Funny for Friday: Dobbie's take on Chick-Fil-A

I love Dobbie...he's amazing. Human name: Eric Dobbs.

He is one of my favorite people and in true fashion of good friends, he works down the street at the local Chick-Fil-A (similar to old Mattie Poo on the Marion Ave days).

Dobbie is also exceptionally brillant, patient, and funny.

I love his video below on his take of Cow Appreciation Day.

I feel like I've posted this before, but don't have time to check through old posts to verify that, so we're doing it again. I promise you'll like it even better the second time if you've seen it the first.

Wednesday.

YUCK.

just yuck.

Don't Stop Believin'.<---period.

This is the place that made my day today. We have been doing a freshman/new student pancake breakfast every other Tuesday for the past couple of months at the Christian Student Center on campus, and Todd and I get there at 6am to start cookin'. The first week...no one. The second time...one. The third time...two. I guess when I stopped by the store at 5:45 am this morning I had low expectations and didn't get more food than normal...not only did we have 4 freshman we had at least 7 CSCers up and at 'em this morning to show their support. My heart was filled with joy at the strong finish to this project. We had just enough food, and seeing the response started my day off right. Lesson learned: Don't give up on people!



This is what I wish my bed looked like right now, instead it looks like a complete and utter disaster. There is junk all over my floor, my trunks, my chair, my bed, my dresser. I can't stand it. Yet, somehow lately I have chosen to ignore it rather than fix it. Well watch out mess...you are going to get owned! Lesson learned: Don't be lazy along the way...just pick it up here and there and it won't get this bad.


This is what I wish I was basking in right now, but it's rainy and stormy and almost dusk.

This is what I've been listening to/watching this past hour...I love that rendition and loved seeing it live in March. So good....somehow that song always comes up in the springtimes of my life. I love it year round...but somewhere along the way it creeps itself onto a springtime mix. Dating from 2006 to now...last spring I was known for blasting this song in my car on campus. Maybe it's the renewal of believin' in myself that happens around this time of year. I don't know why...but I like it. Lesson learned: Don't stop believin' in this song!


This is the kind of music that me and Cousin Hannah listened to the other day when we were cleaning. I'm just glad somebody was also longing to listen to Christmas music so soon...I mean it's still April. I can't wait to have my tree up in December...clarification: not put it up, just have it up. Lesson learned: Don't limit Christmas to one time of year...well maybe, it was kinda weird listening to carols with the air conditioner on.

Guilty Pleasures and Glamorous Friends

Ok. I admit it. I watch 'The Hills.' And contrary to popular opinion about 'Hills' viewers, I have a brain as well.

Sometimes I rationalize it out in my head...it's girly and fun and has a musical overtone that provides a soundtrack to L.C.'s life that I always wish I had.

Other times I feel like a guppie and shallow for watching it. Weird?

So, much to my enjoyment, when I turned on the T.V. yesterday and they were playing the first season (which I had never watched) I was hooked...and my DVR was quickly filling up with episodes for me to watch later. L.C., Audrina, Heidi (back when she was cool), and Whitney...finding their way in the big city of lights and glamour.

Something about watching those makes me want to do something with my life.

Should I feel guilty that 'The Hills' inspires me? Hm...I'll have to think about that one.

One of the things I like the most about watching it is seeing how 'perfect' these girls look alot of the time. Or even when they're having a breakdown, their make-up may be ruined but their hair is flawlessly shiny and straight. Then it makes me think if I fix my hair like that, even when I put on sweats and have a good cry, I, too, shall be attractive.

A total false sense of reality. I get that. I know these girls are actresses...and totally concur that this show is somewhat contrived and scripted.

But...

I still watch it (not so much the newer episodes as much as the older ones where it was more about a girl finding her place in the big city). I still wish my hair was that volumized. And I like the lights of the L.A. night view.

All of that to say...I want to be glamorous. I didn't get the glam gene. Somewhere along my developmental years I bypassed playing dress-up to construct car-paths for all my Hot Wheels. I learned names of musicians, not designers. I kept up with the latest tv show, not hairstyle.

