100 Posts: 100 Days

It's 8 a.m.

I'm listening to acoustic coldplay,
the beeping of a garbage truck, thunder,
and my whirring fan.

I'd rather be listening to the quiet.

I've had such a blogging block over the past few weeks. I would say that it started during Spring Break.

It's not that that I don't have anything to blog about. Thoughts pop into my head all day long: ideas, opinions, stories, self-reflections. The problem is that I usually express them vocally to a friend before I get around to typing it out. Hence, the desire to write about it with strong passion is gone before I get to the computer.

This is my 100th post. I've been trying to save it up for something special.

Maybe it doesn't need to be anything special.

Maybe it just needs to be me...writing.

I miss blogging. I miss connecting to friends through my thoughts. I miss not being on Fbook.

(take the hint fbook friends...it's only a matter of time until it gets deleted again)

I have been discouraged lately.
By people, the world, the human race.

Last night I was turning into Starbucks and some boy (he was over 20, but acted like a child) tried to pull out of the parking lot in front of me and cut me off. I had the right of way when I was turning left into the parking lot, he was performing an illegal left-hand turn out of the parking lot anyways. I looked at him like 'really?' as he pulled out across 2 lanes and really nearly hit me...to which he reacted with a cursing out through his window, the finger, and then spitting on my car...all while his 3 year old watched from the backseat.

The initial incident was nothing to get that upset over--but his heart must have been full of anger. I just kept saying 'YOU have a KID!' I was shaken up, more by the outburst of his reaction than by the fact that my Honda was almost totaled--on the driver's side nonetheless. I told the Sbucks man all about it when I went in and his kind heart gave me a free drink. I sometimes fail to see the negativity in this world combated by other people's kindness. But alot of times it feels like the evil, mean-spirited people are the only ones around. I've just noticed alot of ugliness in our world lately.

This morning I woke up after having a dream about 5 people driving in front of me, all getting into road rage with another. The 5 cars all pulled over to the side of the road, got out of their cars, and proceeded to beat on each other. Each person mad, irate, at the other for not getting out of their way when driving. I called 911, and the operator didn't even care. I just sat there in my dream, watching these people go at it while thinking about Satan's hold on so many people's hearts. Then I woke up. But it felt real. It was one of those dreams, like when you wake up, you don't realize you were just dreaming that, rather, it feels like a memory from the past. I had to discern fact from fiction. But what isn't a dream is the anger that so many people carry around. The truth is so many people live without Jesus and that's what scares me. I'm not going to act like I've never gotten into road rage, or been an angry person. But lately, the outbursts I've seen make the world seem so dominated by evil.

I know that from this blog you would deduct that nothing bad really happened, nothing major to set this off, but it's been a build-up of observations and incidents lately. Just an awareness of the ugly hearts that have been around me. People's bitterness, complainings, actions.

I've just been let down by people. I've been let down by people who profess to be different from this world and yet act just like it. I've been let down by people who would call themselves my friends and then do nothing to show it.

Some of the people I've been around lately are mean, inconsiderate, and rude. I don't mean for this blog to be a soapbox for my own personal issues with people, but it's gotten to a point that I'm over it. I'm over being disrespected. I'm over being mistreated. I'm over acting like I'm in junior high.

People who have been so ugly to me and yet they are so self-centered that they'll never see their behavior for what it is. Wrong. Childish. UnChristlike.

Again, I know I'm not perfect. But I've tried to treat others with kindness. I'm not always super nice, I'm not always the most loving, but I feel like I give people respect. I haven't gotten much of that lately. I pray about it. On my part and theirs. I pray that I can be a better influence and continue to show respect even when tempted otherwise. I pray that they can treat others, including myself, better.

Believe it or not, I have a tender heart, and it gets stepped on sometimes.

Please note that if you're reading this than you are 99.9% not one of the persons I'm referring to. I don't think that those people would take the time out of their self-absorption to consider my feelings and thoughts. I know that sounds ugly, but it's what has been proven in the past to be the truth. Please don't think this post is self-righteous either, more of a venting.

