Well, another week in the books and accounted for. Since I last blogged, I: flew home, saw family, saw friends, got 2 books, 3 shirts (one I couldn't wear, I'm super picky), got a cake, sang at church, and got to hold a precious sweet baby girl who wasn't even 24 hours old. All that happened in one joyous fun filled weekend in sunny...TUSCALOOSA ALABAMA!! Trying to make it sound like a game show prize, did I do a great job? I thought so, thanks for the compliment.
Then I decided to lose weight again. This time, I'm not only going back to the gym, I'm going on weight watchers. So far, I'm able to eat pretty much what I want. I can handle that sort of diet. I even went to one of the exercise classes at the gym. This one is called BodyFlow. It's a mix of tai chi, yoga, and pilates moves. It'll help with flexibility, cardio, and all that crap. It was more intense than I thought it'd be, but that's because I'm fat arthritic and out of shape. Amazing how that affects your fitness level. But apparently I've lost 5 pounds this week so I must not be screwing up too much. I'm eating less, switched to diet drinks (blech), and found a most amazing discovery today: BLUE DIAMOND VANILLA ALMOND MILK. Awesome stuff and lower in fat and calories.
I'm also reading a fascinating book, "The Unlikely Disciple" by Kevin Roose. This is the true story of Kevin, who was a student at liberal Brown University and decides to spend a semester at VERY conservative and Christian Liberty University, the one founded by Jerry Falwell. It's amazing to see how "outsiders" perceive Christians. I was worried that they'd be portrayed as kooks or weirdos, but they aren't. They are shown the way I see Christians, and that's a good thing. I'm about halfway through and not offended. Some of my more conservative friends SHOULDN'T be offended by it, they may, but shouldn't. It is a good read so far.
I'm still doing the Dale Carnegie course and it's not sucking. I saw the movie "Inception" and it was AWESOME! It's a total head trip so you have to pay attention and plan out your potty breaks. I also want to see Angelina Jolie in "Salt". It looks pretty good. I saw the preview for Jennifer Aniston's new movie "The Switch". Wow, that movie looks hideous, disturbing, and dumb. Saturday, after exercise class, I decided since I was already in town I'd take in a sight or two so I went to the zoo. Yeah, on a day where the high temperature was over 100, I go to an outside open air zoo with little shade. Even the animals were miserable. They have a penguin exhibit. #1, it's outdoors. It's not the flippin Arctic circle, so why are they outside in summer? #2, they had a lawn sprinkler out there to cool them off. They looked like little redneck children playing in the yard haha. The zoo also has camel rides. Yeah, that's odd. They have a lion, and he was in the back under the shade and not putting on a show like all good zoo animals should. Chimpanzees look weird from behind. All the animals were just so sad. I was a miserable animal too. I was sweating like a fat kid at the zoo on a hot July day. It wasn't pretty. I didn't make it to the Maryland exhibit or the polar bear exhibit. The African exhibit had all the cool animals anyway. I mean, they had giraffes! Then I went back to the apartment all sweaty, tired, and disgusting. All in all, a productive day!
Other than that, not much is going on. My life is still as boring as ever. But at least I'm good at commenting on other people's lives and giving advice too. I'm waiting to get my own show on radio or TV and make money off of this deal. I figure I won't start writing my books until after I become famous. I even have them titled already. Well, that's it for now. I watched the Mad Men premiere tonight and it was AWESOME!! No show would be able to stand up after that so I decided to just watch the Kardashians in Miami and Holly's World on E! instead. You don't expect them to stand up to Mad Men so it's like a cleanser. Have a good night everyone!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Listen To What the Man Said
Picture it, Tuscaloosa, AL, July 14, 1975. It's a hot mid July day in the south. The #1 song on the charts is "Listen to What the Man Said" by Paul McCartney & Wings. One young woman has been waiting since June 22nd to meet her son. Apparently, he's in no hurry or else doctors haven't heard of the word "induce" yet. Finally, at 3:30 in the afternoon at Druid City Hospital, a wonderful bouncing baby boy arrived. He weighed 10 lbs., 9 oz. Yup, that's me.
