Yeah I'm moving ooooon up...

Just a little update for my blogger fans…

As some of you already know, I am moving on to bigger and better things!

A few months ago or so, my roommate informed me that there was going to be a position open in the marketing department where she works. I sent in my resume and cover letter, and hear back about a month later.

I went to my first interview-very nervous! My sister says she is bad at standardized tests, I think my weakness is interviews. I mean, I hate public speaking but I’d much rather get up in front of 300 people and deliver a rehearsed speech than have one person staring me in the eyes asking my personal strengths and weaknesses-talk about pressure!

Really though, I can prepare for questions about my job and how my skills are applicable to the new position. I can’t prepare for personal questions! When I do, I have great answers all planned out. But when the question is actually asked, my answer doesn’t resemble the very intelligent statement I had planned out the night before.

“What is a personal strength you feel would make you an assed to this company?”
“Well dear blog reader…I feel that I have excellent communication skills. This not only extends to clients with whom I communicate, but also with my co-workers. I do not believe that communication skills end at conveying a message in a manner that ensures comprehension. I feel that an excellent communicator is also gifted at knowing the recipient of the message. I think that my personality comes in to play with this ability of “reading people”. To communicate extremely effectively with co-workers, I believe you have to know what to say and how to say it in order to motivate them, rather than agitate them. This knowledge of different personalities ensures team-work rather than resentment.”

Yeah, what really comes out?

“Well rog leader…I think I have great communicatory skills. I can talk to the peeps on a real level. I can say ‘Yo, Mister, we need to get more 411 on the job request you just put in. ya heard?’ I mean like, I know my audience. I know different personalities because I have a multiple personality disorder. ‘You shut your mouth when you’re talking to me!’ I’m sorry, what was the question?”

Somehow, I got a second interview! I went to the interview the day I left for my South Carolina trip, so talk about nerves that whole weekend wondering when I’d find out!
4:30 on July 11th, I get a phone call that I got the job! My bosses were out of town, so fortunately I didn’t have to let them know that day…I got to celebrate a little! So I was in a particularly great mood that day cause not only did I get an amazing job offer, but I had a pretty amazing date! =)

Anyways, that Monday, I put in my two weeks notice. I thought I’d be 100% relieved, but a little part of me ended up being sad to leave.

I started my new job as the Marketing Assistant at a law firm yesterday-and let’s just say, I think I’m going to be incredibly happy!

My roommate and I get to carpool to work-which is nice to save gas. The job is also downtown, so I feel all professional and grown up now!

A former co-worker of mine made fun of me that I was moving from an office to a cube…my response?

“You can take your office. In two weeks, I'll be making more than you” sarcastic grin-thankyouverymuch (it really wasn't that mean-we always talked about how little we made all of the time-and she has been working for the company for almost 3 years...do the math)

I also have a binder that weighs about 100lbs. that’s the '>“benefits” binder. Right on people, right on.

Everybody in my department seems awesome so far, so while I’m overwhelmed right now trying to figure out a starting point, I think this is going to turn out to be an excellent move for my career…not to mention my happiness and sanity.

Anyways, that’s my big news!

Happy 4th...No "Ifs Ands or BUTTS About It!"

So for the 4th of July this year--our Lake House was FINALLY complete! My parents had been there for a few weeks, so I took off two days of work and was able to enjoy a nice, long and very relaxing weekend with the family (minus Chad, who was in Argentina!)

The best part was probably getting to spend time with my nephews! Sure, we eat dinner with them and such, but they have to go to bed or have naps, etc. But this week, I got to spend all day with them! Baby Charlie is getting soooo big! And Luke never ceases to amaze me...too precious for words!

Luke and I in front of the waterfall...

I got in late on Tuesday night, but woke up nice and early on Wednesday morning. Then, I got to REALLY appreciate the beauty of the new home. I can't even put into words how absolutely amazing it is and what a wonderful job my parents did building and decorating.

My favorite feature...other than the amazing deck/grill area, is my nest! I call the area my nest because it is up on the 3rd floor and overlooks the deck, with a beautiful view of the lake. I wanted a porch/balcony area, but I wanted to be able to have comfy couches and chairs so I could prop my feet up and read a good book...oohhhhh my is it a nice place to relax. I even went up there to read one day with my sister and fell asleep with my feet propped up on the railing...yeah, of course they fell off and I jolted myself awake. But at least it was nice and relaxing!

Of course, the highlight was going out on the boat! We had a few picnics out on the lake...making sandwiches to take out on the boat. Even the dogs came along for the ride a few times...of course every time we hit a wave in the lake I had 2 large bundles of fur in my lap (Ginger and Bailey...go figure!)

The 4th of July was a beautiful day out-although there are droughts in SC right now so a lot of the fireworks shows were cancelled (huge relief for Ginger, who has panic attacks when they start going off!). We really tried getting Luke in the spirit of America's birthday...and let's say he got to party in his birthday suit!! A priceless moment I caught on Mimi's camera...when we showed Luke this pic, I asked what he was wearing. He took a moment and responded "Crocs"...we all died laughing, it was too adorable!

I volunteered to be chef for dinners, so Friday night I did my sausage and cheese plate, BBQ chicken, tomato salad and OF COURSE, my American flag cake!

Saturday was another relaxing day...we managed to beat the rain most days.

View of the back from the lake...

View of the front...

Overall, I'd say it was an absolutely perfect trip. Good quality time with the family, lots of fun. I can't wait to go back!

Vivaaaa Las Vegas...

Hello to my small audience of blog readers!

Sorry it's taken a while for me to get to writing a new post...it's been a bit hectic! Lots of traveling-and well, quite a lot to catch up on! Expect a few new posts within the next week or so...

So my friend Jen decided that since the 4th of July is a hard time to get everybody together (it happens to be her birthday), we were going to hold the celebration in Las Vegas.

Yes, yes. Y-E-S yes...DONE! How exciting would that be?!

So Jen, Steph and I were all in the same sorority and have all managed to stay close and keep in touch. And then Lindsey, Jen's old college roommate, joined us as well.

That, plus Jen's friend from home, her husband...and some of this guy friends.

I arrive in Vegas, wait for Steph, and we both freak out in the cab about how EXCITED we are! We get to the Monte Carlo-meet Jen (you know the girly squeals in the middle of the lobbby, etc) and head up to put on our suits. Jen and Lindsey were outside by the pool-so we all decided to grab lunch before we started drinking from the giant footballs!

There is a food court inside with just fast food type stuff, so we all decided on Subway-which, of course, Jen and Steph begin singing the commercial "5...5 dollar...5 dollar foot long". So imagine the shock when Lindsey pays for her 6 inch sub and it's $12.

"12 dollars for half a sub, are you joking?" she asks.

"This is Vegas" man with 3 teeth behind the counter responds.

"So? I'm from New York and that's ridiculous."

So we had to revamp our singing "12...12 dollar...12 dollar 6 inch"...Jared would be proud.

