tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574713620281214402012-02-10T17:40:23.301-05:00A Foreign LandMollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comBlogger6381100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-22482600075267722642012-02-10T16:40:00.001-05:002012-02-10T17:40:23.314-05:00Meeting My Snowy NeedsIf we're connected on Facebook or Twitter, you know that I've been hoping and wishing for a bit of snow in Chicagoland. After all, before moving here, I got a closet full of new cold weather gear. It's only natural a girl would to want to put it to good use.
Today I got my wish.
It snowed!!
There were big fluffy white flakes falling from the sky in the South Loop.
As I was getting dressedMollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-72807600420047594152012-02-08T16:58:00.001-05:002012-02-08T17:58:53.068-05:00Coconut Oil: Not Just for CookingMoving to Chicago in the middle of winter slapped me in the face with a chilly case of culture shock. Back in Chattanooga I had gotten used to the frigid temperatures dropping down to the mid thirties. The weather is a little bit different around these parts. Here, even in the midst of the sixth warmest winter in Chicago's recorded history, it gets colder than that. In fact, the mid thirties are Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-27005784697932958412012-02-07T09:48:00.002-05:002012-02-07T10:48:28.498-05:00Changes for Our Boys TooThe move to Chicago hasn't only meant change for the humans in our family.
Our dog, Spike, who was strictly an inside creature back in Chattanooga, is now learning to do life as a real dog. Gone are the pampered days of laziness and inactivity. He now takes two thirty minute walks a day. During these outings he takes in every sight and smell along the way and expertly avoids any contact with Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-45391532019101154132012-02-06T08:36:00.009-05:002012-02-06T09:45:24.741-05:00Mmm Mmm MondayOne of the billion reasons we were so excited to get our buns to Chicago was the chance to eat in the embarrassing amount of top quality restaurants in this town. So we wasted no time and last week started checking our "must eats" off a very distinguished list. We started at Rick Bayless' Frontera Grill.
Like you need MY review to confirm what is common knowledge. Frontera Grill is top notch. Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-70779769342086671552012-02-04T12:44:00.003-05:002012-02-04T14:49:31.233-05:00When My Social Calendar Was FullA strange thing about moving is the social calendar culture shock one experiences. Right before you leave, there are tons of "Last coffees," "Quick lunches," and "It's not goodbye, it's see you later get togethers." There doesn't seem to be enough time in the day to spend the quality time that's needed with all the ones you love. The social calendar is filled to its brim. And then bam! You arriveMollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-66917712218769215922012-02-02T10:54:00.001-05:002012-02-02T11:54:38.785-05:00The South LoopWhen we were trying to decide in what part of Chicago we wanted to plant our roots, we were a bit overwhelmed. With so many neighborhoods each with such different personalities and price points it seemed our options were endless. Knowing where the hubby would be working helped to narrow our focus. And in the end, we landed in the South Loop.
Here's our building!!
The South Loop is one of the Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-27836856302776358912012-02-01T13:41:00.001-05:002012-02-01T14:41:50.349-05:00A Finish Line That Begins A Whole New JourneyWhen I put the camera's memory card into my computer last night, I scrolled through pictures from December and January. Perhaps it's easy to guess by the veritable radio silence here at A Foreign Land that the last two months have been a whirlwind of activity. There have been hellos, goodbyes, adventures and quiet moments of reflection (many of which will be shared in the coming days). Looking Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-24241691544815477322012-01-24T08:04:00.001-05:002012-01-24T08:04:00.230-05:00Moving Day
"Being alive, it seems, means learning to bear the weight of the passing of all things. It means finding a way to lightly hold all the places we've loved and left anyway, all the moments and days and years that have already been lived and lost to memory, even as we live on in the here and now, knowing full well that this moment, too, has already gone. It means, always, allowing for the hard Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-88917312342769311122012-01-16T20:16:00.001-05:002012-01-16T20:22:15.278-05:00Red Carpet RecapHere's the truth: I have one week to get everything I (we) own packed into cardboard boxes and be ready to move our life to Chicago. I'm feeling a little bit in the weeds at this point. There's still a lot to do. A lot, a lot. But, it's important - yes, I said important - to me to take a few minutes to recap last night's affair. The 2o12 Golden Globes are in the books and I was not disappointed Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-39989851975004573272012-01-11T14:13:00.000-05:002012-01-11T14:13:26.985-05:00Be AwareToday is National Human Trafficking Awareness day.
{video source}
Be Informed: Slavery Footprint offers users a glimpse at how their consumption habits are connected to modern-day slavery.
Use your voice: Update your Facebook status, write a blog post, tweet using #TraffickingAwarenessDay
Make a contribution: Polaris Project, Somaly Mam, Wellspring Living or the anti-trafficking organizationMollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-27978275263048793612012-01-10T11:25:00.095-05:002012-01-10T14:14:30.710-05:00The One I Hope My Ex - Let's Call them "Boyfriends" - Don't ReadIn all the sorting this month I came across a box full of my journals. I haven't always been a daily journal writer, but over the years I've written enough to keep you busy reading for an entire Sunday afternoon. It's some pretty entertaining stuff. And by "entertaining" I mean that often I come across as bat-shit crazy.
As I sat and mocked watched The Bachelor last night with a group of Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-1931589576157550582012-01-06T08:23:00.000-05:002012-01-06T08:23:00.325-05:00Another Reason I've Been Nominated for Wife of the YearThe worst part of my husband being gone for three weeks is that I don't get to watch Battlestar Galactica when he's not around. Now before you jump on my case, let me suggest that I get to talk to him three (sometimes 4) times a day while he's out of town. As far as Galactica goes, I'm cold turkey. This is no small sacrifice, my friends.