No big frills or fanfares greeted my arrival. No camera crews or paparazzi. My life hasn't been extraordinarily ordinary. I had pneumonia when I was 18 months old, but I recovered. I went to school, started reading early, went to the gifted program, went to church, left that church, found a new church, went to high school, marched in the band, sang in the choir, was on the math team and scholar's bowl team, I played the part of a nerd quite nicely I believe and am proud of it, I went to college, majored in too many things, worked for a stocks/investments broker, went to the BCM and met a ton of great friends,summer missions 3 times (hey Kansas! You too Savannah) switched to TV and worked a 2 TV stations and met a ton of great friends, diagnosed with a skin condition and arthritis but am doing much better now, switched to radio (more friends RIP RQ!), back to TV, another church (directing music!) up to corporate and far away from home, finally found another church, had my job responsibilities change to a brand new challenge, moved to a Mayberry type town, and here I am, on my bed flipping between Chopped and House Hunters International.
That's me in one incredibly boring run on paragraph. It's amazing how the high points of our life don't really fill up a whole lot of space. That's because life is made of so many small moments. Those small moments provide us with so many memories and experiences and life lessons. I've seen and learned so much in my life. In my 35 years, this is what I have seen & learned.
I've been alive bad times in Bama football and for 4 Crimson Tide National Championships! I have seen the Braves suck like a new Dyson vacuum and I've seen them win the World Series! I've made many friends and gained many new members of my family. I've also seen too many people pass away (now matter how long it's been, you'll always miss your grandmothers). I had 4 official majors, visited a lot of states, had 5 paying jobs, been through 7 presidents, owned 6 cars, went to NYC, and been through 8 Bama head football coaches (I don't count Pensacola Price).
What other things have I learned? Well...
I put up my senior picture as my profile picture because it's a good picture, I actually cleaned up pretty well back in 1992 when that picture was made (and see, I did have hair, smile and eyes still look the same though. My eyes aren't brown, they are Tootsie Roll colored!) I think the Hummer is the most ridiculous and impractical vehicle. I STILL don't get the appeal of Miley Cyrus, Jennifer Aniston, or Nickelback. Politics has become such an ugly game that people on all sides should be ashamed of themselves and what they have allowed this country to become. Even though I was made to go to church all of my life, I do not regret it, I now go because I want to. I still want to host The Soup once Joel McHale when he gets too famous to be on E! I should be ashamed that E! shows are my guilty pleasure, but I'm really not. I need to start going back to the gym again before my doctor calls me fat again. What's Love Got to Do With It was a great movie to watch at the movies, especially when the sisters were cheering when Tina finally fought back against Ike. An "acquired taste" is a stupid thing, if I don't like something the first time I eat it, why would I try it again? I believe ice cream can heal a bad day and a sore throat. Selling seafood by the side of the road more than a couple of hours inland just doesn't inspire confidence (especially not at a place called She's Got Crabs). I hate that As the World Turns is going off the air because the show still reminds me of when my Granny used to watch it. I still remember the long Spring Break road trips to Arkansas. I miss hanging out with Krista, Ann(e) Marie, and the rest of the Gilgal youth group. I should probably be packing instead of blogging. Duff on Ace of Cakes looks like he'd smell like a mix of butter, sweat, and cigarettes. The look of joy on a 4 year old's face while he's watching his first parade AND getting candy thrown his way make you say HOORAY!! It's much easier and much more effective to smile and be in a good mood than a bad one, people tend to appreciate it. We as Christians should ALL learn to be more Christ like and help our fellow man instead of acting like we are all morally superior.
Finally, I've learned that just because you aren't in the same city, state, or time zone, you can still be good friends. I spend way too much time on Facebook, I know. But it's how I reconnected with a lot of friends. I love laughing with friends, listening to them, giving advice, getting advice, etc. Keeping friends around, even if you never see them or even call them on the phone, is critical. That's the most important thing I've learned in the last 35 years.
No big frills or fanfares greeted my arrival. No camera crews or paparazzi. My life hasn't been extraordinarily ordinary. I had pneumonia when I was 18 months old, but I recovered. I went to school, started reading early, went to the gifted program, went to church, left that church, found a new church, went to high school, marched in the band, sang in the choir, was on the math team and scholar's bowl team, I played the part of a nerd quite nicely I believe and am proud of it, I went to college, majored in too many things, worked for a stocks/investments broker, went to the BCM and met a ton of great friends,summer missions 3 times (hey Kansas! You too Savannah) switched to TV and worked a 2 TV stations and met a ton of great friends, diagnosed with a skin condition and arthritis but am doing much better now, switched to radio (more friends RIP RQ!), back to TV, another church (directing music!) up to corporate and far away from home, finally found another church, had my job responsibilities change to a brand new challenge, moved to a Mayberry type town, and here I am, on my bed flipping between Chopped and House Hunters International.