We head to the pool...get our Mai Tai filled footballs, and enjoy some relaxation while the others get in throughout the day.

Night 1: Wanted to just do something low key, american type food for dinner. So we walk over to the MGM Grand and go to Wolfgang Pucks Bar and Grill. Absolutely delicious! It was the whole group, so we had a huge table. A few of us got a glass of wine. It was fun getting to know everybody.

So then we go back to the hotel, freshen up and of course, do the girl thing. (Make drinks, blast music, dance around, etc). We had gotten on a list for Voo Doo at the Rio, so we were excited because it looked beautiful in the pictures we had looked up.

Sure enough...50 floors above Vegas...this place was awesome. The inside has the funky decor, crazy walls, etc. We get shots to toast our first night in Vegas! Then we go outside on the gigantic deck overlooking Vegas. An absolutely breathtaking view...and awesome spiral staircase leading downstairs...and a great DJ ("This is my JAM!" was heard several times throughout the evening)

(Jen and I on the steps at VooDoo)

It was a ridiculously fun evening...maybe a little drama later that night...but nothing blogworthy I swear.

So after about 3 hours of sleep (so it was some late night drama) Jen and I wake up, put towels out by the pool, and then wake Steph up because the three of us had made massage appointments! We get into the spa, put on our robes, and throw back some water (a little dehydrated!) and wait for 60 minutes of amazingness. And that it was. We weren't ready to leave the tranquility, so we got in the hot tub for a while and just giggled about the previous evening. Night 1 was a success...Night 2 was going to be even better!

We chilled by the pool (many characters started to come out on Friday) ate lunch, had a few drinks, and before we knew it-it was time to get ready for dinner! I had made reservations for all of us (all 11) as Tao, which was at the Venetian. We politely remind the guys (still drinking in the pool) that dinner was kind of early, so they needed to be ready to go by 6:30 at the latest.

So how is it that 4 girls in the same room manage to be ready quicker than 5 guys? A fact that no science can explain.

We get ready, head over to the hotel-the rest of our party swearing they were right behind us (I told the I would kill them if they bailed-because it would be $25 on my credit card if people didn't show). At 6:55, we get there but were informed that we would be seated when the rest of our party arrived.

7...7:10...oh my goodness, really? We left at 6:35 and they were right behind us! So as we're sitting and waiting, there is a long line of people that have walked in from shopping or whatever and are putting their name on the list. At the end of the tunnel, I see somebody step out to see how long the line was.

I grab Jen's hand. "Oh my god, oh my god oh my god" What? she asks. "Holy shit" What? she asks. "I swear, that guy right there, is Jay" No way, are you sure? "It's either him or he has a twin"

So I walk out to investigate. For those of you who don't know, Jay was a guy I knew from Penn State. Since there is just not enough time to explain our relationship in a blog, we'll just equate him to an ex. An on an off ex for the almost 4 years I was there...

Well, whoever I saw wasn't in line...so I peek my head into the store next door. Yup, it was Jay. And his fiancee.

Who goes to Vegas and runs into an ex you might ask? There's a reason I call my life a reality show people...I can't make this stuff up.

Well...our party finally shows up, so we had to be seated. Tao is absolutely breathtaking. I am fascinated by Asian culture-and the decor in this place was absolutely beautiful. The giant rock garden on the wall, the 50 ft. Buddha statue right behind our table. The murals on the ceilngs with Japanese characters. It was awesome. The food was ABSOLUTELY fantastic as well-and our waiter was too funny. I was a little taken back by my encounter-so I wasn't going to settle for a fruity martini. "I need a Grey Goose, dirty martini with three olives. And I mean like, really dirty. Offensively dirty actually"...the waiter looks at me and says "Like Britney Spears?"

Now we're talkin.

(The girls in the entrance to Tao)

Celebrity sightings? Robert Horry of the San Antonio Spurs (booo) and Jason Taylor of the Miami Dolphins. Apparently the very next evening Randy Jackson was at the restaurant celebrating his birthday...

So after dinner, we gamble a little after a crash course in Craps from Lindsey. Had a great time...and we were introduced to Gary and his kick drum. (K, there's a thing called the "come line" which can get you more money. So somehow we started singing the scene from "The BreakUp with the brother going "Gary, on the kick drum. Come come. Come come on the kick drum"...yeaaaah, guess you had to be there...we found it hilarious though)

Then we headed to Pure at Caesar's Palace. We had a pass to let us skip the 2+ hour line, yet when you got in -it was awesome...buuuut, NOWHERE to sit. Our feet were hurting. So we just walked to the bar and were pretty much leaning on it...until some Australian guys asked us to come sit at their table with them.

"I'm just going to use you for your seats, I'm not gonna lie"

They ended up being a really fun group, they were so nice to all of us and we had a great time talking to them. But...we couldn't really dance. So Jen texted the guy who got us on VIP at VooDoo...so we decide to head back there. It ended up closing shortly after, so we went downstairs and gambled some more. They played craps, one of the guys and I headed to a black jack table (my feet hurt and black jack tables have chairs!!).

It was a crazy crazy evening...a few stories I just don't feel like writing for the world to see...cause SOME of what happens in Vegas has to stay there. But there were some great quotes that evening...

The next day, we are all dragging from our late night. Jen and I make it to the pool...Steph turns into a corpse on the bed...and poor Lindsey had to do some work for a class she was taking for the bar. We were going to make an attempt to head to the Bellagio for the buffet at lunch and do some shopping, but naps were more important that afternoon. We ended up going for an early dinner and OH MY GOODNESS...most amazing buffet I have ever seen in my life. Seriously, you name it, they probably had it! Sushi, pizza, pasta, beef, chicken, different veggies, desserts, etc.

Also, the Bellagio is absolutely gorgeous. Just the glass flower display on the ceiling in the lobby was beautiful! Jen and I ran over to Tiffany's (we were on a time crunch) because I had been eyeing a ring there...they had it in my size...done! Quickest little blue box purchase I've ever made!

So we get back to the hotel, have about 30 minutes to get ready, and head over to New York, New York to see "Zumanity". It's a Cirque de Soleil show, but the "sensual/erotic" side. Jen's friends had gotten tickets and then invited our room along, so we figured it would be cool to see a show and we'd heard awesome things.

The show was a mixture of the very sensual, amazing artistry that involves people on ropes, doing movements with their bodies that hurt to watch combined with a little of the raunchy, yet hilarious, stand up bits. It was absolutely awesome and I'd recommend it highly...if nudity and sexual humor don't offend you. You also have to be 18 to see it...how funny that our group got carded.

After that, we were all just in need to hang out and lay a little lower than going to a club. We headed over to Paris and played craps for many hours. The casinos amazed me with all of the detail that goes into the theme behind it all. The entire ceiling of Paris is painted like a sky, so it's a very odd sensation at 2am when it looks sunny out with blue skies!

