A few things that make me smile during the Holidays....
Getting a Christmas card in the mail (it's like being able to open a present early!)
The smell of a fresh Christmas Tree
Starbucks Holiday cups
Cinnamon
Fires in the fireplace
Shopping for others
Endless Christmas music
Endless Christmas movies
Finding the perfect gift, and the anticipation knowing that you have it until the moment they open it!
Seeing Christmas lights and trees while driving down the road
Hearing someone say Merry Christmas, because they say it way more than someone saying hello on a regular day.
Discovering out how other cultures celebrate Christmas
Wearing scarves, hats and gloves
Baking
Building a gingerbread house, and then eating it piece by piece :)
Seeing the presents pile up under the Christmas tree
The smell of "holiday" in the air. Everything is just magical :)
Road Trip CD mixes for the ride home to see family
Listening the the roar of laughter crammed in one room at my Grandmas
I know there more things, but I hope that reading this list brings a smile and memory to your mind.
Happy Holidays, and Merry Christmas!
Even though I have stopped being a member of CrossFit, I still very much adhere to their prescribed workouts; with less intensity. Fran is one of the most popular Workouts of the Day (WOD's). The prescribed WOD for Fran is:
Reps-21-15-9 (FOR TIME)
95lb Thrusters
PullUps
It's a very intense work out, and has been completed in 2min 2seconds by Josh in California. CRAZY!! Anyway, here's a new and interesting spin on Fran from a CrossFit affiliate...
Yes, please! I'm always on the hunt for a bargain, (as are all of my friends, thank goodness) and it's like a triple score when I come across something for free. As a life-long fan of Dr. Pepper, and more recently, it's Diet counterpart, I was ecstatic to hear of this release:
"Dr Pepper is making good on its promise of free soda now that the release of Guns N' Roses' "Chinese Democracy" is a reality. The soft-drink maker said in March that it would give a free soda to everyone in America if the album dropped in 2008. "Chinese Democracy," infamously delayed since recording began in 1994, goes on sale Sunday. Beginning Sunday at 12:01 a.m., coupons for a free 20-ounce soda will be available for 24 hours on Dr Pepper's Web site. They'll be honored until Feb. 28."
Enter Dr. Pepper's site HERE.
Enjoy!
I wish I could say I found this amazing site first, but alas, I did not. A friend on Facebook posted this, and I had to share. If you appreciate art, then you will love this!
Take a look HERE.
Click here for Matt Chapels' Tennessee Titan Town....
My kinda Sunday afternoon football song :)
I haven't had many words lately. Not sure why; if you sit me down face to face, I could talk all night! I've been needing to update this blog, and email dear friends out of town for weeks; and I just can't seem to sit and type out the words lately. Strange.
Well, I can't believe this weekend is already coming to a close! Friday night I babysat for the family I nanny for; which is always a pleasure. James (the toddler) is such a sweetie and an all around good little boy. Saturday I had an allergy medicine induced sleep-in! I wasn't feeling well before I went to bed, so I took my allergy meds...and slept until 11am! Woops! Not gonna lie, it felt pretty good. I met up with Julie for a quick hike around the Natchez Trace, SO beautiful this time of year! Great conversation, as always :). Ran home to meet Mark, who was putting together my shiny new TV cabinet (he did a fab job, and it looks great!); and get ready for the DRIVE IN!!! WOO HOO! This was my third time this year getting to go to the drive in movie with friends, and I'm hoping to be able to go at least one more time (although I may be staying IN the car this time...). A ton of people showed up, we loaded the cars with blankets, food, coffee and hot cocoa and were off. We piled on the ground and saw Madagascar 2 (hilarious, by the way) and Eagle Eye. Had a wonderful time with old friends, getting to know others, and meeting new people all at the same time!
The past few weeks have been eventful, the family I nanny for had their much anticipated little girl! Emerson Elizabeth Mulvey was brought into this world at 12:46am on October 23. She weigh 8.5oz and was 19.5in long. Such a sweet little girl! I've enjoyed watching her grow and changed in the few weeks she has been with us. For Halloween (which is also James' birthday), James was Peter Pan, and Emerson was TinkerBell! HOW CUTE!! They stole the show, that's for sure.
Let's see....I took a trip to KY to send off my younger brother to the Marines, and celebrate his birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years since he will be in Basic Training. We celebrated how we always do: a shooting contest. I love my family, can I just say that? All the boys got out their guns and ammo, and we headed out to the field to shoot. Went bowling, to the movies, etc. Had a great time all around .
