Someone Call The Authorities

...'cause this blog neglect is out. of. control.

I know there's only about four of you that actually read this baby, but that's four folks that care what I have to say (or are just really bored), so I apologize for the blog neglect lately and for the upcoming neglect as well.

It seems these days that my mind is going much faster than my fingers are willing to type, so therefore, by the time I sit down to write about the things that I've been thinking about, my mind tells my fingers, "Dude, you should've kept up with the train."

I did have a few things I wanted to share today though.

As always, for easy reading and aesthetic pleasure, a list:

1. If you love The Bachelorette (like me) and you are slightly obsessed with Aly and Roberto (like me), you'll either love or hate this joint-post by Bryan Allain and Tyler Stanton. These guys present, "15 Life Lessons From The Bachelorette". You can thank me later. My favorites? 1, 2, 3, 5, 12, 14...well all of them really.

2. I posted on Twitter earlier today that if I could be half the writer that Donald Miller is, I would consider that a blessing. Y'all, the man has some serious skillz. Emphasis on the "Z" meaning I'm serious about the serious part. If you've heard of him, you'll know he wrote Blue Like Jazz, Searching For God Knows What, A Million Miles In A Thousand Years, Through Painted Deserts. All good stuff. They always leave you wanting more.

He's an expert on story, and has some great insight on God. So, it's no suprise that Don's (see, it's so good that I feel like we could be on a first-name basis and comfortable to shorten his name to Don) blog is a bright spot in my day.

I have my Google Reader tuned in to bring me the latest and greatest from his blog every day. I've really been enjoying his stuff lately. Especially his Lucy series, blog posts "written" by his lab Lucy and this one and this one.

3. I know this might be a little cheese-tastic to some of you, but for those of you who read this little space of the internet and know what's going on in my brain right now, I think you'll understand it. This scene from Sister Act 2: Back In The Habit is really resonating with me right now.



4. This guy just sang what America was thinking.


5. And finally...

Never give up.


Remember people. You can do anything you set your mind to. All you have to do is:

1. Believe in yourself. No, really believe. See that time you didn't believe hard enough because it didn't work...there you go. 30th time is the charm.

2. Formulate a plan of action. Like believing that no matter how many times it takes, you WILL crack that board over your head. Come concussion or forehead-to-spine stitches. Just believe.

3. Follow through. Follow through...all the way to the ER.

My Favorite Things About This Week's SNL

So, if you didn't know, Betty White hosted this week's Saturday Night Live.

I don't get to watch SNL too often but when I heard she was hosting (and that Jay-Z was the musical guest), I set my DVR. Because who doesn't like a little Betty White and Jay-Z. It's like Christmas morning, folks.

Plus, some SNL greats came back to help Mrs. White in the skits - Amy Poelher, Tina Fey, Mia Rudolph, Ana Gasteyer.

So, without further ado, here's a little list I like to call "My Favorite Thing's About This Week's SNL":

1. How cute Betty White is. She kind of reminds me of my Dearmom, except for the occasional crudeness. My Dearmom would have never said the word "lesbian" in public, much less on national televsion.

2. Jay-Z's first performance. It was like a medley of my favorites.

3. Sally O'Malley on Weekend Update. If you've never seen Sally O'Malley, please watch this.

And this.

4. "Really? With Seth and Amy." It's like what goes through my head about 83 times a day.

Survey Says...Olympic Fever

Forgive the overwhelming amount of posts today. Just take it as me making up for lost blog time.

From Linda.

1. If you could compete in one Olympic event (not necessarily winter sports) what would it be?
Swimming. Not sure which event. Probably the one that's over the fastest. Can Michael Phelps be my coach? Or Ryan Lochte?

2. Do remember a specific Olympic moment from the past?
The Carrie Strug stress fracture incident. I recall it as if it were yesterday.

3. Have you ever known anyone who competed in the Olympics?
Not in the regular Olympics but my friend Josh competed in the Paralympics.

4. If everyday activities were Olympic-worthy, which activity would you have a gold medal in?
Hitting the snooze button. Or the number of hours one can hit snooze. I'd win gold for sure.

5. Do you know anything about your ethnic heritage?
What does this have to do with Olympics? I'm pretty sure I have some Native American in me. Other than that, I'm not really sure.

6. Do you enjoy sleeping late?
More than life itself. Okay, maybe I exaggerated a little.

7. Have you ever performed CPR on anyone? Do you know how? (Yes, that's two, I know. Whatevs.)
Never performed on anyone. But I am certified. Or was. Maybe I should update that.

8. Name one country you'd like to visit and explain why.
Australia. Because they have really cool accents, I have a slight obsession with Koalas and I want to go to Hillsong and hear Brian Houston speak.

9. Have you ever fixed up a couple romantically?
Nope. To busy taking care of myself.

10. What is the last book you read?
Last book I finished was "Dear John". So good. I'm almost finished with "War Child" by Emmanual Jal. One more chapter to go.

11. Do you enjoy sleeping late? NO, YOU write the question! How's that for random??
Um, okay:
If you could start a charity/ministry of your own, what would it's premise be?
My answer:
I have many ideas about what kind of charity/ministry I would one day like to coordinate. This could turn into a whole 'nother blog post.

Ministry-wise, I want to coordinate a sports outreach camp. Using sports to share the gospel. Bring in athletes (Tim Tebow types) to speak to groups of kids (teams or individuals) about using their platform to bring glory to Christ. I would even take it as far as taking the camp to a team or to a different country. So, Tim, really anyone out there, if you need some help, give me a shout.

Charity-wise, I want to start a homeless shelter much like the one that is in the book "Same Kind of Different As Me" except I'd want to reach out to teenagers and/or refugees from other countries. So maybe not so much a homeless shelter. Just a ministry tied to a church comprised of a body of believers who know what their purpose in life is. Okay, so maybe that's more of a ministry as well too.

12. What is your favorite meal at your favorite restaurant?
This is pretty hard to answer because, as we all know, I am a lover of food. Shrimp fettucini alfredo to be exact. Well, shrimp anything to be exact. Well, seafood anything to be exact. But I have to go with the redneck in me and say there's nothing better than a platter of crawfish from the Cajun Steamer.

Five Things Tag

Lydia tagged me on this survey and y'all know I love a good mindless survey. So here goes...

Instructions:
1) Answer five questioins with five answers.
2) Tag five other bloggers.

Questions:

1. Where were you 10 years ago?
- I was 16 and a junior in high school.
- Probably getting ready to cheer at a basketball game or practicing for Colonel's Classic.
- Dating a guy that didn't really appreciate me.
- Learning how to be a journalist from Mr. Avalon.
- Probably getting in a little trouble with Drew or Austin.

