and Lori Lieberman.

Killing Me Softly Cover

This was my cabin song when I went to Camp Mac after 5th grade. I have loved it ever since. Hello, sentimental Beth.

my name is beth and i'm forgetful...hi beth

2010-01-13T20:46:00.004-06:00

Raise your hand if you finished stretching in your hotel room and were ready to hit the gym only to find out that you forgot your tennis shoes at home...that's right. Word. I guess I'll be hitting up the Wally World special tomorrow and from now on out will keep one of my twenty pairs of tennis shoes in my car. Lesson learned. Argh.

Good news is I get to watch the season premiere of Big Love tonight thanks to HBO at the hotel. Woot.

Check this sign out I passed on the way to JC today. You'll never guess where I was.

team conan

2010-01-12T22:18:00.004-06:00

I'm on Team Conan. Not sure if there are teams yet but I have chosen...and it was an easy choice. I mean the guy brought us Triumph, the invisible string dance, hornymanatee.com, the Walker Texas Ranger lever, etc. Really though I just liked how he made complete fun of himself and his show.

I hope that if he continues on in late night entertainment that he teams up with a network AND time slot that allows him to bring his old material back.

And while we are on the subject of Triumph...

seriously?!

2010-01-11T20:48:00.004-06:00

Carole and James are coming to Nashville on May 22nd, and I'm going to be in a wedding that day...in O-town! Seriously, CK and JT? Couldn't you have checked with me first? No worries. I have a plan B that goes by the name of Atlanta, and if you are interested in joining in on the fun aka watching me cry my eyeballs out with every song Carola sings then give me a holler.

...I just wish they were playing at Chastain. Not big enough for the two of them.

check it

2010-01-11T14:06:00.001-06:00

I've been on one of those read halfway through a book then insert new book here streaks lately. This weekend I was suppose to head to ATL for the broseph's bday, but thanks to snow and ice in Nashville and very concerned parents (God bless 'em) I ended up staying in the Nash. I had a completely relaxing weekend filled with a few films (I finally watched (500) Days of Summer...and loved it) and a visit to Borders which is one of my fave things to do.

I sat around and read books I wasn't going to buy for a while and listened to some music on my zune. Although, I will say that Borders normally has a good song loop in stores. The Avetts and Beatles were on while I was in there, but I decided to listen to some new music so I wouldn't try to sing along while reading. Speaking of the Beatles, I found this book next to the one I was going to get and had been eyeing for about a year since I saw it in a bookstore in O'Hare.

Someone definitely doesn't like the Beatles, and his name is ___luah Wald.

I ended up buying "Girls Like Us" which is three biographies rolled into one: Carole King, Joni Mitchell, and Carly Simon. Can we say jackpot? So far I've read through the intros for all three, and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. I mean lets be honest...I knew I would. It follows the lives of Carole, Joni and Carly (yes, we are all on a first name basis), how they came of age and how their lives were representative of all women coming of age in the 60s. I always felt I was born in the wrong decade so I know I am especially going to enjoy this book and all it has to offer.

I thought I'd leave you with a few of my faves from each of these ladies.

Lady and Her Uke

2010-01-09T09:36:00.001-06:00

So...I wrote a song and recorded it in a total of like five minutes. It's super serious and deep so get ready to be blown away. And that is how you do sarcasm via writing. I call it...

Have You Seen Him?

tennis, anyone?

2010-01-08T13:52:00.003-06:00

Football season is over. Well, for the most part...I still get to cheer against the Patriots in the playoffs. Cheering against any New England based pro team is one of the things I do best. Not to brag. Since football is over, it's officially time to move on to the next sport...tennis (you thought I was going to say basketball, didn't you?).

Now for those of you who are saying I just can't really get into tennis. Well, shame on you. Just kidding. But seriously. Most people that "can't get into tennis" just don't understand the sport that well and need to learn more about it before writing it off so quickly. Once you understand the general jist of the game though, it's great fun to watch and play. Believe me.

Tennis isn't the same game of grace and touch that it used to be although some players that excel in those areas are still at the top of the game. Tennis these days is a ridiculously physically demanding game. Just look at some of the men and women that are successful at the game. Most sports are physically demanding though, so what sets it apart from the footballs and basketballs of the world? The mental toughness it takes to play this sport. Just ask Dinara Safina.

When playing a singles match, you have no one there to blame but yourself, you have no one there to help you regroup but yourself, you have no one there to coach you...you guessed it...but yourself. Everything is riding on you and you only. There aren't many sports you can say the same about, and believe me, it can take a serious toll on a player. I did break a racket or two in my day.

I am really excited about this year in tennis. For the past couple of years, I have expended most of my tennis energy cheering for Federer (and the newbie Oudin as of Wimbledon 2009) and against the Williams sisters and Nadal. Not this year though.

Two of my faves, Clijsters and Henin, that retired before their time to enjoy a normal life were reminded that they just weren't that mediocre.

So they are back in the game, and with Clijsters returning to the majors last year via a wildcard spot in the US Open and taking the trophy home, I'd say they really haven't lost much of their abilities while being away from the game. Plus, they've already proven that they are ready to dominate the year by meeting in the finals in the first tournament of the year (and Henin's first tournament back). Get ready, 2010.

i'm baaa-aack (in my best poltergeist voice)

2010-01-07T10:31:00.004-06:00

Oh my gosh, Beth. Are you like...okay?

I sure am. Back and better than ever with a lot of fun to tackle in 2010 and a lot to catch you up on from the last month of 2009.

First things first, though. Check this out.

