Life Eccentric

Re-Abolish Slavery

2012-01-11T08:01:00.000-08:00

Today is Sex Trafficking Awareness Day in the US.

Hard to believe that there are 27 million slaves in the world today. More than any other time in history. It's phenomenal in the worst kind of way imaginable. Wonder how many slaves are working for you? Find out here.

I have been reading Siddharth Kara's "Sex Trafficking: Inside the Business of Modern Slavery" and holy cow. I had to stop after chapter one & just sobbed. The injustice in the world today is unprecedented. The bias & devaluing of women worldwide is an atrocity. The horrors that women & young children face on a daily basis is unimaginable. But the possibility of ending it is completely possible. The biggest thing God impressed on me at Passion last week was that He can make all things possible. And He will use His church to do so. How often I've not been willing...

I highly recommend becoming informed. There are several groups that I have become interested in that are doing amazing work in education, prevention, rescue & rehabilitation. Check them out:

A21 Campaign
International Justice Mission
As Our Own
Operation Broken Silence

"...to remain silent & indifferent is the greatest sin of all..."
-Elie Wiesel

Beach Retweet

2011-08-08T15:27:00.000-07:00

Just got back on Friday from the greatest week ever in PCB. We took our college students to Florida for the week & of all the hundreds (...possibly an exaggeration) of Bellevue trips I've been on, I think this was the best by far!

Maybe if I can remember I'll start blogging again. Until next time...

2011-03-09T08:59:00.000-08:00

40 Days of Water

2011-03-08T15:00:00.000-08:00

Found my lent : Check it out here!

FAT Tuesday

2011-03-08T11:53:00.000-08:00

And Mardi Gras is here again! I can hardly believe it is coming close to the middle of March. And sorry, anyone who has checked my blog in the last month, b/c obviously I've not updated in a while! OK so lent. Siggghhhhh. Every year it comes up, and honestly, every year I usually forget about it until half way through. I am well aware that I'm not Catholic, but there is something intriguing to me about specifically sacrificing some "vice" for the days leading up to Easter in order to focus more on Christ. I actually realized this morning that today was Fat Tuesday (thank you twitter), so I've been thinking all day....what should I give up? My first thought every year is: my beloved Dr. Pepper. Poor thing, he's been given up several times. But I don't know if that is it for me this year. Maybe I'll do that anyway (b/c who would miss a few lbs of sugar on the mid section with summer fastly approaching? Not this girl). But I'm praying about what I could give up that would really free me up to think about the Lord & what He has done for us all throughout the next month. And I have a suspicious feeling that it's going to be something on my iphone...(Eeeeeek!)

Reading through the chronological Bible this year has so impacted my life, my worldview & my knowledge of God. How ironic, that spending time in His Word really does let you know Him better...it's so easy! And yet so often, we find it so difficult. Whether it's time or just the way we feel. But I'm finding that God is true to His promise - if we seek Him with our whole heart, He WILL be found by us. I still wish my mind could comprehend the fact that the God of the entire universe is living in my body & wants anything to do with me. Grace is ridiculous.

Anyway, moving right along, I dare not post without making mention that I have crossed a new mile marker. Number 28. I'm actually not a fan. In my mouth I say 28, but in my head all I hear is : 30. & You're old. Numbers have a funny way of doing that. But I am happy to be able to say that I know I am exactly where God wants me to be, and I know there's no other spot, no other age that would be better. Life is good. And I'm going to rock 28.

Happy FAT Tuesday!

SNOWPOCALYPSE!

2011-02-09T09:57:00.000-08:00

IT'S HERE! It felt like Christmas morning when I woke up. The anticipation. I woke up 10 times last night hoping it was already morning so I could play in the snow. However, I woke up. Sprang from my bed. I flew like a flash....aaaaaand no snow. But there is a 100% chance. And can you really even call that a chance? It's more like a certainty. And I'm pumped.

In Memphis, we rarely get to freak out about snow. I mean, we often freak out about the possibility of snow. But not actually of snow itself. Reason being, it never snows. Well this year we've had snow more times than I can remember. And about a month ago we got a really great snow. Best we've had in a while. And of course. I was SICK. I have all the luck. Really.

So once I heard of the 100% guarantee of a snow day, I sprang into action. Baked a ton of cookies. And made my plans for what I like to call "Epic Snow Day". So now, I am happily at work, waiting to go eat lunch at Bryant's (best biscuits in town) with all the guys from work. Then according to the weather channel, snow should be here.

So on the agenda I have:
1. Make snow angel
2. Throw a snow ball
3. Sled
4. Make a snow man?
5. Eat cookies
6. Watch a movie
...and that's all I've got :)

But epic it shall be. Happy Snowpocalypse Memphis!

The Angst of Waiting

2011-02-03T11:08:00.001-08:00

No one likes waiting. Namely me. I hate driving down Germantown Pkwy only to catch every stinking red light. Come on. I hate waiting in a line at the post office. I hate waiting in line in a drive-thru. And I hate waiting on my food at a restaurant. I think it's the curse of being American & human. I want what I want. And I want it NOW.

But even more than that, I find that in my personal life I am the same way. I don't want to wait on the Lord for anything. And most of the people I talk with also struggle with this. It doesn't matter what stage of life you are at, there is always something to have to wait on. And no one likes the waiting. For high schoolers, it's waiting to go to college. For college students, it's waiting to get through with school or waiting to find a job. For the single person, it's waiting to get married. For the married person, it's waiting on funds to buy a house or waiting on the Lord to provide a child. And on & on it goes all throughout our lives.

As I've been reading through the Bible, I see over & over...& over where God makes people wait. And so I started thinking about that. Why does He do that? Why doesn't He just fulfill our needs now!? And I realized, that in the waiting period He gives us an opportunity to put our faith into action. And when we do so, we grow so much closer to Him. And isn't that the ultimate goal - to be sanctified? To be closer to God? To have our faith strengthened?

Abraham had to wait for Isaac...though lest we forget that he tried to take matters into his own hands, and badda bing badda boom, we now have Ishmael. Thanks Abraham. Or what about poor Joseph who had to wait in prison for yeeeeaaaarrrrss when he had done nothing wrong? Or there's Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego...God didn't show up until AFTER they'd been thrown in the fire. Talk about waiting til the last minute! Then in the New Testament, there's Lazarus. Bless his little heart. Jesus let him die. And came 4 days after he'd been buried before He raised him.

And through these, and many more instances, I realize that while the "waiting room" can suck sometimes, there is also a joy in it. There is something good & right about opening my hands & giving myself fully to the Lord & to His timetable. The plan of God has always been in motion. Everything happens at the specific time for a specific reason. I can whine about it, try to help God out (not a good idea!), or I can entrust myself to Him. God has promised to be with me. And shouldn't that be enough?

Whatever it might be that we're waiting on, we can trust God's heart. There's some corny phrase that I can't even remember right now - something about when you can't see His hand, trust His heart...I may have just butchered that. But it resonated with my heart. He is worthy of my trust. And He is good. And whether or not I understand what is going on in my life, I can trust His heart.

I highly recommend the book "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young. It's a small little book that has Scripture written out for everyday, paraphrased for the most part. What I read this morning was so true - (and now I am paraphrasing the paraphrased b/c I can't remember the exact wording...my apologies) How ridiculous is it to wish for the future, when God is with us in the present!

I hope that I (& you!) will give ourselves & our situations to the Lord & truly wait on Him.

Psalm 27:14 - "Wait for the Lord; be strong & take heart & wait for the Lord."

2011-01-28T09:24:00.001-08:00

What ARE you?

2011-01-25T14:20:00.001-08:00

So I got an email from Heather the other day asking if I wanted to go with her to Benihanas to celebrate her bday...and so she could use her giftcard. Of course I said yes. Well, like anything in my life, it did not come without a good story.

As we were seated, I quickly noticed that the Asian girl taking our order was ghetto. That in itself was funny enough. Well she asks if its either of our birthdays. Heather says yes, and then the girl says, "Well what ARE you?"...ummm, hmm?

She repeated it & then when we still sat there staring at each other she's like "Ya know, like some people come in here that are like Jewish or Russian or somethin'" ??!? WHAT?! Who asks that? I felt like I was in the movie Mean Girls:

"Oh my gosh Karen, you can't just ask people why they're WHITE!"

As my mind raced with questions, all I could seem to get out was "Umm, I think we're just American..."

haha I still can't replay that in my mind without laughing. It was just so good. haha. So then she's laughs & is like "Well yeah there was these Russian people & they didn't speak no English." <---Did you pick up on the ghetto-ness? I tried to type it.

So we laughed for quite a while on that. Then after we've finished our meal & are ready to head out, she comes back & asks what kind of ice cream we want. We both tell her we don't want any. Then 5 minutes later she brings some out anyways and says "Sorry, I just HAD to!"...huh? What do you even mean you HAD to?!

So on the one hand we had our ghetto Asian that thought she was black. On the other hand came the best stereotypical Asian out there. I'm trying to find my debit card in my purse & I keep hearing a faint noise. Finally Heather hits me & I look up to see a sweet little old Asian man...with a camera. It just doesn't get any better than this. He takes our picture even though I don't understand why. Then tells us to wait for him in the lobby & he'll give us a copy of it. Well, I was running late so I had to leave. Heather didn't want it either so we figured we'd make a quick exit out the door. We did. But then the little Asian man run out after us into the parking lot yelling "You forget your picture! You forget your picture!!!" We still left without it.

Life really is so good.

Hey Memphis

2011-01-21T08:40:00.000-08:00

Hey Memphis - how about all this snow?!

I'm a fan. Ice? Not so much, but then again I do enjoy a good city freak out. It's kinda fun, no?

Well after my last post, which may be one of the longest most personal I've ever posted, I don't know where to go. Am I allowed to be stupid & sarcastic? Or do I need to be serious? Hmmmm.... I think I'll do both. Is that OK?

God is growing me. And it's not as pretty as I'd like to think the process should go. In fact, I've never felt like such a loser in my life. Funny thing, I was actually reading about Abraham & after a few chapters I was like - "What a d-bag! What an idiot! How are you doubting?! - God JUST did an awesome thing for you!!". And then about 3 secs later I realized that I do the exact same thing. Crap.

In my mind growing should mean that I am sorry for the crappy way I've acted, I tell God I'm sorry, start reading the Bible (which will change me with no effort whatsoever), start praying & then everything in my life will go well. I'll stop being a jerk. Everything that comes out of my mouth will be sweet & kind & God will make everything in my life go smoothly. Oh and then I go to Heaven & He's like "Anna, you are awesome."

I wish it were that easy. However I'm finding that reading the Bible & digesting it isn't easy. I'm forgetful. God does cool things & gives me promises & then a few hours later I have completely forgotten & I'm like - "Wait, where are you? I'm scared. And I suck at life."

The coolest thing that I'm learning through Abraham's screwed up life is how God is faithful to His plan even when we mess up. And somehow He is super patient & caring toward us as well. So far in 2011 I am realizing how my view of God is very warped into something that I've created in my head. And surprisingly, it's nowhere near as good as God is. I mean, He is the man. And I imagine Him to be awful & mean sometimes. That is one thing I'm learning about why it is SO important to read God's Word & align yourself to IT instead of to your own intellect. B/c while I think I'm smart, I might not be. OK, OK I'm not. Fine.

But as I was saying, this "growing" thing is showing me all my flaws when I mirror myself to the Lord & His Word. And I don't like what I see. But God is the sanctifier of my soul. And even reading back through my last post I can see how He has carried me from one step to the next when some of those times I wasn't even obeying Him. Furthermore, I am reminded that He gave His Son to die for me when not only was I not obeying Him, but I was an object of wrath. I hated the Guy. That is love that I don't understand, but want to.

Anyway, these are the deep thoughts of Anna White for today. Please don't judge me if the next time you come back to my page I am making fun of crocs or something ridiculous. It's my blog so it's probably going to be random. Hopefully it's entertaining or encouraging. Either is a win in my book.

Milestones

2011-01-18T08:33:00.000-08:00

This has been a week to remember.

It's a new year. Last year was filled with a lot of changes in my life. My best friend moved to Brazil to be a missionary. I broke up with my boyfriend of almost 3.5 years. I moved to a new apartment. Several friends got married. And I went through a lot of growing pains at work. 2010 was a momumental year for me. A lot changed that needed to change. But it was rough. Even good changes don't come without some pain.

