I just want one snow day!

It seems like the word “snow” in Nashville really translates into “The world is ending!” Now, I realize I didn’t necessarily grow up in the “north.” But I also have come to realize that 150 miles is enough to make a significant difference. The entire three years I’ve lived here, it’s never really snowed in Nashville. I mean, there’s been a light dusting a few times, but no real accumulation. So when I moved here and realized how crazy Nashvillians get about weather, it became quite humorous. The forecast would call for snow flurries and then next thing you know, every grocery store in town was out of bread, milk, and eggs. I always wondered why people did this. Did they really think they were going to get snowed in and not be able to go anywhere for days? I really think that’s what they believed. This past winter, has been even more ridiculous. There have been at least three occasions where school has been cancelled because of inclement weather. And by inclement weather, I really mean rain. The first two times, there was not even a wintry mix…just rain. Earlier this week, it did snow for a whooping 20 minutes. Enough to do absolutely nothing. Now, while people here were talking about not knowing if they could get to work because of the deteriorating driving conditions (um…no!), Kentucky and Arkansas have been in a state of emergency.

Crazy ice storms hit earlier this week leaving inches of ice on top of everything. Trees were weighed down so heavy that limbs were breaking and trees falling all over the place. Most people in the town I’m from don’t have electricity, cable, or water. My mom is in town visiting for a couple weeks. Their power went out on Tuesday night. She has been staying at my grandma’s, who must be one of the few with electricity. Apparently, they’re saying it could take up to a week to restore everyone’s power. And that the county had turned off the limited water supply due to filtering concerns. They were bringing in generators today from other states and should have water restored in the next 24-48 hrs. On top of that, the 911 numbers aren't working. The news is reporting a half a million people are without power in Kentucky alone. Now, while I’m really dying for a snow day right about now, that’s not exactly what I’m talking about!

You can click here and here to read more.

Question of the day!

So, if you know me, you know that I have a deep appreciation for the 80's. Movies, music, trivia, banana clips...the whole deal. So, today, I pose this question...

"If you were going to have an 80's movie marathon, what movies would you definitely watch?"

History As We Know It

I totally got the warm fuzzies today! I am actually excited about the hope that our new president brings. I know there are many out there who are not excited, but I definitely am. I will remember today as a day I watched history unfold itself before my eyes. There were points where I was just like, “Wow! This is exciting!” There were also points where I was like, “Wow…Aretha, what is on your head?”

But during times when our country is in such a crisis, it is nice to see hope and dreams come alive.

Some things I thought were interesting (beside that hat!)

The transfer of power from Bush to Obama officially happened even before he took the oath.

The mishap with the 35 word oath. Whoops to both of you, Barack Obama and John Roberts!

They were moving stuff out of the White House and painting as the inauguration was going on.

Those precious girls are absolutely beautiful!

Rick Warren’s prayer was looooong and somewhat exhausting.

Some of those ex-presidents look old! I was impressed how not old Jimmy Carter looked though.

I thought it was pretty awesome that Barack, Michelle, Jill, and Joe walked George and Laura to the helicoptor pad. I mean, it just came across as incredibly respectful.

A friend posted about this kid who is Obama’s speechwriter. Check This guy out. Wow! Thanks, Jon…you make me feel incredibly insignificant. Are you single?!

Okay, that’s enough rambling for now.

The Christian Bubble

I was having a conversation with a friend tonight about things that get under my skin about Christianity. Sometimes I get so frustrated with people who are supposed to be the most "Christ like." I don't want to be like that.

Am I living in a Christian bubble? Am I naive to the things that go on around me? Even the things that I know about, but don't agree with.

I do not want to be in that bubble. If I am, it makes me sad.

Anemia, you are not my friend!

I had hopes of writing something profound for the new year, but so far, 2009 has been a little rocky. I had a pretty great New Years Eve hanging out with one of my absolute favorite people in the whole wide world. But I woke up New Years Day feeling lots of sinus pressure. I went to the doctor Friday because I knew I wouldn’t be able to shake it. I had a sinus infection…no big deal, but I also found out a lot more information about why I keep getting sick. The doctor said I am severely anemic. A normal person's count should be between 12-19 and mine was at 9. Apparently, at 8, people start needing blood transfusions! Um, scary…YES!! So, needless to say, I've been a little freaked out. Looking back at recent months, it all makes a lot more sense. Maybe I’m not a lazy piece of crap after all. I’m just anemic and my body hates me for it! I'm constantly so worn out all the time. When I do have the energy to exercise, it completely wears me out instead of making me feel better. I get winded from carrying in groceries. So, I'm trying to increase my iron intake and I was told to take prenatal vitamins (yes, I said PRENATAL!) and I have to get blood drawn again in a month to see if it's any better. Today is the first day I've actually felt normal again. So I'm praying for progress!

