Tis the season for Xmas Cards

So one of my favorite parts of the Christmas season is getting to read my dad's Christmas card. Well the time is here and figured I might as well share it with my blog family.

I wish all of you a VERY merry Christmas! (I'm sure I'll be talking to you all before new years, but if not Happy 2011 peeps!)


Merry Christmas 2010

As 2010 draws to a quick close we take time to look back on this year. A fairly mild winter which turned into an early spring helped the corn and beans to be planted quickly and get off to a good start, then WHAM it all changed. First we received a 6-inch rain and then watched over 200 acres of corn drown under flood water. When it did finally dry out enough to replant the corn little did we know that it was the last rain we would receive for nearly 6 months. Yields suffered but it was better than I expected but far from being a great crop. We started harvesting in mid-August earlier than we ever have before and that’s about the only benefit of a drought I can think of.

Christy entered the real world of home ownership this year by purchasing a home in east Nashville right before the flood. The floodwaters got within a ½ mile of her house, but she is on a hill so there was no damage. It was really heartbreaking to see what the rain did. Parts of Nashville will never be the same. Christy is still working with Ingram Barge Co. and manages the Ingram traffic on the Tennessee River and Kentucky Lake.

Sarah and Nick surprised all earlier this year announcing that they were expecting a baby. On December 7, Carter Ray Huelsman entered the world. That makes Cindy and I grandparents and that’s not all that bad. The biggest smile I have ever seen on Cindy was when she held Carter. I knew then he was a keeper. I can tell he has a little of his Granddad Mitchell in him, he sleeps every chance he gets! Sarah is still a branch manger with PNC Bank and Nick works with Flynn Brothers Construction in Louisville.

The excitement of Carter’s birth was quickly subdued as Cindy’s dad, CA, passed away 2 days later. He fought cancer and other health problems for many years. He never did let his health problems deter his drive. He just made them another obstacle to overcome and forged ahead. Sarah and Nick were able to attend the services with Carter. It was interesting to watch as people expressed condolences and excitement about a birth at the same time. I believe CA would have liked this very much. Cindy is still delivering the mail and driving over 80 miles every day one box at a time.

As for me, I have just sat back and observed a roller coaster ride of emotions over the year. Floods, drought, death, birth, my dads 6 weeks in the hospital over the summer with an infection in his heart, my Mom’s continuing back problems and even a wedding. Cindy’s brother got married the day after Thanksgiving. But the Christmas season isn’t complete without thinking of our friends scattered out everywhere. Be it just down the road, across the country or even on another continent. Your memory or a wave as we meet puts a smile on my face. This year the sounds of a baby returns home after an absence of many years. I thought what a wonderful thing to have a baby crying and a cow mooing on Christmas morning. It’s the same sounds heard by another proud mom and dad some 2000 years ago.

As 2010 quickly closes and 2011 knocks on the door, I wish each and all a Merry Christmas and a prosperous and healthy new year.

Chris

DIng DIng DIng

The above words in the title may not mean much to the average person but to me those are three words that will forever hold a special place in my heart.

A week ago today my grandfather, or as I would call him Papa (pawpaw), passed away. Even though the funeral has passed and our goodbyes have been said it still feels weird typing that out. My grandfather was a fighter and I was blessed with every single day I got to share with him because I was supposed to have lost him many years ago.

My grandfather had to work very hard for everything he got in his life and that included his fight to live his because God put before him many health issues. The first I can remember was when I was 5 or 6. Papa was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and cancer of the common bile duct. Now no cancer is good cancer but this cancer was really no good and his chances for survival were slim. My grandfather received a whipple procedure. This procedure consisted of removing half of the stomach, the gall bladder, the common bile duct, the head of the pancreas, and a few random other things. Then in laymans terms what is left has to be rerouted to work again. This was 20 years ago. Back then this surgery had a much higher death rate and the stats weren't near as good. Even today, the overall survival after the whipple operation is only 20% at 5 years after surgery. My grandfather A) lived through the surgery, and B) lived on for 20 more years. He was a living miracle.

His battle didn't stop there. When I was a sophomore in college, I remember I was in a friends dorm room when my mother called to tell me Papa had been diagnosed with Esophagial cancer. Something to the affect that it was a long term affect of the whipple surgery affecting the nerve endings in his stomach causing acid reflux that caused irregular cells in his esophagus. (yes i could have totally just butchered that diagnosis, just retelling my memories here people. LOL) I remember how much he didn't want that surgery but being the fighter he was he was determined to live. He had he esophagus removed and in its place the put a portion of his colon.

A few years later I remember going to the hospital when he had a heart stint put in. And less than a year ago he suffered a heart attack, battled a flesh eating bacteria, and the list just goes on until his body could no longer put up the fight my grandfather was giving it to live.

And while yes clearly I know all these details, these facts are not the memories that make up my grandfather in my mind. My grandfather was an amazing man. He loved his family very much. He was one of the hardest working people I know and most definitely was one of the smartest business and investing men I knew. He was strong willed and as i have said several times before a fighter and a miracle. He had the memory of an elephant. Was outspoken. A republican. An oil man. Loved the color red. He loved dogs, and practically had a zoo of squirrels he fed on the regular. He had a love for food. This list could go on......I have a world full of amazing memories. All the holidays, birthdays, graduations, and Sunday trips to visit. The summer I worked in his office. The time him and my grandmother visiting me while I was in college... My poor grandfather rode in the back seat of my little two door coupe car as I weaved in and out of traffic. haha still cracks me up. Looking back I should have probably slowed down a bit.

But my favorite memories are those at KY lake. Swimming, boating, fish fries, huge firework shows, and saving the best for last-fishing. My grandfather loved to troll fish and he loved taking his grandchildren out to fish with him. And when out on the water and it was time for all of us kids to let out our lines he always said "ding, ding, ding".

I know I probably rambled on too long, and wrote to much or too little about this or that but death is a hard thing and the loss of my grandfather is bittersweet. I know he is in a much better place. He is no longer suffering his ailments or pain. I want to thank God for making my grandfather a miracle. For giving him the will to fight so hard and so long because I cant imagine the last twenty years of my life without him. He will be very missed not only by me and my family but by so many other people that were touched by his life here on earth.

And I can just hear God telling him "ding ding ding" because Thursday afternoon was my grandfather's time.......

Here is the obituary from the paper.

C.A. Robinson, 78, of Evansville passed away Thursday December 9, 2010 at Angel River Health Care.

C.A. was a veteran of the US Air Force before graduating from Louisiana Tech University in 1957 with his Bachelors degree in Petroleum Engineering. He started his career as Petroleum Engineer with Magnolia Petroleum Co. in Salem, IL, after a few years he moved to Kingwood Oil Co. as Division Engineer and then became Division Manager. Later he went to work at Lohmann-Johnson Pollution Control and Production as Operations Manager and Manager of Temple Operating Co. in Evansville and retired as a Petroleum Consultant, Independent Producer and Drilling Contractor.

He developed and was president of many companies including Robinson Engineering, Robinson Engineering and Oil Co., Inc., Indiana Petroleum Contractors, Inc., Indiana Drilling Company, Consumers Gas Co., and Egyptian Gas Storage Corp. He was director for Old National Bank for over 20 years, Indiana Oil Co., and Ohio Valley Wireless.

CA belonged to many professional and business organizations that included Registered Professional Engineer in LA, KY and IL, past president of the Indiana Oil and Gas Assoc., Vice President of Independent Oil Producers Assoc., he was a member of the American Petroleum Institute, the Society of Petroleum Engineering of AIME, the International Assoc. of Oilwell Drilling Cont. and a member and director of Illinois Oil and Gas Association and Kentucky Oil and Gas Association.

He belonged to many social and fraternal organizations such as Evansville Country Club, Hadi Shrine Temple, Reed Masonic Lodge, the 32nd Degree Scottish Rite, Royal Order of Jesters, Kennel Club, the Evansville Museum and he was the Director of the Boys and Girls Club of America. He was a lifetime Trustee for the University of Evansville and a Charter member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church.

CA is survived by his wife of 55 years Kate (Glenn) Robinson; son and daughter-in-law Glenn and Monica Robinson of Evansville, their children Chuck Robinson, Ann Robinson, Robert Robinson, John Robinson, Ellie Shakun and Olivia Shakun; daughter and son-in-law Cindy and Chris Mitchell of Clay, KY, their children Christy Mitchell, Sara Huelsman husband Nick and their son Carter Huelsman; nieces Amy Jefferies and husband Brian and Katie Warms and husband Wade. C.A.'s grandchildren will be honorary pall bears.

