Superfluous & Overdivulgent

An Update

2012-02-09T11:35:00.000-06:00

If I could describe 2012 in one word, so far it would be challenging. But not in a bad way.

I shared earlier that I started a new job, and I'm delighted to report I am not in any way bored. In fact, I'm busier than ever, and I've been able to truly push myself and learn more than I ever have, professionally speaking. I've also been given more responsibility (and visibility, as in, making presentations and the like) than I'm used to. In other words - I'm busy. And I'm enjoying it. And at the age of 29, after 10 years of being out of high school with two degrees and 7ish years of professional experience on my resume, I finally feel like I'm in a big girl job and fully living up to my (professional) potential. Which is really a fun thing.

In addition, someone pointed out that every year I say this is the year I get healthy. And it's true. I've been saying so since I was about 15 or so. That adds up to a whole lot of un-follow-through. But this year IS different! Fit by 30 is the motto. So far, I've given up all sodas (I could write an Ode to Diet Coke, but I won't bore you with that). I only drink water and tea or coffee. I've also been seeing a personal trainer and going to boot camp classes. My trainer Terry and I had a special bonding moment last week in which I had to pause to puke mid-workout. That was fun. But I realized I had never truly pushed my body hard enough to get there before, so it was a good feeling. Afterward.

Diet-wise, I've become addicted to adding spinach or kale to my smoothies, and I try to have a serving of greens with every meal, as well as good fats. I think I've ingested more almond butter and avocado than ever in my life, and fewer bad carbs. I'm sure there's an official name for it, but I call it the "Whole Foods Diet." Basically eating as little as possible of things that have been processed in any way and sticking to fresh meat and veggies, fruits and fats. Water and tea (and coffee). I've been doing a lot of cooking and preparing my own meals. Waking up earlier to cook breakfast, eating salads and no take out, all that jazz.

You see? So perhaps you will be impressed and not judge me when I tell you what else has been taking up my time:

Yep. Buffy the freaking Vampire Slayer. As in, Sarah Michelle Gellar in the 90s. Not to mention Seth Green before he was Kenny on Can't Hardly Wait and Alyson Hannigan pre-American Pie and HIMYM. And David Boreanaz pre-Bones as her current (as of Season 3) love interest, Angel. Breaking my heart, people. You don't understand the shame I feel when I realize I'm on episode 45, and that means that (with 45-minute episodes), I've spent almost a work week watching Buffy battles truly the most ridiculous vampires and monsters I've ever seen. But I love it. It appeals to the side of me that loves the teen angst, has a special place in my heart for the 90s, and appreciates good, hokey monsters and film. I will not apologize.

I've also been reading this:

Hipster Christianity is a very interesting book by Brett McCracken in which he discusses the Church (as in, the Universal Church)'s need to be cool, and whether or not that is a good thing. He's talking beyond the emergence of rock bands and "community groups" instead of Sunday School, but the idea of changing or slacking in principles to appeal to the masses. I'm not far into it, but I'm intrigued so far. Living here in Nashville, as someone supremely uncool among the hipsters he speaks of, leads me to fully understand from the getgo what he's talking about. And I have a feeling I'm going to have some arguments. But we'll see in due time.

"Hey - I met you... and you are not cool."

AND I've already gotten to mark something off of my 2012 bucket list after seeing Ryan Adams play a solo gig at the Palace Theater in Louisville. DRA didn't allow any filming, nor did he allow phones to be out at all for texting or calling, so I don't have any footage to share, but I will say this: the man is BACK. And he sounds better than ever. Seems that marriage has been good for him, as he was undoubtedly more laid-back, rolling with the punches (and song requests), and making up songs on the spot about black metal cats. Just Ryan, a guitar, and a harmonica. And I will say that not being distracted by a sea of cell phones, as well as my exhausting need to document while at a concert that often leads me to miss whole songs while trying to troubleshoot my camera, changed my entire viewing experience (thanks, Ryan).

Elizabethtown, KY

Plus, I got to experience a true moment of happiness listening to the Elizabethtown soundtrack while driving through Kentucky. It was one of those moments when the sun is shining, you're sitting in the car with a best friend and singing your hearts out to the soundtrack of your favorite movie (something that bonded you with this person to begin with), and you don't have a care in the world. Those moments really happen, people. They aren't just for movie montages.

This business is no joke (from the soundtrack):

Celebrate the differences, I celebrate the songs you sing...

Perhaps when my brain and body slow down from the whirlwind of 2012, I'll have something insightful to say. But for now, at least I can offer an excuse for my lack of blogging.

Oh, How He Loves Us So...

2012-02-09T10:25:00.000-06:00

In just a few days, my friends Christen and Raleigh over at The Uncontainable Truth will be releasing a Valentine's Day e-book: God's Love for Me.

It'll be a free download, and guess what... yours truly is a contributor! Read on here, where Christen talks about her inspiration for the book, mainly how often we overlook that the greatest love story in our lives is the one between God and the World (ie, all of us), and a call for focus on remembering that and paying attention to all the ways He loves us. As I've said before, I tend to be an "all about ME" person, so this was especially poignant for my life.

(Speaking of poignant, here's some David Crowder Band for you:)

I hope you all are doing well and enjoying your 2012 so far!

Honey, are you feelin' kind?

2012-01-25T08:52:00.000-06:00

Those are some lyrics from "Kindness," a new track off of Ryan Adams's latest, Ashes and Fire. (Which I'll be seeing him perform live in less. than. a. week.)

I want to direct you over to the Uncontainable Truth today, where I have a followup to my first post there, which was called "Mean People Suck." Today's post is about the opposite: why Kind People Rock.

And I talk about Jim Henson and Ma Otter. What's not to like?

Ma Otter from Emmett Otter's Jug Band Christmas

Happy Birthday, Grandma!

2012-01-23T15:29:00.001-06:00

Here's a little story about how Emily Cutchen became Grandma.

76 years ago today, Emily Sue Cutchen was born in Newville, Alabama.

15 years later, Sue (as she was being called) would marry her high school sweetheart, Don Pitts. Don, a baseball player, was a few years older than her, already out of high school and about to enlist in the US Air Force.

And a little more than a year after that, at the age of 16, she gave birth to her one and only child, Donna Sue. (Be sure to take note of the clever joining of names.) Since Don was away fighting wars and all that jazz, Donna Sue and Sue were very close. They had many adventures and enjoyed a mother/daughter relationship envied by many.

Sue and Donna Sue showing some skin at the Beach.

Jump to 1979: Donna Sue had just finished her Masters in the big city of Birmingham and returned to Dothan, close to home, to practice as a Speech Pathologist. She gets set up on a blind date with Fred, a charming baseball player-turned-salesman, fresh from New Orleans (with the accent and olive skin to prove it). She marries him six months later, mainly, she jokes, because he looked like Burt Reynolds.

Fred and Donna Sue, late 70s/early80s

Just a few years later, at the young age of 46, Sue became Grandma, a name she is known to by many, when Donna Sue had her first daughter, Lauren (that would be me). And for a second time two years later, when Natalie was born.

Lauren, Natalie, and Donna Sue... sometime in the 80s.
And a good example of my sister's former mullet and Mom's feathered 'do.

The years between 1984 and the present have been good and bad, brought joy and tears, as life tends to do. My grandmother has buried not only her parents and her in-laws, but 12 older brothers, sisters, and their spouses; a few nephews; and in 2009, her husband of nearly 60 years. But also in those years, she's been the matriarch of a family. "Aunt Sue" to numerous nieces and nephews (you can imagine how many when you have 12 siblings) and "Grandma" to everyone else. She's the storyteller. The cooking teacher (and the primary chef). The daredevil, forcing her not-yet-teenage granddaughter (that would be me) onto roller coasters and the double-decker Ferris wheel at the Peanut Festival... just so she didn't have to ride by herself. The Rummy Coach. The listener. The supporter.

She is also one of the primary people in my life who have never made me doubt that I have been loved as much as any little (and now slightly older) girl can be loved. Grandma is always on my team. There aren't all that many folks I can say that about. It's the stuff of a good therapy session.

Natalie, Lauren, and Grandma - Christmas 2010

So Happy Birthday to my Grandma! And Cheers to many, many more!

Thought Catalog

2012-01-10T13:21:00.000-06:00

Sara Beth discovered, and has been daily sending me posts from, a site called Thought Catalog. And now I have to share with anyone reading this. Because seriously, every once in a while I think to myself "Did I get up and write this in my sleep and post it under a fake name?" Not because I think I'm so brilliant or as good of a writer, but mainly because so many of these writers share my interests (Parks & Rec, Bright Eyes), but also seem to think like me. For example, "A Non-Exhaustive List of Things that Trigger My Anxiety." Get out of my brain!

The following comes from a recent post: 20 New Year's Resolutions for 20-Somethings (by Jessie Rosen)

Link here: http://thoughtcatalog.com/2012/20-new-years-resolutions-for-20-somethings/

Before you status update, Tweet, Tumble or Instagram, pause and say to yourself, “is it entirely necessary that I share this morsel of thought with my entire social network?”and if the answer is not, “yes, I absolutely must,” then step away from the Internet.
Know which candidate you’re going to vote for in the upcoming presidential election, and know why.
Enough with the 14-day juice cleanses. If you want to lose a little weight quickly, eat less and exercise like crazy. If you want to lose a lot of weight slowly, do whatever Jennifer Hudson did.
If you really like the person you’re hooking up with and would like them to be your boyfriend/ girlfriend, find a way to tell them, and hope for the best. If you don’t and wouldn’t, stop.
Find a way to save approximately 300 dollars and spend it on a flight to see a friend or family member who lives far away.
Please stop liking the Kardashians, all of them. It’s not helping anyone, least of all the Kardashians.
Spend less than or equal to the money you earn each month.
Wear clothes that fit you, especially to work.
Call someone on the phone at least once a week, and speak to him or her for at least ten minutes.
Start preparing now to get over the fact that Facebook is probably going to change again in six months. You’re not going to deactivate your account. You don’t know how.
Wait 30 seconds before you look up a fact you can’t remember on your phone, and try to remember it using your brain. This is what the olden days were like.
Replace one terrible reality show you’re currently watching with one wonderful scripted show currently available on television. Swap suggestion: Real Housewives of Anywhere for HBO’s Enlightened.
Try that food you think you don’t like but have never actually tried, unless it’s brussels sprouts. They really don’t need any more attention.
Cut one person out of your life who you truly do not like and add one person who you truly do. Note: not on Facebook, on Earth.
If you’re still blacking out regularly, you should stop.
Volunteer once over the next 90 days. You’ll feel really good about it, and probably end up volunteering again over the next 275.
Tell someone who you love that you love them on a more regular basis. To their face, not in a text.
Back up your entire online life onto an external hard drive, especially your photos.
Crap or get off the pot. This applies to whatever thing you’re not doing that you should just sack up and do already.
And in the eternal words of Tom Haverford, “TREAT YO SELF!”

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See? Check it out for daily entertainment/enlightenment. They've got some smart chickies writing for them over there.

Waiting

2012-01-09T16:23:00.002-06:00

In a past post, I talked about my new job, and how crazy it is that I've finally found something that combines my past experience in writing, design, library studies, IT, and communications... and is also faith-based. Essentially, this is a culmination of every professional job I've had in my adult life, and both of my degrees. Neat, right?

The idea of a career in my generation is interesting, and something I'm pretty sure has actually been studied. As children, we were told... The Sky is the limit!... You can have it ALL!... Go to college, and the world is yours for the taking!

So it's no surprise that the idea of staying in one career for 50 years gives us the heebyjeebies. We jump around and are always on the lookout. (This is the first time, at the age of 29, when I can see myself sticking with something for the longrun.) For me, this has always applied to living situation (it seems I'm already checking Craigslist the second I sign a lease) and even the city I live in. And of course no one thought to warn of recessions in which jobs wouldn't be readily available for the taking. If you had told me back in high school that 10 years later, I'd be waitressing at night to make my ends meet, I would have laughed in your face.

This is not to say there is a thing wrong with choosing the service industry as your career. My circle of friends consists of just as many bankers as it does career servers and bartenders. And I enjoy waitressing. I've learned more about cooking, more about people, and I've made tons of friends in the three years I waitressed. It just wasn't what I wanted for the rest of my life.

But so it goes. And here we are. And I feel fortunate to have struggled and am thankful for the humility instilled in me. Having worked in a restaurant kinds gives you this little in a club. Either you've worked in food services, or you haven't. And you can instantly bond with someone who has. Because they understand. It's a truly interesting culture. And one that I actually miss a lot now that I'm not there full-time.

So with that being said, check out this article about Five Jobs Everyone Should Have. And of course, working in a restaurant is at the top.

I highly recommend this read for anyone who's ever worked in a restaurant or wants to know more about what goes on behind the scenes.

There have been books upon books and blog posts upon blog posts written about the things you learn as a server. Really, everyone at this point should be aware that servers are just people, trying to pay their rent and feed their kids just like everyone else. But, alas, this is not the case. Here's a really great and hilarious blog from my buddy and fellow server Boeskool. Titled "How Not to be a Jack Ass," it should be required reading for all restaurant-goers. In addition, here are a few things I've learned/witnessed in the few years I've been in the biz.

1: Waitressing is one of those "do not bite the hand that feeds you" type of things, and it works both ways. Don't tick off your waiter, since he or she is the person in charge of getting your food to you, paying attention to your needs, and whatnot. I personally would never spit in someone's food or do anything gross like that, but I know plenty of people who would and have. And in the same token, servers realize just as much as patrons that unless they are able to add gratuity to a table, they are being paid solely because of the generosity of the payer at their table. And while there are tons of other circumstances that may lead someone to leave a less-than-desirable tip (greed, arrogance, old age), the server has the obligation to make sure they don't do something to directly influence this. So for the most part, if everyone plays nice and all goes to plan, it evens out well for both parties. But that table can be so quickly tipped in one favor. And like Boeskool says, food timing and quality are NOT a server's fault, but the kitchen's.

2: Teens should never be allowed to go to a restaurant with table service without having been properly instructed on how to act and tip.

It's true.

3: People really do leave their phone numbers on receipts. And sometimes real relationships are formed from this. I've witnessed it happen a number of times. I've also witnessed someone being offered a threesome via number left on receipt. I do not recommend this.

4: People are ridiculous, and you just have to laugh it off. I'll never forget the night a buddy of mine, who I'll admit is quite attractive, had a table with a teenage girl who thought he looked like Edward Cullen. And her mother straight-up asked, without hesitancy, if he would bite her daughter's neck for her birthday. And like any obliging server wanting a good tip and to humor some folks, he did. And he was well-compensated for it, I believe. Lesson learned here is... everyone has their price.

Yall have seen this, right? The Edward Cullen body pillow?

5: If you ever want to hear the inside scoop about what's going on in the restaurant, who's sleeping with who (a common theme of working in a restaurant is that the staff inevitably becomes somewhat incestuousness), and to add a few more colorful words to your vocabulary... seat yourself close to the beverage well or the area of the bar closer to where servers congregate.

6: And lastly... always ask the server what they suggest if you're unsure. Most servers are honest enough to not just tell you the most expensive thing on the menu, but what they genuinely think is the best thing to order. And some, me included, will even give you an indication if there's something you should not be ordering.

(All efforts to obtain a picture to demonstrate this grossed me out and forever scarred my web browser.)

Hellooooo 2012!

2011-12-30T14:36:00.003-06:00

I like to reflect. And though I didn't need much encouragement, this article got me thinking about 2011. Really thinking about it. It's been a good one full of milestones, not without its heartbreak or difficulty, but for the first time in a long time, I feel very much like I'm moving forward and making positive progress at a rapid pace instead of stalling or treading water.

There are tops of "Top Whatever" lists floating around... I want to share with you a few perks of my year:

Top Moments of 2011 (In no particular order):

Epic Friend Moments. I got to be a bridesmaid in my best friend's wedding, read a Bible passage in another, anticipate the birth of a baby, and then keep the secret of friend's pregnancy until she was ready to tell everyone. I planned showers, drove hundreds of miles, spent tons of money, and got to see all of my best friends in one place more than I ever do in one year, which made it all worthwhile.
When I thought there was no more room in my heart for more music, I fell hopelessly in love with the Avett Brothers and Bright Eyes.
When I really thought nothing was ever going to come my way and make life a little easier, I had my faith renewed in the form of a new job. I also conquered some major career goals in my former job.
The day that I sat in a friend's car and got to hear the rough copy of his record, which was a huge personal accomplishment for him.
This was a huge year for forgiveness and reconciliation. For a number of folks, as well as me personally.
I got to see some really epic live shows and knock a whole bunch of concerts off of my bucket list: GNR, Bush, The Avetts at Turner Field. Fleet Foxes. Bright Eyes three times!
Getting LASIK surgery and now having better-than-perfect vision. And realizing later that it was probably one of the best decisions I've ever made. (For someone who often experiences buyer's remorse, that's a big one.)
I overcame a huge fear of living alone and actually learned to relish it.
I had the great honor of being asked by my friends Raleigh and Christen to write as a guest blogger on The Uncontainable Truth.
After having my heart broken by Ryan Adams's announcement in 2009 that he was retiring from music, he announced earlier this year that he was releasing a new record and TOURING! (January 30th in Louisville can't come soon enough!)
I got to participate in some truly epic musical moments, meet new friends, and enjoy the best parts of living in Nashville on Laurel's front porch.
I think I finally... finally... made some strides in the whole "letting go of plans" (Let Go and Let God) thing. I think.
Trying my buddy Nick's Hot Chicken for the first time, and actually crying (from the heat or joy, I'll never know) while eating. Then being proud of him when his recipe won the Hot Chicken Festival contest a few weeks later!
Sara Beth moving to Nashville and getting to experience this city I love so much through a fresh pair of eyes.
The East Nashville Tomato Festival... always a favorite thing to do during the summer, and this year did not disappoint.
Traveling to Raleigh/Cary/Chapel Hill to spend a weekend with two of my favorite people I rarely get to see at the same time.
WRASSLIN'. About a month ago, I discovered through my friend Nick (same as above) the indescribable perfection that is amateur wrestling in Nashville and probably had the most unique and outright most fun experience since I've lived in this city. Let me tell ya - you learn things about yourself when you enter the Stadium Inn on Interstate Drive and stare a man named Bocephus in the face. You become forever changed when you look back at the night before and recall a raffle to spank wrestlers with chains, sneaking in minis to mix stadium-style in a bathroom stall, dodging a turkey leg thrown by from a lady wrestler in the ring, high fiving JT (your favorite wrestler) as you meet on the street walking back and forth between the hotel and the German restaurant/bar across the street, and vaguely remember at one point standing on a chair yelling profanities you didn't know could come out of your mouth.

