Pulling the Puzzles Apart...

Seriously... this song is fantastic. And it speaks volumes about my life. Interpret how you will...

And I'm just thankful for Coldplay in general.
Plus, don't you think Chris Martin looks like Geoffrey?

Goooo Appalachian!

So, my uncle, as you may know from reading my blog, is the defensive line coach and recruiting coordinator at Appalachian State in Boone, NC. So, today, we went to the App State game versus South Carolina State. To be honest, it was a close game for a while. Armani got hurt a few weeks ago and is just well enough to play, but isn't fully recovered. But they pulled it out in the end and they're going to the second round of playoffs next weekend! We're hoping for a fourth national championship!

Games, games, games!

It's kind of funny that I've spent the last two Friday nights playing board games! Last weekend, I played Scattegories for the first time with Lindsey and Christen and friends and tonight I played Apples to Apples with my family. DUDE!! That game is incredible!!! I can't wait to buy it.

Seriously, you have to go play it. Now.

The Easiest Day of the Year for My Blog

Today is the easiest day for me because I've already told you tons of things I'm thankful for. But, specifically today, I'm thankful for getting to eat Thanksgiving dinner with the entire Appalachian State football team! Not only do I get to dine with the awesomely athletic and mountainously rugged men of the team, I don't have to worry about over-indulging in the food and feeling gross for the next six days! Score!

P.S. This is my second favorite holiday. I'm thankful for that too.

Half-Days

So, I left early from work today to go to North Carolina for Thanksgiving. It was heavenly!

A Whole New World

No, I'm not referring to the song from Aladdin (although, I'm definitely thankful for that one... I have some very happy memories related to that song).

I'm referring to how it feels whenever I start a new book! ...I should probably start singing that song when I read the first page. :)

Today, I'm starting The Confessions of Max Tivoli, by Andrew Sean Greer. It's about a man who is born looking like an old man. As he gets older, he grows mentally, but physically he grows younger.

Apparently there is a movie out right now with Brad Pitt in it called The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. I'll let you know how they compare... and I'll let you know how the book is.

That New Book Smell...

You know how when you buy a new car, it has that new car smell? Well, the smell of a new book makes me just as happy! I L.O.V.E. books and bookstores!!!! It's actually becoming a slight addiction... I can't go into a bookstore without buying something (....or 10 things).

Well tonight I went to Borders. It's not my favorite, but it's still a bookstore, so it's on my good list! I just love bookstores. I don't know that I can really express how my heart feels when I go inside. But it's something like Christmas morning + your first kiss + achieving a long-worked-for goal + a bear hug. That's as close as I can get. It's truly delightful.

Giving Thanks

For the past three years, my second family, that was formed in college, has gotten together on the Sunday before Thanksgiving to have a celebration feast of our own. We have all of our friends over to the house and have everyone bring a potluck dish. Since Katie and Molly have started dating men, knowledgeable in the ways of important things, we have been lucky enough to have them prepare the turkey.... we won't discuss the devastation of the 2006 turkey.... RIP dear friend.

The first year, we dressed up as pilgrims and Native Americans... but it didn't really catch on, so we didn't continue that portion. But, we did continue everyone coming together and just enjoying time together as a family of friends.

To be honest, I didn't think it would last out of college. That's why this year I almost teared up when we were going through the line... I'm just so lucky to have the friends that I do.

You can tell we're growing up too... the guys told the ladies to go first this year!

Family Time

I know I've already been thankful for my family, but I can't help it. I have to write about them again.

This is the first year that I won't be spending Thanksgiving with my whole immediate family. It's rather sad to be honest. As I've written about before, my mom's family lives in Colorado and so they went out there to spend the holiday with her side. It was literally impossible for me to get out to Grand Junction by Thursday, so it really wasn't worth it for me to go.

Instead, I'm heading up to Boone where my Uncle Mark and Aunt Paige live. My grandparents are heading over too. And, get this: so I wouldn't be without any of my immediate family, my sweet father is going to fly back from Colorado and come to Boone to spend Thanksgiving with me and the rest of his family.

Well, he's not the only one who did something sweet for me. I'm housesitting for my parents' best friends this week and they have a pretty sweet theater room in their basement. Since we're not spending the holiday together, my whole family came to watch a movie with me Saturday night so I wouldn't be alone and to bond before they left. So precious.

LOVE THEM!

Brewton

Miss Lindsey Robin (or Brewton, as Ansley, Sara and I used to lovingly call her) turned 24 today! I envy she and Geoffrey both for being able to enter the "good" year!

Lindsey and I haven't known each other very long. We met about a year and a half ago when we joined the 2007 Chick-fil-A Intern Class. It didn't take long to realize that Brewton, Fetz Face (Ansley), Sholcomb (Sara) and I (Speirhead) were going to be good buddies. From work to Braves games to testing out all of the pies at the Hapevile Dwarf House, we grew closer as we had tons and tons of fun!

Well Brewton and I stayed in touch a little bit my senior year of college, but we didn't get to spend a lot of time together. So, since I've come back to Chick-fil-A, I feel like we've been able to pick up our friendship where we left off and every day, I cherish her more and more as a friend.

At Chick-fil-A, instead of working together, they call it "doing life together," and I love that I get to do life with Lindsey. Her constant humor, sweetness, occasional sarcasm and joyous spirit make her one of the people I am most happy to be around. Truly, a day without her in the office is a bit of a downer, cause I just love having her around!

I am so excited to see how our friendship grows and I am so excited to see what her 24th year will bring!

I love you Lindsey! For those of you who love Lindsey too, leave her a comment on here, or on her blog.... P.S. That's what she told me she wants for her birthday... for you crazy kids to post to her "flippin" blog!!

PRoductive

I am too tired right now to even write a long blog post - and it's one of the best things I could be thankful for. I had an extremely productive day at work today and I am beyond content. So now, I'm just going to sit and relax until time for bed!

Bloggerriffic

Seriously, I am thankful for this blog and this project. Every day that I write something, the more my joy increases and the more I realize how amazingly incredible my life is. For real, what do I have to complain about? Nothing. Life is good.

Geoffleighnatiousness

So, November is quickly becoming one of my favorite months since I'm realizing I have so many best friends born in it! The past two days are specifically special because they are Sallie and Geoffrey's birthdays!

Today is Geoffrey's 24th birthday... and word on the street is that your 24th year is the BEST year! Twenty-three is the year when you're dealing with transition and taking care of yourself and experiencing change left and right. Twenty-four is the year where you get to reap the benefits of all the crap you had to deal with when you were 23! You are settled into a new way of life and have time to sit back and relax.

Well, I have a feeling this couldn't be more true for anyone than Geoffrey Edward. Geoffrey's past two or three years have been quite a roller coaster ride. But about nine months ago, he decided to join the Air Force (a decision none of us took well at first) and his life has been on the up and up ever since. While all of us he left at home are struggling to live without him every day, G-Money (or Eric as he likes to call himself) is having the time of his life.

Geoffrey and I met 9 years ago at Landmark. He was a grade older than me and I didn't really hang out with him much except whenever I saw him in the hallways. He used to talk to everyone - seriously the friendliest guy ever. Well, through a series of circumstances, he and I became really good friends my junior year of high school and actually kept in touch when he left and went to college. Then my freshman year of college, I got a random call out of nowhere from Geoffrey and his best friend, Beau. They were in town for the weekend and ended up hanging out with us all weekend, instead of hanging out with the people they originally came to see. After that, either they came to Athens or we (Molly, Katie and I) went to Kennesaw every weekend of our freshman year and we've been family ever since.

Geoffrey is THE FUNNIEST person you will ever meet. He's an interesting cross between Dane Cook and Ashton Kutcher, except generally cleaner. He can make the most boring situation fun. I have been begging him for years to do stand-up, but he chose the smarter route with the Air Force. Anyway, Geoffrey is the most loyal friend of all time (only Sallie could rival him for this), and he cares about people with his entire being. No matter what, Geoffrey is there for you and he'll tell you exactly what you're supposed to hear, whether you want to or not. He's the perfect blend of humor, encouragement and truthfulness. And he's also addictive; once you've hung out with him once, you're hooked and you want to be around him all the time. Be warned.

I love you Geoffrey! I miss you down there!

Again, if you know Geoffrey, write him a sweet comment on here to wish him a happy belated birthday!

Sweet Sallie

Before I begin, I must include a little note. I have struggled with deciding how to write about the specific people in my life I am thankful for. It is a situation that must be approached with care. For if I were to just begin writing about those that I'm thankful for, the ones whom I did not write about first may get their feelings hurt and believe that they are not as important to me as they truly are. Therefore, I have decided to write about those I'm thankful for on their respective birthdays. That way, no one gets their feelings hurt and maybe the post can be seen as an online card! :)

Well, Miss Sallie Rebecca was born this day 23 years ago. Little did her loving parents know that, while Sallie would be an incredible blessing in their lives, she was truly born for me! Sal and I met about three years ago at a Georgia football game (a great start!) and instantly connected. About a year later, she transferred to UGA and moved into the dorms on campus. Well, with Katie in Italy for study abroad, Molly, Allison and I had an available room at our house. I don't think we really planned it, but Sallie ended up moving in and being our fourth roomie for the spring. And let me just tell you, it was one of the most fun times of my whole life! From spring break in Panama City to nights spent squished in Molly's bed with Cheezits, we always had a good time and forged a bond that will last forever! (Shhh, who cares if it's cheesy? I mean it!) Through a series of transitions, it worked out to where Sallie was able to live with us senior year as well and we've been best friends ever since.

Talk to anyone: Sallie is probably the sweetest person you will ever meet. She's full of encouragement, joy, love and laughter. OH the laughter! The only way I can convey it in print is "BAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!" But that seriously does not do it justice. She has been there for me through all of the ups and downs of the past two years; always there to be a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on or a voice of comfort. We have laughed and cried together, but mostly laughed. She is one of the most special people I have ever met and is truly gorgeous inside and out. I can't wait to see what and where this next year brings her! I'm sure it will be a year full of joys, challenges and change and I can't wait to see where God directs her life after graduation!

Sallie, I love you more than life itself and I am so thankful that God brought you me!!!

Anyone who knows Sallie, post a comment wishing her a happy belated birthday and let her know how special she is to you!

Romans 4:20-21

These verses are so incredibly powerful. Soak them in.

(20) He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; (21) And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

Late-Night Conversations

Saturday night, Sallie and I stayed up until 4 a.m. talking! We had no idea how late it was. We were just sitting in the living room, munching on some of the leftovers from her party, when we realized that it was 3:45!

As much as I've been paying for it since then, every minute was worth it.

Sweet times with friends are so special.

You're the Only Onesie for Me

So I kind of have this odd fascination with onesies. I can't remember if it started last year or the year before last, but I found this incredible onesie decorated in skiing monkeys at Target and just HAD to buy it! I think that all of my roommates thought that it was a joke and that I would only wear it when everyone needed a good laugh, but little did they know that I would wear this thing ALL the time. It has become my comfort clothing and always perks up a sad or long day, as I'm sure you'll agree (once I can add the pictures - Blogger is being cranky tonight).

Well, this week, Katie informed me that the onesies were back at Target!! (She has also devoted an entire blog post to the onesie as well!) And ever since last year, I have desperately wanted the glow-in-the-dark onesie with spaceships and planets on it! So, tonight, we headed over and I got it!!!! As pleased as I am with my purchase, I hate to admit that it does not, in fact, glow in the dark. And I promise, I tried... I stood on my bathroom counter under the brightest lights we have for five straight minutes and when I turned off the light, there wasn't even the faintest of glows. :( Oh well, it still makes me happy!

I love you.

I don't know why exactly, but this song has been on repeat in my car for about a week now. So good. From The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Zack and I saw it on Broadway in July '07. I'm definitely thankful I've been able to go to a few shows in my lifetime... they're so much fun... and I'm thankful she says "Daddily and Mammily"... I'm probably going to have my kids call me that. :)

Sayonara Blockbuster!

Hello Kroger $1 Movie Rentals!

I LOVE the Kroger $1 rental option they have now! Pay by the day, for NEW RELEASES!!! Those cost $5 at Blockbuster! Now, granted, if you're going to actually keep the movie for a week and watch it over and over, the $5 Blockbuster rental is a worthy endeavor. However, for those of us who tend to rent a movie and watch it once, maybe twice, the $1 a night deal is the way to go.

P.S. Did you know, if you accidentally keep your Blockbuster movie for a week longer than its due date, they just charge the movie to your credit card... ON TOP of what you already paid to rent it? Sneaky sneaky.

FOXy Family

So my dad bought season tickets to the FOX this year (don't worry, they're in the nosebleed section) and tonight we went to see High School Musical 2! Now I'm a big HSM fan, and am proud to say I've seen all three movies and now seen HSM and HSM 2 at the FOX!

Well, as I said, our seats are normally located in the nosebleed section (Section GLB), but tonight, due to the large availability of seating, we were allowed to sit a good 50 rows up, center stage!! It was incredible! I could even see who the characters were. Plus, there was this adorable little girl there, probably 2-years-old, with the cutest little buns and ugg boots (the only time I support the wearing of such clothing), and she was dancing and singing to all of the songs!! It was precious!

But nights at the FOX are truly one of my favorite things. :)

Floppy and Soft

Does this post title make you think of a bunny rabbit? Well, I'm actually using adjectives that describe my Bible.

My parents gave me my Bible when I was going into seventh grade and starting a new school, Landmark Christian School. Ten years later, the Book looks like it's been living for decades. But that is just the way I like it.

No matter how cliche it is, it has gotten me through the absolute toughest times of my life and is truly my most treasured possession.

City of Refuge

I went to church at City of Refuge on Sunday. Talk about convicting. It's with shame I have to admit that I have never been good about volunteering or giving of myself to those less fortunate than me. Reading Matthew 25:31-46 always made me uncomfortable, and I'd do anything to justify my unphilanthropic spirit.

Well, with God's help, I'm ending my selfishness now, and City of Refuge has prepared the way for me to do that.

First, I'll give my overview of it: City of Refuge is a church and community that's main mission is to aid homeless Atlantans in getting their lives together. Sunday morning, we showed up at 9, loaded up our vans with blankets, hygiene products and food and headed over to two locations to pass out the items to the crowd assembled. We didn't shove Jesus down their throat, we simply gave thanks for the food and then served it, passed out the items and left. The church audience ran the full gamut from homeless men and women to Fortune 100 business executives. But in that service, everyone was equal and there to do the same thing, worship.

Now, there are two types of programs offered through City of Refuge: LifeLine Programs and Resource & Training Programs. Each program focuses on a need presented by the homeless community. By taking a 360 degree view of the problem and attacking it in a smart way, from all directions, City of Refuge is slowly, but surely chipping away at the problem plaguing South Atlanta today.

I would love to go into detail and explain each individual program and the history of City of Refuge, but I know that's not what blogs are there for. But, if you are more interested, the Web site is an incredible resource and I would be happy to give you more information.

I can't promise I'll be in attendance at City of Refuge every Sunday; but I will be finding ways to give my money, useful items, time and talent to this incredible organization and I encourage you to do so as well.

Surprise, Suprise!

After the startlingly close football game between UGA and Kentucky yesterday, we bulldogs needed a little bit of a pick-me-up. Having no plans in mind, we were looking at a long night of frustrated boredom. UNTIL, we got a phone call from Airman Coons. Somehow, Geoffrey found a way to come and see us yesterday!!! It was only an hour and a half, but it was so wonderful to see him!!! While I never imagined Geoffrey as a serviceman, he seems to be loving his life now and I am so incredibly proud of him.

In honor of our valiant military hero, I have compiled a list of some of my favorite patriotic tunes and commercials:
-Lee Greenwood: God Bless the USA
-1950s Air Force Recruitment Video
-Air Force Commercial
-Above All
-We've Been Waiting for You (I really like this one)
-Kenny Loggins: Danger Zone

I'm Sorry, Your Name is Tammy??

Audrey and I had a girl's night to the max, complete with manis, pedis and a movie. Well, I had previously watched a funny YouTube video about nail salons with my mother and sister. Strangely enough, I had not shown this video to Audrey yet. But oh how I wish I had. Our experience at the salon was literally almost word-for-word identical to the stand-up in the video. You can only imagine the look on my face, then, when my nail technician told me her name was Tammy. Truly fabulous. (Anjelah Johnson is the brilliant comedian who did the hysterical Bon Qui Qui skit.) Also, the movie we saw that night, Rachel Getting Married, was very good.