Visitation will be from 4:00 - 7:00 pm Sunday, December 12, 2010 at Ziemer Funeral Home East Chapel, 800 S. Hebron Ave., Evansville, IN 47714. Funeral service will be 10:00 am Monday at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 5130 Lincoln Ave., Evansville, IN with Rev. Mitch Gieselman and Rev. Rob Kell officiating.

Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to The Boys & Girls Club, 700 Bellemeade Ave., Evansville, IN 47713, Capital Campaign at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 5130 Lincoln Ave., Evansville, IN 47715 or University of Evansville, 1800 Lincoln Avenue, Evansville, Indiana 47714.

The family would like to thank the staff of Angel River, Dr. Stephen Koewler and staff, and special friend and caregiver Ruby Sunderman for their kind and compassionate care of C.A.

Condolences may be made to the family online at www.ziemerfuneralhome.com

Carter Ray Huelsman

December 7th at 309 eastern time the most perfect child was given to my sister and her husband. Popped out healthy as a clam, all ten fingers and toes, and the most precious little face you could ever imagine. Weighing in at only 5 pounds and 14 ounces, 18.5 inches long, Carter was the perfect early Christmas present!

The process of watching my sister grow through all this has really been touching to me. Watching a new mother learn to breast feed, adjust to being sleep deprived, changing diapers, suffering from the wounds of a c-section delivery. Everything has just been so primitive and natural and just beautiful. I am just in awe that baby came from her stomach, milk comes out her boobies and that a baby can seem so perfect.

Aunt C learning to be a good Auntie!

It's raining men....

It's raining men, Hallelujah? Nope... not getting praises from me yet. Yes, for some reason I have been getting quite a bit more attention from men the past couple of weeks than normal. I wont deny I do love the attention. But there has just been a catch with these guys. They all have something terribly off with them. Tainted goods, is what I will call them.

First it was a guy that had a deep aversion to the concept of faith and anyone that believed in God. 25 minutes in a heated debate and I knew that was the end of that potential relationship.

Then it was a guy with a major speech impediment. This fault I think I could get over. He seemed fun, had a good job, was cute and I think that the speech issue would eventually be invisible to me. But it is still something that stuck out to me.

Then I had the guy tell me he would love to "hook up" but he didn't actually want to date me. Really?! Okay Buh BYE!

And drum roll please. Totally had to save the best for last. Total cutie and physically was 100% my type. Tall, preppy and manly. My first impression was a really good one. He was funny, danced, had a job, and had a pretty decent group of friends he was with. Always a good sign. He asked and I gave him my number when he said he was leaving. At this point it seemed like a decent prospect. I was even excited when he decided to stay. Until he dropped the bomb on me.

And what did i find out when he stuck around you may ask?..... Yes this lovely gentlemen told me he had shot and killed someone that raped his cousin. He said he wasn't sorry for what he did and that he owed a bookie a substantial amount of money for his bail (he said 1.3 million). At this point I wasn't for sure what in the world was going on. I was scared, shocked, and wanted my number back but the talking just got worse. He told me how he grew up literally in the projects in east nashville and about his horrible child hood and how he had done some really bad things in his life. I wanted to run and hide. I tried to get my friends to save me from this stage five (murdering) clinger. I think literally the words out of my mouth were, "i'm a good girl. I don't do bad things". haha I am sure I had terror smeared across my face.

Am I a horrible person for making these judgements? Should I really judge someone on their past like that? It's not that I was technically judging him but I just don't want to date him or someone with those type of credentials. Anyways, all these stories have really had me evaluate what i want in a partner and clearly what I don't want.

Likes:

From a stable family/family oriented/similiar upbringing as myself

Went to college (preferably not community)/has his masters or more

Has a decent job and has goals

Someone that is not socially inept and is a fun person

Believes in God and has a similar morale code as myself

Honest, no liars, cheaters, flakes

Attractive.... even if it is just to some degree. I don't need brad pitt

Likes to travel, music, likes to splurge on occasion, spontaneous

Likes to be active (doesn't have to be lance armstrong or anything but not lazy is preferable) and enjoys sports

Giver-I'm a giver and resent those that aren't as thoughtful

Likes pets and can accept my Puddy Tat

Wants kids one day

Dislikes: They are generally the opposites to my likes but here are a few more.

Pompous (while being confident can be attractive, a big ego can also be a BIG turn off)

Is selfish and is a "taker", and is all ME ME ME.

Men with commitment issues

Complains about my friends. My friends are my family. Don't talk trash and make an effort to be their friend too

Men that can't or choose not to communicate. I prefer open books. Secrets don't make friends and definitely not lovers.

Is a liberal

Scared to get their hands dirty

Someone that is a baby, gets sick frequently, and whines all the time. No sir!

Dresses like a slob

Is dumb

NOT A CONVICTED FELON/MURDER/RAPIST/ABUSER/DRUG USER/ECT....

Now call me too picky if you must. And while some of them are just wants or strong dislikes if the right person were around I may be able to compromise on a few options but some of these i have learned are NON negotiable.

They do say you have to go through a lot of frogs before you find your prince. LOL

What's on your list?

Feeling poetic

I have mentioned before my supposed lyrical soul. One thing I don't mention very often though is poetry. Feeling poetic and romantic today so I thought I would share a few of my favorites. If you actually plan on reading them, please turn off the music, shut out any distractions and take in the beautiful words written before you.

SONNET 18 by Shakespeare

Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?
Thou art more lovely and more temperate:
Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,
And summer's lease hath all too short a date:
Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines,
And often is his gold complexion dimm'd;
And every fair from fair sometime declines,
By chance or nature's changing course untrimm'd;
But thy eternal summer shall not fade
Nor lose possession of that fair thou owest;
Nor shall Death brag thou wander'st in his shade,
When in eternal lines to time thou growest:
So long as men can breathe or eyes can see,
So long lives this and this gives life to thee.

How Do I Love Thee: Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861)

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight.
I love thee freely, as men might strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints,–I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life!–and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.

i carry your heart with me by E. E. Cummings

i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

Change is 100% certain

One of the beautiful things about life is there is no guarantee (well as many would say except for death and taxes! lol). If you live long enough you will see all sides of life. Love, loss, jealously, fear, sickness, betrayal, happiness, depression, excitement, disappointment.... and everything that falls there and in between. We are most 100% certain to be guaranteed those changes.

"Change; we don’t like it, we fear it, but we can't stop it from coming. We either adapt to change or we get left behind. And it hurts to grow, anybody who tells you it doesn’t is lying. But here's the truth...the more things change, the more they stay the same. And sometimes, oh, sometimes change is good. Oh, sometimes, change is...everything."

Why is change so difficult? Why do we love to waller in our comfort zone or routine and familiarity? This quote is exactly right! No one likes change. Change is new and uncharted territory. Change means not knowing what to expect. But change takes us through the journey of life and without it we would miss out on so many new exciting and different experiences and emotions, relationships, journeys, ect.

Right now I think i am in denial about the change around me. My life is growing up.

My sister and her husband are having a baby on Tuesday.... 3 DAYS AWAY! OMG i just honestly haven't grasped my mind around it yet. I am SOOOO excited yet scared for her and the changes associated with it at the same time. Carter (the soon to be addition) will be such a blessing to our lives. But what scared me about this (majorly life altering) change is, will everything be different now? I know my sister is probably having the same thoughts too. Having a baby is just plan scary.....But I know this change is for the good. I know there will be hard moments but I also know those petty things will be so outweighed by the precious gift God has given our family. Adding a new birthday to the list, a new face to pictures and events, adding a name to my prayer list.... The gift of life is a beautiful thing and my sister's family growing will most definitely will change family's life exponentially FOR THE BETTER! :)

Another big thing for me is a couple of my extremely close relationships have been changing. The major one Including the fact that my best friend, practically my sister, is moving to Germany next week. Thank God she moved from Nashville in March to slowly prepare me for the transition. LOL It's really bittersweet for me. She is one of the most amazing people, with so much talent in whatever she does. I knew when I met her she would go big places and I am SOO excited for her. Moving to Germany to take the next step in her life and hopefully her career.... I mean that is big, and awesome and I am in awe of her courage and drive. But I'll say it.... I'm sad.

Part of me can't help but be selfish in both of these situations and not want things to change. I'm scared because I know it is inevitable for our current relationships to change to some degree and those possible changes scare me.