2. What is on your to-do list for today?
- Pack for the trip home (check)
- Get the cable fixed (check)
- Go to work (check)
- Email Jessica Owens
- Have fun times with the nephew

3. What five snacks do you enjoy?
- Gummies bears
- Grapes
- Any kind of chips and dip but favs are Moe's chips and queso or Pepper's/Bulldog Deli's chips and rotel
- Goldfish
- Ritz crackers

4. Where are five places you have lived?
- Briarcliff Circle in Jackson, MS
- Old Spanish Trail in Jackson, MS
- Rice Hall and McKee Hall at Mississippi State
- The MSU Kappa Delta House
- Birmingham, AL

5. Name five things you would do if you were a billionaire:
- Establish a charity/ministry with several different angles
- Put away money for my children's educations.
- Finally pay my dad for my computer.
- Take the family to New York for Thanksgiving, to Hawaii just for fun, and the Grand Canyon because dad's always wanted to go.
- Finally take my trip to Australia.

And now I tag:
1. Dad
2. Casey
3. LT
4. Rossie
5. Megan J.

D'Ya Miss Me?

Well, hello there blog! It's officially been six days since I've updated. I know you feel neglected. I'm sorry. Work, laziness, exhaustion and DVR have been kicking my butt lately. You know that DVR. He's a real workhorse.

Anyhoo. I really have nothing to say at this point of the day because well volleyball and cross country advances as well as SAAC (Student Athlete-Advisory Committee) meetings have completely sucked the words right out of my head. Not to mention that concentration has completely run away from me and I can't for the life of me seem to get the little booger to come back. It's a tough world without concentration, folks.

So, as I usually do when I have nothing else to write about, I'm just going to post one of those blog listy-survey type things.

Enjoy reading about things that you probably would otherwise not care about. And feel free to walk away from the computer at anytime due to the feeling of utter boredom that might overcome you. It's symbolic really.

1. Tell something about your favorite teacher.
I've had a few favorite teachers in my life. A lot in high school and just a few in college (props to Karyn Brown). However there are two from high school that will always hold a special place in my heart -- Coach Rob(inson) and Mr. Avalon.

Coach Rob taught me 10th grade World History. This guy made me love history, and that's a feat in itself. His style of teaching was unlike any other style I've ever known and his love for Christ exuded every day. In a public school system, where prayer was not aloud, he was bold enough to give us a bible verse to memorize as a bonus question for each test. His enthusiam about teaching made me enthusiastic about learning and he genuinely cared about each one of his students.

Mr. Avalon taught me AP English but I was privileged enough to spend two full years with him in journalism. This guy sparked my love for writing and creativity in a way that I cannot explain and he singled-handedly made me the most sarcastic and boldest person that I've ever been. He taught me how to write 10-12 page paper with exstravegant wordy language in one class and then taught me how to be creative and interesting through clear and concise writing in another. He is the reason that I'm doing what I am doing right now -- writing. And he always started every one of his senior English classes (the first class of every year) telling his students that they had one get out of jail free card to use on him and that was it. And he meant it. I still haven't had to use mine. Yet.

2. Tell about one pivotal moment in your life.
Yikes. I feel like I've had several pivotal moments in my life. Of course, I could always play the God card and say that the day that I was saved was the extreme pivotal moment in my life and that would be exactly right. I could also talk about that one morning that I just woke up and realized that I didn't need a certain friend in my life anymore. But I will say that getting "the call" from my sister one day saying that I needed to come home because my dad was in the hospital had to have been one of the most pivotal moments in my life. That day, that weekend, I learned to lean not on my own understanding for what seemed like the first time in my life. The weird mix of peace and confusion that I had was surreal but at the end of the day, I knew that my God reigned and that this was just another battle that he had conquered on His own.

3. About favorite colors -- a lot of people will ask you what it is, but why. What feeling or memory does it evoke.
This may come as no surprise for most people that read this blog. And it's completely and genuinely true. Maroon is my favorite color. It evokes feelings of pride and excitement in me that really not a lot of things can. It recalls memories of great wins and awful losses, sitting through scortching temperatures and frigid ones, rain and tornadoes until the last second has run off the clock. It causes my heart and soul to swell up with pride that I had fallen in line of a great family legacy and become a MISSISSIPPI STATE BULLDOG!

4. What is a sure sign that you are getting older?
Lately, I would say forgetfulness because y'all, that has become my demon recently. But I would have to say worry. I'm not the worrying kind but I feel like I worry more now than I did when I was little. I know it's because I know more now than I did then.

5. Halloween -- it is a yes or a no for you (don't sermonize)?
Give or take with me. It's no Thanksgiving or Christmas or Easter or 4th of July (all coincide with athletic events or some kind of fancy parade), but it has its moments. To me, I'm not a big dress up and go party person (sometimes I am) but I L-O-V-E carving pumpkins. It's the creativity bug. And don't forget the candy.

6. What is your favorite musical?
Hands down, Wicked. I have no words to explain. I get misty-eyed just thinking about "Defying Gravity". And now I'm going to have to go lock myself in my car and sing it at the top of my lungs.

7. Are you more of city mouse or a country mouse?
I would love to say I'm a little of both but my trip to NYC this summer proved that I'm more city than I am country. Given the boldness to live in a place like the Big Apple for a while, I think I'd do just fine.

8. Did you know that it is possible, for a small fee, to name a real star after someone? (It's true! Google it!) If someone were to name a star foryou, would you appreciate it for its whimsy and romance, or would you say, "Are you kidding me? For $19.95, we could have gone to the movie and actually bought popcorn."
We first of all, I'd never actually say something like that to someone. I'd think it. But I wouldn't say it. After all, I am a Southern girl. Anyway, my best friend in high school had a guy do this for her and although I acted like it was sweet at the time, I thought it was kind of weird-o. However, I can appreciate the act and the thought that go into it. But I'm more of a tangible girl, stuff you can touch. Like food. Now there's a good gift.

9. What is the craziest thing you've ever been doing and texted during it?
I've texted while on the elliptical before. That's a crazy as it gets for me, folks.

10. It's not a party unless ____________________."
It's not a party unless you have Lisa Hart there playing Mad Gab. That's when things get rowdy, people.

11. When you are stuck in traffic or a waiting room, what do you do to pass the time? (P.S. There are no magazines available.)
True story from the three-hour roadside wait: I pull out my iTouch and start playing games or a pull out the camera and document the occassion, thinking this will make such a great blog post later.

12. If you weren't yourself, would you be friends with you?
Seriously? Why wouldn't I want to be friends with me. I'm my own friend now.

Random Dozen

1. Please share one middle school memory. It can be good, bad, ugly, funny. Pictures or words, I don't care, just share.
Two come straight to mind. 1) There was a fight one day in seventh grade and a girl got her face bashed into the floor and her hair pulled out. Don't ask me why that is stuck in my head besides the fact that I managed to stay clear of the of the girl who beat her up for the next year and a half. 2) My friends and I rolled our eighth grade English teacher's car after Mississippi State won the Egg Bowl that year. She was an Ole Miss fan. She also happened to be our best friend's mom. We talked our art teacher into letting us out of third period to do it. Fake suspension papers were drawn up. Good times.

2. What's your favorite Beatles song?
Wow. Seriously. This is so hard. I'm going to go with "Hey Jude" right now.

3. If I asked you to describe your most comfortable outfit, what would it be?
Most definitely, t-shirt and capri sweatpants.

