This Time Last Year

Sitting on the cusp of 2010 this time last year, I wasn't sure what to expect.  I didn't know what the new year would bring, but I had high hopes and several goals I hoped to accomplish.  10, to be exact.
They were the following, in no particular order:
1.  Get back to church
          While I did a little better, I wasn't satisfied with myself on this one.
2.  Lose some weight
          School kept my schedule totally insane.  I couldn't find a good time to get to the gym.  I totally ran out of time to cook and couldn't get things together.  I was just so tired.  I can make every excuse in the book on this one, but, when it comes down to it, I don't have an excuse.  It just didn't happen.
3.  Get a haircut
          Done!  And Locks of Love is 14" the better, I hope.
4.  Kiss someone special
          Someone special?  Nope... not even a peck.  Next question.
5.  Save some moolah
          After paying my recent Visa bill, I have realized just how badly I did on this one, too.  (I'm starting to wonder why I even made this list...)
6.  Reconnect with distant friendships
          This one I feel like I actually did better on.  I have caught up with friends I had somewhat lost close touch with, and I feel like I'm not so out of the loop with some of my close friends.  As always, though, this one is a work in progress, for I think I can always be a better friend.
7.  Experiment with cooking
          Does corn dip or boxed cupcakes count?  I still dream of culinary success, but I'm certainly not anywhere close.
8.  Finally do my (high school) senior scrapbook
          Bought the supplies.  Got the pictures copied.  Separated everything into monthly folders.  Haven't opened the bag since.
9.  Take a photoshop class
          Um... no, again.
10.  Travel to a new place
          Yes! This one I totally did!  Dallas and Charleston, too!  Whew, I was starting to feel like I hadn't accomplished anything I wanted to.

Although I may not have fulfilled even half every goal that I set for myself for this year, I still feel okay.  It may or may not come as a surprise to you that, at this the year's end, my self-esteem is not at an all-time high.  I've taken steps to get back on track, but I've definitely had times over the past year that I've been pretty down.  I'm hopeful about what the new year has in store, though, and I know God has amazing things planned for me.
Even though I may not feel totally confident in myself right now, I'm trying to start the year off on a positive note.  There are definitely parts of me that need work, but there are things about myself that make me happy, too.  Will you allow me to indulge in a totally cheesy moment?  I hope so.
10 Things I loved in 2010 (About me, that is!):
10.  My creative spirit:  I read, I write, I blog, I garden, I play music, I appreciate art.  I'm no Pablo Picasso, mind you, but I can channel Martha Stewart sometimes and get carried away with my crafty creativity.
9.  My being a good friend:  As I said above, this is an area that I believe can always use more work, but, overall, I try hard to be a good friend.  I try to listen, encourage, remember special days, and be the sort of friend I would like to have.  I'm not perfect by any means, but I try to make an effort.
8.  My honesty:  In particular with myself.  It's tough to be honest with yourself, and it hurts sometimes.  It's also hard to say things to people you love that you know will hurt them but have to be said anyway.
7.  My sense of humor:  I think we all know I think I'm hilarious.  I mean, duh.  Every once in a while, I get a laugh out of somebody else, too.  Making other people laugh makes me really happy, and, without a sense of humor, some days would just be too heavy to bear.
6.  My brain:  I am a dork to the core.  I love learning.  I like board games.  I like history and trivia and little-known facts.  I just chose to read a book of historical fiction about ancient Rome, for Heaven's sake.  I like my brain, though, and I thank God for giving me a true thirst for knowledge.
5.  My leadership:  I try to step forward when a leader is needed, and I have re-learned over these past few months how to work hard to accomplish a goal.  Every team needs a leader, and, while I don't want to/have to be the leader every time, I am comfortable stepping up when I need to.
4.  My strength:  Before my mom's surgery and even more after it, I don't think I could have kept my wits about me without an inner strength that surely came straight from God.  With His help, I was able to withstand things I never imagined I could sustain.
3.  My perspective:  I've learned the true meaning of this word.  It's all about where you're coming from.  For me, I work as hard as I can while I'm at work, and that's all I can do.  I try to leave work at work, and I have realized how important it is to keep things in check.  There is always someone worse-off than me, and lives can change in an instant.
2.  My faith:  Without faith, I don't really have much of anything.  Although I have turned to prayer time and time again over the past year, my faith was really tested during the complications after my mom's surger last summer.  If I hadn't had a place to turn, I would probably have lost my mind.
1.  My hard work:  Working hard isn't always fun, and it isn't always rewarding, but (most of the time) I do it anyway.  That's how I was raised, and, in the end, it usually pays off.  I had a tough schedule last spring, and I've worked super hard this fall in my internship.  There were often days I would rather have done almost anything else, but I knew I had things I had to do, and I wanted to do them well.
Please don't think I'm trying to toot my own horn with anything I've written.  As I said above, my self-esteem is a little deflated at the moment, and I just needed to take a look at myself in a positive light before I started off the new year in a place I didn't really want to be.  I hope you've all had a wonderful holiday, and I wish you all the very best in 2011.