So, I am on a mission to become glamorous. Not fake glamour. I think there's glamour in simplicity and small things. I don't want to be a plastic, blonde girl with too much make-up (no offense to all those who are).

When I think of glamour I think of many of my close friends...

J. Crowe isn't afraid to try the latest trends, or even old ones. She rocks dresses over jeans. She has bangs. She has cute, trendy clothes. She wears the mock turtleneck. She isn't afraid to try new things. And she looks good doing it! That's glamorous.

Amelia has such a glamorous aire about her without even trying. A composed, sophisticated (yes, I said it) look about her. She can be messy and still look put-together. She has thick super-model like hair that I will make a wig of one day just to wear in my thin-hair days. The most glamorous aspect...is when that composed, sophisticated woman lets out an open-mouth loud laugh and rocks forward while doing it. I love that! Glamour is not being afraid to let loose, even when you're put together!

Kristen is glamorously tacky! She has a sense of style all her own and isn't afraid to rep it. She wears mismatched socks, bright colors that might not coordinate, and fun accessories to match. I love it though. She knows what she likes and she isn't changing for anybody. Glamour all around in my book!

Mary Beth is so good at accessories. I'm horrible at wearing jewelry. Sometimes I think, why do I need to wear something that isn't even necessary. Yet Mary Beth totally glams it up with big, clunky bracelets to vintage earrings. She rocks a multitude of colors and yet it always works for her.

J. Phil and her shoes. That girl's feet look fab in high heels. And she ROCKS them out. When she wears her dainty high heels, it makes me want to trade in my flipflops for a pair of stilettos. Her feet and legs are beautiful, along with the rest of her. That's because she treats herself right. She's good to her body and her body is good to her. Whenever we get to spend a weekend together, I always look forward to seeing what kind of glamorous shoes she's wearing. And then I hear her talk about what all she's doing to keep those legs lookin' lean and it inspires me to try my best too.

Bridget is a glamour queen without realizing it. I know she is scoffing as she reads this, but it's true. She has the ability to take something that may be a little worn or faded and completely revamp it with her style. I like the combinations she puts together and the way her hair falls past her shoulders on said combinations makes them even more gorgeous. I noticed this especially the last time I saw her in Memphis when we hung out on Thursday night.

Jules can be glamorous in a tee-shirt and work out pants...because she's still totally rockin' some big hoop earrings and plenty of sparkly eye make-up. She doesn't need those things to be beautiful but she loves them and they've become her trademark in my book. And she can get away with it. I love those earrings!

J. Fred has a beautiful inner confidence that shines through and makes her glamorous. Not only does she always look cute anyways, but she doesn't question herself and her wardrobe, and she can take anything and make it look good. I always admired her ability to feel comfortable in her own skin and it made her all the more beautiful in my eyes.

Amy has amazing, glamorous hair as well. Hers is thick and full and long and blonde (no dying necessary). When we lived together on Marion Ave I always liked watching her dry her hair. There's so much of it...and it flows straight or wavy. It's definitely striking. She always made me want to grow my hair out...and now I am. Somehow mine doesn't seem as glamorous...eh. That's why she's my homes. She's gorgeous inside and out!

Lacey Jean and her glamorous southern accent. It warms my insides when I hear her speak. Her beautiful, yet distinguishing, accent is highly spoken of in the CSC. She makes no excuses for it or tries to change it. Everybody loves it, and rightly so. I think of her sweet disposition when she says 'Bless it!' in her country twang and it brings a smile to my face. Glamorous indeed!

And cousin Hannah. One of my favorite things to do is watch Cousin Hannah do her hair and make-up. Sounds kinda creeper like, I know. Even when we were younger, when I would visit Maryville and spend the night with her, I loved watching her beauty regime and seeing her sit on the floor in front of that full-length mirror with her hair accessories and make-up spread out around her. She always made me want a better beauty regime. Her face is always flawless. But that's also because of her gorgeous smile. When she smiles and her eyes light up it makes her glamorous in my eyes. She has a beautiful soul and she lets it shine!

