Puzzle Solved August 13, 2008

 

So the wordle post (below) was a bit of a success, but as I mentioned in the opening line the idea was not mine. The week prior I was surfing Dawg blogs as usual and came across another Dawg fan’s site that introduced me to Wordle. I made a mental note (or so I thought) to do some Wordles on my blog, but link to the genius that started the idea.

I’m apparently older than I feel because for the life of me I could not find the original Dawg blog to h/t. It has been driving me nuts! I cannot stand people who steal creative ideas from others. Its so easy to do on the internet & I see it more & more all the time. Most of you know I have a friend with a hugely successful Dawg blog who’s been dealing with some asshat that’s trying to rip off his blog. So, I’m determined now more than ever to give credit where credit is due.

Dave Akins stopped by and left a comment on my blog yesterday solving the puzzle of who started my wordle addiction. Check out Dave’s wordles - they’re better than mine and the first one is pretty funny. Also he’s a Dawg fan and that’s reason enough to add him to your list of blogs to check out.

Thank you to Dave for giving me back my sanity and letting me finally h/t you!  

 

***************** UPDATE****************

 

Dave just wordled some of Larry Munson’s most famous calls and they are amazing. Considering this may be Larry’s last year, that’s a really cool way to honor him. And I’m sure Larry would agree.

Blog Fail June 11, 2008

 

So when I logged on to this here corner of the internet, I was for a moment a little afraid that WordPress would fire back a quick ”REJECTED!”-esque response. To my surprise, I apparently do not rank amongst the list of official M.I.A. bloggers afterall. Wonders never cease.

Anyhoo, I have no legitimate excuse except that life has handed me a few dips and turns as of late.  Winter term was a bitch, to put it mildly, and spring term quite frankly was even worse. As it turns out, planning for a summer break was a smart move on my part; unfortunately an act of necessity rather than frivolity though. No, I did not fail or get kicked out! << Shut it Bill >> But for the last 7 weeks I’ve been dealing with a health situation that’s had to take priority. I go in for surgery again tomorrow for the 3rd time, and most definitely the last. So, a big thanks to those that have prayed and continue to do so. They’re much appreciated and coveted. XOXO

I’m gonna be back in Athens by early July, come hell or high water dammit. Classes don’t start for me until after Labor Day, so I’m determined to have some fun this summer and get ready for Georgia football in the Fall. I’m officially a grown-up season ticket holder this year and I’m not missing a single home game. Go Dawgs!! 

Speaking of which… everyone who knows me knows that I love baseball (Go Braves! But you suck Glavine & Hampton) and have always loved the Diamond Dawgs. I actually got to go to a game Saturday (big mistake in retrospect, but it was worth it!) I got to meet Brian Jordan, who was so gracious & funny btw, and will have that pic posted soon. It’s on Rob’s phone at the moment so maybe I’ll get it by Christmas. Hint Hint.

Anyways, I’m determined to watch the Diamond Dawgs play Da U on Saturday night, regardless of being hopped up on pain meds. And I’ll be on my knees for the duration praying for a win. I’m so tired of seeing us go straight to the loser’s bracket. I’m pretty sure either Holder or Dodson will start Saturday night leaving Montgomery for game 2. For the love of Pete, please let the pitching be solid! That’s our only hope of getting to game 3, imo.  Montgomery is a sure thing, but Holder, Dream Weaver, Dodson, and even Moreau have not looked on their A game more times that I can recall lately. And Josh Fields’s last 2 outings were shaky at best. Good God, he looked downright embarrassing at times Sunday. Not good.

No worries about the lineup though. Guys like Massanari, Allen, Peisel, Olson, Cerione (what a cutie pie!), and Poythress have been hot and are conistent enough to even get our pitching staff out of jams. Oh, and then there’s this guy too, Mr. All-American ….

 

 

What is it with guys and Guitar Hero? Whatever, the kid is a freak with a bat and I’m just glad he’s still a Dawg gunning for the trophy in Omaha.

And, I hate to end things on a sad note, but I just got an email saying former Georgia QB John Rauch passed away yesterday. He was way before our time, but you can’t be a true Dawg without a little knowledge of Mr. Rauch. He did what Herschel did and what Stafford, Knowshon & Co. are dreaming of doing this season: Won the National Championship. I’m proud to say I was in Sanford when he was inducted into UGA’s Circle of Honor a few years back. It was one of the few times I ever had to hand my Dad a tissue. He was the epitome of a Damn Good Dawg and his accomplishments on the field & in coaching are legendary. Rest in peace Mr. Rauch.

