Three Thanks

1. TCBY - Man that place is delish. I love their soft serve, White Chocolate with Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Sure, it makes the 96% fat free not so...ah hem, 96% fat free...but you know, I have to live a little. And let's be honest, they never go too crazy on loading me up with toppings anyway.

The hand scooped, Cookies and Cream is pretty freakin' good too. Just so you know...for future trips. I actually had a dream that a TCBY was being built next to where I work. Oh, that be dangerous. Dangerous, delicious and fantabulous.

2. Gmail Chat - Possibly the best invention ever for the 8-5 desk slave. Not the computer, not the fax machine, no...Gmail Chat. It's like AIM only they (read, Big Brother) can't really know that I'm chatting away. At least...I don't think they know...

Oh dear God...perhaps I have made a careless error in judgement...perhaps Big Brother can read all of my chats...

Nah. I'm pretty sure I'm safe...Plus, if not...I'll go drown my sorrows in TCBY. All will be well with the world.

3. Books - I think I have posted before about my sometimes bizarre, almost fetish, with books. There is just something about the way they smell...the pages' texture between my fingers...that just keeps me coming back for more.

Sure, I love reading the books. Sure, I love the development of plot, story lines, underlying meanings, and the association and familiarity I feel with the characters at the end of a satisfying novel.

But I love the physical aspects of the novel just as much. The cover design. The look, the feel, the smell. And the way that certain books are bound. You know, when you open it and it makes that lovely crinkle sound? Ahhh, I love that.

I just finished a book and have started The Memory of Running by Ron McLarty. Has anyone read this? Have any book suggestions? I have the summer off from school and a lot of books to be readin'! Hook me up with your favorites!

Three Thanks

Here we go! Due to an overwhelming number of requests (including begging and pleading), I am posting my Three Thanks. Okay there was only one request (thanks!) and there was neither begging nor pleading associated with it....

I'm sure everyone else was too sad to make it over to their computers to email me...

Yeah, that's it.

So, wipe your tears away, I will delay no longer.

1. EpiPen - Last night was a long one. I was out with a friend when I got a call from my mom saying that she and my dad were in the emergency room. He'd had an allergic reaction to something he had eaten and they had rushed over to the ER, EpiPen in hand. On the way, his face started to swell and it became harder for him to breathe and he was forced to jab the EpiPen into the muscle tissue in his leg (instructions, in case you are curious, are to the right).

My parents arrived at the ER where he quickly collapsed into a wheelchair and was taken back to Exam Room 7. This is when I was called.

My mom told me he would be fine once the doctors gave him steroids and Benadryl, that I shouldn't worry. He's done this a lot and every time is scary but he pulls through like a champ every time. This time his reaction got a second wind and he started to swell again. My mom called back and I left for the ER. When I got there, he was snoring away in Exam Room 7, swollen and red like a cherry.

They decided to keep him overnight and I stayed there with him until he got comfy in his cool and dark hospital room. They released him this morning and he's doing fine but I am definitely thankful for that EpiPen.

2. Work - Sometimes I complain. Sometimes I hate it. Sometimes I cry and scream. But all in all, my work's not so bad. In fact, it's pretty good.

I have people that are easy to work with and we get along great. I have accrued an inordinate amount of vacation days (28.2 to be exact) and I am given 30, count that, 30 sick days a year. I have been promoted, praised and paid to do what I love doing. And they are paying for a good portion of my graduate school.

When I decided to take this job two or so years ago over another opportunity, some of my friends scoffed. "Won't it be boring?" "Aren't you better than that entry-level position?" "Yes and yes", I responded. And many days, I was bored and I was overqualified. And many days I still am. But I like my company and I like my new position. I like my co-workers and I "like" my pay (is anyone really satisfied with what they are paid...I submit that they are not).

3. Summer Time (!) - I'm out of school for the summer and that's freakin' amazing! I can read for pleasure and not worry about the other things that I should be reading/studying/writing. It's fantastic...'Nuff said!!!