Okay well enough thought about all this change biznaz for today. None of this is really happening yet (well for at least a few more days LOL) and so for now I am going to jump back on my train of Denial Denial Denial! haha

But as the quote above says, you have to adapt to change.... And in a few days when that time of change begins by golly I will be ready to adapt because there is no way in hell I am going to be left behind in either my sister's or Kacey's life. Bring on the babysitting and the skyping! :o)

Happy Thanksgiving

So this year instead of writing a post about all the things I am so blessed for I am going to mix things up a little bit (inspired by our latest book club meeting). Usually when asked "What are you thankful for this year" everyone's answers are pretty much the same.... including mine... Family, friends, job, car, health, yada yada but there are many more things in life that are not so PC that I am thankful for and not so thankful for too. So here we go:

Thankful for:

*Seat Heaters

*DVR

*Facebook and all its awesome stalking abilities

*Pandora and the way it reads my mind in terms of playlists

*Mascara that makes my eyelashes look amazing

*GPS (how did people get around with just maps!?)

*Skype, free video chat. Don't mind if I do!

*Hallmark

*Chewing gum

*Internet, Computer, Smart phones, caller ID, and phone app's

*Bill pay over the internet

* Wine in an overside wine glass (yes, filled to the brim and even better with a steak)

*Flannel

*Chocolate

Now things I'm not so thankful for this year:

*Speed bumps

*Magazine inserts (really who ever does anything with them?)

*Cal-licks

*Frost on my car

*Cigarettes and cigarette smoke

*Speed limits (just going to break them anyways)

*Pet gander, lent, and stains

* Muffin tops, bat wings, and cellulite. Thank GOD for Spanks! haha

* The non selection of normal heals (no thank you stripper tall or grandma flat)

* Unrequitted love

* Counting calories, points, or basically having to care about anything and everything I put in my mouth

* Kitty litter... enough said.

Anyways, I hope each and every one of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Let the countdown to Christmas begin!!!!!

Holiday Survival!

Today’s weight watcher lesson was based around informing us about point values for so many of our favorite Thanksgiving foods. I was astonished by the calories and points that were in what seemed to me like teeny tiny portions. Sooo depressing! Thanksgiving is by far my favorite holiday not only because of the family gets together but also because of the F-O-O-D! Not once have I really held back on Thanksgiving because I tell myself well Thanksgiving is special. Splurge for one day and then jump back on the band wagon the next day.

Last year, exactly this time of the year I was in the same predicament. I had lost a few (very hard earned) pounds. I faced the upcoming holidays and had the knowledge and power to tackle it with success. I told myself, I WILL do this. I told myself I WILL beat the holidays, I told myself I WAS strong enough to combat my problems…. but somewhere between Thanksgiving and Christmas I lost site and now facing the same fear of failure.

I know it isn’t good going into the holidays with part of my mind is telling me, “why skimp on thanksgiving when you are probably going to end up failing in the end like you always do?” Part of me is scared to death because I know how much I want to loose weight, and how great I have been doing and I fear the power food can have over me. I love food. I love to cook food. And yes somewhere inside of me I think “food is love”.

My big issue with the holiday’s is getting out of routine. I can do great on my day to day life. I make my breakfast and lunch at work. I have my schedule of when I work out. I have lots of friends that are fit and active and are also trying to battle weight loss as well. But when the holidays come, it means travel. It means not having the same options for food as normal and eating at irregular times. It means holiday parties. It’s very cold outside and if I am out of town my gym is not an option. I have food pressures from family, customers, co workers, friends, ect and also the comfort of food has always been there for me in times of the “stressful” holidays.

So how am I going to push past this this year? Yes I am motivated now but how do I keep myself motivated? Anyways, I found someone else in weight watcher’s that is dealing with a very similar struggle as well. I felt like sharing her story and her tips for sticking with it. I hope you enjoy and like I keep telling my self…. YOU CAN DO IT! Food is just fuel for the body. YOU are in control! Good luck!

Holiday Survival: One Woman's Story
Article By: Amanda Genge www.weightwatchers.com

Thanksgiving should be a heartwarming day (or long weekend) full of family, food and festivity. But throw a colossal turkey, several kinds of stuffing and a boatload of desserts into the mix, and those of us trying to make healthy choices have a recipe for a nutritional nightmare on our hands.

If you're anything like me, you start looking forward to Thanksgiving — or at least the food that will be served — weeks in advance. Come early November, I'm already dreaming of the sausage stuffing, marsala mushrooms and fluffy mashed potatoes that make up my family's traditional feast (To be honest, I could take or leave the turkey). I start to think about which "healthy" dishes I can bring to seem virtuous, all the while knowing I'll ignore my steamed herbed broccoli and load my plate with anything doused in butter or cream, or preferably both.

Even if I've been "good" in the weeks leading up to the holiday, my restraint goes out the window when I sit down to dinner. I try to plan my week around the meal, eating light fare the rest of the time to save up for a marathon holiday eating session where I let myself indulge in whatever I want. I'm sure I must end up eating a whole week's worth of POINTS® values that day. I can easily devour at least two servings of every side dish, plus a generous sampling of every one of the dozen desserts trumped out before my dad and uncle even have a chance to fight over the turkey carcass.

The (skinny) voice of reason
Of course, while I'm sinking my teeth into a second slice of pie, my skinny sister — who honestly can not comprehend how people can overeat ("Why don't you just stop when you're full?") — is shooting disapproving glances across the table. She doesn't say it out loud, but I can see her eyes asking, "Do you really need to be eating that?" I know her concern is genuine — after all, she knows I'm miserable being the Fatty McFattypants of the family, and only wants to see me lose weight so I can be more comfortable in my own skin — but come on! It's Thanksgiving! I'm thankful for all the delicious food, a spread that would make a pilgrim blush! Just this once, let a fat girl enjoy her second helpings without guilt.

Coping without calories
This year, I'm aiming to limit my intake of all things creamy, but if I get carried away with second helpings, I'll be okay with that, too. I usually don't gain weight Thanksgiving week as long as I only really pig out on Thanksgiving Day itself. This approach fits nicely within my "don't lose, don't gain" strategy for the season.
If you're like me and truly enjoy rich food but tend to overindulge or if you're prone to drown your sorrows in pumpkin pie, Colleen Gengler, family relations educator at the University of Minnesota Extension, has a few survival Thanksgiving survival tips:

1. Let comments roll off your back
If you're tired or stressed, you're more likely to feel insulted by even innocent comments about the food, your hair, what's on your plate or anything else. If someone says something that makes you flinch, "don't take the bait; try to change the subject quickly," says Gengler.

2. Don't make food the focus
"Let the meal bring you together, but don't dwell on it the whole time," suggests Gengler. If the banter at the table shifts from praise for the delicious food to the stuffing's caloric count or who's eating the most mashed potatoes, gently change the subject. "Initiate conversations about your guests' lives and interests to take their mind off the food," she says.

3. Stick to a schedule
Maintaining your normal routine of meals, snacks and sleep will help keep you (and your kids) on an even keel. And tempting though it may be, don't starve yourself before the holiday meal; you'll probably feel shaky and on edge and you're more likely to overeat. Have a healthy breakfast, like scrambled egg whites with low-fat cheese on whole-wheat toast, to tide you over.

4. Don't try to do it all yourself
If you're hosting the meal, take your guests up on their offers of food and drink to save yourself some time. "Make them feel they're making a special contribution by asking them what they'd like to bring, if they offer to help," suggests Gengler. "If they don't have ideas, you can suggest healthy options like fresh fruit, sparkling cider or a tossed salad with a light dressing."

5. Carve out some "me" time
Yes, you've heard it a million times before. But let's be honest — who actually takes that relaxing bath or goes for a massage? Especially around the holidays when every second is spent cooking, shopping or telling a second cousin where the spare bath towels are. The trick is to sneak in a few moments of peace and quiet (or better yet, some exercise) whenever you can. Even if that means taking long bathroom break just to finish that book you've been reading. Or making up an excuse to run an errand so you can speed-walk an extra lap around the mall.

Not til I've had my coffee...

Okay I’ll say it and I am sorry if this offends anyone…. I don’t get the “I gotta have my coffee” way of thinking.
“Way too much coffee. But if it weren’t for the coffee, I’d have no identifiable personality whatsoever.” – David Letterman

So many of my coworkers, friends and clearly celebrities seem to live by this rule of thumb. Their mood, attitude, their pep in their step are all determined by this black substance. What is this all about? I like coffee, don’t get me wrong but coffee has zero control over my life and maybe that is where I loose the catch. I have never thought to say angrily to a co-worker “Not until I have my coffee….”

Pah-leez!! That is just a cop out and it is just redic.