So I guess that’s all for now y’all. Thank you again for all of the well wishes, cards, flowers, phone calls, food, and espcially the love!

 

Go Dawgs!

 

 

 

Ash Wednesday February 8, 2008

“Then Abraham spoke up again: Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, though I am nothing but dust and ashes.” Genesis 18:27

Okay, so I realize I’m a couple of days late in getting this post up but I just totally scrapped my original post in favor of something more personal. I’m just in that kind of mood right now.

I’m a Baptist, even though I grew up with some Episcopalian influence from my Dad’s side of the family and a Methodist Pastor in my mom. I kind of like that I’m mixed. The Episcopalian’s gave me real wine for communion, and a counter-balance from the real fundamental stuff I heard in Baptist Sunday school. The Methodist’s gave me an appreciation for social service in my community, and social justice globally. They always supported me in prayer, and encouraged my mission work overseas. And the Baptist’s gave me a love for Bible study, Hymns, a way to apply God’s word into my daily life, and the fellowship with other Christians I really need in my life.

Make no mistake, not one denomination is perfect. None of us are. Each come with their own set of questions, doubt, and even hypocrisy. It wasn’t until I was older, when my faith became my own, that I realized that God is the only perfect part of the equation. The church, even though Christ’s bride, is imperfect because its filled with imperfect humans. But the influence of each church and congregation, flaws and all, have helped to guide, protect, and shape my faith and who I am. My faith is very important to me. I was raised in church but spent my years of college away from church, with the exception of being a Chreaster of course. I know what my life is like without faith and I don’t ever want to go back. That’s not to say I don’t have moments of frustration, doubt, and even anger. I do, believe me. That’s sort of the reason for this post.

I lost my Dad before New Year’s. He had just turned 60. Not to be dramatic, but I still think I’m in a state of shock. It’s hard to fathom, comprehend, and imagine some days. Others, I just don’t want to get out of bed. I’m trying to live my life in a new town, a new school but it’s becoming increasingly more difficult to put on a happy face….especially since everywhere I turn lately I see my Dad. If there was one thing I did to make my Father proud, it was following him to Athens. It’s just a little ironic that I move back here 2 weeks before he passed away. I just assumed he would’ve experienced this with me.

I’m not angry or bitter at God though; I just don’t understand why. I probably never will. I am angry, no question. I’m pissed if you wanna know the truth. I’m disappointed in myself for not being a better daughter. I’m ashamed that I’ve taken that anger out on others, especially someone really close to me. And I’m frustrated that I can’t seem to figure out what to do next, where to go from here, etc., on my own. I’m just not happy, no matter what I do. I’m miserable a lot and I’m sick of it. The only thing I know to do is turn to God. I’ve been doing this all along, but not enough apparently. I’m holding onto stuff that’s beginning to eat me alive. I’ve seen what bitterness and resentment can do to a person and I refuse to let that happen to me. So I called the only old friend I have in Athens and decided to go with her to the Ash Wednesday service at her church, First Baptist. I was a little late, but am so glad I went. It was beautiful, solemn, and carthartic for me.

Ash Wednesday service is one of my favorite worship services of the year. If you’ve never been, you should go, if only to experience it once. The Lenten and Easter season mean more to me than Christmas, which is saying a lot. It’s just such a cleansing time and an opportunity to prepare your heart for Holy Week. Ash Wednesday for me is symboilc, but so purposeful. It’s when I can approach the altar in true repentance, seeking forgiveness for my sins and let go of past wounds. The struggle for me this year is that I haven’t held up my end of the bargain. I went to the alter Wednesday night and was marked with the sign of the cross from the ashes of last year’s palms. Yet I left there without leaving my biggest burdens. I sought to be forgiven, but wasn’t ready to forgive in return. That’s pretty selfish & arrogant, considering it’s really all God has asked of me, you know?

“And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those
who trespass against us.” Luke 11:4

I can’t go back to the altar during Holy Week and certainly not on Easter Sunday without obeying what little God has asked of me. I can’t go back to Him seeking grace & mercy for my life without first being willing to extend the same to others. And I can’t go back to worship my risen Lord & Saviour with a heart of anger. No way.