Some of the best things I encountered in the entertainment world and blew up Facebook and Twitter talking about:
Parks and Rec
Community
The Head and the Heart
Friday Night Lights
50/50
American Horror Story
The Muppets
Ashes and Fire
Mindy Kaling
One Day
Favorite new blogs: Jon Acuff, Tyler Stanton, Tripp Cosby, and Kevin Kiegley

My Bucket List for 2012, plus some things I'm excited about:

The Blue Like Jazz movie will be released in April!
Ryan Adams on tour! I also hope to catch The Head and the Heart and the Avetts again.
My friends Andrew and Blount's new musical project, Great Peacock. Give their song "Desert Lark" a listen. It's just gorgeous.
Beach trips - Southwest is going to be getting a lot of my money this year.
Trips to New Orleans - I'm a groomsman in a friend's wedding this June (more on that later), and I anticipate many trips South and lots of time spent with family there as well.
Chicago - Never been. I want to go. I'd also love to go to New York and Charlotte this year as well. Lofty goals, I know.
Read more, watch TV less.
Officially join my church.
Write.... something. I have several projects in the works. And by "in the works," I mainly mean "in my head and have said them out loud to someone else." I do have an outline going for one, though.
Lose weight - get healthy. For real. Seeing my grandmother and father go through the Hell of having Type 2 diabetes has scared me into submission. Goodbye, carbs, sugar, and Diet Coke!
Get a tattoo. I'm going to do it this year, dammit.
Get rid of stuff and live more simply.
Do more cooking and experimenting with recipes and less ordering takeout. Even though Chipotle now has brown rice.
Convince family to forego gifts and do a "pay it forward" Christmas.
Not buy any more clothes or books without throwing out/donating something I rarely use.
Maybe learn to enjoy running? Nah. Not gonna happen.
Improve my tennis skills.
Spend less time on my couch and more time out and about in the world (while also not spending more money).
Be a better friend/daughter/sister/worker.
Quit wasting my mornings hitting the snooze button.
Get a dog! That's a big one. I need a pup to call my own.
Save money. I want to either buy a house or hit up Europe. Something big since...

THIS IS THE YEAR I TURN 30!

welp.

Bucket Lists

2011-12-21T11:56:00.001-06:00

In the past few years, I've knocked some things off of my concert bucket lists that I didn't even realize were possible (since the bands weren't active):

Fleetwood Mac
Bush
GUNS 'N ROSES

A while ago, GNR announced a US tour, with Nashville on it. And luckily, I had the smart sense to ask my sister (who has the hookup) to snag me a pair of free tickets. You see - I didn't think it'd be worth paying for. Axl has been making a crazy name for himself lately... no Slash. And who really wants to hear Chinese Democracy? But boyyyy was I wrong. I would have paid much more than the minimum price for that show. Axl was in top form, playing all the fan favorites, including a few personal favorites like "Patience," "Estranged," and "Civil War." In the three-hour (yes, that's THREE HOURS OF GNR), they rattled off a few from the "new" album, played some Who and Pink Floyd covers, changed outfits at least 6 times (Axl changing only his headpiece - from Kid-Rock-like cowboy hat to signature bandana to sparkly something and jacket over tshirt and jeans), and just rocked out like it was 1987.

Picture from the show via tumblr. This should answer any "did he have cornrows?" questions.

No lies (see what I did there?) -- experiencing "November Rain" live is up there with getting to see Elton play "Tiny Dancer" a few year's back. The show ended with this explosive version of "Paradise City" complete with Mardi Gras-like confetti canons, purple lights, and fireworks. Regardless, the show was not without its quirks (detailed well here by Spin), and I didn't get home until 2:30 on a Sunday night/Monday morning... but it was well worth it.

Here are a few videos, not taken by me, from the show:

Patience

Civil War

Sweet Child O' Mine

Don't Cry
Sadly he cut short the drawn-out wailing end that I've perfected for karaoke purposes.

November Rain
I love the moment when the crowd realizes what's about to happen...

Paradise City
I'm pretty sure this was taken by the folks sitting next to us. Check out that grand finale.

It's that time of year...

2011-12-20T09:53:00.000-06:00

So who's sick of Christmas music by now? Not me!

Head on over to The Uncontainable Truth, where I list my favorites.

Here's a preview:

Merriest of Christmases to you and yours!

Emmylou Harris

2011-12-14T10:51:00.002-06:00

Emmylou is one of my idols. While she's a beautiful and talented musician in her own right, the woman has a dedicated space in my heart for the songs/albums on which she has offered her timeless voice as a collaborator.

There are so many things I can say about her, but I'll let her voice and the songs do the talking. These are some of my all-time favorite songs, which you've heard me go on about before, but take a listen and pay attention to the angel in the background.

Ryan Adams "Oh My Sweet Carolina"
She plays on the original recording found on Heartbreaker, but perhaps you'll enjoy this recent recording:

Gram Parsons "Return of the Grievous Angel" :

Bright Eyes (Conor Oberst) "Landlocked Blues" :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPaCFYqtvM8

and "We are Nowhere, but it's Now":

Dave Matthews - cover of Johnny Cash's "Long Black Veil"
May seem random, but this is nostalgia for me. Back in high school, this was the first time I remember hearing Emmylou... from the 1999 Johnny Cash tribute show

Don't even get me started on The Trio. Dolly, Emmylou, and Linda:

Pulling a Lauren

2011-12-14T10:33:00.003-06:00

My friends have coined a new phrase:

"Pulling a Lauren."

I'll attempt to define it: One "pulls a Lauren" when he or she does one of the following things, or something similar:

speaks before thinking and proverbially sticks an entire foot, or perhaps both feet, in mouth
embarrasses his or herself in public or in front of, say, an attractive member of the opposite sex or celebrity
make inappropriate comments, or make comments to inappropriate people or at an inappropriate time
in other words, do something just plain-out awkward with no good reason

There are many examples, but I'll give you the most recent. It involves me, bacon, cream puffs, and Keith Urban.

No big deal.

This is the story of why I am boycotted from brunch until further notice.

So my sister, our BFF Bobby, and I were having a casual brunch the other day at Copper Kettle. I say "casual," but it's pseudo-fancy. I was, of course, underdressed and drowsy (it was a rainy Sunday). In other words, not up to par for a celebrity meeting.

Let me tell you about the Copper Kettle brunch... it's a buffet. A fancy buffet. You pay about $17/plate and have your pickings of an endless supply of delicacies like homemade puff pastries, lox, breakfast casserole, cheeses and fruits -- this ain't no Shoney's. As you can imagine, like any good ~~fatty~~ food-lover, I enjoy a buffet. I take my time with it. You have to scope it out, make sure you don't fill your plate with too much of an eh offering if the big whammy (that you'll want at least a quarter of your plate devoted to) is at the end. Bacon and eggs, I can get at home, but a baked brie stuffed with fruit and jelly? Yes, please. So naturally, I'm a bit annoying to be behind at a buffet. Not inconsiderate, but just slow. And you can imagine that on a drowsy Sunday, I was the worst.

So I'm going through the line, not a thought in my mind except for my portions and plate placement, and I get back to the table where Bobby and Natalie are already eating. And they say to me "Did you not see who was behind you?" She was (understandably) whispering, and I didn't hear her well, so of course I immediately turn around and say, loudly, "BEHIND me?"... right to Keith Urban's face. Strike One. He joins Nikki and their toddler Sunday at the table, and for the next 30 minutes or so, everyone in the restaurant avoids making eye contact and tries their best to pretend like it's no big deal that we're sharing a buffet with two of the biggest celebrities in town. [My friends and I have a point system for celeb sightings, scaled by fame and exclusivity, and they're pretty high up there on the fame scale... Bobby is winning, but that's only because he works at a very fancy restaurant and has waited on both Dolly Parton and Ke$ha, who top the exclusivity scale.]

We sit and eat, and the Kidmans/Urbans sat and ate quietly directly across from us. Didn't they know that they were making us uncomfortable? Inconsiderate people. The restaurant offers these little mini Belgium waffles, so I ordered one. Halfway through it, I decided it'd be better off eaten by hand (I eat mine dry, and they are teeny little things, I swear!), but once Sister and Bobby noticed, I was immediately chastised, the waffle swatted from my hand, and lectured on the propriety of what/how you do/do not eat in front of Nicole Kidman, who sat there oh-so-stoically and didn't seem to eat a thing, let alone a waffle. Strike Two.

Actual example of the Copper Kettle brunch pastries

In a move that would seal my fate to never be welcomed at brunch again, I offered to take one for the team and get seconds for the entire table. Bacon and cream puffs were on order, and so I went. I stand there at the basket of miniature cream puffs, which are slightly stuck together, and I carefully count out the predetermined amount and put them on half of my plate. It's a lengthy process and halfway through, I realize that once again Keith Urban is standing directly beside me, waiting on me so he can proceed. You can't really jump the line unnoticed when you're Keith Urban. So what do I do? I look up, giggle, and say "Don't judge me. They're delicious." Yeah. Not my best work.

In my defense, this is something I'd likely say to anyone in an awkward moment... it's kind of my M.O. Don't celebrities just want to be treated like anyone else? He was not amused, however, and had no reaction. No smile or acknowledgement, but just started whistling some tune. Probably a lame one. I think it was quite rude of him, in retrospect. Regardless, what did I do next? What I do best: filled my plate with bacon and nervously hauled ass back to the table, where Natalie and Bobby greeted me with "WHAT DID YOU JUST DO????" Apparently, instead of the hustle I thought I accomplished in getting back to the table, it looked like I was literally running away from Keith Urban. Great. Strike Three.

Such is life, and now I'm out. No more fancy brunches for me. I BLAME KEITH.

Surprises

2011-12-14T09:43:00.000-06:00

If you follow this blog at all, you are probably aware of how sporadic my posting is, and especially lately. And for that, I apologize. But I want to share something with you today in hopes you will understand and perhaps even smile along with me.

For the past few years, I have struggled with a lot of things in life, but mostly with having patience with God's timing. I've never been one to fully embrace the idea that there's no point in making plans, that things tend to pan out eventually as they are meant to, and that you can seriously be set free from a life of worry and such by just letting go. None of those things fit into my plans, you see.

But it's funny how things work out. How with a little bit of hindsight, all of the things you see as mishaps show themselves to be integral in getting you to something big. How getting laid off can be the best thing to happen to your career and well-being. How getting your heart broken can actually make you whole. You get the idea.

I'll spare you all the details, but I'll just tell you that for the past few years, I've been struggling while I've been waiting. Waiting on something, anything, that seemed to fit everything together. And about a month ago, I got an answer. Now I know that this doesn't make everything rosy, that all of a sudden life will change and heartache/struggle will no longer plague me. But it's big.

I got a job working for The Man. As in, the Big Man. Friends, I'm going into ministry.

.....

Gotcha!

But I AM working for a major global church, which is headquartered here in Nashville. (I don't want any of my views, opinions, misgivings, or embarrassments associated with my employer, so I'll leave WHICH church off... but if you know me, know that it's the church of which I have been a member since I was 16 or so up until my move to Nashville and joining Cross Point.) Oddly enough, my oftentimes odd career path (journalism/IT/design/library) gave me the ideal background to fill in exactly where I'm needed... and I'm doing some really important background work for the church alongside truly fantastic people. It's exciting and challenging... Good for the mind, body, and soul. With this comes answers to many prayers. Many are more personal than I care to share, but what directly affects me is gift of time, as I will no longer HAVE to work a second job and enjoy a shorter and more flexible work week. And with that being said, look for me to fill that time writing and working on personal goals, and sharing some of that with you. And I plan to FINALLY get a pup to call my own.

I very much hope that if anything, you can read this and be inspired and know that anything is possible. I sure didn't see this coming, and I'm in awe of how everything fell in to place as if (can you believe it?) someone else is in charge and orchestrating all the elements around me. So if you're stuck in a frustrating situation, and your life really doesn't look like what you thought it would - I urge you to hold out and see what happens, because it may that something is just around the corner, and that that something is even better than you could have ever planned.

Happy December!

2011-12-01T08:47:00.002-06:00

"Winter Song" for you. (As a commenter on YouTube said, some Undie Folk Rock.)

Thanksgiving, Schmanksgiving

2011-11-23T13:52:00.000-06:00

Just kidding. I love Thanksgiving. Food, family, sleep, and the beauty that comes with not caring a bit about Black Friday shopping and laughing at those who do.

But you know what else I love about Thanksgiving? The traditional sitcom Thanksgiving episode. Here are some of my personal favorites:

ALL the Friends moments:

(Forgive the cheesy video, but it's the only one I could find that would allow embedding.)

Slapsgiving (HIMYM)

New Girl

And another favorite... TURKEY!

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Does Anyone Remember Tony?

2011-11-15T12:51:00.001-06:00

I first heard the song "Tony" when I was a cheerleader in high school, on the bus on the way out of town for a game. Did anyone outside of Alabama listen to the Live at the X Lounge albums back in the 90s? Friends of mine in Birmingham would pass the CDs down to us (they were recorded in the lounge of the Bham Rock Station WRAX, which is no longer on the air). You can read up on it here, including track lists, and you'll see how I was introduced to many artists way before they made it big (and even some who recorded during the height of their fame). I swear that this version of Sister Hazel's "All for You" provided most of the soundtrack to my high school years. Listen to it here.

Anyway, among the tracks, this one from Patty Griffin was always a favorite. She's said in concerts she wrote it about a kid she went to high school. And it's a bit more fitting now with all the attention paid to the "It Gets Better" campaign and anti-bullying. I love the line "I hated every day of high school/It's funny I guess that you did too/Funny how I never knew, but there I was sittin' right behind you."

Give it a listen.

And then head on over to The Uncontainable Truth, where I talk more about my favorite Patty songs and gratitude.

Announcing a New Addition to the (Nashville) Family

2011-11-15T11:22:00.000-06:00

No, no, I won't be filling your newsfeed with pictures of an expanding baby bump, but I do have an addition to my Nashville family in the form of a new roommate! Below is SB making her Nashville karaoke debut. I'm beyond excited to have her here and can't wait to chronicle our adventures!

I am, however, thinking I need a pet. And lately I've spent some time with the following animals, who are heavily shaping this choice. First, Moose:

This is my friend Jessa and her rescued smush-face Moose (renamed after she got him because, well, Stiffler just is no name for a cat this fancy). And let me tell ya - I don't like cats. Mainly because we never had them growing up, and I don't know how to interact with them. They don't like being petted like dogs, aren't interested in playing all that much... no fetch? I know. They don't like me either. But this cat? This cat I LOVE. I spent the majority of a weekend with Jessa (who I see roughly once a year) laughing at this cat and attempting to win his affections. So on the days that I remember I don't have a whole lot of time for taking care of a dog, I convince myself I'll get a cat... but only a smush-face like Moose. Just LOOK at that face. Reminds me of Winston, my original famous smush-face.

This is Jackson:

Jackson belongs to my friends Heather and Bobby, who also happen to be my sister's roommates. Jackson is awesome. Just seriously the best dog ever. He's a lab/Jack Russel mix (yeah, weird, I know), and he fetches, plays, sits, AND cuddles. Like, if I'm on the couch, he'll sit next to me and lay his head right on my chest and snooze. I want to steal him, but he loves his mom and dad too much. Bobby assures me that in his puppyhood, he had some faults... namely eating couch cushions and basically tearing apart the apartment when left alone... but now at 4 or so, he's perfect.

So basically - I'm doomed since I've been spoiled rotten by perfect pets around me. I'm thinking I'll adopt a pup that is about a year old or so and skip the puppy phase. I love something so ugly it's cute... like a Frenchie or Boston Terrier. Anyone have any other suggestions or advice about getting a new dog? Any horror stories?

Somebody That I Used to Know

2011-11-15T10:58:00.002-06:00

Can't get this song out of my head, and I LOVE the video. Enjoy.

Wess Floyd's Foxhole Confessions

2011-11-01T15:21:00.003-05:00

See that dude in the picture up there? Let me tell you a little story about him that he probably doesn't even remember being a part of. Way back in 1997, I was a little bitty freshman in high school. Scared to death at five feet tall and 14 years old, I waded my way through a sea of upperclassman who all looked to be at least 25 years old, ridiculously tall, way mature, and definitely too cool to talk to me. Nothing fully prepares you for that first day of high school. So anyway, there I stood, taking it all in, feeling very lost, and this giant 7-foot-tall beanpole of a boy walked up to me and used the top of my head as an armrest. Just stood there talking and talking with his elbow on top of my head, making bad jokes and full of first-day-senior power. Thankfully, I knew him. We had grown up attending the same church, and his dad was the local pharmacist in my grandparents' small town... but I didn't know him know him. At that point. But after all the goodhearted jokes and poking fun, Wess Floyd took me in, steered me to class, introduced me to a few folks, and was a saving grace to me on an otherwise traumatic day. Those are the kindnesses you never forget. And that boy had a place in my heart from that day on.