Our group makes friends easily at the craps table, with all of our chants and trying to get people riled up. Particularly with the dealers who stand around and joke with us. Even more enjoyable were the nicknames for other gamblers who would join our table. On gentleman, dubbed "Eyebrows", was at the opposite and of the table and kept arching his eyebrows in our direction every time he rolled.

The waitress walks up and hands me a beer-which I hadn't ordered. "The gentlemen bought this for you".

"Which one?"

"The one rolling m'am"...she nods to "Eyebrows"

We all try to keep from laughing as he gives me the nod...I mouth "Thank you" back and smile.

I look at the girls..."He bought me a free drink?"

We couldn't help but laugh...

So Lindsey had to wake up nice and early to head back to NYC. Steph and I made it out around 9:30 to head to the airport. It was an absolutely amazing trip...although the flight back was close to making me sick with all of the bumps we went through the first hour!

Overall, an incredibly successful trip! We had so many laughs and bizarre events happen that we will never forget.

Angie...I hope you have been able to live vicariously through this blog since you didn't get your trip this year. Let's just say if you ever need a partner in crime in Vegas...call me!

The Ultimate Girls Night Out

So anybody that knows me knows that I spontaneously relate things in every day life to:

A-An episode of Friends (that reminds me of when Joey tries to learn French...)

B-An episode of Sex and the City (Yeah, he kissed like the guy who "mouth rapes" Charlotte...)

I'm a huge fan of both.

So obviously, major excitement last week when I managed to get a group of girlfriends together not only to have martinis and dinner...but to see the movie:

We all met in the Tower Room, a restaurant at the top of my office building that has a gorgeous view of the city-as it should, being 36 stories up!

The martinis were delicious, the food was wonderful, the view spectacular, we were all geared up for the movie! We even had a little drama with the management (Sara sorted it out-no worries!) to really get us primed!

SO we arrive at the theater right as the movie is about to start. Only 3 of us could make it to the movie-so imagine our surprise when we were told we would be lucky to find 3 seats together. Sheesh. But we did!

...In the front row...

The place was PACKED! With LOUD women! I think everybody had been out drinking martinis as well...or like the row behind us, just brought their own bottles of wine into the theatre. Figured it would make for an interesting viewing experience. Particularly when right as the lights dim somebody 3 rows back in a froggy voice (as in this woman has been smoking for a looong time) says loudly "You bitches should be in church".

Everybody dies laughing. Then the theme music begins and everybody begins applauding. How fun to watch this with a crowd of people who love the show as much as I do!

Now, fashion is a major part and appeal of this show. While some of the outfits are spectacular, and hello, the shoes and purses as well, Sarah Jessica Parker's character, Carrie Bradshaw, has had some fashion moments that make me gag. The opening outfit was no exception...

What on earth...

A-Those shoes are awful! And she wears them more than once in the movie...why not pick a better shoe to display? Sorry Dior...not a fan!

B-Is she trying to attract the world's largest bumble bee with that ginormous flower? Puh-lease...

I've been asked if somebody can enjoy the movie without seeing all of the episodes. Yes, but not as much. I'd recommend at least watching a few episodes so that you are familiar with the characters. (You know, Miranda is the cynic, Charlotte the bubbly optimist, Samantha likes to "color", and Carrie is the quirky one with an ongoing love affair with Big).

The movie was absolutely wonderful. Everything I expected and more. There were moments where my heart dropped, moments when I cried, moments when I cried from laughing so hard, and moments when I was just happy! It takes you through every emotion...

Obviously this is not a movie I'd recommend for younger audiences, as there is nudity (nothing shocking people, it's all over the show too!) but you do see a male full-frontal shot, yes my friends, a brief glimpse of his "hoo-de-hoo".

Anybody wanting to see this movie again, I'm in! Especially once the crowds have died down and I don't have "Row 2, party of drunk and annoying" sitting behind me (chick knocked the empty bottle of wine over at least 3 times toward the end).

And let's just say, although some of the fashion was absolutely ridiculous, there were definitely some redeeming moments...
But let's be honest here Carrie Bradshaw...when your assistant asks about the $485 shoes and you say "They were actually $525"...Manolo Blahnik is selling these puppies for $945. I could just not pay rent, cable or MLGS bills for a month!! I actually don't think any of their heels are less than $600...

However, the movie does clue viewers in to a new and very interesting website http://www.bagborroworsteal.com/

Pick any designer...pick a purse, sunglasses, jewerly...now how long do you want it for? Yes my friends, you can RENT luxury designer items by the week or by the month! If you fall in love with something you rented, you can check the status and may have the option to buy it!

The price varies on the item...

For example, this AMAZING Chanel: $202/week or $595/month.

Anyways, thought that was pretty awesome. But tell me, why would you want to rent this?

I mean, some people might have loved this for Carrie Bradshaw, relating it back to the Paris episodes. But really, this is something I'd see 70 year old women wearing the sequined fanny packs carrying around. Gaughty with a capital G! Timmy Woods, you get an F from me.

Anyways, GO SEE THE MOVIE! It is fantastic and it will leave with feeling happy, fulfilled, smiling (maybe even crying a little okay?!).

That...and with an itch to go shopping...normally not a problem for me with very little exquisite shopping around Memphis, but I'm going to Vegas next weekend...whole new ball game people.

At least I know I won't be losing money at the casinos. My money will be right where I can see it...

In my closet.

Mystery Solved...

So on Friday I was informed by my friend Kyle about the seasoned vs. regular fry debacle at BYB.

Apparently in order to cut costs, BYB execs. decided to switch from Sysco food distributors to US Foods...so they did not have the products in order to make seasoned fries.

While I appreciate them trying to keeps costs low for the customer, other places like Chick-fil-a know the value of their menu staples and have raised the cost a little...

In other news, I noticed in the building elevator that McDonald's that their dollar menu will remain the dollar menu in spite of raised costs. Gross. I can't stand McDonald's. Only when incredibly desperate (and okay, maybe intoxicated) will I get anything from there.

That's all I have for now...just thought I'd clarify the fast food war for everybody out there!

FOR SEASONED!

So today, I had a ton of errands to run at lunch. Now I really can't stand fast food like Wendy's, McDonalds, Taco Bell etc. However, I can tolerate Chick-fil-A and BackYard Burger.

Rather than skip lunch all together and opt for a bag of Flamin' Hot Cheetos from the downstairs sundry store (I've done that a lot over the past few weeks), I decided BackYard burger sounded good. I'm sitting in line debating between the Buffalo Chicken salad or a BLT so I could get the delicious seasoned fries. I pull up and notice their menu has changed.

I quickly scan...all new salads. Crap, they didn't have mine! None of the others sounded as appealing and the lady came on to take my order.

Bacon cheddar burger-I said, not even looking for a BLT. At this point, I just wanted the fries!
"Would you like the regular fries?"

"No, I'd like the seasoned please."

"We no longer carry the seasoned or waffle cut fries. Just regular or onion rings."

WHAT?

