Tuesday, May 25, 2010

TRIBUTED

While I was at work on Sunday, so was my DVR. Y'all - did you watch that Brooks and Dunn special on ABC? If not, let me help you out. There were some PHENOMENAL performances, my favorites of which I have included below.

Grab your hankie - Jennifer Hudson, "I Believe"


Lady Antebellum (and some surprise guests) - "If You See Her"


Sugarland - "Red Dirt Road"


Kenny Chesney - "You're Gonna Miss Me"


Carrie Underwood - "Neon Moon"


Rascal Flatts - "Getting Better All the Time"


Miranda Lambert - "Hillbilly Deluxe"


If you don't watch all of these videos, watch at least a little bit. They are all GREAT! Also great but I didn't want to overwhelm you were George Straight ("Boot Scootin' Boogie") and Darius Rucker ("Hard Working Man") and the finale, where everyone came on stage and did "Play Something Country." I had no idea I liked Brooks and Dunn songs so much! If they made a CD with these performances, I would be the first one in line. Gosh, do I LOVE a good cover.

Friday, May 21, 2010

GIFTY

Woop woop. Guess what's one month from today? That's right folks. Someone's turning 27. FACT: Saying that and knowing "where I am" in my life makes me feel like an OLD MAID. Can you tell I'm from Alabama? Thanks a lot, south.

So in honor of that little fact, and since today is Friday after all, I will share five things I have my twitching eye on for my birthday present. Yes, some of these are what I would call "outrageous" purchases. If it makes any difference, I have had my eye on them for about two months now, ever since people started telling me to do something for myself. Some of them I've even tried on. And I personally think buying a new kick-ass watch and getting it engraved with some cutesy message about Me Time is a great idea. And, I don't have to wake up at 5:30 am to do it. Win win.

So here's a few items that if you have a few grand lying around to blow, let me know so that I don't buy something you've already picked up. These are listed in order of most likely to appear:
My DVD player broke. This is not exciting. I will be replacing this VERY soon (today? tomorrow?) because Netflix waits on no one.

A new makeup bag won't break the bank, even if it is from Bare Escentuals. I think they are the only ones who make a bag to hold their weird shaped product... which I basically subscribe to. And I hate grime, and my makeup bag is GRIMY. It's time for a new one. And the black doesn't bother me... y'all know I am no stranger to plain and simple. Except when it comes to THIS:

Hello, Michael Kors watch. How are you? You sure would look good on my left wrist. How do I know? Because I tried you on when I spotted you on my friend Haley's wrist when we were having pizza together two weeks ago. We looked good together, didn't we, Michael Kors watch? We will be together again soon, I promise. Until then...


Hello, sleek new computer. My apartment is tiny. You are tiny. You wouldn't take up much room in a tiny apartment now would you? And you'd hold all my photos and songs without me having to fear losing them! I don't know that I'll be seeing you anytime soon, but just in case, I wanted to say hi!


Hello, Louis Vuitton speedy handbag. You are so pretty but you are so out of my league. But a girl can dream.

So, everyone run to your local department store and start shopping. A month will go by before you know it!

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

LAURAD

So last night was the big book signing. I finally got to meet lovely Laura. If you are a long-time reader of this blog, you may remember I posted a "bucket list" of sorts a few years ago. A lot has changed in three years, but "Meet President and/or Mrs. George W. Bush" would still hover around number 6 or higher on that list. And last night, it happened!

Evan and I got to the bookstore around 6:30. He wasn't getting a book signed, he was just along for the ride (literally). It was crowded even outside the store. We had to enter through metal detectors, had our belongings inspected and then had to check or leave our purses, etc behind. Luckily, I had a friend to hold mine. So basically, once you got in line, it was you and your book - that's it.

Group one was near the front (duh) so I got to see when Mrs. Bush came in. We clapped for her, and she gave us a little wave before taking a seat. They had her up on a stage, and then seated at a table to sign, so you were looking up at her, almost 2' or 3' feet or so above eye level. And just like that, the line started moving.

They took our books in small stacks, each marked with a post-it with our initials and opened to the page she was to sign. Her handlers would quickly unstack the books, pass them in front of her for a quick signature and then hand the book to another handler who would give them back to us. It was efficient if not rushed. And as far as no personal items or photos allowed - y'all, she was signing 600 books (at least 600 - some people had two). If she took time to pause for a photo or sign random items, she'd still be there signing.

As soon as she appeared, I got a little emotional. I couldn't believe I was finally getting to meet her! What an honor. I mean, really. But, I pulled it together and managed not to cry the whole time I was talking to her.

"Hi Mrs. Bush...." I was straight up stammering. "It's such an honor to meet you. I love your book. I hope you write more."

She was signing furiously but I do remember her smiling at me and saying it was nice to meet me too and she was glad I liked the book.

And just like that it was over. I got my book back and floated back up the stairs, not without a few more last glimpses over my shoulder. She is STUNNING in person: such pretty eyes and skin, a really kind smile. Just as I imagined she'd be!

I wish I had been able to shake her hand or give her a hug or move in with her but I restrained. There was a TON of security there. Any slight move and I probably would have been in trouble. I can hear it now: "I wasn't trying to hurt her, I was trying to LOVE her!"