After writing this post, I realize there are all types of glamor...and maybe I don't have any of the conventional perceptions of glamor, but I guess you could say I have a glamor all my own.

Funny for Friday: A Family Affair

(circa June 2008...upon Matt's arrival home from a year spent in China)

A couple of things about this picture:

a. I love Buster's face...along with Jeremy's. Anybody excited?

b. I like the fact that Ms. Debbie has to hold up a sign to distinguish which one is her son...and feels the need to hold up the sign. Too cute.

c. Good times.

Perfect Moments

"All of the moments that already passed...try to go back and make them last."
-Nelly Furtado 'Try'

A beautiful sunny Sunday morning in early May 2006.

Driving across the big M bridge over the Mississippi river into Arkansas and I remember laughing. We were listening to 'Promiscious' by Nelly Furtado on a new mix cd (he scoffed at the idea of me liking that song). I had iced coffee in the console and was staring at the bland eastern Arkansas landscape while singing along with the sunroof open. It was only the 2nd time I'd ever really listened to it. He was laughing with his bible open in his lap, studying for his sermon that morning. I remember looking in his eyes as I sang the closing rift of the song to him...'but you're driving me crazy the way you're makin' me wait.' He leaned over and kissed my neck and I remember catching a glimpse of myself in the rearview mirror.

It was a perfect moment.

Not a care in the world.
All that mattered to me was there in that moment.
When I saw my reflection, I was happy.

Genuinely happy.


Sitting on my couch, putting off studying to watch the results show for Dancing with the Stars (I don't even watch that show...it was the lead in for LOST), full from another Chick-Fil-A dinner, snuggled under my blue flannel blanket and looking at possible ringtones...and it strikes. A perfect moment from my life pops into my head and sets off a wave of emotional thoughts.

Sadness.

Not from the memory itself, but the fact that I don't feel like I have many of those moments anymore. I know I talk about the glory days of living on Marion Ave. from time to time...how life was good, friends were plenty, and adventures were real. I know I also try to distinguish the fact that I don't long to live in the past, it just creeps in sometimes, reminding me of where I've been and what I feel is lacking in my life as of present.

Sometimes I just feel off. I'm happy in this life. In this place.
Right? Yes...maybe?

But I feel like I have alot of dull moments.
An overall dullness.
I don't even really want to do the open-mouthed grin anymore.


I don't want to feel dull.

I wanna glow.

I don't want to try to recreate situational moments...I just don't know how to ensure new ones happen now. I know in most of my perfect moments I was happier. I was doing better. I was exercising, doing God's will, living in the here and now. I was busy, always doing something for someone. It seems like I'm trying and failing at doing that now. Sometimes I feel like if I just do those things again, life would start becoming more like I want it to be. Other times I feel like I'm doing what I can and don't know why it hasn't changed yet.

Sigh.

I do not want to seem like someone who is unhappy in life. I am happy. I love life, I love my friends, I'm very blessed. I just have an emptiness in my soul sometimes. Part of me feels that it's just the fact of growing up, not being naive to the world as I see more of it.

I want to be carefree. I want to be optimistic. I want to be loving. I want to be kind without strings attached. I want to see the best in others. I want to have hope. I want to be energetic. I want to have a default smile on my face, not a default frown. I want a moment...one where I lose control and just relish life...one where my smile reaches my eyes and I forget about school and money and stress...and I'm free in a perfect moment.


I guess what I'm trying to say is that it's been a while. It's been a while since that smile seemed real.

So this perfect moment memory has changed the course of my night, as they usually do. I'll probably get out a photo album, write in my journal, make a list and devise a new life plan. I have numerous perfect moments from various times in my life that I often reflect on. The one I shared tonight was just one. And don't get it twisted...I don't remember this and get depressed because that relationship didn't work out or because I'm alone now in 2010. I am thankful for that time I had with him and for the joy all the past perfect moments I've had bring to my life. This moment just makes me miss friends and being young and Memphis times.