For those of you thinking, wow...this is a really big ice sculpture of Al Gore blowing smoke out of his mouth. Well, you are correct. Let me fill you in on a little more detail. This is the 2nd Annual Frozen Gore brought to us by some friends up in Fairbanks, AK. The first Frozen Gore was designed and revealed in an attempt to get Gore to visit Fairbanks and discuss his theories on global warming. Unfortunately, Gore had a scheduling conflict which the guys in Fairbanks found interesting because they never specified a date. For more info, you can read the press release here.

word

2009-12-21T21:35:00.003-06:00

I'm just not in a blogging mood as of late. Maybe over the break I can catch you up on life. It's been a pretty busy December. Tomorrow I head home for Christmas. So on that note if you are driving home this holiday season please please PLEASE enjoy this wonderful tune on your way...

christmas card fun

2009-12-07T14:54:00.005-06:00

I have a lot to dish about the last week, but first things first...it is less than three weeks until Christmas (woot!), which involves the wonderful tradition of sending Christmas cards. Well this year Trey and I decided to do a video Christmas card. So with that said...Merry Christmas!

Yes...those are Guitar Hero drums.

why my mom is awesome

2009-11-29T21:48:00.001-06:00

Rockettes, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and my mom and bro-ha. Usually I join in, but I sat back and recorded this year...

Oh...and she didn't realize I was recording her at first. She just thought I was taking her picture until she saw the phone up again.

mainstream

2009-11-25T12:24:00.002-06:00

I decided to take it pretty darn mainstream for this cover. The acoustic version of this song really gets stuck in my head so I thought what better way to get it out than cover it. Ta-da...

Paparazzi - Lady Gaga

let the vacation begin

2009-11-24T12:26:00.001-06:00

I'm writing this blog while sitting at my parents house in a ski bib from middle school. Believe it...and allow me to explain.

I just got home for the holidays, and I walked in my room to find the following: the madre's lightbulb/Christmas ornament cardigan (my fave of her Christmas sweaters. She thinks it's rude/funny that I want to borrow one of her sweaters for a tacky Christmas party), a dickie to go underneath the sweater (of course), khaki overalls with Auburn decor all over them (not really sure what these are), and a ski bib.

My mom was convinced that my ski bib from middle school would still fit, but I didn't believe her. Well ladies and gents...she was correcto, and therefore I am currently wearing it mainly because it's pretty dang cold in this casa. Also because it is totally fashion forward...duh.

So my past week was pretty busy even though I got to stay at home ALL week. Whoa. Lets start with Monday.

MONDAY was Regina preceded by Flying Saucer which were both absolutely wonderful.

On TUESDAY I signed up for the Country Music Half Marathon (woot!), got my new Droid phone, joined Twitter (due to my new phone), and I got to have dinner with my pops since he was in town.

WEDNESDAY was pretty normal. I went to the gym to start pretraining for my half marathon training, and it went really well. Again I say...woot!

THURSDAY. Gymed it. Mustache Thursdayed it with gal friends. Loads of fun.

FRIDAY was Mexican with the friends as well as a night on the town in Midtown which included talking to a few Jordanians...??? Oh and can I say that I went into work every single day this week? I think that's the first time that's happened since maybe when I interned. Haha.

SATURDAY = nothing = what I did all day. It was so great. I've been traveling during the week for so long and have really not had a weekend break lately due to either more roadtrips or friends/family coming to visit. Which is the case for the next three weekends as well so it was nice to have a break for once.

SUNDAY was so fun. I had brunch with the girls which included Christmas tunes and delightful homemade waffles. I tried out a new recipe for Turkey Sausage Balls which were actually better than regular sausage balls to me because they tasted the same but weren't as greasy. I also put all of my Christmas decor up since I probably won't have time until after the girls weekend in Denver. Oh and I almost had a nervous breakdown. Basically I thought I had mold all under my kitchen floor, but I didn't. I can explain in detail if you want to know, but I'll leave it at that for now. And I almost had a nervous breakdown because I knew I was about to be gone for about two weeks and wasn't sure what to do.

MONDAY was a car day. I spent about 9 or 10 hrs in my car. I drove to JC for a customer meeting, and it lasted maybe 15 minutes. Then I drove down to ATL to spend the night with the broseph. We went to a really good mexican restaurant called Pure that was in downtown Woodstock. We also did a little Christmas music recording so stay tuned for that.

I'm pretty sure they should put some sort of max character limit for posts because I feel like I've typed a dang textbook. Anyways, I'm out for now. Happy Thanksgiving! YEA for the Purina Dog Show!!!

Oh one more thing. I don't know if y'all remember my post from last Christmas season about the baby Jesus/Santa snowglobe. Well my mom found this oh so precious ornament while she was at the Biltmore for a girl's weekend a month or so ago.

How sweet is that?

From my bro-ha...I have a uke on my tree!!!

regina

2009-11-18T10:54:00.001-06:00

I finally got to see Regina Monday night...at the Ryman...with some vino and a new friend in hand. The guy beside me had flown in from Cincinnati to see her, and he thought I was a Vandy student which I took as a compliment. We chatted about music and how long we had been Regina fans and how awesome she is in general.

I also got to attend the show with my mom for a few songs. My mom is a huge fan and her favorite song is "Hotel Song" which I think is hilarious so I called her and let her sing along. She loved it.

I've already found a few videos from last night. Isn't YouTube just wonderful? The usher near our section was pretty strict about recording videos so props to whoever recorded these.

Some friends and I were discussing after the show how she never really talked to the crowd. She was very thankful and polite but never really segwayed into the next song with an explanation. But lets be honest...if she tried to explain her songs it would probably go way over everyone's heads. She's kind of a lyrical genius.