While I went through some really hard days in 2010, God was closer to me than I had felt Him in years. He enabled me to act against my will & follow Him. He allowed me to be honest with Him, quite brutally I might add. But in my weaknesses, He was so strong. I did my part in going to Him to yell & cry, and He in return filled my heart with truths of His promises. But, as any human (or sheep) does, I wander on my merry way when life seems to smile on me and 10 steps later I find myself in a mess again. And I wonder, "How did I forget to stay by His side?"

This brings me to this week. One of the milestones on my journey. You know what I'm talking about? Those specific times that you can look back on & remember that God was so near. And it rocked your world. I have several of these instances.

The first that I remember was in 9th grade when my best friend at the time almost died from a drug overdose. It was the first time I had tasted the reality of death. She did not die. Miraculously I might add. But that instance changed me. It was the first time I really evaluated my life. I genuinely believe that is when I was saved. It was the first instance I remember realizing my need for God & welcoming Him in to control my life. The next next major milestone was when I broke up with my college boyfriend. It was the first time I had been in love. And with all caution to the wind, I assumed that we'd be together forever. In hindsight I couldn't be more thankful that God did not allow that. But at the time, I was devestated. That was the first time that I had been really honest with God...possibly the first time I'd allowed myself to tell God how angry I was with Him. That was a turning point in our relationship. And when I think back on those days of sadness, the only way to describe the Lord's attention to me was in a word, precious. He was so precious to me. He was very present & tender. And I love Him for it. As I went through a broken heart, the Lord led me to a book that revolutionized my walk with Him. "Faith Is Not A Feeling" by Ney Bailey. It's not a seriously deep book or concept. But until I read that book I did not realize how often I had based my whole faith on the way that I felt. Everything was based on ME. Not on God's WORD. Making that change drastically changed my life. Well, God drastically changed my life. But you understand what I'm saying. After that year I followed my heart out to Colorado. I wanted to live there, so I figured spending the entire summer out there would be the next best thing. So I got hired to work at a summer camp in Estes Park at about 9,000 ft elevation where I knew no one. Contrary to popular belief, I am not outgoing & I'm not outdoorsy. And turns out I wasn't selfless either. That summer was the hardest, most rewarding 3 months of my life to date. It was freezing (snowed twice in June), I took cold showers daily, I had to give myself fully to the attention of the girls in my care. I had to be hyper when I wanted to sleep. And that was just the exterior of my life there. I quickly learned how selfish I was. I also got homesick. Embarrassing. But true. I was about 23 hours drive time from absolutely everyone I knew. And I felt alone. And inadequate. But I sought God. Because I really, really needed Him. And He taught me to rely on Him for everything. It was one of the first times in my life I remember relying on the Lord for a physical need. I was up before the sun in the mornings & went strong until late at night. I got little sleep, and frankly I needed help. There was no way I could give of myself on my own because I was so exhausted. But day after day, He supplied me with physical energy. He supplied me with Biblical truth to answer the girls questions. He was close to my heart. He taught me to obey Him. And I came back changed. This leads to my next milestone which was a little country church in Jackson, TN. I grew up at Bellevue Baptist Church. Population: 23,000. Once I got to Union I church-hopped for 3 years, b/c nothing was ever like Bellevue. And I never committed. Following my summer in Colorado, I was invited to Bible Grove Baptist Church. Population: 30. And from the first time I stepped foot in the church, I knew I wanted to be a part of that family. Other than the 5 college students I came with, the youngest member was in their late 50s. It was the first time I'd been a part of a church that close-knit. We ate together, prayed together, cried together. It was the first time I had been a part of the Body where I felt needed. I went on house calls - just to sit with some of our older members who were sick or had lost their spouse. Through a deacon (1 of 2 at our church), I began going to the Jackson prison to lead Bible studies with the female inmates weekly. That church will forever hold a special place in my heart for showing me what it means to be a part of the Body of Christ. I could go on & on about the people of that church, but I'll move on...

The next to last major milestone in my life happened this summer. I was experiencing pain like I hadn't experienced in years. And allowing it to wash over me brought up all of my insecurities that I had so neatly tucked away. I was a mess. And I was angry. And sad. But God was so near. There are almost no words to adequately describe how the Lord will minister to you in your heart aches when you are honest with Him. It is precious. And while I don't wish heartache on anyone, including myself, He is always the silver lining to those tough times. This brings us to this week...

We had 2 missionaries from Turkey come to our church & speak to our college students. Honestly, I hadn't given them a second thought. That's how crappy of a person I am. But once I met them & heard their story I got my world rocked. One of the missionaries is Turkish. He was imprisoned previously for his faith. The other is an American who has lived in Turkey for the last decade. Honestly, he looked like he could be Turkish. They started the evening by having us bow on our knees & sing to the Lord. That sounds hokey, but there was something about putting yourself in such a humble position. Instantly I felt right there before the Lord. And almost uncontrollably I started pouring my heart out. Telling God everything - good, bad & mostly ugly. They had some pictures & Scriptures on the screens. One said something to the effect of "Pray for the ones who are risking their lives to share the love of Christ." I was like - "Huh? Risking their lives?! I don't show the love of Christ every day and I don't even have to risk my life!" And that's when the tears started flowing. And they didn't stop for the next hour & a half. As the missionaries talked about the believers over there, the risk at which they are living...(I don't know if you remember the 3 missionaries who were tortured by Muslim extremist 3 years ago before they were killed. Their fingers & limbs were cut off before they were stabbed to death). And then I listened in horror as they described me. They talked about the Christians in the West. The Americans. The brothers & sisters in Christ who are asleep. Who don't care. Who are too busy shopping & buying what they don't need, while their Turkish brothers & sisters are in need of supplies, of support. They talked about how God doesn't need missionaries. He wants soldiers. Not cowards. Soldiers. Well one thing I knew for sure was that I am a coward. I'm afraid of Muslims. I'm afraid of being killed or tortured. I'm full of myself. I don't care about Christians around the world. If anything, I try to ignore them so I won't feel responsible. So I won't have to think about whether I might have to lay down my life. And then it hit me. Did I even enlist? If I don't want any part of the sufferings of Christ, did I really ever enlist in His army? Did I really ever give Him control of my life? Is He really Lord or am I? Talk about scary realizations. I also realized how not ok it is that my brothers & sisters are facing death every day, while I walk around doing "Christian" activities that do not have need of the Holy Spirit & are never outside of my comfort zone. WHAT THE HECK?! That's not Christian work. That's church work. And so I really evaluated whether I had signed up for Church or for Christ. And I recommend that you do that too. "What does it profit a man to gain the whole world & yet forfeit his soul?"

I genuinely believe that God wants me where I am. I do not think that at this point in my life He wants me to up & move to Turkey. But I think He wants me to walk close to Him. And obey Him in the small things. I think He wants me to make choices to love others as much as I love myself. And that's not something I say flippantly. Even in my job in the college ministry at my church, how often do I step out of my comfort zone & spend time making someone feel welcome that I don't know? Unfortunately, most of the time I have enjoyed "ministering" to the kids that I'm already friends with, and not caring about the ones that I do not know. Is that crappy or what? Two things that would be easy to do at this point is to 1. think God wants me to sell everything, move to Turkey & die a martyr or 2. dwell on how horrible of a human being I am. After some thought, prayer & a couple of really great conversations, I know that those are incorrect & (at least the second option) unbiblical. But do you want to know my greatest fear? That I'll stay the same. That I'll not help my brothers & sisters out financially, but instead I'll buy myself an iPad. That I'll not obey God when He impresses on my heart to take a step out of my comfort zone, but instead I'll tell God I'm the decision maker for my life & stay put where I'm comfortable. That I'll not think about & pray for my brothers & sisters who are being persecuted & imprisoned, but instead I'll try to forget them to ease my conscience. That I'll not spend the time to know God through His Word & through prayer, but instead I'll waste away my days laying on the couch watching the latest reality TV shows. That at the end of my life I'll stand before God & everything I've ever done will burn to ashes. And I will have wasted my life on things that didn't last. But my greatest fear of all is as I stand before God & tell Him of all the times I prophesied in His name & did many works for Him & He'll say "Depart from Me. I never knew you."

It's 2011. I'm 27. If I live a normal life, it's already about a third gone. What will I do that will last for eternity? Am I scared of what God may ask me to do? Yes. But I'm more scared of not aswering His call. It's 2011...where are you?

Day 4

2010-12-30T08:35:00.000-08:00

OK OK OK. I know, I know, I know. I said I was going to do 12 BEFORE Christmas. But somewhere in that decision I forgot how BUSY the season is! So I am going to continue to 12, as promised, however it will NOT be before Christmas :)

This year, I decided to make my thank you cards instead of buying them. I'm pretty sure I came out MUCH cheaper & frankly, I like them a lot better than anything I could have bought anyway! Thanks to Hobby Lobby for having everything I needed from tons of paper to buttons to hot glue guns!

I hope that everyone had a very Merry Christmas with friends & family. I had a great, relaxing time with my family. We watched Christmas Vacation (a White family tradition since before I probably should have been allowed to watch it), ate a lot of great food (thanks Mom!), and of course made a trip to Starbucks on Christmas Day in our PJs. Throw in some movie marathons and a few more amazing meals & you've got my Christmas holiday! Hope yours was just as merry in your own special way!

And an early, Happy New Years!

On the Third Day...

2010-12-10T09:45:00.000-08:00

I MADE BROWNIES!

On the Second Day of Christmas...

2010-12-10T09:39:00.000-08:00

For my second project I decided to make some trees to decorate my office with.

First things first, I went to Hobby Lobby & found some styrofoam trees.

Second, I found some old catalogs & went to town on them with my scissors.

And with the help of a little Modge Podge....voila!

Now I have my 3 little trees. I got a little flack at work that they don't look like trees & they aren't Christmas-y. Well bah hum bug! I like em!

First Project of Christmas

2010-12-04T09:41:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas! The spirit is in the air. And thankfully it's actually been cold in Memphis,

which has helped make it feel a little merrier than normal!

For a Christmas treat I went with Lauren out to Collierville Square to walk around & enjoy the cozyness (is that a word?) that is there. Our main mission was to spend some time in the coffee shop. Unfortunately, we picked the one night that they decided to close to the public for a small group gathering. Thank you Square Beans. But even with that disappointment we had a fabulous time walking around through the square & we happened upon a wonderful tree:

Here is a cute little area in my kitchen that makes me feel jolly:

OK now onto the 1st project of the season: Christmas Tags!

Get some for yourself here.

And here are the completed post-run-in-with-scissors:

I'm well aware that this shouldn't really classify as a "project" b/c I didn't have to do much crafting. But I did have to go to Hobby Lobby & buy some cardstock & I did have to sit & cut all of them. So I did feel accomplished once I finished. They are so cute & are very inexpensive. Definitely go to the site & download the graphics if you are looking for some cute name tags.

I'll be posting more crafts soon! Have a holly jolly day!

On the First Project of Xmas

2010-12-04T09:41:00.000-08:00

12 Projects for 12 Days

2010-11-30T14:00:00.000-08:00

"So this is Christmas..."

December 1 is TOMORROW! And as soon as December has fallen on us, it will be Christmas before we realize that 25 days have passed. Glad I started early this year.

I have always been an artsy, craftsy person since I was a child. I loved drawing on the cardboard sheets that came in Daddy's shirts from the cleaners. Art was my favorite class, besides recess, all the way up til my senior year of high school. And in college, my best friends were even more creative than me and I found myself crafting all the time. But post college has been quite a bore. Maybe it's the craziness of having a full time job or maybe a lack of creative influences, but I've just been lazy on the creative side the last several years. So what better time than the holidays to get creative?

Get ready blog world. I'm going to do 12 days of projects. The projects may be for my own fun, or they may be to spread some Christmas cheer. But 12 there shall be.

What things are you doing to celebrate this Christmas?

Philly Please

2010-11-25T08:06:00.001-08:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

This year I came with my parents to visit Philadelphia for Thanksgiving.

Did you know Philly's T-giving Parade is America's oldest? I didn't either.

We've seen some of history's highlights, which is really cool. Below is a picture of Independence Hall which is where the Declaration of Independence was signed!

Here's the Liberty Bell, which is much smaller than most people think. It's still pretty big though and weighs 1 ton, so that can't be too small. And the crack is from some idiot who tried to fix a hair-line crack and ended up ruining the thing. But hey - it's character, right?

Below is City Tavern. A restaurant that Washington, Adams & Jefferson would frequent to eat, drink, read newspapers & discuss the formation of our country. Not only was it amazing food, but the people were dressed in 18th century clothes, which was a nice touch & also made me feel sorry for them. Also we ate by candlelight & drank from pewter cups.