Yes, coffee is nice and warm, packs in a ton of caffeine per ounce. But if you think that you actually feel “more chipper” after a cup a coffee I believe you are being fooled by an ultimate placebo.

Maybe its starts when you realize that coffee gives you a nice caffeine rush first thing in the morning. You then become reliant on coffee to have the same affect on you every single morning until you don’t think you can be normal or feel right until you have had the “coffee” fix… To me that sounds like an ADDICTION problem to me. The world looks down upon addiction. Don’t smoke, don’t gamble, don’t yada yada yada because it is not healthy to rely on a substance.

Course maybe your coffee drinking just comes from the mere fact drinking coffee in the morning is a socially accepted thing to do and say “gotta have my morning coffee…” or whatever you catch phrase for the term may be.

I will agree there are days when you only had 3 hours of sleep, maybe a little hung over, and naturally in a not so great of mood, a nice warm comforting cup of caffeinated coffee can do wonders. But I think it is completely asinine to state your mood is dependent on whether it is pre coffee time or post coffee time of the morning even though if it really is an addiction I realize this could be true. I mean think about all the testy people that quit smoking. You know not to talk to them for at least 3 months before they don’t automatically bite your head off! haha
Anyways, I guess I just have never gotten he whole coffee thing and today I just felt like writing about it. I am thankful to say I am happy! with or WITHOUT my morning coffee! ;o)

Music City!

What says “Nashville” more than country music? Probably nothing. This year I joined a few friends to attend the Country Music Awards and also the CMA Christmas show taping. I wont deny I loved it. I loved seeing all the stars all dressed up, loved hearing a great line up of good music and entertainment, and I loved getting all dolled up with my girl friends.

At the CMA’s I got to see some of my fav artists perform, Taylor Swift (even though she didn’t play my favorite song off her new album-Last Kiss if you were wondering), Miranda Lambert, Lady Antebellum, Carrie Underwood, Zac Brown…. And those are just to name a few. Everyone did a great job and I can’t wait to go back next year!

Same went for the Christmas taping.Even though it was hosted by Jennifer Nettles, someone I generally find to be annoying, the singers did an amazing job and Jennifer Nettles may have grew on me a bit. Key word being bit (which means very small amount). Even though it is just the middle of November it really did put me in the Christmas spirit. Check out the show on NBC on the 29th. Maybe my face will make an appearance in the audience! lol

Starting the week in a fragile state of mind.

Not every week is supposed to be a good one and I understand that but the last week or so has been stressful just because of the mere fact I have been having car issues. I have never really had to deal with car issues before. I have always been blessed with a reliable vehicle or a dad to help me fix things. But now as a single 25 year old non handyman girl living in a city with zero family, I find myself at a loss when things happen to me now that my car is a few years old.

First it started with a fuse going out in my car. My boss and dad took care of me on that one. Then I got pulled over…. I had a head light out. Headed over to the autoparts store, got a new head light, and some wiper blades.

On Wednesday, 4 days later, my roommate comes and gets me before I head to work and tells me my front tire is almost flat. Of coarse of all mornings, this morning it happened to be raining. On the positive side it was just on the cusp of being flat and I made it to the nearest air pump before it was completely a lost cause. I could hear the air streaming out of my tire, spotted the nail causing the issue and headed straight to get it fixed. Tire plugged and getting to work 3 hours late… Not the best of mornings for me.

Friday got up like normal for work, went out to my car…. Nothing. My battery was dead. Luckily my roommate’s girlfriend was still there and was able to jump my car. First thing I did Friday after work was head to autozone, and got my battery tested just in case. My battery and alternator both tested out fine…..Until this lovely morning. My roommate had stayed at his GF’s house and I called everyone I knew in east Nashville. I got nothing. I sat there thinking what should I do. Should I all a towing service? call a taxi? flag down a car in the street? I poured hot water on my battery incase it had to do with the weather… Still nothing. Then I started walking down my street. Dunno why really, but I saw a neighbor out walking a dog and asked if she would mind jumping my car. I have never felt so alone and helpless in my life. Anyways, I started the day (and the week) in a very emotionally fragile state. I feel so silly too because it is just a dead battery. Not a biggie, or a life altering issue. It’s an easy fix but I just think it was the culmination and not knowing who to call or what to do to fix my problems. I think its time I got AAA. LOL

Least I can say I have learned alot this week too. I really think they should have a car 101 class before you get your lisence. Everyone needs to know how to do these basic car fixes, even if they do have a handyman husband, dad, whomever. You just never know when you will need to do something yourself or when you wont have someone to help out.

Heading to get my new battery now! :o)

Oh no she didn't. Ex-Nay to Marie Claire

First and foremost I hate skinny biotches. Secondly, I plan on completely severing all interactions between me and one of my favorite magazines/websites, Marie Claire. Why you may ask am I so upset?

Marie Claire allowed one of their freelance writers to comment on what they thought about overweight people kissing on television . In return an article was written titled "Should 'fatties' get a room? even on tv?". Are you already disgustsed. Just wait....Read this article, NOW! If you didn’t know there is a new show on tv called Mike and Molly. Apparently both lead characters are overweight and apparently have been making some people feeling a bit uncomfortable.... One of which is the writer of this horrendous article. Maura Kelly, came back to say quite a few horrific things about her opinion of "fatties". Some I will get into and some I wont, but there is just one paragraph I can't ignore... It practically made me vomit in my mouth a little...
“So anyway, yes, I think I'd be grossed out if I had to watch two characters with rolls and rolls of fat kissing each other ... because I'd be grossed out if I had to watch them doing anything. To be brutally honest, even in real life, I find it aesthetically displeasing to watch a very, very fat person simply walk across a room — just like I'd find it distressing if I saw a very drunk person stumbling across a bar or a heroine addict slumping in a chair.”

Okay, I am attempting to cool down, just rereading this makes me enraged! She compared fat people to a freaking heroine addict for crying out loud. I realize everyone has a right to their own opinion but this is just word garbage. Not only will thousand of people read this but this will have such a negative affect on so many people. I have always been big. In 4th grade I remember I lied on my personal ID card and said I weighed 120 lbs because I was so ashamed of how much more I weighed than my peers. That was when I was when I was only 9 years old. I can't imagine what I would have done if I would have read that article back then. Now a days nine year olds have their own cell phones, facebook pages, and yes I am sure there are quite a few pre teens that will read this very article…..Hate themselves, believe they will never deserve love and affection and who knows what else. It just breaks my heart.

What I really don’t understand is why would this be disgusting. Kissing (not porno style of coarse) is a very generic form of PDA. Saying you would be grossed out by plus size people kissing implies you think that there should be a weight limit on affection. That is just absurd to me. Today there are all kinds of shows that have gay relationships, interracial relationship, shows that highlight different religions, they show all types of abuse, and yet people are discussing being disgusted with overweight people making out. REALLY!?

I wish I could address every issue I have with this article. The fact this incredibly insensitive woman offers “fat” people tips for weight loss… states she isn’t a size-ist…Her pathetic attempt to apologize, which comes off 100% insincere. I just want to go up to this woman and spit in her face. But the fact of the matter is what wrote is probably how a lot of skinny people feel. I have been fighting this exact argument my whole life. My first roommate in Nashville told me the first night he lived with me that he didn’t like “fatties” and that he was going to whip me into shape. Not even knowing me, my personality, or what I offered to the table he just layed it out there like my size defined me as a person. (what is it with the word fatties!? to me that is eqvilient to the N word... I HATE IT!) And not even a month ago someone very close to me said, “You don’t act fat”. She didn’t mean it meanly but inside I got so upset at that comment. What does that even mean? Am I supposed to hate myself, think I am fugly, stop dating, lock myself in my bedroom, get 20 cats and cry myself to sleep every night? Do skinny people really think fat people should act differently than them?

Yes, I have always been fat but to hell with what everyone else thinks. I have always walked with a mission. I go out acting like I am hot shit. I push myself to do what I want, accomplish what I want, to be social, push my limits and be the best (even chubby) version of me as possible.

Also, I want to say to anyone that read that article that feels that were personally vicimized to stay strong. You are a beautiful and unique individual. You deserve to bet treated with respect. You are worthy of love and affection and one person's opinion does not define who you are. Blog hugs to all of you.

And you better believe, when (not if) I find that special someone who wants to kiss me in public that I am going to personally make out in front of as many skinny people as possible. I have no issues being the delegate to clear the path of making it socially acceptable for fat people to kiss in public. LOL :o)

Calorie burn on the rise!