They certainly did not consult me on this decision. I have been eating their seasoned fries since like, 6th grade, and they take them away? Now I can handle the salad being gone, but you can't take both of my favorite things away!

I mean, when I think BackYard Burger, I think of the seasoned fries before anything else-and BURGER is even in the name- Are they crazy? They are messing with their identity...

So now I guess it's just down to Chick-fil-A for me...unless somebody at BYB lays off the crack pipe and brings back the warm, deliciousness that are seasoned fries.

P.S. I have tried looking online for anything explaining this tragedy and there is nothing...does anybody know anything about this?

Spontaneous Road Trips? Y-E-S DONE!

So a few weeks ago, my roommate and I were enjoying a beautiful Sunday afternoon at Bahama Breeze, sipping on fruity-tropical drinks trying to enjoy the sunshine on the patio. Now, I have been promising my roommate that we'd take a trip to Nashville-my stipulation was that we had to wait until football season was over. If there is one thing to show how different we are-she was very excited when football was over-and I wanted to cry.


We sit outside, chat, and I'm kinda like "Well why don't we go to Nashville this weekend?" People, if people had tails-Becky's would have been wagging like crazy. So we were supposed to leave on Friday around 5-5:30, but I didn't get off work until late so we hit the road after 7...I was not a happy Mary about that fact, but regardless, we were getting away from Memphis for a weekend!


Day 1 (okay, more like night)

The first night we went out to a fun area and went to a bar where I felt incredibly old, every girl in there looked about 18. There was also a guy who walked by and looked over at Becky and I and HISSED...I mean, very snake-like. I'm not sure if he was trying to speak parsel-tongue or what, but it was bizarre! (HP reference for all of you muggles....)


So since we had missed going to a very COUNTRY bar that had drink specials until 11 (which is why Becky loves Nashville-she hearts country music, cowboys, and everything associated with the two) my friend Brook and I humored her and went to a place called "The Stage". The inside of the place reminded me of the set at Disney World for the "Country Bears" or whatever, where they play banjos and what not.



So we're standing by the dance floor and the band announces that they're playing one more slow song before the pick up the pace. Well this very very very (very very very very) weird guy wearing a black cowboy hat turns around and asks me to dance. I'm in the middle of politely declining his invitation when an unknown force (ahem Becky) SHOVES me at the guy. So I end up doing the 7th grade dance thing, trying to stay far away from him-to no avail, cause in order to serenade somebody, you have to be right in their ear!! Every time we'd make a rotation, Brook and Becky were standing there cracking up...thanks guys! He and his friends were special, I'll be nice and leave it at that for now.

(I was making my "mean face" at Becky for making me dance)

Day 2

I wake up to a friend drunk dialing me at 9:30am...did anybody else know that there is a Hot Wing Festival in Memphis? Cause that seriously sounds amazing...I also know what I'm having for dinner tonight.


Anyways, Becky and I couldn't go back to sleep because the workers across the street were REALLY loud so we pretty much move in slow motion all day. One of Brook's friends plays rugby, so we headed out to a park to watch a rugby game. It was an absolutely BEAUTIFUL day and it was a lot of fun to sit there and enjoy a sport which I have come to appreciate! (That and the hot guys that often come with amazing accents...) I also decided that the commentator for the game needs to become a golf broadcaster...not because he yells like soccer announcers or anything, but because he was absolutely hilarious and pretty much just made fun of everything. I'd love him to comment on some of the pants that Camilo Villegas sports

After the game, Brook took us to Five Guys for burgers and fries and it was absolutely delicious! Then we went out for some margaritas on the patio of a Mexican place. Can we just say that this day is already perfection in the eyes of Mary? And then add laying on a couch watching the NFL draft before going out...yeah, it was a great day.


Also, being out in Nashville and seeing the city during the day-I've decided I love it. It's clean, I felt safe there, and there are some absolutely beautiful areas. And it does have a lot to offer-I'm definitely a fan!


Anyways, that night, Brook took us to one of his favorite sports bars called "Sams" and his friend Chris came out with us. We had an absolute blast! The bar was awesome-and of course, ordering really girly drinks to send over to Chris's boss was pretty funny. Then we walked over to a place called "The Cabana" (I think?) which looks like an amazing restaurant that turns into a dance club at night-and this place is absolutely gorgeous!




Day 3
Um, we attempted to sleep in. I also forgot about the other thing that wakes you up-Molly. Brook has a little black lab puppy who ADORES me now-especially my ears. Real cute at 9am on 4 hours of sleep right? Haha, I didn't care-it was nice having puppy time!


We were l-a-z-y on Sunday-watched more of the draft, started watching a playoff game, and then Becky and I decided to hit the road around 3:30. We stopped for lunch at sonic, and then jumped back on the Interstate.


And sat...and sat...and sat...and finally made it home around 9:30. Yes, it's normally around 3 hours from Memphis to Nashville. No, I did not enjoy sitting in gridlock. Yes, I laughed when Becky would start snoring and wake herself up, PROMISING she'd try to stay awake to help me stay awake. Then she would put on some sad, slow, country song from my iPod and be out again. Go figure.


Sooo, long story short-I now love Nashville as well-but for reasons very different from Beckys! We had a great weekend FULL of hilarious events that I just don't even want to go into detail about cause my blog would take years to read...

Okay, back to work...

Stay Classy San Diego...

He's Here!!!

That's right, last night at 7:10pm, a little 7lb. 7oz. Charles Elliot was born!

So proud Aunt Mary is beaming over her new nephew.

I'll just go ahead and say it, I think Lindley and Chad just need to keep re-producing, because little Charlie (just like Luke!) is a beautiful beautiful baby! (Not what Lindley wanted to hear today when I told her, haha)

We got to the hospital last night, probably RIGHT as baby Charlie was being born! So my parents and I made phone calls, texts, etc. to family and friends. And then we waited with Luke to meet his little brother. (Luke was keeping us all entertained in the waiting room and in the courtyard...of course!)

Oh so worth the wait. Mimi got to hold him first, and then Grandpa and then OF COURSE Aunt Mary was itching to get her hands on that little bundle of adorable-ness!

Luke was very curious about his little brother, so he and Buddy (his stuffed giraffe) checked him out a few times. "Baby Charlie is crying!" Luke announced. So we asked "What do you say to him when he's crying?" He smiled "It's okay baby Charlie" so he came over and gazed him a little more, still not quite comprehending the whole situation, but it was cute anyways!

Lindley was trying to hang in there...took some anti-nausea meds so I think we were just giant blurs to her. But happy to see her looking full of color today holding her precious new baby.

So proud Aunt Mary now has two AMAZING nephews who I am in love with! I'm sure I will have more cute stories to come, just wanted to share the excitement with everybody!

I love you baby Charlie and can't wait to see you grow up! And of course, Luker Pooker, I can't wait to see you continue to grow up and become a wonderful big brother!

Letter to Me...