A World of Whimsy and Wonder

I love when anything in life has a whimsical touch. The ages of 5-8 were years where everything fascinated me and anything slightly whimsical made me feel like I lived in a world full of magic (not the dark kind, just the Disney kind). Now, even though I'm nearing 23, those whimsical and wondrous things still have a magical effect on me.

Here is a list of whimsical things that animate my life in enchanting ways:
1. "Half Acre" by Hem
This song is incredible. Please listen to it and tell me if it doesn't transport you to another world. You may actually recognize the song from the Liberty Mutual commercials from the past year.
2. Anthropologie
Oh. My. Gosh. I am obsessed with Anthro clothing!! And jewelry, and shoes, and bedding, and home goods, and books, etc., etc., etc. It is, in a word, fabulous. While the prices are not always so hot, the collections always bring a tasteful whimsy to any wardrobe. My roommate, Amanda, loves their dresses, but my addiction is to their sweaters... like this one!
3. Disney Movies
I know I've already posted on this, but Disney animated movies are truly what began my fascination with whimsical things in the first place.
4. Jane Austen
For some reason, Jane Austen books and movies seem to have a very whimsical quality to me. Two of my favorite books of all time are Emma and Pride and Prejudice. Those are also my two favorite Jane Austen movies!
5. Daisies
As you probably know, daisies are my absolute favorite flower and a lot of that stems from the fact that they are just so friendly. The way they bounce around brings them to life and is just plain happy.
6. Old Movies
Ever since I was a little girl, my mom would sometimes let me stay up late if an old movie was on TV. So, the association in my head has always been that old movies equal something special between me and my mom. To this day, if I'm feeling sick or sad or lonely or missing my mom, I just turn on AMC, TCM or an old Audrey Hepburn film and it is a true comfort. Some of my favorite oldies are An Affair to Remember (the movie referenced all throughout Sleepless in Seattle), Breakfast at Tiffany's, Sabrina, Roman Holiday (I can't help it, I love Audrey Hepburn), It's a Wonderful Life (my favorite Christmas movie), The Shop Around the Corner (another Jimmy Stewart classic) and That Touch of Mink. By the way, Jimmy Stewart is my ideal man. They just don't make them like that anymore.

Hump Day Update

Monday, November 3: I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream
Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie. Deliciosa!

Tuesday, November 4: Fight for Your Right
How great is it that we get to vote? Like the end result or not, we are blessed.

Wednesday, November 5: Roomie Time
Tonight, me and my roomie, Amanda, spent some good, quality time together. These days, between work and other commitments, we don't get to spend as much time together as we used to. So when we actually set aside time to do something, just us, it's extra special. :)

Kiss and Makeup

Don't worry, there's no fighting going on... today's Thankfulness winner is MAKEUP!!! Most who know me know I have an unfortunate addiction to beauty products.

Lipstick. Mascara. Eye shadow. Blush. Sigh. It's sooo happy!

I have way too much already. But, it's still what I would most definitely spend my money on all the time if it weren't for things like rent, food, insurance, etc. (Need some help reading between the lines? If you're having trouble buying me a present, this is a fail-proof choice.)

My favorite place to buy make-up would have to be Sephora, followed in distant second by ULTA - for some unknown reason, I just do not like ULTA as much. My favorite products would definitely be bareMinerals foundation, Loreal mascara and this perfect shade of Estée Lauder lipstick - Tiger Eye - my Nana bought me for Christmas last year!

Makeover, anyone?

All By Myself

First of all, while the name of this post has nothing to do with it, I am definitely thankful for Celine's version of this song! It makes me think of third grade when my friends and I would pick a Celine Dion song and make up a dance to it. This one was very heartfelt and emotional. If you'd seen it, you probably would have been moved to tears. (P.S. Please watch to the end of that video so you can see the fans standing up and clapping for her.... I thought she was all by herself?)

Anyway, the actual point of this post is the opposite of Celine's song. I got some time "all by myself" and it was soo nice! I am, by nature, a person who needs to be around people all the time. I don't like to be by myself and could NEVER live alone. I just enjoy human interaction too much. Unfortunately, because I'm this way, I often don't set aside "me time" like I should. No matter how much I enjoy people, sometimes it's just nice (and necessary) to have some time to myself.

So tonight, I got to have a little time to clean and think and read and stuff. To not have to worry about work or what someone else wanted to do was just... nice.