Today I write a post because I am proud of myself. As I mentioned a couple posts ago I started a fitness boot camp on 11th of October. I have been monitoring pretty close on my body bugg to see how many calories I have been burning and also trying to keep my caloric intake around 1500ish calories. Some days better, some days worse. Bodybugg is all about monitoring the calorie deficiency, the higher the deficiency, supposedly the more lbs you will loose. Unfortunately, I have not seen the scale budge (YET) but I can definitely tell I am getting stronger and I swear I thought my pants felt a teeny bit bigger this weekend. (Who knows, it could totally be all psychological).

My current motivation has been beating my sister. Haha. Her highest caloric burn was ~3400 calories. The first week of boot camp I just couldn’t get those kind of burns. Boot camp is a lot more strength training than cardio. The first week I was so sore I couldn’t even fathom adding any other type of exercise. But as my body got acclimated I worked until I beat her highest burn. It is a very hard feat for me to beat. Even on days I work out for 2 hours I still only burn a little over 3000. The key i have found is getting the burn up during the day. If I do a couple walks throughout the day and also pair boot camp with zumba I get really close to the 3400 mark. Below is a graph of my daily burns. The days that show less that 2000 calories are days I did not wear my body bugg.

As you can see there is a very high caloric burn on Saturday. I am sooo proud. I hit an all time high of ~3850 calories.That’s what staying up late, working out, and being able to get out and about during the day will do to you. Now the sad part about Saturday, I probably ate/drank that many calories (or more-totally just cringed as I typed that out!). But at least I know with the added work outs that I probably kept myself from gaining (as much as I normally would have) this weekend, and that means a lot on a holiday weekend!

Happy Halloween!

Oh how i love dressing up in costumes. I hope everyone had a wonderful Halloween!!!!

Recipe of the week-Apple Cinnamon Muffins

After vowing to not bake again until Christmas, I ended up caving last night. I broke my baking streak with a new low fat muffin recipe I recently came ac cross. Since it is fall and the season for apples, I figured a nice cinnamon, appley muffin would fit nicely into my food agenda. I was a bit scared though because there were several ingredients which I have not cooked with frequently like whole wheat flour, apple sauce and splenda.

But to my pleasant surprise the muffins were delish! They were super moist, sweet, I loved the chucks of apples in them and only ONE weight watcher point. The whole wheat flour didn't bother me one bit and the only qualm I sort of have is I can taste the fact I used splenda, so I may reduce the amount used by just a bit next time. I did replace 1% milk with skim milk, but other than that I followed the recipe exactly.

Cinnamon Apple Muffins

Ingredients
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
3/4 cup Splenda or other sweetener
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 egg
2/3 cup 1% milk
3 small apples (peeled, cored, and chopped)

Directions
* Preheat oven to 400 degrees F
* lightly spray muffin pan with cooking spray
* Mix all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, splenda, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon in a large bowl
* In a separate, small bowl, mix together the applesauce, egg, and milk.
* Pour applesauce mixture into flour mixture and stir until just blended (don't over-stir); fold in apples
* Spoon mixture into muffin pan
* Bake 25 minutes

Makes 12 muffins....1 muffin = 1 serving

Number of Servings: 12

-------------------------
Nutritional Info
Servings Per Recipe: 12
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 85.7
Total Fat: 0.9 g
Cholesterol: 18.4 mg
Sodium: 190.2 mg
Total Carbs: 19.3 g
Dietary Fiber: 2.1 g
Protein: 2.9 g

Taylor Swift

If you consider me a friend, most likely one thing you have come to realize about me is that I have an inner tween. My inner tween (I should totally come up with a nickname for her haha) likes things like doodling hearts, squiggles, whatever while she is in work meetings, believes in fairy tales to some degree (she is def the naive side of me), can 100% be a drama queen about EVERYTHING, and of coarse loves pop music coming from the “now” prostitots (as I like to call youngster wild childs) such as Miley Cryus, Justin Beiber, and her favorite - Taylor Swift. Being an avid follower since she was a senior in college, Inner Tween has been anxiously awaiting the release of the new album “Speak Now” since she heard it was coming out a few months back. Yes, she downloaded the pre-release songs, and yes, downloading the album was the first thing she did this morning, and yes, she has been listening to it all day.

Why Inner Tween loves Taylor Swift. She writes her own music. And not only does she write catchy, relatable songs, but Taylor is brutally honest. She doesn’t hold anything back. In her latest album she has songs written about John Mayer, Kayne West, and Taylor Lautner. I can use her songs as something for me to relate to for my life, but she also offers insight into her life. I think that is exceptionally cool since so many famous people are quite the opposite. No Taylor may not have the best voice, but she makes up for her lack of singing ability with enthusiasm. She is good on the guitar and good at song writing and LOVES her fans. She didn’t go off the sluttly deep end like Britney or Miley (even though I love both of them too). She has represented herself with integrity and I hope she continues to do so. Last comment to make about Inner Tween’s love. Taylor fully believes in the fairy tale in her songs. And while my adultness begs to differ with these childish theories, my inner dreams are based on hope, and Taylor is just food for those hopes and dreams. AKA she makes me feel like there is something worth wishing for, even if real life Christy is a Debbie (Debbie doubter, that is).

Anyways, check out the new tunes. Hopefully you will enjoy them as much as I have! :o)

Interesting post

During my lunch break today, I decided to stay in eat lunch at my desk, be lazy and catch up on the latest on MSN.com. Anyways, I found this interesting article on there (from glamour.com) that was written by a 31 year old. The article was about the things she wished she had known about dating ten years ago and it honestly sounds like something I could see my self writing in 6 year. So in case you haven't already seen the article here is her list.

I have highlighted the ones I particularly already agree with, even if I have not necessarily mastered following these thoughts yet :o)

1. If you're confused about whether a guy likes you or not, that's probably not good. Confusion in romance belongs only in romantic comedies because it suspends the plot, but suspense in real life sucks. So try not to analyze the events. The truth will reveal itself without you having to do anything.

2. Sometimes guys flirt with you or pay attention to you because it makes them feel good about themselves. (Hey, we do it, too.)

3. Even a guy who will admit that you're better looking than him should still be able to tell you you're beautiful. If he holds back in order to control the situation, or to keep you, or keep you down, he's got issues.

4. Don't help him ask you out by texting him something nice or polite. I'm glad you're more outgoing and thoughtful than he is, but he doesn't want the help.

5. Guys want to get busy more than anything. They'll say anything to close the deal.

6. It's shocking how much guys will talk about marriage. Until there's a ring on your finger, it will be better for you if you pretend you're deaf.

7. It's better not to lift a finger in the beginning.

8. In the early stages, giving him presents is too much. Generosity looks desperate to guys. You may be a great shopper and gift-wrapper; it may be his birthday and you may be wild about birthdays — even still, he'll think you're just wild about him. Too wild.

9. Guys just do not think like girls. I wish I'd had a brother. Real boys are nothing like the boys in movies.

10. They might take a decade to mature. Don't hope they'll grow up or be ready in the next six months.

11. Even if your family thinks there's going to be a marriage, don't let them spoil your guy. Yes, he's grateful you gave him your car when he moved out of NYC, but he would rather have had to work for it.

12. Learn to cook. Learn to cook well. I see now that it would have won me a lot of points. A LOT.

13. Just because he might be smarter than you or more talented at certain things doesn't mean he's your servant and won't mind doing all your homework/research/chores.

14. Guys get resentful, too.

15. You're special, unique, and important, but you're not a princess — no matter what Daddy says (although for the record, my dad calls me "Erin").

16. It's okay to say no. It's more than okay. It's always okay. If he stops calling (and many, many, many will), you're only weeding out the guys who aren't truly interested in you as a person. Time saved!

17. Playing it safe guarantees you'll have more time and energy to think about your grades or your work. Less drama in your life will always be better and healthier for you.

18. You deserve to be treated like a human being.

19. Your wants and needs are just as important as his, and if you don't express them because you think it will scare him away, then you're saying you don't count as much as he does.

20. Even sophisticated people with professional jobs can have tempers or hit you or use foul language. I've known men who dressed like diplomats but they were ugly human beings.

21. You can't force chemistry. If you like him as a friend, the attraction might grow, but if it doesn't, don't force it. And don't waste his time.

22. Ease up on the sauce. Alcohol clouds your judgment.

23. No boyfriend-girlfriend relationship starts with a 1 a.m. booty text.

24. When a guy has taken you to Applebee's five times and you say you want to treat him, he'll be psyched. But secretly he'll freak out if you take him to Ruth's Chris, even just the one teeny time. Don't try to match him one Ruth's Chris for five Applebee's. Take him out, but go to T.G.I. Friday's.