Here was my inspiration for this blog...a song by Brad Paisley called "Letter to Me"

If I could write a letter to me
And send it back in time to myself at 17
First I'd prove it's me by saying look under your bedT
here's a Skoal can and a Playboy no one else would know you hid
And then I'd say I know its tough
When you break up after seven months
And yeah I know you really liked her and it just don't seem fair
All I can say is pain like that is fast and it's rare...

_____________________________________________________________________________

Dear Mary,

This may seem odd, but this is a letter from you, 8 years from now. I will prove that it’s really you/me…look under your bed for the brown journal. Yeah, that’s the one-where you have pictures about all of your friends and you write about them, who they like, what they do that annoys you and your favorite things about them.

You are going to have a lot of things to deal with in your future years. Don’t be so shy, approach guys with confidence…actually, just approach them! Speak up more in class, especially in English. You have a talent, you just need to fine-tune it, even if Henderson is hard to deal with…

Try some new things! You will love doing a musical if you try, trust me. You will make friends, spend more time with your current friends and open yourself up a little…I know, you being on stage is scary!

Work extra hard for Mrs. McKinney, she has always seen the best in you and your friends, and believe it or not you WILL need Spanish. Plus, she’s older now and her husband might not be around for much longer.

When it’s raining, be careful driving and don’t slam on your brakes-especially if Sarah is following you! Take better care of your car-especially when you get to college! (Watch out for red paint-make sure it’s closed!)

Don’t stress about small things. They will work out. Also, don’t worry about what people think so much-have fun and enjoy your time in high school. Open your mind and don’t be too judgmental-you have good instincts about people and situations, so just let that be your guide. Your friends will meet a group of older guys-don’t be afraid to talk to Brook, he actually turns out to be one of your good friends!

When you go to Europe with the class, don’t let anybody ruin your good time. Take pictures, have fun, be goofy. And speaking of Europe, keep in touch with Eva for years to come…you have a wonderful friendship with her.

When you go on your first date with Matt, relax, his ex-girlfriend will NOT beat the crap out of you no matter what you heard in homeroom and in the girls bathroom.

Don’t chug straight from the bottle of champagne at Christmas formal-your head will hurt the next day…

You and Matt will date for a few months. On your 18th birthday, make sure Patrick doesn’t have that beer in the car when you get in. Actually, that made for a pretty good story-although at the time it was terrifying. That relationship will open you up to other people in school-you have probably misjudged them as they have you. They will finally get to see the real you.

Value your relationships. I hate to tell you, but a lot of your friendships that you thought would last forever barely withstand college. And when you get to college, don’t hold back. It’s a new start for you.

Don’t laugh at the possibility of keeping in touch with Jason when you meet him on your senior trip. I can tell you that even now, you still keep in touch and have had some wonderful memories with him, his sister and their friends.

You will end up at Penn State and love it! Soak it all in, experience everything. But don’t fall so hard for one of the first guys you meet. He’ll only mess with your head the entire time you are there...

Go to your classes—yes, even the early ones!

You will be in for a very tough day your first semester-a world changing event will take place in September. Your loved ones will be safe, but never lose sight of the events of that day. It will make you incredibly homesick, not having anybody close to you there, but you will find friends quickly.

Freshman year-do yourself a favor-the week before finals, either skip the rugby party or don’t let your friends leave you. This decision could affect the rest of your life and your outlook on it. If you make the same decisions-your family and friends are there for you, so utilize them for advice and consoling.

You will end up leaving Penn State and it will be one of the hardest things you will ever have to do. But you are successful at Memphis and meet some new friends, even though it takes you a while. You will lose a very close friend due to an argument, and it will have a major impact on not only your relationship with her, but will stretch far beyond that. Hold your ground and be thankful that you parents love and trust you. It’s a rough transition when you move home-but don’t be discouraged-you persevere and come back into your own during your senior year.

Spend more time with Mimi, Daddy Hully and Uncle Robert any chance you can. Learn from them, learn about them. You don’t have much longer to seize the opportunity to do so.

Also, love on Taffy whenever you can…because she leaves you much too early…

You will live a great life, so don’t let the bad days throw you off. I can tell you now, 8 years ahead of you, that you have a degree, a job, and an amazing family that now includes 2 nephews (well, #2 is coming any day now!). Your friends are getting married, having babies and managing to lead their own lives. Take the chance to spend time with them whenever you can. You have some amazing friends who support you in all you do-they even come to celebrate with you when you graduate.

People might not know it,
But you pretty much kick ass…

Love,
Mary (the quarter century edition)

T-I-G-E-R-S TIGERS!!!!

Soooo, as many of you know, my sports loyalties normally are with Penn State-especially if you know me or read my blogs from the football season...

Well, when basketball season rolls around, it's quite a different story! My Memphis Tigers have had a great past few seasons-and a wonderful history, but there was just something different about this season-and the city has felt it all year long. After an almost perfect season (the loss to Tennessee...my hatred for Tennessee does not stop with football people...heck, it even carries to women's fencing!) the Memphis Tigers are playing in the 2008 Championship game tonight in San Antonio, TX! I mean, hello-we have the best record in a single season, 38 wins!!

This is the first time the Tigers have been to the Championship game since 1973! I was negative 10 years old people! This is a huge deal, and while there has been a lot of "bandwagon" behavior around the city recently, the entire city of Memphis is full of energy. One of the best articles I have read on the team deals with the reputation that the Memphis players have...when they really are good kids, who sometimes make mistakes...it's a MUST read: http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/apr/04/cal-look-deep-when-considering-my-team/

Sooo Saturday was the Final Four game vs. UCLA...and I headed to my parents to watch the game. So I had to stop and pick up a few things at the grocery store for my sausage plate (mmmm, I'm hungry!). Well I figured it would be crowded...but it was jam packed! I was on the phone with my friend Jen and I was just like, "This is absolutely amazing! There must be over a hundred people in here right now and I'd say at least every 4 out of 5 people are wearing a Tigers shirt!" There were Tiger and basketball balloons, everybody was getting beer and chips and just general party food! I'm grabbing beer out of the cooler and I get "Go Tigers!" from some guy passing by. If there was anything to get me pumped about the game, my trip to Kroger certainly did it! Every worker in Kroger even had on their Tiger blue.

Well, lots of food and Tiger spirit...and an AMAZING game that Memphis won 78-63! Lots of excitement at my parents house! The best was when I said "How about a Memphis alumni picture?" My mom says "Well that's just Nick and Shelly!" Really Mom? Cause PRETTY sure I graduated from there in May!! Hahaha

So Andy and I headed to the Sports Pub for the second game, to see who Memphis would be facing. Talk about a great environment-the best part was Kyle playing "Eye of the Tiger" and "Walkin in Memphis" back to back every few minutes-it really couldn't get much better! But maybe it will...

Tonight is the night. Tip-off at 8:20 CT, I will be heading to the bar immediately after work to secure a seat! Memphis vs. Kansas!

Jayhawks beware, we're comin for ya...

GOOOOOOO TIGERS!!!

A Very Special Dedication...