I'm sorry for such a harsh 100th post. Yikes. I didn't really mean to take it there, but that is what is, and has been, heavy on my heart as of late. Thanks for bearing with me, and my scatterbrained thoughts.

Prayer! Prayer! Prayer! Thanks to Christ for HIS redemption. Thanks for this new life. Thanksgiving for helping me persevere through these trials...even when a little release is necessary. I pray that I'm only what HE is molding me to be.

If you're still with me, now on to what the title means. 100 Posts:100 days.

Well I want to do something to celebrate 100 posts. And especially considering the nature of this 100th post, I decided that doing 100 days of kindness would be a fitting celebration indeed. It will help me release this negative burden, take the focus off myself and onto helping others.

100 days of kind acts. They don't have to be big. They don't have to be fancy. Just kindness...shown to someone familiar or someone unknown, maybe even shown to people I vented about in this post. I'm going to document these acts on a daily basis at the site below.

http://100daysofkindness.blogspot.com

I hope you'll join me! And start your own 100 days of kindness project! Let me know how it goes...you can even be a contributing writer on my other blog.

Here's to happier days ahead of us,
less complainings around us,
and more to love about us!

Funny for Friday: Matt Jones...WHO!?

I have no idea why he has cut-out stand-ups of Danny Devito, or George W., but it makes for a good time had by all. Too funny!

John to the Mayer. HI!

March 17, 2010.

St. Patrick's Day for some (which according to Michael Scott is like Irish Christmas).

Mary Beth's 21st birthday. Happy Birthday dear!

Or...

John Mayer in Atlanta for this girl!

I have missed seeing John in concert. The last time he and I were in Memphis at the same time, I was at my house on Marion singing Spice Girls on repeat and he was at the FedEx Forum without me.

That was the first time I had missed him since he'd been coming to Memphis. I am not making that mistake again.

So Amy and I are taking a mini road trip after I get out of classes at 10 a.m. and heading down to the ATL to listen to his mesmerizing guitar rifts in person. He does put on a good show, and the faces, oh the faces...they're priceless.



Added bonus: Spending the night at Bridge-get-get's...if she stops writing mean statuses on Fbook about me.

I can't wait to hear old faves like Covered in Rain, Vultures, Clarity, and new faves like Assassin and Edge of Desire live.

Pure bliss.

My dad said to send his love to John, and I am...

And...I'm pretty sure he'll play 'St. Patrick's Day.' What are the odds?!

Music Monday: I wish I lived in England.

I am currently obsessed with RADIO 1 Live Lounge...it's a BBC Radio station that has a daily show featuring artists live in the studio. They do a hit of their own and a cover. I LOVE covers! Anyways, I've found all the albums and then some online and they are in constant rotation on my iTunes.

One of my favorites is from a British rapper, Tinchy (yeah, I know-weird)...covering two songs.

Sweet Dreams by Beyonce and Beat Again by JLS and incorporates his own lyrics.

Love it!

Love the violin girl's excitement.

Love the drummer who grins and sticks out his tongue-HOT! :) jk.

Smile Like You Mean It

Chad to the Phillips.

Need I say more?

Just got home for a wonderfully delightful evening out.

Friday night is a good night to go out. Sometimes I miss the excitement of being in High School, looking forward to the week's release and happenings on Friday night. Why is it...when you aren't allowed to do something all the time, it makes it all that more enjoyable when you are able to do it.

Like going out every night. In HS you have weeknights and weekends. When you're 27 you have 7 nights a week...at least when you're 27 and in college.

Friday nights have started running into my Mondays, Tuesdays, so on.

I forgot how fun it is to go out on FRIDAY night.

And how fun it is to get dressed up for a night out.

Chad texted me earlier today and asked if we were on to hang out. Being that I've been a bum for the past 3 days, I quickly responded with an 'I'm all yours. Tell me when and where.'

He picked me up at 5:30 and we headed to the mall for a few errands. A trip to Banana Republic, Godiva, and Bath and Body Works later, we left with shopping bags in hand and food on our minds.

