It's a Major Award!

Last night I won a full paid scholarship to the Arkansas Women Bloggers Unplugged Conference. Thanks to my blogger friend Paige from Approaching Joy for nominating me and HealthyFamiliesNow.net for its full sponsorship of one person I am going to a blogging conference. SO COOL!!! Can't wait!! Thank you for such an amazing opportunity! I am so thrilled. It's my major award (note the Christmas Story reference).

This morning has been lovely. I had eggs and avocados for breakfast.

Very tasty. Don't knock it til you try it. Best breakfast ever.

I'm going to spend some time with my friend Jodi today. I haven't seen her in forever, and I miss her dearly. So we are going to spend the day hanging out and playing with her beautiful one-year-old Aubrey! After that, I'm headed down south to the homeland. Going to spend some time with my family. It's been a while since I've been home.

I heard I may be running the overpass, which sounds like a blast... Pray that I don't die from heat and hill exhaustion.

I did find this new workout I want to try.

Thank you Pinterest for fitness inspiration!

So there may or may not be a tid bit of information I can't wait to share with you, but we have to work out all the kinks before I can say for sure. There will be a blog post dedicated to it when the time comes. Not sure you will be as excited as I am, but who knows.

The roommate has been sending me videos of the waves crashing on the Fort Walton Beach shore.

I tried to share it with you because we should all be at the beach. Seriously. I love the beach. But the stupid video won't load correctly. Whatev.

Happy Wednesday!

Sounds Like I Feel

I've been listening to the same song for three days. I don't really know why, other than it's how I feel right now.

"Slow Dancing in a Burning Room" has been my go-to song for the past few days. The solo part sounds like I feel. If you can't understand that, I'm sorry. Just go with it. It's the most ridiculous sound I've heard in a long time. And I've heard it a million times...even live once. It was glorious.

And this version is my favorite. Listen. Promise you will listen.

In other news, I made a wreath for my mom for Mother's Day. It's pretty. I like.

It's amazing what can happen with burlap, fake flowers and a wooden letter. Do you like?

I think it's very elegant. And I'm thinking my door needs one, too.

Tell me something good. 

End of the Week Rants

1. Today's high is 77 degrees. In February. The month of the worst weather Arkansas ever gets.

Seriously. I don't understand it, but I love it.

2. I still feel like death. This dang cough won't go away. I'm pretty sure my chest is broken from coughing so much. I tried take a teaspoon of honey as a cough suppressant, and it worked pretty well. Good ole home remedies do the trick, although I fear nothing will get rid of this cough any time soon.

3. I went to bed at 9:30 last night. And I work up at midnight, 2 A.M. and 4 A.M. Then my alarm went off at 7 this morning, and I instantly wanted to pull the covers over my head and ignore it. All I wanted was a good night's sleep. Sigh. I'll try again tonight.

4. Daylight Savings Time begins Sunday, March 11. Keep in mind that is three weeks away. Crazy how time flies. It seems like we were just falling back.

5. Grad school is stupid. And I'm trying really hard for it not to take over my whole life. These past few weeks has felt like I can't get caught up, even though everything gets done. Girl can't get ahead to save her life.

6. Easter candy is out. Dove dark chocolate eggs have won my heart. Need I say more.

7. I'm currently obsessing over these two songs by Ben Rector.

"White Dress"
I was actually there to hear this exact version.

"She Is"
And it's just piano. I swoon.

8. Reason 948279878797923429123 for why I love Needtobreathe.

And this.

And that's all I have to say about that.

I hope everyone has a safe and merry weekend. I'll be seeing you on the flip side. Now go outside and scream.

The Chorus Sings. This is Home.

Y'all. I absolutely cannot handle Needtobreathe. Absolutely cannot handle it.

I know I've said this before, but I don't think you understand just how incredible they are. I mean the music, melodies, voices, drums, piano, lyrics. All of it is too good. But before I regale you with stories of the band's musical genius, I must tell you about my day yesterday and why Needtobreathe can cure whatever is ailing you.

Yesterday was all around weird. I felt bad, as in sickly. And to top it off, I was a bottomless pit. I could never get full. Salads just don't do it for me. After work, I met the roommate for coffee at the favorite Starbucks. I got a little pick-me-up with the coffee and because I asked them to put it in a mug. Look at me reducing waste.