Holidays and Econ...um...thanks.

Um...so I just got this ecard. Apparently the WKU Econ department wants to wish me Happy Holdiays. I'm pretty sure the Econ department is why I almost didn't graduate.

Consumerism is the American Way...

I've been thinking a lot about consumerism the last week. It plays such a huge part in the "American Dream." We think the more stuff we have, the better life will be. Often times, I find myself caught up in the hype of things I don't need. I want them for the mere sake of wanting them. I saw this and am wondering "What if we all really did do this?" Pretty awesome.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVqqj1v-ZBU

The new stars of HSM3

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HSM3

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Mystery Worshippers?

Tonight, I got in a conversation with a friend about church. Apparently, he’s not too keen on the idea of attending church. Mostly because he feels like it’s too many times treated like a business transaction. Of course, my defensive walls come up. But I have to agree with him. For the most part, he’s right. We talked about churches using gimmicks to get people to attend, marketing techniques, and how sometimes Christians can be the most un-Christ-like people around. And sadly, I can’t argue. I can only hope that I’m different. That my friends are different. That my church is different.

Then, he sent me this article from today’s Tennessean.

The person sitting next to you in church today may look like an average visitor, but be careful, he might be taking notes.

A growing number of churches are using mystery worshippers, consultants giving congregations the same kind of unbiased, unfiltered feedback that secret shoppers give retail stores or restaurants. The mystery worshippers give churches the kind of honest responses that newcomers almost never do. From angry parking lot attendants to boring sermons, they let the churches know what they are doing right and wrong.

click here for the rest.

I think sometimes we worry too much about impressing people. Instead of letting the word of God speak to their hearts. Instead of letting the music soak their soul. Instead, we offer distractions.

I was reminded this summer in the Dominican Republic that the place we worship and the manner in which we do it are not the most important. I had an amazing experience in an unfinished church with cement walls, dirt floors, in a language I couldn’t understand. But God was just as present.

I don’t think that the secret shoppers are necessary if the church is doing what it’s supposed to be doing. If we are welcoming visitors, if we are showing the love of Christ, if we are being the hands and feet, then it seems unnecessary.

But on the other hand, if there are churches that are not doing such a good job in these areas, then I guess it’s good that they’re seeking help.

Thoughts?

I could put it in the want ads...

There are certain times it would come in quite handy to have a guy around.

Like tonight, I got home and it was 65 degrees in my condo. I need to buy a new air filter before I switch over to heat. I remember when I moved in, I was told that it was an irregular size. So now I have to figure out where to buy one and make sure it's the right size. I just want the chill out of the place! I'm tired of being cold!

It would also be nice if he could take out the trash, kill bugs, and pump gas.

My New Life Plan

Effective today, I'm starting on a new venture...a new "life plan." There are a lot of things that I should probably add, but I'm starting with four simple things that will contribute to my happiness and health.

1.) Get to work by 8:30
Lately, it's been a real struggle to drag myself in by 9. I know it's ridiculous...that's why it's on the list. Maybe once I get 8:30 down, I'll push it back to 8:15 and eventually 8.

2.) Brown bag my lunch
I've been eating lunch out a lot more recently. Probably more for socialization reasons that anything else. It's getting expensive...and it's not that good for me.

3.) Work out at the Y at least 3 times a week
I am not the greatest at being motivated to go work out, but I need to be. I've gained weight and now my clothes don't fit. Um...that's a big problem. I need to get my lazy butt in shape.

4.) Have a better attitude Well...I need to. Because lately, mine sucks.So, there they are...the three things that will slowly change my life.

Feel free to ask me how it's going and hold me accountable.

And just in case you're wondering, here's today's results.
1.) Got to work at 8:42 (not 8:30, but better)
2.) Took my lunch to work
3.) Worked out for 30 mins after work
4.) My attitude was better...not great...but better. :)

Yay for today!

Today is my three year anniversary of me moving to Nashville. Crazy!

Back to blogging

I just found out that some friends are either back to blogging, or taking a stab at it for the first time!

YAY!