Now we are about to go eat Thanksgiving Dinner at....a restaurant...not sure how this is gonna go, but it's been a great trip so far! I have so many things to be thankful for.

"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."
1 Thessalonians 5:17

Love to all my family & friends!

Tis the Season? Wait, too soon?

2010-11-11T13:28:00.001-08:00

First, I'd like to give a shout out to Kacie Wilbur, who so graciously informed me that my blog hated me. So you can send your thanks to her for my latest post.

So November 1st I walk into Target to find that it's Christmas. Forget Thanksgiving. And all that giving of thanks. And turkeys. And pumpkin pies. Apparently it's time for Christmas. And spending way too much money to prove to people that we care. Well frankly, I'm a fan of all said holidays (you can consult my sock drawer for confirmation). I put out my fall leaves & pumpkins promptly on September 1st. And then come November I have mental debates with myself about when it's acceptable to start decorating for Christmas. (I always win).

In years past I decorated November 1st. With Christmas being one of my favorite holidays, I thought it unfair to go to all the trouble to decorate for such a short amount of time (the day after Thanksgiving - Dec 25). I mean, come on. But what I found was that by December it had lost a little of its luster. And I was just not OK with that.

So this year, I decided to hold off. ......... November 1st came and went. Success. Then as day after day went by, I kept getting more & more ansy to decorate. But I resisted. Until the fateful night of November 9th. It was a long, dark night. I made the mistake of watching some Gilmore Girls re-runs, that OF COURSE just happened to be Christmas episodes. I looked up at the clock. 8:47. I took one more look around at the yellow & orange leaves, the pumpkins & harvest candles, and I COULDN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE! Away to the closet I flew like a flash! Tore open the rubbermaids & pulled out wreaths that were mashed!

And so, regretfully & excitedly, I am ready for Christmas. Sure, I'm the only one in my building with a wreath on the door. But someone had to be the first, right?

Favorite Quotes

2010-10-20T14:15:00.000-07:00

Over the past 6 months or so I have begun keeping up with funny quotes that my friends say. I keep them in a note on my iphone so that I can get a good laugh any time I need one. In light of the beautiful fall weather, I am in the mood to share. Some of them I can't put the author. Or they might not be my friend anymore. Here goes...

"This morning I tried to see what it would be like to live without any arms...it would be really hard!"

"It really doesn't matter what you do as long as you're good at it. Quote me."

"If I found a Bible in the garbage I don't know WHAT I'd do." - Aran Coleman

"If I was a dude, I'd date you." - Aran Coleman

"We used to cuss as seminary for fun."

(about Blagojevich) "I think he might be Spencer Pratt's real father." - Jodie Curtis

(about adding friends on Facebook) "I'm not trying to meet a quota. I have to have had a conversation with you. And enjoyed it. - Becky Johnson

"Whoa she is fat...I mean pregnant!" - Kacie Wilbur

"A heck to the no! I'd rather slit my wrist than hug him."

"I'd be a skanky Muslim b/c I'd be so hot all the time."

"I can become handsome, don't worry." - Tommy Fillinger

"I'm not saying I want to be attacked, but I want to know what I'm capable of." - Alli Hill

"Today I saw a license plate that said 'I'm a gift'. But then I saw the lady. And she wasn't." - Zach Reavis

"I think the definition of alcoholism is getting drunk at Olive Garden." - Zach Reavis

"Is Rosa Park the lady that sat on the bus?"

"I can't get this taste out of my mouth. It tastes like a fat person." - Zach Reavis

"They've got a black guy on their team. That should be a handicap of 2 points."

"I love reality TV. It's addiculous!" - Kacie Wilbur

"I like shallow, frivilous, stupid stuff."

"Anna gets mad when she's angry." - Kelly Rawls

"Ok don't judge me but I used to have my mom buy me Gerber bananas until I was 17. It's so good! I'd eat some of that banana crap right now if I had some!" - Kacie Wilbur, age 21

"I hate kids. I know it's not their fault. Poor guy. But I just want to punch him in the face! Is that bad?" - Lauren McCuistion

"If it was socially acceptable I'd carry a purse." - Austin Gooch

"My hair looks awful. I've been preoccupied with it all day." - Zach Reavis

(on dancing) "If I had a routine then I could do it." - Tommy Fillinger

Blog. I have failed you.

2010-10-10T14:19:00.000-07:00

I just recently got back from San Diego, California. So it's time for some Top 5s...

Top 5 Things I hated:
5. Katy Perry's "California Gurls" playing 100x per day
4. 7 bad hair days in a row.
3. Jorts (jean shorts on boys)
2. Lousy-er-than-normal AT&T reception. Surprising I know.
1. Creepy homeless people e-v-e-r-y-w-h-e-r-e.

Top 5 Things I loved:
5. Palm trees
4. Shopping - (hello, Fashion Valley Mall)
3. The Pacific Ocean
2. Coronado Island (Seaside on steroids)
1. In-N-Out

Top 5 Favorite Lauren quotes:
5. Me: Look! They're gay.
Lauren: (slams on breaks) Sorry! I was looking at the lesbos!
4. Me: Oh my gosh are you seeing that big purple bow?
Lauren: I don't think I have a choice.
3. Lauren: There were like 15 Indian men. They all had on black t-shirts. All different ones. I think someone must've told them it brings out their eyes.
2. (Baby crying on the plane)
Lauren: I hate kids. I know it's not their fault. Poor guy. But I just want to punch him in the face! Is that bad?
1. Lauren: I know this is crass, but he looks like the kind of guy that would wear a t-shirt that says "let's do it on a mountain".

Who am I?

2010-08-27T10:47:00.000-07:00

Well for starters, I am a jack of all trades. Or at least that's what I tell people when they ask what I do. Such a hard question to answer in brief. I could list out all the things that I do & one would become bored with me as I rattled off countless things. So in the hopes of retaining my conversation companions, I stick with Jack:

What I do does not constitute who I am, but it does say a lot about my interests and what I'm investing in. In short, I hope I'm investing in lives & the kingdom of God. For the last {almost} 2 years I have been working for the college ministry at my church. We have a college center down near the University of Memphis that I run called The Vue {see logo below}. Since working here I have also gained an interest in graphic design. I have zero training, but I like to think I have good taste. And I'm a fan of Helvetica, so all the graphic snobs out there should be pleased with me on that. I think my favorite part of my job is creating. Whether that be designs, events or whatever. I love to create. A close second would have to be people. Even when people annoy me, I love them. I love that they annoy me. Or...hmm how do I say this. I guess I don't love that they annoy me, but I love that they are alive & unique. I am one of the few people who love meetings. Why? I actually asked myself this question too. I think I love them b/c it means Hang Out Time! I thoroughly enjoy working together with people towards a common goal. In my case, I am thankful that the goal is showing people that they are loved by their Creator God.

On a less than serious note, I am also a walking GPS:

God gives many different gifts to different people. I lucked up with getting the GPS implanted in my brain. I could probably count on one hand the times that I've been lost. I couldn't count on a hundred hands how many times people have called me and asked me to tell them how to get somewhere. And I love that. I love helping people get to where they're going. That's weird isn't it. As I just typed that I realized how weird and stupid that sounds. But heck. I'm 27 now. I'm old and not really caring what anyone thinks. Not that I ever cared too much. Except in middle school...I'm pretty sure I cared way to much....but that is for another post. Yes, I think I'll have post devoted to that Hellish period of life we must each pass through called Middle School. Moving on - if you should ever need directions, I am the girl for the job. And I like that job.

I am a restaurant connoisseur. When people ask me my favorite restaurant in Memphis, I ask them which type? I have a favorite for every genre of food.

I obviously also have new favorite app - Fatbooth {as seen above}. So what are my top pics for Memphis you ask? I shall tell you.

Mexican - Cheap: Casa Mexicana - Chips: Las Delicias - Tex Mex: Molly's La Casita

Pizza - Thin Crust: Memphis Pizza Cafe - NY Style: Johnny's - Authentic: Milano's

Italian - Old Venice

Sushi - Osaka & Sakura

Chinese - Typical: Fulins - Nicer: Pei Wei

Japanese - Sekisui

Sandwich - Bread: Chinese Sub Shop - Taste: Jimmy Johns

Desserts - Cupcakes: Muddy's - Cheesecake: Cheesecake Corner

Burgers - Huey's

Burritos - Best: Booyah's - Second Best: Blue Coast

BBQ - this is a tough one - Ribs: Corky's - BBQ: Tie - Central & Germantown Commisary

Fish - Atmosphere: Soul Fish - Catfish: Cajun Catfish Co.

Now you know a little bit more about me.

Happy Friday!

Dislike

2010-08-20T11:29:00.000-07:00

I loathe talking on the phone. When the phone rings, I know someone wants something from me. An answer that I may or may not have. Or possibly they just need someone to go on & on to. Please know I am referring to work calls. Give me loads of boring busywork, but don't make me answer the phone. I have come to realize that this might be the single most hated function of my job. Get to the point people! Dislike.

Are you on Facebook? Sure you are. I'd be surprised if my grandmother wasn't on Facebook these days. Geez. Anyway. I have found that I have added new words to my vocabulary thanks to this social media site. For instance, I now use the words friended, defriended, like, & facebooked in normal sentences. In normal conversation. Webster is rolling in his grave. Dislike.

Pesky salesmen. Excuse me. Saleswomen. In the last three days they have been rampant. You think salesman and you think either 30 years ago door-to-door salesman with a briefcase or you think used car salesman. Am I right? Let me be clear. These are not just things of the past. They have now morphed into females with makeup and jewelry. Previous generation salesmen would simply trick you into buying something you did not need. The new breed guilt you into it using your closest friends and family. They coerce you into letting them come over to your home so they can gut your friend's wallet and cram overpriced non-necessities down their throat. Now, I understand that some people find this to be a profitable line of work. But please hear me. If I want your stuff, I'll let you know. Otherwise, leave me the heck alone. Dislike.

It's August?!

2010-08-12T18:30:00.000-07:00

Geez. Where do I even begin? I've been gone from my blog for over a month. I'm a bore to the cyber world. In fact, everyone's probably checked out. After a few trips back to my blog to find the crazy guy with the giant nose again, you've probably taken me off the "must check" list. Sigh.

The picture above may be misleading. No, I am not a mom. I know, I know. What other conclusion would you come to? Certainly not that I drove college students all over the freaking country for a low ball average of 38 hours in 6 days. Certainly not that.

And you would be wrong. Dead wrong.

I visited 2 of the Great Lakes on my endless driving quest. 4 students in tow. 4 vans in the caravan. All the way from Memphis. to Lima. to Sandusky. to Chicago. to Where the Heck Are We? back to Chicago. to St. Louis. to Sikeston. and finally back to Ghetto Sweet Ghetto. Memphis.

Some highlights from this trip:

- Driving 11 hours the first day.

- Arriving at a church after driving into eternity to find 1 shower for 27 people.

- Losing my testimony while driving in Chicago trying to keep up with our 5 car caravan.

-Being rear ended by a student driver in the minivan rental.

-Drinking about 1200 calories of Dr. Pepper on average per day.

This past weekend I went with our college ministry on another adventure. This time to Pickwick Lake. This picture is the most epic of the weekend. I am surprisingly the girl hanging on. To be honest, this was the only time I wasn't the first to fly off. Luckily we got it on camera for proof.

Allergies, I loathe you

2010-07-08T09:48:00.000-07:00

Allergies.

I hate them. They keep me from breathing, which I consider to be quite important. I used to say the most important things to me where my shower & bed. But I'd also like to throw in breathing. It just makes living easier. Literally.

Well, I've had allergies all my life, but never thought much of it. A few years ago I had had enough with the multiple sinus infections per year, so I decided to make an appointment with an allergist. Good decision.

Turns out I have really bad allergies. And 2 years later, I'm still getting multiple sinus infections per year. In fact, 90% of the time I go to the allergist he looks in my nose & says, in Pakistani accent, "Well Anna, it looks like you have a sinus infection again." To which I reply, "Every time I come here I have one." To which he replies, "Yes, I know."

For whatever reason, he's been holding out on me with the allergy shots. I hear people tell me all the time how their allergy woes are gone since they got on the shots. But every time he prescribes me more meds & tells me to call if I have problems. Naturally, I always have problems. So yesterday I headed back in again.