All I need now is for George to hurry up and finish his book, so I can meet him too!

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

VISITED

One month from today, my mom and sister arrive in town for a ladies-only, weekend-long birthday celebration (that'd be MY birthday in case you were unaware!) I am SO excited about this. So far we have concrete plans to see Beauty and the Beast at the theater, try a few popular restaurants I've never been to, take a highly-recommended tour, and we are still choosing between a few side trips to a vineyard and a few other attractions, including a certain highly-recommended music museum. The last time we were together was when I snuck home before the flood:
and we had such a great time! I love my family!

Thursday, May 13, 2010

BRUISED


This is what happens after too much crab walking and bear crawling on asphalt at 6 am.

But in other news, boot camp is going well. I've not missed a class yet, which is sheer strength in itself. We ran so many sets of stairs the other day, I wasn't sure I was going to be able to make it back home to my third-floor apartment. We've jumped rope, done lots of lunges, more stairs... it's definitely not for the weak of spirit.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

BOOKED

Wondering what I bought last week?

I picked up this:

...which means I get to meet that lovely lady on the cover. She's coming to Nashville as part of her book tour, and even though I'm not allowed to take photos, have her sign anything personal, or do pretty much anything beside file by her while she signs my book, I'm pumped up. The only Bush I love more than Laura is her husband Georgie.

Kind of funny - not only did I buy the book, I was the first person to do so. As in, I waited around while they got them off the truck in the loading dock and unpacked them. That also means I snagged the very first voucher to be the very first in line to meet her next Tuesday... hooray!

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

SPENT

I have to say, I'm impressed that all but two of you could look at those pictures and not comment on them. Y'all are made of steel.

Things are coming back to normal. My first day in the office was last Friday and since then it's been insane. INSANE. I wanted to share these pictures I took with my camera, which I didn't have with me when I wrote the last post:
Here's a quick (very quick) synposis of how the week went:

Saturday: I left Birmingham at 8 am, got caught in the downpour at 10 am when I hit the state line. Since I LOVE driving in the rain, you can imagine how thrilled I was. It was hands down, the worst weather I have ever driven in. I almost pulled over but figured getting flooded in my car would be worse a fate, so I put my flashers on and didn't break 20 mph until I was on the exit ramp to my house. I made it to work on time for my event.

Sunday: saw some animals pass by in two-by-two formation. Just kidding. But it did rain all day. Around 6 pm it finally stopped. I tried to go to the grocery store but everything was closed. I found a Walgreen's that was open, got what I was looking for and headed back home. Watched TV coverage while every digit on my body was crossed that I wouldn't lose power. Just in case, I did some laundry and ran my dishwasher.

Monday: Found out work was closed and we'd gotten some flood damage. Decided to walk down and check everything out. That's when it all hit me. TV wasn't doing it justice - this was serious! I went to the gym and took my last normal shower of the week. All the water conservation notices started that day since the second station was in jeopardy (it was eventually saved - thanks prisoners!) Also on Monday, the river finally crested and the water started receding.

Tuesday: Found out the damage to work was worse than originally estimated, though fixable, but we had no power. Took advantage of the day off and went shopping and had lunch with a friend. (More on what I bought later...) Started "letting it mellow" and stocked up on bottled water.

Wednesday: Spent the day volunteering. Got up close and personal with some wet, mildewing drywall and piles of mud-caked garbage that less than a week ago were prized possessions. Handed out water (and popsicles!) to victims and volunteers as well.

Thursday: Hardest boot camp to date followed by an off-site, all-day meeting at my boss's house. Contemplated adopting a flood kitty.

Friday: Back in the office. Chaos ensued.

This weekend: Fought every urge to adpot a flood kitty until I at least know my apartment's pet policy... and have enough extra money for shots, supplies, food - you know. Cat stuff.

But the city is bouncing back. Truthfully, it's an exciting time to live here. Everyone is pitching in to help their neighbor and there's lots of effort toward relief and recovery, from a few concerts and telethons to all the volunteers that are out and about - everyone is doing something. Which is good, because right now they are saying there's been $1.56 BILLION in damage to private property alone - that doesn't even touch street, sidewalks, and other government entities. Oy vey. So, everyone come visit quick, because we need your tourism dollars and I'll probably have a new cat to show you.

Friday, May 07, 2010

FLOODED

I'm here, folks. It has been quite a week. After taking a vacation day last Friday, I ended up being off work this entire week due to a flood. Did you hear about it? Thanks to those who reached out via phone or text or e-mail. I'm fine but many people aren't as fortunate. My place of employment had some damage but it's nothing that can't be repaired.

More to come on this incredible tragedy later. In the mean time, here's some photos I snapped from my cell phone on Monday morning - remember, at this point, the river was still rising. Also note that each of these were taken no less than two blocks from my front door.

Riverfront/First Avenue. Backdoor of Wildhorse Saloon, Melting Pot, etc. LP Field. If this flood had hit one week earlier, finishers of the marathon and half marathon would have had to swim in water 3 feet deep to cross the finish line:
Third Avenue - and that's a Jeep by the way:
Other side of Third Avenue
Fourth and Demonbreun/Hall of Fame:

And in case those shots of downtown don't rip your heart out, maybe these will:
More to come.

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