Fast forward to the present, and I'm proud to consider Wess Floyd the man as a good friend. And today he is releasing a record that has been three years in the making, and folks - it's good. This isn't his first release (nor will it be his last), and from his beginnings as a musician, Wess has written and played with more heart and talent than I see most days here in Nashville from the beginning... but this is the record that matters. This one is special. Foxhole Confessions is Wess's tribute to growing up, to life. To moving on and settling down. To the things we love, the places, and the people who mean something to us. To past hurts, betrayals by friends and exes, and, to the eventual peace that comes with forgiveness. To learning from mistakes and regret instead of wallowing in them. To how along the way, at some point, we get comfortable with ourselves, we mature, and at the end of the day, we just want to be with surrounded by the people and places we love and offer something honest and good to them. To embracing the past. To the fact that "...somewhere in the pain and the mystery, there’s a reason and the rest is just history..." (from "The Streets.")

My favorite thing about Wess is his passion for the things/people he loves and his refusal to apologize for it. Maybe it is because I share that with him, the inability to filter over-excitement and sometimes cheesiness. That's why people like us get our hearts broken a little more easily, place too much hope in things and people sometimes, and struggle a little harder with admitting our mistakes and accepting things that don't go our way. I get it, but unfortunately I don't have the talents to write songs or music and have a great record to show for it. Thankfully, Wess does, and I'm willing to bet his songs will speak to many of you as well.

Don't, however, pigeonhole this as an album that can only be put on and pondered, reflected upon. It's soulful and at times very deep, but it's also joyful and fun with songs of revelry, even beginning with the crowd-favorite "Record Player." Each track was written purposefully and recorded just as so, with some written as recently as last year and others re-recorded and tweaked from records past. "The meanings of the tunes have changed. I'm not the same person I was when I wrote those, ya know?" Wess said to me just the other day. From rockabilly to what Wess calls "punk rock gospel," Americana and alt-country - the album covers it all, and from his years in the Nashville music scene, Wess counted on the help from friends to complete the tracks with expert musicianship and production. From beginning to end, it's a solid piece of three years well spent.

I love this record, and if you're near Nashville or Birmingham, you'll have the opportunity to hear it live this week. But definitely check out his Facebook page, website, and buy his CD here!

CD Release Shows:
Nashville - Thursday, November 3rd at The Basement. 8pm with openers The Lowry Sisters, John Paul Keith and the 1, 4, 5's.
Birmingham - Saturday, November 5th at The Nick. 9pm with openers from13 Ghosts (Birmingham) and the Pollies (Muscle Shoals)

Here are a few of my favorite tracks:

"Cause I can't dance... but joy I can Shout.."

Chemicals Between Us

2011-11-01T09:30:00.001-05:00

So did I mention that I spent the first few hours of my birthday with these guys?

In case you don't recognize them, this is the newly reformed Bush, as in British rocker Gavin Rossdale who recorded Sixteen Stone in the 90s. The guy who married and made beautiful babies with Gwen Stefani. As in, the guy/band that I would have had pictures of taped to the inside of my closet as a teen if my parents had let me. As in, the first man to inspire my fangirl tendencies and the first band that seriously influenced my musical tastes for a long time. Yeah, that Bush. They played a Halloween Block Party downtown (as headliners, they didn't go on until 1am or so). They put on one hell of a show, playing all the fan favorites like "Everything Zen," "Machinehead," "Little Things," "Chemicals Between Us," and such, but also some new stuff from their newly released album The Sea of Memories, which I'm listening to and not hating.

I'll post a few videos below from the evening below, so you can get an idea. But I know you're all wondering, and yes, Gavin is just as, if not more so, gorgeous and charismatic and talented in his 40s as he was in 1994 when Rolling Stone released this issue, and my little teenage heart melted:

April 1996

But this is not a creepy fangirl thing. I legitimately loved their albums, and I never thought I'd have the opportunity to see them perform. And on another note, Gavin and I just so happen to share a birthday, so to my inner teen: You're Welcome. I did us proud. It's not as creepy now that I'm 29 and he's 46, right? Right.

Don't judge me.

From the show:

Their new single, "The Sound of Winter":

29 and Grateful

2011-10-31T18:22:00.000-05:00

A year ago at Thanksgiving, I wrote a post detailing 28 things I am thankful for (28 after having just celebrated my 28th birthday). Yesterday, I turned 29, and I'm finding myself thinking about gratitude and blessings much more earlier than the holidays this year.

Last Sunday at church, my pastor spoke about giving thanks and how much a grateful attitude can change your overall health and mind when compared with one of pessimism. (The overall series is about maintaining hope amid all of the crazy things we see going on in our world every day.) And he charged us to write down three things we are thankful for each day. You can check out my daily rambles on my Twitter account (and you can follow along with the #betterdayschallenge as well), but here are a few things of note:

Heated air and water
The ability to fall asleep whenever/wherever (sometimes a problem, but mostly a blessing)
My roommate and sister and their built-in companionship and laughter outlet
A good job and coworkers I like
A family that has never made me feel lacking in love, support, or safety
Living in a town in which I can see a free show every night if I want to
Ear Plugs
Fantastic Friends

It is so easy to take the simple things for granted and get caught up wishing for more and ungrateful because, perhaps, life isn't following your path. That was yesterday's message at church: worry. And the most poignant thing that struck me was when Pete emphasized Jeremiah 29:11, a verse he says we misuse and sometimes manipulate to bring us comfort: "For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." We often replace the "I" with "you," but like Pete said yesterday, it isn't "I know the plan YOU have for you..." and he challenged us to continue searching our hearts for gratitude and listing them daily.

So I've been doing this, and guess what - I'm feeling pretty good these days. And this is coming from someone who just turned 29 and am realizing that there isn't a part of my life that has turned out as I'd planned. A friend of mine just posted the following on facebook, and I had to steal it: "Looking for a cure for your depression? Try Appreciation. It's free and works great! Warning! Side effects may include: happiness and contentment. Do not use Appreciation if you enjoy being miserable." So you see - it's not just me. Join me in being grateful, won't you?

-------
And on a side note, if my plans had all worked out the way I'd wanted them to, I wouldn't have this:

You see, with the exception of my sister, who doesn't have much choice in the matter, I probably wouldn't know these people in the picture, who gathered with me yesterday for a birthday picnic. I never anticipated the relationships that have been formed later in life and made such an impact on me. That I would meet these wonderful people after moving to Nashville who would change me and make me better. Nor did I expect for my sister to become my best friend. I love that doggie, too, but more on that later. So suffice it to say, I have a lot to be thankful for.

Don't be a Hallowiener...

2011-10-28T11:01:00.000-05:00

Check out my fave Halloween books, movies, and the like here on my last post at the Uncontainable Truth.

...where theyr'e gonna bury me (oh lord)

2011-10-19T13:13:00.000-05:00

Tennessee's a brother

to my sister Carolina

I took those a week apart in Cary, NC, and Ashland City, TN.

If you don't know the reference, you should.

("Let It Ride" by Ryan Adams.)

Swedish Sisters, A Parks Dept., Zombies, and Ghosts of Frat Dudes

2011-10-19T13:04:00.003-05:00

Four things have kept me entertained lately that I highly suggest you check out if you aren't familiar:

First Aid Kit
I hadn't heard of this band until I saw them open for Bright Eyes in Birmingham, and I swear they spoke straight to my soul that night with their finely tuned harmonies and talk of lions. Sisters Johanna and Klara have one album out, The Big Black and Blue, and will release The Lion's Roar in January 2012. I liken them to a female version of the Fleet Foxes, but with a bit more thoughtful subject matter. (Fitting, seeing as their cover of "Tiger Mountain Pleasant Song" is what got them on the musical grid in the first place.) Here are a few samples:

I'll admit I'm still processing the actual content here... is she saying there's no Heaven at all? Or just focusing on living now? But it's pretty regardless, yes?

Parks and Recreation
I have no idea why I hesitated watching this show, which is now in its 4th season. It's hilarious and the characters are nothing short of endearing. I want them to be my best friends and bosses.

I want to work there.

Treat Yo'Self! My new face of delight.

Ron Swanson - My hero

The Walking Dead

Per my usual, I was a little late signing on for this one. I've never been a huge zombie fan... I don't really like violence and gore, but I do like a good story and though I don't understand the intricacies of how any of it works, I try my best to gauge good vs. bad cinematography. And with that being said, this show has a lot of heart. And a lot of blood and gore. But mostly - it's visually impressive, and I've been impressed with the actual plot. Plus, it's set in and around Atlanta, and the scenes of abandoned streets and buildings I easily recognize is nothing short of impressive and eery. Don't overlook it just because zombie's aren't your thing.

The Worthy by Will Clarke

I'm in the middle of this right now, and I can barely put it down. Set in Baton Rouge at LSU's (fictional) Gamma Chi frat house, The Worthy is narrated by Conrad Avery Sutton III, a formerly wealthy (read: pretentious frat dude) who tells us right off that he's dead and murdered by his psychotic pledge trainer Ryan Hutchins. Ryan's the worst. He is abusive to friends and his girlfriend (who he also cheats on regularly), and is just bleeding douchebaggery. So Conrad finds himself stuck in spirit-form on Earth, and more specifically gravitating around the frat house where he met his demise, and is currently searching for a way to be a more effective ghost (he hasn't mastered the art of haunting or possessing, but is diligent in his quest). The one person who can see/hear/talk to him is Etta, the house's cook, and she hints that he has a mission on Earth before he can move on. I've been highly entertained by all of the frat boy chatter (a bit overdone at times, but it brings me back and makes me a bit nostalgic for some of my time spent around the Greek circuit in college), and I've come to care about Conrad and want him to find his mission and get out of his misery of ghostdom. All in all, it's mostly entertaining, and I'm a bit disappointed it isn't more creepy.. but I definitely recommend it, especially if you went to an SEC school and can relate to episodes of talegating, frat parties, and have known a few douchebag frat dudes in your past*.

*Not saying all frat boys are such, just that if a dude is already an idiot and then he joins a fraternity and finds a clan of other idiots, it accelerates the level of douche infinitely.

ENJOY!

It's Fall, yall

2011-10-19T12:24:00.000-05:00

Pumpkins at the Nashville Farmer's Market

October gave a party;

The leaves by hundreds came

The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples,

And leaves of every name.

The Sunshine spread a carpet,

And everything was grand.

Miss Weather led the dancing,

Professor Wind the band.

~ George Cooper

It seems that each year, I neglect my blog a bit when the season hits. I thrive in the fall and find myself out and about, soaking up the breeze. And I smile and sigh and get all cheesy about things like leaves and pumpkins and ghost stories. So needless to say... I've been busy. So for now, a sneak preview of many detailed posts to come:

Blue Like Jazz

2011-09-20T09:22:00.000-05:00

Check out my latest post on the Uncontainable Truth, in which I talk even more about Donald Miller and Blue Like Jazz!

Don't You Cry Tonight

2011-09-16T16:06:00.003-05:00

Use Your Illusion I and II were released 20 years ago tomorrow. Let's take a moment to honor GNR, a band I count among of my first musical loves. Axl may have caught a case of the crazies in recent years, but in the 90s, he was just enough crazy to entertain while also creating some truly great music. And let's face it - few guitarists compete with Slash's solos. Here are some of my favorites (from all their albums), which conjure up memories of friends with long, Axl-inspired locks and grunge gear. Not to mention many an air guitar solo. I'll never forget first seeing the epic "November Rain" video on MTV...

Axl. (Sigh.)

Tennessee Sucks (in the Summer)

2011-09-14T15:50:00.000-05:00

(That's a reference to a Ryan Adams song, by the way. It's hot here, but I love Tennessee, even in the summer.)

School definitely is in session. How do I know? Because my morning commute now involves being extra careful not to run over the influx of Vandy students walking about carelessly as I'm practically sleep-driving at ~~7:45~~ 8:05 am. Kiddos, if Reese Witherspoon can get hit by a car while out jogging, you certainly can. So be careful, ya hear?

With last Monday's Day of Labor celebrations (which in my area meant not leaving your couch for fear of being waterlogged outside), summer is officially over. No more linen, no more white shoes, back to school, and back to work for my teacher friends (hate them from May until September). So what did I do with my summer? Well, thanks to Netflix...

I watched and fell in love with Friday Night Lights, which I'll tell you is absolutely one of the best shows I have ever seen in my life. It was an experience. And I know that sounds crazy, but I think I cried (happy and sad tears) at some point in every episode of the five seasons. It's truly a moving portrayal of family, of friends, of faith, and of life in the South. And football. And it had a GREAT soundtrack, with everything from the Avetts to Ryan to even some Bright Eyes on there. Here's a little preview for you (the ending of the Pilot):

Next, to ease my post-FNL depression, I watched Greek (thank you, Netflix)!

Greek is nothing like FNL... it is not to be taken too seriously. But it made me laugh, made me cry, made me wish to be in college again, and wish that my college Greek experience had been more serious/ridiculous. Sure, it taught me a few lessons, but it mostly left me with a substantial crush on one of the lead characters, Cappie.

And I read several books, of course (reviews to come). But no, I did not spend my entire summer watching TV and lounging, but when I did, it was for physical, emotional (and financial) recovery from one of the biggest events I've been honored to be a part of: My Best Friend's Wedding. (You may remember me referencing that there was a lot going on around me back in this post from earlier this year.) Over the course of 6 months, I took off nearly 40 hours of work and traveled out of town at least once each month for a party, shower, or event. And sure, it was exhausting, and I got VERY sick of being in the car... but there is nothing like being there and being a huge part of such a special day in someone's life who means the world to you. She was a gorgeous bride, and it was a perfect day.

Liz and Lauren

"The Group"

It was a family affair. Something I DIDN'T do this summer was successfully
diet like my sister, who has lost 30 pounds or so. That B.

Just Married

I also got to throw a baby shower for one of my best friends' first child (my first unofficial nephew), who was born last week.

Baby Hank

And in between, I did a lot of pooling/tanning, a lot of tennis playing (my definition of "a lot" is probably different from most there), some lakeing, and a whole lot of karaoking. I'm exhausted from just writing that out and reliving it in my mind. No wonder I slept through most of Labor Day weekend.

How was your summer?

Dear Baby Hank

2011-09-06T17:04:00.000-05:00

Baby Hank, who will truly be my first unofficial nephew, is on his way! One of my best friends just let me know she's been admitted to the hospital, so please say a prayer that all goes well!

Dearest Baby Hank,

We can't wait to meet you! Nanny Lala apologizes already for the cheek squeezes and moments of exasperation that are sure to come when you poop on her, but just know you are so loved already! Be sweet to your mom today, and don't make her regret this whole Hippie No Drugs thing.

Besides, you've already made her legs swell up like this:

Cankles

And made her belly THIS BIG!

Our First Picture - best buds already

So just come on along and don't be difficult, ok? And come out knowing that I will always have your back and keep your secrets. But you have pretty cool parents, so that probably won't be an issue.

Love you, little buddy!

Nanny Lala

(In case you're wondering, I call my aunt "Nanny." It's a New Orleans family tradition, and one I hope to carry on with my nieces and nephews.)

Kids These Days...

2011-08-30T10:33:00.000-05:00

Head on over to The Uncontainable Truth today and read my latest post, in which I ramble on about my confusions pertaining to good parenting versus good music listening. I have never been quite so aware of my selfishness and just how far away I am from parenthood than when I wrote this. Not that I'm surprised, but still. Hope you enjoy and weigh in, whether you're a parent or not!

I like beards. And pinning.

2011-08-26T07:56:00.001-05:00

I have found a new obsession in Pinterest. Basically, it's an online platform in which you can "pin" things that interest you (see what they did there?) onto "boards" of your choosing. You see something you like while cruising the blogs? Pin it from your toolbar. Browsing Pinterest and find someone who loves the same silly quote posters as you? Follow them and repin everything from them on to yours. We're talking home design, recipes, fashion... you name it. I can't stop. The organizational freak and daydreamer in me is in hog heaven.

You can check out my pins here!

Where else would I have found a gem like this?

Yes, Please.

In Spite of Ourselves

2011-08-26T07:42:00.000-05:00

Dear boyfriend fairy... I would like to meet a wacked out weirdo and lovebug junkie. Please.

In all seriousness, I love this song. It makes me giggle as much as it makes my heart happy. "Won't be nothin' but big ole hearts dancin' in our eyes..." It's a sweet sentiment, no? What more can you ask for, really?

{Lyrics below:}

She don't like her eggs all runny
She thinks crossin' her legs is funny
She looks down her nose at money
She gets it on like the Easter Bunny
She's my baby I'm her honey
I'm never gonna let her go

He ain't got laid in a month of Sundays
I caught him once and he was sniffin' my undies
He ain't too sharp but he gets things done
Drinks his beer like it's oxygen
He's my baby
And I'm his honey
Never gonna let him go

In spite of ourselves
We'll end up a'sittin' on a rainbow
Against all odds
Honey, we're the big door prize
We're gonna spite our noses
Right off of our faces
There won't be nothin' but big old hearts
Dancin' in our eyes.

She thinks all my jokes are corny
Convict movies make her horny
She likes ketchup on her scrambled eggs
Swears like a sailor when shaves her legs
She takes a lickin'
And keeps on tickin'
I'm never gonna let her go.

He's got more balls than a big brass monkey
He's a wacked out weirdo and a lovebug junkie
Sly as a fox and crazy as a loon
Payday comes and he's howlin' at the moon
He's my baby I don't mean maybe
Never gonna let him go

In spite of ourselves
We'll end up a'sittin' on a rainbow
Against all odds
Honey, we're the big door prize
We're gonna spite our noses
Right off of our faces
There won't be nothin' but big old hearts
Dancin' in our eyes.
There won't be nothin' but big old hearts
Dancin' in our eyes.

I can't hear the song without thinking about my friends Lindsay and Taylor. Wanna hear a funny story that would only happen somewhere like Nashville? Good. I'll probably muck this up or exaggerate, since it's a psuedo-secondhand story, but here it goes:

So the first time I met Lindsay and Taylor was at a crawfish boil in my friend Laurel's backyard (I think it was actually the first time I met Laurel, too). And they were singing this song as I walked up. Jump forward a year or so, and Taylor decides he wants to try his hand at the open mic night down at Puckett's Grocery in Franklin. And he and Lindsay had big plans to sing a duet. Taylor got all excited, and then Lindsay lost her nerves and backed out at the last minute. Broke his poor little heart. Killed his hopes and dreams. He may have forgiven her by now.