Back to Sullivan's on Northshore for a nice dinner before going to the movies for the third time this week. I suggested 'Ghost Writer' because I'm such a Briton at heart. I liked it, different from the everyday fluff I normally see. They even talked about drowning kitties. Those crazy Brits!

The night wasn't done and we enjoyed the new Starbuck's Dark Cherry Mocha with our Godiva chocolates to end our night out. It was the first time I'd been inside the Sbucks down the street, and they have not one, but TWO chaise lounges, which Chad and I completely claimed with our goodies.

Upon getting kicked out at 11, we drove around the quaint neighborhoods down Kingston Pike and stared at rich people in their mansions with their curtains open. I love a good stalker adventure.

I told Chad he completely spoils me and I LOVE it! It's nice keeping my VISA put in my wallet during a night out.

I'd say that was a great way to end my official Spring Break (weekends don't count-you're off on those anyways, right?). Tomorrow, or rather today, is an early morning with much to do. I have to make up for all of the things I didn't accomplish while being on break.

I would like to say that I've been productive today at least...

I got to talk to J-Phil on the phone.

I confronted some emotional barriers I've been battling. End result-relief.

I pulled out all the boxes in my closet and started going through them to get rid of stuff...which resulted in this:

(which is still the current situation in my living room-on the list for things to finish tomorrow)

I did find a CD-Rom of 40 games for Windows 95 that has been moving with me over the past 5 years in a box I never open. That's the kind of stuff I'm gettin' rid of.

I finally found my hardware to install my curtains...that have been wadded up in the corner behind my chair since Sept. Now if I can just get the boys to come back over and try to put them up again.

I realized if there was an Olympic event for eating all your popcorn before the movie actually starts, I'm pretty sure I'd go GOLD!

Have a great weekend...and hopefully you had a good Friday night out.

Funny for Friday: In 5 Pictures or Less

WRITING

READING

LICKING

SPITTING

LOVING

(circa July 2008)

Interneted OUT!

I've become a complete bum on my Spring Break.

I've done some of the things I wanted to accomplish, with relaxing being one of them.

However, today I have done nothing but play on the internet and mindlessly watch t.v.

I've even joined twitter and Fbook again...GASP. (Although I do have ulterior motives with both sites...just plan to be on them for a month.)

Combine this with being a bum all weekend long and it's not a pretty picture.

I shouldn't be so hard on myself-I've been really productive and focused the past couple of months, it's nice to veg out every now and then. What's not nice, though, is actually becoming a vegetable. That is where I'm headed if I don't do something quick!

INTERVENTION TIME!

Today, Thursday, I'm not going to even turn my computer on. NO MATTER WHAT.

I am going to study.

I am going to write cards.

I am going to organize.

I am going to go to the mall.

I am going to return some clothes to Old Navy.

I am going to pack up some boxes for Goodwill.

I am going to spend my credits at McKay's books.

I am going to sell back books from last semester.

I am going to shave my legs.

I am going to the grocery store (because I was too lazy to go today).

I am going to read the rest of my two books I'm in the middle of.

With all of this...I will NOT, repeat WILL NOT, turn on my computer.

I don't know why it draws me in, and there's nothing on here to even keep my attention, so I end up aimlessly clicking on the same things, waiting for something new to happen, waiting for action during a dull day. Not today my friend.

(And if you're thinking I was on the comp. to post this, think again...it's 11:14 p.m. on Wednesday, and I'm scheduling it for a post on Thursday...it's like magic.)

Off With Their Heads!!!

Day 2 of Spring Break: Check!

I lounged around yesterday, then I went to Nanny...we fit in a trip to the bookstore and Target. Not a bad way to get paid if I do say so myself.

I met Chad at Panera, and then we went to see 'Alice in Wonderland' on the IMAX. It was quite delightful. The movie was so magical and such an accurate interpretation of how creepy that story can be. I absolutely love Johnny Depp anyways, and thought his Mad Hatter character was divine.