4. Would you rather host a party or be a guest?
Guest. The host has way too much to think about it. As a guest, you just show up.

5. Do you think we will move completely from traditional books to digital ones, and if we do, are you OK with that?
I don't think so. There are way too many people in this world that love to mark all over books just like me.

6. Do you learn best by reading, listening or experiencing?
Definitely, experiencing. I'm a hands-on, see-it-to-believe-it, watch-and-learn kind of girl.

7. If you are (or when you were) single, what is the kiss of death for you concerning the opposite sex? (That is, what is one trait or behavior or habit or anything at all that immediately turns you off from considering that person a potential match for you?)
Smoking cigarettes and dipping are definite deal-breakers for me.

8. Snacks. Salty or sweet?
I like a mix of both but I guess I'll say salty.

9. Look around you in a four foot radius. What object is around you that you didn't realize was there or forgot was there? How long has it been there?
My "FAITH" photograph art piece. I forgot to get Dad to hang it when he was here and just haven't thought about it since.

10. What is your favorite Tom Cruise movie?
A Few Good Men. No question.

11. You buy a bottle of shampoo and discover that you don't like what it does to your hair at all. What do you do with that full bottle?
Save it for a rainy day. Or a day I run out of the kind that actually like.

12. Your favorite Fall comfort food? (Last week it was beverage.)

Candy corn.

25 Years and Stuff to Share

Yesterday was my birthday. Yes, I know. Happy Birthday to me! The celebration still isn't over.

I was greeted at work by a nice large cookie cake sitting in my chair, compliments of Hollie, and then we headed to Wings for lunch (FREE lunch) so I could satisfy my fried dill pickle urge.

Tonight will be the small group outing, with dinner at Red Robin (hmmh! If you've seen the commercial, you got that. If not, I'm sorry.), then back to the house for the regular Monday Night Movie Night.

Tomorrow I'll meet my b-fry Kyle in Tuscaloosa for the final dinner birthday bash, which is a good note to end on because well, Kyle is the best.

I turned 26 on the 26th and I thought I'd wake up feeling different but I don't really. I'm still feeling the effects of the NYC hangover. I'm missing it in a bad way. I don't think I'd ever want to live there but I just had so much fun, saw so much, watched God work in big ways, and made a new friend. I actually miss it more than I thought I would.

And Central Park? I think I have a crush on you. You've been running through my mind since I left. You must be tired. (Ha. Coulnd't resist.)

-------------------------------------------------------

25 was a good year for me. I would venture to say that I learned a whole lot in this one year and changed a whole lot too. I went through a quarter-life crisis and came out with more faith in my God than I thought was possible.

I've learned new lessons, made new friends, and reached an all-time low in my obsession with reality television. Yeah, Bachelorette and Big Brother. You heard me.

See, I've got this bucket list. I keep adding to it but this past year, the year o' 25, I knocked off several. And I'm pretty proud of it.

1. I saw Dave Matthews in concert. Memphis, August 2.
2. I went back to NYC. July.
3. I saw Wicked.
4. I got to go to Central Park.
5. I saw Ground Zero.
6. I saw the Red Sox play. (Although, this was a month before I turned 25, I'm still counting it.)
7. I went to the Brooklyn Tabernacle.
8. I went to the Museum of Natural History. (Although, I'm giving myself half a point because I didn't exactly see all of it.)
9. I went to the Georgia Aquarium.

I also had a few firsts this year too.

1. First country concert.
2. First time to lead "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" at a collegiate baseball game.
3. First solo in NYC.
4. First time to touch a Sting Ray and a shark. (See Georgia Aquarium).

I'm sure there are more but I can't think of them right now.

Here's to hoping I get to check more things off on my list this next year.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Finally, I have two videos and a blog post to share.

Enjoy!

Presidential first pitch comparison.

Interesting video about LOST.



This performance on last week's So You Think You Can Dance had me straight up ugly crying on the couch.



And the judges' comments made it worse.

The Ology Post

...because everyone else is doing it. Blasted peer pressure.

FOOD-OLOGY

What is your salad dressing of choice? Ranch. The most fattening. Of course. I also like a good vinegarette, though.

What is your favorite sit-down restaurant? Tough question. I love some Cheesecake Factory. But P.F. Chang's is oh, so good. But my heart always belongs to O'Charleys. Those rolls are like crack.

What food could you eat for two weeks straight and not get sick of it? Shrimp. No question.

What are you pizza toppings of choice? Black olives and mushrooms. No meat.

What do you like to put on your toast? Peach jelly

TECHNOLOGY

How many televisions are in your house? Four. Three work.

What color cell phone do you have? Black

What does the first text message in your inbox say and who sent it? Please pray. Tonight I meet a prospective adoptive family. From a sweet and special friend.

Who was the last person to call you? Ann Weisman to ask me to babysit next Friday.

BIOLOGY

Are you right-handed or left-handed? Lefty.

Have you ever had anything removed from your body? I think only wisdom teeth.

What is the last heavy item you lifted? Probably my nephew. Kid is a chunk.

CRAP-OLOGY

If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die? No way.

If you could change your name, what would you change it to? I really wouldn't change my name. I have a good name.

Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000? Seriously?!?! No. But I know a few guys who probably would.

DUMB-OLOGY

How many pairs of flip-flops do you own? Maybe 7?

Last time you had a run-in with the cops? Probably two years ago. The last time I got a ticket.

Last person you talked to in person? Hollie, of course.

Favorite Month? July

CURRENT-OLOGY

Missing someone? Yes, all of my family.

Mood? Is there such a thing as longing for a pool?

What are you listening to? What I Like About You on ABC Family

Worrying about? Nothing.

RANDOM-OLOGY

What's the last movie you watched? Inside Man, last night at movie night

Do you smile often? More often than not.

Do you always answer your phone? Not always. I don't answer when I'm not around it or when I don't hear it or when I don't know the number.

It's four in the morning and you get a text message, who is it? Three years ago, I would've said Jason. Now? There aren't many people who would text me at 4 a.m. Maybe Casey or Bethany or Hollie in an emergency.

If you could change you eye color what would it be? More blue.

What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic? Cherry. Always cherry.

Do you own a digital camera? I own two.

Have you ever had a pet fish? Not really. My mom did. Some of her students gave her one of those Beta fish thingies.

Favorite Christmas song? Three way tie: O Holy Night!, Up On The Housetop, and Children Go Where I Send Thee

What's on your wish list for your birthday? This requires a whole post. Stay tuned.

Can you do push-ups? Push-ups. Meaning more than one. Yes. I can do two.

Can you do a chin up? Maybe.

Does the future make you more nervous or excited? Considering that God is in control of my future...excited

Do you have any saved texts? My phone saves my texts until I choose to delete them.

Even been in a car wreck? Five, I think.

Do you have an accent? A Southern one, I suppose.

What is the last song to make you cry? God Of This City. See below post.

Plans tonight? Take KFC to Highland Manor and hang out with Randall and Kisha and the small group folks.

Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom? Definitely, earlier this year. God brought me out though.

Name two things you bought yesterday? Gas and...that's all I bought yesterday.

You ever been given roses? Yes.

Current hate right now? This article about Adam Lambert. I guess it's more of a disgust than a hatred.

Met someone who changed your life? Definitely.

What song represents you? Right now, I'd say Coldplay's "Fix You"

What were you doing at 12 a.m. last night? Slipping into a sweet slumber where I dreamed that Hollie and I robbed a bank, then I ran out of makeup and then our oven got an upgrade, "You know, like the computer gets an upgrade? That's what they did to our oven!", said the roommate.

What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? I loved the fellowship last night but I wish they would've left earlier.

Have You Ever?

Surprise, surprise, it's 2:50 p.m. and Katie's already finished her work for the day. I'd leave but my athletic director is standing right outside my office and although I know he wouldn't care and I will be here working tomorrow for eight hours or more as well as Sunday, it's just the principle of the matter. You just don't leave early when your boss is standing right there...unless he tells you to.

So, I'm bored and thought I'd do what I usually do when I'm bored...a survey from LT's blog.

So here goes...

HAVE YOU EVER?

Started your own blog
Slept under the stars
Played in a band
Visited Hawaii
Watched a meteor shower
Given more than you can afford to charity
Been to Disneyland/world
Climbed a mountain
Held a praying mantis
Sang a solo
Bungee jumped
Visited Paris
Watched a lightning storm at sea (I didn't so much watch it AT sea as I did from my balcony)
Taught yourself an art from scratch
Adopted a child
Had food poisoning
Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty (twice)
Seen the Mona Lisa in France
Slept on an overnight train
Had a pillow fight
Hitchhiked
Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
Built a snow fort
Held a lamb
Gone skinny dipping
Been to a Broadway show in NY
Ran a Marathon
Been in three states at once
Ridden in a gondola in Venice
Seen a total eclipse
Watched a sunrise or sunset
Hit a home run
Been on a Cruise
Seen Niagra Falls in Person
Visited the birthplace of your Ancestors
Seen an Amish community
Taught yourself a new language
Had enough money to be truly satisfied
Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
Gone rock climbing
Seen Michelangelo’s David
Sung karaoke
Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
Visited Africa
Walked on a beach by moonlight
Been transported in an ambulance
Had your portrait painted (I didn't sit for it).
Gone deep sea fishing
Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
Kissed in the rain
Played in the mud
Been to Grace Kelley’s grave in Monaco
Gone to a drive-in theater
Been in a movie
Visited the Great Wall of China
Started a business
Taken a martial arts class
Swam in the Mediterranean Sea
Visited Russia
Served at a soup kitchen
Sold Girl Scout cookies
Gone whale watching - dolphin watching
Gotten flowers for no reason
Donated blood, platelets or plasma
Gone sky diving
Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
Bounced a check
Saved a favorite childhood toy
Visited the Lincoln Memorial
Eaten Caviar
Pieced a quilt
Stood in Times Square
Toured the Everglades
Been fired from a job
Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
Broken a bone
Been on a speeding motorcycle
Seen the Grand Canyon in person
Published a book
Visited the Vatican
Bought a brand new car
Walked in Jerusalem
Had your picture in the newspaper
Read the entire Bible
Visited the White House
Killed and prepared my own meat
Had chickenpox
Saved someone’s life
Sat on a jury
Met someone famous (Robin Roberts!)
Joined a book club
Lost a loved one
Had a baby
Seen the Alamo in person
Swam in the Great Salt Lake
Been involved in a law suit
Owned a cell phone
Been stung by a bee

Tag

I was tagged to do this on Facebook and since I'm bored at work while everyone else has gone to eat lunch and I can't because I can't feel half of my mouth or my tongue because I got two cavities filled this morning, I'm going to post my list of "25 things you may or may not care to know about me" on here.

Enjoy.

Note: I've been working on this list for about a week now.

1. I had two boyfriends in fourth grade. My playa skillz only lasted for about a weekend, though. Oh, and both are married now.

2. I could eat chips and queso/rotel (preferably from Sol Azteca/Bulldog Deli) everyday for AT LEAST one meal day. I have been known to eat it for more than one...or two.

3. When i was little I hated Mexican restaurant food. The extent of my Latin American appetite didn't go further than taco/burrito night at my house and that didn't go further than a taco or burrito with just meat and cheese. My Dearmom and Boppie loved this place called El Burrito in Jackson. They went there so much that they would be greeted by name by the owner everytime they walked in. When my sister and cousins and I would spend the night with Dearmom and Boppie, that was the restaurant of choice for dinner. However, we would always have to go get me Krystals before heading to El Burrito.

4. I really, really do love college basketball. Almost as much as I love chips and queso. Almost.

5. When eating any kind of colored candy (especially Skittles), I have to pour our the whole bag and separate them into color groups. Then I have to make each group an even numbers. I eat the "odd ones out" first and then proceed to eat each group (either by favorite color first or most to least, depending on my mood) two by two.

6. "Jesus Will Still Be There" by Point of Grace was the first song I ever sang as a solo in church. I still love that song.

7. When I was little, I wouldn't stay outside on a Sunday night past 6 p.m. because I thought that there was a monster that would come and get me. I don't really know why.

8. I love my sister. I have to. But I liked her a whole lot more when she moved into the dorm her freshman year of college. We've been best friends since.

9. I secretly loved that my sister was a senior when I was a freshman in high school. She let me and my friends sit next to her and her friends at lunch. I guess it helped that I was a cool freshman, huh?

10. I can't imagine going a day without talking to my parents.

11. I have a bucket list. And I add things to it almost daily.

12. I'm obsessed with families of multiples -- twins, triplets, quads, quints, sextuplets. My mom said I should be careful with my obsessions because it could be a sign of things to come.

13. I have a very extensive memory. My family is amazed all of the time with the things and details I can recall from years ago. I may not remember what I did yesterday but I can remember what I ate for lunch every day in fourth grade. Maybe 10 years from now I'll remember what I did yesterday.

14. I despise Kobe Bryant but I admire his athletic talent.

15. I wanted so bad to be a Olympic gymnast when I was little that I would put on my "windbreaker suit" and prance around my house with my jacket zipped all the way up, no shoes, walking with my arms swinging by my side and my head up in the air.

16. I once tried to skate in the upstairs bonus room of our old house. I made it all the way up the stairs and took a few laps with no problem but tumbled down the stairs on my descent attempt. I got a fat lip and a laugh from my parents as a reward/punishment.

17. I love puzzles. LOVE THEM.

18. I have a secret ambition to be a rockstar. Or a back-up singer.

19. I was given a blue acoustic guitar (my ideal guitar) my freshman year of college. And I have learned only two chords. And I can't remember which ones they are. And that was eight years ago. But I still refuse to give up the guitar because it is, by far, my most favorite gift I've ever received.