But this time, the clouds rolled back, the sun shone bright, and I was told, in Pakistani accent, "Anna, you have a sinus infection. Not only are you not getting better, but you are getting worse. I am ready to start the shots when you are." To which I instinctively in my head said "Duh" to the first 2 sentences out of his mouth, and a big "Hallelujah" to the last!

So breathing days are now in sight. Once again I will be among the land of the living. And smelling. And breathing.

There's No Place Like Home

2010-06-26T18:54:00.000-07:00

Gosh. There is just no place like it. Albeit, it's hot as hell. And the crime rate has made top 3. And did I mention it's hot?

But it's home. And I love that.

I just got home from a great mission project down in Alabama. Can I just tell you that I'm beginning to think every state is like it's own country? I mean, culture shock. And I consider myself southern! Rolling hills, amazing accents, some missing teeth, farms, and of course a Walmart. I went with our college girls down to the Big Oak Girls Ranch to work & love on the girls that live there. We had a great time.

Some highlights:

- I woke up the first day & was informed we all needed to put on our jeans and tennis shoes to work in the woods. I quickly realized with much distress that the only jeans I brought are designer & then I digressed when I realized I didn't bring tennis shoes. So of course I had no other choice but to work in the woods in style wearing my Sevens, and some new shoes that I was given. Love being unprepared. Not.

- Was taken to the woods (high of 95, humidity 100%) and told to cut down trees. And to watch out for Poison Oak. And Ticks.

- Picked 2 ticks off myself & 5 off of other girls. Refused to touch any green leaves, assuming that anything green must be Poison Oak. So that meant kicking, bumping & looking like a complete dweeb for the work portion of the trip.

- Came to grips with the fact that, I am not outdoorsy. As much as I'd like to be. I'm not. I think I'll classify myself as Mildly Outdoorsy. As in, I occasionally like to go outside. Bring on the A/C.

- Also, no real surprise here, I don't do well in large groups. with large amounts of children. I look forward to having my own one day. And I'm almost positive that I will like them. But unfortunately America, I don't do kids.

- I went whitewater rafting and met some very interesting guides that were in their 60s. One looked like the drunk Santa from the original Miracle on 34th Street. He continued to tell me that I was looking out his office window. I think I understood his point. But he's rafted every summer since the 1970s. Sorry old man, but you're kind of a bum.

- The most important highlight is that while on the trip I realized that I've been trying to grow without faith. But I was reminded that without faith it is impossible to please God. And so for all that I know of God, I'm giving all that I know of me. And I'm learning again what it's like to have faith like a child. And just trust. And believe. Without sight. With faith.

It really was a great trip, but the last night I got so excited about coming home that I could barely get to sleep. I just wanted to wish myself home & just be there, rather than have to drive the 10 hours home that I had to do (3 hours to Chattanooga for rafting, 7 hours home in rain storm). But when I arrived home. Walked into my apartment. Listened & heard nothing. I breathed a sigh of relief and smiled...

There's just no place like Home.

I'm Baaaack

2010-06-16T07:08:00.001-07:00

Well I have not been blogging in several weeks, which I hate, b/c I love to blog! I have SO much to catch up on, so let's start...

I was invited to go on family vacation with a friend. We were going to do a little hiking in the Smokies near Gatlinburg, TN.
I figured - No big deal! I've hiked in the Rocky Mountains...

Little did I know that I had signed up for Boot Camp 2010.

Our first day we did a leisurely hike of 6 miles. Up hill. Down hill. Up mountain. Down mountain.
I realized then that I had been so very wrong.
Over the next few days I put in over 22 miles in the mountains.
And even did 8 miles on the Appalachian Trail...something I never thought I'd do nor wanted to :)

Here are a few pics:

I hate spiders. I hate snakes. I learned on this trip that surprisingly, I am not a snake screamer. When my friend began backing up as this guy literally crossed our path, my initial reaction was not to scream, but instead to pull out the camera, take said shot, and run like the devil.
And I did just that.

After coming back from the mountains I felt so much better. Although I about died, no really, there was something so cathartic about being away from my routine life, getting out in nature & being surrounded by a big family. I came back stress free. Optimism now sits where I had a huge mound of despair. And living life seems good again.

Dreaming in Reality TV

2010-05-25T09:13:00.000-07:00

I'm realizing it's quite possible I watch too much TV.

Two nights in a row I have dreamed in reality TV shows.

In one dream I was actually turning down the affections of Luke Wilson. Really?

This has got to be one of the strangest times in life. I'm in my (eek!) late twenties. I never thought that was possible. I know, I know, I was a morbid child. I just never thought I'd live this long and certainly thought that if I did I would be married with children (no, not the TV show). But alas, Providence has led me to where I am now.

And although it is weird; it is quite frankly the most alive I've felt in years.

Surely I'm not the only one...(and don't call me Shirley)...who tries to run away & ignore insecurities?

Well, this has been the season of 7th grade again.

I honestly didn't even know that I had insecurities anymore.

I mean, I was pretty sure I grew out of them once I got my braces off & got contacts.

But then, you wake up and realize you are in this world and unlike everyone else you know.

And suddenly you revert back to 7th grade, just hoping there is a spot at the cool table for lunch.

What I am learning this go-around though is embracing it. In the past I have learned many lessons, but the easiest sounding & the hardest to force myself to do is : (drumroll)

Feeling.

Yep, you heard me, feeling.

There is something beautiful and right about letting the insecurities come & punch you in the face. Something about laying yourself before the Lord, come what may. And then, feeling the waves sweep over you & knowing that you are exactly where God has you. And you're safe.

For now, this is my reality.

Real Simple Inspiration

2010-05-10T07:34:00.000-07:00

My favorite magazine is REAL SIMPLE!

I get so much inspiration for decorating, cooking, cleaning, gardening (yes, I have one potted flower!) & even design, so I thought I'd spread the wealth.

I also went to a shower at Andrea's home this weekend and just walked from room to room going "Ahh! I love that! ...I love that too...oooo and that is so cute!"

So with all the inspiration I rearranged my living room :)

I'll post a picture soon.

Happy Rainy Monday!

What Was I Thinking?!

2010-05-04T07:34:00.001-07:00

I can't help but laugh this morning.

On my way to work I (very) randomly thought of an old band that I listened to in 9th grade and I got incredibly curious about what ever happened to them.

So, thank you Google, I pulled them up to find they're still around...

and I'm not sure that's a good thing!

I present:

The most awful synth band I've heard in years!

How I listened to this garbage is beyond me. And hysterical!

I laughed as I listened to it & reminisced about my "punk" years.

It's times like these that I am thankful to not be 14 again.

Philly Please

2010-04-27T09:17:00.001-07:00

For the last 2 days I've had the theme song to "John Adams" in my head.

Has anyone else seen this documentary by HBO?

It is phenomenal!

I have always been a history buff. I love history. It makes me feel like I'm smart sometimes. For instance, it assists me in my political views. If history repeats itself, which we see that it does, how do some people not learn from mistakes by other nations & governments?

"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."
-George Santayana

I also love history because of the individuals who have placed their mark. What is the common thread between them all? What made them different? Why did they sacrifice as they did?
It challenges me in my own laziness & comfort zone.

"To avoid criticism do nothing, say nothing, be nothing."
-Elbert Hubbard

Hurt People Hurt People

2010-04-23T10:16:00.000-07:00

Yesterday @RickWarren said:

"Cranky people just need massive doses of love. Eph 3:18 Hurt people hurt people"

So I thought - man, that's so true! I'll try to remember that.

I met one of these "cranky" people working in the drive thru at Baskin Robbins.

So I decided to drown her in ooey-gooey kindness.

However, the results of my massive doses of love were staggering.

Hurt people don't hurt people.

Hurt people make horrible milkshakes.

Home

2010-04-22T14:41:00.001-07:00

Home is where the

is.

I am so excited to have a little bit of "home" coming to stay at my home this weekend. Two friends from college are coming to visit me tomorrow & I can hardly wait! During my 4 years at Union I made some of the best friends in the world. There are a handful that have continued to be some of my closest friends in the world. I am so thankful for the sense of "home" I get just to hang around them. It's so comfortable & accepting & effortless.

I don't have to impress, I just have to be myself.

And that is always enough.

This Makes Me Happy

2010-04-16T10:02:00.000-07:00

All photos are courtesy of design*sponge. Happy Friday!

Good Morning

2010-04-15T07:35:00.000-07:00

My favorite part of the morning is my run to Panera!

I take "Give us this day our daily bread" very seriously.

Changes

2010-04-13T08:03:00.001-07:00

Over the last month there have been many changes going on in my life. Some you already know about, such as the move. But other good changes have occured as well. Here are the top 3:

Exercise

I'm not good at exercise b/c I am incredibly inconsistent. I can remain faithful for a few weeks or months, but then I fade off completely for another year.

I haven't necessarily broken this habit yet, but I did begin once again after my move back to Cordova. I guess I've already mentioned running in previous posts, but I thought it was worth mentioning again, since I am still doing it. Although I am maintaining only a 1.67mile run 3x per week, I must say the blessing of Shelby Farms is some good motivation.

Most Impressive Accomplishment:

Not getting passed by any walkers.

Cooking

I have always loved the idea of cooking. And I've really enjoyed cooking, when I've done it (about 2 times a year), but I've managed to live my life through take out for the majority of my adulthood. I figured now was as good a time as any to start cooking legitimate meals and actually going grocery shopping. That may sound crazy, but I did in fact live the majority of my 2 years in the old apt with grocery shopping about once a month or once every other month.

Did I mention take-out?

Well, thanks to Nichole, I have successfully learned how to make HOMEMADE mashed potatoes! And it wasn't that hard. I just didn't know where to start!

So yesterday I went home (after the run at Shelby Farms) and whipped up some mashed potatoes, broccoli, crescent rolls & honey bbq chicken!

And who said an old dog can't learn new tricks?

Wait, did I just call myself old...?

Most Impressive Accomplishment:
Thinking my food actually tastes good.

Neti Pot

I have been having MAJOR allergy issues. I guess I've always had them, but this year they've been out of control. I've been on 2 medications daily for the last year. After seeing the allergist last month he recommended I add Mucinex D. I did. Nothing changed except my sleeping patterns. So I called back and got put on some Prednisone. Again, nothing changed. Side note: Unbelieveable to me, I asked the pharmacist when picking up the meds if there were any side effects. I was told no. I then stayed up awake 3 nights in a row. So the following morning I checked to find an entire paragraph of side effects which included sleeplessness. Thank you, Kroger.

This brings me to the joy of the Neti Pot.

I've heard mention of this for several years from none other than Heather Lane. So I finally thought "What the heck? It's worth a shot!"

So I went to Walgreens, ran into a kindred soul who was also checking out the allergy aisle, and was given much more advice than I probably would've received from the pharmacist. Although a little nervous, I had seen Jessica Simpson do it on her new TV show. So if Jessica can do it, I figured I certainly could. And what a good decision it was! I am now a Neti Pot Head. Quote me.

Most Impressive Accomplishment:

Not drowning.

Have any of you had any good changes implemented in your life lately? I like getting inspired, so please share!

Top 5 Driving Fears

2010-03-30T12:31:00.000-07:00

As I've mentioned before I love Top 5 lists. So here's a couple for today...

Top 5 fears while driving:

5. Seeing blue lights in my rearview mirror.

4. Looking up from texting to see I'm on a sidewalk.

3. Watching a ladder from the truck infront of me come at my face.

2. Backing over something that is alive.

1. Seeing a motorcyclist in mid air.

Now on a less morbid note...

Top 5 Driving Songs:

5. John Mayer - Why Georgia

4. Angels & Airwaves - The Adventure

3. Mute Math - Spotlight

2. Arcade Fire - Wake Up

1. The Verve - Bittersweet Symphony

Apt Pics

2010-03-27T09:37:00.001-07:00

The brilliantly organized closet

Bedroom from hallway door

Bedroom from other direction

Bathroom from hallway door

Bathroom from other direction

Kitchen! including Anthropologie bowls (thank you Becca!)

with Grandmother's Kitchen Aid

View from Kitchen into Living/ Dining

Self Explanatory

Little dark, but again, self explanatory

What you see when you enter apt

Dining Nook

Blurry, but this is my pantry that goes on & on

And this is the short hallway leading to my bedroom, with bath on the right

I LOVE IT! :)

Jillian would be Proud

2010-03-22T18:22:00.001-07:00

Well after work today I realized I had nothing to do. Noth-ing. So I decided that I'd at least be productive and go exercise. I figured I'd go run a mile. But then I started running and I got ambitious. So ambitious that I decided I was going to run a 5K. Please note - I've only run that far once in my life. And it was in an actual 5K. And it was pre-ACL tear/surgery. So this is not just a casual jog like it might be for some. I turned up The Verve on my iPod and went for it. I kept running. And running. And running. Until I got so slow that I was afraid walkers were going to pass me.