The truth is out. I have become what Jesse referred to as, Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-4858070345182888592012-01-04T11:14:00.004-05:002012-01-04T11:18:03.419-05:00My Latest Quest: Save the USPSLast week I got a, "Hi, we want to close your local post office branch so try to convince us not to," survey in the mail.
Filling out the survey I was reminded of a conversation I had with a friend late last year. We committed to doing our part to "Save the US Postal Service." But by the looks of this survey, we may have our work cut out for us. I, for one, refuse to give up the fight. Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-75665304030529424112012-01-02T08:55:00.002-05:002012-01-02T08:55:00.544-05:00Transition ContinuesStage 1: "We're Moving to Chicago!!! Yippee!"
During stage one we dreamed and danced and cheered our exciting new adventure. We found a place to live and talked about all the fun our new life would be. We were filled with gratitude, stunned by our good fortune and giddy with excitement.
Knowing the next few months would likely be filled with stress and transition, we celebrated the news and Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-23941354743454345502011-12-16T17:13:00.000-05:002011-12-16T17:13:08.912-05:00Why I Think Chicago Might Be a Good FitToday as we wandered around the streets of Chicago with a dear, dear friend, we happened upon the Puppet Bike.
I couldn't help but think, "Man I'm falling in love with this town."
Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-77352518060467573182011-12-09T08:37:00.058-05:002011-12-09T10:02:34.718-05:00How an Avocado Put My Life in PerspectiveWanna know how I know that my life is pretty darn good?
{image}
Currently, one of my biggest worries is the ripeness of an avocado. Three days ago I bought a very firm avocado. It's been sitting in my window for what feels like an eternity and it is still as hard as a rock. It's totally tempting me and it remains completely inedible. I know it's inedible because I actually bought two avocados. IMollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-57132568830793371832011-12-02T08:15:00.008-05:002011-12-02T08:15:00.130-05:00A Season for GivingHear ye, hear ye, I have declared December to be a month filled with giving. Okay, so maybe it wasn't originally my idea to focus on giving in December. But go with me here. Maybe it's all the Christmas spirit floating around in the air. Perhaps it's the unadulterated Chicago excitement coursing through my veins. But no matter what it is, I'm feeling incredibly and undeniably generous. I've had Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-42170193263603730132011-11-30T08:45:00.020-05:002011-11-30T08:45:01.151-05:00Pinch MeIt was only the second place we looked through last weekend. It had only been listed for 11 days when we walked through its front door.
But yesterday we signed a lease that made us Chicago residents.
{images: these are the shots posted on the MLS website that tempted us to walk through the place}
There are so many things we love about it, not the least of which is a {drum roll please...}Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-53241907643659152222011-11-29T13:33:00.029-05:002011-11-29T13:53:19.249-05:00Getting Over My Own ExpectationsOver the past few weeks I've started and abandoned countless posts. There is no denying, I have plenty to write about. Life is changing. There is excitement all around. Prayers are being answered clearly, unquestionably and differently than we might have ever imagined. We're in the midst of an "ebenezer" moment in our lives. I am certain we will look back on these days and months for years to Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-26457901119646413042011-11-23T21:47:00.000-05:002011-11-23T21:47:13.365-05:00Happy Thoughts (24){image via Pinterest}
A Different Kind of ThanksgivingThis year our Thanksgiving "feast" will consist mainly of a picnic basket eaten in our car. Tomorrow we're making the 10 hour drive to Chicagoland to spend the weekend searching for a place to call home.
Hope your turkey day is magical and delicious!
Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-23191914881393509252011-11-21T09:36:00.001-05:002011-11-21T09:43:36.520-05:00My Latest QuestI have recently become a bit obsessed with the idea of earning Klout in David Hasselhoff.
If that sentence meant next to nothing to you let me back up a step. Klout is a San Francisco based company that provides social media analytics to measure a user's influence across their social network. (I totally yanked that definition from Wikipedia). Annnnnd, this is David Hasselhoff:
{image}He's the Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-71377837683603581952011-11-08T08:10:00.003-05:002011-11-08T08:46:21.580-05:00The CallBack in September when we were waiting in line at the Statue of Liberty, the handsome hubby's phone rang. It was an unknown number in Gary, Indiana. I asked him who he knew in Gary, Indiana and he jokingly replied, "Well, Boeing's flight department is in Gary. Maybe they're calling." I laughed and said, "Ya, I'm sure that's who it is."
It should be noted that this phone call came the day after Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-2150243356768901822011-11-07T09:45:00.000-05:002011-11-07T09:45:04.922-05:00Girls Just Wanna Have FunWhen my sweet, sweet friend Cameron discovered that she was about to be the Mommy of a sweet, sweet baby girl we knew that a very feminine celebration HAD to take place. Since Ella Kate will be her second little one, she didn't want to have a huge blow out of a shower. So instead, we opted for a very intimate, very girly, very slumber-y party.
(decoration idea via Pinterest, of course)
On Friday Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-33231880422019960702011-10-31T12:41:00.001-04:002011-10-31T12:47:55.827-04:00Paducah or BustThis weekend, I took what was possibly the most beautiful drive of my life, to Paducah. The colors of the leaves along the highway were absolutely, positively breathtaking. Breath. Taking. Anyway, I fear there is a good chance you might have never heard of Paducah. There are two reasons for my fear. First, several of the people to whom I mentioned my trip looked at me with a quizzical look on Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-50337513357559558092011-10-28T10:57:00.000-04:002011-10-28T10:57:39.853-04:00Book Club Bloggers: A Little HonestyBook Club Blogger day is here once again. And will you look at that? I'm posting my review ON TIME. Someone mark this date down. Even in a week of veritable silence around A Foreign Land, I am managing to publish my review on schedule. (Look, I have to congratulate myself. Deal with it.)