Today is my first official day of Spring Break that doesn't involve me working...and I might be a bum and stay at home and try to get everything done that needs doing. I am also going to *GASP* start studying for a mid-term on Monday.

Isn't that silly? You're supposed to have Spring Break post-midterms for relaxation after stressing...my Brazilian teacher has this a little backwards. Now we have to stress during our relaxing...no sense in that.

Unfortunately, it is going to start raining and then storming for the next two days. Not so great for outdoor activities but all the better for my frumpy, coffee-drinking visit to the bookstore tomorrow. I do love a good thunderstorm.

I can't believe I'm already at the mid-way point of my staycation...it passes by too fast.

Spring Break: Date Night

I love a good date night with a Southern gentleman.

Last night, Chad and I dined at Sullivan's and went to Downtown West to see 'An Education.'

It was such a wonderful evening.

I miss being around men who open doors, order for you, and even pay your way.

I say 'miss' because when you go to school with this '18-22 year old' generation, you realize that there aren't many gentlemen out there in this young world.

Chad is such a dear friend, and I loved every minute of our night out.

Especially when we shared our love of milk duds and Cherry coke (yum).

We're going tonight to see 'Alice in Wonderland' at the IMAX to continue Chad's movie streak. It's even $1 Popcorn night! What a fab Tuesday treat! I will have to say watching the Oscars on Sunday night kinda put me in movie mode myself. It's nice to have a partner in crime to go with.

Side note: I wish I had Audrey Hepburn's style and grace and realized I would have loved to live in the 50's and 60's just for the fashion and gentlemen. (This comes from the wardrobe in 'An Education').

Monday was a good day.

Music Monday: Canadians?

When DID Michael Buble get hot?

Maybe that's what a little toning will do for you...either way, he's pretty cute.

I really like this song. It's catchy. It's fun.

And I really like this video.

Apart from some weird mouth quirk he has. Or maybe he's just a horrible lip syncher. Or maybe it's just because he's Canadian?

Anytime there's choreography, confetti, and a grocery store, you know it's goin to be a good time!

Coffee Freebies!

Do you love coffee?


Do you love all things FREE?


Do you love Mondays?


Well, 2 out of 3 isn't bad, eh?


For Mondays in March, Dunkin Donuts is giving away a FREE medium hot OR iced coffee to customers.

Coffee...not Lattes. Just clarifying.

They have pretty stellar coffee...I know I'll be picking mine up this Monday.

Bridget, there's one in Lawrenceville, you coffee fiend, you!

Did you say Block Party? No.....BLOG party!

I totally stole this from Kristen Jenkins who was on the blog party circuit long before I was even driving. Wha?

I've never done a blog party, but trying out new things to get my blog noticed. To meet more bloggers. To read more about other people's interesting lives. So let's proceed...

1. What's your favorite time of the day, and why?

Even though I'm more of a night owl by nature, I love the morning sun and the quietness post-morning rush hour...so 9am has become one of my favorite times.

2. If health wasn't an issue, what food could you live off of?

YUMMY Chick-Fil-A...all of it, any of it, I would eat it everyday. #1 Combo with extra pickles and a Dr. Pepper. Heaven!!!


3. If you could have one wish granted (besides wishing for more wishes), what would it be?

To never have to worry about my weight and be a constant size 8. How fab would that be? Only in fairytales...

4. What's one thing that you get teased about a lot?

I say 'Warsh' instead of 'Wash'--it's just who I am and I can't physically change it. Well I could if I really worked hard at it, but I'm not :)


5. If you could choose one movie, book, or TV show to spend your life in, which would you pick? What type of character would you be?

The Office, and I would be Pam...so I could be in love with Jim. And see his cute little face every morning.

The end.

6. If you could have one talent that you don't already have, what would it be?

Painting, I would love to be able to paint. Cute little signs that have inspirational messages on them or beautiful landscapes with bright colors that make you dream of faraway places.

7.If money were no object, where would you go on vacation?