25. Women love attention. A guy needs to be pretty crazy about you in order for him to pay enough attention to make you happy long-term.

26. My mom always said, "Men don't think." I thought she meant, "They are mistaken in their thoughts." But they're just not thinking anything at all. About you. They're watching the game. That's why they haven't called.

27. There should be a medium ground between workaholism and his absolute devotion. "The knight departing for new adventures offends his lady, yet she has nothing but contempt for him if he remains at her feet" (Simone de Beauvoir, The Second Sex, 658).

28. Never underestimate the quality of "interesting." Men want someone interesting. They really do. Find some hobbies.

29. What are you hoping to gain by hooking up with this guy? If the answer is "him," that's a bad deal for you. "The woman gives herself, the man adds to himself by taking her" (de Beauvoir 659).

30. Expectations? They'll ruin every dating experience you have.

31. You will never understand men. Just try to understand yourself.

Body bugg speaks the unfortunate truth....

Many of you read my original post about the body bugg I bought last November. At the time I was trying to get re-hyped about weight loss since I had gained some weight. I started off strong, and I loved my body bugg but unfortunately, I fell off the band wagon quite quickly. Using excuses such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, new years, traveling, and whatever excuse I could get my hand on which has now lead to me actually have gained about 20 pounds since then. Shocking right? I’m just inching closer and closer to my highest, most disgusting weight. I never dreamed I would let myself go like this. The only word that truly describes how I feel is utterly disappointed in myself. Now more than ever I need to get myself motivated- Excited about eating right, working out, making time for me and my health because the fact of the matter is I’m not getting any younger, I am putting myself at risk for so many diseases, and I miss my old wardrobe and getting to shop at all my favorites stores because they don’t carry they size I am currently wearing.

Anyways, the last two weeks I have tried to step it up. Keeping a food log, joined a fitness boot camp, going to as many zumba classes as I can fit into my schedule and yes I busted out the body bugg. This time I am using my sisters since she is 7 months pregnant. She isn't using hers and her subscription hasn't ran out yet… So why waste money already spent right!? Anyways, I have been logging in under her account entering all my info. Well this past weekend I got looking at all her stats and it came to my attention that she burns more calories than me on average…. In layman’s terms: she has a higher metabolism than me. Just sitting at her desk at work she burns more calories than me! Another reason life isn’t fair. LOL! I don't know why this upset me because she is like a whole person smaller than me, of coarse she has a better metabolism. But it was just like a reality check. It is like me walking around every day... I know I am fat, and I am okay with that but I get so upset when anyone else calls me fat. Why is that? It's not like it is news to me, or I don't agree. It is a fact, not just an opinion. Anyways, I came to the conclusion metabolism is an evil thing. Haha. So taking any tips on how I could work at raising it? One day hopefully, (even though I have supposedly gained 1.5 lbs over the last two weeks somehow) I will be way proud of myself when I am just as skinny as my sister or any other skinny biotch’s with high metabolisms, knowing I have had to work alot harder to get there and stay at that weight. No one said life would be easy, but I am sure it will be totally worth it!

Ironic, Don't ya think?

Not 24 hours after I posted quite a long post gloating about how awesome I think East Nashville is......... Someone drove behind my house, stole my roomates $450 stainless steel grill off my patio. Really East Nasvhille, REALLY!?

Guess it could have been worse, they could have broken into my house. Just sayin'.

East Nasty

East Nashville: Surrounded by projects, crime, old homes, major social economic diversity, crowded by many races and mis-interpreted people therefore is often referred to by many Nashvillians as East Nasty. But for those of us that have taken the time to open our eyes to the east side realize we have found a diamond in the rough.

I wont deny, less than a little short two years ago I made my first venture over to a Christmas party in the east side. I was frightened for my life, driving with the car doors locked waiting to get gang banged.... Later to realize that East Nasty did not deserve the bad rap it had been given. (not saying 10-15 years ago it wasn't fully deserving). I wont deny that it took me a few trips and visits to understand that when it came to east Nashville you cant really judge the book by its cover because the pages of east Nashville, while rough around the edges, actually contained alot of awesome content. Of course I am not the only person that clearly feels this way. In the search for a home, houses in east Nashville were priced right and if were decent or better would be off the market before you could even consider to put an offer down. Now I have lived in east Nashville for 6 months and I love the life I have been building while I have been here. For those of you outsiders wondering WTF, here is why....

(DISCLAIMER: I already know I am going to leave out some awesome things-Sorry! And also this post refers to my current experiences (yes, living on the right, literally and figuratively, side of East Nashville. This is not saying that the left side is bad but I just haven't experienced it first hand)

What is great about East Nashville:

• Old houses getting redone, houses getting flipped, a new generation moving in...Almost all of my neighbors are young, super nice, and are pretty much in the same disposition as myself and it seems like that is the trend all around 37206. Constantly seeing joggers and bike riders down my street, people walking their dogs, and lots of front porch and patio sitting. No, I will never join the "East Nasty" joggers but that is a perfect example of the population I am referring to.
• GREAT (non-chain) restaurants. A few on the top of my mind. Sushi and fish at Battered and Fried, Brunch at Marche's, a sandwich from Mitchell's Deli (i like it for more than just its catchy name, lol), and today I had probably the best southern cooking and customer service at Southern Bred. Food was amazing and since we had to wait so long they comped our meals. Best of both worlds right there. Cheese dip and Marg's to make all my sorrows go away at Rose Peppers, cozy and uniqueness at Family Wash, and I don't want to forget about Glee Tuesday at Nuvo Burrito (really, glee on all tv's plus trivia during commercial breaks while you eat dinner, okay need I say more?!) And those are just (SOME) of the places I have tried... Other places I can't wait to try out Holland House, Margots, Pied Piper Creamery, Allium, and all the fried chicken places that are supposedly amazing. Plus for those of the picky persuasion they have places that serve all organic, vegetarian, and also other ethnicity's.
• Unlike my old place in Oak Hill, East Nashville has a great bar scene. I mean 5 points alone provides bars for the liking. Trivia or watching the game at 3 Crowe or Beyond the Edge or just catching happy hour on the patio at Red Door east you have all your bar needs covered and that is just the tip of the iceberg. The beer garden in Riverside Village, Drifters, and almost all the good restaurants have a great selection of cocktails. I hear Holland House and the new bar on its way (Bar 308) are the places to hit up if you want the real deal when it comes to cocktails. But the best thing about the bar scene in the east is that its is such an eclectic crowd. Unlike midtown where you are surrounded by grown frats and sorority members ( i'm not hating since I have a deep love for the Greek system, just saying it sometimes nice to see something other than cookie cutter socialites). There are even bars such as Lipstick Lounge and Mad Donna's that are targeted towards LGBT communites. There literally is room for everyone all of shapes, sizes, colors and belief.
• If you don't drink the booze, well they got lots of coffee... And no, not one starbucks. It's like a first to hear a growing community with ZERO starbucks. So refreshing! (even though I do love me some starbucks froo froo drinks.) Bongo Java, Portland brew....yumm!
• Can't leave out the music scene. Not only will you spot a ton of musicians or songwriters on this side of town but there are several places to really get your tune on. The French Quarter or the 5 spot to name a couple.
• The parks, green ways, dog parks, and all around animal friendly community. I think it is a requirement for all east Nashvillians to love or own an animal and love the outdoors.
• It's actually city life with affordablity. It is only a mere few miles from downtown and the fast life of the city. A few miles from LP stadium for games or other events. Home prices, while some are astronomical, most are still way affordable!
• Last but not least is the love and pride the patrons feel for their community. It is drawing a community that wants to make it safer, more beautiful, and the next hot spot when it comes to best places in Nashville to live. It is very original between its stores, food spots, bars, music, tenants.

Now don't get me wrong. I am not saying the east side is perfect because by all means it isn't. Some areas are still in the need of a major turn around. There are still break ins, the projects, tons of cops, and the random sketchy people that seem to always walk in them middle of the streets or hang out at the bus stops/gas stations but the fact of the matter is that there is amazing community hiding in the midst of all the madness. I hope East Nashville fully becomes the area I want it to and if you have the fear of the East Nasty, get out here and give it a try. You may just reconsider! :o)

Black light Zumba

Reasons why I love black light zumba

1) I get to get my jig on for an hour
2) In the Dark
3) With my clothes glowing.
4) People can’t see my wobbly bits jigging too
5) Plus I burn like 500 calories
6) And (in the dark) I dance as good as J. Lo.