Moving on to the review...
Guys, can I be honest with you? When I realized this book was a Holocaust story IMollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-61508808067959090572011-10-24T09:39:00.000-04:002011-10-24T09:39:35.616-04:00A Silent MajorityLast week I had the pleasure of attending a screening of the much buzzed about documentary Miss Representation. It was a kind of geeky girl’s night out. The film addresses the portrayal of women in mainstream media and its resulting effect on their... our... presence in positions of power and influence in America.
As a woman with deeply ingrained feminist roots that have continued to evolve andMollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-40041831606863430352011-10-19T22:28:00.000-04:002011-10-19T22:28:12.974-04:00Baseball on the Brain{image}
I can't help it. It's October, the World Series is going on and I was born and raised in St. Louis.
{image}It's in my blood or something. I HAVE to watch the World Series. Even if during the rest of the summer I've been indifferent about baseball.
There's just something about the World Series.It is something so big that it made me miss Modern Family.
That. Big.
Of course, cheering onMollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-69040662641641006932011-10-17T22:43:00.000-04:002011-10-17T22:43:33.964-04:00This had me laughing so hard I was crying...
Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-2302392746852198482011-10-14T08:50:00.000-04:002011-10-14T09:47:04.708-04:00A House A HomeAbout a month ago, I ran across an article on Apartment Therapy that caught my attention. I mean, I liked it so much I pinned it. High praise, right? The article was entitled 5 Completely Free Ways to Make your House a Home. Since one of the items on my Ultimate To DO list is just that - Make Our House a Home - I found it pretty inspiring.
When I put that item on the list, it was my intentionMollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-85592061504816695062011-10-12T11:03:00.000-04:002011-10-12T11:03:11.575-04:00Waiting as Patiently as I'm able to...One would think that I might have mastered patience at this point.
{image}
One would be dead wrong.
Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-8673321875510949962011-10-11T16:57:00.000-04:002011-10-11T16:57:44.861-04:00Finally....{image}
Remember back in July when the book club bloggers read Love in the Time of Cholera? Remember how I vowed not to let it beat me? Remember how stubborn I am?
Welllllll, I FINALLY finished it. Just. Now.
Like several months later.
But it's finished. Fineeto. The dang thing is posted on Paper Back Swap and I don't ever plan on reading it again.
Ever.
I liked the characters less as I read the Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-3825877528994085232011-10-10T10:01:00.000-04:002011-10-10T10:01:33.356-04:00Saturday Night in Our TownThis weekend marked the close of the River Rocks festival in Chattanooga. River Rocks is a ten day, outdoor festival, "that celebrates the Tennessee Valley’s incomparable natural resources, the health benefits of an active, outdoor lifestyle and Chattanooga’s commitment to environmental stewardship and land conservation."
I'm not going to lie and tell you that I participated in any of those Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-16334191490322021192011-10-07T08:45:00.000-04:002011-10-07T08:45:13.521-04:00Happy Thoughts (23){image}
The Book of Mormon SoundtrackIt's been on repeat in my car for the last week. It hasn't gotten old yet and I still laugh at every joke.(In case you missed it, we saw The Book of Mormon and it was outstanding.)
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Unexpected GiftsAfter missing a shift last weekend, I was excited to unexpectedly pick up a few hours at work.
{image}
More Unexpected GiftsSo, it turns out that I have Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-46407959904706833322011-10-04T10:14:00.000-04:002011-10-05T10:15:12.320-04:00Is This Going Somewhere?{image}
Faithfully working my way down my Netflix queue (No easy task), Sofia Coppola's Somewhere arrived in our mailbox recently. Like so many others I've been a fan of Coppola's understated works (The Virgin Suicides, Lost in Translation) and am keenly aware that even her clunkers (Marie Antoinette) are a feast for the eyes. While I would place Somewhere closer to the Marie Antoinette end of Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-64281522108044686502011-10-03T09:48:00.000-04:002011-10-03T09:48:23.231-04:00NYCI'm attempting to keep from publishing twenty posts about our trip to New York City. Consider this a labor of love, readers. With 300+ pictures taken and a suitcase full of stories to share, it isn't easy to edit myself. Or maybe it is. Maybe I could just say that it was heavenly and leave it at that. Because, the trip was heavenly. Honestly, this was as close to perfect as any vacation that Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-83398993455432207242011-09-30T07:36:00.000-04:002011-09-30T07:36:53.092-04:00Fall Fashion Week: VIIPlease don't let my smile fool you, I'm wearing black for a reason.
I'm mourning the end of fall fashion week.
... and we have a black and white dress code at work and I had a shift yesterday right before I took these pictures.
I am sad, though, to see the posting part of fall fashion week come to an end.
But, I look forward to going back through the week and checking out all the fun postsMollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-84806946254131284502011-09-29T08:43:00.004-04:002011-09-29T09:01:55.031-04:00Fall Fashion Week: VIA few weeks ago, as I was perusing the September issues, I came across a feature in InStyle. It was called "Layering Made Simple" and it suggested that this fall, long layers over long layers (among other layering combinations) were the thing.
As I flipped through the feature, this outfit was conceived.
Problem is, in preparation for this post I could not find the trend mentioned ANYWHERE Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-19099405516711848612011-09-28T08:44:00.050-04:002011-09-28T10:15:29.162-04:00Fall Fashion Week: VI learned a very valuable lesson last night while out doing Karaoke.(Yes, I do Karaoke until midnight on Tuesday nights. I'm a real party girl.)
Trying to take outfit pics in a bar is not easy.