Date of Birth

Today is my birthday.  It was much like most other days, honestly.  I went to work, did a few errands, came home, and went with my mom to see The Messiah (which was absolutely divine... I shed tears on more than one occasion).  I had a low-key but good day, which, at the sound age of twenty-six, I suppose means I'm a grown-up. (?)
Twenty-five was, quite honestly, not my most favorite year on this earth, but I certainly had some great times.  As I looked back over the past year, I happened to stumble upon (a list, imagine that):
25 Great Things that Happened While I was 25 (in no particular order):
1.  I was taught not to pick through my food and eliminate everything I think I don't want or like.  I know this sounds incredibly rude and childish, but I have always been one of those people who would dig through food with my fork and move things I didn't want to the side of my plate (or, if it was a rehearsal dinner and I happened to be six years old, put the unwanted items on my salad... in my napkin, but that's a story for another day).  I did it with all kinds of things:  pickles in chicken salad; celery in chicken salad; tomatoes in rotel; pickles in potato salad; onions in quesadillas; oranges in fruit salad; and so on and so on.  However, this year I was taught by a very good friend (and foodie... thanks, Ben) of mine to just eat it how it was prepared.  As Ben told me, it's immature and gross to pick things out of my food, and the flavors were meant to be eaten together, anway.  So, when I was served a piece of pork loin with a slice of grapefruit resting on top of it (I loathe grapefruit), I ate it.  And what do you know, Ben was right.  Hmph.
2.  I visited Charleston and had the most amazing time in a gorgeous city with one of my closest friends.  Although it was hot as blue blazes, we saw so much of the city and soaked up more history than I ever imagined. 

3.  I discovered how life-changing listening to hymns can be.  During my mom's knee surgery and recovery, I had some tough times where I was really, really scared and wasn't sure where to turn.  Sometimes the only way I could fall asleep was listening to this one really great CD of hymns I had downloaded, and I can't describe to you the comfort that those old familiar tunes provided me.

4.  I welcomed fro-yo back into my life.  Since my visit to Dallas in March, I've eaten frozen yogurt all over the southeast, and I could not be more excited about it.  I'm not sure where fro-yo went for awhile, but I sure am glad it's back.

5.  I went to Merigold, Mississippi, and spent a day at McCarty.  I'm not sure why, but I absolutely despised my mother dragging me over there when I was a child.  I didn't like the food they served in the restaurant; there were breakable items everywhere, so I was constantly being told to be careful; it seemed like the trip took about a million years and we ended up in the middle of nowhere, just to look at pottery and turn around to go home.  Fast-forward about fifteen or so years, however, and I love everything about it.  
6.  I went to Chicago with two of my closest friends and had one of the best trips of my life.  We at amazing food at restaurants like North Pond and Topolobampo; we walked along the Chicago River; we watched over the city from the bar on the 96th floor of the Hancock Building.  I fell in love with the city and absolutely cannot wait to go back.