So pray for new perfect moments and I pray that you have more perfect moments in your life.

Here's to not being dull anymore.
And I hope the next time I see you, my smile reaches my eyes.

Relay for Life 2010: A Recap

As many of you know, I participated in Relay for Life this past Friday evening. This was my first-ever race/run/walk of any sort. I've wanted to be a part of ones before but never had the gusto to do it. I'm thankful to Sashsa for organizing a team for the Christian Student Center.

When I signed up, I wasn't sure of the impact that it would make. We needed to raise $1000 as a team, and Sashsa put before us the goal of attaining $100/person. I sent emails to many of you, put it on Fbook, and advertised it on my blog. And you responded. Not only did I raise the $100 goal, but you all went above and beyond. I ended up raising $255 for my final total. I could not have done it without your support. I was blessed to see people respond, people I may not have suspected to want to participate, with a letter and $5 in the mail. Every little bit helped and every donation given warmed my heart beyond measure. I know not everyone is financially able to participate, but I know the prayers that went up on behalf of this cause were heard! I appreciate all the ways you helped me.

In the spring of 2008, my father was diagnosed with Prostate cancer. Fortunately for him, the procedure was robotic and much more simpler than the previous alternative. His recovery time was cut in half, and he seemed to bounce back in no time. They removed all of his cancer and he has had no other issues due to an early detection.

In the summer of 2003, Hurricane Elvis (a straight line wind storm) hit Memphis and knocked out power all over the region for weeks. I had returned from a trip with Amelia and Bridget to see our friends the Eaves in Philadelphia, Mississippi to find that our home was still without power after a week. I remember standing in our kitchen with no lights in the sweltering heat and talking to my dad when he told me my Papaw had been diagnosed with Leukemia that week. I went to my sister's to spend the night because she had air, and recall sitting on her back porch crying on the phone with Amelia and Bridget. (Yes, I have a detailed memory.) It's been 7 years since his diagnosis and he too has been blessed with slow-moving cancer. He has not had to undergo chemo or harsh treatments. His doctor said that his active lifestyle at an older age has probably helped guard against the severity of his cancer. He still lives with it from day to day. I remember him telling me that when they took his bone marrow to check it, it was the worst pain he's ever had to endure.

This past New Year's my Granny went in for tests on her colon. A month later she was diagnosed with having cancerous tumors in her colon. Yet again, due to early detection and advanced means, her tumors were removed, a week was spent in the hospital, and she is now cancer-free with no pending treatments.

All of these things to say that just a few years ago I thought our family wasn't affected by cancer, but how fast that changes. Hence, Relay for Life is something that has become close to my heart over the past couple of months.

When talking about Relay for Life, I heard someone scoff 'how does that help cure cancer?' Well, ignorant one, it helps raise money to further advance procedures and surgeries that fight cancer. Without money raised by events like these, robotic surgeries wouldn't be possible and my dad's recovery would have taken a toll on his health. Without Relay for Life, early detections might not be possible. People's awareness wouldn't be raised and people might live with cancer for long times without being diagnosed. Treatments wouldn't be readily available. How about all those things help cure, treat, and prevent cancer!?

I have known far too many people this year who have become stricken with cancer. Some have beaten it, some have been beaten by it. Sometimes I feel far removed from the suffering and pain many cancer patients endure due to the blessings my family members have received with their bouts.

However, walking around the Relay for Life track on Friday night at 11:30 pm and watching as family members gathered around lit illuminary bags with cancer patients' names on them was a stark reminder of the pain that many do endure. There were bags for survivors and bags for those who had passed on. The whole camp was quiet and I cried as I walked by the burning memorials for those who have not been as fortunate. My heart was broken for these people yet proud of their loved ones' determination to continue the fight they left unfinished. My heart broke for friends like AnCharlene who have lost a parent to cancer. I can't think of what I would do without my dad, and it brought me to tears to think of the strength she has shown throughout the past few months. I know her father is smiling down on her from heaven and I know he is proud of her too.