20. I have a small addiction to the $5 movie bin at Walmart.

21. I want to run my own ministry one day.

22. I wish I hadn't have been such a wuss when I was little because I think I could've been a great soccer player.

23. I miss having a piano to play. My dad used to say that the only time I would ever be serious about practicing the piano was when we were getting ready to go somewhere. And I guess, in my subconscious, he was right.

24. Painting is a destresser for me. I wish I had more time for it.

25. One of my favorite places in the world is the El Matador in Ft. Walton Beach, Fla.

Mindless Blogging

I've been up since 6 a.m. this morning, drove three and half hours to Jackson for wedding festivities and now I'm back home after a great rehearsal dinner at Sal and Mookie's, trying to get my feet back to their original form. I always forget that those shoes kill after standing for long periods of time.

Anyway, I'm mucho tired-o and have the will to blog but no more gusto left in me to think of something clever to write about. So, I've yet again stolen one of those survey thingies about 2008 from LT's blog to use as fodder for today's post.

Enjoy. And maybe post your own.

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
I went to a Dave Matthews concert. Oh, and saw the Red Sox play in Tampa.

2. Did you keep your New Year’s Resolutions in '08, and have you made some for '09?
I don't do resolutions.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
My cousin Laura did.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
My grandmonther, Dearmom

5. What countries did you visit?
No countries this year. I would have loved to go to South Africa but it just wasn't the right time.

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
Money is always a good answer for this but I would also say new friends, patience and understanding.

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
I don't remember the exact dates but there's one day in March when my world pretty much stopped. God found me prostrate on my bedroom floor and picked me up and showed me who he was. The other was in late May, the day my Dearmom died. Oh and June 29th. That's the day I saw the Red Sox play.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Making the transition from intern to full-time

9. What was your biggest failure?
I failed to learn how to play my guitar. Again. Seventh year is the charm, right?

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nope. Not really.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
Hmmm. Nothing really comes to mind. I bought a lot of good movies.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Michael Phelps. For realz. Oh and while we're on that subject Tim Tebow too. Dude's got a rock-hard witness and I love hearing him talk about Jesus.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
I'm sure Rosie O'Donnell did something to piss me off. If you really want to know how I feel about her, check out these posts.

14. Where did most of your money go?
Rent. And food. A girl's gotta life.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Um, seeing the Red Sox play. Going to a Dave concert. Each time I got to go home and see family, especially William. Pay day.

16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
That song that says, "Apple bottom jeans, boots with the fur". Thanks to Chris and Bethany.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? Happier in some ways. Sadder in others.
(b) thinner or fatter? Give or take.
(c) richer or poorer? Richer. Mos def.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
I wish I had been able to fellowship and cultivate friendships with people.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Work.

20. How did you spend Christmas?
In Jackson. For 10 days. With the fam. Good times.

21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
If Michael Phelps and Tim Tebow count, then yes.

22. What was your favorite TV program?
24, The Office, LOST, Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice, Jon and Kate Plus 8, So You Think You Can Dance, American Idol and The Hills

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Hate is a harsh word. But no, I don't dislike any new people.

24. What was the best book you read?
The Shack and Redeeming Love. By far. Go get them and read now. I now see God in so many ways that I hadn't seen him before.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Francesca Battistelli. Girl can rock. And she's only like 21.

26. What did you want and get?
A job.

27. What did you want and not get?
A husband. Ha.

28. What was your favorite film of this year?
The Dark Knight

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned the big 2-5 and I went to Sal and Mookie's with the fam.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
More mashed potatoes.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
I am definitely more trendy than I have ever been. I've also figured out that I am really good at shopping for other people.

32. What kept you sane?
Definitely my faith.

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Again, Michael Phelps.

34. What political issue stirred you the most?
I'm guessing the Presidential Election.

35. Who did you miss?
My buddies.

36. Who was the best new person you met?
Definitely my coworker, Holly. We have way too much in commom. Except for the whole going to Alabama for that. It's okay. I forgive her.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
No problem is ever too big for God to handle. Give him the control or he will snatch it from you and knock you on your booty.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
"Oh no, you never let go,
Through the calm and through the storm.
Oh no, you never let go,
In every high and every low.
Oh no, you never let go,
Lord, you never let go of me."
-Matt Redman

Take You There

I'm totally bored. Deal with it.

1. Put your iTunes/MP3 player on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.

1) If someone says, "Is this okay?", you say?
Hit Tha Floor (I have no idea why this is on my computer.)

2) What will your last words be?
Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone (Oh, so poetic. And true.)

3) What do you like in a guy/girl?
Inspiration (Oh, so fitting too. I love Chicago.)

4) How do you feel today?
Summer Lovin' (Dude, I wish.)

5) WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
This Is Why I'm Hot (Man, iTunes is for real on a roll. With every click, another surprise.)

6) What is your motto?
Less Like Scars (Sweet poetry, Sara Groves)

7) What do your friends think of you?
Psalm 62 (Hmm...)

8) What do you think about often?
Pon de Replay

9)What is 2+2?
Emmanuel (The answer to all equations.)

10) What do you think of your best friend?
Revelation Song

11) What do you think of the person you like?
When the Coast is Clear - Jimmy Buffett

12) What is your life story?
One Life To Live (More poetry!)

13) What do you want to be when you grow up?
Run It (I was so praying it didn't shuffle to Womanizer or something crazy like that.)

14) What do you think of when you see the person you like?
Made Me Glad (Haha)

15) What do your parents think of you?
Where Are You Christmas (I know, mom and dad, I wish Christmas would come back too.)

16) What will you dance to at your wedding?
Grace Kelly (It definitely won't be this. Probably more along the lines of Dave Barnes or The Temptations.)

17) What will they play at your funeral?
How Can I Keep From Singing (Good choice.)

18) What is your hobby/interest?
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

19) What do you think of your friends?
Piano Man

20) What's the worst thing that could happen?
The Way I Are

21) How will you die?
Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It (Apparently, I will be channeling Humpty Dumpty.)

22) What is one thing you regret?
Whatever You Like (That's deep)

23) What makes you laugh?
Pretty Fly For A White Guy (You have no idea.)

24) What makes you cry?
Yahweh (Oh, yes he does.)

25) Will you ever get married?
More Than You'll Ever Know

26) What scares you the most?
Party Like A Rockstar (Seriously. It does.)

27) Does anyone like you?
Do You Hear What I Hear? (Silence.)

28) What hurts right now?
Away In A Manger (Apparently I loaded my iTunes with Christmas music recently.)

29) What will you post this as?
Take You There (By my favorite Jamaican-American)

Do I Have To Choose?

First things first...

A) I think I look really, really cute today. Just nod your head in agreement. I know you would think so too.

B) Freakin' GO KNICKS! My Knickerbockers beat the Celtics last night and I totally just watched David Lee go aerial and do some serious dunking. Man, I love that kid. God bless Sportscenter and highlights.

C) I realize that my post yesterday probably seemed a little jumbled and made little to no sense at all. Take that as a view of what my brain looked like. (I was also distracted for a bit by the SNL Special Edition on NBC with a collection of sports spoofs throughout the years. Who knew Tom Brady was such a clown, and a good actor might I add. Michael Phelps, not so much good at the acting. But I'll still take ya, Mikey. No worries.)