WWJD. That’s been on my mind the last couple of days. What would Jesus do with me right now? Don’t answer that. Seriously though, that’s the question I’ve been asking myself…. What would He do? What is He asking me to do? How do I get from where I am right now to where I need to be, where He wants me to be? I don’t know, but I know how to find out.

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be open to you.” Matthew 7:7

One of the most interesting parts of the season of Lent is it’s length - 40 days. Forty days from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday, excluding sabbaths. The number of days Moses was on Mt. Sinai in the presence of God (Exodus 24:18). The period that Noah was adrift on the ark (Genesis 8:6). The duration of Elijah’s journey to hear God’s voice (1King 19:8). And most importantly, the exact amount of time Jesus spent in the wilderness (Mark 1:13) after His baptism.

If it worked for Moses, Elijah, Noah, and Jesus then it will surely be sufficient for me. So, this Lent I have more than one sin to absolve. Who am I kidding? Let’s face it, I’ve got more than I care to count! But for this season in my life I’m choosing to focus on setting myself free. Free of the anger, guilt, resentment, bitterness, and shame that’s weighed me down lately.  Free to move forward and rejoice in the blessings I have, not mourn for the ones I’ve lost. And free to truly love & cherish those who love & cherish me.

I know that I won’t be leaving church on Easter Sunday fully and completely healed of my Dad’s death. That’s gonna come eventually, but not any time soon. I know that. But I also know that when I leave the altar on Easter I’ll be a lot closer to the grace & mercy I so desperately seek and want to extend to others, than I am right now. 

No Bars In More Places February 7, 2008

Back in August I switched from Veriz0n to Cingul@r and got what I thought at the time was a cool new red Samsung Sync (Go Dawgs!). I bought into the whole “more bars in more places” thing. What a steaming pile of poo that has been so far.

For the umpteenth time since August my phone decides to drop calls at random…. and always at the most inoportune times.

I was just talking with my best friend. To preface the conversation she says to me “don’t be mad, ok?” I’m listening to her intently and not mad at all actually. And as if on cue, the freakin’ call drops.

So this is what I have to say to Cingul@r…

So You Say It’s Your Birthday… February 3, 2008

The secret to a Happy Birthday can be found in achieving balance…

 

Forkful of cake, spoonful of ice cream…Forkful of cake, spoonful of ice cream…

Hope you have a great day and know what a blessing you are to so many, especially me!

“May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May the Lord shine His light upon you,
May the Lord be gracious to you
and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

Classic City Part Deux January 15, 2008

Okay, so I think I’ve officially qualified for the bad blogger of the month award. Not that it matters, I don’t have that many readers. I have the pathetic blog stats to prove it But seriously, I can’t believe its been a month since my last post. I guess time flies and all that…

Since my last visit here, a lot has transpired in my life. Some good, some bad. I closed up shop in Greenville, moved to Athens, lost my Dad after Christmas, transferred to ATC and started Winter Quarter. In that order. I can honestly say it’s been one of the toughest months of my life.

I won’t be writing about my Dad, because I don’t wanna go there, accept to say thank you to everyone who loved & prayed me through it. Correction, I’m nowhere near through it, so please keep praying. I covet them & appreciate the grace more than you know. Certainly more than I can adequately expressed.

One bright spot of many though, the Dawgs beat the shit out of Hawaii in the Sugar. Is Colt Brennan still alive? Damn. Go Dawgs! I hate that Munson missed calling this one. But, I really hate like hell that my Dad missed it - he would’ve LOVED that game.

Anyways, about the move… So, I love my new apartment. It’s in a great new community inside the perimeter. It’s new, elegant, chic, comfortable, and has really felt like home to me this week, rather than a place I visited to grab clothes to dash back to the upstate. I’ve only met one person in my complex so far though. It’s mostly just grad students & young professionals, which is nice. I’m not here to relive my college days, so the relative quietness is cool. I’m still getting settled in, my washer & dryer finally arrived today (Yea!), but all of the boxes are unpacked and pictures are making their way onto the walls. I hung a wreath on my door yesterday and baked some cookies earlier today. Silly maybe, but that’s how I know I’m home.

I guess it’ll take a little bit of time to really feel like an Athenian (sp?) again though. It’s so strange driving by campus everyday and not being a student! I’m sure I’ll love ATC, but I’d much rather be on Science Row.  Too bad UGA doesn’t offer my degree track yet

I decided that in order to truly regain my Classic City citizenship card again I need to do a few things in the next couple of weeks:

1. Join a gym - I miss ballet booty & need to get back into a regular routine.
2. Visit Churches - I have a few in mind & intend on visiting services soon. 
3. Get my license & tag updated - I got pulled last week by one of ACC’s finest (more blogging on that later) and got the lecture…even though I technically have 2 more weeks to get to the DMV, but whatever.