First of all, I hope everybody got to read the comment from my previous blog left by Chad, cause I thought it was absolutely hilarious and got a major case of the giggles reading it at work...nicely done BIL!

Today is Wednesday (woo hoo for hump day!) March 26! Now, this might not seem like a big deal to many of you. WOW are you mistaken! Today is a very special, important and wonderful day-it's my Biffers birthday!!

SOOO, I would love to take this opportunity to dedicate a blog to my sister Lindley!

Once upon a time, in 1983, I met my sister...I don't really recall the early years, but the pictures tell the story. My sister was obsessed with me. I think she actually kind of stalked me, I heard she even watched me sleep-creepy. Well the obsession became mutual-I mean, my older sister pretty much rocked...and still does!

My sister is 7 years older (yes, she's 20 and 12 today!) so the age difference was enough where we weren't at each others throats in high school or anything. Quite the opposite actually-she is my best friend in the whole world. I will never forget when she went on a date with the guy from down the street to see Arachnophobia...yes, the girl who is TERRIFIED of spiders. So what could be more fun than hiding plastic spiders all over her room? Didn't really freak her out cause she saw all of them sitting out, but a day or two later when she answered the phone in her room and found the last one...ohhhh yeah, nice big scream. Rock on.

Driving with my sister is always fun! We serenade each other. I'm telling you, put on "Does He Love You" by Reba and you will get a show! She also has a habit of going a LITTLE fast when a good song comes on...nothing beats us driving to Texas with my mom following in the U-Haul, she got a little behind us a few times.

We have a lot of "odd sibling stories" as well. When it stormed (okay, when it stormS, present tense) there is a chant that we repeat as we watch out the windows "Keep on stormin, keep on stormin! Lights go out, lights go out!" There was also the ever popular "Woo woo" which was answered by "Ding ding" for when we were at my Aunt and Uncles farm in Virginia-this is when we were trying to find each other. I told you they were odd stories...

1994-a very sad year in the life of Mary! My older sister was leaving me to go all the freaking way to Texas for college! Let me tell you how much I cried when she left...although I did make her a kick @$$ tape, complete with commercials, for her road trip. But I do remember visiting her at Baylor and thinking that college was the coolest thing ever! I saw her in Sing and it was so fun getting to see her perform in what we had heard about! A little while later, she was coming home for a break-and somebody was coming with her. Chad arrived before she did, so I got to meet the guy who we'd been hearing all about. Obviously, he stuck around for a while...I think we'll keep him around too just because of his amazing dancing abilities! =)

I LOVED visiting Lindley in Dallas-going to Uncle Julio's for dinner (Chad usually joined!) and of course, the shopping trips were always fun (can we say Nordstrom's shoe department?!). One summer I helped Lindley and her roommate Erica move into their 3rd floor apartment. It was about 115 degrees, heat index 803! Years later, Lindley moved into a new place that would become Lindley and Chad's place! Well, we did our usual shopping trip and Chad came over one night and made some amazing salsa-very spicy!! Yeah, I had to make trips to the drug store because my wisdom teeth started coming in and were hurting so bad I couldn't open my jaw-I literally had to pry my mouth open. My sister thought this was quite hilarious. It was also fun going to school with Lindley one day and watching her interact with her kids-especially when one of the kids tried to hit on me (I think I was in 10th or 11th grade, he was in 7th...)

My sisters wedding...one of the most exciting things ever! Dress shopping was fun, she looked beautiful in a lot of the ones she tried on-but none were THE one. Well, she put one on, they clipped it back to show how it would fit her-and my mom and I started crying-I mean, it was like the lights got brighter and illuminated her-she looked like a princess. It was such a special year, being a part of everything and having a front row seat as the Maid of Honor to watch Lindley and Chad exchange their vows. I'm still convinced my sister got the last good one...even if our house keeper doesn't like Chad, I still think he's pretty great! (Just kidding, you know Ga loves you Chad!). I just know she's going to get revenge at my shower since I got her some embarassing things at hers...

So Lindley and Chad go off to Indiana for grad school as I headed off to Penn State. Go Big Ten! So visiting my sister was fun then as well-their new apartment, getting to visit my niece Mocha (who they got in Texas, but I didn't get to visit her as a wittle puppy!) and having craft days! Not to mention, going to Scottie's for fried pickles and (gasp!) a pitcher of beer where they didn't even card me (I think I was 19? 20?). Then making mudslides, watching Moulin Rouge and just having quality biffer time!

Lindley visited me at Penn State during my junior year for the PSU vs. Indiana game, and I told her if Penn State lost I was going to call her out in the student section for wearing her Indiana shirt under her Penn State sweatshirt! Luckily, it didn't come to that! But she got to meet all of my ADPi sisters, who were her sisters as well! We went to my friend Jay's apartment for drinks-he made me a Hypnotic martini. Lindley's order? A Bloody Mary...at 9pm...I thought it was funny. Not as funny as her trying to get a beer at the frat party though. The guys behind the bar are jerks, so when they ask "Who do you know?" Lindley says "John!" "John who?" "Smith." Hahaha, didn't work so well...I had to take over from there, but it was too funny!

So when I moved back to Memphis in January of 2005, it was a really hard year for me...I had left all of my friends, a school I loved and returned to a place where I didn't really know anybody anymore. My family is amazing, and being that my birthday is in January, they knew I wasn't really looking forward to celebrating it in Memphis. SO they surprised me with an amazing weekend trip to New York City! We had amazing dinners, saw a play, went shopping and just had a great time. We ATTEMPTED to go to Serendipity at 11 one night for hot chocolate, but the line was ridiculously long! Well, it started snowing. Now, if you know my sister, you know she is psychotic about snow. This night was no different-for some reason that's one of my favorite memories from the trip-Lindley squealing next to me in the limo to look at the snow!

Shortly after that birthday, something very exciting happened. LUKER POOKER!! Seriously, I am obsessed with my nephew as many of you know if you read my blog. So how excited am I that I have another one on the way? It has been so much fun watching my sister take on motherhood and kick butt at it!

Anyways...I could go on for hours with great stories about my sister and I! Basically whenever we are together, we have a blast, these were just a few favorites that came to mind...

Whether painting pottery, having a movie marathon, scrapbooking, playing "MASHY", eating delicious pizza, giving/receiving boy advice, creating a list of nicknames (dork, dufus, FAC, etc.) making blanket forts, having pretend concerts to the "Pretty Woman" soundtrack, going to sporting events, watching ATWT, getting hit on by the Fox Ridge guy, going on treasure hunts, playing with Luke, trips to the beach, teaching my OLDER sister slang words...hee hee, jamming out to 80's music, calling every day from my 10-day vacation to sing "Why do birds suddenly appear, every time...you are near?!" or just talking on the phone while grocery shopping, there is nothing that will ever compare to the relationship that my sister and I have. My friends all love her, heck, everybody that meets her loves her!