Basically, I'm in a rut. A serious cold season in my life, if you will. I feel strapped and confined by my job and the little Katie inside is screaming to get out. I didn't realize how loud she was screaming until this morning when I had to go back to work, but nevertheless, she is screaming.

I just texted my friend Kyle and asked him if he wanted my job because I don't really want it anymore. Um, yikes. And nothing bad has actually happened. I'm just restless. There are things here that just don't excite me anymore. And when you're job doesn't excite, it's time for a change, right?

Anyway, onto the less depressing, more fun and reflective stuff. It's survey time. This should be interesting. My favorites from '08, straight from LT's blog. With my own answers, of course.

Favorite song in 08: Hmmm...this is hard. I like songs. I have lots of favorites. I think I'll just say my most recent favorite. Cindy Morgan's "Praise The King." Major old school but so much goodness in it. It really sums up my year.

Favorite movie in 08: Definitely, without a doubt, The Dark Knight.

Favorite new friends of 08: Coworker Hollye. Oh, and sweet church friend Raegan. It's so exciting to see God work in her life and listen to her talk about it all. It makes me so much more desperate for Him and proud that I know Him in the same way she does.

Favorite concert in 08: Hands down, Dave Matthews in Memphis. Although is was wicked hot, it was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime thing and an amazing show.

Favorite musical group in 08: Leeland and Hillsong. Both have cranked out some doozies that have seriously broken me down in a great way.

Favorite purchase in 08: I don't really remember a lot of the things that I've purchased in the past year. Nothing really huge I don't think. Just the necessities like clothes and food. But I did buy The Italian Job from Walmart for $5 a few months ago without even having seen it before and I watched it for the first time last night. As it ended, I whispered to myself while patting my shoulder, "Good call, Katie." That's one good movie.

Favorite baby born in 08: I don't know really any babies born in 08. My nephew was born in October of 07 and he's most definitely my favorite baby ever. Although, my cousin had a baby in the Spring and he's pretty darn cute too.

Favorite TV show of 08: Here we go...The Office, 24, LOST, Chuck, So You Think You Can Dance, American Idol, Aces of Cakes, Project Runway

Favorite vacation spot of 08: Most definitely the beach, any beach. But this summer it was Ft. Walton Beach. Pedro's!

Favorite photo taken in 08: Well, considering that I don't have all of my pictures on my computer here, I'll just pick from the ones I have.

This picture has nothing to do with me but it's of one of my favorite moments of 08. It's right after my men's tennis team had won the conference championship and the young man that you see on the ground is Hank. That's him mom and our grad assistant Manny with him. The championship came down to his match, and it was against our most heated rival. Hank fought through major cramps and a nagging injury to win the championship for the team. He was determined not to give up and play his heart out. And when he finally won, he just collapsed. Hank was a senior and what made this moment so great was that he was in the same position just two years ago. The championship rested on his shoulders and things didn't go as well as they did for him this year. I remember sitting behind him with another administrator and his family. And seeing the pain in his eyes in the third set. He was hurting. He hesitated a bit on one serve and the coach ran over. The coach said, "What's wrong? What do you need?" And Hank answered, "I just need you here." I think I cried a little. That is what it's all about. That's the great thing of having a coach-player relationship like that. You know that you always have someone on your side, especially when it's an individual sport like that. I will always remember that moment.

So there ya go. That's my look back to 08. Now I'm looking forward to 09. Whatever it may bring.

Getting To Know You

This is the 2008 edition of getting to know your friends. I've gotten this from two people today, Bethany and my daddy, and I think I've done this one before. I'd email it back to them but they would be the only ones I'd email back, considering the rest of my friends on my email list would probably not care and immediately press delete. Anyway, I've decided to make a blog out of it. I'm slightly bored right now at work.

1. What time did you get up this morning?
8 a.m. I got to work at 9:30. Two reasons: 1) I worked all weekend long. I thought I deserved to sleep in a bit. 2) One alarm went off at 6:30, one at 7 a.m. They were reset after I thought I needed another bit of sleep after having a horrible dream that kept me up crying for at least a half hour in the middle of the night.

2. Diamonds or pearls?
I'm a KD Lady, so both.

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema?
Hmm...the only one that comes to mind is The Dark Knight but I know I've seen something since then.

4. What is your favorite TV show?
That's hard. It's a tie between Chuck, The Office, 24 and Project Runway.

5. What do you usually have for breakfast?
It depends. Crescent Rolls, Biscuits...this morning it was french toast sticks.

6. What is your middle name?
Jane

7. What food do you dislike?
Turnip greens

8. What is your favorite CD at the moment?
It's a tie again...Francesca Battastelli's Paper Heart and Brooke Fraser's Albertine

9. What kind of car do you drive?
2003 Saturn L200

10. Favorite sandwich?
Philly Cheesesteak

11. What Characteristic you despise?
Lies or denile...especially in myself

12. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go?
Australia...Sydney to be exact

13. Where would you retire to?
Anywhere there is a beach

14. What was your most memorable birthday?
hmmm...I remember just about every birthday. I've gotta go with the 16th surprise party at church though. I was oblivious.

15. Furthest place you are sending this questions to:
Wherever "the net" takes it

16. When is your birthday?
July 26

17. Morning person or a night person?
Night

18. What is your shoe size?
7ish

19. Pets?
Randi...he's my far away pet

20. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with us?
I'm definitely not pregnant. (Repeated from my dad, "I'm not pregnant," and Bethany "I'm not pregnant either.)

21. What did you want to be when you were little?
I had a different one every year -- a playground architect, a teacher, a pediatrician, an OBGYN, a physical therapist/athletic trainer/orthopedic surgeon, a sportscaster, a news anchor, Katie Couric, a New York City (Knicks) dancer and a Broadway star

22. How are you today?
Pretty good

23. What is your favorite flower?
Tulips

24. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to?
The day that I finally have off

25. What are you listening to right now?
Sportscenter

26. What was the last thing you ate?
Lenny's

27. Do you wish on stars?
When I see one

28. If you were a crayon, what color would you be?
I actually answered this one once before and I'm going to search for my answer. Hold please. Found it! Sunset Orange. The traits for this hue are warm, sociable, good-natured, jovial, and glowing. Sounds like me. I think.

29. How is the weather right now?
Pretty awesome.

30. Last person you spoke to on the phone? My
My cousin Julie

31. Favorite soft drink?
Cherry Coke

32 Favorite restaurant?
O'Charleys

33. Hair color?
Brunette

34. What was your favorite toy as a child?
Legos (this stems from wanting to be a playground architect).

35. Summer or Winter?
summer

36. Chocolate or Vanilla?
Vanilla

37. Coffee or tea?
Sweet tea with EXTRA lemon

38. Do you want your friends to email you back?
Whatev

39 When was the last time you cried?
Last night after my crazy scary nightmare

40. What is under your bed?
boxes and boxes and bags and clothes in boxes

41. What did you do last night?
Watched baseball

42. What are you afraid of?
Snakes and drowning (and yes, I am/was a certified lifeguard)

43. How many keys on your key ring?
I don't know...6?

44. How many years at your current job?
3 (2 were spent as an intern)

45. Favorite day of the week?
Any day that I have off

46. Do you make friends easily?
I've gotten better. I'm not one of those crazy outgoing people.

One Word

I stole this from LT.