Three Thanks

I just realized that I never posted my Three Thanks on Monday. My bad. I'm getting really forgetful about this and I apologize.

1. Playing in the Rain - Okay, so it was soaking...and cold...and I was in a tank top - but I got stuck outside at a soccer game and was hurricaned on. But when is the last time that you can remember that you got rained on...and it was okay...you enjoyed it? Grade school? I think that might have been mine. I remember being little and loving rainy days because my mom would let me go run around outside - as long as it wasn't lightning and thundering. In a very cliche way, it was almost like a cleansing or a release. I'm going to make it a point to enjoy the rain a little more...and not just from the safety of my sheets on rainy mornings...

2. Exercise that doesn't feel like exercise because it's fun - Enough said.

3. Songs that just make you feel good - One of my feel good songs is by the country band, Bomshel. While they aren't my favorite group...the song, "Ain't My Day to Care", is awesome. I seriously suggest you listen to it if you can stomach country music even a little. Maybe you should just read the lyrics or something...it's pretty twangy.

Three Thanks - A Revival

Here we go again - I'm starting the Three Thanks up again!

1. Radnor Park on Saturday - It was gorgeous this weekend here in Nashville! I hope you were all able to get out and about to enjoy the splendiforous display that was Mother Nature. I remembered to bring my camera but of course the batteries were dead - so no luck on the picture taking. Oh well, there will be more opportunities...and endless summer days in which to cash in.
2. The Failing of Contraceptives - Otherwise I would not be here! Though originally unwanted and unplanned...I think I have changed my parents' minds that kids (rather, kid) were the way to go. Score one for me!
3. "The Boyfriend" - Gibb - Spent the eve of my birth with me, was the first to wish me a Happy Birthday and is fostering the continuation of birthday festivities until tomorrow night at Patty's concert.

Others that I can not leave out -
-Those who blessed me with their presence at my "birthday party".
-Everyone who sent me well wishes via Facebook, email and voicemail.
-Those who bought me wine.
-My boss who brought me flowers and gave them with "love".
-Dei Pop for taking me out for a birthday lunch.

Three Thanks

I need to think of three things that I am thankful for today more than most days.

1. Waking up this Monday morning in a great mood. It's not that this rarely happens...it's just that this morning was just truly fantastic.

2. My sand volleyball girls. We always play. We most often lose. But we have lime green t-shirts...nicknames...and attitudes.

3. Peanut butter. Maybe, just maybe, one of the world's most perfect foods. Is peanut butter really a food? Perhaps it's more of a condiment... Whatever it is, I love it and I always want more of it.

Seriously, I have to stop procrastinating this project that is semi due tomorrow. I might be up all night. Seriously.

Okay. I have to go. Perhaps I'll get something to drink first.

Does anyone else think the new Bachelor looks like he is made of clay? I've only watched the episode that aired tonight (while procrastinating) and I think he looks and acts like a clay person.

Seriously, I'm leaving.

Three Thanks

I didn’t post my Thanks last week because I was so sick. Perhaps a few of mine this week should be:

1. Breathing
2. Holding steady a temperature within the 98 degree mark
3. Swallowing without daggers piercing themselves into my throat

Nevertheless, I feel that I should have some Thanks that have nothing to do with my disease. I am more than my disease!

Without further ado…my Three Thanks!

1. Easter with my family (and Abi, who’s like family) – Though they all live here in Nashville and I can see them whenever I want, it’s nice to know that I have somewhere to be on the holidays. It’s nice to have people and places to call “home”. It’s nice that for 25 years my mom has made me an Easter basket. That’s right, be jealous…I still get visited by “The Bunny” every year. It’s tradition!

2. Cooking for family and friends – I love cooking! Perhaps I should have been a chef…nah, I guess you have to have more than just the love of cooking to be a chef. You actually have to be a really good cook. Well, attesting to my skills…I haven’t killed anyone or made anyone sick…not yet.

3. Game night with my ladies –

Cranium (plus) Apples to Apples (equals) Pure Awesomeness!