The whole way to Searcy I was in a funk. I didn't feel good. I was coughing all the time, or it seemed like it. And I found out one of my favorite people of all times is moving to Illinois for her job.

But by the time I sat down in my seat in row W, I felt more like myself. Ben Rector played, and he was amazing. But we all know the real reason I went. Needtobreathe.

I started out in the back with the roommate, Chelsey and her sister. It was good. I was singing. But the crowd was just stiff. Not interactive. Quiet. So Bear told people who couldn't see to move up to the front...

So basically we moved from the back to the third row. So close I could see the sweat on their faces. So close I could see all Bear's facial expressions in detail.

He sang with all this heart and soul. It's truly something amazing to be in the presence of such an amazing talent. The music in itself was incredible. Just crazy good melodies. And they changed up the arrangements to make it just different enough to completely blow your mind.

I can't tell you exactly how I felt. It's not like any other feeling. It's like being overcome by complete sensory overload. I've seen Needtobreathe live four times now. And each time has been different and better than the last. That's how I know they are doing something outrageously awesome.

I truly wish everyone will have at least one experience where they are completely overcome by the music. If you've already had one, keep enjoying the music to its fullest.

If you haven't, I challenge you to let yourself be open to the opportunity to feel the music deep down in your soul.

If you're wondering how to even begin to do that, start with a song that catches your attention either by the melody, lyrics or both. Think about what caught your attention, and why it caught your attention. And then listen to the song again. And feel the music. Feel the beat. Let the lyrics roll through your head. And find a place in your life to put the words and sounds. And just let it be. Allow yourself to feel the musical genius. Just allow yourself to have that moment.

I hope you have that special moment. But if you don't, I'm just happy you'd allow yourself to try. It's a foreign concept to most people, but it's something so special it should be shared with everyone.

I leave you with this.

It gets me every time.

Christmas Countdown

In honor of the Christmas season, the roommate and I thought we'd send out Christmas cards. Well the cards ended up being photos on Facebook and Twitter.

The photos are so jubilant we thought it would be a great way to countdown to Christmas with a new photo every day. (Go follow the roommate on Twitter @samsimp so you can see the photo a day.) Since the idea was birthed late last night, I'm a little late about advertising it on the ole blog. Don't worry I'm going to make up for it today.

So cold outside.

Joy is found in a Christmasy home.

So be on the look out for each day's Christmas cheer photo. I also have another surprise for you. Two Christmases ago, the roommate and I made a Christmas video where we sang Christmas carols. At the end of the video, the roommate made up a little Christmas ditty dedicated to Santa, and I sang back up.

Because it's Christmas and because I love you, I'm going to let you watch it.

Merry Christmas friends! Be lovin' you.

Thoughts on the song for Santa?

How To Do Things You Should Already Know Wednesdays

Alright. I'm starting a new series called How To Do Things You Should Already Know Wednesday. It's was born out of pure stupidity and dumb luck. Before I tell you today's topic, I must explain why I think it's important to share this imformation with you.

How is it that we as people can get away with knowing so little about some things? This series where I will post stuff every Wednesday is to help us all learn about things we should already know about. ***If you have ideas for this series, please leave a comment. You will not be judge by the lack of knowledge in any subject. This is a learning tool for all of us,  myself included.***

This is a series for the Susie Homemaker impaired, the Honey-Do Husbands without a clue and the college students and young adults who are simply oblivious on things they should already know.

How To Fold A Fitted Sheet

As always, the roommate and I were sitting at home. She had just got her freshly washed sheets out of the dryer. She looks at me and says, "Hey, google how to fold  a fitted sheet because I'm tired of wadding mine up. Plus it'd be a good thing for us to know."

Something about the idea was instantly intriguing. I don't know if it's the fact that it's something I should know how to do or what. So I got on YouTube and found this little video gem. It's what truly inspired How To Do Things You Should Already Know Wednesdays. Meet Jill, the fitted sheet folding queen.

Clearly Jill makes it look so easy. But the roommate and I made it harder than it actually was. Go figure.