Come check it out with me some Monday with Angie Knipp at Avenue 9 downtown. Black light zumba 7 pm.

lyrical soul

Nothing gets my lyrical soul going quite like a long car ride. I have had some of the deepest, wisest (and of coarse crazy) thoughts when behind the wheel. Yesterday was no different as I made the 2.5 hour trek from Louisville to Nashville. Had my sunroof open, my 6 disk cd player stacked with good tunes, and was in a particually great mood. One song, which I have heard a zillion times but must have been over looked by all the other amazing songs on the album ended up stricking a note with me yesterday.... Maybe it is because I finally listened to the words as I was belting them out in my car. Anyways, this song kinda reminds me of me.... jaded with an ounce of optimism.

Hiding My Heart Away by Brandi Carlile:

So this is how the story went
I met someone by accident
That blew me away
That blew me away

It was in the darkest of my days
When you took my sorrow and you took my pain
And buried them away, you buried them away

And I wish I could lay down beside you
When the day is done
And wake up to your face under the morning sun
But like everything I've ever known
I'm sure you'll go one day
So I'll spend my whole life hiding my heart away
And I can't spend my whole life hiding my heart away

I dropped you off at the train station
And put a kiss on top of your head
I watched you wave
I watched you wave
Then I went on home to my skyscrapers
Neon lights and waiting papers
That I call home
I call it home

And I wish I could lay down beside you
When the day is done
And wake up to your face against the morning sun
But like everything I've ever known
I'm sure you'll go one day
So I'll spend my whole life hiding my heart away
And I can't spend my whole life hiding my heart away

I woke up feeling heavy hearted
I'm going back to where I started
The morning rain
The morning rain
And you know I wish that you were here
But that same old road that brought me here
Is calling me home
Is calling me home

And I wish I could lay down beside you
When the day is done
And wake up to your face against the morning sun
But like everything I've ever known
You'll disappear someday
So I'll spend my whole life hiding my heart away
And I can't spend my whole life hiding my heart away

I taught I taw a putty tat.....

Meet Miss Puddy Tat Mitchell

P-A-T-I-O

As a home owner one of the fun and hard parts are home improvement projects. Now as most of you know I bought a house that had been flipped on the inside but the outside still needed a few updates – a few being the landscaping and the patio. My first project ended up being my 388 square foot patio. It appears to originally been covered in patio carpet and then painted over with grey concrete paint.. When I first bought the house the (fugly) grey paint that covered the patio was perfect. As summer went by the paint chipped, cracks split, it became a hot mess…. Not to mention my patio furniture was circa 1975 pool furniture. In other words, very unattractive. But my friend gave it to me, and at the time free was what I needed.

So the process of fixing up my patio began. I called in a couple of people to take a look at it. I got a bid for a 100% lifetime guarantee for $2300. I thought about it. I know nothing about this kind of thing, but found out I could practically build a brand new concrete patio for that price. That was out. Then I talked to a guy a work that got his degree in concrete management. He told me to strip the paint, fill the cracks and either seal or repaint. Sounds easy enough right? So my DIY project began.

First day on the job. Stripping the paint. Awful. But now my patio looks even worse so I guess I will have to finish.

Next day. I hate this. The old carpet left glue residue everywhere and the paint is so hard to get off.

Day 3. I think my back is breaking. I burned myself with the acid paint stripper. I am so not down with manual labor anymore.

Day 4 I bring in additional help. The power washer.

Day 5 OMG then there was concrete.
Day 6 Filled the cracks, starting painting

Day 7 I hate this color… and I have blisters on my hand.

Day 8 New color and I actually got help from my roommate and a bestie on the last coat of paint! :o)

Day 9 New furntiure... NEW PATIO!

After all this is now said and done I am SOO proud of myself but I must admit it was some of the hardest work I have ever done. Now I understand why people get paid so much in the manual labor occupations. I can't wait to have people to enjoy my new patio with me! :o) happy fall yall!

Tis the season.... For dates!

So today is the first day of fall. And with the fall rolling in I am quietly reminded that the holidays are creeping towards us. I can’t believe we are already almost to October. The year has flown by and luckily has been pretty good so far. Went to Seattle, bought a house, took some trips (Atlanta, Louisville, Asheville, KY Lake) attended some fun horse races (Oaks, Steeplechase), my sister got pregnant, attended a bunch of really good concerts, amusement parks, sporting events, got a cat…. Lots of good things have happened. (minus my best friend moving away. I miss her more than words can express!)

Anyways, one thing that always haunts me during the holiday’s are parties. Not like, hey all my friends go to a party and hang out, but parties where you are assumed to bring a date. This weekend I was invited to an event. It looks like a great time but…. we were all given a ticket for a guest. I am sure most people love this option because everything is more fun with a partner in crime but what about us 1% that never have a significant other to invite. When the email came out yesterday with the invite list and mine is the only one that says, Christy and guest and the rest have their what I suppose significant it just kinda felt like a smack in the face!  So I took a chance and invited boy mentioned in the prior post…. I should have guessed that since I hadn’t really talked to him since he came over last week that he would have said no but what the hell… I did it anyways. Guess who is coming with me to the event Saturday?.... My friend Emily. Thank God for besties! Haha So while I am a bit disappointed that boy is clearly not digging me, first and foremost I have to get over this issue I have with date parties. I already know of weddings, cocktail, holiday parties coming up that are going to be the same way. Today I vow to wear my big girl panties from now on and be able to face these things alone (or with an awesome side kick like Emily) and hold up to qualities I want to possess…. Being an awesome independent woman. I don’t need a date or arm candy to feel good about myself or feel normal. I feel better all ready! LOL

Rebound, Rebound!

Yes, I am still here! Lots has happened in my life since my last post. My current situation is I have a crush on a friend I met when I first moved here a few years back. I would say we both have always had good chemistry, always been attracted but he hasn't been available for my liking until recently. He just got out of a two year relationship.... supposedly. He is still in a relationship on facebook with her, and he still has their picture in his bedroom.... So i question. Is their relationship really over? Or are they taking a break? What in the world is actually going on? He told me he broke up with her a week ago today, and says he has been "single" now for three weeks. We have hung out a couple of times this week.... He even surprised me Sunday by mowing my lawn while I was gone to the Titan's game.... I know, mowing doesn't seem romantic, but to me it was the sweetest gesture. (I can't even get my roommate to clean off the counters much less consider mowing the lawn.)

So this leaves me wondering where do I stand in this mess. I have a feeling I have planted myself in a war path for my heart.... Could I simply just be a rebound?

Well I come from the google era. Yes, us generation X'ers - when it doubt, we google. So I googled rebound relationships. Apparently I am not the only person's with questions or concerns about this issue. Pages of pages of finds and websites addressing just that.

Anyways, something I found interesting from one of my website finds about rebound relationships:

"Being Used by The Rebounder:
If you find yourself in a relationship with someone who has recently broken off a long term relationship, be cautious. Don’t allow your new relationship partner to set the pace. If you do, you will find yourself in the middle of a whirlwind. You don’t want to be left in the dust once he / she decides to move on.

If you are single, out there looking for love and longing for a committed relationship you probably won’t find what you desire from someone on the rebound. If you do become involved with such a person be sure to let the relationship develop slowly and to take care of yourself emotionally."

Now..... I'm scared.

Prego!

Don't know if I mentioned I was 5 months prego or not? See my future baby?

Just kidding. Thanks to Motherhood Maternity i got to try on a prego belly but it's not actually me that's pregnant. It is my sister. I have a nephew on the way! Anyways, super dooper excited!!!!

Find of the week! Turkey Bacon

Everything is better when bacon is involved. Find this week is Jennie O's extra lean turkey bacon.