That's me in one incredibly boring run on paragraph. It's amazing how the high points of our life don't really fill up a whole lot of space. That's because life is made of so many small moments. Those small moments provide us with so many memories and experiences and life lessons. I've seen and learned so much in my life. In my 35 years, this is what I have seen & learned.
I've been alive bad times in Bama football and for 4 Crimson Tide National Championships! I have seen the Braves suck like a new Dyson vacuum and I've seen them win the World Series! I've made many friends and gained many new members of my family. I've also seen too many people pass away (now matter how long it's been, you'll always miss your grandmothers). I had 4 official majors, visited a lot of states, had 5 paying jobs, been through 7 presidents, owned 6 cars, went to NYC, and been through 8 Bama head football coaches (I don't count Pensacola Price).
What other things have I learned? Well...
I put up my senior picture as my profile picture because it's a good picture, I actually cleaned up pretty well back in 1992 when that picture was made (and see, I did have hair, smile and eyes still look the same though. My eyes aren't brown, they are Tootsie Roll colored!) I think the Hummer is the most ridiculous and impractical vehicle. I STILL don't get the appeal of Miley Cyrus, Jennifer Aniston, or Nickelback. Politics has become such an ugly game that people on all sides should be ashamed of themselves and what they have allowed this country to become. Even though I was made to go to church all of my life, I do not regret it, I now go because I want to. I still want to host The Soup once Joel McHale when he gets too famous to be on E! I should be ashamed that E! shows are my guilty pleasure, but I'm really not. I need to start going back to the gym again before my doctor calls me fat again. What's Love Got to Do With It was a great movie to watch at the movies, especially when the sisters were cheering when Tina finally fought back against Ike. An "acquired taste" is a stupid thing, if I don't like something the first time I eat it, why would I try it again? I believe ice cream can heal a bad day and a sore throat. Selling seafood by the side of the road more than a couple of hours inland just doesn't inspire confidence (especially not at a place called She's Got Crabs). I hate that As the World Turns is going off the air because the show still reminds me of when my Granny used to watch it. I still remember the long Spring Break road trips to Arkansas. I miss hanging out with Krista, Ann(e) Marie, and the rest of the Gilgal youth group. I should probably be packing instead of blogging. Duff on Ace of Cakes looks like he'd smell like a mix of butter, sweat, and cigarettes. The look of joy on a 4 year old's face while he's watching his first parade AND getting candy thrown his way make you say HOORAY!! It's much easier and much more effective to smile and be in a good mood than a bad one, people tend to appreciate it. We as Christians should ALL learn to be more Christ like and help our fellow man instead of acting like we are all morally superior.
Finally, I've learned that just because you aren't in the same city, state, or time zone, you can still be good friends. I spend way too much time on Facebook, I know. But it's how I reconnected with a lot of friends. I love laughing with friends, listening to them, giving advice, getting advice, etc. Keeping friends around, even if you never see them or even call them on the phone, is critical. That's the most important thing I've learned in the last 35 years.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Ain't that America, Home of the Free
Happy 4th of July everyone. I hope y'all had a great day. I've had a good weekend. Saturday, I went to cookout number 1. I made my famous sausage rolls (aka "chicken nuggets" haha), met new people, got too see some adorable kids play. I walked there and back, ensuring my exercise for the day (ok, for the weekend). Sunday, I went to church. Then I was gonna come home, bum around for a few, then head to the church picnic. However on my way home, I got stuck behind a wreck so no time to bum (I hope everyone was ok). But I made it to the picnic in plenty of time, my red velvet cake was a huge hit (wooHoo famous!! Thanks Aunt Sara for the recipe in the Gilgal cookbook!) even if the layers did come out a bit cattywampus (yes, in the south that's a word). I thought it was a tad dry, but everyone loved it. Yes, I'm awesome. I'm humble too, and I don't mind telling people just how humble I am!
But I also got to hang around and chat with my fellow church members. I was glad to get to say more than a few hellos that I normally get to say between the end Amen and the time everyone gets to their cars. I got to make them laugh, just talk, tell them what I do for a living, etc. Those that don't follow me on Facebook got to see my sense of humor (although Wendy, and logically following that, Jeff as well, said she already knows my sense of humor and appreciates it from being my FB friend SHOUT OUT TO VALLEY!). It's good getting to know people. Special thanks to Ed & Joy Herbold for opening their home to everyone. PS - Get well soon Janet!