Over the past month since I've last posted, I've enjoyed a few trips to Arrington Vineyard; seriously one of my new favorite places! We've gone to the Drive In Movies, regular movies, birthday parties, night on the Fort at Trish's....the list goes on. I do need to give full attention to probably one of the BEST things that happened to me this fall. Over the past two NFL seasons, I have become an avid Titans fan. Must be something about them being in the city that I love and live in! Of all the games this season, I wanted so badly to go to the Monday Night Colts/Titans game. I went two seasons ago when we stomped the Colts, and wanted to see it happen again. But, it wasn't looking likely at all. So, I settled for attending a party at Jon and Bethany's (which was looking to be supa fun!). Then, Saturday night, the miracle happened. Some friends of mine have season tickets and a box suite...AND THEY CALLED ME! They invited me to go to the game, which I very quickly said yes! I was so excited. Seriously, of ALL the games this season, THIS was THE ONE I wanted to attend. So, Monday night came, and we all layered and bundled up (it was freezing) and headed to the stadium. Not before of course having a pre-tailgate tailgate at the Williams! Kelly had quite the spread, and Jeff whipped up some fabulous pomegranate martinis. Soon enough we were off to the game, and the tailgate party. Unfortunately, we were stuck in traffic so long that we missed the tailgate. Lucky us we had the pre party already! When we walked in the stadium, it hit me just how good our seats were. 40 yd line, home side...close to the field, I was in football heaven! The game was great, close, and exciting. In the 3 quarter, Todd leans over to us and says: "Let's go up". I didn't know what he was talking about, until we were headed up to the Box. Yup, the box. We all agreed that free food, drinks and HEAT were great, but the outdoor seats were way more fun. There's just something about the yelling, screaming, cursing, beer smelling guys in the stands that make a football game great. So, I'm ever so thankful for the William's inviting me to go along, making my NFL dream come true; for this season :) .
Well, I've used way over my quota of typed words for the day, I hope you all have and will enjoy the fall weather while it lasts! Be sure to stop by Starbucks and try their Signature Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate-it's fabulous!
History was made last night. Democratic or Republican, Black or White, NoBama or McPalin....it's all over. Barack Obama is now our 44th President-Elect of the United States. I personally did not note for Obama; and do not agree with his opinions and standings. However, he is now in line to be our next President and I will support my country's leader. In my opinion, God knew this was going to happen, and I place my trust far more in Him than a leader. We elected a President, not a Saviour, as my pastor so frequently states.
In another perspective, it was so cool to see other ethnicities grab hold of this election; where in the past they may have felt they didn't have a voice, or it would not be heard. Seeing seas of African American people shouting for their country, USA; brought tears to my eyes and shivers down my spine. How cool to see our country truly uniting to elect a President (again, standings and opinions aside). I know for my short adult life, I haven't seen that happen to this extent.
It's time to unite, support and love one another. We all love this country so much; it's time to show it.
I do. This weekend I am planning on going home to Kentucky for a quick visit. I'm hoping, SO hoping to be able to go to Six Flags for their annual "Fright Fest". I don't think I have been to Ky Kingdom since I was in high school! In addition to the roller coasters, (Yes, the Hellavator is closed..) they have people in costumes lurking around, a haunted "forest" and numerous other fun fall frightening things. I can't wait!
I'm absolutely loving this artist! She's so eclectic and funky, yet folk-sy at the same time. Her lyrics are somewhat random; but always sweet in a way-and she's definitely in love with Autumn. Who can blame her?
Folk-lover or not, you've got to give her a listen. Hope you enjoy!
I know some friends have already posted these new CD's on their blogs, but being a fan of both, I thought I would share the love. I have both of their previous cd's, and LOVED them. I'm excited to check out their new ones!
And coming soon in concert....(just a little over a week away...)
I guess blogging isn't one of my best things I do-I always forget to update!! So sorry....
The past few weeks have had their ups and downs (like any week), but two weekends ago was one of my favorites so far this fall. My dad came to spend the day with me (he lives in KY), and we decided to take his new Jeep Wrangler for a spin on the Natchez Trace. The weather was just starting to cool down, so we took the top down, grabbed some coffee (and Trish!!) and headed out to the country for a drive. We stopped in Leiper's Fork, seriously one of the cutest little towns around for some fun photos and a refill on the beverages; then headed out to cruise the Trace. After about an hour of fun filled driving and a quick hike up to the Lookout, we headed back to Downtown Franklin to have lunch at Puckett's.
