it's 2012, after all

Sometimes I find myself sad. Sad, annoyed, even a little mad. What causes this? Well generally it could be anything but at the moment, it's people who do not own iPhone's. iPhone users, check me - you're text messaging a friend and you have the perfect emoticon to replace the word "beer" or express your excitement with an awesome smiley rather than a ":)" but you realize the Send button is not blue and this person has not yet joined 2012. Your text message conversation could have been so much more fun and engaging with the use of graphics but noooooo, Droid is hindering your ability to use your iPhone powers to the best of their ability.

The same thing goes for Twitter. Just yesterday, an "ex" (it wasn't all that serious) followed me on Pinterest. I found this to be hilarious. Pinterest, for most intents and purposes, is a powerful tool for the female gender. Maybe males can find use for it too but I would rather they just stay away and let us have our fun. In light of this development, I turned to Twitter. Post: "Ex just followed me on Pinterest. Could explain why things didn't work out... X X X" Now to the Droid eye, X X X is what you get (and no I'm not saying I found him at an adult book store). BUT to those of us in 2012, you would have seen: Post: "Ex just followed me on Pinterest. Could explain why things didn't work out..." followed by a picture of a watermelon, a cake and a rainbow. Put it together and you have: Fruitcake and a Rainbow.

Ok so in retrospect, it was sort of lame. I'm going to group text on my iPhone now. You probably wouldn't understand.

It's Finally Here.

The night air is definitely beginning to have that crisp, Autumn feel. The sun is sinking into the horizon earlier and earlier each passing day. Small cities become ghost towns each Friday night as the bright lights beam down on the high school football fields. It's quickly approaching my favorite time of year.

This weekend, interstate travel will become increasingly difficult as the bulk of the state head East on I-40 with pompoms tucked in the truck, magnets on the doors and flags in the windows. The mission is simple - to congregate with friends who live in our neighborhood, attend the same church and whom we ran into at the grocery store just the other day all while enjoying some of the best traditions in the South. We will dress in our best shades of orange, ice down the cooler and head to our tailgates early enough to catch the Vol Walk and still be able to enjoy a few adult beverages and toss a little corn hole. We will get chills the first few times Rocky Top is played in our presence. Then just as we've made it to our seats - with all 100,000 of our best friends - we will sing Rocky Top in perfect harmony as our team rushes onto the field through the checkerboard endzone and Power T.

Ladies and Gentleman - It's Football Time in Tennessee! Happy game week and GO VOLS!!

lately in pics

Disclaimer - this is so random...

House: I've done a little updating. Really the only updating I've done since I've moved in. Pretty excited with how it turned out. (I don't have before pics handy but just know it's much better)

From brick red to Starkey Gray (Martha Stewart)

From a red and gold to Washed Denim (Martha Stewart)

Lovely new (to me), vintage dresser

Modes of Transportation: The next segment involves the interesting ways I've captured folks traveling this summer.

Beginning with this vehicle...

The writing says "Cashville's Finest Kandy P" with Hello Kitty on each side. Random.

Next we have these folk I captured at the river 4th of July weekend

Not your average Mule ride. Two seats in the back complete with a beach umbrella. Class.

And last but not least, these fellas...

That, my friends, is a guy pulling his son across an VERY busy intersection on his toy dinosaur

Really?

Only in my hood.

Happy Hump Day!

Go America!

I think it is sort of sad that up until the weekend arrived, I simply looked forward to the extra day off work. I'll go ahead and venture to guess I'm not alone. I'm looking forward to time spent in Memphis with the Auntie - drinking, pooling, golfing, eating - and time spent with the family on the lake. Tuesday, I start my new job. My learning curve is crazy intense but I'm gonna survive.

Happy Fourth of July to all and I'm glad I live in this wonderful country, where everyone has opportunities to be who they want and do what they want. It's all about the choices we make. I'm also glad you live in this country, otherwise we wouldn't be friends! Be honest.

crg

backstreet's back.

When I received a text from a fellow KD asking me if I would like to go to the New Kids on the Block/Backstreet Boys (better known as NKOTBSB), my first question was how much? In hindsight, it made absolutely zero difference how much. After some convincing, I agreed to pay to go see boy bands on a Tuesday night. Best.Decision.Ever.

Now I know all the typical NKOTB songs - Right Stuff, Hanging Tough, Step by Step, etc. But I was hardcore BSB back in my prime, at the ripe young age of 13. Me and the cousin used to record (on VCR, of course) the music videos on TRL and learn the "dances" they did. And yes, I still remember though they've since changed their moves. And when I was 13, they were... older than 13. I wasn't so sure that they'd be able to bring it like my original BSB concert experience. Well, I was wrong. (Though I certainly don't remember all the pelvic thrusting at the last show. Their kids must be so proud!) No disappointment here however. Between the smooth harmonies and Donnie Wahlberg ripping his shirt off and strutting around the stage (hilarious!), I was one happy girl. I seriously smiled from the time they stepped on stage until the time I left Broadway after making the big girl decision to head to the house rather than live it up at Tootsies.

Another thing of note - I feel myself and Nick Carter have quite the kindred hearts when it comes to our dance moves. I typically do not grind on anything, much less the floor, while dancing so we'll exclude that but he's a NUT! I found myself thinking, "If I were on that stage, I would be running around like a crazy person and exaggerating each move in exactly the way he is!" I realize this is very extreme and I look REALLY ridiculous while dancing yet he makes girls scream (and cry). Take away? Stop dancing like an idiot. In public. With your friends around. They are making fun of you.

The whole gang...

Brian...

Donnie...Again this was hilarious. I'm sure someone passed out in the building when he took his shirt off. My ears are still ringing.

Nick's super sweet dance moves...

BSB had on Orlando Magic unis except for Brian who wore a Rob Bironas Titans Jersey? Random, but he and two other Titans players were there at the show.

*** I did not do this show justice with this post. It was that good.

worst blog post ever.

You know those times of the year at work when everything feels like it is about to come crashing down due to the hectic state all those around you are in? Well that just ended. Now I'm bored. It's funny to think how bored I used to be at work then how crazy busy it was and how much I enjoyed it and now it's back to boring.

Update on other things....
I'm glad to say I'll be attending Hangout Music Fest prior to an exciting trip to Savannah. I hope to wrap up the summer with a getaway to Destin. In between all that, I'll be broke :)

My grass is green! Thanks to the HORRIBLE storms this week. Bless you Alabama and parts of TN.

I still need a personal shopper.

I recently had skin cancer removed from my neck so me and SPF 30+ are new BFFs and tanning beds are a distant memory. Those things will get ya!

Wow, my life is boring! I'll be crying in my cube if anyone needs me... ;-) ....but on the brightside, it's MARGARITA THURSDAY!

Sleep to Dream

Do you ever wake up and think - "I'd give just about anything to not have to: leave bed, warm myself up after leaving bed, weigh, shower, brush teeth, moisturize, apply makeup, dry hair, straighten said hair, dress myself, grab lunch and keys and scoot out the door?" Oh really? Me too! This has been happening to me more lately than usual and I think I will contribute it the act of "Springing Forward." While I'm loving the sun shining when I get off work and being able to sit on the back porch and see GREEN grass, I think the dark mornings are taking their toll on my morning routine. I suppose it will get better in the near future.

I need opinions here. I've been looking for a bed, mainly just a head board, for quite awhile now. Maybe this will help my sleeping patterns. I've found two that are pretty fun. Tell me what you think...

Claudette

Louis

I'm leaning towards Louis but only because it comes in black. Opinions matter :)

Have a Happy St. Patrick's Day!

crg

growing

I'm ready for Spring.

To learn how to properly plant things in the ground that I enjoy looking at and hoping I can figure out how to make the brown spots in the yard regain their youthful, green coloring.

As of last weekend, I officially have 5 indoor plants. This is a big step all the way up from zero. (Funny the things you ask for as birthday gifts as an adult...followed closely by fire estinguisher. True story.) The plants should be fine since most didn't get me anything too demanding.

I'm ready to be outside - on the porch, on the lake, anywhere.

Happy almost Friday.

crg.

under control

Lately, it seems like all I've done is eat. I make excuses such as, "I'll start eating better on Monday." Sounds all fine and dandy until I hear myself saying that statement on a weekly basis. Well, blogger nation - however small you are - this Monday is the day I show the food industry who's boss. No more forcing myself to eat every last crumb off my plate just because it's in front of my face. It's the end of the days of eating so fast I barely breathe before the meal is over. And - most importantly - goodbye horrible feeling of being so full I can't move after each and every meal.

Me and portion control are new bff's. It's due time.

thanks.

thank you, tva, for a job i need but don't always love. i would be in such a tight spot without you.

repeat.

looptie loo

suddenly my life is taking me in directions I wasn't sure were navigable. but through prayer and lots of thinking I am comfortable with my path. thanks, Big Man.

on a more solid note - i need this, found here

and these, also found here

and a loan. dang.

crg

Buhdubadu..duh-duh..duhduhduh...

I'm certain this is a common theme around the offices of my small blog viewing circle, but this place is D.E.A.D. Blog? Yes, please.

My Christmas weekend begins tonight. Not with Christmas activities but family time. I will be having a lot of family time in the next few days. A couple of years ago, that would not have sounded as appealing as it does now. It's funny how as you grow older, things are put into perspective. My family is awesome. Not only my immediate family but the other little rascals too!

What I'm looking forward to most....

• My Dad making me fires in the fireplace, just because he knows they make me happy


• Fighting with my not-so-little brother over Dad's rocking recliner. When we are home, Dad so graciously arranges himself on the couch instead of his rocker. I think he enjoys watching the battle.


• Hanging out with my Mom. Helping her cook and doing some junk store shopping with a trip to Spunky Monkey and Pink Hydrangea tossed in somewhere.


• Playing cards, watching The Christmas Story and drinking Scotch on Christmas Eve


• Opening gifts Christmas morning and hoping Mom likes what we got her :-)


• Hearing how Little B liked all his new toys from Santa!

Most of all I look forward to spending lots of time remembering the real reason for the season. Even though it seems to get lost in all the hustle and bustle, I am truly reminded this year of the good Lord's gift of life and His love for each of us. I am blessed beyone belief and am so very undeserving.

May your Christmas be Merry and White (possibly) and may you enjoy the time spent with loved ones as much as I will.

crg

Breaking all the Rules.

Confession: I am NOT going to be able to hold off on Christmas decorations for a whole 'nother week plus. It's just not going to happen. Tonight after work, instead of going to the gym like a good girl, I'm hitting the town in hopes of finding some sweet deals on Christmas decor. In fact, when I get home this afternoon I will have a Target shipment containing the cutest stocking hangers.

This guy:

And this guy:

Upon looking back for pictures, I'm not sure I made the best decisions but they're cute, if only for Christmas 2010.

I'm a large fan of cranberries and really want to decorate with them. I don't think I like eating them but I love they way they look and how cranberry scented goodness makes my house smell!

Basically, tonight might be the end of my pumpkin happiness. Either they are gone or my entire guest room is full of Christmas decor!! AHHH!

Tis' the Season, dammit. I. Can't. Wait.

Too Much...

I've been in a rut lately. I got some news today that will hopefully tied me over for a month or so until better opportunities present themselves. At least that is what I will tell myself until then.

I think this is just a weird time. It is still sort of that transitioning phase from college student to adult. Sometimes I still get the desire to have a few beers on a work night but then the weekend rolls around and I'm not looking forward to a night on the town. I blame part of this on being older and not "recovering" as easily and the other part on the expenses one entails when out on the town. This "expense" makes me miss college even more! Not because I didn't always pay my bar tabs out of my own pocket (Thanks, Mom!) but because college towns are so stinking cheap! Dollar drafts; two for one longnecks (and jager bombs. vom.); and who can forget, FREE beer. Roll back the time machine, will ya!

That's just what I plan to do this weekend. Roll back that ol' time machine. It's homecoming in the bustling town of Cookeville, TN. That means good food, great friends and CHEAP DRINKING!!

Fall

Oh how I love fall. My life has been a whirlwind lately but I think it has finally calmed down for a little bit at least. Just the other day I purchased a Chiminea (something like that) and built myself a fire, with the help of Duff the Buff Stuff. We got her going and relaxed with JED and TT. I'm a bit worried that Fall might be extra short and skip on to Winter which will make me very sad.



I have also committed to learning all the words to a new song. Well, it isn't really a new song but one that was conjured up on the way to All-Employee staff meeting a couple of weeks ago. That song would be.... duh duh duh. Ice, Ice, Baby by none other than Vanilla Ice himself (who I saw a pic of in Hooter's today at lunch so it's even more of a sign I've chosen the perfect song.) I realize I'm about a decade behind on this song but it is quite a long song. I listened to it for a solid two hours Friday on my way to Illinois and all I can remember is "If you got a problem, yo, I'll solve it. Check out da hook while my DJ revolves it" or something like that. I feel it has a good message. When I figure out what that is, I'll let you all know.



My current life in a nutshell. Word to yo motha.

Life Lately

It has been quite some time since I posted anything. I don't feel bad about it since only a couple of people have updated their blog in the last, oh, 4 months.

Lately:

• Work - I've been working. A lot. Funny how things can go from so painfully boring to staying late and working weekends at the drop of a hat. I LOVE being busy. It makes the day go by so much quicker and I feel like I'm actually needed on the job!
• Football - After spending a fun-filled Labor Day weekend with RB, Puh and J-Money, I've spent the last two weekends attending football games. UT vs. Orgeon left a lot to be desired. Nothing like standing for an hour and a half in the corridor of one of the largest STEEL stadiums in the country while a hellacious storm passes through. Oh and the game went quickly downhill after that storm. Titans vs. Raiders the following day was a good way to end the weekend. Then there was this past weekend. UT vs. FL - I've seen worse games. I've had much crazier weekends in Knoxville. BUT I have NEVER sweated so much in Neyland Stadium (or anywhere other than Bonnaroo) in my lifetime. It was a scorcher! My arms were the color of ketchup by halftime. Titans vs. Steelers. Thanks. God. I. Didn't. Attend.
• Kickball - I've been playing a little kickball lately. Nothing like a Tuesday night kicking a ball and drinking beer. On an organized team. Well I was on an organized team until this week when I "tore" my left quadricep and pulled the heck out of the right one. And cried for the whole second half of the game. It hurt like a mother. Still a little tender but I'm hoping to be back on the field for the next game. That is unless my team is embarrassed by my lack of muscular endurance. You simply cannot cry in kickball. Who does that?!
• TV - This could possibly be the greatest week in TV history. Monday night I tuned into "The Event." I was cooking dinner during the first half but JED brought me up to speed. I think it's going to be a good one. Tuesday night was the season premiere of "Parenthood." Gotta love that show. Last night I attempted to watch "Undercovers" because it is written by the "Lost" dude. It was alright but the urge to clean hit me mid-show and so I might have to re-watch. Tonight is Grey's and Private Practice. Nuff' said. Sunday is Brothers and Sisters. Rob Lowe is dead. Sad day. I, unfortunately, have missed every new episode of Weeds and Gossip Girl this season. I don't have Showtime and Bachelor Pad conflicted with GG. Must catch up on them both.

I am trying to decide if and when to have a gathering at the not-so-new house. Halloween would be perfect but I don't have a costume or an idea so that sorta puts a damper on that. Possibly a weekend before with football watching and pumpkin carving instead. Fall is pretty rad except for Fall at 90+ degrees. Thank you, Mother Nature/Global Warming/El Nino.

TaDa....

So I finally posted some house pics on Facebook. Not too many but enough for you to get the idea. I left out JED's room because I didn't want to be super creepy and snap photos of her space while she wasn't home.

Also, I have finally completed a project. I repainted an old Army coffee table I once spray painted black and used as an "entertainment center." Here is before (I almost forgot the before pic...)

And here is the final product. I was going to do a little bit of distressing action but I decided I liked the fresh, clean feel of the plain light grey.

I know. This is quite the boring blog but things have been NUTS at work and I'm certain no one wants to hear me vent about that!

Here's to the long weekend with good friends AND the kick off to Football Time in Tennessee.

Which reminds me, please take a trip over to my dear friend Sara's blog. A little something to get the football juices flowing. Miss you SKP!!

Until next time...

CRG

Random Tidbits

I'm taking the leap of health this week. I hope it's worth it. I am doing the GNC 7 Day Fast Loss thing again. I'm trying my hardest to do what it says this time so I can get results. It was difficult the initial time due to my big move coming smack dab in the middle (poor timing on my part.) I'm also joining the Y this afternoon. I've been planning on this for awhile now but since I'm officially a TVA employee, I have no more excuses since it's essentially free as long as I go. I think I'll feel much better getting back into the groove.

Side note - my body is sore from playing Corn Hole all weekend. I would venture to say I spent about 8 hours total tossing the bags around. I can't wait til Fall!!! It was so good to see so many great friends this weekend! (Welcome to East Nashville, Ben and Kitzie!!!) Hopefully some others will come visit soon!!

Another side note - Tonight I will be rummaging through the old paint in the basement, looking for the perfect color to paint an Army coffee table I used for an entertainment center in Memphis. It's taking up space and the current black paint clashes with everything. I will not paint it to match anything though. I'm thinking a ivory, white or gray, whichever is handy in the paint cabinet. After following the blog, "Life in the Fun Lane," I pretty much want my whole house in these hues. (Link to the blog on the right) It's so refreshing!

Random blog. Apologies.

Amen and Amen.

A little soul yelling from my lovely friend over at Come Sit By Me.

Us girls are tired of getting pushed around. Read here. Trust me.

I miss you SKP!

Life Lessons

One day last week or the week before I was having a bad day. You know, one of those days you feel so sorry for your perfect life and can't seem to get past all the extremely silly things you're so "depressed" by. Yes, rough life. In my fumbling around online to find God's life lessons (oh, the irony...), I did come across something that is worth sharing. I think the girl called them the "10 Dating Mantras" or something of that sort but I just think they are good things for any female to remind themselves every now and then.

1. I can't control behavior. I can only control my reaction to it.
2. I am a human being worthy of love.
3. Everyone is responsible for guarding their own heart.
4. Big picture, big picture.
5. I am lucky to be alive.
6. Life never ceases to surprise me.
7. It is okay to be sad.
8. I am taking it one day at a time.
9. This too shall pass.
10. Everything will work out in the end.
11. Serenity now.

Interesting - that's 11. Oh well.

When I read over these, it seems like most should pertain to breakups. But anyone of these things standing alone could mean a totally different thing when not relating to "dating." Job, family, yard work, etc. I'm almost certain whatever it was I was upset about had nothing to do with dating. Regardless of what it was, I felt the need to take note of these in the even I needed a little encouragement. Take them however you'd like but I can only hope they might be helpful to another person.