We pigged out on pizza and all the junk food you haven’t eaten since your mom packed your lunch. E.L. Fudge cookies, Reese's Cookies, Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs (‘tis the season), Chex Mix – Sweet and Salty, chips with sour cream and onion dip, chocolate chess pie….

Ugh, there was more…but I can’t bare to relive it all. We were fat, happy and jovial. And even got a little but of Mean Girls in…

Oh, I'm eating at Virago tonight! They have 1/2 priced martinis and sushi on Mondays! Monday's at Virago come highly recommended by this cat.

Three Thanks

1. Sundresses - I love it when it gets hot enough to break out the sundresses. I wore the first one of the season yesterday and it only left me craving the purchase of more. Here's my issue...tell me if you sympathize. There's comfort in numbers, you know? See, I'm a short girl. Many times, the fashionable shorts are too short for my liking and capris don't always look right (more like too short pants, aka highwaters). So, in the spring and summer, skirts and dresses are my thing. 'Tis the season!

2. Cloudless skies - If you were in Nashville this weekend, you understand how beautiful it was! Hot...but amazing nonetheless. Friday night was beautiful, Saturday and night were the same...and Sunday? Well, it just really took the cake. I played tennis that afternoon and got burned to a crisp...totally unexpected in March. It's what I get for being so dadgum pale complected!

3. Spring trees in bloom - You can't have missed them...the Eastern Redbud trees...they're on fire this time of year! They are just this emblazoned splash of purple on an otherwise natural-colored background. I just love them! Did you know that the Eastern Redbud is sometimes called the Judas tree, because it dates back to biblical times?? Well, whether you did or didn't know that little factoid, here's a montage so those of you not in the area can appreciate...

Three Thanks

1. New furniture - In 2 -4 weeks!

2. Maturity - Specifically, getting old enough (mature enough) to know when to call it quits on a night out with your friends. When I was younger, I would go and stay out with my friends until everyone disbanded. Just like a little kid that doesn't want to go to sleep at night or take a nap during the afternoon...I didn't want to miss out on anything. If something fun happened or any drama occurred...I wanted to be there. I don't care anymore. If I'm tired...or cranky...or plain not in the mood...I'm going home.

3. Childlike, laugh at yourself people - We saw the funniest person on St. Patrick's day. He dressed himself like a leprechaun. He was pale with red hair and must have just said to himself..."Self, this day was meant for me. I'm goin' all out tonight." We all took pictures with him; when I get them from the others, I will upload them here.

Three Things

1. Waylaid Plans - Sometimes, we have the "best" plans laid out. Sometimes, they don't work out. And sometimes, that's okay.

2. Shooting Stars - I saw one this weekend and made a wish. Nope, don't even ask, I'm not telling you what I wished for.

3. Mother/Daughter Nights - I went and saw "Because I Said So" at the theatre with my friend Abi, her mom and my mom. We went to dinner beforehand and had a great time! Yea for mom bonding!

Three Thanks

Ahh! I'm posting on time this week! You didn't think I would, did you?! My track record hasn't been so good recently, I will agree.

Here are my Three Thanks...in no particular order:

1. The beginnings of Spring - On Sunday, I went to Centennial Park here in Nashville and enjoyed the fantastic weather. Sure, I had to keep my fleece on with my scarf wrapped tightly around my turtleneck sweater...but it was great...and only cold when the wind was blowing. Perhaps it was my apparel that was keeping me warm, or perhaps it was the company...of this, I shan't tell.

Here's a side story...decidedly of no interest to anyone but me...even still, I will write about it before moving on. There are no restrooms at this park. Well, there are...just not good ones. Ladies, you know the offense to which I am referring...Porta-potties. Those disastrous creations that are made to hold excrement in a hole in the ground until someone with a big truck comes to empty it out. Gross.

So, there I was at Centennial Park...really needing to use the restroom. This was my only option. Well, my only viable option. I make the trek to the area where they are located. In front of one of the toilets is a large, metal trashcan with an open top. There is something leaning down into it...it looks like a small cat, perhaps a small raccoon. When it hears me it pops up onto its hind legs. It peers at me with its big brown eyes. It wasn't a cat...nor was it a raccoon. It was an obese squirrel. Quite possibly the biggest, fattest squirrel in existence. When I walked closely by it, it didn't even budge. It was as if to say..."Heh, I could totally take her! I am not moving..."