A few months later, he surprised her with this one night... a song he wrote just for her: "Puckett's Song for Lindsay" (aka "The Flake"). You can hear him explain the story. Accompanied by our buddy Drake White on backup vocals and bongo drums. Please excuse any nausea caused by my front porch swingin' while taping:

And Lindsay's "Redemption":

GTs, yall.

He's back, people.

2011-08-24T10:15:00.000-05:00

Ryan Adams is releasing a new album in October. It's like he KNEW that I needed him. And that I needed something to tell my sister to buy me for my birthday.

You can pre-order Ashes and Fire here. You know this gal has requested the LP Deluxe bundle. Do I need Ryan Adams 3D posters and glasses? Why yes, yes I do.

I think the artwork is just lovely.

And the first single, "Lucky Now," is just as lovely... very Heartbreaker-esque, which makes this heart happy. Listen below.

Lucky Now by ryanadams

The Story of How My Mom Got Banned from Graceland

2011-08-16T13:19:00.004-05:00

Thirty-four years ago today, Elvis Presley died at the age of 42 in Memphis. And on that day, my mother's and my grandmother's hearts shattered. Completely. They've never gotten over it. So let me give you a little background...

My Grandma had my mom at 16. (She and Grandaddy were actually married at 15 and 19, per the normal pre-leaving-for-the-Air Force trend of days past... no shotgun wedding for the Pitts family.) So as you can imagine, she and my mom were pretty tight, being just one generation apart. But they shared more than clothes and hairstyles... they had that quintessential icon with baby blue eyes and shaking hips: Elvis Presley. The King was only a few years older than Gma. They collected his records (most of which I have lovingly "borrowed" throughout the years and added to my collection). They saw his movies. They had dolls, tshirts, posters. They were weak in the knees. All that.

Mom and Grandma, sometime in the 70s.

And Mom and Grandma this past December.

In fact, in 1974, during Mom's senior year at Auburn, Grandma and Grandaddy ventured up to meet Mom and see Elvis perform live at the Coliseum. He was on the verge of "Fat Elvis"... and their lives were forever changed.

So here's the good part. Many of you reading this may know my mother. She may be a lot of things, and I imagine there are a lot of things I don't know about her as a college student, teenager, and young adult, but the Donna Sue I know is pretty straight-laced. Plays it safe. Seems always to have been this way. Never partied. Never did much experimenting. Classic good girl child of the 50s who had a strict father that wouldn't let her date boys with long hair. Right? You can imagine my surprise (and delight) when I was told this story several years ago:

Sometime after the show, Mom got the chance to go to Graceland with a fancy friend from Auburn who lived in Memphis. I think there was a private jet involved, but I get the story confused. Lo and behold, they make it to the Motherland. They were yards away from where Elvis slept, ate, and enjoyed whatever it was he was doing that eventually led to his demise. But get this: the Presleys, including King Elvis, are at home. No tours today. Sorry, ladies, go back to the drawing board.

But ohhhh no, Donna Sue Pitts would not have that. She had not made it to Memphis, thisclose to the love of her 22-year-old life, just to be told to move along. No way. So what did she do? She jumped the fence. Made a run for it. Ran as fast as she could with only one goal in sight: Reach That Front Door. This was her moment. And then she gets tackled by a security guard. Asked to leave. Do Not Return. I imagine there was kicking and screaming involved. Epic FAIL.

So if you ever wonder where I come from, there you have it. My mom was a crazy fan who got banned from Graceland. I've asked her a million times, "What exactly were you going to do when you reached the front door?" She just says, "I don't know... I guess I would have just said hey." Yeah right. Mom was going to take out Priscilla. I know it. (Because that's exactly what I would have done.)

Elvis playing Auburn University, March 5, 1974.

RIP, Elvis. I assure you that you are missed.

Happy Anniversary, Nashville!

2011-08-12T11:37:00.000-05:00

This week marks two years since my move from Birmingham to Nashville. Those were bittersweet days, when I left my comfortable home where I was surrounded by all of my best friends to embark on a new and exciting adventure to a city I'd fallen in love with. And I can't pretend like life has been perfect since making the move... it's been hard. Making and keeping new friends at my age is a whole different ballgame from the other times, in college and right after, when I was younger and more spritely. The job market, frankly, sucks. And I've met people who don't get me, don't appreciate me, and who have hurt me. I've experienced loneliness and disappointment.

But - I've also been inspired, excited, and plain out blissful. I've worked harder, juggled two jobs, and realized the true satisfaction that comes from doing what it takes to finance the lifestyle you want. I've met some truly wonderful people and have strengthened relationships with friends in town I already knew, but also the friends I left behind. I finally found a church that not only works for me, but that has changed my relationship (in a positive way) with God. I've fallen even more deeply in love with music. How could I not? This is the kind of city music lovers flock to for good reason. And most importantly, I've learned to be thankful. Thankful for good and bad experiences, thankful for family and true friends. And thankful for the ability to know the difference.

Cheers, Nashvegas! It sure has been interesting.

The Blue Like Jazz Trailer

2011-08-10T08:38:00.000-05:00

The first Blue Like Jazz Trailer is here! You can read my previous posts about this book-to-movie and my involvement with it here and here.

Looks like at least one of the scenes I was a part of wasn't cut (1:22, when she raises her arms up). Keeping my fingers crossed!

Hallelujah chorus

2011-07-29T16:07:00.000-05:00

Check out my latest post at the Uncontainable Truth, in which I talk about my favorite Hallelujahs. You'll see.

Happy Weekend!

This must be the place

2011-07-27T12:45:00.001-05:00

Saturday, July 23rd. Liz and Reba's last weekend in the apartment.

Over the weekend, I went to Birmingham for a dear friend's wedding, but also to say goodbye to a place that I called home for many years. The apartment on Cahaba Road held witness to only about 2.5 years of my life while I lived in Birmingham, but since Liz and Rebecca have continued to live there since my move to Nashville, I've now spent nearly 5 years sleeping on its couches and stealing snacks from its kitchen. Its kitchen table and front steps have been the place of many a monumental conversation (and many not-so-monumental). It was my home when I decided to change my career, go back to school, and later move away from my friends and comfort zone to another state. It was the only house I've ever shared with two best friends who have been a huge part of my life, as close as family, for more decades. And it was a house that always welcomed me back home to Birmingham with open arms. So now that Liz getting married next weekend, times are a-changing, and new folks will be moving into Apartment A.

I hope it's as good to you as it was to us, new folks. Also - hope you enjoy all the bobbypins.

Brings a tune to mind....

Home is where I want to be, but I guess I'm already there.

Heard that

2011-07-25T18:56:00.000-05:00

I wrote a while ago about my love/hate relationship with cover songs. And just a moment ago, I heard a song that in my mind, unmistakably belonged to my dear Dolly Parton. In fact, as it was on her White Limozeen album that served as my first introduction to Dolly, it's a song I hold near and dear to my heart. Imagine my surprise when I found out SHE was covering REO Speedwagon! Really, I didn't know. I don't know everything, people. Here are the two versions. I vote Dolly. But of course, that's a given.

The original:

I also remembered another "classic" cover over the weekend that I failed to leave off of my list of favorites.

Always. Even Snoop likes it.

Red Rocket Blaze Over Cape Canaveral

2011-07-08T11:07:00.005-05:00

Just minutes ago, NASA successfully launched Atlantis into space, its final space shuttle mission.

Atlantis prepared for launch yesterday, via NASA.gov

I'm listening to the live stream of affirmations that all is well as it flies away (at 15,000 miles an hour!!!), and I can't help but feel so very American. I'm reminded of watching fireworks Monday with friends, all oohing and aahing, with someone noting how rare these moments are that we all feel truly connected with everyone around us. Obviously I can't pretend to have grown up during the race for space. There have always been space shuttles and astronauts during my lifetime. I'm sad for a future without shuttle launches.

On another related note, I never did get to go to Space Camp in Huntsville, which is pretty much a must-do for any kiddo, and especially any kiddo growing up in Alabama. BUT - I just looked it up, and THEY HAVE SPACE CAMP FOR ADULTS! Who wants to fund a trip for me? I'm serious.

Regardless, I have chills and a big, goofy grin on my face after watching it take off. I feel nostalgic for days I only experienced through others' words in books like Rocket Boys, Homer Hickam's memoir about growing up in the Space Age with rocket science hopes and dreams. The movie October Sky was based on it. It's a good read.

So if you missed it, the video is here, and the final countdown begins at 59 minutes.

And I'll be listening to this for the rest of the day. It's a personal favorite and quite poignant today.

Saw the stars get smaller
Tiny diamonds in my memory
I know that victory is sweet
Even deep in the cheap seats

AMERICUH.

When the Rope Gets Tight

2011-06-27T13:33:00.000-05:00

With Ryan Adams's acoustic European tour in full swing (have you seen these freaking setlists???), I've been in DRA Mode. He's played Whiskeytown songs and obscure tracks we never thought we'd hear live. With harmonica! I'm dying over here. And he says he ain't a-coming to the US. Woe is me.

Regardless, I put in Jacksonville City Nights this morning at random, and I'd forgotten how much I love this one.

Summer Reading

2011-06-24T08:18:00.000-05:00

Head on over to The Uncontainable Truth to see my 2011 Summer Reading picks!

Any suggestions for me? Currently I'm working on Sarah Dessen's latest and up next, I'm hopping on the Game of Thrones train! I've had person after person tell me I must read and watch, so I'm gonna. Just give me a little bit of time.

But speaking of popular books-to-Showtime/HBO-in-all-their-graphic-glory... guess what starts back Sunday....

Yesssssssss.

New Tunes for people who like New Tunes

2011-06-20T16:32:00.000-05:00

Here are a few tunes I can't get out of my head. They may not be NEW, but they're new to me.

"Don't Let Me Go" by Korean is Asian
Korean is Asian is local band I heard a few weeks ago at Mercy Lounge, and I haven't gotten this song out of my head since. (Also I met the band, and they are just the friendliest of folks.) Give it a listen. It's truly a lovely song. Great vocals, as you can hear in this version, recorded live on the Ryman's steps. Go to their site for the studio version.

Música Realenga: Korean is Asian - Don't Let Me Go from FrecuenciasAlternas on Vimeo.

"Lost in My Mind" by The Head and the Heart
The Head and the Heart have made their way into casual conversation around here after impressive live shows at the latest festivals, and I have just fallen in love with them. They're based in Seattle and describe themselves on their Facebook page as writing and playing songs that speak to the newness of a fresh start, of the ghosts left behind, of moving forward, all brimming with a soulfulness and hope for a better life than the one we've all been sold. I dig it.

"Gimme the Gun" by Shotgun Lover
Yes, this is a bit of a shameless plug for my friends, and I did take this video, but I can't get it out of my head for real. Their album I Hope You Die Alone was just released a few months ago, and they've already been writing away for a new album. This is the latest, and I love it.

Let me know what you think!

Read these NOW.

2011-06-16T07:46:00.001-05:00

In the past few weeks, I've read two (yes, TWO) books meant for adults. I know. It's crazy. But they were fantastic reads... certainly two of the best I've come across in a hot minute. Seriously. Read them.

First, The Raising by Laura Kasischke

The Raising is a ghost story. But not. A coming-of-age story. But not. A love story. But definitely not. Or is it? You never can truly tell. The book opens with a car accident. A boy cries over the body of a girl. She dies. The campus sweetheart. And while her sorority and what seems like the rest of the campus cries out Murderer!, boyfriend is left grieving the only girl he's ever loved, barely able to talk about what happened or sort it out, even a year later. At the same time, his best friend and roommate has a huuuuge secret. And no one will listen to the woman who saw the accident that night and knows what really happened. And another professor on campus, a specialist in cultural customs associated with death, ghosts, and the like, is brought into the mix when the girl's ghost is spotted on campus. Gritty at times, with crass (realistic) characters and language, I was most impressed by how believable each outlandish situation seemed.

The author switches narrators as well as chronology, an effective tool in this case to keep you guessing until the very end. Perhaps it had been too long since I'd read a good mystery, but I sure didn't see it coming. If you like to read "by season," save this one for the late fall, when the first chill hits. Though the events span throughout the year, you can't escape the fall feel associated with a college campus. I stayed creeped out, but thoroughly invested, until the very last OH CRAP moment. Fun stuff.

Next, and I cannot emphasize this one enough:
One Day by David Nicholls

This book nearly killed me. My heart could barely handle it. I picked it up after reading a review months ago, left it unread on my dresser until it was due back to the library, only to see a trailer for the upcoming movie and knowing I must read it. I'm so so glad I did.

I won't say much, except that this book broke me in a way a book hasn't broken me in a very long time. I took my time with it. For once I didn't want to rush through just to get to the resolution, to find out whether there was a happily ever after. I enjoyed taking my time and pondering... which I think is the biggest difference in GOOD fiction and fill-the-void fiction.

Nicholls writes beautifully, but more importantly, cleverly sets the book up in a way that keeps your interest in the characters while leaving you helplessly unable not to compare the characters to yourself and the people impacting your own life. In the 20-year span covered in the story, the characters grow and change, love and lose, become both disappointed and enchanted with life, and with each other. Beginning on the day they meet, on the day after their college graduation, each chapter chronicles the lives of Emma and Dexter on July 15th from 1988 to 2007. Your heart breaks for them time after time, and yet you also find yourself smiling at the touching moments shared between the friends whose relationship evolves as they grow up and grow older, examining that heartbreaking gap between the way we were and the way we are. The characters are very real. Likeable and not, at times. Full of British quirk. I won't give a thing away about the ending, though, as I was a good little girl and for once didn't read ahead or sneak peaks, finding myself completely shocked with the chain of events... again, didn't see that coming. But I'm glad for it.

But I sit now, having just finished. And my heart aches. I feel sick to my stomach, and I am crying at my desk. And I want to re-read it tonight. Go. Pick. It. Up. Now.

Here's the trailer for the movie, if you'd like to watch. Looks like they stayed true to the story, but we'll see in August. I hope they don't ruin it.

And she makes 14. (An ode to Kathryn Tucker Windham.)

2011-06-14T08:37:00.000-05:00

An Alabama legend died yesterday. Kathryn Tucker Windham, fantastic storyteller most known for writing 13 Alabama Ghosts and Jeffrey, was undoubtedly one of my favorite characters to ever walk this earth. If you're from Alabama and anywhere close to my generation, you know the book. You grew up reading it in your schools as a kid, or maybe even on spooky nights as an adult. I can't begin to tell you the influence her stories had on me and my tastes as a reader. And fears as a kiddo who believed(s) every story. But more than anything, the woman was an inspiration. She was smart, educated, and so funny. When I worked at the Booksmith, KTW called regularly, as she was a good friend of Jake, the store's owner. In her late 80s then, I loved to talk to her and overhear their conversations. Her wit and sense of humor was sharper than mine ever hopes to be.

I had the privilege to meet her back in 2009, a story I detailed in a blog post here. We talked about ghosts and the famous Jeffrey, she gave me a corn muffin, and she signed my original copy of 13 Alabama Ghosts, inscribing it: "To Lauren, who still likes true ghost stories. Hauntingly yours, Kathryn Tucker Windham."

From talking with her, I can imagine that she wouldn't be happier than floating on now as a spirit alongside Jeffrey in her beloved Selma. Id' believe it. KTW, you'll be missed, but certainly never forgotten.

If you aren't familiar with her storytelling, check this out:

fds

Green with Envy

2011-06-12T10:45:00.000-05:00

November cannot get here fast enough. I've talked about my odd love for the Muppets on several occasions, and Jason Segel never fails to entertain me. I've been stoked since they announced he was writing the script for a new Muppets film. And now... It's HERE!

Hardy... har... har?

2011-06-07T07:55:00.000-05:00

Apparently I should never laugh in public, in case someone catches that moment on film and I ruin a perfectly good picture. Here's a group of us at Charlsie's wedding:

Ohhhhhh look at da pretty balloons.....

And last week, with some of my best friends at a party in Birmingam (I'm on the right, with the red necklace):

Herd da derrrrrp

Seriously. What is my problem?

We've Got Tonight

2011-06-01T07:41:00.000-05:00

Who needs tomorrow?

Why am I just seeing this now? Kenny and Dolly are my all-time favorite duo. I'll never forget being a kid and listening to "Islands in the Stream" in my mom's car, sorely disapointed when she informed me that no, they weren't a real life couple who sang together all the time and had tons of albums. But for the songs they do collaborate on, I am thankful.

Check out that look on Kenny's face at 1:04. That's exactly how I feel every time I hear her sing. Also don't cut it off too early, or you'll miss some good stage banter and Dolly making fun of her famous knockers.

Speaking of dystopia...

2011-05-26T07:30:00.000-05:00

With the Cicada Invasion going on here in Nashville, I'm honestly a bit surprised we aren't facing an apocalypse. Check out my friend Laurel's blog, in which she (with great humor) talks about the disgusting critters and why they are making us all crazy. I would write my own post, but I fear I would copy hers completely, because I couldn't have described it better.

[Oh, herro there. I am going to swarm at your head and make you squeal like a little girl now, ok?]

Well, folks, unless we are all horribly mistaken about faith and such, and there are just a few obscure folks who have it right and haven't been reported missing yet, the Rapture didn't happen. And while the jokes were funny, I'm glad to know I wasn't the only one to have it on my mind all weekend, thinking, "But... what if?" I enjoyed Jon Acuff's point in the linked blog post that everyone thought Moses was nuts, too.