The English countryside, I mean yes, exotic beaches would be nice, but I would love to stay at a fancy b&b, drink hot English tea, walk around the rolling grassy hills, and visit small town shops. Perfect. And there would have to be a large, deep claw foot bath tub to relax in....bliss.


8. If you were an awesome singer, which genre would you sing?

Pop. Can't deny it.

9. If you could have a $10,000 shopping spree to one store, what would it be?

I shouldn't have to dignify this with an answer, you should just know it would be Target.


10. If you could live in any point in time, when would it be?

I would think Post-Civil War era...maybe early 1900's. I think I would be ok without technology...and I would love to live in a time where ladies were ladies and men were men.

11. If every outfit in your wardrobe had to be one color, what would it be?

Pink or Brown.

12. If you were one of the seven dwarves, which one would you be?

I would like to think I'm Happy...because most of the time I am.


13. What's the last album you listened to?

OneRepublic's 'Waking Up'-I like them.


14. What's something we'd be surprised to know about you?

I don't like peanut butter and chocolate candy...like Reese's, or anything peanut buttery like No-bake cookies...am I even American?

Staycation...All I Ever Wanted!

I'm officially on Spring Break!

I have been such a rock star about goin to classes...despite snow, illness, lazy tendencies, my warm comfy bed on 20 degree mornings...the list goes on and on.

Hence, I feel that this year's Spring break is well-deserved! A full week of sleeping later, catching up on activities and tasks around the apartment, maybe even getting my toes done!

My very first college Spring break in 2001, I was the only one of my friends who didn't go anywhere cool or exciting. I stayed at home and worked at the mall. I decided to treat myself to something small or fun every day of that break to make up for a boring Spring break. I think I'm still paying for it on my Discover bill. Oops:).

Spring break trips since then have included Eureka Springs, Knoxville, Atlanta, & my current fave, Montgomery, AL.

I'm kinda bummed I won't be spring-breaking it up in Montgomery (due to conflicting schedules-sadness), but I'm excited about a staycation. I'm going to treat myself to something fun or new every day next week (with most things being cheap or free)!

An entire morning at the bookstore, reading novels with warm coffee in hand. A pedicure at the local beauty school. A lunch at my favorite tearoom. An afternoon at the movies with free popcorn! Exploring downtown Knox with a friend. This is going to be a glorious week of fun and relaxation. I even plan on studying a little (who am I!?). Hip hop hooray for Spring Break!

Tonight I'm kicking off the festivities with a sleepover at my place, featuring Cousin Hannah! Girly movies, snacks, comfy clothes and a warm bed. What a fantastic time will be had!

I hope everyone has a fab weekend!

Here's your funny throwback for Friday:

Lyle Summitt decorated the Honda the morning I moved to Knox in August 2008.
This is what he first wrote.
True statement.
The final product said 'Broke but UT proud.'
True story.

Whiny Wednesday

I do not like walking around campus in wet snow that hits my face, makes my mascara run, ruins my carry-all bag, and makes me almost fall down.

However, I do like listening to coldplay's 'the scientist (acoustic)' on my iPod while walking in said snow with big flakes floating down softly around me.

I do not like people who think they know everything ever in the whole entire world and start stupid arguments that have no warrant or meaning just to make themselves feel good.

However, I do like proving that person wrong sometimes.

I do not like how Knoxville is so poorly laid out and traffic accumulates on my most-traveled routes.

However, I do like the fact it's not Memphis and I don't feel like I'm going to get shot by other drivers.

Relay for Life 2010

Dear Friends,

In April, I will be participating in Relay for Life alongside my friends at the Christian Student Center. We have a team of 9, and our goal is to raise over $1,000 for cancer research. I made my own personal goal $200. All I'm asking is for a small $5 donation from each of you. If everyone takes the time to donate, $200 is easily attainable. 3 of my family members have suffered/are suffering from cancer, and I know that all of you have been affected by cancer one way or another as well. Please help me meet my goal by visiting my website below through Relay for Life. You'll see the link to donate on my page...it's free, easy, and fast! Help people become survivors like my dad, papaw, and granny!

http://main.acsevents.org/goto/TefMarie