I opened the door with one finger, sliding the latch to the left oh so carefully. When I walked in, my gag reflex kicked in, as the smell of fecal matter and heated urine immediately invade my nostrils. I glanced down into the toilet (why, I don't know)...and what did I see? Among the Dentyne Ice wrappers, toilet paper and other various sundries...I saw it. Perfectly placed on a piece of TP, it was sitting there. A perfect poo swirl.

After seeing that one squirrel...I was really afraid that one of his mutant friends might be hiding inside the bowl. Much to my luck...no one jumped out at me...

2. My new bedside table - My dad made it for me. I've had one for almost two years now and have been waiting for its mate. Well, it finally arrived from my parents' house Saturday afternoon. Yea!

3. Parties with my girls - I love seeing you ladies. Saturday night was a blast...I can't wait to see pictures!



By the way, people scare me...

Three Thanks

Again, late! So sorry! I know you were waiting with baited breath to see what I was thankful for yesterday...but I was otherwise engaged and away from a computer. Nashville's music industry is going through CRS week right now...and that's exciting for everyone involved (even those, like me, involved vicariously).

So, without further adieu...my three thanks:

1. Good Live Music - Here in Nashville we are blessed with a great deal of talent...but with that comes individuals who are convinced they have a great deal of talent. Here's to good live music!

2. Not Talking - Try to find the people that you are so comfortable with that you don't feel the need or the awkwardness to talk. People you can just be with. These people are a rare find, at least to me. Sometimes, just sometimes...the silence will speak volumes.

3. Lenny's - I love that place! And I don't smell like Subway when I leave. Always a plus.


On a side note - My Jetta is being recalled. Remind me again why I am not ditching this burden of a vehicle.

Three Thanks

Well, the three-day weekend for President's Day got me all messed up and I totally forgot to post my three thanks. Here we go:

1. Three-Day Weekends followed by ?? - You know what the best thing about three-day weekends is? The four-day week that follows. Here's to the four-day week ahead! It's almost Hump Day, people!

2. Napster Unlimited Downloads - I'm sure Napster offers this to everyone, but my subscription is through my school. I get unlimited downloads - for just about everything in their music library - for, I think, $5/month. They offer the same search capabilities as iTunes and I can listen to my music on up to three computers. The downside? I can't actually download them. The songs are more on loan... But it's still great.

3. Funny Friends - I attempt to surround myself with funny people. In fact, I would say that it is a requirement that my closest friends be funny. In a contrite way, I am going to say that laughter is so important - but it's very, very true. I saw my funniest friends this weekend. You know who you are...Thank you for making me laugh - and for laughing with me - and for laughing at me...


I am going to write more about this later, but I'll give you a little taste now since I am running out the door to class momentarily.

I was molested by a dog this weekend.

Clinton, a 10-month old puppy...who weighs a whooping 75 pounds...was enamoured with me and made it his goal to make beautiful babies with me. I'll tell you more later but for now, this is all you're getting.

Three Thanks

Delayed, but none the less...here are my three thanks:

1. Target - Why can I spend hours in this store? Why does just walking in make me feel instantly better? Seriously, if I am in a foul mood...Target is a viable answer to my doldrums. I went in there last night to get Valentine's candy for my office's Valentine's party and I walked out with a beach cover up, lip gloss, bobby pins, two Lean Cuisines, way over-priced lotion, and most likely, way too much candy. Ahh, the lure of the bull's-eye.

2. Sweet/Hot Pickles - There is this brand called Wicked that sells these sweet/hot pickles that are awesome! I tried to find a link to it but couldn't. I'll get home tonight and let you know if I find it on the jar. These are a great complement to pretty much everything. Of course, this is only true if you like hot things...well, and pickles.

3. Hair Products - I love hair products. LOVE! I got this shampoo awhile back and it smells like raspberry lemonade...fantastic! It just makes showering a great experience.

Three Thanks

After a long and restful weekend, I awoke semi-refreshed for Monday's arduous task of seeing the doctor at 8:15 am.

If you are unaware, I have been on crutches and in an air cast for the past six or so weeks due to a broken bone in my foot.

See, I was riding a horse in the surf along the shores of the Gulf Coast when Tipper, my horse, got spooked by a rogue crab. Poor Tipper is deathly afraid of those unpredictable beasts and she bucked me off and into the water.

When I emerged from the surf, covered in seaweed and dangling crabs, Tipper was no where to be seen. The pain from the pinching crabs was too intense to notice the shattered a bone in my left foot. I proceeded to run down the beach frantically calling for my horse but she was no where to be found.

Forlorn, I walked back to my house wondering what could have befallen my beautiful Paso Fino. And there she was.

Kneeling in a bed of protected sea grass, Tipper looked up at me with her beautiful coal black eyes. Blinking through the tears at her safe return, I began to feel the pain of my shattered bones.

At this moment, the clouds began to darken and the winds picked up steam. The gusts of hurricane force winds and driving rain were not enough to detour Tipper from carrying my weak body to seek medical assistance. She found a strapping (and barely clothed) lifeguard just finishing his shift in the stand. He carried me piggy back to his home, warmed me by the fire with sub-zero convective warming blankets, and bandaged my foot with skin traction bandaging.

Ahh, but that was six (plus) weeks ago. Come to find out, all the lifeguard's efforts to save my foot were in vain. It has been diagnosed with avascular necrosis and will have to be amputated.

So, along with my Monday thanks -

1. Imagination - Love it. Need it. Life is so much, well...less boring with imagination.
2. Celine Dion - There's nothing better for a road trip than Celine Dion riding shot gun.
3. Kissing - Love it. Need it. Life is so much, well...less stagnate with kissing.

New Monday - New Year

So, generally Mondays are pretty awful...and really for no reason at all but because of its unfortunate placement in the week. I've had a great weekend and now what? I have to go back to work. Thanks a lot Monday. You're a real swell friend, yes you are.

Let's make Monday better, how about it?!

Every Monday I am going to write three things that I am thankful for. There are no qualifications for this list. Just things that I am thankful for at the moment. I think that three is an incredibly reasonable number. Seriously, if I can't think of three things that I am thankful for...someone needs to come over here and ensure I am still living.

This Monday I am thankful for the following things:

1. My family - Oh, God. So contrite, I know. But it's true. I am so, so thankful for my family. I would be nothing without their love and support and really, when it comes down to it, family is all we have. Sure, they can be overbearing and overprotective but it's all out of love.

2. Michael Jackson - Phew, that man can sing. He makes me want to do a happy dance every time I hear one of his songs come around in my shuffle. And people, if someone can make me want to dance, they have to pretty spectacular. I don't dance. I just don't. Okay, that's a lie. I do and have. And there was that time on the bar in Atlanta. But there is no picture evidence and alcohol was involved so I can not be blamed. Back to Michael. He might have a penchant for the wee ones...but sick perversion aside...no one can deny his talent...or his groove thang.

3. Cold days - It was 17 degrees outside when I left for work this morning and I wore this great pink scarf. Ladies, you know what I'm talking about...the scarf that automatically dresses up your outfit just by being there. Oh, those are the great finds. It's soft to the touch and smells of perfume and shampoo. And what's more...is that it keeps me warm! It's multi-talented. And really, it's a triple threat. It's trendy, dressy and warm! What more could a girl want, really?

So, that is my first list. It wasn't that hard. I chose to make the list of things that I was thankful for today...it seemed a little less daunting and serious. I wanted to make that clear before people were talking about what a shallow person I was. That in my entire life, two-thirds of the things that I had to be thankful for were a scarf and Michael Jackson. Yeah, I am a tad more introspective than that. I promise.

But only just a little.

What are you thankful for?