It only has 20 calories and .5 fat grams AND 3 grams of protein per slice which is unheard of! I haven't seen it at alot of grocery stores yet but so tasty and you can have 3 peices for 1 weight watcher point. Anyways, great find and a must have for my life since I eat turkey bacon on the regular! Enjoy :)

The Rules

A book was introduced to me by my wise older sister when I was a sophomore in college. The book is called, The Rules: Time-Tested Secrets for Capturing the Heart of Mr. Right. It is the same basic concept as the book, He’s Just Not That Into You, but with a little more details and instructions for us thick headed stubborn ladies. A definite must have for anyone in the dating world.
Yes, it is a self help book, but sometimes a girl just needs a few guidelines because she may be lethal come her own ways or methods. Case and point- myself. I am one of those girls that I don’t care to work hard to get what I want. Men are about the only thing you can’t be proactive at capturing. Actually trying to get a guy usually back fires. Doesn’t it all make sense when you think about it…. The guys you aren’t interested in all seem to be the ones that chase us the hardest and the ones that have us smitten seem so dis-interested sometimes. That is when the rules come in place. We should all treat men like we don’t like them and yada yada…

Well Friday night, I had a great date with a really cute nice guy. First date I have been on in a while where I just can’t wait for the guy to contact me. But guess what…. he hasn’t. Constantly driving myself nuts ,checking my message box wondering if he is going to text me I finally caved after about 48 hours after our date and texted him myself. While he did respond immediately not once has he mentioned hanging out again. While normally I would just let the cards fall the way they may, this time I just want to break down and ask him out myself. But after my little slip up last night I decided I needed to regain my own personal strength, and make him chase after me. So I consulted the rules book… For those of you whom are virgins to this technique is it just basically playing hard to get, and for some of us Go Getter females, much easier said then done! So here ya go a basic synopsis of the rule book.

The Rules
01: Be a “Creature” Unlike Any Other
02: Don't Talk to a Man First (and Don't Ask Him to Dance or propose marriage to him); If You Do All The chasing He Will Feel Like A Weakling For This Entire Marriage
03: Don't Stare at Men or Talk Too Much
04: Don't Meet Him Halfway or Go Dutch on a Date; Let Him Pay All Expenses For Activity
05: Do Not Call Him No Matter What & Rarely Return His Calls Unless Your Contact Timing is Impossible
06: Always End Phone Calls and dates First
07: Don't Accept a Saturday Night Date after Wednesday
08: Fill Up Your Time before the Date
09: How to Act on Dates 1,2, & 3 End the date first especially if you like him.
10: How to Act on Dates 4 through Commitment Time
11: Always end the date first
12: Stop Dating Him if He Doesn't Buy You a Romantic Gift for Your Birthday or Valentine's Day; Male Pride and Tradition States That He Must Pay For The Outing (date).
13: Don’t See Him More than Once or Twice a Week
14: No More than Casual (Short) Kissing on the First Date
15: Don't Rush into Sex & Other Rules for Intimacy: Why Buy The Cow When He Can Get The Milk For Free
16: Don't Tell Him What to Do
17: Let Him Take the Lead; This Would Be Better For His Pride; If You Do All The chasing And Leading He Will Feel Like A Weakling For This Entire Marriage Unless He Cannot Lead By Law and Protocol
18: Don't Expect a Man to Change or Try to Change Him
19: Don’t Open Up Too Fast; If A Man Is Persistent In Trying To Get Information It Would Be Better For The Relationship
20: Be Honest but Mysterious
21: Accentuate the Positive & Other Rules for Personal Ads
22: Don’t Live with a Man (or Leave Your Things in His Apartment)
23: Don't Date a Married Man; If You Date A Man With Another Lover, Your Relationship Is Likely To Break Up In The Future
24: Slowly Involve Him in Your Family & Other Rules for Women with Children
25: Practice, Practice, Practice! (or, Getting Good at The Rules)
26: Even if You're Engaged or Married, You Still Need The Rules
27: Do The Rules, Even when Your Friends & Parents Think It's Nuts
28: Be Smart and Other Rules for Dating in High School
29: Take Care of Yourself and Other Rules for Dating in College: Use A Beautician and Stylist To Optimize Your Looks
30: NEXT! & Other Rules for Dealing with Rejection
31: Don't Discuss The Rules with Your Therapist.
32: Don't Break The Rules! Follow The Dating Rules, Protocols and Expectations
33: Do The Rules and You’ll Live Happily Ever After!
34: Love Only Those Who Love You
35: Be Easy to Live With
36: Give Him Time To Talk and To Get Your Contact Information
37: Get Out of Your Comfort Zone: Be Visible and Available For Talk.
38: Playing Hard To Get Is A Way Of Insuring That He Is Really Committed To You And You Not Just An Impulsive Fancy Or Side Dish. When You Do Play Hard To Get, Make Sure You Leave Some Doors Open; If All Your Contact Information Changes The Relationship Is Lost
39: Men Can Handle It If You Are Dating Other Men As long If You Are Still Available For Him
40: Try To Get A Normal Body Fat Range; Older People Usually Look Better With Normal Facial and Neck Fat. For Some Men Facial Features or Facial Beauty Is Less Important Than Body Shape and Profile, and Fortunately Your Weight and Profile Are Easier To Control.
41: Women Or Men That Live Alone Are More Likely To Succeed When She Or He Lives Alone Without Other People Getting In Between The Relationship Like a 30 Year Old Son Who Does Not Want You To Re-marry, Or A Father That Is Trying To Find Out If He Is Good Enough For you
42: When You Are Hugging Other Men, Make Sure You Are Not Too Busy To Glance in His General Direction At Least Once
43: Some Men Know Within The First Hour Of Initial Meeting That You Are The One; If Nothing Happens After A Specific Period Of Time, Keep Looking
44: Go To Places or Clubs With People Like You If Unity Is Important To You
45: Many People Hate To Be Lied To: Try To Be Honest As You Can Be; Do Not Give Him False Leads (Flirts or Over Friendliness) If He Does Not Have A Chance Especially If It Is Your Job To Be Friendly; Is Better not To Give Any False Hopes
46: Do Not Tell Any Phoney Stories To Get Money If You Are Not Seriously Interested In Him
47: Men Are Not As Sensitive As Women; Do Not Be Afraid To Ask Personal Questions That Are Important To You
48: You Are An Adult, Make Sure That The Gatekeeper (Receptionist or Father) Cannot Totally Halt His Contact Attempts With You: You Do Not Want A Third Person To Lead The Relationship; Be Reasonably Accessible.
49: For Online Dating: Once You Have Send Your First Email and He Knows That You Exist, Do Not Initiate Another Contact; Keep The First Letter Short So As To Not Sound To Eager, And Do Not Beg For Acceptance; Some Men Decide Within The First Hour Of First Sight That You Are The One Or Not.
50: The Relationship Will Develop Faster, More Intimate, More Intense (Stressful) or More Romantic If the Man Is Allowed To Rule or Lead the Group or Relationship. For A Man To Ask A Girl For A Date To Party Is More Intense Than Receiving An Invitation To A Party From The Same Girl; Correct?
51: Some Loyalty May Be Required by The Woman
52: Do Not Propose Marriage To Him; It Is His Role To Ask; If He Does Not Do This Difficult Task On His Own, He Can Loose His Pride For the Rest Of This Marriage
53: Personal Talk Can Sometimes Be The Most Stressful Type Of Talk; His Intensions Are Blushingly Wide Open To See; You Need To Give Him Time And Contact Information To Prepare For This, and A Little More Privacy During The Meeting
54: Overcome Your Shyness; Find Things To Say; Be Willing To Respond With Talk; Be Willing To Answer Small Talk Questions.
55: If His Commitment To This Relationship Is Uncertain Or He is Dating Other Women, Do not Allow Him To Move Into Your Place.
56: Get A Hair Style That Fits Your Age; The Older, The Less You Have To Hide The Profile Or Shape Of Your Head; When You Are Over 80, Use Flat Hair That Is Dyed and Groomed.
57: Do Not Down Groom Such As Taking Off Your Make Up, Wearing over Sized Clothing, Neglecting Your Hairdo; Look Your Best, Why Not? Your Hairdo, Make Up and Dress is The Crown of A Woman; Always Choose The Best Style That Fits You.
58: Do Not Be A Tom Boy, Dress Like One Of The Boys At Work, Or Try To Become A Man; Men Probably Prefer 100% Female In A Woman.
59: People are more humble, tranquil and energized when they are at home than in the work place or shopping mall; when you are both alone and at your homes, the relationship through home telephones will develop easier and faster when there is no other woman between the both you; find some ways of revealing your home telephone number, perhaps on your business card and telephone book; your telephone book (white pages) is your greatest communications tool.
60: Many people hate to be deceived: do not reveal your past skeletons like sexual relationships to soon but reveal before the marriage. Do not talk about your ex lovers (sexual relationships); keep a lid on it and hope it does not show up.
61: Do not down dress. Wear feminine clothes, shoes and glasses, because these will usually make a woman look better. Do not wear oversized clothing and funny looking clothing; but wear clothes that you feel attractive and confident in. Do not hide you best head features with a hat.
62: Do not allow a third party like a receptionist, room mate or family member to disrupt communication flows toward you; usually receptionist will not tell any information about you or relay personal messages to you; make sure any messages from men are relayed to you.