What a Girl Wants

I wrote yesterday about the things I had hoped to accomplish in 2010.  As you may have seen, I came up a little short of completing everything I hoped to get done.  That didn't stop me, however, from coming up with a few things I'd like to get done this year (11, in fact... 11 things for 2011... you know I love the cheese factor).  This year, I'm trying to get back to basics and get some of the essentials taken care of once and for all.
Please allow me to clarify...
11 Things I Want in 2011:
(in no particular order.  well, actually in alphabetical order... but no particular order of importance, I suppose)
11.  Travel somewhere I've never been
10.  Save some money
9.  Move out of the Golden Triangle
8.  Lose weight
7.  Graduate
6.  Go on a date (seriously, not looking for a marriage proposal, just maybe dinner and a movie?)
5.  Get back to church regularly
4.  Get a job
3.  Find a cute house/apartment
2.  Develop a personal style and wear great (and great fitting!) clothes
1.  Buy a new car
So there you have it; I have high hopes for the year to come, and, if today was any indication, it's going to be a great year.  I started off the day with a wonderful New Year's brunch, watched the Bulldogs demolish those pesky Wolverines, and saw a movie.  Now, I'm stretched out blabbering to you fine people and listening to some great tunes.  Shuffle has certainly not let me down tonight, as every song that's crossed my 'Pod has made me want to turn the volume up just a little higher.  I think I like 2011.
Happy New Year, my friends!



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.

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!!

In the Soup

Tonight I am thankful for soup.  Yep, soup.  On these nights when the air is turning chilly and the dark is coming earlier and earlier, soup makes me happy.  Soup makes me feel warm and full and loved and safe.  Soup soothes what's ailing me and warms what's cold.  Hearty meat or vegetable, broth, consumme, noodle soup, bisque, chowder, stock, miso, stew, or wonderfully rich cream--it doesn't really matter; they're all wonderful.  Whether I'm having soup with a grilled cheese a five star meal or simply a piece of fresh bread, I can't help but love it.  

"In November's gusty gale

I will flop my flippy tail

And spout hot soup--

I'll be a whale!

Spouting once, spouting twice

Spouting chicken soup with rice."

(Do y'all love that book as much as I do?)

 

Thanks a Million

This November, I'm going to try to post everyday about something I'm thankful for.  My life is so filled with blessings that I know I will have no trouble finding something wonderful in my life everyday!

Tonight I am thankful for laughter.  There are few things I love more than unwinding at the end of a long workday, stretched out on the couch in my pajamas laughing at whatever hilarity I can find on television.  Tonight it was the Women of SNL special, and I pretty much laughed for two hours straight, remembering some of my favorite characters and discovering some new favorites, too.  It seems like all the dirt and grime of the long day slough off through a little bit of laughter, and some days it's all that keeps me sane, it seems.  Be it a great book, hilarious movie, favorite television character, or, of course, one of my oh-so-humorous friends, laughter really is the best medicine, and it almost always seems to cure whatever's ailing me.



Dazed and Confused

Ok, so I don't really get Halloween anymore.
I understood Halloween when it was like this:

And I understood Halloween when it was like this:

I still understood it when it was like this, too:

But somewhere between this:

and this:

I got lost.  Baffled.  Confounded.  Muddled.  Perplexed.  Puzzled.  I just don't get it.
When did Halloween become so inappropriate?  So tasteless?  So... slutty?

When did the goal of Halloween become to show as much skin as humanly possible without being naked?  What happened to good old-fashioned creativity and a little homegrown ingenuity? 

I haven't dressed up for Halloween since college, and, being that I was never a big Halloween fanatic anyway, I haven't really missed donning a thrown-together costume and swilling down hunch-punch at some equally thrown-together house party.  Call me old-fashioned (or just old, if you like), but I've moved on.  (Let's be quite honest, the part of Halloween that gets me is this:)

I don't mean to sound harsh, but I just don't understand.  In all honesty, I just don't get it.
I mean, honestly, do nurses really dress like this:

Does a police officer go out in her cruiser dressed like this:

I work in a school.  How often do I see anyone dressed like this:

And, seriously, could Pochahontas have canoed all over creation (not to mention painted with all the colors of the wind) wearing only this:

It baffles me.
And not to mention the message it's sending to younger kids, who want to look grown up and dress like they see older people dressing.  (My job now creeps into every facet of my life... it's a knee-jerk reaction I have no control over.)

What's so wrong with dressing like this:

Or even this:

I know, I know... I'm 100 years old.  I can't help it.  It'd be fine with me if everyone created their Halloween costumes from objects lying around their houses--creating masterpieces out of cardboard boxes and pipe-cleaners, but I know (sadly) that's not the way of the world these days.

On a happier note, I'm so excited to see the Bulldogs play today!  I can't wait to see them take on Kentucky tonight, and I cannot believe how pumped up everyone is.  I'll leave you with this video someone put together in preparation for the game tonight.  Go Dogs!!



Happy Halloween!  (I'm not really sour, you know, just an old soul.)