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!!

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.

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!!

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.

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!

Flying by...

Oh how I love the weekends. And oh how they drain my energy. This weekend, I got sunburnt for the first time all summer. That is a record if there ever was one! Evidently the one weekend I spent not on the lake was enough to zap my tan and allow me to get quite the farmers' tan on the lake this weekend. I evidently waited about 5 minutes too long to apply the SPF 30 which I am generally a pretty good latherer!

I am officially looking forward to fall. It is by far my favorite season. I love the feel of it in the air and I can't wait to have little fires on my back porch WITHOUT mosquitoes!!! I'm also ready to make the many trips East to spend quality time with 100K (or possibly 80K this season) of my closest friends. Though the orange faithful might not have as much to cheer for this season, it's still a great feeling hanging out with family and close friends while enjoying beverages and a good game of cornhole. That, of course, is before the game. After the game, depending on the company one keeps, is usually a whole different story. Hopefully, this season there won't be a need to punch steel doors or throw burning couches into dumpsters. Or rob anyone with pellet guns for that matter.

Go Vols!

A Little Sprucin' Up

During this downtime at the new job, I have been thinking a lot about the house and projects that need to be completed. I believe I am going to attempt a couple of these projects tonight. I have stumbled upon a couple of really good blogs lately and one in particular has inspired one of my projects for this evening. Life in the Fun Lane is one of the better DIY blogs I have found, especially when it comes to anything white or having to do with distressing furniture. I plan on making one of these tonight:

These are called ghost lamps and her blog entry can be found here. Assuming it turns out as planned, I will be putting the lamp in my bedroom hanging off my oddly sloped ceiling where I plan to move my gigantic chair after I purchase a replacement. It is a bit premature to make this tonight but I'm in the decorating/creating mood and these just look like fun! Plus my good pal Tara is willing to assist. :)

I've also been tossing around the idea of painting. One of the main reasons I settled so quickly on this house was due to my not having to paint anything because I loved the colors. The colors are fine but I've since learned that I find myself saying "they painted; they did; they whatever" and I don't like it. It's my house now and I want to make it mine! Plus some of the colors are dark and make rooms look smaller than they really are. This whole idea will likely pass but I'll be picking up some paint samples tonight no doubt.

I still have one wall in the living room that needs a little character. I decided today to make a photo wall. I plan to do this in my room also but these things take funds and I'm close to fresh out of those! I'm really liking the idea of this type of arrangement: Image found here

I like that it's more compact and the images pop. If I stumble upon lots of perfect frames, I would love to put one like this in my den with old pictures of my grandparents and parents growing up:

Image found here

My next task will be filling the frames for the one in the living room. Either my camera sucks at taking quality pictures or Walgreens sucks at developing them. Probably a combination of both. Regardless I'm not really one to take pictures of landscapes or things that would make something like this more attractive. I'll have to work on that I suppose. Or maybe someone will just lend/give/not-know-I-stole pictures. Gotta love Facebook! ;-)

I will attempt to remember to take pictures of the house this weekend and share. It's still very much a work in progress but nevertheless, something to be proud of! Happy Friday!

It's a Twi-hard Life

Tonight, I will be viewing that new movie you might have heard about called Eclipse. I've read the books. The movies are okay. That's my opinion. Like most movies, the books are far better. I took the pleasure of getting my dear friend LShep addicted to the series. I gave her the first book (Twilight) for her birthday almost 2 years ago. Her birthday fell just about a week or so before the release of the first movie. I needed a fellow Memphian to go see the film with and she seemed like a good candidate. Holy smokes. This pharmacy student became a Twihard (or whatever the heck they call them) in like 2 days. She finished all 4 books in literally a week or less, and possibly reread the first one before going to see the film. I am surprised she didn't make us t-shirts to wear to the movie!

When New Moon hit the big screen, my excitement had subsided. New Moon is the worst book. BORING! Did that mean LShep wasn't revved up for the flick? No sirree! She reread the whole series for the 3rd time? Maybe 2nd but still. And the movie was as expected. Boring.

Eclipse should be better. I've heard good things.

Upon completing the Twilight Saga, LShep has read damn near every series based on vampires available. She even watched/watches that Vampire Diaries show. Obsessed :)

Off subject but I think I have recently lost that gene in my body that creates excitement. You know that feeling you had when you were younger before Santa Claus came or before you left on vacation for Disney World? So excited you can't sleep. Well, that feeling has vacated my body. Maybe this is all part of growing up. Whatever it is, it's stupid. I want to be so excited about something I can't sleep! I could do work with a time machine.