To that end, if anyone has any reccommendations on Athens gyms & churches, leave it in the comments section s’il vous plait. Merci!!

As far as my classes go, I’ve transitioned into ATC with relative ease…..so far. Getting used to the quarter system again is odd. My freshman year at UGA was their last on quarters. Winter quarter is a bitch, to say the least. Long lecture hours, long labs, same classes everyday, and everything is at warp speed to cram the term into 2 months. I’m taking Medical Microbiology and Applied Micro- & Biotechnology. The latter course is guaranteed to kick my ass much like Organic Chem last term. Ugh. C’est la vie je suppose.

But the good news is I may get a break from classes this week if the weather cooperates. Al Gore be dammed! Here’s hoping for a snow-day on Thursday!!

Anyways, it’s good to be back in the city I love so much; my own little version of copacetic. Thanks to everyone who’s wished me & my family well over the last few weeks.

PS - congratulations to Christina & Brian for finally gettin’ hitched on Sunday. Here’s a little Irish blessing that toasts you better than I could: 

May your mornings bring joy and your evenings bring peace.
May your troubles grow few as your blessings increase.
May the saddest days of your future be no worse than the happiest day of your past.

Christmas Vacation! December 13, 2007

I took my last 2 Finals today and I’m done for the term. Thank you sweet Jesus!

Insert Hallelujah Chorus

I just checked campus cruiser and my final grade for Organic Chemsitry is posted….I kept my B. Normally I would be pretty pissed, especially since I entered this term with a 4.0, but this class kicked my ass. Not a single course I took at UGA was harder than this class. So escaping with a B is not only something I’m okay with, but proud of as well.

Again I say insert the Hallelujah Chorus!!!

I was up ’til nearly 5am cramming last night, so I am more than exhausted, but all I could think about driving home was watching one of my favorite Christmas movies, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. I know almost every line and have seen it at least a million times, but never ever get tired of watching it.

“Holy Shit. Where’s the Tylenol?”

Best line of the movie by far:

Chevy Chase: “Where do you think you’re going? Nobody’s leaving. Nobody’s walking out on this fun, old-fashioned family Christmas. No, no. We’re all in this together. This is a full-blown, four-alarm holiday emergency here. We’re gonna press on, and we’re gonna have the hap, hap, happiest Christmas since Bing Crosby tap-danced with Danny fucking Kaye. And when Santa squeezes his fat white ass down that chimney tonight, he’s gonna find the jolliest bunch of assholes this side of the nuthouse.”

  

Enjoy your day at work tomorrow. I’ll be sleeping in

Ode To The Mixed Tape December 13, 2007

It’s after 2am and I should be in bed. Seriously, I really need to be in bed. I have my last two finals tomorrow: Immunology at 9am, then Genetics at 2:30pm. I’ve been quizzing myself with flashcards for hours now, with the help of some Krispy Kreme’s (just 2) and 4 tall glasses of Coke. The sugar & caffeine high was not the best of ideas, especially since I’m gonna crash hard in about 30 minutes, but it’s sure as hell better than this.

 

The unfortunate part of cramming, at least for me, is that your brain tends to wander off topic. I took mini breaks intermittently throughout the night, checking email, chatting with KK, making “things to do” lists for the move,  thinking about Christmas plans, etc…

But what really killed my rhythm (in a good way) was an email from Leah. She was asking to borrow my Christmas CD collection for her annual Christmas night party. Leah & Jason throw a fantastic party every year - all our friends stop by, have a few cocktails, eat some chinese food, dance, and escape the family drama. It’s seriously one of the highlights of the season for me.

Anyways, I’m known in our circle of friends as the one with all the Christmas movies & music. The collection is a little embarrassing, not because of the volume but because of the corniness factor. Exhibit A: I have in my possession the N’Sync Christmas album and Barry Manilow’s first Christmas LP. Need I say more? I didn’t think so. But I also have some cool stuff too like holiday tunes from The Drifters, Chuck Berry, The Eagles, The Beach Boys, The Andrews Sisters, Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong, Elvis, John Lennon, Bing & Frank, James Taylor, Bruse Springsteen, etc. 