Object: answer questions with one word ONLY. Not necessarily as easy as it looks! Can you do it?

1. Where is your cell phone? desk
2. Where is your significant other? non-existent
3. Your hair? brown
4. Your mother? musical
5. Your father? hero
6. Your favorite thing? laughing
7. Your dream last night? interesting
8. Your dream/goal? ministry
9. The room you're in? office
10. Your hobby? painting
11. Your fear? snakes
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? marriage
13. Where were you last night? Boehm's
14. What you're not? working
15. One of your wish list items? iTouch
16. Where you grew up? Jackson
17. The last thing you did? yawned
18. What are you wearing? clothes
19. Your TV? off
20. Your pet? Randi
21. Your computer? on
22. Your mood? sick
23. Missing someone? definitely
24. Your car? saturn
25. Something you're not wearing? rings
26. Favorite store? Target
27. Love someone? undoubtedly
28. Your favorite color/shade? maroon
29. Last thing you ate? orange
30. When is the last time you laughed? today
31. Last time you cried? today

Another list...Friday Five!

I stole this from Rossie's blog, mainly because I'm bored at work.

Five things that make me laugh out loud:
1. That 70's Show
2. FRIENDS
3. Myself
4. My nephew, William
5. That show, Wipeout

Five reason why I love the Olympics:
1. Michael
2. Phelps
3. In
4. A
5. Speedo

Five websites I visit more than five times a day:
1. Facebook.com
2. Blogger.com
3. Samfordsports.com
4. Dayoldnew.blogspot.com
5. MSN.com

Last five movies I watched:
1. Mirrors
2. Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull
3. Stick It
4. Rumor Has It
5. Cool Runnings

Five places I haven't been to but I want to go to (one day):
1. Fenway Park/Boston
2. Hawaii
3. Australia
4. L.A.
5. Italy

Five places I have been to and can't wait to go back (one day):
1. London
2. New York
3. Fort Walton Beach, Fla.
4. Paris (hopefully the next trip will end better)
5. Knoxville, Tenn.

It's time for my list...

After reading everyone else's list of "Things You Can't Live Without", I starting thinking about the things that I really can't live without. At first I thought that there really isn't much that I can't live without. But then, I started thinking about all the things that make my life great, besides my family and friends. So here goes...

1. ICEEs and mashed potatoes - Not necessarily together. I love ICEEs and I'd get one every day if I could. And mashed potatoes are my favorite food. My Grandma used to make the most amazing mashed potatoes ever. Homemade. I never thought that I would find another recipe for mashed potatoes to top it. That is, until I went to Honduras. It was like eating clouds. So good. I don't know how they made it but I would have begged the women that made them to make them every day. They were soooo good!

2. The cellphone/text messaging - I really don't know what I would do without it. Most people know that I don't like talking on the phone so texting is a lifesaver for me. It's not that I HATE talking on the phone. I can definitely talk on the phone especially if its my parents or sister or a boyfriend. BUT...because of text messaging, gone are the days of calling someone to ask them a simple question and then getting into a long conversation. You just type the question, send it, and, TADA, you've got your answer. This is also good for me because I like to make sarcastic remarks and instead of saying it to myself when no one is around, I just send it to Casey, Bethany or Chris, all of whom usually appreciate it.

3. TV Remote Control - I hate commercials. Especially Alabama commercial. Sticks 'n Stuff is the worst. And Suzuki Man. There are maybe three commercials on TV that I will sit and watch. Mostly Sportscenter commercials. (The Michael Phelps one is classic). Anyway, when I commercial break comes up during my TV viewing, I immediately change the channel. The remote control makes this easier. I can't funtion if the remote doesn't function or if it is missing.

4. TV - Staying on the same page, I don't think I could live without TV. Actually, I know I could because I did it in Honduras. But it absolutely one of my pleasures in life. How else would I live vicariously through other people without Big Brother, American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance, Real World, Jon and Kate Plus Eight, Deadliest Catch, and The Hills. Also how would learn how do survive life or be a superhero without Grey's Anatomy, Heroes, Chuck, and 24. Or hone my gameshow skills without Wheel of Fortune. And not to mention the sports. Football, basketball, baseball, tennis, golf, the Olympics. Everything. The TV is on when I'm at home and it's on in my office.

5. The CHI/GVP - See my CHI post for background info. Even though I don't have crazy frizzy hair, I love this product and couldn't imagine not using it. Like Tricia told me once, "Once you CHI, you never quit." So true.

6. Coke/Dr. Pepper/Wild Cherry Pepsi - One of the three must be stocked in my house. I don't think I could go a day without just one.

7. Pepper's chips and rotel - Need I say more? Birmingham needs to get a Pepper's. McAlister's just doesn't cut it.

8. The internet - How else would I keep up with friends I haven't seen in years?

9. Flip flops - I don't like wearing shoes, and since I can't just go barefoot outside, this is the next best thing. My feet are suffering because if it. I have plantar fascitis in my left foot. I'm convinced there's just a huge crack in the bottom of my foot. Possibility?

10. My Bible - I've read more of my Bible in the past year than I think I have in my life. I just read when I'm bored and it's so good! There's some good stuff in that book people! Even in Deuteronomy and Judges. God is good!

Things, Things, Things

I got this little listing thing from my friend Anne's blog. She has three children and watches Seasame Street all the time. Somehow she got this idea from SS and decided to share it with others. So now I'm participating and you should too!

5 Things I Like

1. Family - I don't know what I would do without my family. I'm an extremely family-oriented person and I cherish every minute I get to spend with my family. I have the most amazing parents in the world who support me in anything and everything I've ever done and will ever do, no matter what. They are responsible for who I am today and I have to thank them for showing Jesus and leading me to him as He has protected me over there years for things that I may not have been able to resist without him. My sister is my best friend...now. I would have never said that when I was 12, but it's amazing what happens when siblings move out of the house. She's is my role model and I would wish when I was little that I could be like her. My brother-in-law is THE COOLEST bro-in-law ever. He's the big brother I always wanted and never had (I would pray when I was little that I wished I had a brother that was six years older than me and I got him when my sister got married.) He treats me like a real sister and a friend and I love him for that. He would also do anything he could to help me and protect me. Not only does my future husband have to pass the "Dad Test", he also has to get the "Brother-In-Law Stamp of Approval". Oh and who can forget sweet William, my nephew. He is the cutest and smartest baby ever. He's growing more and more everyday and I'm jealous of those who get to have contact with him every single day. We are kindred spirits.