So Biffer, thank you for being the best sister anybody could ask for! You and Chad and Luke are always there for me and I love all of you-I know Charlie will be included in that when he joins all of us! I am so happy we get to live so close and share so much-you mean the world to me and I couldn't have made it through the past few years without your sense of humor and unwavering support...through the hard stuff (school, friendship problems, funerals, heartbreaks, etc.) and the amazing times (vacations, weddings, new friends, graduation, etc). I hope you have a WONDERFUL birthday-hopefully you enjoyed re-living some of my favorite biffer moments!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO LINDLEY!!!!!!

Over-analyzing my over-thinking...

Soooo, I still have to write my letter to myself, I'm aware! My brother-in-law had a fantastic one, in which he also wrote a letter from his 17-year-old self to his current self (and apparently he said "dude" a lot when he was 17!).

Well, yesterday was St. Patty's Day! I think at about 2:30 I told my friend that I might just stay at home with my green food coloring and beer and enjoy it myself because I was getting frustrated just going back and forth with plans and work was insane!

I mean, really? Did I honestly think that would happen? Not at all-so I ended up hanging out with two of my loyal blog-readers, Brittany and Kyle!

So an Irish Pub on St. Patty's Day, obviously insanity right? Yeah, took a while to get a drink...so you'd get two or three at once. Good times. Well at the end of the evening, I'm closing my tab (okay, TRYING to close my tab, it worked after 30 minutes) some guy was standing at the bar next to me and told me to watch his seat. I told him I'd just be closing my tab, and he said "Aw, I was hoping you'd be here when I got back" and I just kind of smiled. "No, seriously" he says, "You're the most beautiful woman in the bar". I laughed "Exactly how many car bombs have you done tonight?" He taps me on the shoulder and looks at me and says "I never lie". Then walks off. Sadly, I was still standing there when he got back. "You think too much" he said when he sits down. "Pardon?" I said. "You think too much. You need to just take a compliment and not think about it or question the meaning." So I'm like, yeah, okay. Got my tab, and walked out with my friend.

Now, to be told once that I think too much by a stranger is one thing. But then my friend and I were walking in the parking lot talking about random stuff and I just kept being like "I'm sorry, I know I sound like x" or "I know you're thinking x" and he just looks at me and said "Mary, you are analyzing too much. Don't over-think it."

Hmmm...

So then on top of that, I had the absolute most bizarre dream in which one of my girls and I were out at a bar and next thing we knew it was 6am, so some other girls were like "Just stay out and drink a mimosa or bloody mary with us" so we're like, okay. And the bartender was like, "I have something even better that's the new craze for the early morning drink" and hands us this like, clearish drink in a martini glass that looks like a snowcone. The bartender tells us it's called an "Analyzer", it's vanilla dippin dots (can you tell I'm sweet deprived?) blended with vodka and ice chips. How freaking bizarre is that? I invented a drink in my sleep, and it deals with me thinking too much. Not to mention one of the other girls in the dream put a jalapeno in hers...what?

So now I'm writing to analyze about how I over-analyze things. My dad has recently told me that I have excellent intuitions and that my instincts are usually right on.

Question: So how is it at times they are so way off?

Answer: Because they aren't gut feelings-they are usually in situations where I put thoughts in other peoples heads. Now I might be able to get a sense of a persons character, but really, I'm not psychic-I don't have ESPN! (hee hee)

Somebody changes plans on me, it means they don't want to hang out. Somebody forgets my birthday, it means they really could care less. Somebody suddenly changes their mind about a situation 100%, it means their original thinking or original plans fell through. And man oh man do I have this over-analyzing thing bad with guys...let's not even get into the crazy crap that goes through my head if he doesn't behave according to the way he should in my head! (Why is it I'd have any type of realistic expectation for this? Cause it's gone soooo well in the past?)

I'd love to say I'm not going to over-analzye things, but I will definitely have more patience or ask for more input when I'm feeling slighted in a situation. I think this problem definitely occurs more for the female readers, but any opinions are welcome! I just know that I can sit down and think out about 15 scenarios for something if it seems off to me, and to be honest, it's just a waste of time because it often turns into worrying for no reason!

Now I do believe that my intuition is very different from overanalyzing, so I will keep my instincts in check and leave the worries...

But of course when I feel like a "Why did he say this like this?" talk, that's what I have my girlfriends for, so don't judge me =)



"Worrying is a lot like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do, but it doesn't get you anywhere"-Van Wilder

I'm unusually hard to hold onto...

So I am one of those people who associates music with certain situations, major events or time periods in my life. Like when my family moved into our current home between my 8th grade and freshman year, my sister and I drove back and forth a lot of trips moving a few things here and there. Dave Matthews "Crash Into You", The Wallflowers "One Headlight" and The Verve Pipe "The Freshman" are songs that will always remind me of that time. The Sugar Ray, Everclear and Jay-Z CD's will always remind me of when I turned 16, as I listened to them on my way to school quite frequently. Certain songs even remind me of certain guys, whether it was a song he recommended, a song he told me to listen to because it made him think of me, or even a song when I walked in on him hooking up with another girl at a party...yeah, that was a fun one, thanks for that 112 and your song "Dance with Me"...sheesh!

ANYWAYS-lately, there have been a few songs/artists that I have completely fallen in love with. You know, the songs that on a nice sunny day you roll the windows down and blast it, maybe even belt it out at the top of your lungs? No, just me?

One artist I discovered that I think MOST of you would like is Kate Voegele. I found her on my favorite show, "One Tree Hill" where she plays a singer, but she does some of her own songs on the show. I absolutely love everything of hers that I have heard, my favorite though is called "Wish You Were". Check her out on www.myspace.com/katevoegele ...let me know what you think!

The title of my blog is from "Love Song" by Sara Bareilles, it's just an empowering song and I think that "I'm unusually hard to hold onto" is a great line...perhaps because I relate to it?

Also, one of my favorite bands, Lifehouse, has a new album out. I've only heard a few songs, but "Who We Are" seems to be a frontrunner for me. They had one of my favorite songs my senior year of high school, and I discovered their song "Everything" my junior year in college which is one of my favorite songs of ALL time!

Now I am also in love with One Republic, everybody has probably heard the "Apologize" song with Timbaland, but their original version with just the violins is absolutely beautiful, and their new song "Stop and Stare" is great as well...I think I need their CD!

A surprising twist for me...I am absolutely OBSESSED with this song "Shadow of the Day"...it's very slow and almost one of those rainy day depressing songs, but I jammed out to it on my way to Auburn a few weeks ago, sunshine and all! I had to look around to find out who it was by, and it absolutely shocked me...Linkin Park!! I mean, they are usually more of the rock out type band in my mind, but this is such a beautiful song to me-here are some of the lyrics:
I close both locks below the window.
I close both blinds and turn away.
Sometimes solutions aren't so simple.
Sometimes goodbye's the only way.
And the sun will set for you,
The sun will set for you.
And the shadow of the day,
Will embrace the world in grey,
And the sun will set for you.