So Leah asked if I would make a mixed tape version of my best stuff for her party. Even though I really do not have an ounce of spare time left, I’m too psyched at the idea of creating an old school mixed tape/cd to pass it up.

Here’s what I’ve got so far:

1. Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree - Brenda Lee
2. God Rest Ye/We 3 Kings - Barenaked Ladies & Sarah Mclachlan
3. Little Saint Nick - Beach Boys
4. White Christmas - The Drifters
5. O Holy Night - Charlotte Church
6. Mele Kalikimaka - Bing Crosby
7. Sleigh Ride - The Ronnettes
8. The Holly and The Ivy - George Winston
9. Please Come Home For Christmas - The Eagles
10. Santa Baby - Eartha Kitt
11. Last Christmas - Wham
12. Blue Christmas - Elvis
13. Winter Wonderland - Annie Lennox
14. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - James Taylor
15. The Christmas Song - Nat King Cole
16. Holly, Jolly Christmas - Burl Ives
17. Wonderful Christmastime - Paul McCartney
18. Santa Claus - Harry Connick Jr.
19. Ave Maria - Celine Dion
20. Feliz Navidad - Jose Feliciano
21. Drummer Boy - Mercy Me
22. Sing Mary Sing - Jennifer Knapp
23. Carol of the Bells/What Child Is This? - Point of Grace
24. All I Want for Christmas - Mariah Carey
25. Breath of Heaven - Amy Grant
26. Don’t Save It All For Christmas Day - Avalon
27. Do You Hear What I Hear? - Third Day
28. Jingle Bells - Barry Manilow
29. Christmas Don’t Be Late - Chipmunks
30. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - Frank Sinatra
31. Baby, It’s Cold Outside - Ella Fitzgerald
32. White Christmas - Bing Crosby
33. Christmastime Is Here - Sixpence None The Richer
34. Silent Night - Mark Schultz & Nichole Nordeman
35. Sweet Little Jesus Boy - Rebecca St. James
36. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town - Bruce Springsteen
37. Do They Know It’s Christmas? - Band Aid
38. Run Rudolph, Run - Chuck Berry
39. O Holy Night - N’Suck - but its really good I swear!
40. Celebrate Me Home - Kenny Loggins
41. Winter Wonderland - Louis Armstrong
42. Happy Christmas - John Lennon
43. Song For A Winter’s Night - Sarah Mclachlan

Best Christmas song ever!

Alright, so that’s what I’ve got so far. I want to stop at 50, but I’ve hit a brick wall. Let me know what I’ve left out and what your favorites are please! I need the help.

For now though, I’ve gotta get back to study-cram-ing. It’s now after 3am and sheer panic is starting to set in. These are the moments when, as my Dad loves to say… “you grab a bottle, hunker down, and pray for daylight.” No bottle for me, but praying I will do.

Wish me luck y’all!

That’s So Random December 9, 2007

I’ve been catching some serious hell for not updating my blog lately. I’m even catching it from myself. I had great intentions of doing a raging bitch of a post about the Dawgs getting screwed out of the mnc. I meant to do a post about getting shafted out of the Rose only to play the rainbows in the Sugar. I meant to do a post about this advent season, or one about my Thanksgiving/Christmas tree hunt/new puppy drama-filled day. But I didn’t. Sorry.

I’m finishing up my last term in school, getting ready for Christmas (you have no idea what this entails for me), and franticly getting ready to move back to Athens next week. Oh my God, did I just say next week? I’m in a total panic and still have exams to face this week. These are the times when only a Gin & Tonic can calm the frenzy. Pass the Tanqueray….

I’m not so sure if I’m gonna keep up the blog next term. Football season provides a lot of material and my life just isn’t that exciting. Not exciting enough to write down at least. The truth of it is this blog thing is a double edge sword to me really. The majority of people who keep telling me to update it are those that I speak to regularly and know what’s going on in my life. So what’s the point? The rest are folks who’ve found me because of The Dawgs.  And now that the season is coming to an end (I still can’t freakin’ believe it!) I just can’t see them sticking around to read about my latest goof at the gym. You know?

Plus, I’ve almost completed my ”road to copacetic.” At least for now.

I don’t know, we’ll see. I will be doing a post in the next few days on moving back to Athens though.

Anyways, here’s the really random portion of the post. I was just talking to a close someone and he’s never heard this song. I had never heard of  Gold Dust Woman, so we’re even I guess. Anyways, I think this is one of Fleetwood Mac’s best songs EVER. The story behind this song is one of absolute gut-wrenching betrayal. So if you’ve just gone through a break-up, put away the knives first…

  

“…Drowning in the sea of love
Where everyone would love to drown
And now its gone
It doesn’t matter anymore
When you build your house
Call me home”

Happy Thanksgiving! November 22, 2007

  

Happy Turkey Day Y’all

Ballet Booty just kicked my ass October 15, 2007

Christina, since you’re reading my blog this post is just for you. I know the last week has been brutal for you, so I hope this makes you laugh a little…

If you know me you know I’m a little obsessed with working out, eating healthy, & keeping in shape. I lost 11 pounds over the summer and got back to my high school swimming weight of 119 - hell yes! But for the last two weeks I just haven’t felt like hitting the gym, running my hills, or even eating right for that matter.  Much to my dismay, I gained 2 lbs back - hell no!

So, I decided to hit the gym today and take a class. Christina and I joined an advanced Ballet Booty class back in the summer. I emphasize advanced because if you’ve never taken a class, let me tell you it’s no joke. To start, the class is an hour and a half. You warm up with advanced yoga, then move onto the ballet bar for strentgh training (using your full body weight mind you). Next you kick it into gear doing cardio, aka “fanny busters”, on the double step-up boxes. These are a bitch, to put it mildly. And if you’re not dead by this point you finish by doing a minimum 100 core crunches on the ball. You can cool down by jogging a mile if you like. No, I’m not kidding.

I’ve been an athlete all my life and am in pretty good shape. I work hard for my body, and love a good workout. But seriously, I thought I was gonna die today. For some reason Natalie, our drill sargeant, was in a pissy mood and decided to take it out on the class.

Secrets September 30, 2007

Over the last couple of months I’ve become addicted to this website that Kit introduced to me. It’s called PostSecret. If you haven’t visited the site yet, you should. It started out as a community art project where people anonymously mail in their personal secrets on a postcard. It’s now become this cult-like phenomenon with currently almost 99 million hits on the site. I’m not entirely sure what Frank Warren’s (the founder) objective is with the project, other than to be some emotional outlet for people. It’s been talked about on the Today Show, Late Night with DL, and now there are a couple of books with previously published secrets. Every Sunday the site updates the newest, latest postcards of the week - and I never miss it.

The weird part is seeing yourself in some of the secrets. One night I was talking with a friend about something personal and then saw the same secret the next day on the site. Now, nearly every week I visit the site, I read something that I can empathize with, understand, or have experienced myself. More than not though, I read things that shock me and make me think about how other people live. Just know, you’ll read things that range anywhere from funny, weird, hopeful, and dark to those that are downright disgusting or bizarre. Either way it’s like watching an oncoming train wreck… and I can’t take my eyes off it.

I’ll be honest, the first time I clicked on PostSecret, it creeped me out for several reasons:

1) I felt like a voyeur, like I was invading someone’s private thoughts and feelings.
2) I felt depressed. A lot of the secrets are morose and some are just disturbing.
3) I had a heavy heart. It’s hard to read about someone hurting when you know you can do nothing but pray.

If you’ve never visited the site, you have to watch this video. It’s actually pretty well done, plays Sia as the background music (”Breathe Me” is one of my favorite songs btw), and does a much better job than me in explaining the project.

I know, it’s stunning right? I can’t justify why I keep going back every week or what draws me there. I have no explaination that’s plausable or adequate enough to convey the attraction. It is what it is, I guess. <I hate that expression, btw, but don’t know any other way to say it.>

If anything, it’s another weekly reminder of how small I am… I have a great life. I’m pursuing a dream. I have a bright future ahead of me. I have great friends and I’m surrounded by many people who love me. I possess 2 amazing gifts: faith and hope. I have no real problems compared to most in this world. I’ve only experienced suffering as an outsider, really. I know that I’m truly blessed beyond measure.

With all that being said, I wonder if I would ever have the courage to write out my deepest, darkest secret on a postcard. I wonder what I would write, what secret I would tell. I wonder if I would ever have the guts to mail it in, knowing damn well that it might be published. I wonder if anyone I know would recognize my secret or wonder if any of them are from me, could be me. I wonder. 

Anyways, I hope it speaks to you in some way like it does me. Check out the site and let me know what you think.