In a Sunday & church related rant (not my current church though), church business meetings are just plain ridiculous sometimes. I know there are rules which need to be followed. But the rules are there to move things along in an orderly fashion. They are not to be used to try to lord power over people (for lack of a better term) or push your own agenda, or to try to keep your fingers in everyone's pie. When I was told of actions today, I asked the person who told me the info if someone stood up and said to the offender "Why are you being such a butt? Just because you can be?" Seriously people, you aren't enacting laws or running a country here. Just let things run with logic & common sense. If you can't do that, sit down and be quiet.
OK, that was fun! Another thing that will be alternately fun and a headache is the New Freedom Carnival. It's a fair with rides & food & stuff and it's at the park. The park happens to be right across the street from my apartment. I'm glad it's so close, but I have a feeling this week will not be full of peace & quiet. haha. Um, anyone care to house me for a week? LOL. I'm glad I'm a night owl, but the fireworks Friday night will be at midnight. Plus, parking could be a hassle. Well, it's just a week, right? It's rare that Mayberry Hollow (this town is part Mayberry from Andy Griffith and part Star's Hollow from Gilmore Girls) has this much loudness & activity so I should be able to deal.
Finally, I'm actually thankful for Facebook. It's bizarre to me that so many folks tell me they read what I write. I write all this for my own amusement. If others are entertained, that's just a bonus. But because of FB, family back home can keep up with me, I talk more with folks I went to school with than I did when I was in school, I can stay in touch with former co-workers, I can play Family Feud, and I can reconnect with folks I haven't seen in a long time. Heck, some I now talk with a lot. Haven't seen them in years, but now we talk like time didn't pass. I am even able to give advice remotely. Hopefully it's good advice. If it's not, well, at least I'm not charging you anything for it. hahaha
OK, gonna finish watching Jaws (perfect July 4th movie huh?) and eat some KFC. Enjoy the rest of the weekend. Hopefully you are off on Monday as well. If you aren't, well, I am, and isn't that what really matters?
But I also got to hang around and chat with my fellow church members. I was glad to get to say more than a few hellos that I normally get to say between the end Amen and the time everyone gets to their cars. I got to make them laugh, just talk, tell them what I do for a living, etc. Those that don't follow me on Facebook got to see my sense of humor (although Wendy, and logically following that, Jeff as well, said she already knows my sense of humor and appreciates it from being my FB friend SHOUT OUT TO VALLEY!). It's good getting to know people. Special thanks to Ed & Joy Herbold for opening their home to everyone. PS - Get well soon Janet!
In a Sunday & church related rant (not my current church though), church business meetings are just plain ridiculous sometimes. I know there are rules which need to be followed. But the rules are there to move things along in an orderly fashion. They are not to be used to try to lord power over people (for lack of a better term) or push your own agenda, or to try to keep your fingers in everyone's pie. When I was told of actions today, I asked the person who told me the info if someone stood up and said to the offender "Why are you being such a butt? Just because you can be?" Seriously people, you aren't enacting laws or running a country here. Just let things run with logic & common sense. If you can't do that, sit down and be quiet.
OK, that was fun! Another thing that will be alternately fun and a headache is the New Freedom Carnival. It's a fair with rides & food & stuff and it's at the park. The park happens to be right across the street from my apartment. I'm glad it's so close, but I have a feeling this week will not be full of peace & quiet. haha. Um, anyone care to house me for a week? LOL. I'm glad I'm a night owl, but the fireworks Friday night will be at midnight. Plus, parking could be a hassle. Well, it's just a week, right? It's rare that Mayberry Hollow (this town is part Mayberry from Andy Griffith and part Star's Hollow from Gilmore Girls) has this much loudness & activity so I should be able to deal.
Finally, I'm actually thankful for Facebook. It's bizarre to me that so many folks tell me they read what I write. I write all this for my own amusement. If others are entertained, that's just a bonus. But because of FB, family back home can keep up with me, I talk more with folks I went to school with than I did when I was in school, I can stay in touch with former co-workers, I can play Family Feud, and I can reconnect with folks I haven't seen in a long time. Heck, some I now talk with a lot. Haven't seen them in years, but now we talk like time didn't pass. I am even able to give advice remotely. Hopefully it's good advice. If it's not, well, at least I'm not charging you anything for it. hahaha
OK, gonna finish watching Jaws (perfect July 4th movie huh?) and eat some KFC. Enjoy the rest of the weekend. Hopefully you are off on Monday as well. If you aren't, well, I am, and isn't that what really matters?
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