And okay, some of these songs seem kind of deep, so I have a new guilty pleasure that I thoroughly enjoy...this is me embracing my country side, Taylor Swift. She sings "Teardrops on my Guitar" and "Our Song", but she has a song that cracks me up called "Picture to Burn"...here is the first verse and chorus:
State the obvious,
I didn’t get my perfect fantasy
I realized you love yourself
More that you could ever love me
So go and tell your friends
That I’m obsessive and crazy,
That’s fine
I’ll tell mine
You’re gay,
And by the way,
I hate that stupid old pickup truck,
You never let me drive
You’re a redneck, heartbreak
Who’s really been at lyin'
So watch me strike a match
On all my wasted time
As far as I’m concerned,
You’re just another picture to burn.
(Perhaps I really like this one since I just got to put some pictures through a shredder?)

Another country artist I like is Chuck Wicks. He opened at a concert I went to a few weeks ago and his big song is "Stealing Cinderella" which is a beautiful song that I love. He had a lot of other really good ones and I think I'm going to check him out...along with Eric Church cause he was great when I saw him in concert as well. Anyways, another reason I like Chuck Wicks...


Yeah, he's kind of attractive...plus hearing him sing and play the guitar, I melted a little bit!!

Okay, so my challenge to those of you to blog, and I think I might do this in one of my next blogs...my favorite radio station did this the other day and I thought it was a really good idea. Brad Paisley has this song out "Letter to Me" where he write a letter to himself at 17 years old and basically gives himself advice on what to look out for, not to get down on himself, etc. Here are some of the lyrics so you get an idea...
If I could write a letter to me
And send it back in time to myself at 17
First I'd prove it's me by saying look under your bed
There's a Skoal can and a Playboy no one else would know you hid
And then I'd say I know it's tough
When you break up after seven months
And yeah I know you really liked her and it just don't seem fair
All I can say is pain like that is fast and it's rare
And oh you got so much going for you going right
But I know at 17 it's hard to see past Friday night
She wasn't right for youAnd still you feel like there's a knife sticking out of your back
And you're wondering if you'll survive
You'll make it through this and you'll see
You're still around to write this letter to me
At the stop sign at Tomlinson and Eighth
Always stop completely don't just tap your breaks
And when you get a date with Bridgett make sure the tank is full
On second thought forget it that one turns out kinda cool
Each and every time you have a fight
Just assume you're wrong and dad is right
And you really should thank Mrs. Brinkman
She spent so much extra time
It's like she sees the diamond underneath
And she's just polishin' you 'til you shine

So I challenge all of you, especially those of you with blogs, maybe do an entry where you write a letter to yourself at 17. I think it's going to be my next entry. It obviously doesn't have to rhyme like the song...but just think about all of the things you valued at that point in your life whether it was 8, 12, or 20 years ago. I think it will be interesting to see what life experiences we have all gone through...

Hopefully some of you enjoy the new music recommendations I've thrust upon you...be looking forward to my next blog where I tell my 17 year old self that she is going to kick serious ass in about 8 years...HAHAHA, okay, maybe more like 10 or 12...

Well HELLO strangers!

Okay, okay, so it's been a little while...

If you notice the last blog, it had something about Tom Brady having a perfect season-well I think we ALL know that didn't happen! My friends even sent me balloons and a card that said "Sorry Tom couldn't pull off the victory for you. Thank goodness you have friends that really love you. GO GIANTS"--yeah, some friends, sent like, 25 balloons to my office where I was forced to fear for my life (as I am TERRIFIED of balloons!).

And in more recent news, the Memphis Tigers also lost their chance at a perfect season this weekend. However, their championship hopes are STILL alive baby!

So I've turned 25, celebrated Single's Awareness Day by shredding pictures, visited friends in Auburn, yadda yadda...I owe blogs and pictures from it all. But I'll try to write a meaningful blog before I throw the craziness of my life on y'all.

What has inspired me to FINALLY update my blog you ask? 1-Shawn keeps telling me to give the readers what they want and that he KNOWS I've had some good material lately. Yes, yes I have. 2-My sister has asked numerous times if I'm EVER going to blog again. Yes, yes I am. 3-Chad, my fabulous brother in law, has started a blog. Yes, yes he has.

So I've been sick for the past week with who knows what and was dog-sitting at my parents house. Last night was the first night back in my apartment, and what do ya know, I couldn't go to sleep! My friend Corrie and I laugh because when we can't sleep, we end up watching the same bad tv. Well she was sleeping peacefully last night and I was watching re-runs of "Home Improvement".

Laugh if you must, but I think it's a great, albeit cheesy, show. (Can I get points for using the word "albeit"?) So last night, Tim "The Tool Man" Taylor's old college roommate was in town (who graced us later with the wonderful character Shooter McGavin in Happy Gilmore) for a few days. Jill, Tim's wife, hates Tim's old friend. He burps, farts, crushes beer cans on his head, etc. So she asks Tim "If you met him now, do you think you'd still be friends with him?" He thinks about it and is kinda like, yeah, he's good for a few laughs and we've been friends for a long time. Then Tim and his friend are talking and his friend keeps bringing up the past, and Tim is like "Well, today is pretty great too" and his friend says "But weren't those the best days of your life?" Tim is like, they were good, but these are good days as well.

So WILSON, the greatest character whose face we never fully see, talks to Tim later in the back yard. Tim tells him about his friend who keeps living in the past. Wilson says, it's okay to reminisce, but not to dwell on the past. Tim says "How do I just cut him out? He's been my friend for fifteen years". Here's the kicker...Wilson replies "Really? Has he been your friend for fifteen years or was he your friend fifteen years ago?" BAM.

How is it a line from Home Improvement hit me so hard? Perhaps I'm at a phase in life where I have a lot of people who I call friends, but they aren't friends to me and to be honest, I'm not a friend to some of them anymore either. I have people I know getting married, having kids and while I'm excited for them, they might as well be strangers. So are they my friends now, or were they my friends 4, 8, 12 years ago? Call it a quarter-life crisis, but it's time to prune back the craziness. Now I know people lose touch after high school and college, but could it be that I'm hanging on to friendships simply because it's convenient?

So I challenge you to think about it. Are there people in your life who are dragging you down because you are putting forth more effort than they are? I'm sick of wasting time and energy on people who will never care about me as much as I care about them. I'm sick of the meaningless promises. I got rid of a BAD "friendship" one a few years ago, and it felt great! I shredded a picture of a guy who treated me like dirt when I found out he got engaged to give myself closure, and it felt AMAZING! Getting rid of the superfluous relationships that have plagued me and jaded me...what a terrific concept.

I will be an acquaintance, old roommate, former whatever, etc. but from now on, only the people who care about me and love me for who I am will be honored with the title "friend".

Ahhhhh, I already feel better...now I get to see Raja Bell tonight when the Grizzlies play Phoenix and then I will go home and watch One Tree Hill =) Happy girl right here!!!!

More to come soon, I promise!!