2. Food - I don't care what it is. I love it. I especially love junk food as I can make my way through a box of Krispy Kremes, a sackful of Krystals, a bag of chips, and a crockpot of rotel in one sitting anyday. It's even better when the food is free. If you want to get me to something, just say there will be free food and I'm there.

3. My church - See the various post about christianity and church for my thoughts about my church. It's amazing and I've learned so much these past two years because of it.

4. Napping when it rains. There's just something about the rhythm of the rain that gets me sleepy.

5. Music and painting - Both are cathartic for me. I'm not very good as expressing my feelings but give me a good song with the right lyrics and I'm good. That's why I think that I would have been a great songwriter in another life (maybe even this life, with some help) because I express my feelings so much better through written word and song, that I could ever try to with spoken words. Painting is just relaxing to me. There were many times in college that I would get upset or frustrated and just sit down and paint because it took my mind off of the situation and made me feel better.

5 Things I Don't Like

1. Smoking - I've had to deal with smoking grandparents all my life and I hate the smell of smoke, the way it makes you look, the way it makes you smell, the way it kills you. It's just gross. The best thing this country, or at least some cities in this country have done, is to ban smoking from public restaurant and bars. It's great! Now I can go somewhere and not worry about leaving smelling like an ashtray. There are some places in Jackson that should take on this philosophy.

2. Driving in the rain - I hate it. It freaks me out. I mean like sprinkles are okay, but when it really starts to pour, I get antsy. And I know it can't be good for the people around me. I don't lose control but I definitely head for the house in a more determined way.

3. Feeling out of place - I hate being the third wheel or going to a party or wedding or any kind of function and feeling out of place or ignored. It's not conducive to my social existance.

4. Rosie O'Donnell. That is all.

5. Collard greens. Yuck.

Three things I Care Nothing About

1. Politics - Sad but true. I really should. And I can't use the excuse that there are more important things to worry about anymore. Because there aren't. If your a frequent reader of my blog, which I'm sure I'm speaking to the hard drive right now, you have noticed that I've tried to care a little about the subject and I heavily back Mike Huckabee. But ask me what I think about the issues on the docket and I couldn't give a response. I'd just say, I agree with Huckabee.

2. Britney Spears.

3. Who's pregnant in Hollywood now?

100 Things You Never Really Want To Know About Me...Or Maybe You Do

Heather and Boo have inspired me to do this with their lists of 100. I thought, "I have nothing really to do at work. I'll make my own list of '100 Things You Never Really Want To Know About Me...Or Maybe You Do'. Boy, was I wrong. I never thought making a list of 100 fun things about myself would be so hard but it seriously took me a week to do. Anyway, here goes...


1. Trying to get a job is extremely emotionally draining.
2. When I’m upset, all I want is my mom and dad, especially my dad.
3. My right index finger is shorter than my left and it doesn’t straighten. It’s a small after effect of a wart from when I was little – I’m convinced of it!
4. Singing absolutely almost always makes me feel better.
5. Pretty much all my life, but especially since high school, all my friends have been boys, except for one best girl friend. Every girl needs a best girl friend.
6. I want to learn how to sew.
7. Once when I was little I thought it would be fun to play the piano with my baton. Not a good idea. Mom wasn’t very happy but she couldn’t keep from laughing either. We still have the piano…with the chipped keys. What can I say? I love mixing my hobbies.
8. My best friend Lauren and I always said growing up we were going to be either cheerleaders or majorettes at Mississippi State. Neither happened.
9. My dad once handcuffed my sister and me together when we were little because we wouldn’t stop fighting. He thought it would make us appreciate each other. He even made us go to church handcuffed, or maybe he just threatened. Either way, it eventually worked.
10. Throughout my childhood, I loved to collect things – stray buttons found in department store dressing rooms, wallpaper samples from our weekly after-church trips to Sears, cool rocks from the playground (I would often come home with a pocket full of rocks) and Dennis the Menace cartoon clippings out of the paper (Thanks to Grandma for feeding that addiction).
11. I once got the bright idea to play skating rink in my house. I strapped on the ol’ skates and took some loops around the house. Then I got the bright idea to go skate upstairs. Going up was much easier than coming down. I flipped down the stairs and got a busted lip. My parents decided to forego the spanking considering the busted lip and bruised ego would be punishment enough.
12. In elementary school (probably like 2nd and 3rd grade), my parents would bribe me with Little Caesars pizza on Friday if I didn’t get my name on the board for the whole week. I think it probably equaled out to about once a month. Thus, my obsession with Little Caesars Crazy Bread…and the innertube around my waist.
13. My Papaw was probably the coolest Papaw around. He always had a story and won a 2-million mile award for driving Trailways Buses. He was a soldier in World War II (not really sure that he actually fought) and he once had a bird fly so hard into the windshield of his bus that it went straight through the bus and went out the other side (at least that’s how he told it). Every time he picked my sister and me up from school, we’d go to the gas station and get all kinds of junk food. He also took us to the zoo all the time and we loved it when he took us to the Swinging Bridge in Byram. Too bad it’s forbidden now. My children will never get to experience that.
14. I take pride in being voted Most Loyal Rebel in high school and think that in no way my being head cheerleader had anything to do with it.
15. I love that I have a best friend that I’ve known since birth and that we can go months or even years without talking and pick up right where we left of the last time we saw each other. I love you, LB!
16. My first speeding ticket was for going 100 in a 65 on Highway 25. My car has never gone that fast since.
17. I’ve been to probably more than 100 weddings in my life…8 in my immediate family...one sister, seven cousins. I’ve been a flower girl four times, a maid of honor once, an honorary once, a program hander-outer nine times, and a rice/tea girl twice.
18. I was in the Top 10 of the Beauty and Beau Pageant my senior year in high school. And I didn’t get there because my mom worked for the school or because my sister was the MC.
19. I’ve been to 10 Broadway plays – 2 in New York, 1 in London, these I’ve seen in Jackson. This doesn’t include the six music revues I’ve seen, two in which my sister starred in.
20. I’ve walked down the aisle where Princess Diana became the Princess of Wales and I stood where her casket was in Westminster Abby. Both were probably two of the weirdest moments of my life. P.S. I’m obsessed with the Royal Family.
21. I always look forward to family vacations. They are some of the best memories of my life.
22. Until I got my wisdom teeth taken out when I was 21, I hadn’t thrown up in nine years.
23. I played the piano by ear for a year before my parents decided to have me take lessons.
24. I’ve had a guitar for six years and only know two chords. It’s still THE BEST Christmas present I’ve ever gotten.
25. I once got bit by my friend’s grandparents’ poodle and I will forever hate the poodle breed.
26. I won’t eat Rally’s burgers because my cousin once got mad at me and put nail polish remover on mine. I didn’t eat the burger.
27. I’ve had five dogs in my life. One was a stray that I found in the gutter crossing the street from my elementary school to the junior high that my mom worked at. She let me take it home. We had to take it to the pound after we discovered that he dug a hole under the fence every night to sleep by the garbage cans. So sad!
28. I will never master the art of back rollovers!
29. My parents were going to name me Bubba if I was a boy…short for William Robert Walden, III.
30. