Thankful Thursday/ Episode 35

It's the most "Thankful" Thursday of the year. I can't help but be
awed by the amazing blessings in our lives. Truthfully, the list is
embarrassingly long. And I am NOT complaining.

Episode 35: "Today I am thankful for... my handsome hubby, our crazy wonderful extended families, our dear friends, our health & safety, bellies full of delicious food and sore from laughter & hope for the future."

I'm headed to enjoy a bunch of that stuff right now...

So, today I am so terrifically thankful.

Thanks, but No Thanks

I'm feeling compelled on this eve of Thanksgiving to turn my attention for a moment in a slightly different direction. Of course, tomorrow there will be much giving of thanks. In fact, I intend to be lousy with gratitude for all the blessings in my life. But, for just a few moments I'd like to list a few things that I wouldn't mind seeing disappear.

These are things that I would be really Thankful to say "bye bye" to in 2010...

1. Unsolicited Advice
2. Sleepless nights
3. Thinly Veiled Gossip
4. Transformer Movies
5. Sunday School Answers in response to Genuine Heartbreak
6. 95% of Adult Contemporary Worship Music
7. Guilt abUsed as a Motivator
8. Infertility
9. Living in Denial and Expecting the Rest of Us to take Residence There Too
10. Carrie Prejean

If all those things disappeared from my radar I would be the most thankful chick on the planet. I know it's a ton to ask, but it sure would make life more pleasant for a minute or two.

Now, let's get on with the genuine giving of thanks...

"Scalpel..."

Last week, in preparation for the big New Moon opening, my girlfriend hosted the most fabulous themed party. We ate and laughed and watched the original Twilight together one last time before hitting the theatres for the next installment. There were many, many highlights of the evening... but one was that she served pomegranate seeds as a garnish for the "Type O" punch.

The actual seeds were a first for me. I've been drinking pomegranate juice for a couple of years and the fruit's sweet 'n sour flavor (which is oh so chic) is one I never shy away from when offered. But, the fruit itself has always been a bit intimidating to me. I see them in the grocery store but have never had a clue what to do with the actual berry.

But that has all changed. I was able to sample the "arils" (learned a new word! thanks, Wikipedia) that night and I fell head over heals in love. They were bright and refreshing and eating them was the equivalent of popping bubble wrap ~ once you start, you just keep popping. I was convinced by several friends that harvesting the arils from the berry is no sweat and therefore well worth the effort. SO, I decided to try it.

Gotta say, the alien autopsy that I ended up with in the middle of my kitchen was less than appetising.

Separating the seeds from the pulp while covered in crimson juice did not leave me in the mood to chomp on some pomegranate. Both the sights and sounds turned my stomach. The pulp is fleshy and soft and visually everything you DON'T want to put in your mouth. Unless, of course, you are a cannibal. I couldn't help but long for the days when I simply opened the top of my Pom Wonderful Juice and enjoyed a refreshing drink. After the harvest, it was necessary to put the bowl of arils into the refrigerator and simply walk away for the night.

Though, a day removed from the ordeal with a clean kitchen and a fading memory of the gory procedure I mustered up the courage to return to refrigerator. I'm pleased to report that I was eventually able to enjoy the fruit of my labor ... ba dump bump.

Thankful Thursday/ Episode 34

I may be coming to the end of my time in my current job. While I love what I do and who I work for, there are several reasons why it feels like my exit music has been cued.

It is a choice I've been agonizing over.

Which brings us to the thankful part. One night we (and this "we" includes some fun friends) were watching what is quite possibly my favorite new show of the season, Glee. Are you watching it? I hope so, it is really fantastic. In fact, that show alone could be what I'm thankful for today. But it's not. Maybe next week. Anyway, during a non-musical moment one of the teachers, Mr. Schuester, was waxing poetic about life. He explained that life isn't just the result of one big decision, but instead a series of many, many decisions. We hopefully learn and grow from the decisions we make and continue to move forward. (Ooooor as is the case in my life, we occasionally refuse to learn from our decisions and are doomed to make them over and over again. But I hope that isn't what this post is about.) My point is what his point was, life is a series of decisions. Getting wound up long term on any ONE decision is quite possibly a waste of time and energy.

Can I just say, "woo hoo"?!?! Do I hear a collective sigh? That takes a load off my shoulders. Are you with me? How stressful would it be if our whole lives depended on only ONE or any ONE of the million or so choices we make every day? How on earth could we ever make ANY decision? I mean talk about paralyzing pressure! Sometimes it feels like a choice is absolutely central to life as we know it. But, with a little distance that isn't typically the case. Still, it's so easy to get caught up in that thinking when we're chest high in the thick of it.

Episode 34: "Today I am thankful for ... a healthy perspective on decision making."

At times I tell myself whatever choice I make about my job is going to impact EVERYTHING. When really, it isn't. This decision, whether I stay or go, is just a drop in the bucket of my life. Sure, it doesn't feel like that right now. But it is. My workplace existed long before I came on the scene, and Lord willing, it will exist long after I leave. And no matter what I decide, I'll have to face the consequences of my decision and move forward to make many, many more choices in the years to come... and that's life, right? It's actually pretty cool that we aren't defined by any one choice. Embracing that truth allows for a LOT more perspective and a clearer head when making decisions.

Now look, before you get all up in arms... I don't say that to make light of serious decisions that we are faced with in our lives. Careful thought, prayer and planning need to go into major decisions. Agreed? But part of the beauty of trusting God - or a higher power, or whatever you want to call Him - is that ultimately HE'S in control. And for me, as a Christian, that's totally freeing. I have the honor of knowing that I can't mess up HIS plan - even all those times that I make the proverbial "wrong" decision. It releases some pressure knowing somebody's watching my back and has all the bases covered.

Possibly not what Mr. Schuester meant to communicate about decisions when he after-school-special'd Finn, but it was my take away.

So today, I am thankful.

Bridesmaid for Hire

Have I mentioned how much I love being a bridesmaid? Seriously. It is probably one of my very favorite things. I could possibly one of the few women on earth who truly MEAN that statement. I would trade my amateur bridesmaid status in in a split second and absolutely go pro... if only there was a market for professional bridesmaids! I could easily make it my full time job, without a doubt. I love planning showers and bachelorette parties. I love consulting on ceremony plans, giving input on receptions and finding a fancy dancey frock - that I will only wear ONCE! (because, I don't know about you, but I don't have very many opportunities to get my hair and makeup done and put on formal dresses in my REAL life)

There is just something so incredibly special about being part of a friend/family member's wedding season. Yah, it's stressful. Yah, it's busy. Yah, it's expensive. But, what an honor! What a privilege to get to experience that crazy time and especially in such an intimate way.

So far, 2010 promises 6 weddings! For 2 of those I have the honor of being a bridesmaid. It is fantastic. And, for the record... I'm open to attending/planning/bridesmaiding more if called upon! Keep me in mind if one of your maids drop out at the last minute. Or, hey, better yet... is anyone in the mood to get engaged?

Check out my dress for the January wedding! Is that pretty or what? I fully anticipate striking that exact pose for a picture or two.

Now to figure out how to wear my hair...

photo from David's Bridal

Thankful Thursday / Episode 33

Thursday nights are girls nights around these parts. A bunch of us get together, laugh, catch up with each other and watch campy vampire television.


Some nights we talk about "real" stuff. Some nights we just watch TV and laugh (even though this show is NOT a comedy).


Episode 33: "Today I am thankful for... campy vampire television."


The cheesified, Vampire Diaries, gives me an excuse to get together with friends on a weekly basis. Whether I need someone to listen or I just need someone to laugh with, it's a safe place to go.

Lately, I've needed both.

So today, I am thankful.

Let's Try this Again

Yesterday was a day.

It was the kind of day where, my husband (you know - the man who vowed to love and cherish and put up with me for the rest of our lives) was even afraid to come home and deal with me. It was the kind of day where rational thought is a distant memory and sadness, disappointment and gloom take over the psyche.

(Here's the part where my fundamentalist friends are thinking to themselves, "Tsk, tsk, she wasn't believing the Gospel." And my friends with fancy educations are thinking to themselves, "I wonder if it's time for her to get back on anti-depressants?" And my co-dependant friends are thinking to themselves, "I wonder what I said to make her so upset?")

Sometimes I wish bad days were that easy to solve. This one wasn't.

Here's to today being better.

A Television Show is Worth a Thousand Words

warning readers: I'm about to make fun of Chattanooga and some of it's residents...

if you aren't in the mood, stop reading now.

How funny is it that when I turned on Gossip Girl last night, there was an episode of Little House on the Prairie airing instead? Apparently due to the controversy, the local CW affiliate decided to air the "3 some" episode at 11 instead of it's normal 8 o'clock slot.

Now, honestly, I could not have picked a better replacement show than Little House on the Prairie to illustrate what I've been saying since I moved here. It is the perfect analogy. Little House on the Prairie is to Gossip Girl like Chattanooga is to the real world. The airing of that particular show better communicates my frustration than one million blog posts or two million rants. It's astounding, because the analogy works on so many levels.

First, exactly how out of touch must one be to think that Little House on the Prairie is going to be appealing (other than perhaps IRONICALLY) to the audience of Gossip Girl? If it indeed was a message being sent by the moral majority of this city, the message was received. We get it. You wish families were more like the Ingalls. You wish life was more like it was back on the prairie. You'll do whatever you can to preserve that thinking. Got it. The only problem is, they (families) aren't all like the Ingalls. And it (life) isn't as simple as a fictional family drama. Times have changed. And if you want to be relevant and reach people of TODAY your tactics should probably change too. Ever consider that force feeding your beliefs might not be the best way to spread your message?

Now I have to admit, at first I was shocked the "3 some" episode aired in the land of milk and cookies at all... But the more I thought about it, I wasn't so shocked at all. (And here's another way the analogy works.) REALLY the moral majority of Chattanooga is less Little House on the Prairie than they'd like us to believe. They're just as Gossip Girl as everyone else. They just like to hide it using the Ingalls family smoke and mirrors to redirect our attention. Meanwhile, they hide all that brokenness, sin and debauchery where nobody can see or where it could be easily over looked. It's total hypocrisy and absolutely exhausting to witness - and what's worse - totally human and, okay, okay, not specific to this region of the country.