Sunny with a chance of Rapture via graphjam.com

Regardless, I couldn't help but feel a bit saddened on Sunday while reading the news, and hearing stories like this about a man who so believed it was The End, that he spent his life savings on billboards and marketing, with the intention of spreading the Word to others to repent while there was still time. While I don't think scare tactics and fire and brimstone is always a good method, and I think these folks were showing the world yet another loony face of Christianity... I also keep thinking how let down this man must have thought in those moments. Did he think he was left behind? That God had abandoned him? Obviously he felt confident this was happening. I just feel bad for him. Surely we all know how it feels to adamantly attest to something, to believe you're right whole-heartedly, and then that horrible feeling that comes when you find out you're wrong? I can't imagine how I would feel if one of my steadfast beliefs about God and Jesus didn't come to fruition, and all the atheists were pointing and laughing, saying "Told ya!" Am I crazy for my my sympathy?

But... LIFE goes on. It'll happen one day, folks. I, for one, am glad for a bit more time to enjoy here. And while I didn't quite succeed in my Pre-Rapture To-Do List (due to some technical difficulties and general mood swings, I wasn't the happiest of campers for most of Friday), I think some of my points can be adopted for everyday thought. Live like you're dying. Yep. Plus, in a classic cause of "Ooopsie!", they're now pointing to October 21st. Oh, goodie.

So here is something you should entertain yourself with while we're all still here...

I first wrote about The Hunger Games a little over a year ago, and now they're making a movie. I highly anticipate this to become household name stuff, because it's really just that good. And much, much smarter than a lot of book-to-movie plots out there that garner huge fan followings. But we'll see. And while I was very skeptical about casting so far, I'm excited about this:

Jennifer Lawrence makes for a pretty good Katniss, yes? We'll see what they do with Dude from The Kids Are All Right as Peeta and Miley's Ex as Gale. Elizabeth Banks and Woody Harrelson have signed on as well for the parts of Effie Trinket and Haymitch, with Stanley Tucci as Caesar Flickerman. And Lenny Kravitz as Cinna. (!!!!!) These decisions actually make me happy. I'm trying to lose my anal-retentiveness when it comes to books-to-movies. Or else I'll always be bitter. And let's face it, bitter doesn't look good on me. Check out a pretty cool slideshow of the cast so far here.

And if you haven't read them yet and like smart, entertaining, futuristic, and thought-provoking dystopian fiction with a hint of romance and lots of action... read them now. Actually, if you don't think you like that kind of fiction, read them now anyway. I promise you won't be disappointed. After sharing the plot with Sister, even SHE is interested in reading them. That should tell you something.

Hey, Hey The End is Coming

2011-05-19T17:03:00.001-05:00

Surely you've heard that the Rapture is scheduled for Saturday? Well now you know. According to ~~this group of crazies~~ the folks at Family Radio, headed up by Harold Camping, it's coming. So be ready. Sound the trumpets, yall.

I first heard word of this when billboards popped up in Green Hills months ago, but I'd mostly forgotten until the past few weeks, when Post-Rapture Looting Parties began popping up on my newsfeed. Which give me quite a chuckle. Plus, I'm having flashbacks of Girard Middle School, 1994, when ole Harold's camp speculated The End was near. I actually had a few friends whose church held an all-night vigil, and being the mean 11-year-olds we were, we gave them a hard time when they showed up to school the next day unraptured.

So of course, though I may waiver in my feelings of literal translation of teh Bible, I do tend to believe that when God says we don't know when The Day is coming, no one knows. And especially not Harold. But they're standing firm, and "back up" their claims. You can check their site out here, or watch the video below:

Now, of course I take the idea of the Rapture and the End of the World seriously. I don't mock the idea in general, and like my pastor Pete Wilson says in his blog entry on the topic, I feel bad to poke fun at other believers, for surely they think they're doing a good thing here. But when it comes down to it, I'd rather laugh.

But I can't help but think that if The End were near, what have I crossed from the Bucket List I wrote back in 2008? Not much, I'm afraid. Actually, not one thing from it. Wow. If anything, I've added to it. I did finish my Masters and move, though not to what I'd described as a "thriving metropolis." And I got to ride on a stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Getting closer and closer to that tattoo (if only I'd put "a nose ring or tattoo" instead). Otherwise... I'm slacking. I think it's time to regroup.

But if I DO have only two days left, or maybe around 30 hours, if we're talking midnight on May 20th, here's what I want to accomplish:

No frowning. I will smile and enjoy my last days, even for the 8 hours I'm slaving in front of a computer and the 8 hours I'll spend waitressing tonight.
Make sure all of my loved ones know I love and appreciate them.
Be thankful for all of the things I've been blessed with in this life so far and not dwell on all the things I believe my life lacks.
Do some laughing. Like the pee-in-your-pants kind of laughing.
Probably do some post-laughter laundry.
Spend some time in prayer. And quality time, too. Not "nodding off to sleep and actually falling asleep in the middle of it as an afterthought before I go to sleep" prayer.
Revelry. I'm going to rejoice, dammit. Good thing I'm headed to Birmingham tomorrow to be among 95% of my most bestest of friends to celebrate Lizzie and Kerry's engagement.
Make a playlist of all of the End of the World songs.
Since #18 of my original list will be hard to accomplish in a day, perhaps I'll grab one of my friends or even a random and make out with him a bit. And he better be one hell of a kisser.

I'll leave you with my favorite End of the World song, or at least the first one that popped into my head and now won't leave it, from Nashville band Luna Halo:

But really, let's just all be nice to each other during these End of Days. Conor Oberst says it best in LNSO:
To love and to be loved... Let's just hope that is enough.

(PS: I sure do hope God has a sense of humor.)

Do these things. Yes, now.

2011-05-17T16:49:00.002-05:00

1. Check out my latest post on The Uncontainable Truth, in which I introduce Christen and Raleigh's readers to Mumford and Sons, and discuss my love of the F Bomb. Not really. But kinda.

2. Go see Bridesmaids. It's just really so funny. So, so funny. Here's a clip from one of my favorite scenes.

Kristen Wiig is my hero. Seriously. She's hilarious and I want to completely copy her hairstyle and wardrobe from the entire film. But for real, go get a good laugh in before the Rapture comes Saturday and mass hysteria hits. You won't regret it. Unless you're easily offended and put off by dirty words. If you couldn't handle The Hangover, stay at home and be boring.

3. Check out the Fleet Foxes's new album, Helplessness Blues. Never heard of the Fleet Foxes? Listen to the tunes below from a few videos I took Friday night at their show at the Ryman, as well as some other favorites. I've loved them since coming upon their first album several years ago. Their sound is hard to describe... almost ethereal, really. Four-part all-male harmonies backed by serious jams. Makes me want to grow a beard and hang out in the mountains. (It's no surprise they hail from Portland.) These boys make truly beautiful music together, folks. And their live show was fantastic. There were six band members on stage and probably 20 instruments they handed off and switched between, many times in the middle of songs. I'm not talking about different guitars... I saw two flutes, a stand-up base, fiddle, mandolin, three pianos/keys, maracas, and so many others. My friends and I left in awe and completely impressed. And we weren't the only ones... the Ryman crowd was out of control, hooting and hollering and going on much longer and more loudly than the usual post-show-and-in-between-song cheering. The boys were obviously overwhelmed by the reception, as lead singer Robin Pecknold kept stopping to say "Wow, I just... wow," thanking the crowd for the best night of their tour yet. And a few band members brought out their cameras to take a picture from the stage. It was truly... awesome. Check 'em out. I recommend both albums for laid-back Summer-and-Fall Porch Music.

You're welcome.

Nothin' on earth that'll get me hummin'...

2011-04-27T16:16:00.001-05:00

... Like a heat wave comin', I'll come runnin'...

Any Clint Black fans out there? Oh, 90's country. Love you so.

Anyway, summer's coming folks. No doubt. And I'm proud to say that I, with a little help from some friends, successfully managed to bring my patio back from the dead. Maybe my thumb isn't as black as I've always thought. Time will tell.

Before:

After:

Weeded, pressure-washed brick, hung ferns and flowers (from local Produce Place down the road)

Knockout Roses, Salvia, and Marigolds in the bed (with Ronnie II the AU gnome keeping watch).
Planted white azalea to remind me of home in the bucket.

So while I'm planting and gearing up for summer, I've been working on a summer playlist. I tend to listen to music in seasons... while sometimes particular artists lend themselves to more, um, melancholy winter days, mostly I've found that particular albums make their way into rotation when the sun comes out. We all know I love sad singers and slow tunes, but some days you just need upbeat and cheery. And this year, I've got some good'ns for my summer tunes. You can scroll through and sample my (always in-progress) YouTube mix below.

And here are some of my current favorites from the mix (not repeating some of the musicians/bands I post on the reg, but you know they make the list):

This whole album is my anthem for the summer.

Seeing them in 2.5 weeks!

Obviously.

I think Johnny would approve.

This Man.

I think I'm sweating vicariously now.

So what am I missing? Anything you disagree with? (Don't forget, lots more here.)

Easter Traditions

2011-04-26T12:03:00.002-05:00

Check out my lastest guest post at The Uncontainable Truth: "Church, Lunch, and Dolly."

Easter priorities, people.

(Dang, I should have added Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs to that title.)

Best Weekend of 2011 So Far

2011-04-13T23:32:00.001-05:00

I headed over to Atlanta this past weekend, to celebrate Sara Beth's birthday, visit with friends, and (what else?) see a show. What I didn't anticipate was discovering THE most legit honky tonk I've ever stepped foot in.

Friends, let me introduce you to Southern Comfort in Conley, Georgia, just south of Atlanta. And yes, this is coming from someone raised in southern Alabama and who lives in Nashville. At Southern Comfort, the waitresses call you sweetie and the old men just want to dance. The dance floor is huge, as are the hairdos and derrières. The country crooners on the stage played nothing but good old country, with a little Fleetwood Mac thrown in for good measure. I was in Heaven. In all seriousness, I'm beginning to think my version of Heaven is in some form of honky tonk.

Borrowed from southerncomfortbar.com

Here are a few pics I took (forgive the quality... it was dark and smoky inside):

First thing I see when I walk in. Cowboy band. Big fans. Jukebox.

Dance floor. Can you see the dude with the black tshirt toward the middle? He was a STUD.

It was a fun time. I wanna go back.

On Sunday, we donned our red and blue and MARTA'd over to a Braves game (my first since probably 1994 or so). Unfortunately we watched the Braves lose, but I did enjoy my stadium dog and big ole' Dr. Pepper. Got my Tomahawk Chop on.

Sara Beth has skills, plus a view of the rest of the nosebleeds.

But there really is nothing like the view from the cheap seats.

And seeing downtown Atlanta in the distance.

But my favorite part of the day was seeing the Avett Brothers, who played a free show at Turner Field after the game (the primary reason I ventured to ATL in the first place). Now, you all my remember I saw the Avetts on my birthday back in October at the Ryman, which was undoubtedly one of the best times I've ever had at a concert. Sunday rivaled it. We scurried down to get seats close to the field (it was free-for-all general admission after the game for the show), and had a pretty decent view. I was worried about the sound in the stadium, but those worries were in vain. The poor NC boys were hot and sweating up a storm, but mannnnn they sounded good. Nothing. NOTHING makes me dance and stomp and jump and scream and beat on chairs or railings or people around me with reckless abandon more than hearing the Avetts live. It's an unrivaled music experience for me that I cannot recommend more if you enjoy their music or any music with a banjo and fiddle.

Here's a pic the band posted on their Facebook. They are literally in air. Jumped around the whole time. They each have their own unique foot stomp/jump technique that is hard not to embody when you're watching.

Photo via Avett Brothers

And a video I took of them performing "Shame," one of my favorites. I tried to stand still, but it was quite difficult. Didn't even attempt another video.

They also played a good bit from I and Love and You. One of my favorite moments in their shows is when they sing the ending lines of "I and Love and You," and they, along with the audience, hold up three fingers during three words that became hard to say and count off I and Love and You. It's pretty cool to see 25,000+ people all together so into something like that. You can see it really well in this video (not taken by me), from Sunday.

And a pretty cool image I stole from their fan photos on Facebook.

three words that became hard to say...

Followed the day with grilling out, card games, and sitting around listening to friends play music.

Best. Weekend. Ever.

An Open Letter to 18-Year-Old Me

2011-04-13T10:28:00.000-05:00

I can't claim this as an original idea... totally stole it from my internet buddy Kevin. But I do think it's a pretty good exercise. I wonder if 10 years from now, 38-year-old Me will want to punch 28-year-old Me in the face as much as 28-year-old me wants to do the same for the recipient of this letter.

Dear 18-year-old Lauren,

It's your senior year in high school. You're about to go to college, leave home. Embark on this crazy life. And it's gonna get weird. The next 10 years aren't going to be anything like you expect them to be. But don't freak out. I know you want to, but don't. Because they're going to be even better. Here are a few pointers and things I wish you'd known:

+ Quit trying to plan everything... especially your life. You're setting yourself up for lots of disappointments and will potentially miss out on lots of surprises.

+ You are sooooo going to regret that cheesy senior quote in the yearbook. Please get a clue and start expanding your musical tastes now. It's for your own good. Plus you look a lot less silly tearing up over emotional songs and having crushes on singers when you're 18.

+ This is probably the last time in your life when you are absolutely sure you know what you want. Relish in that, even if what you want is kinda lame.

+ You know how there are all these people who you really want to impress now by not being yourself? Most of them turn out to be pretty douchey. Embrace that inner dork. She's weird, but pretty cool.

+ Start forming your own opinions. You'll need them later.

+ Lauren, honey, you are no where near fat. You don't even weigh enough to give blood at the school blood drive, for the love of God. So embrace that metabolism. Your future self will thank you if you start appreciating exercise now, though. Oh, and steer clear of Big Blue Bagel freshman year in college. The honey mustard is NOT worth it.

+ There's nothing wrong with aspiring to be a wife and mother, but it would be pretty cool (and very convenient a few years later when you don't have a husband/baby daddy lined up) to have discovered real career aspirations earlier in life. So start really thinking about that. (PS: You want to be a librarian. Or an English teacher.)

+ PUT DOWN THE DANIELLE STEELE. Sure, you do read books that are worthwhile and all, but really? You're going to stay up until 2am on a school night reading something with a Fabio cover and then bitch in English the next day about how much you hated Heart of Darkness? Oh, wait. That's not gonna change. That book sucks. But seriously - I know your boyfriend is away at college, and you're sad and need a romance pick-me-up happy-ending novel, but try some Jane Austen instead.

And you know what? You're pretty cute. And have pretty great skin. Work it, sister.

Love,
You at 28

My (Bright) Eyes, Part 2

2011-03-27T17:57:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago, I wrote what I realize now was a terribly inept and poor excuse of an introduction to Bright Eyes. I say this because in the weeks since seeing them live at the Tabernacle in Atlanta, I've been completely consumed, obsessed with hearing every bit of music Conor Oberst has ever put out there. How fitting is it that I titled that post "Here It Come, That Heavy Love" (lyrics from "Shell Games)? Because ohhh the heavy love is here. I haven't felt this way about music since I first discovered Ryan Adams. I feel like I'm cheating, really. Why didn't I jump on these trains 10 years ago, when it was much more appropriate to publicly emote like this about music and musicians? Oh, right. Because I have more teen angst now than I ever did as an actual teen.

Regardless, I'm in awe of his songwriting. From the angsty bleeding-heart beginning stuff to the much more mature, "interpret it how you want," tracks in his latest album. I love the country twang and the bizarro clips. I get it, as much as you can really get these things. And it makes me happy. Even when it's making me sad. "Now sorrow is pleasure when you want it instead." The show in Atlanta was incredible, and I certainly wasn't expecting to be overwhelmed. I hadn't yet taken to Conor's trembling voice or really gotten my hands on that much of his back catalog. But I was just blown away by what a solid live performance the whole band gave. And grateful to my friends who had made some personal and proverbial greatest hits lists for me... There are rumors that this is the band's last tour, and given the setlists I'm seeing with songs rarely played and especially those old favorites, it felt a bit like a departure tour.

But it made for one hell of a good time. And when I realized they were playing Nashville at the Ryman on March 17th, the night before my LASIK surgery, I decided that it would be a great way to go out if something went terribly wrong and I lost my eyesight the next morning. Great music and sweet visuals, and I'm not just talking about the not-so-hard-on-the-eyes frontman. Yeah, that'll do.

So for the first time ever, I went to a show by myself. Got a seat in the second row of the balcony, and had a good ole tentative last hurrah with the eyeballs. Here are a couple of videos I took, plus some more of my favorites other folks recorded at the Tabernacle. Crazy to hear all the crowd singing along. I bet THEY were on the Conor train a long time ago, as I was surprised that most of the people there were not, in fact, teenagers.

Hope you enjoy. I know I did.

Four Winds (Conor says he puts on his metaphorical cowboy boots for this one... indeed)

We Are Nowhere And It's Now
(which, on most days, is my favorite Bright Eyes song)

How could you forget your yellow bird?

Beginner's Mind (Phone messed up, and I missed the very end of it, but there's some good chit-chat at the beginning.)

Poison Oak, from the Tabernacle show (none of these are my videos)

Old Soul Song, at the Tabernacle

Lua, at the Tabernacle

If you're still with me, I thank you.

My (Bright) Eyes, Part 1

2011-03-27T14:15:00.004-05:00

Disclaimer: Sorry if this is a bit long, but there were tons of people who asked me for all the details after I had LASIK surgery last week, and I didn't want to leave out any details.

I am writing this with new eyes. Well, technically I have the same actual eyeballs in my head as I've had for the past 28 years, but thanks to a fancy laser and a sizeable chunk of cash (which I'll happily be paying off on a nice Care Credit 0% interest plan), I have tossed the librarian look to the side and am seeing clearly now. With 20/15 vision. Yes, you read that correctly. Better. Than. Perfect.

A lot of folks have asked for my review of the LASIK procedure, and at about a weeks out, I'm ready to give mine. Having spent the better part of the last week with eyes so sensitive to light that I've literally been in my office, lights off, monitors dimmed, wearing sunglasses, and still uncomfortable... it's time.

First of all, I'll say I didn't have terrible vision. This isn't something I desperately needed, but have wanted for about 10 years. My prescription was something like -1.5/-1.75. I needed no aid in seeing up close for reading, computing, having face-to-face conversations, or seeing anything else up to about 2 feet away. But the problem is that my eyes won't tolerate contacts, forcing me to wear glasses at all times, something inconvenient (and expensive) for a clumsy, accident-prone person always on the go. I can't tell you how many pairs I've gone through, either because I lost them, dropped them, dropped and stepped on them, threw them away, had them land in someone's lap at a table I was waiting on... seriously.

So when I discovered my vision insurance here at work took care of half the cost, I went straight in for a consultation. And I was shocked when the doc gave me the ok, as this was not my first consultation rodeo. In fact, I first inquired about the surgery when I was 18, and Grandma desperately wanted to buy it for me for my high school graduation gift. So for 10 years, docs have told me to wait it out... my prescription had to be steady... revisit it as you get closer to 30... So cheers to there being something exciting about finally reaching the "closer to 30" mark. Yeah.

Anyway, to make a long story short, the procedure was simple.

Basically it went all went down like this:

Wake up early and have friend drive me to the Vision Center place for 8:20 appointment. (I went with LodenVision here in Nashvillle.)
Get there and immediately down the Valium I'm given.
Pretty nervous. Valium, please kick in quicker, thanks.
Yayyyyyyy so happy right now. Oh wait, a laser is about to cut my eye and what if it goes wrong and ohhh... yayyyy happpyyyyy.
Get prepped. Numbing drops on eyes then doc takes a Sharpie to write on them for laser alignment purposes. I'm giggly and nervous (the doc is also kind of cute, which makes this worse), and I end up with Sharpie mark across my forehead.
Get called in, lay down on dentist-like chair.
First procedure: they attach a suction cup thingy to my eyeballs, one at a time, which causes you to lose all vision in that eye for the moment. Very freaky. Quickly you're under the machine that (using a cold laser, apparently) cuts a flap in your eye. Doc is guiding it. Can't blink. Extremely uncomfortable, but no pain. Nerves. NERVES.
So glad they weren't lying to me that the vision loss was temporary. I probably asked 8 times.
Swiveled over for second procedure, in which you actually see as the doc pulls the flap over from your eye (again, one at a time), and sticks you under the laser. It's super freaky to see him use a tool right there on your eye and observe how with the layer moving, you lose any sort of focused vision.
I'M IN A SPACESHIP!!!!!
Wait, no. I'm not. It's a laser. Trying to focus on blinking orange light, despite the fact that I can't really focus. Doc is saying "Lauren, focus. FOCUS." He's very soothing. I'm freaking out and feeling biggest idiot ever for not being able to just focus my eyes (find out later when chatting with other patients that this was pretty common).
Same for other eye. Then... it's over! I get up and walk back into the waiting room and am told to sit back and rest. Keep eyes closed. No problem doing that, seeing as I feel like I have 3-year-old contacts in my eyes, or maybe some sandpaper. It's a bit like that feeling when you've just gotten some soap in your eyes and you feel like you need to keep blinking t hem, but it's painful to do so, so you just squeeze them shut and test it out every few seconds. But I'm able to sneak a peek at the TVs and realize I can, in fact, see them pretty clearly. Fabulous goggles and sunglasses are on.
Yes, doc, I get it. Won't rub my eyes for a month. No makeup for a week. No water in eyes. Keep drops going. Right, right.
Dear God, I just want to be home where I can pass out. They tell me this will be much better when I wake up.
30 minutes later, they check me out, painfully shine one of those evil ophthalmologist lights into my new eyes, give me the ok, and send me on my way. My friend James, bless his sweet heart, was waiting on me and took me to get my meds, which included two drops, some Lortab, and Lunesta. It was 10:30am or so at this point.
Got home. Tried to sleep. Completely could not. Damn you, valium, for failing me! Finally gave in and popped a Lortab (I'm not a fan of pain meds), and slept until about 5. Got up a few times in between and marveled at my sight, painfully sent out a few text messages to let my boss and close friends and parents know I was doing ok and going to be sleeping (but was not blinded!).
Once I got up and ate something, I was feeling pretty good. Not looking so hot. Eyes were swollen and very red, and I realized then I had little blood pools from where the suction cups had been (they're still there now, but not as noticeable). Yuck.
And that was that. A week later I'm finally wearing makeup again. Have had a bit more sensitivity and irritation than some, but I'm not surprised, since it was my oh-so-extra-sensitive eyes were the reason I couldn't wear contacts in the first place. But it hasn't been bad. I spent a couple of mornings driving into work scared for my life and those around me since I was driving with one arm shielding my face. I've slept in the goggles for a week and worn them whenever I was around people smoking or outside with all the pollen around on dryer days. We're trying to figure out how they will best be made into a Halloween costume.
And now, on day 10, I'm pretty much good to go. Seeing perfectly. Sensitivity is gone. I notice my eyes get more tired than before, so that by latenight when I'm reading or playing on my phone, focusing up close takes some effort. But I am not really one to rest much, especially my eyes.
I hated the fact that I couldn't wear any eye makeup for a week. It's a vanity thing. I just don't think I look as good without it. Plus almost every day someone asked me if I was upset, having allergy problems, or was stoned out of my mind. Awesome.

Right after the procedure.

Self-portrait later that day. Not feeling so hot. Or pretty.

Day 2. MUCH better. Also wearing first pair of non-Rx shades in about 5 years.

This is what I looked like at work most of the week. Lights off (except lamp) and shades on. Had to convince the folks who didn't know about my surgery that I was not, in fact, nursing a 5-day hangover.

So overall, it's awesome to see and not wear glasses. And to have this hi-def vision. The docs say it will get better and better. It's not perfect... focusing up close takes a bit more effort right now, and I see halos around lights at night (something that may not go away, but is definitely worth the trade). But so far it's awesome. AWESOME. If you're thinking about doing it at all, I say... do it yesterday. You won't regret it.

Next is Part 2, which is how I spent the night before my surgery, which could have very well been, should things have gone horribly awry, my last night with sight.

Erin Go Bragh!

2011-03-17T14:29:00.000-05:00

I have never known what that meant until I looked it up a second ago. ("Ireland Forever," roughly.)

I do love St. Patrick's Day. Any day with an excuse to be silly and dress up and act the fool appeals to me. Here's a pic from one of my favorite St. Patty's Days, spent in Savannah 5 years ago with some of my favorite friends. It's also the weekend my best friend Lizzie (bottom left) met Kerry (top, 2nd from left). They're getting married in a few months.

Anyway, St. Patty's Day reminds me there are so many musicians hailing from Ireland who I love dearly. Here's a weee little sample for ya.

The Cranberries

Glen Hansard

Damien Rice

Van Morrison

Dropkick Murphys (who are my favorite Irish/Celtic influenced artists, though they're from Massachusetts)

Flogging Molly (lead singer is from Dublin)

Who can forget Sinead O'Connor?

And U2

Got stuck ~~in a moment~~ on U2 for a while and couldn't pick which one I wanted to post.

Happy St. Patty's to you! I'm seeing Bright Eyes again tonight at the Ryman, and then having LASIK surgery bright and early in the a.m. No green beer for me!

Mean People Suck

2011-02-28T09:19:00.001-06:00

Happy Monday, friends! If you're anywhere near me, you're probably willing to part with an extremity or two in exchange for being at home and back in bed. Regardless I send my apologies to Karen Carpenter, because this rainy day and Monday isn't getting me down. I'm all moved in to my new place, and moving day went as smoothly as could ever be possible. The weather was beautiful, nothing was damaged, and I never lost it. Not once.

So to start off your week, head on over to The Uncontainable Truth to check out my first guest post, all about mean people, why they suck, and who I'd like to kick in the shins at the moment. Enjoy!

(banner c/o Raleigh Price)

Welcome!

2011-02-24T12:47:00.001-06:00

To the readers of The Uncontainable Truth... welcome!

To the others, an explanation: My friends Raleigh and Christen Price write an incredibly inspiring and informative website/blog based on faith, family, and, well, life in general, and they have quite a following. I've known the pair since we were mere youngins, having grown up in the same hometown. Clad in maroon and gold, Christen and I shared the bond of cheering together in high school. We all went on to study at Auburn, continuing to cheer from the sidelines. They are truly two of the kindest, funniest, and just all-around best people I know. The kind of people who bring a smile to your face and make your heart happy. And they also are not afraid to talk openly and honestly about their struggles with faith and ongoing relationships with God.

So the pair dated for what seemed like forever. All through high school and college. Finally got married. I'll never forget the moment in their wedding when they asked the preacher to tell their loved ones to have patience, that it's worth the wait. Don't Settle. Trust in God's Plan. I took it to heart.

Fast forward a few years. Christen gets pregnant. It's TWINS! Crazy. But then something happens. The twin girls come early. Too early. They're struggling. Christen and Raleigh are struggling. And Christen, perhaps purposely or perhaps not, begins writing. Her everyday blog turns into this testament about faith, feelings of pain, anger, and fear, all the while holding tight to a steadfast belief that God has not abandoned her or her babies while they fought to survive. Again, with the patience. Their gut-wrenching honesty and optimism inspired me daily.

Survive they did, and now, ten months later, the girls are up and (almost literally) running. They're doing well, and Christen's "little blog" enjoys quite a large number of readers. They've added book and music reviews, entertainment suggestions, and general thoughts about parenthood. I especially enjoyed Christen's ramblings about how she could possibly still be cool and rock a (now necessary) minivan at the age of 26. Next on their list... guest posts. And I have been asked to write.

Me with Raleigh and Christen at their wedding in 2007

Adeline and Maralee Price

So check back soon, as I will be sharing a link to my first guest post from The Uncontainable Truth. I'm beyond honored and flattered, and I hope not to disappoint.

Stagnant

2011-02-24T12:20:00.001-06:00

Life has been crazy lately... but not necessarily mine. As I said in a previous post, I'm looking forward to several weddings this year, and not just because of the parties, food/booze, and gathering with friends. I get to witness and take part in the weddings of people who are important in my life. I'm honored to have been asked to read a verse from Ephesians in one, while in another I'll stand right up there as a bridesmaid in my best friend's wedding. In another, for a good friend with whom I share this impeccable music taste, I've been asked to help with music selections (she flatters me). I anticipate going through a lot of Kleenex in my near future.

In addition to all of the weddings, I've had three friends announce pregnancies, all due the same week in September and all unplanned, but everyone is excited and welcoming these new little nuggets with open arms and happy hearts. I'm thrilled for my friends, and I have realized two things lately: 1: The rhythm method is NOT to be trusted; and 2: By the time I have babies, all of these kiddos will be around to babysit! Score!

With all of this going on around me, I can't help but feel my life is a bit stagnant. When I bump into someone I haven't seen in a while and they ask "what's new?", my response comes as a mumbling of "blahblah work blahblah moving blahblah concerts" and the like. I'm 28 and single. Stable. Doing well. Plugging along. All that jazz. But I think this is ok. I'm happy for my friends. I love my friends. And I genuinely want to be there for every bit of the festivities possible. $3.29/gallon gas prices won't stop me from driving South. I can't express what it was like to be there with my best friend as she made the final decision on which dress she'd wear on her wedding day. Cheesy as it is, these are those moments.

I tend to be a narcissist. It came very much be All About Me sometimes. It terrifies me to think of how many times I use the words "I" or "me" in my blog writing or speaking. Moving into my own place excites me, not because I want to walk around naked or not worry about someone else's dishes, but mostly because I want to have MY space filled with MY things. Me me ME. It's something I (attempt to) keep in check. And I'm long overdue on a post about the implications of this in my spiritual life. I struggle daily with replacing the thought of "What can God do for ME?" with "What can I do for God?" Daily. It's relentless.

But right now... it's not about me. It's about them. It's about Him. It's about soaking it all in and sharing this crazy life with all of those people around me I love. Birds are falling from trees, people. The earth is quaking. Auburn and Alabama fans are working together for a common good. This could very well be the end of days.

And I have a feeling 2011 will have some surprises in store for me as well.

"Here it come, that Heavy Love"

2011-02-24T11:09:00.001-06:00

I'm ashamed to say the first time I'd ever heard of Bright Eyes was when I read a few years ago in People magazine that Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz had danced to "First Day of My Life" at their wedding. Looked up the song and loved it. Then later randomly downloaded a Conor Oberst song, "Cape Canaveral," not realizing he was the Bright Eyes frontman and supposed lyrical genius with a cult following similar to that of my dear Ryan Adams.

"First Day of My Life" from I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning

"Cape Canaveral" from Conor Oberst (solo album)

Steadily over the past few years, they've shown up more and more on my radar, but I'd resisted. I partake in enough cult-like followings, thankyouverymuch. But then, once I realized my friends who share the same intense Ryan love (HH4L) actually have similar obsessions with Conor/Bright Eyes. He was their Ryan before Ryan entered the picture. These are good people with good tastes. I trust them. And on a whim, I bought tickets to join them in Atlanta next weekend for a show, following last week's release of The People's Key.

So I've been listening. Taking it all in. Conor's warbly voice took some getting used to. He can be a downer in that beautiful kind of way. (Plus, let's face it... from Damien to Ryan to now Conor... I dig the downers.) But all of his songs are not about love (or loss). And every album is incredibly different. But he's a solid songwriter, and I like that he mixes it up. And he's quirky. I like quirky. I have some favorites to share for any of you not familiar as I once was, from past albums and the latest. The People's Key took a while to grow on me... it's a bit more mellow than I'd like for these gray winter days, but it's a solid album. Highs and lows. Good writing. Plenty of quirk.

I'm very much looking forward to the show next weekend. It will be my first time seeing a show at the Tabernacle in Atlanta, and I'll share it with some of my favorite people on this planet.

"Arc of Time (Time Code)" from Digital Ash in a Digital Urn

"You Will. You? Will. You? Will. You? Will." from Lifted or The Story Is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground

"At the Bottom of Everything" from I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning

My favorite (and first release) from the new album:
"Shell Games" from The People's Key

I love the stanza that begins at 3:16.

Plus, he's pretty. Just sayin'.

Swell Season

2011-02-02T11:50:00.000-06:00

You may recognize The Swell Season from 2008, when they made themselves kinda famous by winning a bunch of Grammies and an Oscar for the song "Falling Slowly," from the movie Once. The duo, Irish singer Glen Hansard and Czechi Markéta Irglová starred in the movie, and consequently fell in love and dated during the filming. Which makes the movie and songs so much more gushy and happy. I love stories like this, much like Alexander and Jade of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. They too, however, have broken up since. (I never will understand how people can fall in love and pour their hearts into music and lyrics with someone and then continue to play the songs together once it's over as these folks do...)

Anyway, I've listened to The Swell Season a good bit off and on over the past few years, but they've recently (thanks to a Van Morrison kick) landed back on my radar. Check out their cover of "Into the Mystic" (my favorite tune from Van):

And here's "Falling Slowly," from Once:

And "Low Rising," from their last album (2009), Strict Joy:

I think this one is my favorite of all of them (cool video, too). I love the feel of it. Love his voice. Love the lyrics. Love the horns and the "lalalalalalalalala" at the end. (I guess I do hear a lot of Van Morrison influence there.) I don't want to discredit Markéta, but Glen Hansard is just a badass. A friend of mine ran into him on the street somewhere random in Europe this past fall and said he is a real sweetheart, too.

Enjoy!

Oh...

2011-02-02T11:27:00.000-06:00

This feeling is wonderful. Don't you ever turn it off.

Love this song. Love the quote.

Things are feeling pretty wonderful right now. And I do apologize for my lagging in posts. But I do have tons of exciting things going on. Lots of best friends getting married and having babies. Lots of shows coming up. Lots of pretty snow here in Nashville (I think I'm the only person left in the state who still oohs and aahs over the snow falling... I blame a childhood in scorching South Alabama). Plus I'm in the process of moving to my very own place. I'll be living alone for the first time in my 28 years, and I'm freaking excited!

Updates and other ramblings coming soon!

See ya, 2010.

2011-01-04T23:49:00.000-06:00

A whole decade* has gone by since I was in high school. Next May marks 10 years exactly since I left home, hopes and dreams in hand, and started out my life out in the world, mostly on my own (I say "mostly," because the parents did pay for and support me through college... and maybe helped for a few years after). Regardless, it's hard to believe.

I've been busy. In the past 10 years...

+I aged from a teenager who thought I knew everything, to a "young adult" (at 28) who is just now starting to barely figure it out. Barely.

+I received two academic degrees and one high school diploma.

+I lived in 4 cities and called 10 different places home, including my parents' house, a dorm room, several apartments and houses, and a friends' parents house for a few months in between. In those homes, I lived with roughly 13 people (give or take a few who were wandering through and such). I lived with Lizzie for almost 8 years straight with only a 6-month break when she left me to spend a season at the beach.

+I was a bridesmaid in three weddings and held witness to dozens more.

+I moved out of the state of Alabama for the first time.

+I traveled to... Costa Rica; Keystone, CO; New York; Toronto/Niagara Falls/Detroit; Charleston; Savannah; New Orleans; Baltimore; Chapel Hill; San Antonio; Asheville; Tampa; West Point; Greenville, SC; Atlanta; Orlando; Austin; Destin; Santa Barbara, CA; Knoxville; Gainesville; Tuscaloser; Blue Ridge; Fairhope... and lots of places in between.

+I gained many many new best friends from all over the country, and have still managed to keep in touch with many "older" ones from home. And also have held on to a few who I've had a steady close relationship for 20+ years now.

+I said sad goodbyes to many great aunts and uncles, as well as two grandparents and Oscar, my 15-year-old dachshund (just a few months ago).