“Be my friend
hold me, wrap me up
unfold me
I am small
and needy
warm me up
and breathe me”

Never Forget September 11, 2007

It’s hard to believe that it’s been 6 years since the most horrific day on American soil since Pearl Harbor. I would love to say that I could blog eloquently about my reflections concerning that day, but quite frankly I just don’t have the energy, much less the talent.

Thankfully though, Kit wrote a great post remembering what that day was like for him. His list of memories triggered my own and I know they will do the same for you. Be sure to leave your list in his comments section.

I’m so thankful that I can never forget that day. September 11, 2001 sparked a fire in me to be a better American…To love, serve and honor my country. To preserve it’s values and respect it’s history. To revere those who courageously protect my freedom day and night. To continually seek God’s guidance and blessing upon a nation so magnificent only He could create.

  

May God Bless America.

Things every girl should know about drinking August 18, 2007

This is dedicated to Christina and Amy… remind me of this list the next time we decide to drown our sorrows.  

1. Chocolate Martinis are hella good and cure the craving for a swiss chocolate binge.

2. Gin & Tonics always taste better when chased with a Marlboro Light.

3. Lime garnishes matter.

4. Pick-up lines from random guys get more cheesy & pathetic as the night rolls on.

5. Bombay Sapphire rocks.

6. Frozen Margaritas are for amateurs.

7. That Sangria means “bloodletting” is more of a cautionary note than a simple fact.

8. There is nothing sexy or even remotely attractive about attempting karaoke when you cannot stand without assistance from your friends.

9. When a guy tells you he really is interested in listening to you blather on about what a shitty girlfriend you are, what he really means is “I just want to get in your pants.”

10. Don’t attempt to “do the dare” after more than 3 hours of non-stop shots, you’ll only succeed at making an ass out of yourself.

11. Not everyone likes a drunk dial at 2 in the morning. Sorry Bill!

12. There is no upside to shots of whiskey before downing a Michelob Light.

13. Furthermore, instead of trying to remember whether its ”beer before liquor” or the other way around, just do yourself a favor and stick to one or the other.

14. If you’re the first one to offer starting the tab, get drunk quickly & forget its your card still at the bar… then you deserve exactly what’s coming to you.

15. Instead of taking that 8th shot of Cuervo, one could just calmly walk into the street, lie down, & wait.  

16. For God’s sakes, be smart…always destroy the photographic evidence.

Movin’ On August 3, 2007

Most of you know by now that sweet Amy H. is leaving Greenvegas for a new life with Manny in Massachusetts soon. And to confirm the news, I received a “save the date” card in the mail today. Congratulations you two! That’s right, she’s getting married this December 15th and once again I’ve been asked to be a bridesmaid. For those of you counting, yes this will be my 9th time in the bridal party. Ten is my limit, I swear! Seriously though, I’m honored & overjoyed to stand up with Amy and so happy that she’s found a great guy. She is truly my oldest friend - we’ve known each other since birth. We grew up in church together, shared a few heartaches and growing pains, lots of laughs, and so many triumphs over the years.

 
I’ll miss you more than you know.

As happy as I am for Amy & Manny, I am completely sad as well. As much as Manny fell in love with Amy’s southern charm, a love affair with Dixie never materialized unfortunately. So they’re setting up house above the Mason-Dixon, much to my chagrin… and Amy will be moving to Boston next month. Sux for me.  

Since Amy is moving soon, this of course means my condo will be empty. I thought about leasing it out again and even had an offer last week, but I realized how much I’ve missed my bachelorette pad.  Don’t get me wrong, being at home this last year rebuilding my life has been just what I desperately needed. But, as you all have noticed, my life is so good right now & it just keeps getting better. I’m loving being back in school full-time, working (if you call it that) at the lab, being around so many people who love me and finding a new, great somebody. I just know that I’m ready to move on & move back into my home, you know? It’s time, I promise.

So, I’m sending out my own “save the date” card via this blog. Mark your calenders for Friday & Saturday October 5th & 6th - that’s when I’m moving back in. Yes, I know its football season, but I’ve done my homework. The Dawgs will be in Knoxville to collect rent, the lamecocks (sorry, but I had to) are playing UK on the 4th, and praise God none of y’all are Climpson fans. Because you all are such great friends I am prepared to reward you handsomely with plenty of beer, food, and a promise that we will be done before kickoff. If you can help, I would be much abliged & forever in your debt- just call me, shoot me an email, or leave a comment!