Bargain Shopping

...but on the brightside, I'm closing on my house in approximately 4 hours. Hallelujah! (There you go Club Sara!)

No really. I could not be happier to get this in the books. I'm sort of sad that I will not physically be there to close on the house since I am wrapping up my LAST DAY IN MEMPHIS!!! My Mom and Dad have been pretty stellar through this whole process and Mom has offered to go and close on behalf of myself and my good ol' Dad because I didn't want him to cancel his golf tournament. Some things are just that important! I feel so blessed that they helped me through this since I do not have a job in Nashville yet and had to have a cosignor. In return, if my brother ever needs a cosignor, I have offered to step in and rid my parents of having to go through this hellacious process again. That is, of course, assuming I get a job by the time he is purchasing anything significant.

Anywho, here is the idea I've been waiting to post about until I know I have a home. See, my roomie JED and I were discussing clothing the other evening and decided we had far too many nice articles of clothing to just give them away. Well I thought a little about this and decided it would be sorta fun to have a little consignment store in the basement. At least for a little bit. I'm a large fan of my basement. Here's a snapshot of the Fisher's (previous owners) setup.
Man cave, no doubt. I'm thinking it just might work. The only problem I have with consigning items in the basement is controlling the random folk that just might stroll into the basement. I'm thinking an invitation only, bring a friend sort of thing would be best. More like an event. Think "Confessions of a Shopaholic." You know the scene with that big open room and all those goodies and people fighting for things. Yeah, our stuff is that cool! Bargain Basement. Watch out.

Countdown

Margarita Thursdays will begin in 23 days. Today I decided I would no longer be participating in Margarita Thursdays. This is not to say I will not be enjoying a beverage on my back patio with Nashville's finest BUT I am ex-naying the margaritas. A friend informed me on Cinco de Mayo (while I was being a good little girl and enjoying time at the gym as opposed to fighting the crowd at the local Mexcian restaurant) that just one margarita can contain up to 1,500 calories!!!!!! Now I have never been one to calorie count and quite frankly it drives me bananas to hear folks talk about keeping track of every ounce of dietary supplement that enters their body every second of every day. But 1,500 calories is a crap load of calories! I think back to college. Close to every weekend was spent at Chili's for 2 for 1 Margaritas. This means me and my people drank at least 2 Margaritas each AND ate a meal from the restaurant. That is close to a whole work week worth (4 w's in a row, look out!) of calories in ONE SITTING! After those years, I am suprised I do not weigh 1,500 lbs!!

Back on track - I have decided that I will have to indulge in Whiskey Thursdays. Or maybe wine but I suspect my wine cooler will remain empty until I become employed and can afford to stock it. (Unless this really cool Auntie of mine who sometimes reads my blog wants to give me a hand in boosting the supply.... :-) ) So there, Whiskey Thursdays it will be. Or maybe Vodka. This two makes me think back to the days at Crawdaddy's. Thursday = half price top shelf Whiskey. Friday = half price Grey Goose. Those were the days....

The countdown continues. Name of occasion subject to change.

Childhood Memories...

I used to joke around that I wanted to reopen The Sugar Plum Tree in Dickson with my Mom like she and her Mom opened and ran during my childhood. You better believe I was the kid everyone wanted to be friends with and more importantly, to attend their birthday parties. Hello Kitty all around. All of this also applied to my sweet lil' cousin, Master Christy (she asked us on twitter to "just call her" that so I'm going with it.) The best part about it for us happened to be Christmas. Nothing better than opening gifts at Nan and Granddaddy's and getting the same outfit as Master Christy (MC, for short) and her older sister, Muffin, only in different colors. What made this even more rad was the fact that MC and I always attended the same elementary school and were even in the same class once, not to mention the best of buddies. I suppose our mother's called one another daily to ensure we didn't arrive looking like two peas in a pod. Needless to say, I yearned for Limited Too.

I have two memorable outfits from first grade. (They might even be worth me trying to dig up some pictures!) On Halloween, I had an orange painted Halloween sweatshirt with striped leggings from none other than The Sugar Plum Tree. I was actually pretty proud of my getup for this festive holiday. MC and I were in the same class this year so the mother's must have coordinated us wearing different outfits on this particular day. Mom didn't, however, remember the other key individual who happened to purchase this same outfit. MY TEACHER! Yep, me and Mrs. Chandler, the Bobbsey twins. Mortifying! Almost as mortifying as the other outfit. Yellow sweatshirt with ribbons flowing off the sleeves, all of which were the boldest colors on the color wheel. Striped leggings to accent. I looked like Big Bird on acid.

So this blog took a total turn from what it originally began as..... but on the brighside, everyone appreciates a good flashback now and again I suppose.