All of this long post to say this....please get involved with something. Please help fight against cancer, alzheimer's, muscular diseases, etc. Each little bit you do helps someone else fight their battle. Just showing support not only benefits them, but makes us remember how fragile our lives are. Continue to pray for those who fall victim to these dreaded diseases.

Funny for Friday: Rambo Edition

THIS....is why I love the Mannings.

I miss their presence. Their love. And their goofy nature.

I don't know why tying a tie on around your head makes you cool, but it does.

Movin' on Up!

So I've made a couple of big decisions in my life as of late. One being that I am going to live on my own next year.

WHOA. Me? On my own? In my own apartment? Even overnight?

Some might scoff at that. Especially if you've ever been on the receiving end of a midnight phone call because of noises I heard. Or if you've ever heard me tell about the days of old when I slept in the bathtub at my parent's house because I was scared and that was the only room that had a lock on the door. (Mind you that this occurred when I was 18 years old...yes...18).

In the past I have tended to have a paranoid attitude about being killed, murdered, etc. I would like to lay partial blame on the fact that growing up I watched A&E murder investigation shows with my dad all the time. I had an uncanny interest in the way people died. And once saw that the most crime was committed between 2 and 4 a.m., resulting in me becoming an insomniac, and not laying my head on my pillow to rest until 4:01 a.m. I don't think the false belief that 'Well, it's 4:01 a.m...all the crime in the city is done' really protected me from something bad.

Chalk it up to being older. Possibly living in a safer city has helped. But somehow, my fear of being alone over night has vanished (for the most part...I still have moments).

I am rather looking forward to living on my own.

Next question: Can I afford it? No. Yes. Hope so.

I'm ready to have my own place with my own time schedule and my own thermostat control.

I tend to be a utility nazi...I think that has manifested the older I get. Or just because I don't have a steady paycheck anymore.

It could be a family trait. I once heard Mrs. Garner talk about how she plays a game each month to see how low she can get her utility bill. I feel the same.

Maybe that just means I need to get a hobby.

I lay awake at night and ponder all the wonders of living on my own.

This is big.

Even more excited about having all of you visit and not having to worry about a roomie.

I applied to stay in the same apartment complex (I like it here) so hopefully it won't be a bad move. Say a little prayer that something opens up for the time I need and that everything transitions smoothly.

Me. On my own. For the first time ever. Write that down.

Today.

Today I kinda feel like getting my hair cut off.

Today I am proud of the fact that I filled my Subway cup up with half Cherry Coke and half Diet Coke...and chose baked Lays over Salt and Vinegar.

Today I saw one of these.

Today I'm not sure where I'll be this time next year.

Today I wish my gut was small enough to wear my coral shirt that matches J. Phil's.

Today I wish we still had Thursday night College Age Bible Studies...and it's not even Thursday.

Today I would like to be with these people, in this place.

Today is going to be beautiful.

Today I wish my room was clean.

Today I wonder what happened to my reading glasses.

Today I was pleasantly surprised...and it was good.

And it's only 10 a.m. Today is nowhere near done...

Happy Birthday J-Phil!

Today is J-Phil's 22nd Birthday.

Happy Birthday, J-Phil.



Here's to eating lots of Ice Cream Cake:)

Funny for Friday: You Crazy Kids!

I was blessed to attend lectures in Memphis during the last week of March. The first night I spent a few minutes in the parking lot afterwards with Bridget, her kids, and some crazy teenagers.

I thought these pics were funny. I just like how Caleb always thinks whatever Ryan does must be cool, hence he wants to do it too...I would like to call it the younger kid syndrome. I think I had it too.

Ryan thought it was cool to put a rubberband around his forehead.




Caleb thought he'd look cool doing it too.



I'm not sure it had the same effect. But they looked pretty funny doing it. Enjoy! :)