After Dad headed back home to Kentucky, the girls and I met up to grab a fancy dinner of cheese and crackers before heading out to Arrington Vineyards for their weekly Music in the Vines. There we met up with Julie and Merari and got situated on the hillside for our evening picnic. the Jazz band was fantastic, and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves! We laughed, talked, enjoyed the wine and music; all while watching an amazing sunset. Once dark, we could even see fireworks in the distance! Absolutely amazing.
.
The following day (Sunday) I enjoyed catching up with a friend at Fido's, one of the local (and one of my fave's) coffeeshops. After that I headed home to put in a quick walk with Trish, then we loaded up three different kinds of S'mores-and headed out to Travis's. We had the perfect bonfire, perfect weather, and the perfect debut of Ree'More's, (Reese smores), CarMore's (Carmello Smores), and your traditional Chocolate. My fave is the Ree'More's, THANKS TRISH! Travis and Scotty broke out the Acoustic and ukelele, and sang wonderful campfire songs (ok, some goofy Scotty songs too..). A perfect ending to a great weekend. OH, and the Titans went 4-0, first time in Franchise history! Even Better :)
This past weekend was much more low-key. Friday night we started our annual Movie Nights at New Song Woodbine, and it was a HIT! We showed the Bee Movie, and I convinced my friend Jon to wear a bee costume that I had rented. I'm not sure how much convincing it took, he is always up for a laugh. Saturday Trish and I headed over to Katie's home to paint her much needed living room. I will say, we did a fantastic job! I wish I had photos to post, I'll track them down and put the before and afters up-it's amazing! Saturday night...I honestly can't remember what I did Saturday night. I'm sure it involved hanging with the girls. :) Sunday was mellow, I wasn't feeling well and left church early to go to Trish's . Her house is SO warm and comfortable, the couch is addicting!! Trish made me lunch, and we just rested all afternoon. Caught a movie on TV, and watched the Titans game...they pulled it off AGAIN 5-0!! I just can't believe it. Sunday night we went to Katie's to see her final product (She still had to paint her built-in bookcase); and again, we were so satisfied with our painting jobs! Monday I had the day off and went for a hike at the Natchez Trace again (I just can't stay away! ), and enjoyed some much needed Julie time. After a quick stop in at Jocelyn's, I was headed home for the afternoon. I met up with Katie to do a brutal workout, then hit the sack. So all in all, I had a relaxing, but full weekend.
I'm looking forward to this weekend, I have community service to serve in KY for a speeding ticket I got this summer (I know, I know); and may try to make it home to see the fam and friends. I hope you are enjoying this wonderful fall weather as much as I am! Coffee and sweaters, here I come!
Pastor Andrew talked about Geocaching in his sermon a few weeks ago, and it piqued my curiosity. I googled it and was completely in love! I enjoy discovering things, and this is basically scavenger hunts, on crack. You use coordinates to locate the cache, which is hidden in, under, and on things. Today Pastor Andrew called and invited Mindee and I to join his family in an afternoon of geocaching, and I was SUPER excited about it! At one point, we had PA scampering up a street light corner post, another time Jake (Andrew's son) was given a boost to scour the top of a sign. Both times we were "Skunked" (couldn't find it). The final cache Jocelyn found, the clue was "Under JBS". We looked and looked...it was near a cemetery so we thought it was near a headstone (morbid, I know). After we had given up, loaded the kiddos back in the car, Joc goes running off with the GPS one last time, and finds it! It was under a street sewer thing. Good lookin' Joc!
All that to say, I am now addicted, and can't wait to go next week! I am officially joining team Lambinator.....so if you see some crazy people searching for things in crazy areas....just smile and know we are searching for something not everyone is looking for. :)
I dare you to try it, it makes you think, thats for sure!
I am so excited that fall-ish weather is on its way to Tennessee! It's time for football (praise the LORD), sweatshirts, bonfires, hayrides and more. I'm excited to plan a trip home to Kentucky soon, just to have the worlds' largest bonfire, built by my brothers. SO much fun!
Sorry I haven't updated the past few weeks! My weekends haven't been as action-packed as those previous...other than the my Labor Day trip to Florida; which was fantastic. I was able to stay with Karl and Lena Pugh, just a hop, skip and jump away from the beach. It was so wonderful to fall asleep with the waves crashing in my ears, wake up to fresh coffee (thanks KD) brewing, and a little 3 year old begging me to play. We relaxed on the beach, enjoyed great meals in great company! I also was able to catch up with Eric and Melissa Belcher who moved there not too long ago as well. Their kids, plus the Pugh's....we had a blast! I loved visiting my "family" in Florida.