Oscar Larry Arieux, 1995-2010

+I changed professional jobs and career fields at least three times, though the lines have blurred along the way. I also learned to love (and endure on the days when I don't love) the worlds of working in the general public, in retail, for a public library, and as a waitress.

+I changed. A lot. The evolution of my musical preferences, clothing and decorative styles, tastes in the opposite sex, and social/political views is quite phenomenal, really.

+I became the Health Reform poster child as a middle class American who, despite having much education and smarts, could not find a full-time job with benefits, and was denied coverage for health insurance.

+I had some thrills and many almost-peed-my-pants moments. I rafted white water; survived a flood; endured a blizzard while ~~driving~~ riding from Buffalo, NY, to Detroit by the way of Canada; rode numerous roller coasters; and got lost in very unsafe parts of Birmingham, New York, and New Orleans.

+I attended tons of Auburn football games as a student and many after, including traveling to Knoxville, Gainesville, and Baton Rouge for away games; Atlanta for the SEC Championship Game; and New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl.

+I saw many, many concerts. From randoms playing at the Basement to my friends' bands. I saw an American Idol concert. Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney. I saw Elton John play "Tiny Dancer." I took my mom and grandma to see Celine Dion for a surprise gift (and had one hell of a good time). Plus I saw The Killers, Ryan Adams, The National, Coldplay, and Fleetwood Mac... all on my "to see before I die" list.

+I learned to work hard, pray hard, and have patience... and that my mind and body are much stronger and can endure more than I'd ever given them credit for.

+I let go and embraced my inner dork, all while finding my true calling to work in the book/information world. Bookstores, libraries, information services.

+I had a full-on love affair. Not with any person, but with a city. Nashville and I had a long-distance relationship until I finally gave in and made my move to be there full-time.

+I learned that life never works out the way you think it will. And that just when you think you have everyone else and even yourself figured out, something comes along to surprise you.

+I began to look at my parents and grandparents not as infallible, but as other adults, who were once in their 20s, who had babies and longterm careers when they were my age, and see them in a totally different light and relate to them more than ever.

+I found a best friend in my sister.

+I helped my friends (through a very measly contribution, but a contribution nonetheless) fund their first album, and got to see my name (misspelled as it was) in its album notes.

+I learned that my best friends are usually right and sometimes know me better than I know myself, and that I should try to listen to them when they feel strongly about something.

+I learned that I am not as nice or pure or reverent as I thought I was, but that the best of friends, family, and God already knew that... and still love me regardless.

+I questioned my faith. I got mad at God. Numerous times. I attended a variety of churches. And I found my way back. Not in that order.

+I had my heart broken to a point that I thought was beyond repair. And then I watched with awe as it healed. Then I began to work on erasing the scars left behind. Still working on that.

+I pierced my nose, something that in 2000, I would have laughed at the very idea of.

+I found out the meaning of "delayed adolescence" and that quarter-life crises are very real.

+I began wearing sunscreen religiously and using eye cream nightly.

+I discovered that music makes my life better, and I easily slipped into the world of obsession over certain artists, becoming one of the people I used to make fun of.

+I leased two and bought two vehicles. I totaled Rebecca's car and had two other significant car accidents. It's amazing I still have a license.

+I learned the difference between liking and loving people - that it's ok to not always like the ones you love, and that it's just not smart to love all the ones you like.

+I had my heart broken by many a friend, and I learned the power of forgiveness. Even when they don't ask for it or deserve it.

+I made my karaoke debut and never looked back.

+I discovered a love for children's and young adult literature (as well as got in touch with my inner kid) through a little guy named Harry Potter.

+I feared, resisted, tested, and then embraced new innovations like smartphones and social networking, and now have become addicted to the blogging world and Facebook and even made meaningful relationships through those mediums.

+I collected enough books to fill three bookcases and enough digital music and pictures to constitute buying a separate external hard drive for storage.

++I progressed from the age of 18 to 28, closer and closer to 30. In turn, I realized that if I've figured all of this out in the past 10 years, that surely for the next 10, I can just sit back and relax, knowing who I am, how far I've come, what I want, and what I stand for.

Cheers to 2011!

Here are a few highlights in pictures from the years (unfortunately, most are from 2003ish on... high school and early college were pre-digital camera days):

RRB and me, senior year of high school. 2001

The dorm room. 2001.

I think we were still AU students.
I've watched this little girl, Liz's niece who was born during our freshman year at Auburn, grow up.

My first trip to the Pacific Ocean. 2005.

Many a good laugh were had from pics taken in my journalism photography class, 2003ish

Friends in Bham at KT's old apartment, 2005ish

My birthday always falls on the weekend of the Ole Miss game. This was my 26th, I think.

Two families of BFF sisters, sometime in college.

Charlsie's engagement party last month

Another birthday. 25th, maybe.

At one of many tacky Christmas parties. 2007ish.

One of several brewfests. 2008.

Snow days. 2010.

Redneck roots days. 2007ish.

Ice skating. 2005ish.

Halloween 2008.

First karaoke at Bourbon Street. 2006ish.

Engagement. 2008.

At Woodland Studios in Nashville (where Heartbreaker was recorded). 2010

SEC pride (and way good friendship for Emi) cheering on the Gators for the 2006 National Championship. (Or was it the 2008? Hmmmm...)

The night Emily and I realized how old we are. 2007.

New Year's Eve 2004/2005 in New Orleans.

Rebecca, Sister, and me in NYC. 2005.

New Year's Eve 2008/2009.

Rebecca's going away party. 2006ish?

Wedding on a mountain in Greenville, SC. 2008.

DRA show. 2008.

James and Em dancing in my old room in Bham. No clue. when.

Giving Charles Barkley a War Eagle in Innis Free (Bham). Again, not sure when.

Beach times. 2008.

More karaoke. Who knows.

ATL for SEC Championship. 2004.

Jordan-Hare Stadium. 2004.

Another big change happened since this picture was taken. 2004.

Halloween 2004 or 2003.

Knoxville 2004.

Roommates from the Batcave. 2005.

Downstairs after Nashville Flood of 2010

Savannah for St. Patrick's Day. 2007.

Austin for SXSW 2009

Fractured foot and The Boot. 2004.

Villager Tavern 2010

First white water rafting trip. 2007.

Night out in Bham. 2005.

I watched many a friend play in venues all over Alabama, Tennessee, and Texas. (pic from 2009)

A sad but exciting day in 2005.

*I realize there are arguments as to whether the decade ended at 2009 or with 2010, but for my writing's sake, we're going with 2010. Deal with it.

Good Grief [Christmas in Disney]

2010-12-30T16:39:00.000-06:00

Instead of "Christmas in Dixie." Get it? Ha. Haha. No? Oh well.

Gonna mellow out and get serious here for a bit, friends. But stay with me. I have a point.

Many of you may know that I am a freelance writer and have written articles for a magazine in my hometown for several years (since my internship there in 2003, actually... wow). I write the "Mind and Body" column, and earlier this year was assigned the task to write an article about dealing with grief during the holiday season.

Honestly, it was not something I knew much about, dealing with true grief and loss. My grandparents, my dad's parents, passed away when I was a teenager, but they lived in New Orleans. I talked to them every other week or so and saw them twice a year. Sure, I grieved, and I feel a loss in their absence, but not in my everyday adult life. I miss going to New Orleans for Thanksgiving, as was our tradition, but I am past the grieving point.

So I wrote the article, relying on the advice from grief counselors, self-help books, and information online. I tried my best to empathize as I wrote sentences about wanting to skip the holidays, and with dealing with loneliness, pain, and fatigue following the death of a loved one. I offered tons of great ideas. Make a new tradition involving remembering your loved one. Don't overdo it. Just say no. Avoid excess. Easy enough, right? Little did I know, my family would be reading my article a few months later, taking the advice to heart, as we grieve a huge loss.

My grandfather, Don Pitts, died in August. He was 78. I'm not going to write an obituary here, this is not that kind of post and, frankly, not something I'm ready to share with the Internets... but I will tell you I talked to him every single day. And he was a funny, funny man. We were very close. And I never once doubted he loved me and had my back no matter what. And I feel the pain of that loss every single day, though it's a bit easier to deal with since I live a state away. My grandmother, his wife for 60+ years, is having a rough go of it, as is my mother, an only child. This is not a sob story, though. This is normal, every day grieving and loss. It's part of life. We knew it was coming. But I am thankful to have had 28 years with him. And thankful for my family and friends throughout the ordeal.

Sister and me with Grandaddy, circa 1988

So came the holidays. Thanksgiving came and went, and yes, we were sad. Though we did change things up a bit and change locations, tweaked the menu a bit. But overall, we got through it. But as we began to plan our Christmas festivities, we looked at all the advice I had so painstakingly researched and presented in the magazine article, and said... to hell with that! We're going to Disney World!

And so, yes, my sister and I, both in our 20s, along with our 74-year-old grandmother and 58-year-old mother (Dad conveniently has to work, making this an all girls' trip), just returned from Disney World. At Christmas. As in, we enjoyed Christmas Eve dinner at Epcot's Biergarten, drinking beers, eating sausage, and watching polka dancers and Christmas Night walking the streets of the Magic Kingdom, where Christmas carols abounded, as well as an actual "snow" shower. It was truly magical. And of course my first stop wasThe Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Obviously.

Needless to say, the trip was hilarious in planning. I loved telling the travel agent, after he asked the age of the youngest child going, that she was 26. I love that I was the one embarrassing my family while dorking out at WWHP, instead of the other way around, as I'm sure it was when we were kids. And I love that I know if Grandaddy can see us from where he is, that he'd be laughing his ass off right along with us.

Here's a preview. More to come. And if anyone out there wants any tips or suggestions... I'm your gal. I just returned a backpack full of well-read tour guides to the library this afternoon.


Sister and me at Cinderella's Castle, 2010

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, and cheers to a happy 2011!

My Christmas List

2010-12-17T09:06:00.000-06:00

Eager to have a gift under your tree for me? Isn't everyone? Here's a random want list. Do I NEED these things? Nope. But yes, do so want.

Bookworm Stationery:

Any necklace from this Etsy Shop. Some examples:

The first seasons of Modern Family and Community. Took me a while to jump on these trains, but so glad I did. Now I need to catch up.

(I'll take Joel McHale separately, please.)

While we're at it, I need the first disc of Season 1 of How I Met Your Mother. SOMEBODY misplaced mine. Mmmmhmmmmm you know who you are.

(Moving on....)

Penguin Postcards. Not like the animal. As in, the publishing house. Very cool idea.

Red Rose Watch from PAXAM Records (Ryan Adams's record company). Sold out, yes. But if anyone got their hands on one and wants to sacrifice theirs or trade for a very nice Bulova watch that was my college graduation gift... let's talk.

A PUPPY (plus the time and money to care for one?). Yes, it's cliche. But seeing as I am soon embarking on the adventure to live alone for the first time in my 28 years, I'd like a companion. I think I've decided on a Boston Terrier. I will also settle for a smush-face kitty, but only if he's a version of Winston. And if you take away all allergens so my friends can come over.

Vinyl. I'd like as much of the Avetts as possible, the Fleet Foxes, and Love Is Hell to round out my DRA collection. And lots and lots of Lionel Richie. OH and some Dolly Parton. Alvin & the Chipmunks' Christmas album. Old school Reba. Hmmmm what else.... Thriller. Kind of Blue. And some Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings. That should do me for a little while.

The Perfect Apartment. I'd love it if the Craigslist Santa delivered to me, as a special Christmas miracle, a nice little 2 bedroom, 1 bath apartment/house that is in my price range, but also in a nice area. Preferably on the West Side and more specifically in Sylvan Park. Actually I don't need a whole second bedroom, just a space for my bookshelves and a pull-out couch for visitors. A big kitchen would be nice. And a porch. A front porch, preferably. With room for a swing and rocking chairs. Hardwood floors. Non-sketchy neighbors a must. Am I expecting too much? Absolutely.

LASIK surgery. Saving up for that currently, but if anyone wants to make a donation, I'll take it!

Tickets to see my Auburn Tigers play in the National Championship game. Tickets are ranging in the $500+ area, while plane tickets out to Arizona are around $1,200 at the moment. Any Moneybags out there want to sponsor a sweet little Auburn grad so that she can cheer on her favorite team and maybe, possibly, find some redemption from that 2004 fiasco (which was also her senior year and last football season as a student)? Anyone? Bueller?

Christmas Vacation on DVD. I just realized I don't have it. I need it. Hallelujah! Holy Shit. Where's the Tylenol?

DVD Player or TV with Internet capabilities so I can stream Netflix directly. Do I need to explain why?

Portable Sewing Machine. It gets expensive to have every pair of pants and every skirt and dress hemmed. Also, I'd need some sewing lessons. That's key.

For my sister to get to meet her idol, Lady Gaga. Yes, I am talking about my 26-year-old grown-ass-woman sister. She loves the Gaga. And it would make her life to meet her. And she's playing a show here in April, so it's the perfect opportunity. And maybe then she would be sweeter to me if I could make it happen.

Sister (on the right) and her roommate dressed as The Lady for Halloween.

Big Screen Debut

2010-12-15T23:44:00.001-06:00

I wrote about the Blue Like Jazz movie a few months ago, and I wanted to give you a (long overdue) update. For a brief recap, the movie, based on one of my favorite books by Donald Miller, lost its funding when some evangelical groups found out its characters' walk with faith weren't exactly... by the book. (Among many, many other reasons, I'm sure.) Regardless, some folks from Franklin, Tenn., generated a Kickstarter campaign in hopes of raising $125,000 to save the movie. I gave a measly $25 and hoped for the best.

Would you believe that in less than a month, they raised a little under $346,000?! Mostly from thousands of everyday people just like me who gave their measly $10 and $25 toward something they believed in. If that isn't God doing some work in the modern age, I don't know what is.

So filming began immediately, and in Nashville, no less. The second I saw a casting call, I jumped on it, even though it called for "college-aged" kids and were mostly recruiting Belmont and Nashville students. I figured that at 28, I can pull it off. Right? I mean... I'm pretty short. I don't look toooo different from when I was in college? So I signed up and was assigned a day to show up. I ventured over to the Scarritt Bennett Center on Vandy's campus on a frosty morning, wearing "grungy Seattle" clothes (meaning for most, including me... dark plaid) and carrying a headshot (double ha), as was asked of me, and I kept my fingers crossed the person in charge wouldn't stamp a big TOO OLD sign on my forehead.

Well, they didn't, which is why I'm here to tell you that next year I will be making my big screen debut. As an extra, yes, and in a low-budget indie film... but in a film that I am over-the-top excited about, and I hope you'll watch for.

So let me tell you something about filming a movie... it's not quite as glamorous as you imagine. It's 80% sitting around while set directors, costume and prop folks, and main actors set up the scene.. then 20% actually filming. Then resetting. Reshooting.. Reset. Reshoot. Over and over. Thrilling at first for sure, but tedious after a while. Regardless, I had a blast watching and learning a bit about the process, and I had the opportunity to chat with a bunch of college kids (oh, to be young), as well as the lead actors. The actor playing Donald Miller's character is Marshall Allman, looking quite cleaned up from his TrueBlood fame.

Marshall Allman

We shot a cafeteria scene. Lots of dialogue. I was among 150 or so students filling out the tables in the lunchroom. At times, different people walk around and pick people out to be walkers, or to be in the front of shots. Mostly to disperse demographics, but also I think they just picked out the people who fit parts best, or maybe who they thought dressed the best? I can tell you the one black dude I was talking to at first had no clue what he'd gotten himself into, as he was among the very few minorities there. He's going to be in every scene, I think.

So as the dude walked around looking all empowered as he plucked the special ones from their seats, I tried several strategies to get him to pick me. First I ignored him. I looked off and chatted with my neighbor, ever-aware of his passing by me. And pass right by me he did. The next time, I acknowledged him, gave a smile (an Oscar-worthy smile, perhaps), and then I acted like I didn't give a care. Again, he passed by. I made an attempt to silently plea "Pick me! Pick me!" with my eyes without embarrassingly causing any scenes. Nope. I tried variations of these tactics with each pass. No dice. Then I gave up on my big screen debut and didn't even notice when he walked by the next time. I happened to look up right as he said "You.. in the plaid jacket... carry a tray." YES! So I carried a tray. And I was walking right behind the main actors in the scene as I carried said tray. (Strategy, folks.) So if the scene makes it in the film, you'll see my face, and my plaid jacket, walking to my invisible seat. Carrying some fruit and maybe a cookie (let's face it... probably a cookie). And trying my damndest not to look into the camera. They also filmed another scene set in the cafeteria, but taking place on a different day, in which we excitedly welcomed the main characters back after they'd been rescued from jail and blah blah blah... just watch the movie. Trust me, I'll let you know if I'm in it.

Here I am, with my prop (the headshot). I'll explain why if the scene makes it to the big screen.

Lauren's Favorite Things!!!!

2010-12-14T16:48:00.001-06:00

Barney gave away his favorite things on HIMYM last night.

You can read his list here. (Why is that video mirrored? Eh... not gonna worry about it.)

So what are my favorite (tangible, give-away-able) things? What would I give away if I had a limitless bank account and superficial need to give away thousands of dollars worth of things instead of feeding and clothing my fellow neighbor? Bits and pieces of the following:

You are so welcome for this Photoshop awesomeness.

Cheese straws and Ninja Turtle gingerbread men from Rolen's Bakery in Dothan

Denim jackets
Toms Shoes
Netflix subscriptions with a streaming device (I've just been reminded to add something to my own wish list)
Packs of multi-colored miniature rose earrings (c/o Walmart)

Vintage record players (is that a feasible giveaway? Probably not)
Gift certificates to Star Bagel and Fido
Therapy Systems skin care junk
Eileen West granny nightgowns

Complete sets of Harry Potter, Chronicles of Narnia, and Lord of the Rings. Essential to any imaginative library with or without children users.
Aviator sunglasses
Oversized Cheez-Its with Zoe's chicken salad.
Cases of Left Hand Milk Stout
Old school Super Nintendos

Gift certificates to Pangea
60-second Nail polish (in a dark purple...aubergine, if you will)
DVDs: Elizabethtown, Love Actually, Interview with a Vampire, and Little Miss Sunshine
Weekend getaways in Destin, Blue Ridge, and New Orleans
The Friends Complete Series box set
CDs: Heartbreaker, The Dance, O, White Ladders, and Hot Fuss
Loaded Question (Adult Version) games (hilarious good fun)

To name a few. But really, I'd like to think I'd feed and clothe my fellow neighbor. I don't get it. But hey - if Oprah (or Barney) want to give me some goodies, I'm probably not going to turn 'em down.

Immediate Chin Up Cheer Up {dog days are over}

2010-12-01T12:45:00.002-06:00

I have found the absolute best cure for the grumps. Meet Embry. I know nothing about him except that the kid has the most adorable chiclet baby teeth and serious rhythm. And he makes my heart happy.

Here's the song he's jamming to, "Dog Days Are Over" by Florence and the Machine. I can't help but start shaking all around and dancing every time it gets to the "Run Fast" parts where Embry starts his crazy fool dancing. I do not advise to do this while driving. Trust me.

Also, I listened to this full album last week (I'm a bit behind, I know), and it's VERY good, front to back.

28 and Thankful

2010-11-24T11:44:00.001-06:00

I love Thanksgiving. There's no pressure for gift giving or managing too many schedules for church, visiting various families, etc, like what comes at Christmas. And sure, it's probably because I have a relatively small family and do the bare minimum cooking, myself. Ahem.

But regardless of the why, to me it means gathering with loved ones, eating, and watching football... Long nights staying up talking and watching movies, and catching up on rest. No one faults you for taking naps during Thanksgiving. Or taking three helpings of Grandma's dressing.

We used to spend Thanksgiving in New Orleans with my dad's parents, but after my grandmother died when I was in high school, we switched gears back to Alabama. But dad continues to travel over to ~~go fishing~~ see his sister, and it's just us girls now. But I have fond memories of times spent in Louisiana. The menu was different there, for sure. I miss oyster dressing and gumbo, as well as all the botched batches of pralines you had to eat with a spoon.

This year marks my 29th Thanksgiving, having just celebrated my 28th birthday in October. And I have a lot to be thankful for. Trivial and not so trivial, here are 28 reasons why I'm thankful and looking forward to another 28 years (YIKES).

#4. Nat and Me enjoying our first
holidays together. Apparently
I wasn't always so thankful for her.

The essentials. I've never had to worry about having a roof over my head or food in my belly.
Family. They may be crazy and may even be the subject of many a therapy session, but they're mine. And they love me. And I love them too.
Friends. I'm incredibly blessed with great people around me. Friends can be family, and my family is awesome. I have two best friends who I think of as sisters. And recently I was feeling like a Facebook Friend Slut. My number was WAY too high. So I went through and did some trimming (friends' exes, folks who I would avoid if I saw them in public, etc). And while going through, I was reminded of all of the wonderful people in my life who influence me, mostly for the better. I'm thankful for those who have let me into their lives and their families' lives in such a real way.
Not being an only child. My sister is probably my favorite person on this Earth. Even when she's being a pain in the ass. I truly feel sorry for people who don't know what it's like to share that bond with someone.
Have my (maternal) grandparents around for as long as I have. I know how lucky I am to still have my grandmother now and to have had my grandfather for nearly 28 years. I will always value that.
Being from the South and having New Orleans roots. Love of boiled peanuts, sweet tea, and mashed potatoes. Saying "yes ma'am" and "no sir" to anyone over the age of 35. (This number gets higher and higher, however.) Family catfish fries. Counting cows at the pasture. All things resulting from growing up in Alabama.What is it even like to grow up with concrete all around you and Interstates at your doorstep? I can't imagine. Don't want to. Also, I'm thankful to have the New Orleans roots, which comes with it a love and appreciation for so many things that it deserves a post in itself.
The Information ~~Overload~~ Explosion. A lot of people are annoyed by all the access and whatnot, but the librarian/information person in me is squealing on the inside every time I share a Google doc and edit/discuss in real time with another person. Seriously. I'm that big of a nerd.
Not being lactose intolerant. I love cheese. And chocolate. And ice cream. I would be so sad without it.
Having curly hair. I don't love my curly hair. Like everyone else, the grass is always greener. I wish it were less curly and more wavy, a little thicker. But I am thankful to be able to roll out of bed, wet my hair a bit and let it go. If I need to. Not that I do that often. No way.
Being raised as a Christian. My faith isn't blind, but it certainly is strengthened by the fact that I was taught about Jesus from the get-go, but also encourage to explore the ideas on my own. Plus I absolutely understand more and more as I get older how difficult it must be to adopt the ideas about Jesus and religion if it is a completely foreign idea.
Moving to Nashville. I fall more and more in love with this city all the time.
Being of above average intelligence. It would suck to be dumb. (So dumb. So dumb. So dumb. Soooooooo.)
My sense of humor. I find amusement in anything. I laugh at commercials. America's Funniest Home Videos. It can be annoying to some, but hey - I'm always entertained.
Music. It makes my life better and enriches my soul.I've said it a million times and I'll say it again... I'd rather be without an arm than without my hearing.
Finding a professional passion/calling. I realize more and more that there are many people wandering around who have no clue what they want to do with their lives, professionally. Don't have passion for their work. I'm so thankful to have found the library world (and for all of my like-minded librarian friends who share it with me).
My church. I haven't had a church I could call home in years. I'm so thankful to have found one in Cross Point.
Ryan Adams. His music has changed my life and gotten me through so many hard times, but also been in the background for so many great times as well. I am also very thankful for the friendships/kinship formed through the Ryan love. HH4L.
My own office at work. I have my own office for the first time,and it's awesome. At the moment, I am utilizing my dual computer monitors... watching Glee on one monitor while writing on the other. (On my break, people.) But in all seriousness, I feel special. And it's nice to feel special.
Salt and Vinegar Almonds. Everything I eat isn't mashed carbs or made of dairy.
Charlsie and Emma Dog. Even though they're sound-asleep in bed when I get home most nights, it's wonderful to have someone to come home to and chit-chat with in the mornings. Since she's leaving Nashville soon, I'm latching on as hard as I can. Even if E.D. has taken to growling at me recently.
Auburn Football and my Auburn Family. It's wonderful to be a part of something like the Auburn Family and to know that many of you will read this and immediately understand (and that many of you will read this and immediately barf, but that's ok too).
Books and the works of so many writers who have not only entertained me, but made me think and changed me. I'm most thankful for Jerry Spinelli and JK Rawling, who inspired within me a love of children's and young adult literature, which led me to the career path I'm following today. Plus... it's just good stuff .
Wonderful Coworkers who make the days shorter and work more fun. It's wonderful to have meaningful relationships with the people with whom you spend 8 hours of most of your days. Plus it doesn't hurt that many of my coworkers are licensed therapists.
Sanity and Therapy to maintain it, now that I mention it. I'm thankful to have discovered this outlet, and to possess the openness and humility to effectively communicate what's going on so that I can be better. And while it may seem silly to be thankful for sanity, I work in the mental health field and am exposed to diseases of the mind. It's a scary thing.
Motivation to better myself. I know tons of people who don't have this, and it makes me sad for them.
My daily email buddies. I have a group of friends who I've communicated with either through G-chat or email, back and forth all day every day that we've been at computers... some for as long as we've been out of college. We're talking five and a half years of life documented via emails. We've basically developed our own language. There's some serious blackmail there and I pray to God no enemy of mine gets their hands on it.
Pandora. Genius invention. I'm quite looking forward to my Christmas stations.
Last but certainly not least, I'm thankful for Hope. I have lots to look forward to. Cheers to the next 28 years!

Sidenote: When I asked my friend Brittany what I should be thankful for, this is her summation for me (copied and pasted from the email): Family, friends, your two computer screens, new guy, emma dog, tuuuhkey, me, your church, auburn football, beer, wine, almonds, job, people at your job that keep you sane, lionel Richie, facebook (for you, not me), books, puppies.

She knows me well. And yes, I am very thankful for her. Perhaps you all would have rather I simply written that.

Go don't stop now GO

2010-11-22T10:17:00.000-06:00

You've probably heard (bits and pieces of) "Sweet Disposition" by The Temper Trap on various commercials and whatnot. Diet Coke, the Eat Pray Love soundtrack/commercial... there was a car ad I think? Some of their other songs I'm now recognizing have been all over TV shows and whatnot. Here's the DC commercial:

They're blowing up. And I was thinking either they had the best publicist/marketing agent in the industry, or they really were just great. Nat had given me their album Conditions about a year ago, but I've just now given it a listen. Really good stuff. Lead singer Dougy Mandagi (Dougy? How adorable.) has a lovely voice. Oh, and they're Aussies. The accent comes out every once in a while.

So here are my two favorites off of the album at the moment. Let me know what you think:

Love Lost
(Very cool video too. My favorite parts are after 2:35.)

Down River
Live performance featuring Mumford and Sons... (!!!!!!!!!)

Awake My Soul - A Month of Music

2010-11-18T12:24:00.002-06:00

I've been spoiled over the past month with three shows that easily made their way into the Top 5 I've ever seen. All within weeks of another.

The National at the Ryman Auditorium

This was my maiden voyage to Nashville's most historic and well-known music venue. It's so much more than a music venue. This is the original home of the Opry, guys. The place where The Greats once played their songs for the first time.

I was spoiled rotten with Row D seats for my first trip there. (Thanks to coaxing from my friend Colin to stand in line for the lottery at the venue instead of fighting it out for tickets online... I highly recommend and will do this as often as possible from now on.) 4th Row. I could touch them, if I wanted to. And since Matt Berninger actually jumped from the stage directly into our row, Annie actually did.

So the show was nothing short of awesome. I wish I had better words for it. They played my favorites from High Violet and Boxer, and a few I recognized from previous records. Matt's voice was perfect. All grumbly and gruff. I wish I had him to sing me to sleep at night. And he kept us cracking up with his dancing about and joking all along with the band. Also the horns, live, really stood out. Here's a video I took of "Slow Show," one of my favorites:

For the final encore, the band took the stage and sang completely unplugged, paying tribute to the Ryman's natural acoustics and the musicians who played there for years before we made such steady use of mics and booming speakers. Here's a video, not taken by me. But taken from right behind me, as that's Colin's head in the foreground, and you can hear me cough at about 3:44.

My Birthday and the Avett Brothers at the Ryman

After spending my 28th birthday indulging in ~~two~~ cakes and Auburn Football, I began my 29th year again at the Ryman, where I saw the Avett Brothers, my second favorite North Carolina-born musicians. And anyone who has seen the Avetts will tell you they're even better live. The brothers' voices complement each other so well. And their entire band, with its stand-up bass, cello, fiddles, piano, and who knows what else, is incredibly talented. To say the Ryman was rocking is an understatement... there was so much pew-beating and foot-stomping that the building was literally rattling. Seeing as it was Halloween weekend, people were dressed up all over the place ... and they were excited. The band came out in full mummy costume, wrapped head to toe. I know they had to be burning up. Though they didn't play my favorites, and I honeslty didn't know all of the tunes, I loved every minute of the show. And when Seth Avett came out and played "Murder in the City" for the first encore... I lost it. (See below.) They closed with "Kick Drum Heart," one of my favorites (though I'm somewhat in the minority among my friends for liking it) from their latest album. As you'll see, my seats weren't quite as great as before, but the sound wasn't affected. Here are a few videos I took:

Seth Avett - Murder in the City

Kick Drum Heart
(I apologize for any nausea induced by viewing... I couldn't stop dancing...)

Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise

Mumford and Sons - November 1st at War Memorial Auditorium

I was led to M&S this summer, at the insistence of a couple I waited on one evening. They were sitting there making their Bonnaroo packing list, and I got to talk to them about the Avetts, Yeasayer, and a few others I was hoping to see in the near future here in Nashville, and they said "Well have you heard of Mumford and Sons?" And no, no I hadn't. So I went home, looked them up (along with Sleigh Bells)... and I was/am hooked. Best tip I got all night! (zing!) Anyway. So if you're not familiar, get familiar. They're from the UK, and I can best describe them as punkabilly rock with Fleet Foxesque harmonies. Lovely songs on heartbreak, family, and there are hints of spiritual notes throughout. I was thrilled to see them at War Memorial in Nashville. A friend of mine from Birmingham stayed with me on his way to Bloomington, where he was going to see the Mumfords at a dive bar. And he wisely foretold that they wouldn't be playing dive bars for long. The guys blew up after Bonnaroo, and are now well on their way to becoming a household name...

And go figure they were spot-on live. Beautiful vocals. Clear sound. And since they are a sole-album band at this point, they played everything off of debut Sigh No More and previewed a few new songs. So I was a singing fool. Here are a few videos I took:

Awake My Soul (In these bodies we will live, in these bodies we will die. Where you invest your love, you invest your life.)

White Blank Page

But there's more. Yes, more. What else can you say, you ask? How many more words can you find to substitute for your go-to "awesome?" Oh, there was a surprise encore? And Old Crow Medicine Show joined the Mumfords and openers on stage to play "Wagon Wheel?" And "Wagon Wheel" is one of your all-time favorite songs? Yeah, no big deal. It's casual.

Best. Month. Of. Music. EVER.

'Neath the Cover of October Skies...

2010-11-16T16:36:00.003-06:00

It's been a while, friends. And I'm sorry for the delay.

But lemme tell ya... this month has been nothing short of magical. It's been reaffirmed several times over that moving to Nashville a little over a year ago was a good choice. (Not that I was ever really questioning it.) Tennessee's beauty truly shows itself off in the fall. Sure, the weather isn't perfect. It goes back and forth from warm to hot to chilly to can't-feel-your-toes... but the colors are magnificent. Yes, I said magnificent. Just gorgeous. And it awakes my soul. (If you get that reference, yes I'm definitely using a bit of foreshadowing there.)

I love October. Always have. I live for those 31 days. My version of Heaven, I think, would be 365 days of October. When it's always a marvelous night for a moondance. Probably because it's my birthday month, but also because of the colors, the breeze, the memories of the Peanut Festival at home. And of course, Halloween, my favorite holiday.

My mantra for the fall:

Now November has set in, and while I'm very much looking forward to the holidays, I'm mourning October. Here's a glimpse into the weeks since I last posted:

Bowlin'

2010-10-08T09:49:00.000-05:00

Funny things from Tripp and Tyler. These dudes crack me up. Easily as funny if not funnier than anything on SNL these days.

Blue Like Jazz... the movie.

2010-09-30T14:41:00.003-05:00

I've said before how much I love Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller. He's a fantastic writer and storyteller, funny as hell at times, but my favorite thing about him is his honesty about his walk as a Christian. Mostly autobiographical, Don tells stories from his time at Reed College in Portland, where Christians are in the huge minority. Shares how he questioned his faith and then found his way back. He isn't afraid to talk about doubts, anger, questions with the church, etc. It's good stuff. Changed my life in ways. I have several copies I lend out whenever I get the chance to.

Here are some of my favorite quotes from the book:

"There is something beautiful about a billion stars held steady by a God who knows what He is doing. (They hang there, the stars, like notes on a page of music, free-form verse, silent mysteries swirling in the blue like jazz.) And as I lay there, it occurred to me that God is up there somewhere. Of course, I had always known He was, but this time I felt it, I realized it, the way a person realizes they are hungry or thirsty. The knowledge of God seeped out of my brain and into my heart. I imagined Him looking down on this earth, half angry because His beloved mankind had cheated on Him, had committed adultery, and yet hopelessly in love with her, drunk with love for her."

"Believing in God is as much like falling in love as it is making a decision. Love is both something that happens to you and something you decide upon."

"We would eat chocolates and smoke cigarettes and read the Bible, which is the only way to do it, if you ask me. Don, the Bible is so good with chocolate. I always thought the Bible was more of a salad thing, you know, but it isn’t. It is a chocolate thing.”

So with Nashville' Steve Taylor directing, the movie has its cast and has been well on its way, but they've lost backers. Aside from the usual "It's hard to raise money for movies right now," spiel, Don states on his blog that one of the reasons is the following, which I think is very sad.

2. Blue Like Jazz is a very hard film for church-going, evangelical Christians to get behind. The folks who invest in Christian movies were scared to death of Blue Like Jazz. While it has a PG-13 rating, there is language, drug use and a scene where the protagonists put a giant condom on a steeple. To me, it’s the only movie that takes an honest look at a Christian kid coming of age in America, a story experienced by tens of millions of students each year. But students don’t fund Christian movies, older white guys do, and they find it hard to relate to the theme.

Sound hilarious and poignant and awesome to you? Exactly. So the reason I write this is because I just donated measly $25 to a Kickstarter campaign begun by his fans (some dudes just down the road in Franklin, Tennessee!) to raise money to get the ground rolling again on the film... and I just wanted to get word out, because I think it would be great for America to see this side of Christianity. Not the scary politically charged side. Not the hypocrisy or the judging or the arguing about rules and whatnot. Just the real side of human Christianity. Real people with a PG-13 rating, who laugh at things like a huge condom on a steeple, who smoke cigarettes and drink beer and actually go on as believers, loving God and believing in salvation through Jesus Christ not in blind faith, but with a studied understanding that it's all about loving each other and being good to people in the end. People like me.

So far, over $50,000 (out of the goal of $125,000) has been raised. I was cracking up at the bonus prizes you get for various donations. Wish I had an extra grand hanging around so that I could be an extra in the movie. Sweet!

So check it out. Let me know your thoughts. Let me know if you want to borrow a copy of the book.
Also, for extra reading, here's an article in Christianity Today about the movie, including an interview with Don and Steve.

Updated October 7th: Blue Like Jazz has been saved! In the 8 days since I posted this, more than $75k has been pledged, and the funds are now at over $140k. How awesome is it to see that many people step up?