Crystal - http://myownrealityshow.blogspot.com/

Ashley - http://catdawg04.blogspot.com/

Jenny - http://borderspatrol.blogspot.com/

Brandon - http://amindstrainingproject.blogspot.com/

The Nashville "Gas Crisis"

Okay, okay…so someone started a rumor in Nashville Friday that by the end of the day, the whole city would be out of gas. Well…pure pandemonium broke out…and what do you know?! By Friday evening and into Saturday, 95% of Nashville gas stations were out of gas. You know what I think? It’s absolutely absurd! CNN.com posted this article yesterday.

When I left work Friday, I probably passed at least a dozen gas stations on my way home. Every single one of them was out of gas. I was curious if the Kroger near where I lived had any, so I turned to go into the parking lot. I couldn’t even get in the parking lot. If I’d wanted groceries, there would have been no way for me to get in. There was a lady from a local restaurant asking people if they wanted to place an order while they wait. Um, seriously?! What in the world.

I decided that my 1/8th of a tank was going to have to last me…at least for the night. I went to hang out with some friends. On the way home at 2am, I decided to count the number of gas stations I passed. 19. All of them out of gas except for one of the sketchiest stations in the area. They had 2 pumps and there were at least 40 people in line. Did I mention it was 2 in the morning?!

Yesterday, I decided to venture out. I passed the same Kroger with the same line. I’d guess that people who were in that line were waiting at least two hours. I was afraid if I got in line, they’d run out. There were at least 100 cars in line. I continued driving. I passed about 40 gas stations and none of them had gas. Finally, I saw a gas station with gas. The line was about half a mile long. 20 miles later, I found another gas station. At this point, I didn’t think I’d find another one with gas. So I sat in the line that blocked one lane of traffic, cut through the Bank of America parking lot, to where there was a man directing traffic, across a blocked road, and into the gas station parking lot. 40 minutes later, I had a full tank.

I had some friends who opted to sit in line at my option 2…the half mile line. They waited over an hour.

Apparently, they’re saying that Nashville probably won’t be back to normal until Thursday or Friday. Well, as much as everyone is freaking out…who knows how long it will be. Every gas station that gets a shipment in has a million people lined up. I guess I’ll just be waiting this one out!

Boo-yah!

Here's my fantasy football team. Feel free to leave me a comment and let me know what you think of my drafting skills. :)

Marion Barber
(Dal - RB)
Terrell Owens
(Dal - WR)
Brandon Jacobs
(NYG - RB)
Wes Welker
(NE - WR)
Rudi Johnson
(Cin - RB)
Chris Cooley
(Was - TE)
Joey Galloway
(TB - WR)
Justin Fargas
(Oak - RB)
Matt Schaub
(Hou - QB)
Brett Favre
(NYJ - QB)

Bon-bon Shaking Duties on Hold

Apparently, Ricky Martin had twins. My favorite part of the article was "Martin is thrilled about the births and is stepping back from his duties as a bon-bon shaking celebrity to be a dad." Um...yeah.

So, what's up with all these single guys getting women to have their babies?

Yes, I'm Stubborn

stubborn:
1 a (1): unreasonably or perversely unyielding
(2): justifiably unyielding
b: suggestive or typical of a strong stubborn nature
2: performed or carried on in an unyielding, obstinate, or persistent manner
3: difficult to handle, manage, or treat
4: lasting

Last week, I was approached about joining a fantasy football league. I said I definitely wanted to participate. Now, I know I don't know much about football...and by "much," I really mean "anything," but I'm always up for a little friendly competition. I thought being in a fantasy football league would be fun. A few days went by and then I was kicked out. They said it was because I was the last to join. I am pretty sure it was because I am a girl. I was determined to get back in. Today I was asked to rejoin the league. YAY!

Now I need to figure out what to do. Any tips anyone can offer will be great! Who do I need on my team?

Oh yeah, I need a good name too!

Fight Like A Girl!

This year I will be participating in the Komen Greater Nashville Race for the Cure® on October 4th in downtown Nashville. My friend, Laura, was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this summer. I will be walking with Laura's team Fight Like A Girl to support her and her fight against breast cancer.

I believe everyone should fight for causes they can be passionate about. This is definitely something I want to support, and I'm hoping you will as well.

Statistics show that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. If you would like to make a difference, please consider donating through this website, or you can sign up to walk along with me and my team.

Follow This Link to visit my personal web page and help me in my efforts to support Greater Nashville Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure

I miss my dad!

I miss my dad today. It's hard to believe that it's been two years.