Most of the pictures look like this.(Although, now that I think about it, I might have looked like that to a few patrons of the establishment...)
So, here's what I have for you.
I submit to you a Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-53913115449557205772011-09-27T08:50:00.002-04:002011-09-27T09:05:08.084-04:00Fall Fashion Week: IVMy favorite trend this fall is the whole Mod thing. There is just something so fun and flirty about it.
Dress*: Made by Lisa C :: Sunglasses**: F21White Jewelry: ABC Trading Co :: Purple Flats: Target
I yanked my pose inspiration from Erin Fetherstone's Spring Collection presentation
Can you tell?
If you're looking for more Mod inspiration check out Elle Magazine, WhoWhatWear, InStyle, Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-78978653168747062242011-09-26T08:04:00.005-04:002011-09-26T08:41:56.085-04:00Fall Fashion Week: IIIIf you follow A Foreign Land on Facebook or little ol' me on Twitter you probably know that the handsome hubby and I spent the last week-ish in New York city. The fact that we've arrived back home smack dab in the middle of fall fashion week is probably good news for you. It means you are saved from the multitude of vacation wrap up posts that are swimming around my head. I have literally Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-80829878514551403212011-09-25T08:04:00.086-04:002011-09-25T08:04:00.278-04:00Fall Fashion Week: IIA week ago, my beautiful friend Lexi (go see her fashion week posts!!) set up a "photo booth" in our back room for a party.
I decided to take advantage of the pretty background for some outfit shots.
There was a problem though. Our back room is really small. Meaning, full length shots weren't the easiest to maneuver.
That just means you're missing out on the boots.Thankfully, you aren't Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-62530435807263643622011-09-24T07:39:00.051-04:002011-09-24T07:39:00.333-04:00Fall Fashion Week: IIt's here! It's here! It's finally here! Fall Fashion week has arrived and I'm so excited!!
Though, I have a feeling the plethora of exclamation points communicated that sufficiently.
The flowering bushes behind me may scream spring, but I can assure you fall temperatures have landed in Chattanooga. Look, I'm even wearing a cardigan.
Pink Cardigan: Old Navy :: Lace Tank: ThriftedPerfect Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-23946291863584337692011-09-23T08:15:00.000-04:002011-09-23T08:15:00.756-04:00Vacation RecoveryHaaaaaaaaaaaaaaave you met, Elle? In case you haven't, and I'm sure you have, but just in case... Let me introduce you to the beauty behind Elle Sees. Elle Sees is a lifestyle blog full of tips and trends that will make your life a bit more fabulous than it already is. Several weeks ago, Elle wrote this post on the topic of Vacation Recovery that was both informative and entertaining. First I Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-49375658816700774562011-09-22T17:06:00.001-04:002011-09-22T17:33:03.171-04:00HE WON!!!!
My handsome hubby just won us two front row seats in The Book of Mormon lottery! I cannot believe how awesome this trip is turning out to be!!! EEEEEE!!Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-9840582006759579302011-09-21T08:38:00.080-04:002011-09-21T08:38:00.684-04:00CircumstancesFor the past year or two I've been learning a few happiness lessons.
Over and over again, I seem to be stumbling over the fact that joy in my life does not - should not - be solely dependent upon my circumstances. It's been a goal to experience contentment in my current situation, no matter what my current situation might be. {read me go on and on about it here and here and here... ya, I talk Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-11505815440293986942011-09-20T08:40:00.116-04:002011-09-20T08:40:00.356-04:00Pins I've ACTUALLY UsedSince finally receiving my invitation to Pinterest five short months ago, I've spent a helluva lot bit of time enjoying the site almost daily. Just like so many of you, I've stumbled on yummy recipes, crafty projects, and more than enough inspiring entertaining ideas to host a different soiree every week! I was feeling a bit guilty about the time suckage that the site had become. But then I Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-81391442216082188032011-09-19T08:26:00.215-04:002011-09-19T08:26:00.847-04:00Emmy Wrap UpLast night's Emmy red carpet really was all about the Red.
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Maybe it's my current obsession with The Vampire Diaries, but Nina Dobrev really stood out to me in the sea of crimson. Her form fitting architectural Donna Karan was everything a red gown is meant to be. Talk about sexy and dramatic and jaw dropping, Dobrev looked stunning. (Vampire fans, you should also check out Mr. Damon, Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-72299286826350568452011-09-15T09:08:00.000-04:002011-09-15T09:08:54.465-04:00An Anniversary of a Different Kind...{image}
Today's a little bit of a different kind of anniversary for the handsome hubby and I. Today marks five years that we've been living in Chattanooga. *pause for effect* That's right, it's been five. long. years. We have spent five years living in a city that I could not have named the STATE in which it was six years ago. (It's Tennessee - for those of you who were wondering) Five years. Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-47805736709084331822011-09-13T13:37:00.000-04:002011-09-13T13:37:18.199-04:00Excuses, ExcusesI've been a very bad blogger. Buuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuut, I have some very valid reasons why blogging has dropped down the priority list.
1) This time next week, the handsome hubby and I will be landing in my very favorite city on earth. We're spending a week together in NYC to celebrate five years of wedded bliss. I've been up to my ears in planning, planning, planning. There may be an Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-47197748796599409572011-09-08T09:10:00.089-04:002011-09-08T13:44:48.851-04:00Fall Fashion Week? HECK YA!My friends the time has come for another fashion week. NO, I'm not talking about Mercedes-Benz Fashion week in NYC - though, I am thinking about it. And reading about it while drooling over the pictures. And wondering if I'll ever get to sit front row at a show. *sigh* Where was I? Oh ya, it's time for the REAL fashion week. It's time for the bloggy kind of fashion week. The kind where the Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-66630067113329219122011-09-07T10:23:00.000-04:002011-09-07T10:23:17.817-04:00Quick BlogletteBack in October I made a Day Zero list. {You can read about it here} Basically the challenge is to accomplish 101 things in 1001 days. The list was meant to be loads of fun, not a ton of pressure, and just a way to jump start my imagination and "do something" with free time.
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I realized yesterday that I'm nearing the one year anniversary of the creation of the list. One year equals one Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-46317656919005123592011-09-05T11:00:00.000-04:002011-09-05T11:00:13.262-04:00Loads of Repression and More Than Enough CrazyWe haven't had rain in weeks. So since Lee and its effects have decided to dump on us this morning, I am NOT complaining. In fact, I'm taking it as a cue to lie on the couch all morning and read, read, read. I thought before I dug too far into my current book, I should do some posting about my experience with Jane Austen's Persuasion. One of my many, many lists is a (completely arbitrary) 50 Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-56023838638848436742011-09-01T09:03:00.000-04:002011-09-01T09:03:17.875-04:005 Years
Here's the thing I've learned about marriage in the five short years that we've had together.The first "I Do" is magical and memorable and a true photo op. But it's all those other "I Dos" that you say in your head and in your heart every day that determine what kind of marriage you are going to have.
"I Do" respect him."I Do" find him really, really funny.
"I Do" trust him."I Do" learn so muchMollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-26648313581508841822011-08-31T14:05:00.001-04:002011-09-01T08:30:19.458-04:00Gladly Inked for LifeLast week I wrote a post and mentioned my tattoo. Little did I know it would spark some curiosity and provide the perfect inspiration for a whole other post.
First some background. I've been incredibly fortunate in my life to have a few pretty significant friendships. One was a friend through middle school, high school and a few of my many college years. He was a confidante, a buddy and someone Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-12463549072330031442011-08-30T12:15:00.001-04:002011-08-30T12:16:42.932-04:00A Day in The Life: MondayMonday, Monday, Monday, Monday.
Here's what yesterday looked like from my point of view.
1. I rarely have to get up early and it's fantastic. 2. 63 degrees outside = first run in weeks. Ouchers. 3. MUST EAT NOW. 4. Gettin' my bible on. 5. Blah, Blah, Bloggy time. 6. Making Dinner while catching up on Project Runway. 7. Getting ready for work. 8. Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-4676252151612448242011-08-29T10:44:00.000-04:002011-08-29T10:44:55.332-04:00Saturday Morning Date
All last week I looked forward to Saturday morning. I knew I'd have the house all to myself and a few hours of quiet to invest in my September issues. Needless to say it was glorious.
I was pretty thankful to discover that there aren't too, too many TOTALLY new trends for Fall. "Why," you ask would I be so thankful for such a thing? (Or maybe you didn't ask - but I'm going to tell you anywayMollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-91259787583163388472011-08-26T09:17:00.005-04:002011-08-26T09:22:25.638-04:00The Dark Side of Nursery RhymesIt's Book Club Blogger review day and once again I'm playing along. Only this month I'm trying something novel and actually posting my review on the scheduled day having read the entire book. My track record over the past few months has been a teeny bit spotty. But, this month I'm back on the horse and here to play.
This month's Book Club Bloggers' selection was The Big Over Easy by Jasper Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-86647008893444426112011-08-25T20:19:00.000-04:002011-08-25T20:19:08.725-04:00Guest Posts GaloreToday I don't have much to say around here because I'm chatting it up all over my bloggy friend's blogs.
First, you'll find a post all about my DREAM VACATION over at Angela's blog Tomorrow is Another Day. I got the chance to guest post over there because Angela is busy travelling around the globe. LUCKY!! If I'm being honest, though she's had some spectacular guest posts this week I've missed Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-89909025434627972652011-08-24T08:32:00.004-04:002011-08-24T08:32:00.412-04:00Thank You, MeI just started reading this book called Stumbling on Happiness. Despite what its title might hint Daniel Gilbert's work is NOT a self help book. Gilbert himself sums up the premise of his book by writing, "Instead, this is a book that describes what science has to tell us about how and how well the human brain can imagine its own future, and about how and how well it can predict which of those Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-3777275811026745432011-08-22T08:39:00.062-04:002011-08-22T08:39:00.225-04:00Around TownWanna know something I really like about Chattanooga? There are amazingly cool murals all around town. I snapped the following pictures on my way to the Farmer's Market last week. These are all on ONE street! Can you believe that?
This building is currently condemned. But a group of local artists have turned it into a canvas. I love, love, love it. The next three pictures are detail shots.Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-45542308831622656802011-08-19T09:07:00.000-04:002011-08-19T09:07:04.665-04:00Happy Thoughts (22){image}Roof DecksBut only if there is plenty of girl talk, hot tea, cookies and a friendship that is growing.
{image}SurprisesI've never been an Austen fan, but so far I'm really enjoying Persuasion. We'll see if it finishes strong.
{image}What a difference a Year can make
{image}Asian Pears
Happy Friday and "Cheers" to a weekend full of lots of Happy Thoughts!!
Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-2467089908808940542011-08-17T09:11:00.000-04:002011-08-17T09:11:10.276-04:00Bass-ackwards Sleep Patterns{image}
Does anyone else out there suffer from Alarm Clockitis?
This morning I was tossing and turning for several hours in bed watching the sun rise as the bedroom began to fill with light. I was wide awake and seriously contemplating getting out of bed and just starting the day. But Wednesday is a day I get to sleep in. Arrghhhhhhh. Getting up before the alarm makes NO sense at all. I Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-66183632004610780792011-08-16T08:26:00.008-04:002011-08-16T08:26:00.073-04:00Foolish WomanIt's no secret that one of the themes of this here bloggy blog has been my on-again off-again relationship with Chattanooga. We've traveled a rocky road, she and I. There have been years times of pure hatred and moments where I've resigned myself to "just get along." She's shown me her good side, her not-so-good side and everything in between. She's tried to win me over with her beautiful Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-81541135587788714702011-08-15T09:12:00.000-04:002011-08-15T09:12:42.774-04:00A Day in The Life: SundayWe'll call this lazy Sunday.
1. Some time with God 2. CBS Sunday Morning is a MUST 3. Spike "helping" with the laundry 4. Farmer's market 5. Sunday paper = COUPONS! 6. Annnnnd my camera battery died 7. A few errands 8. Busting out the tripod skills 9. Working on 2010's picture album (finally) 10. A little more reading - this time on the front porch 11. Big Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-77156321390877660842011-08-13T09:05:00.003-04:002011-08-13T09:05:00.098-04:00Handwriting GameThe fantastically funny and creative Rachael tagged me here. Of course I'm in...
1. Your name and blog name
2. Your blog URL
3. Write: "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog."
4. Your favorite quote
5. Your favorite song: right now and all time
6. Your favorite artist
7. Something you say a lot
8. Who you tag
Hopefully there are no handwriting experts out there who take one look at Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-44483609263073938142011-08-12T08:26:00.012-04:002011-08-12T08:26:01.333-04:00Happy Thoughts (21)Another week comes to a close and here are a few things making me happy as the weekend says, "Howdy!"
Super Simple Crafty ProjectsApparently, this is a popular project! Maybe because it's not complicated to make and a ton of fun? I found it a few weeks ago on Pinterest AND learned that one of my favorite bloggy friends, Carrie, did the same project recently (and hung her's in the same place!Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-76089780387236498092011-08-10T13:01:00.016-04:002011-08-10T14:05:28.011-04:00Under the InfluenceI have a very suggestible brain.
{please don't use that admission against me with any Jedi mind voodoo, okay?}
I first began to notice just how susceptible to suggestion I was a few weeks ago. Lately I've been watching Gilmore Girls. I never got into the series when it originally aired, so it's been a treat to get to enjoy it in its entirety and at my leisure on DVD. Ahhhhhhh, technological Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-80346185374162672822011-08-09T16:48:00.001-04:002011-08-09T17:10:34.210-04:00Savannah Odds and EndsJust last weekend, the handsome hubby and I took a little road trip to Savannah to attend a wedding. Besides the fact that we love the couple that was getting married, it was a great chance for the two of us to get away (to somewhere other than St. Louis) and spend a little bit of time together. It was, in a word, heavenly. Although, if I was forced to define the weekend by just one word, Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-28021472467041907242011-08-08T08:16:00.002-04:002011-08-08T08:33:02.743-04:00"Who Am I?"{image via Pinterest}
"Who am I, O Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?"2Samuel 8: 18b
I have a confession to make. Every once in awhile I get extremely cocky and annoyingly judgmental. I have this tendency to look down my nose at others. I judge the behavior of those around me and say to myself, "I would never..." I have a very, very bad habit of placing Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-68519200961030410502011-08-04T08:43:00.120-04:002011-08-04T08:43:01.044-04:00FascinatedWhen I gave up my full time job I very, very willingly gave up the regular manicures and pedicures that I had grown accustomed to. The expense seemed like it was a logical one to cut. What I wasn't able to give up, however, was my love for beautiful nails. There is just something about having my nails all dolled up that makes me feel like a pretty, pretty princess. The handsome hubby regularlyMollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-47665080648400515492011-08-03T09:29:00.002-04:002011-08-03T09:35:56.381-04:00How I Spent My TuesdayI got hit by a bus yesterday.
{long pause for effect}
Luckily, I was in my car and I barely felt a thing.
But, come on. How many times in your life can you say, "I got hit by a bus," mean it, and be making a joke? I had to use it, right?
Here's the story. I was driving along, listening to Britney, and minding my own business. There was a school bus in the lane next to me Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-78284052258716400152011-08-01T20:48:00.000-04:002011-08-01T20:48:03.101-04:00Want to Know Some Great News?Our book club read One Day back in January. I loved every page! Now, after months of waiting, the movie adaptation of One Day is finally opening in a few weeks!!
Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Are you as excited as I am??
Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-64869501736485307752011-07-29T17:08:00.005-04:002011-07-29T17:27:48.462-04:00Three Pieces of Truth Concerning Love in the Time of CholeraLadies and Gentlemen, welcome to Book Club Bloggers book review day. This month our book selection was Gabriel Garcia Marquez's Love in the Time of Cholera. Normally this would be the day where I would post my book review chock full of opinions and brilliant reflections on the work. I would do that just like all the other's bloggers who've linked up over at Charlotte's fantastic blog The Daily Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-91308057663556581072011-07-28T08:19:00.005-04:002011-07-28T19:10:08.619-04:00Lately I've Been Thinking...{image}
{BUY THIS image HERE}
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Don't you love Pinterest?
Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-7794310815932826282011-07-27T08:31:00.097-04:002011-07-27T08:31:00.375-04:00Roller Derby? Check!Don't ask me why, but one of the items on one of my MANY lists was to see a Roller derby bout. Welp, last weekend, thanks to a few very fun friends, I got to check it off the list. On Saturday night we ventured a few blocks west to the convention center and watched the Chattanooga Roller Girls trounce the Classic City Rollergirls. (notice the "roller girls" spelling distinction... I looked it Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-60547526886594033112011-07-25T08:58:00.078-04:002011-07-25T08:58:00.567-04:00Happy Thoughts (20)Happy Monday!!! Hope you all had a fantastical weekend. Ours was full of relaxing and plenty of time with friends. In other words, it was pretty fantastical.
Haven't done a post like this in awhile, so, today it's time for a few "Happy Thoughts" to get the week going.
Summer FunEven though the temperature has been rising around here (and apparently all over the country!) there have been Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-14240541377793010132011-07-22T08:47:00.004-04:002011-07-22T08:59:24.768-04:00Pop-tacular WeekI've never made a secret of the fact that I am a HUGE fan of pop music. Lucky for me, there are a few people in my life who share my musical tastes and just so happen to be incredibly generous. This week I got to see not just one but two amazingly pop-tacular concerts while spending some time with two of my favorite ladies.
First up? Britney & Nicki Minaj on Monday night in Nashville. Miss Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-39923111925921690102011-07-20T08:23:00.003-04:002011-07-20T19:46:16.643-04:00Quick BlogletteI'm distressed and confused. Can someone please explain to me why a person might want to wear the term "redneck" as a badge of honor? The question arose on a recent road trip when I noticed a plethora of bumper stickers celebrating the fact that the owner of the car was a redneck. Really?
This is something you want to brag about?
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Are you sure?
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Do you remember when Oprah and Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-9238591641760091282011-07-19T09:31:00.012-04:002011-07-19T09:31:00.486-04:00Too Sexy for This PulpitIn a city with nearly 800 churches it shouldn't be this difficult to find a church home. SHOULD IT?
In the past five years, we've visited a ton of churches and even attempted to commit to a few. But over and over again we're unsatisfied for some reason or another. We always end up leaving for greener pastures. I won't get into all the particulars, but I can say I am grateful that there has Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-49694235004671731772011-07-18T09:09:00.163-04:002011-07-18T09:09:00.997-04:00The Witching HourDid you hear about all those crazies that stood in line to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 at midnight last week? Well, I was one of them! Having never been to a midnight premier of a movie before, I figured that this would be a pretty fun one to experience. Boy did I figure right.
It was clear there was magic in the air.
We met lots and lots of super fans who were dressed Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-82287616937847767162011-07-15T09:11:00.096-04:002011-07-15T09:11:00.288-04:00The Family Vacay ShotsOne of the items on my Ultimate To DO list is to visit each of the 50 states (& D.C). The only "rule" I have for "completion" is that I need photographic proof of my visit – preferably with ME in the shot.
Now, as much fun as I know it might be to look at endless pictures of me all over the country, I've decided to cut you some slack. Instead of overloading you with all of the pictures at once, Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-56037657566365775582011-07-14T08:59:00.007-04:002011-07-14T08:59:00.629-04:00The Anti-List{image}
If you've been visiting this here bloggy blog for any length of time, you know that making lists is one of my coping mechanisms hobbies. Lists get me dreaming. Lists help me to set achievable goals. Lists keep me from looking back with longing or getting bogged down by today's stress. Lists allow me to systematically cross their items off one by one and fool myself into thinking I Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-42004257114965068472011-07-13T09:11:00.065-04:002011-07-13T09:11:00.551-04:00Alphabetly SpeakingA, B, C, D, E, F, G, here's more than you've ever wanted to know about me...
Ambition: ContentmentBad Habit: I waaaaay over commit myselfCity: NYC
Drink: CoffeeEducation: BS (Which always makes me giggle. Get it? Get it? My degree is "BS.")Food: SushiGuilty Pleasure: The Bachelor/The Bachelorette
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Hometown: St. LouisIce Cream: Yes, please.Jonesing for: A Change of SceneryKryptonite: Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-50282257063229456682011-07-12T08:42:00.000-04:002011-07-12T08:42:13.889-04:00Quick BlogletteHere's yet another clue that I'm getting old and lame.
Despite the infectious, silly fun that is Katy Perry's new song "Last Friday Night," I can't help focusing on the fact that it glorifies teenage binge drinking and sends a really mixed message.
"It's a blacked out blur but I'm pretty sure it ruled." Ahhhhhhhhhhhh. Noooooooo.
Yep, it's official. I'm old and lame.
Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-18216728301444336982011-07-06T22:38:00.002-04:002011-07-06T23:57:06.314-04:00What a Girl WantsIf you listen to pop radio as much as I do (cut me some slack it's research for work and I love it) you've surely heard commercials for the I *heart* radio Application that Clear Channel is constantly force feeding us advertising.
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Because most pop radio tends to be little more than a rotation of about 10-15 of the same songs, I never understood the need for such an application on my phoneMollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-45544660291726453652011-07-05T09:14:00.059-04:002011-07-05T09:14:00.447-04:00Happy Thoughts (19)We spent the past week in St. Louis for a little teeny, tiny vacation AND a family wedding.
These are a few of the things that made me smile along the way.
Unexpected Beautiful Weather The early part of the week turned out to be really lovely (which was a bit surprising for St. Louis in late June). It was so beautiful we got to walk around Forest Park and we didn't even melt.
{image}Coffee with Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-83102525503325797762011-06-25T10:02:00.001-04:002011-06-25T10:03:02.332-04:00A Separate PeaceIt's Book club Blogger review day (well, it was yesterday)!
This month's selection, John Knowles' A Separate Peace was made by yours truly. So, depending on your reaction to the book, "I'm sorry," or, "You're welcome."
For those of you who haven't had an opportunity to read A Separate Peace, here's the quick and dirty. The novel is set during the Second World War and centers around Gene (theMollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-24107725269384150862011-06-22T10:19:00.008-04:002011-06-22T11:14:15.001-04:00Unquestionably IntenseIt must have been a few months ago when Kelly challenged me to try Marmite. Knowing that I had pledged to try 25 foods that make other people gag, she figured that Marmite might be a perfect addition to the list. She was right.
Have you ever heard of Marmite? I hadn't when Kelly suggested it. But it's a close cousin to something I had heard of, Vegemite. Marmite is yeast paste. Sounds Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-601644466675977692011-06-21T12:41:00.004-04:002011-06-21T12:45:35.482-04:00Happy Thoughts (18)
Trying Something New
Last night I took my first Nia class. It's billed as, "a sensory-based movement practice that leads to health, wellness and fitness." Think Yoga meets modern dance and throw in a healthy dose of introspection. I'm definitely interested in trying it again! If I can work up a sweat while dancing I consider that to be a well spent evening. Throw in a couple of friends and Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-44322486927079929982011-06-17T11:33:00.000-04:002011-06-17T11:33:45.365-04:00UncleI guess we should just blame it on The Hunger Games.
I've been a loyal member of the BCB since its inception. (look there's even a badge right over there on my sidebar - I feel like that's commitment...) I've linked up each month and always thoroughly enjoyed reading everyone's reviews. But last month I dropped the ball.
Christianna, the girl behind The Girl With the Blue Bow, picked Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-47801648891977565152011-06-14T22:06:00.001-04:002011-06-14T22:07:47.513-04:00A Public Service Announcement: How to DriveLet's just go over this one more time...
The right lane is used for cruising at or under the speed limit. The left lane is used for PASSING.
One would think that the "Slower Traffic Keep to the Right" signs now littering highways would be a pretty clear indicator of this truth. However, I can attest after spending more than a few hours on the road over the past two weekends, this reality is Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-88541978172348475672011-06-06T18:03:00.000-04:002011-06-06T18:03:36.288-04:00Happy Thoughts (17)
VisitorsSummer time always brings lots of out of town family and friends to Chattanooga. This one has been no different! Over the past three weekends we've had several sets of visitors crashing at our pad. I do love to show people around the city and practice a little hospitality.
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CicadasIt isn't very often that you'll hear me saying something nice about Chattanooga when comparing it Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-49916370653779266422011-05-31T08:06:00.001-04:002011-05-31T08:06:20.256-04:00Why I'm Glad I Didn't Have Access to Social Media in High SchoolPerhaps you haven't heard, but there is a man in a mask competing on this season of The Bachelorette. That's right, as if the show couldn't get more strange, one of the contestants is wearing a mask.
His reasoning? He wants Ashley to get to know him "on the inside" before she ever sees his face. Now, on top of the whole stunt being a little bit more than creepy (He NEVER takes it off ... EVER.Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-60329372208978366112011-05-23T19:02:00.001-04:002011-05-23T19:02:00.231-04:007 Things I Learned in 7 Months As a Personal Style BloggerLast Fall I was feeling ambitious and not particularly stylish. In fact I was feeling frumpy. I had recently started teaching Dance classes. The classes left me sweaty and sweatpantsed. I had a full closet with "nothing to wear." And frankly I was bored. Bored with my clothes. Bored with my style. In some ways, bored with my life. So, I decided to start a personal style blog called LeavingMollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-12745167241493292572011-05-13T13:02:00.003-04:002011-05-13T13:31:52.773-04:00A Minority Opinion{image}
Lately I feel as if I'm in bizarro world when it comes to the books I read. It seems as though my literary opinions have been bucking those of the masses. If I love a book, I inevitably encounter a bevy of other readers who found it be taxing or trite. And the books that I pick up which seem to garner praise en masse leave me disappointed and confused. Although the bloggy world seemedMollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-53194183347227580092011-05-11T09:29:00.004-04:002011-05-11T09:29:00.804-04:00Happy Pining! (AKA My Mandatory Pinterest Post)Remember a couple of weeks ago when I mentioned Pinterest? More specifically, remember that I was whining that I had been wait listed? I had to wait a week after my request to get an invitation to join. I'll be honest, it tweaked me a little bit.
Well, it turns out that it's a fantastic website. There I said it. As much as I wanted to trash it because they made me wait a week to join, I justMollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-91668236370139845632011-05-09T09:28:00.011-04:002011-05-09T09:28:00.711-04:00The Best of the BestIn an effort to educate myself about American film and its history I set a goal (on my Ultimate To DO list) to watch all of the films listed on AFI's 100 years, 100 movies list. My hope is that by watching these films with a critical eye and then researching their cast, crew and cultural impact I can "home school" myself through film school. Not a bad way to spend some time and save bunches Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-19580507932910802932011-05-06T08:59:00.002-04:002011-05-06T08:59:00.101-04:00Happy Thoughts (16)Hello, All. Welcome to the final day (I'm pretty sure) of theme week here at A Foreign Land. The power has been restored and I've spent the last 24+ hours being completely frivolous with my electricity usage. Tomorrow I'll go back to reducing my carbon foot print. Today I plan to enjoy the conveniences that I have been blessed with simply because I live in the time that I do.
So, without Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-66584593344774134422011-05-04T21:17:00.000-04:002011-05-04T21:17:39.086-04:00The Most Beautiful Thing I've Ever Seen
WE HAVE POWER AGAIN!
Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257471362028121440.post-56012709006227911952011-05-03T13:20:00.000-04:002011-05-03T13:20:22.407-04:00Stuff In My BrainAt nine am this morning we entered into our seventh day without electricity.
Two crews drove down our street yesterday to assess our situation. Two crews left without rectifying it one single bit.
Turns out we are a big job and only a few homes will be restored once it's complete. Consequently, we are low priority.
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The above picture has nothing to do with what I'm writing.I just Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140964889110189585noreply@blogger.com