It's just that some days it sure feels like it is.

Is This Thing On?

I read a ton of blogs.

I read blogs for work, fashion blogs, popular blogs, friend's blogs, family member's blogs, irreverent blogs, cooking blogs, design blogs, mommy blogs, crafty blogs, funny blogs and a whole bunch more.

But the thing is, I’m a lurker. That’s right. I’m admitting it. I read a bunch of stuff and I rarely ever comment. I sneak in and sneak out leaving no trace of my presence. I hungrily consume and I selfishly don’t thank. My blog reading is a one way street, all take and no give. Not too fair, and something I'm trying to change.

So, when the comments around here are sparse… and I know you’re reading, because I see the stats… I can’t really be disappointed. You’re only doing EXACTLY what I’m doing - reading and not responding.

So, at the risk of sounding like an aging rockstar in the middle of a packed stadium begging you to sing along with my winded ass (seriously, don't you hate that? I didn't pay $75 to hear myself sing the hits. I say, "Work for your money, lazy bones"). Please, consider this an invitation to comment. I think I would love to hear what you have to say – the good, the bad and the ugly. Feel free to respond when I ask a question or even tell me to “shut my whiny trap” when I'm waaaaay too self indulgent. (I’m going to regret that if you guys turn mean on me, aren’t I?) No, no, feedback is a good thing and constructive criticism is something I need to learn to digest. So, if you're out there can I hear from you?

**crickets chirping**

Maybe then I won’t feel like I’m talking into a microphone with no amplification.

Have I Mentioned How Much I Love Autumn?

Contemplative....

"You desire to know the art of living, my friend? It is contained in one phrase: make use of suffering."

~ Henri-Frédéric Amiel

If you agree that this piece is just absolutely, amazingly beautiful... Learn more about the artist Nevin Hirik here.

Diary of a Reluctant Coupon Clipper

Marching closer and closer to a full blown cliché, I have started shopping with coupons.

It was the hubby's idea. He's the born saver in our family. Initially the idea irked me on several levels. Hunting and sorting through circulars and magazines to save a few cents didn't seem worth our time. There's the inevitable, "I have to buy this brand because I have a coupon" (even though that brand is cheaper) confusion. Or the, "Of course we'll eat 4 boxes of fruit by the foot (though we've never eaten an inch of fruit by the foot prior)... AND, we'll save 50 cents in the process!" madness. Coupons, I thought, lead to buying things you wouldn't normally buy. And I'm not typically a spend money to save money type of gal. But, my biggest objection was that our time and effort and all that paper and ink weren't worth the minimal savings to be had.

As usual, I was wrong.

In the past two days, I've saved $43 using coupons. I haven't bought anything that wasn't on our shopping list, and I am an absolute convert.

Sure it takes a little bit of time, and there were a couple extra stops so it took a little more effort. But, I gotta admit I'm enjoying the hunt and the thrill of the kill. And on top of the savings, the whole deal has been an exercise in patience. At each check out line, I was faced with an obstacle. First, I got stuck in line behind a fellow coupon shopper while she was haggling over her receipt and the anticipated 15 cent savings that she had not received. (lesson learned: never be THAT woman. Fifteen cents is NOT worth my, the sales person's or the people-standing-in-line-behind-me's time) At the next stop, the register wasn't picking up my B1G1 vitamins (B1G1 - that's coupon speak for "buy one, get one free" - check it, I'm even learning the lingo). However, just politely waiting while the sales person readjusted the pricing on the second bottle saved me $7! (lesson learned: pay attention as items are scanned) By my third stop, I tried to save time by using the self check out lane. Unfortunately, the scanner didn't recognize my coupon so I had to wait for assistance. When the attendant sweetly and quickly entered my coupon manually, I saved $2.38. (lessons learned: sometimes it's worth the itty bitty wait AND it's okay to ask for help) And at my fourth and final stop, I got so excited about the $10 gift card that I earned by transferring my prescription that I totally forgot to present all the other coupons I planned to use. This oversight necessitated a stop by customer service for a price adjustment. (lesson learned: don't count your chickens before they're hatched... I was mentally shopping with the FREE $10 when I could have been actually spending less on the current transaction!)

When I think how much we can use $43 in the coming month, that's right 4. 3., I'm pretty stinking excited. Even if you subtract the $1.50 for the Sunday paper and a couple dollars for ink, paper and gas, we're still waaaaay ahead. Now, I'm rather confident that my savings won't always be this dramatic, but the cents certainly add up quickly. Even if I only save half that much each week, it is TOTALLY worth the effort.

So, chalk this experience up to one more thing I NEVER thought I'd do. (Can a minivan be far away?) And let's put clipping coupons in the "delightful surprise" column. Who could have imagined?

Dressing Up is Fun

i *heart* halloween

(if you are even half-way aware of the historical disparity between our costumes, please do not comment but instead focus your attention on how smoking hot my hubby is...)