7.  I realized how much I love the force that is Jimmy Fallon.  I haven't been able to watch him nearly as much since I started working this year, but last spring I couldn't have stopped watching Jimmy if my apartment had been burning down around me, I don't think.  I love him (and all his silly, ridiculous antics) so very much, and I'm not sure why it took me so long to jump on this bandwagon.

8.  I gambled (and won pretty big!!) for the first time.  That's right... the first time ever.  In fact, I had never even been in a casino before.  I had a pretty great time at the roulette table, though, and I hope I won't wait twenty-five more years before I go back and try it again.

9.  I attended some fun, fun friends' weddings.  I mean, my friends know how to throw some seriously fun parties.  I laughed, I danced, I sample the fare, I tossed rose petals and lit sparklers, and I wouldn't have missed a minute of it.

10.  I joined my first grown-up, legitimate tailgate.  All through college, post-college, and even my first two years of grad school, I was a migrant.  A wanderer without a place to call my own.  Until this football season, that is, when the Virtual Tailgate came into my life.  It was so amazing to have a central location and a place to put all my stuff and a place to go when my phone wouldn't work and I couldn't get anyone on the phone.  Wandering is fun for awhile, but sometimes it's nice to just chill out in your own space.

11.  I got close with my hometown girlfriends again.  It has been my honor over these past few years to spend time with so many of these friends I hadn't been as close to during college.  A number of them live in Columbus or close by, so I've gotten to see them more often and keep a much closer tab on what's going on in their lives.  I'm so thankful to have a wonderful group of friends who I've known and been close to for so long.
12.  I cut 14" off of my hair for Locks of Love.  I didn't cut my hair for about a year-and-a-half, and, before I knew it, it was ridiculously long and I could donate it to this wonderful cause.  I never thought my hair would be long enough to donate, so I was thrilled to be able to be a part of such a special organization.
13.  I saw John Mayer in concert again.  I know this may not sound like much to some people, but I love John Mayer.  And even more than I love John Mayer... I love John Mayer in concert.  I had such a wonderful time listening to his chill music, and I was so glad Lindsey fell in love with his music, too.  Say what you want about him personally, but the man can sing.

14.  I got a pen pal.  I had been wanting a pen pal for years but wasn't sure how to ever go about finding and keeping one (and making sure he or she wasn't some creepster).  This year, however, I found one, and I am so glad.  Getting letters in the mail is such a great feeling, and I have fun writing to someone who doesn't know every last detail of my life.
15.  I saw Jerry Seinfeld's comedy show... and I laughed for an hour-and-a-half straight.  The man is just as hilarious as you might imagine, and I hope sometime in my life I'll have the chance to see him again.  He blew onto the stage like a hurricane and pretty much talked non-stop the entire time he was there.  When it was over, he blew off the stage, and I wondered if he'd ever really been there at all.  I think he had...
16.  I read some literary classics, including The Secret Garden, A Little Princess, The Grapes of Wrath, Fahrenheit 451, Rebecca, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, 1984, Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe, and (currently) I, Claudius.  I have to admit, I'm a little bit proud of my literary endeavors, but don't let these big titles fool you.  I read my fair share of chick lit and senseless dribble, too.
17.  I had an amazing trip to Dallas.  I'm not sure if I've ever had so much fun, laughter, good food, insanity, and craziness as I had on that trip.  It was seriously one for the record books, ending in driving home in about 6 or so inches of snow (which no one had brought appropriate clothes for, of course).  This was one of those kind of random, fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants trips that I'm usually too structured to endure, but I'm so glad I was able to chill out and go with the flow on this one.