And then, by the time 42 minutes had passed, I accomplished my goal!

And for a second, it felt really good! And once that monumental second passed, I began to feel the error of my ways. And so now, I lie on my couch, lacking all energy to do anything else. But I hold my head up high. And I feel like the contestants on Biggest Loser...not b/c I'm a biggest loser, but b/c I did something that I didn't think I could do.

So to anyone looking for a bit of encouragement, here you go:
Get out there & do what you do not think you can do. It really is possible. I mean, if I can do it, anyone can!

TGIF

2010-03-19T09:30:00.000-07:00

Well it's a beautiful day in Memphis, TN. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping and the breeze is blowing. We Memphians have to enjoy these days to the fullest, because summer humidity is coming...

I have already started out the morning eventfully. Is that a word? Eventfully?

You get the idea.

So I arrived to work to find the electricity off in my office. Creepy and weird. Especially since I seemed to be all alone in our building. So I decided to sit out at the front desk. We don't open until 2pm, so I wasn't expecting anyone. That didn't stop a man from coming up and knocking on the glass windows. Afraid to open the doors & afraid he would see me through the 2 sets of glass doors, I did what any 5 year old would do.

I hid behind the desk.

Humiliating. And ridiculous. But I did. And the worst part is that he wouldn't go away. He was very persistant. Which made me think 1. he might have a legitimate reason for being there and 2. that I should be even more scared. I mean, how do you come out of hiding once you've been back there for so long? You can't. Sadly, I thought that would be more humiliating than what I actually did.

Which was crawl on my hands and knees to the back hallway so I could run downstairs...

In hindsight, this is much more humiliating than just opening the door. Once I ran downstairs, I came across one of our male employees and entreated him to find out what the man wanted. A few minutes later I get a text that says, "Come upstairs." Rats! It seems he was just an employee off the Crepe Maker and was catering lunch for a group of students today. Yeah. I should have checked my calendar before going into stealth mode. Oy Vey.

Moving on, this day is a special day for VERY MANY reasons! The first being...

ANTHROPOLOGIE OPENS TODAY IN SADDLE CREEK!

For fellow lovers of this gem of a store, let the madness begin! Now my pocket book will not allow me to enjoy any treats until they decide to have a Sale section, but until then, a girl can just dream can't she?

Second reason today is a special day...

MEMPHIS PLAYS OLE MISS FOR 2ND ROUND NIT!

5:30PM in Oxford

ESPN2

We don't usually play Ole Miss in basketball, only football. But each year, one of my favorite sights are elderly Memphis fans {namely Grandmothers} wearing huge buttons that read: GO TO HELL OLE MISS!

Now for the final reason that today is a special day...

I'M GOING TO THE JOHN MAYER CONCERT!

I am most appreciative to Aran for inviting me to go. I feel like I've seen all of my must-see bands lately. I saw Coldplay twice last year, Death Cab for Cutie and Mute Math. Now I get to add John to the list...

After Michael Richards {Kramer} said all kinds of racial slurs a couple of years ago, I questioned if Seinfeld would ever be the same to me again ...it was.

So even after hearing about John Mayer's bit of racial slurring, I think I'll be fine.

I wish a VERY happy weekend to you and yours!

xoxo

Packed (literally) Weekend

2010-03-14T18:34:00.000-07:00

Ok well first things first...

The night prior to my move I was driving home for the night. I turned into the right lane only to find the car infront of me put on his blinker to turn right. I decided I would just go around him. I most politely put on my left turn signal, checked my mirrors and merged into the left lane. Then, as the car turned right I did the same procedure to merge back into the right lane. Only Wait! Just then I see swerving lights in my rear view mirror of a speed demon behind me trying to cut me off! The only problem was I was already completely in the right lane! The car then hits me. Yes. Hits me. While I'm driving. And that's when it set in...

The Road Rage.

I don't know if it was just their recklessness & disregard for other drivers or if it was the stress of the week I'd been having, but it hit me. And I got angry. And so I did what any half crazed person would do. I followed them. And by follow I mean put the pedal to the metal. I chased them through a neighborhood, catching air on the speed bumps, taking turns so fast that I felt like I was driving the Batmobile. Once I got close enough to get their tags I felt a release of the anger & reality quickly set in. What was I thinking?!

Bad decision.

(& for those wondering, no real damage to my car...I mean, my dad backed into it this summer, so its hard to worry about a scratch when you've got a big dent!)

In other news...

The move is OVER!

I am now all the way in my new apt and trying to get settled. There's a lot that goes into making a house a home and I intend to get there as quickly as possible. I hate waking up feeling like I'm just staying in someone else's condo...that's what it felt like this morning. Hopefully by the end of this week I'll have everything in its place!

And the last item on the agenda for the weekend including my debut of being...

Wedding Photographer

My friend Merry got married yesterday and she had asked me to take their wedding photos.

I. Freaked. Out.

You want me? I'm amateur at BEST and I have NO experience taking any wedding photos. She assured me I would not ruin their wedding and so I agreed. I enlisted a much needed asset in Ben from work. He's assisted a real photographer on lots of weddings, so it made me feel so much better to have him there.

As it turned out, taking wedding photos is actually pretty fun! I mean everyone is happy and excited, and that's kind of contagious, so that really put me at ease. I also got to see some friends from college, which is always a plus. So I don't know if I took great photos, but I had a blast doing it!

xoxo, friends...

OCD?

2010-03-10T18:33:00.000-08:00

It's 8:30pm. And I feel like it's midnight. I'm sitting in the most organized bunch of boxes in an almost empty apartment that anyone can imagine. And I'm wishing there was someone on this planet that would appreciate my madness. Or OCD. I haven't decided which yet.

Is there anyone else out there that has to have things neat and tidy? I wouldn't say I'm the cleanest person in the world, though I'm no filth. But things must be neat. Even in the craziness of boxing up my belongings...which I found I had more of than I'd originally thought...I couldn't stand just having everything in chaos. I love order. I'm a planning/organizing freak. And so I did what any organizer would do. I categorized the boxes between fragile and other. I organized a corner for all the wall art. A corner for the furniture. An area for everything I must move myself. And an area for what the movers will move. I've cleaned the apartment the best its been cleaned since I moved here. And now, with nothing left to do I find myself still mentally racing to make sure I've covered everything. Maybe I'm a worrier? Maybe a busy-body. Maybe all of the above!

With any regard, I am so near to this fresh start that I can hardly stand it. Living amongst boxes for the last week has not been what I call fun. It's rather depressing really. But just another day and the process will begin.

Ok now for my funny story of the post:

I was comparing cupcake joints with a friend {I'm sorry, Gigi's, but I am loyal to Muddy's} and as we were about to leave I noticed the Mata bus on Poplar Ave come to a complete stop in the right lane where there was no bus stop. A woman gets out and walks in front of my car towards the dry cleaners. I then realize that yes, it is the bus driver! Nothing could have made my day more than to see the city bus making a stop so the bus driver could pick up her dry cleaning. haha #12987476 why I love this city!

I'm an Idiot

2010-03-09T08:18:00.001-08:00

Well on a cloudy Tuesday morning I thought someone out there might need a laugh at my expense.

As you know, I am in the process of boxing up all my stuff and moving.

With moving come alot of things to remember...

Who to change your address with...

Getting new checks...

Extra charges...

Signing Lease...

Coordinating move...

You get it...

So I decided to look online at my bank account to see how I was doing, since I've been chinching for the month. I see how much is in my account, start mentally subtracting some of the charges I know are coming and frantically realize that I don't have enough! I reluctantly realize that I'm going to have to dip into my savings to pay for the months charges.

{Several hours go by}

And then I realize...I get paid TWICE a month!

YAY!

2010-03-05T11:57:00.000-08:00

A Big THANK-YOU is in order for a Miss Becca B. who has found my longed-for bowls in Nashville, TN! Happy Friday to you and yours!

Really?!?

2010-03-04T13:45:00.000-08:00

I felt like I needed to join a chair next to Seth & Amy this morning. I had to turn in my cable box to Comcast...long story...anyway, I thought I'd swing by when they opened to avoid a line.

Ha.

I got to Comcast to see an already formed line outside the door. {Great}. So I see a security guard and think maybe I'll save time if I ask him what time they open, so I don't stand in the cold for too long. Wrong again. I ask and he responds with Oh just whenever they get here. We're all just waiting for them; we're not really sure where they are. Really? A company doesn't have a set start time?

So I get my comcast box and wander out in the cold to get in line. After about 20 minutes in line I find out they don't open until 10am. It's 9:38. {Great}. And I am sandwiched in between the most steriotypical Comcast clientel you can imagine. The lady behind me doesn't even have Comcast. She's in line to pay someone else's bill for them. And if I heard her say "I ain't gon pay dis no mo" one more time, I was going to walk back. get in my car. and leave.

I did learn every amount she was ever charged for cable, phone service and internet. I learned all of the service fees she ever incurred and therefore all the companies that she dropped. I also learned that MLGW began charging both her and her deceased husband for utilities b/c she refused to switch it out of his name into hers. He'd been dead 25 years.

And so, I began the morning learning an invaluable lesson. The correct response to extra charges is, "I ain't gon pay dis no mo".

Lesson learned.

27 Candles

2010-03-03T11:56:00.000-08:00

Another year has come and gone and another candle must be added. It's hard to believe I am meeting Year 27 today. That has always sounded so old to me...so much like - you're-almost-30. And yet, I don't feel old. Mentally I've never grown older than about 21. Is this what it's like to be an adult?

A big thank you to all the well wishes I have received today! And even by a few people that I don't know who they are {thank you Facebook}. I have been so blessed over these last 27 years that I am overwhelmed why God has allowed it. Even with turns and bends in the road that sometimes make me question God {how stupid}, I am more blessed in one day than some people are in a lifetime. I have a family that loves me, clean clothes, good food, car to drive, job to work at and the best friends I could ask for.

Blessings to each of you that read my blog. Know that on this special day, I am thanking God for your place in my life. Now go out and enjoy my birthday for crying out loud! :)

TCOB

2010-03-01T19:53:00.000-08:00

It's that dreaded time...MOVING TIME.

While I was in college I essentially had to move 4 times a year. Once at the beginning of the fall semester, a partial move at the end of fall semester, a partial move at the beginning of spring semester and then another move at the end of spring semester. And. I. Hated. It. I found that many would avoid me on moving day, namely my parents. It was just dreadful.

Well I started the packing this weekend to make sure I had a good head start {and hopefully avoid the shunning of my family}. I've got quite a ways to go before it's all boxed up and ready for next Friday but it's already a little sad to see my home become just a house again. I love how all my little doo-dahs made this empty apartment feel like a cozy version of me. And I am so excited about starting the process all over again in my new place.

In other {embarrasing} news, Jake chose Vienna-Sausage on the Bachelor?! Am I the only one who thinks she looks like a horse?

LONGING

2010-02-24T13:21:00.000-08:00

My former roommate had these incredibly cute measuring bowls. They're from Anthropologie

and I L-O-V-E-D them. And then they left when she moved out. I've been ansy to buy some, but {of course} they are no longer for sale. UGH! If anyone knows where I can find these or comes across them, let me know. I am currently in a love/hate relationship with them. I love them and I hate that I can't find them! Ahhhh! Help!

Spring's a comin'

2010-02-24T09:36:00.000-08:00

I love all things domestic. It's in my nature. I'm a woman. Be it gardening {or dreaming of}, home decor, kitchen utensils/appliances {see post below} or cooking, I can't get enough. What does this have to do with spring? Oh honey, that's when this girl goes into high gear on said interests! Anyone ever heard of spring cleaning? Yes, I even like that.

There is something new and fresh and clean about the spring time. Maybe its the beautiful flowers budding or the birds chirping or the sun shining or the green grass growing. Not sure what it is, but I dream in crisp white linens, sweet smelling cakes and curtains blowing in the wind from the open windows.

The only thing that hampers this beloved time is allergies. So I'll forget that for a while and just bask in the greatness of what's to come. March 21 shall be a glorious day.