As soon as I returned I jumped right back in to work, meetings, and then working some more! I injured my back about two weeks ago and was down for about 4 days...NOT so fun. It's SO much better now, thank goodness. I think I can handle a broken foot or knee surgery, but not being able to move due to pain? That was almost unbearable! I missed out on so many fun things that weekend, a friends concert, hanging out, etc. I was bummed, but in so much pain. This past weekend was no shortage of fun....was able to catch up with Preston and Katie and had a great time! We frequent this great little place in Franklin called Dan Mcguiness, it's a pub/restaurant that has fabulous outdoor seating (and great fish and chips too!). Sunday I chilled at Katie's house watching football almost the entire day! Can't say that I do that too often, but it was SO nice. I think I even snoozed there for a while, and missed the Colts pull off their win over Minnesota!
This week has been great so far! I was able to accomplish so many little things that have needed to be done at my house! Finally hanging some things up, cleaning the patio from the construction, re-sorting and organizing my storage unit (I know, I know). You can now open it, find what you need, and not worry about something falling on your head! It's things like knowing my storage unit is clean that enables me to sleep at night. :) Last night a group of us headed out to Exit/In to see Preston's band play, and they did really well! I haven't seen them perform any of their new stuff, so it was a really good show. Tonight we are off to pick up Katie's new couches that she got off Craigslist for an AMAZING deal! New Pottery Barn couch/love seat set for such a steal! She is so excited, and I'm not gonna lie, so am I. Many, many football games to be watched!!
I hope you are having a fabulous week and enjoying this fall weather as much as I am!
This weekend Trish, Jon, Bethany, Josh and I set out to conquer the Ocoee River in East TN. We chose to do the "Upper", which was the Olympic course in 1996 for rafting/kayaking. We had a fabulous time, and other than Josh popping out at the beginning, we had no losses on the trip down the river. We had a great guide, "Dobbs" who left us laughing and sometimes scared-he was super serious.
After the rapids, we headed to our campsite at Gee Creek. The guys (and Bethany) set up camp while Trish and I went back out on an adventure to find firewood. You would think that a place that has so many campsites; that they would also have firewood. NOT the case. We were lucky that our guide told us that he was selling some. So after tracking him down, we filled the back of my Rodeo up and headed back to camp. We grilled hot dogs, "Reemore's" (Smore's with Reeses, named by Trish), enjoyed some Phase 1o and just hanging by the fire. We were able to sleep in a bit despite the sprinkling rain, and packed up camp. We tried to toss the disc a bit, but the wind (or our lack of energy) wouldn't allow us to throw properly, so we called it a day. We grabbed some Sonic and headed to the site of the Olympic course to watch the rafter's go down the river. It's so funny to watch someone else do what you just did the day before-I hope I looked as good as they made it look!
I woke up that morning with severe allergies, and didn't pack my meds-so I had to dope up on Benadryl. Needless to say I was quite drowsy/loopy by the time we headed back home. I slept most of the trip home!! As soon as we got back to my place, we jumped in our own cars (we had taken mine) and headed straight for church. I could only stay for the first part since I was so loopy on Benadryl! I headed home as soon as I could, quickly unpacked and crawled into bed about 830. I slept straight until this morning!
So far, the last few weekends have been packed full with activities, and I wouldn't have it any other way! I'm sure my boss would love it if I didn't come to work every Monday with my hair in a ponytail and coffee in my hand.... :) This coming weekend is hopefully going to be my most favorite of the summer. Trish and I scored great flights to Florida; and we are able to stay with dear friends of mine, the Pugh's. The Belcher's also live in the same town, so I am so excited to spend some time with both of them-ON THE BEACH! :)
More updates to come, I'm sure-until then-as a friend of mine emailed me-have a splendid week!
I promise I have a life that doesn't include posting videos to my blog. :)
Have been amazing lately. It feels like my life has been turned upside down these past few weeks! I briefly mentioned it a few weeks ago, but WOW-there are no words sometimes!
I have had the busiest summer, and I have loved every moment of it. I am so glad that I have been able to take many trips home to Kentucky, small trips with friends, camping, caving, flying, seeing baseball games, football games, going to the drive in, celebrating birthdays, the list goes on. I have missed plenty of hours of sleep, but have gained so many fun memories along the way, that it has been totally worth it!
I'm excited for this weekend of White Water Rafting and camping, then the next weekend soakin' up the sun in Florida with Trish! We are going to visit Karl and Lena Pugh, as well as Eric and Melissa Belcher. Can't wait! There may also be a NYC trip in the mix for September, I'll keep you posted.....
Trish and I went shopping today. No, we didn't skip work, we shopped via the internet and chat. How ridiculous are we?? :) This was my bargain for the day...SO CUTE!