18.  I worked 648.75 hours toward my Master's internship.  I don't graduate until April, and I have to keep working until May, but it feels so good to see that numer and know that, from now on, we're on the downhill slope.  Don't get me wrong, I love my job and my schools and the people I work with, but it will surely be nice to be graduated and gainfully employed in the very near future.  I need that money, honey!!
19.  My mom successfully completed her second knee replacement.  Knowing that both of these surgeries are behind us is a huge weight lifted off my shoulders, and I am so thankful God brought both my mom and I through these procedures with strength and dignity and compassion and faith.  This time last year, I was petrified when I thought of the second surgery looming ahead, and I never could have made it through without God's unyielding strength.
20.  I finally gave in and ate my veggies... and loved them.  I have never been a big vegetable lover, but, over this past year, I made a conscious effort to try to give them a chance, and I am so glad I did.  Squash, spinach, tomatoes, corn, green beans... I never would have touched them before, but now I'm a big fan.  My mom kept saying I should give them a chance, and I guess she was right.  Man, I hate when she's right.

21.  I saw the Black Eyed Peas in concert in Dallas.  I may sound silly when I say this, but if you've seen them then you understand... best concert ever.  I mean, seriously... I was blown away.  Ludicrous opened for them, the Peas shut the place down... it was INSANE.  I'm hoping the release of a new album means they'll be going on tour again soon. 

22.  I saw some great (and some not so great) movies, both old and new.  I love the movies.  I don't like to go too long without seeing one in the theater, and I am always trying to watch old ones I've never seen before.  
23.  I fell in love with the Olympics.  Seriously, I could not tear myself away from the Vancouver Winter Olympics.  I have never been like that before, and I have no idea what came over me.  I watched every event that came on; I knew the athletes names and their backstories; I basically sat on my couch and cried for two weeks straight.  I don't think it was a fluke, either... I think I'm a newfound Olympic addict.

24.  I saw some wonderful Broadway shows like Jersey Boys, South Pacific, Chicago, and Wicked.  I am so glad to live so close to Memphis, where the Orpheum Theater gets such an amazing Broadway line-up every year.  I've seen so many wonderful shows there.
25.  Finally, I booked my NKOTBSB tickets (New Kids on the Block/Backstreet Boys... fyi) for Chicago this summer.  I could not be more excited about this awesome, awesome concert in one of my favorite cities with some of my most favorite people.  When I think long and hard about it, sometimes it's just too much... I just get too excited.  I am so glad my friends put up with my crazy phone calls/texts/emails to frantically get these tickets booked in a matter of minutes.

So there you have it, my year in review.  Like I said, twenty-five wasn't my favorite year of all time, but it certainly had its highlights.  I'm ready and waiting to see what twenty-six has in store for me.     

If Kids Ruled the World

Y'all may or may not know this, but I don't always jive real well with little children.  I'm not sure how to talk to them; I'm not ever clear on what I'm supposed to be doing; I just don't ever feel entirely comfortable.  I don't say that to be harsh or cruel, for it's more a reflection of one of my own shortcomings than anything else.
There are a few selected children, however, that I really love.  I adore being around them, and I just love them.  Although I hope to one day find comfort in a broader range of kiddos, at the moment, most of these selected children belong to my immediate family. 
Allow me to introduce you to three of my favorites:

Banks, Anne Melton, and Worth, who belong to my cousin Courtney and her husband Thomas.
Banks is four and is the cutest little frat boy-in-training I've ever seen.  Look at that plaid button-down shirt and those corduroy pants, complete with his boots, of course (and that crossed leg, too).  Up until a few weeks ago, he had this perfect "frat boy swoop" hair, but he must have grown tired of those locks 'cause he gave himself a new do.  I, personally, love his new look, and I think he sports it awfully well.  Banks will have you in stitches with the hilarious stuff he says, too (and in the greatest drawl you've ever heard!).
Anne Melton is two and, as you can see, is the ballerina princess our family had been missing.  With a tutu like that (and the shoes, too!), I can't imagine there was any little lady who looked prettier.  Anne Melton is seriously one of the sweetest children I've ever encountered.  With those huge blue eyes and to-die-for dimples, she's gonna be a charmer, for sure!
Worth is seven, and his brain knocks my socks off all the time.  He can read so well it boggles my mind, and he can remember pretty much everything you've ever said around him (which, as you can imagine, forces all of us adults to watch our mouths).  Worth is also such a gentleman, and he has some of the best table manners I've ever seen.  Seriously, the boy behaves better at the table than men boys my own age.
I was able to spend a lot of time with these three over Thanksgiving, and I had such a blast bowling, hanging out, scavenger hunting, eating, and travelling with this crew.  True life:  they kept me laughing for five days.
Rachel, I wish you could corral these three and go for a tea party in the woods or go throw the football on the beach or some other equally fabulous seemingly-fantastic activity of your own creation.  You would love them, they would love you, and the world would get some stunning pictures out of the deal, I'm sure of it.
Wow... I love these munchkins.

The Big Chill

I was in desperate need of a weekend where I did nothing.  I got zero rest over Thanksgiving break, had a jam-packed week last week and was exhausted by the time I made it to Friday afternoon.  I was invited to an out-of-town wedding and an out-of-town wedding party, but I just couldn't pull myself together to drive to either one.  Is that horrible? 
Yes, I know it is.  I should be ashamed of myself.
But, like I said, I was desperately seeking a weekend filled with nothing but chill time, so I had to seize my opportunity.
Friday afternoon I downloaded this little wonder from one of my favorite groups, and I spent a good amount of time jumping on my bed and dancing around my room.  If you think I'm kidding, well, you can think what you like.

Friday night I vegged out on the couch watching one of my holiday favorites.  Does it really get any better than a movie featuring Tom Hanks in about a zillion parts and a song about hot chocolate, too?  I think not.

Saturday I was able to sleep as late as I wanted to (how amazing is that feeling when you go to sleep and haven't had to set an alarm?!) and piddle around when I woke up.  Early afternoon, I indulged in one of my favorite pasttimes, picking up lunch and heading to the movies.  (Don't judge me for sneaking food into the movies; you know it's ridiculous to pay $3.75 for a small Dr. Pepper, too.)  I saw Love and Other Drugs, which was so-so; I would definitely recommend waiting to rent it if you want to see it.  You can check out my full review if you're interested, though.

Saturday night I went with my mom to see a local production of one of my favorite Christmas stories of all time.  If you haven't ever read The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, run out to get it right now.  Young or old, you will laugh and come to love the Herdman's, I feel sure of it!  Several of my mom's students were in the play, and I had such a great time seeing this favorite story brought to life.

Sunday morning mom and I went to church, and I was so thrilled with all of the wonderful Christmas carols we sang throughout the service.  My pastor is doing a wonderful series of sermons on the roots of Christmas (looking at prophetic passages in the old testament that foretold the events of that first Christmas), and it was such a great and continued reminder of the real reason for the season.
Yesterday afternoon, after braving Wal-Mart (which was, of course, already a full-fledged holiday madhouse), I went to see Burlesque, which was full of glittery goodness.  The singing, dancing, costuming, etc., were really awesome, and it was just a lot of fun.  Again, you can check out my full review if you're interested.

I finished off a wonderful weekend by watching Amazing Race (do y'all love this show as much as I do?) followed by Holiday Inn, one of my all-time favorite Christmas classics.  Bing Crosby singing, Fred Astaire dancing, huge musical productions--I was in heaven.  Did you know the song White Christmas actually first appeared in this movie, not the movie White Christmas like most people think?  I'm not sure where I picked up that trivia gem, but it's a good one to have in your back pocket if you're ever involved in an intense game of Trivial Pursuit.  Stash it away, in case you ever need it.