My Love

2010-02-17T07:48:00.000-08:00

I have been fond of/obsessed with Kitchen Aids from an early age. Though not one to be obsessed with cooking, that shining beacon in the kitchen just screamed at me that if only I had it, maybe I too could cook! My grandmother had one, then my mother got one, and I just continued to dream of the day when one would sit in my own kitchen.

In September, 2005 my precious Grandmother had a stroke which left one half of her body paralyzed. It was the saddest day I can remember. This lady was/is my hero. The woman I've always looked to with amazement, wondering how any person could be so proper, gracious, generous, frugal, resourceful, adventurous, endearing, playful, beautiful, brilliant & loving. She was a graduate of LSU, a wife to a General Surgeon, a mother to 7 children and a caretaker of a live-in mother-in-law who had Alzheimer's. She was a Girl Scout troop leader, a pianist, and most dear to her heart, a historian. She lead the way to protect many historical sights in their most beautiful city of Baton Rouge, which ultimately led to my grandparents moving into the old Historic Grocery store-Coffee shop and turning it into a home. My grandmother's name was Evelyn Martindale Thom. She traced back both sides of our ancestors all the way to William the Conqueror. Then did the same for each grandchild and presented us with our ancestory book for Christmas one year. She was a missionary with my Grandfather to Taiwan after their children were grown. After their return it was never a surprise for them to have a foreign exchange student staying with them. She & my Grandfather owned a motel that sat right behind their Coffee Shop home. There was little she did not do. She was a devout Christian & a staunch Republican. She was charming. And southern. And I loved her.

Two years prior to her stroke, my Grandfather passed away. After her stroke, she moved out of her home and into an assisted living home. It was the nicest place you can imagine, but it still wasn't her home. And it was very sad. Ever since that time I kept mentioning to my mom that I wanted her Kitchen Aid. Not so much just because it was a Kitchen Aid, but because it was hers. My parents had their monthly trip down to Baton Rouge to spend time with her, but upon their return of this trip they brought with them the greatest present I could imagine.

The Kitchen Aid.

I will treasure this gift always. And I will always think of her.

Flippicelli's

2010-02-15T11:36:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day!

Hope everyone had a great weekend! As mentioned in a previous post I love Valentines Day. I think it's an awesome time to let the people in your life know how much you love them. And there's chocolate. And hearts. And Valentines socks. And frankly, I like all of those things.

This Valentines was no exception. I was given a goodie bag from my mom which included my yearly dose of new Valentines socks to wear on said day, along with some candy & a book. Then my class of 8th grade girls brought me lots of chocolate. Then today my Dad stopped by my work to drop me off a card & cookies! But the real magic of this year's Valentines was from Drew.

I was given a piece of paper that told me that I had reservations for 6:30 at Flippicelli's Restaraunt and Movie Theater {otherwise known as Drew's apt}. I was instructed to call the maitre d' for further instructions. I called and the voice on the other end had an amazing Italian/French accent that reminded me of Rattatouille!

At 6:30 I made my way to the 4th floor of Drew's building and found a sign on the front door that said "Flippicelli's". A knock on the door was answered by the maitre d' {Drew} and I was escorted in to a candle lit table. In my chair was a familiar bag from American Apparel and inside I found a red zip hoodie that I'd been really wanting! I was so surprised! After being seated, I was given a menu with one option : Homemade Fettuccine Alfredo with salad & bread.

Yum!

Drew made me {literally} homemade fettuccine alfredo. And it was A-MAZ-ING! I mean, I don't even know how to make that! I was so impressed. Then following dinner, we watched {a sacrificial gift for Drew} Father of the Bride II. Just recently, I had made him watch the original {one of my all time favorites} and so this was the icing on the cake. Then to top off the evening, he walked me down to my car and cleaned all the snow off of my windshield.

A fabulous Valentines weekend!
Here's a shot from dinner:

It's All Good

2010-02-11T09:52:00.000-08:00

"If you see a friend without a smile;

give him one of yours."

-Proverb Quote

When it Rains, it Pours

2010-02-10T13:18:00.001-08:00

Everything always hits all at once. Isn't that how it always goes? This has been a nightmare of a week. And I'm afraid my body is starting to suffer from all the stress. With a move comes lots of charges. And anything else that you might need to pay during the year seems to notice that you are tight on money and decides to be due right at the same time just for fun. Except that it's not fun! Such is my life right now. Thankfully, God has always provided and I know that He will prove Himself faithful once again. I hate how easy it is to worry & not trust God! On the positive side, I have been more efficient and dealt with more un-fun situations than I normally would. And for that, I rewarded myself this morning with my favorite bagel from Panera:

Cinnamon Crunch with Hazelnut Spread

Here's to Dave Ramsey for changing my view of finances...post bagel... :)

Moving On Up...

2010-02-05T13:35:00.001-08:00

Well after living in my all-time dream apartment for a little over 2 years, I am finally saying goodbye. Unbelievably to me, I am moving back out to Cordova. With my roommate getting married in May, I either needed a roommate or a 1 bedroom apartment. Without any sure prospects, I decided to look for the latter. And without any 1 bedroom units in my complex, {and furthermore, with no 1 bedroom units in my area that I felt comfortable with} I decided to look back in Cordova.

I am starting to get really excited about the chance to get out on my own...{literally}...and think through decorating, painting, arranging, etc! Although I'm not usually drawn to anything blue... {sorry, I'm a green fan}... the picture above just jumped out at me. I think it's probably more the picture collection than the blue wall, but I just love the "pop" factor!

If anyone is interested in helping me move, there are spots available in my "Best Friends on the Planet" club. :)

You Ain't Nothing But A Groundhog

2010-02-02T07:35:00.000-08:00

In case you forgot, today is Groundhog Day. How is that? How does a groundhog get its own day? I mean, let's take a minute and really look at this thing...

Humans wait anxiously...and this year in teen-degree weather...in Pennsylvania to see if a rodent will wake up, come out of its hole and possibly see its own shadow. And beyond that, will believe that the rodent has predicted the next 6 weeks of weather. Highly trained weathermen, who have access to the most state-of-the-art equipment cannot accurately predict snow until its actually falling, but a rodent is going to tell me what the weather will be like for 6 weeks?

Am I the only one that finds this just the least bit insane?

She Works Hard for the Money

2010-01-28T09:13:00.000-08:00

This morning I reflected on where I'm at and from where I've come.

And I'm so thankful!

Some of you may remember reading my horrendous blog during my social work days. I was fighting off run ins with pit bulls, being chased by adults who have mental retardation, and leading meetings about the most horrendous topics possible. And lest we forget I was a 22 year old girl driving into the hood everyday for work. All in all, it was a good experience, but it was a miserable failure of a job. I've never felt so unhappy and unqualified in all my life. Truly, God has something better in store for me!

Through several job upgrades, I finally landed here. In the college ministry of my church, running the college center. I have a job that fits my giftings very well and also gives me some areas to grow in. And so today, a little over a year after being here, I want to say a big Thank You to God for providing me with exactly what I needed.

iHola Brazil!

2010-01-25T11:29:00.001-08:00

Today marks a very exciting day for dear Sara.

A day that many have prayed for.

All throughout college Sara began feeling the call of God on her life to be a missionary. Since then she has been preparing to follow God's call in His perfect timing. Over a year ago she began the process with the IMB to be a Journeyman {2-year missionary}. In September she went to training and roughly 2 weeks after that she should have been in Brazil. However, Hillary Clinton and her department seemed to be running about 6 weeks behind schedule. Leaving Sara to...wait. Once running around D.C. to many offices, she then had to make the trek down to Atlanta to turn in her papers to be sent to Brazil for approval. Then she headed back to Baltimore to wait some more...and more...and more. The IMB gave Sara until January the 8th to receive her VISA back from Brazil before they would relocate her to another country. The VISA came on January the 7th. Talk about learning to trust God. So today, 3 months later, she is getting on a plane heading for Brazil!

If you would like to follow her over the next two year, check out her blog.

Sara - I'm praying for you! So excited for how God is going to use you in Brazil!

What's not to like?

2010-01-18T12:52:00.000-08:00

Valentines Day. Some people love it, some people hate it. Is there love in the air? Or just dollar signs for the chocolate & card makers? Personally, I love the holiday. Always have. In elementary school, everyone was forced to give valentines. So I always came home with a whopping lot of candy & cards. In middle school & high school it was carnations that friends or secret admirers could purchase & have sent to you in class. In college, it was chocolate that you and your roommates bought yourselves so you could all snack together! All throughout my impressionable years, I never had a boyfriend. I never had a romantic Valentines date or dozen roses. Friends would always complain about how they loathed Valentines b/c they were single. To me it always came down to - red, pink, hearts, chocolate...what's not to like?! And lest I forget to mention - Valentines Socks? Only comes second to Christmas socks in my hierarchy of holiday socks (yes, I also have St. Patty's, Easter, Halloween & Thanksgiving socks). So it is with great joy, that I announce the coming of my favorite holiday...and the coming out of my 2nd favorite sock collection! Today I begin with the valentine argyle socks.

Happy Valentines in T minus 3 weeks!

Laugh

2010-01-15T07:41:00.001-08:00

They say laughter is good medicine.

And tonight I plan on taking a good dose of it.

I am so excited to see Brian Regan at the Orpheum tonight!
I was introduced to his stand up comedy during college. I laughed until I cried.

This Christmas, Drew surprised me with tickets to the show!

I am so thankful for the lessons I've been learning the last few days:

smile

encourage others

be grateful & thankful for all the many blessings that God has given me

look on the bright side

enjoy life

& laugh!

Life is a funny thing.

Smile

2010-01-14T08:26:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning just feeling blue. Doesn't happen very often, but I just felt out of it. It's moments like this that I notice encouragements from God so clearly. On my way in to work a Jeep drove past me with a "Life is Good" wheel cover & a "LIFSGD" license plate. Wow. Any other day I may not have paid attention, but right then it was exactly what I needed. Then I arrived at work and received an email from my mom with this video. I'll warn you, its 14 minutes long. But it is so worth it. Hope you enjoy & smile today! God is good. So is life.

Spice Up Your Life

2010-01-13T13:59:00.000-08:00

Found this gem today on marthastewart.com. I inherited some of my mom's antique bedroom furniture when I graduated out of the house and into my apt. When Dad met my mom he saw she had such old furniture and felt sorry for her, thinking she could not afford anything new. Later he found out they were worth far more than he'd imagined! Although I love my mahogany finish, this bright little buttercup yellow sure has won my heart.

Southern Snow

2010-01-07T12:57:00.001-08:00

As amazing as it sounds, Shelby County Schools shut down today for a whopping 1" snowfall!

One of the many reasons why I love this city :)

Merry Christmas to All

2009-12-21T14:52:00.001-08:00

I may be dreaming of a white Christmas,

but I'm afraid in Memphis, TN

doiles are the only ones I'm going to get!

Merry Christmas!

We're going to have the hap-hap-happiest Christmas!

2009-12-16T08:20:00.000-08:00

"There has been only one Christmas -

the rest are anniversaries."

-W.J. Cameron

This Christmas season is going faster than I'd like {as always}.

It has been very full already & will continue through the new year.

Here is what I've been up to:

-My best friend from college, Sara, came to town for a couple of days before she heads overseas to be a Journeyman. It is always so good to spend time with people that really know you & get you. I so value our friendship & am so thankful for that time together.

-Memphis Basketball - my favorite time of the year! This year Drew & I have had season tickets & oh how fun that is! So far our only loss was by 1-pt to no. 1 ranked Kansas. Not bad. However, all the games will get much tougher from here on. Win or lose, I love my Tigers!

-Family Birthday Party! My family is known for having very creative parties. Unfortunately our plans were thwarted this year as the Zoo changed their operating hours. However, getting everyone together to eat, drink cider & watch football in the most decorated of all Christmas houses was the bomb. Love my family!

-Singing Christmas Tree with my niece & nephew - so fun to see things through children's eyes.

-Extended Family Reunion. It was amazing to meet some of the people that I'm related to that I never knew. We have quite the interesting family. And its always a good day to hear stories on my Dad & see childhood Christmas pics of him & his siblings wearing footsy pajamas while holding a doll. Priceless.

-Behold the Lamb of God Concert! PHENOMENAL! Seriously cannot say enough how much I enjoyed this! Prior to the concert I was able to reunite with all of my best friends from college. Everyone was in Jackson for about an hour & it was much needed. Friends are such a blessing. Then headed to the concert where I was more inspired than I've been all year. Phenomenal, just phenomenal. Oh and did I mention that Drew & I were on the guest list?