First, we argued over which way was long and which was short. Then, we argued over which corner was the third corner to tuck under. Then we complained about Jill going to fast to keep up. I mean really Jill should take her time. She knows how to fold fitted sheets; we don't.

So here are the highlights of the roommate folding a fitted sheet.

Would you just look at that final product! I mean clearly it won't take up space in the closet of blankets.

If you are currently in disbelief that two young women could not fold a fitted sheet, then you need to check yourself before you wreck yourself. I know there is a large number of people out there that have no idea how to fold a fitted sheet, myself and the roommate included. Don't even try to pretend you know how to do it. Just go look in your closet at the wadded up fitted sheets...then you will know for sure if you have a folding problem.

 

Sing Like We Use To, Dance Like We Want To

Morning Friends!! I hope everyone is having an excellent and much needed rainy Thursday. Since the training session is still going on at work, I got a nice little treat when I got to the office this morning.

What is it about buttery, flaky french delights that make them so yummy and yet still not good for you? Oh, right. Butta. I seriously contemplated smearing a small packet of butter on this, even though I know it is made with mostly butter. What can I say? If I'm going to clog my arteries, I want to make it count.

On this rainy day, I thought it would be a good idea to share some musical loves of mine. I introduced you to Needtobreathe a while back when I bought a ticket to their concert. But they have been hard at work on some new stuff and have been playing it out on the tour.

So I thought it'd be a nice change of pace to have another VIDEO MEDLEY!!!Get. Excited. Two of the songs I will introducing you to today are available for purchase on iTunes. So I'm gonna say go ahead and get that immediately and prepare for your heart to skip beats as you blast them in your car.

Without further ado...Needtobreathe.

"Drive All Night"

"Beg the Book to turn the page cause I get stuck where the villians get away. Somewhere in this wretched tale there must be a line where the victims get his way. Just one time. Oh, I'll get mine."

Don't mind the awkward camera man. But if he happens to distract you, just close your eyes. That is what I do when the videos are poor, but the music is phenom.

"Slumber"

"Sing like we use to. Dance like we want to. Taste of the breakthrough. Open wide."

"A Place Only You Can Go"

HOLY COWSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!! I can't even begin to tell you how much I love this. Be still my heart. It makes me feel all gooey. And I want you to love it so bad.

So in order to have the same reaction I did, watch it at least 3 times. The first time, you will be in shock, but joyful. The second time, you will laugh at the pure genius of what they do. The third time, you will scream because it all just kind of hits you...joy, love, musical genius, the words of the song, the added extra, his face (if you're a guy, this may not work for you, and I'm sorry for that). It all just works so beautifully.

Mark your calendars. Needtobreathe. The Reckoning (the new album). September 20, 2011.

I will be at the store at midnight waiting in line like boys wait for Madden. It's the same concept, yet I feel like less people will be there...So you should come stand with me in line.

Tell me what you think of the videos. Do you already have a love for Needtobreathe? Is this your first exposure? What do you think? Leave a comment....

Running on Vacation

I went to Dallas, or I should say Rockwall on a mini vacay this weekend. So there is a lot to fill you in on. Let's start with this: The Backbend Come Up by Logan

And I got it on video. But Blogger refuses to upload video. (I will work on this.)

Pretty awesome. This was post run fun after Logan, Lindsay and I killed ourselves with this run at 5:30 yesterday afternoon in the 100 degree heat.

We made it, and I'm not sure how. Out of pure will and hatred. But it is done. So I think we are going to stay with this routine for two weeks or so. We plan on breaking down the last five minutes from hell into a run three, walk one, run two, cooldown five. I think that would make us not want to kill ourselves or each other quite as much.

Good news! It's raining here in Little Rock, the first rain since the monsoon of the spring. It's been so hot and so dry that a little rain is gladly welcomed. Maybe some cool air will come in.

But enough about the weather, here are some of the highlights from Dallas.

I ran to views like this. Horses and cows and green grass. The country in the city. It was beautiful. But I looked like this.

It seems like I will never take a picture that will show that I have hair. It was miserably hot outside. One day it was so hot and windy that it seemed like I wasn't going to get up the hills. It was like a Mack truck was pushing against me. But one good thing is that my calves have started to not hate me as much. The power of moving forward.