My weekend was just what I needed, and, although I was one thousand percent lazy, I'm kind of glad I spent it this way.  The holidays get sort of out of control sometimes it seems, and before I know it they're over.  I'm glad I took this weekend to slow down, chill out, and soak up a little of the season's magic.

The Holiday

Halloween to New Year's is my favorite time of year, and I spend the majority of the other ten months out of the year wishing it would come back around again.  Now that  the height of the season is finally here, I can share my longtime coming 101 Things to Love About the Holidays list.  Am I getting a little carried away on the whole list/countdown concept?  I hope not, because I sure do love it...

1.  Turkey and dressing

2.  Christmas wreaths

3.  Poinsettias

4.  Salvation Army bell ringers

5.  Holly

6.  Laying on the floor under the Christmas tree to look at the lights

7.  Letters to Santa
8.  Passing cars with Christmas trees tied on top
9.  Christmas music
10.  Hanging the stockings
11.  Christmas ornaments
12.  Watching families come together
13.  The Radio City Rockettes

14.  Drinking wine by the Christmas tree with friends
15.  Beautifully decorated Christmas trees
16.  The third verse of Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
17.  Christmas lights

18.  Nutcrackers
19.  School Christmas programs
20.  OPI holiday nail colors
21.  Trans-Syberian Orchestra
22.  Reading Christmas stories together
23.  Holiday party invitations
24.  Tacky Christmas parties
25.  The nativity
26.  Paperwhites

27.  Leaving cookies for Santa
28.  Auld Lang Syne
29.  Quoting Christmas movies (namely, Christmas Vacation and Home Alone...)
30.  Holiday weddings (is there anything more beautiful?)
31.  Christmas tree farms
32.  Pine garland
33.  New Year's Eve parties
34.  'Twas the Night Before Christmas
35.  Judy Garland's Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
36.  Christmas cards

37.  The smell of a Christmas tree
38.  Carving the turkey
39.  Traditions
40.  People sleeping all over the house so you can all wake up together on Christmas morning
41.  Cheesy TV Christmas movies
42.  Spending time with family
43.  Jingle bells

44.  Egg nog
45.  Sugar cookies

46.  Holiday baking
47.  Hope for the year to come
48.  No school
49.  Bing Crosby
50.  Tacky Christmas sweaters

51.  Gingerbread houses
52.  Apple cider
53.  XM Holly
54.  New Year's brunch
55.  Riding around looking at Christmas decorations
56.  Advent calendars
57.  Gingerbread cookies
58.  Hot chocolate
59.  Holiday postage stamps

60.  Champagne
61.  The kids' table
62.  The reason for the season
63.  Christmas presents
64.  Holiday food in all its glory
65.  Peppermint pie
66.  Sweet potato casserole
67.  Taking a nap after Thanksgiving dinner
68.  Twinkle lights
69.  Wrapping Christmas presents

70.  Frosted windows
71.  Pictures with Santa
72.  Smell of Christmas candles
73.  Thanksgiving leftovers
74.  Countdown to the new year
75.  Paper chains
76.  Bowl games
77.  Red, green, and white plaid
78.  Christmas movies
79.  Christmas tree for the birds

80.  Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
81.  Mistletoe
82.  Stocking stuffers
83.  Christmas carols
84.  Christmas episodes of TV shows
85.  Stringing popcorn and cranberries
86.  Holiday commercials
87.  Friends home
88.  Christmas parties
89.  The magical feeling in the air
90.  Decorating the Christmas tree
91.  New Year's resolutions
92.  Peppermint ice cream
93.  Dirty Santa
94.  Reminiscing about past holiday memories
95.  A Charlie Brown Christmas album

96.  Singing Christmas hymns at church
97.  Looking back over the past year
98.  Salvation Army Angel Tree
99.  Sarah McLachlan's Song for a Winter's Night
100.  Traveling
101.  Christmas Eve church service

I hope your holiday season is off to a wonderful start, and I wish each of you a Happy December!!