Thank you, Andy Gullahorn.

-Dinner Club. ahh. One of my absolute favorite things. Heather made the best lasagna ever. Follow that with Sister Schubert rolls, caesar salad, spinach dip with sweet bread, and the most amazing chocolate delight and you get a very full & happy girl! I love the idea of getting together over home cooked meals & sitting around a table eating & talking. It's just so much better than eating out at a restaurant.

-College Friends coming home! There are so many good friends of mine that are still in college. I love to have them home. Makes this time of year so merry!

-Staff Christmas Party. Need I say more? This is my favorite party of the year! The white elephant gifts are generally out of control. This year Drew came home with a neon T-Mobile sign that barely fit in the back of his car. I came home with a Memphis Grizzlies Stromile Swift bobble head. And what could be better?

A Very Merry Christmas to you & yours!

This Is What Christmas is All About, Charlie Brown

2009-12-08T08:46:00.000-08:00

Charlie Brown: Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?

Linus: Sure, Charlie Brown. I can tell you what Christmas is all about.

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them & the glory of the Lord shown round about them; and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a mulititude of the heavenly host, praising God & saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'"

Merry Weekend

2009-12-07T09:10:00.000-08:00

It was a very Merry weekend in Memphis, TN.

First, there was a visit from my best friend! She is in process of moving to Brazil...waiting on that coveted VISA to hurry up & arrive. I was thankful that she got to use some of the waiting time to come back to TN & visit! We headed to Midtown for dinner to this fabulous seafood diner!

Talking into the night made me miss some of the fun times we had in college.

After sleeping in, we headed out for lunch. I tried to take her to

Bryant's Breakfast on Summer which is self title "The Best Breakfast in Town"

And I agree. It is.

However, they were beyond packed, so we had to make other plans.

That led us to Old Venice for some good ole pizza!

Then we spent the afternoon with former roommate, Nichole & watched the Alabama/Florida game {sorry, Heather} on her huge TV.

Then it was off to the game for me!
Met up with Drew, his sister & some friends to cheer on the Tigers.
Boy was it an ugly game, but even still we finished with a 19-pt win!

Sunday = Church + Sunday School Luncheon + Family Bday party for my sister

We were planning to do Zoo Lights, only to find that they scaled back their days of operation to weekends until the week of Christmas. Ba hum bug.
Then we considered Starry Nights at Shelby Farms. But quickly realized we have 10 people in our family. Much too large to fit in one car. And at $20 a car, we opted for the party to remain at my sister's home with hot apple cider & treats!

This is a shot of our family at Christmas 2008.

A wonderful beginning to the "Most Wonderful Time of the Year"!
Merry Christmas to you and yours.

A Texas Sized Thanksgiving

2009-12-02T09:59:00.000-08:00

This year Drew & I decided to do our first holiday together. After my parents decided they were staying home for the holidays, the subsequent decision was made for me to go with Drew to Texas. After a few crocodile tears... {Leaving your family after 26 years is hard to do!}...I was eager to make the trek out to West Texas to a little known town named Cross Plains.

Drew's parents both grew up in separate towns surrounding Cross Plains. It was there in high school that they met & then married shortly thereafter. Then they headed for the city life, living in Stephenville, Rustin, Dallas, Nashville, Memphis & Denison.

As a city girl, born & raised, I was ill prepared for the small town life. No cell phone service, no internet, no MALL?! "What do they do?" I wondered. Well, the Flippin's overly prepared me for the family. What they did not prepare me for was the terrain. I headed out with some cute outfits accompanied by cute yellow flats. As we were leaving Grandma's house to go walk on their land, Grandma tells me to "Watch out for snakes!" Yeah. She said it. My greatest fear realized. So here I am, watching for snakes, jumping around cow pies, & all the while trying to keep my cute shoes from getting dirty. It was then that I realized: Yes, Anna White. You are indeed a City Slicker.

We watched more football that week than I've possibly ever watched in my life. We also ate more Thanksgiving food than I ever have. We had a full Thanksgiving meal for dinner. Then spent the night with the other side of the family. Woke up. Ate a full Thanksgiving meal for lunch. Then headed back to Denison. Stopped in at Babes for dinner. Then had some one roll me out to the car.

As it turns out, everything really is bigger in Texas.

Photography Blog

2009-11-25T11:06:00.000-08:00

I started my own photography blog!

Drew made my logo for me which I L-O-V-E!!!

I put up a post of an engagement shoot I did with Kacie & Jeremy.

Check it out here!

Thankful

2009-11-24T10:29:00.001-08:00

What Do You Think?

2009-11-19T14:42:00.001-08:00

OK so I made a statement yesterday comparing Aldrich to Sloth.

I'm still feeling pretty confident in my assertion.

But what do you think?

Kansas - No. 1, Really?

2009-11-18T08:34:00.000-08:00

OK first of all, does anyone else see a similarity between this guy

& the guy on The Goonies???

"Heeeeeey Yoooooou Guuuuuuys!"

Anyway, so the "Blow Out" game of the century was supposed to be last night.

Oops! Turned out there was no blow out.

In fact, the "No. 1 Team" {and I use this term rather loosely} almost fell prey to

MEMPHIS.

Unranked & certainly unfavored.

I can just hear Aldrich thinking,

"Me want ball! Argggghh!"

Will Coleman showed up to play.

And right here, he's just a wee bit higher.

Sorry, Goonie.

And once again, we ask ourselves,

"Calipari Who?"

Congratulations Memphis!
Strong Coach.
Strong Team.
Strong Recruits.
No more Herenton.

I'd say we won.

Twine is so Fine

2009-11-17T09:27:00.001-08:00

I don't know if its Pottery Barn or my own fabulous taste (ha),

but in the last year I have become obsessed with twine.

I love it. I use it on gifts, wrapping, cards, decorations...pretty much anything!

Today I stumbled upon the above picture, which lends me to the question,

Is there anything that doesn't look better with twine?

I submit that there is not.

BOOMER SOONER

2009-11-12T12:22:00.001-08:00

In just a few minutes I will be headed out to Oklahoma for the OU/A&M game on Saturday!

Really looking forward to my FIRST REAL COLLEGE FOOTBALL GAME!
And really looking forward to getting some quality time with a good friend.

Happy Weekend!

Boomer Sooner!

(Sorry, Drew)

YAY!

2009-11-06T08:54:00.001-08:00

Happy Friday everyone!

It was brought to my attention that I never posted what the doctor said about my knee.

So that's what I'm here to do today.

As you can see by the picture above, I received good news!

Although Sunday night I was certain that something very bad had happened to my knee,

I began Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday trying to put my trust in God

& pray that He would heal me.

After the doctor took a look at my knee, we all breathed a sigh of relief as he said he said

it was only a sprain. The x-rays confirmed.

NO RE-TORN ACL!

So PRAISE THE LORD! He once again reminded me that He cares for me.

Sometimes I forget!

So thank you for any concern/thoughts/prayers.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

YAY!

Comic Relief

2009-11-02T10:48:00.000-08:00

OK, so I have a few stories to tell from all of last week...

Story #1:

I was getting some mexican food to-go from El Porton. The employee ringing me up was what looked to be American or European. Definitely not Hispanic. He begins flirty banter while he gives me my receipt to sign. Not having a pen, he tries to impress by yelling at one of his Hispanic co-workers in Spanish to ask for a pen.

The co-workers response?
"What?! Say it in English...

I don't understand your Spanish!!!"

Story #2:

On the Eve of Halloween, I was sitting in Buffalo Wild Wings with Drew when I got a text message that said "MANE U GONNA DIE 2NITE. I WANT DIS NO MORE". Feeling a little creeped out, I simply responded back saying "I think you have the wrong number." To which I received another text cussing me out. At this point I was a little freaked. Then they started calling me and not saying anything. This went on for about 15 minutes. Finally, I answer the phone in the gruffest voice I could managed and said, "HELL-O!?" ...then I heard a quiet little voice on the other end say, "Miss Anna?! I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry!!! My brother stole my phone and texted you!" Ahhh...one of my girls from Sunday School.

My response?
"Are you coming on Sunday?

Don't forget it's Food Sunday!"

Story #3:

Following the evening service, the Student staff hosted a Family Night at the gym. Trying to be a good sport, I went along and played dodgeball even though I despise the game. I mean, getting pounded in the face with a ball going at 100mph is not my idea of fun. I stayed in the back and handed off balls to people who could actually throw. Well, unforunately, my team began to dwindle until there were only about 10 or 15 of us left. We were then forced to move up to the front lines. With voices yelling encouraging words, "Anna, Throw the ballll!" I stepped up, rared back my arm, lunged forward, felt my left knee buckle, and while falling to the floor immediately sensed something was terribly wrong. I cannot confirm until my drs appointment on Wednesday, but I think its very possible that I've re-injured the same knee I had ACL surgery on this past June.

And so, I remember today a valuable lesson...
"Some days you're the pigeon

and some days you're the statue."

Speechless

2009-10-26T18:16:00.001-07:00

About 2 years ago I ventured down to the New Daisy to hear a band I had only listened to for a short while. With little expectation I left in complete awe, and quickly deemed Mutemath to have the best concert I'd ever seen. Entertaining :: Crazy :: Fun :: Energy :: Fantastic Music :: What more could I ask for?

Well, as soon as I heard Mutemath was coming back to Memphis again, I quickly bought my ticket! This time I had a little more expectation for what kind of show they would give. Boy was I wrong! Whatever expectations I had, they were far surpassed! Due to some iTunes issues, I hadn't even purchased their new album yet so I didn't realize how amazing it would be. It was all the things I'd thought the first time. Entertaining :: Crazy :: Fun :: Energy :: Beyond Fantastic Music! Best band I have ever seen live. Including Coldplay. And I don't say that lightly.

If you have any interest whatsoever, please spend the $20 and find them while they are on tour. For those in TN, they'll be in Nashville on November 8th. Do not miss it. Really.

New Love

2009-10-23T17:28:00.000-07:00

50 Degrees

2009-10-18T16:35:00.000-07:00

"Life is a great bundle of little things."

-Oliver Wendell Holmes

One of my little things...

SCARVES!

MEMPHIS MADESS

2009-10-16T08:35:00.000-07:00

T.I.G.E.R.S. TIGERSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!! It is the most wonderful time of the year in Memphis, Tennessee! Tonight at the FedEx Forum will be the introductions to the city of our U of M basketball players! In a city of many divisions {racial, political, class, etc} - there is one thing that we can all agree on - our basketball team! And yes, I said our CITY. Unlike many teams, our school has the full support of our entire city. And a few celebrities...

Anyone heard of JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE?

TIGER FAN!

PENNY HARDAWAY?

TIGER FAN!

YO GOTTI?

TIGER FAN!

Oh Yeah - and he's PERFORMING tonight at the Madness!

So be there TONIGHT!

FedEx Forum - 7PM

GO TIGERS GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Meow

2009-10-14T15:20:00.000-07:00

One thing I have learned is that people feel strongly about cats. They either love them. Or hate them. Now, surprisingly, I grew up rather indifferent toward felines. Our next door neighbor had a cat that I tried to steal. I began leaving milk outside our back door for several days until my mom caught me. After that, I gave up all interest in cats and forgot about the species altogether.

My next encounter with a cat came over 10 years later as I made a trek out to Colorado with 3 friends from college for a ski trip. Lucky for us, I knew the Newberry's who graciously found some friends to let us stay in their home while they were out of town. All we had to do was run by the Newberry's home and find the key to the friends' home which would be on the counter. Little did I know what I was about to encounter as I walked through their front door. Satan himself. In the form of a grey cat. Few times have I been more scared of something so small. I left bleeding.

After several months of healing, emotionally, I had my second great encounter with a cat. My best friend Sara bought a cat, which she became quite fond of. I had again become indifferent toward the feline species. This changed the fateful night of Lisa's rehearsal dinner. Heather and I were in town for the weekend and after much late night chatting & last minute wedding crafting, it was time for bed. Indeed a very tired girl I was. I got comfortable on the couch and was just about to go into sweet, peaceful dreams when ...noise. A Walmart sack. It was rustling around. I instantly knew it was the cat. After several minutes I finally made my way up to pick up the bag and put it away from reach. A few minutes later, there it was again! Rustling. This time it was something else. I'd had enough. I put him in the hall & closed the door to the living room. Then pawing on the door came causing much noise! Afraid to wake the others, I, to my disdain, opened the hallway door back up. The cat, wide awake, then began to climb on my, then scratch & bite me. All of this continued until 3:30am when I called my boyfriend. Sobbing. "What's wrong?!" he asks. "The caaaaaaat {sniff sniff} won't leave {sniff sniff} me aloooone! {sobs}. It was a rough night. And I am quite thankful for Drew. I mean, how do you calm a girl at 3:30 in the morning who is sobbing about a cat? I think he earned a few crowns in Heaven that night.

This bring us to my hatred and altogether disdain for cats. Yes, I have given up my indifference and joined the ranks of the human race. My team? The I HATE CATS Team. Now, the irony begins. I currently live with a cat. Not my own, rest assured. My roommates' cat. Cinnamon. And guess what? It LOVES me. It follows me around, waits for me outside the bathroom door, rubs up against my leg [until I quickly remove my leg from its resting place].

I think its fair to say my relationship with cats is this:

LOVE/HATE: I hate cats. But cats love me.

October

2009-10-13T16:22:00.000-07:00

It is October. The time of year when I begin my obsession with Starbucks Carmel Apple Cider.

Sure, its just cider, but with it comes the coziness of fall.

There's nothing I love more than pulling into the parking lot, walking in,

hearing the sounds of music & smelling coffee. Ahh. Divine.

"Autumn's the mellow time."

-William Allingham

Manicotti-wad-elllllse

2009-10-06T08:59:00.000-07:00

I found this gem of a picture that is still on Union's website. Yes, that is me, donned in a cafeteria apron, serving students at the salad bar. Seeing this picture brings back so many fond memories. Memories of...

circling the cafeteria looking for anything appealing...

late nights in the dorm room laughing with friends...

guard raids and meetings with Pam...

but mostly friends.

This particular picture is after one tornado plagued Jackson in 2003. Many of the cafeteria workers suffered damaged or destroyed homes & therefore could not get to work. As I returned from my morning class I heard on the intercom,

"Any students interested in volunteering in Coburn today need to meet in the Cafeteria in 5 minutes".

Immediately, I changed into a red shirt and I rushed down the stairs, past the sugar shack, thru the mail room & into the cafeteria at lightning speed. When given the opportunity to work with people like "P.O. Robert", "Lunch Pimp" & "Manicottiwadelllse", you don't ask questions. You just do it.

Thank you Union for saving this treasure for me.

Caffeine, please.

2009-10-05T09:05:00.000-07:00

A headache yesterday afternoon led to a late dose of Excedrin Migraine. Not the wisest decision. I genuinely believe the medicine contains more caffeine than a 2 liter of Coke.

Now I am known to fall asleep the minute my head hits the pillow, or the minute the clock strikes 11pm, whichever comes first. But last night, I was wide awake.

Midnight came and went; I tried to distract myself with facebook...then 1am came and went. I tried my hand at Tetris...then 2am, 3am, 3:30am... Finally by 4am I was finally asleep, and then that precious rock & roll alarm clock woke me up 3.5 hours later.

Happy Monday.

Rain Rain Go Away

2009-09-24T12:40:00.000-07:00

I miss my blog! Haven't updated in a few days. Well, the rain continues on...
I think we're on week 2 of the rain? I can't hardly remember when it was sunny last!
But there is a quaintness & goodness about a good rain. The coziness that comes in getting a drink at Starbucks or wrapping up in a blanket on the couch...or waking up and listening to the rain outside your window...
For those things, I'm appreciative for wet Memphis. And as Heather says, "It could be worse."

Top 5

2009-09-18T14:20:00.000-07:00

When I was in college at Union, my best friend and I would exchange Top 5 lists during class. A very productive way to use class time. Not. The Top 5 lists could be anything from bands to cutest boys to favorite fast food. Anything to make the time go by. In honor of those memories, I thought I'd do my own Top 5 lists periodically. We'll start with:

Top 5 Legitimate Reasons I love Memphis:

5. Shelby Farms - Peace. Love. Shelby Farms.
4. Redbirds- Coined the "Taj Mahal" of Minor League stadiums.
3. Cheesecake Corner- Every kind you can imagine. The best in the city.
2. BBQ - Pork. Corky's, Rendevous or Central. It's all good.
1. The Memphis Tigers - I bleed blue.

Top 5 Ridiculous Reasons I love Memphis:

5. We have a steakhouse named after our ex-coach, John Calipari.
4. Elvis Week. A whole week where dressing like Elvis is encouraged.
3. The Delta Fair - where you can find hog & ostrich races.
2. Prince Mongo. Need I say more?
1. Our mayor actually boxed Joe Frazier. No really.

That's What She Said

2009-09-17T14:23:00.000-07:00

Season Premiere is tonight at 8PM on NBC. Don't miss it!

When Peace Like a River

2009-09-16T08:39:00.000-07:00

...these words are the beginning to one of my favorite hymns, "It is Well".

It was written by Horatio Spafford following the death of his only son, the Great Chicago Fire which ruined him financially and the death of his 4 daughters as their ship sank in the Atlantic.

His wife sent a telegram that said, "Saved Alone." As he traveled to meet his grieving wife, he wrote these words as they passed over where his daughters had died.

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows, like sea billows, roll;

Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,

It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Yesterday around 3pm, school had just let out at Evangelical Christian School, my alma mater. Carpool as usual for 3 students in an Isuzu Trooper headed out of the parking lot. In a few minutes, their lives were changed forever, as the SUV hydroplaned, jumped a curb and flipped into oncoming traffic, colliding with 2 other vehicles. One of the 3 students, a 14 year old freshman girl was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver, a 17 year old boy and another passenger, a 13 year old girl were both taken to the hospital in critical condition. The phone call that every parent dreads, was placed. And a school faced another death in the family in 2 months [Headmaster Collums died July 19th].

Please be in prayer for the families & students of those involved in the accident.

Please pray also for the friends and classmates that are left behind at ECS.

May the comfort of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, rule in our hearts during this tragedy.

What Have You Done Today...to Make You Feel Proud?

2009-09-15T11:12:00.000-07:00

I am humming the theme song today...in high anticipation of

the season premiere of THE BIGGEST LOSER!

(woooohoooo!)

......

Could there be a better show on TV? I would like to submit that there is not.

The runner up is (of course) Extreme Home Makeover. But even in that show, I always leave (with tears streaming down my face) wondering, "How are they going to pay the utility bill on that mansion?". Don't get me wrong, I love the show, but ?? Really?

......

That, however, is not the case with my beloved Biggest Loser.

These contestants come in with poor health, poor habits & poor self-esteem.

And they leave in good health, with healthy eating habits & a positive self image & zest for life.

What could be more exciting for reality TV?!

I choose the Biggest Loser.

......

Premieres Tonight at 7PM CST on NBC.

Obituary

2009-09-11T14:10:00.000-07:00

It is with much regret that I confirm the passing of my internal hard drive. It leaves behind its owner, Anna White. It passed on before a back up of its data could be made. For that it will be sorely missed. Please send all memorials and condolences to its owner.

Drew's Birthday Weekend

2009-09-06T21:43:00.000-07:00

For Drew's birthday we did a little exploring. To start out, we went to the Memphis Farmer's Market. It was both of our first time's to go! I absolutely LOVED it! Fresh flowers, home grown veggies, home made honey, breads and desserts! Wow! I will definitely be back.

Next we went to lunch at the Rendevous, then to the Zoo & ended up with dinner at Buckley's.

However, the birthday celebrating was not over.

Today, we headed downtown with friends to the Flying Fish followed by the Redbirds game.

After the game we enjoyed watching 3 parachuters that landed right on the field followed by the most amazing fireworks show!

Here are a few shots of our friends' child who went with us.

And here is the most amazing mohawk/mullet I've ever seen.

The best part is that it is Sunday night and the weekend is not yet over!

I am so looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow!

Happy Labor Day Everyone!

Happy Birthday Drew!

2009-09-04T09:04:00.000-07:00

To my favorite boy in the world- a grandiose HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you tomorrow!

I look forward to a weekend of birthday fun with friends and family!

Let the celebrating begin!

My Favorite Month

2009-09-01T07:49:00.000-07:00

September might be the greatest month of the entire year.

...crisp fall weather

...college football

...all kinds of festivals

...the midsouth & delta fair

...the countrywood garage sale

...ahhhh!

Happy Bday Mom!

2009-08-30T14:51:00.000-07:00

Friday night the family (+ Drew) went downtown to celebrate Mom's Birthday!

Our first stop was dinner at Spaghetti Warehouse.

Next was the Free Trolley Ride Night. It's free from Beale Street to G.E. Patterson.

Too bad we got on at Union Ave.

Aubrey had to be told that real ladies do not wave around dollar bills on street corners.

Classic Paul. And Classic family time.

One of the many art galleries that are open the last Friday night of the month on So. Main.

South Main was hopping with life. Sidewalks were packed!

Dad with his Root Beer at Cheesecake Corner.

I think he was counting down the minutes until bed time :)

A Happy Birthday Girl with her Cheese Cake!

Mom,

You've always been my favorite person in the entire world!

I love you!

Happy Birthday!

Wonderful Weekend

2009-08-21T10:04:00.000-07:00

There's something good, old fashioned & American about going to a baseball game. The Redbirds games might be one of my favorite things to do in the summer. And tonight is one of the last games I'll go to for 2009. It's already a happy Friday, so I know it will be a great weekend!

Happy Friday to you and yours!

Slow Down

2009-08-12T11:17:00.001-07:00

Life is fast. Too fast. It's gotten me all stressed out. I have thrived for years on being a busy bee. Flying as fast as I can from one thing to the next, driving like a maniac, cramming in activities for every hour of my day, & stressing out over every little detail that doesn't go my way!

Last week on my trip to the beach, I relaxed for the second time in about 4 years. And I liked it! So often I am burdened by self inflicted burdens. I carry the weight of the world on my shoulder b/c I'm the one that picked it up and put it there.

Jesus tells us to take on his burden because its LIGHT. Have you felt you were carrying a light burden? It's biblical. And for me, no, I haven't. But I plan to. The more I find out about God through my experiences, the more I realize that God's plan for us really is for our good. His plan is for peace, joy & genuine love. Who doesn't want more of those?! Why do we (I) avoid the things of God so often and fill up my plate with things that take away from what God wants for me? Ugh. I see why we are referred to as sheep.

I don't want to be a high strung, negative, stressful, discouraging person. But that means I have to submit to God over and over each day, choosing not to focus on myself, choosing not to complain about things, choosing not to let my thoughts be overwhelmed. I have to submit myself to God, rely on His strength & grace & choose to be obedient.

Thus the peaceful, calm life of love....Ahhh.

*For more on the subject of stress/worry, Amanda has a great post on it.

THREE

2009-07-29T09:34:00.000-07:00

Three...that is the number of days I have until I plant my feet in the beautiful sand beaches of Navarre, Florida! Between doctor appointments, therapy & work, I have been a busy bee. Seems like I go from one thing to the next, with a long list of To-Do's following behind me!

But in just a few days, I will be able to kick back, care free for 7 days. Ahh...

Photo Safari

2009-07-26T13:45:00.000-07:00

Last night a group of us decided to go downtown and get a little photog practice in.

I got a lens not too long ago and haven't gotten out and used it at all, so I was pumped!

We had a blast! There is such a great atmosphere down on Beale. I love it!

Here are a few of the shots I got...

Not wanting his picture made

Really tired of being my photo subject!

Good thing she wore the clear straps.

Collierville's Classic Car Show

2009-07-26T13:15:00.000-07:00

For a surprise impromptu date, I took Drew out to Collierville Square for their Classic car show. They also had a band playing 60s & 70s Classics. It was both of our first times to go out to the Square. We had a blast walking around and enjoying some drinks at

Square Beans Coffee Shop!

More lawn chairs in one place than I've ever seen!

Studebaker...my favorite!

...Why I didn't go to the bathroom!

Studebaker #2!

Busy Bee

2009-07-24T14:34:00.001-07:00

I've been too busy to blog! Sorry, Blog World. I'll try to upload some recent pictures soon!

Summer Rain

2009-07-16T07:53:00.001-07:00

I woke up in the wee hours of the a.m. to hear thunder, heavy rain and....dripping! Seems the only place in the apartment that enjoys a good leak is my bedroom. But just lying in bed, listening to the beautiful music of thunder & rain, the dripping lulled me right back to sleep.

I love sunshine, but there is something about summer rain...makes me want to change Seals & Crofts' lyrics to "Summer rain makes me feel fine...".