I tried to make friends with this cat, Rachel. But she doesn't like anyone. She's got the best face ever.

She looks nice, but don't let those golden eyes deceive you. She will hiss and take some swings at you.

I also spent a lot of time poolside.



The water was luke, and the drinks were cold. It was a much needed vacay.

I'm glad to be back in the city. Big things are happening tonight at my house. Logan is coming over. And she, the roommate and I are making dinner and exchanging gifts.

Why are we exchanging gifts you may wonder? Because it's wedding season. We've attended and bought so many gifts for different people that we decided to take a little bit of our hard earned cash and buy each other a little happy. We only get happy gifts once a month, but we eat together every week. It's going to be an awesome tradition.

We've (the roommate and I) have come up with a name for the dinner and gift nights: NOSH NIGHT!!! Nosh is a synonym for eat. And the roommate came up with a little dance in honor of this special tradition.

I got this dance on video, too. But Blogger refuses to upload it as well. So no video of the roommate in all her jolting dance glory.

BTW we sent the video to Logan at 11:30 the other night, and she opened it at 5:30 the next morning and laughed a lot.

I will post pictures of Nosh Night gifts and eats tomorrow. So stay tuned. I got a feeling it will be too good.





Mental Enlightenment

Morning Bloggies.

I have a quick story for you followed by the BEST video to grace my presence in a long long time. But you have to read everything before you get to the main event. And trust me it's totally worth it. Cross my heart.

Yesterday was a not so good day for my nerves. Grad school has officially stressed me to the max. But Jesus gave me a big break yesterday when I went to class.

I have been stressing pretty hardcore about this upcoming theoretical frameworks paper for my Processes & Effects class. Thankfully yseterday I had a breakthrough.

Thanks to Megan Lindsey and professor lady, I have a new hope for this paper. So here's how it went down.

Yesterday, I was suppose to have a detailed outline ready to discuss with my professor. Now, y'all know I always ALWAYS turn stuff in. Well, this wasn't an assignment that was due for points so I chose not to do it. I just looked over my first draft and made notes. I also had a small list of questions including "What the crap do you want me to do?"

So as professor lady made her way from person to person, Megan Lindsey and I bounced some ideas off each other. I've been having a hard time trying to make my theory match up with my thesis topic. When it was my turn to talk with professor lady, I basically asked her how to fix the disconnect of my topic and my theory.

Then it happened. A big break. A breath of fresh air. A second-wind.

She said, "You could probably look at just one election."

A light came on in my head. Oh my gosh, I wonder if I will be able to use everything I know about Rockefeller and the 1966 election. So I ask her. And she said YES.

It was the greatest feeling. I know that election upside down and inside out. And I know the theory like the back of my hand. While it will take some critical thinking and thoughtful writing, the paper will be better than I originally intended. It will be easier for me to write and for her to read.

Thanks to Megan Lindsey for being a constant cheerleader and professor lady for giving me a break I will not lose my mind. As I was leaving class, I sent a little thank you note to the Big Guy upstairs because He finally let all the lights come on for this paper.

AND NOW FOR THE MAIN EVENT:
Saw this last night for the first time. Hands down the funniest thing I've seen in a while.

Enjoy! Happy Thursday!

Until next time...

Crow Like a Rooster

Today is all about KOL. The roommate is making a little trip to see Kings of Leon this weekend, and I won't be there to attend. Very sad. But the bulk of school is almost over. And once the weekend is over, I think I will have the upper hand in the battle. So no KOL for me.

This post is a medley of KOL songs I am loving right now. I've been listening to them in my car for over a week, and I'm loving "Pyro", "The Immortals", "Pick-up Truck", "The Face" and "Back Down South". I basically love them all, but these are my favorites off their new album.

So here's to the roommate's trip this weekend and KOL for making her trip worthwhile.

"Pyro"

"The Immortals"

"Pick-up Truck"

Enjoy the KOL video medley. To all who go this weekend, "crow like a rooster" and sing at the top of your lungs for me. I will be there in spirit.

Until next time...

Funny Target Christmas Commercial...THE BEST

The best Christmas commercial of the year. Really sums up how I feel about Christmas. Be sure to check out her face toward the end. It's really funny.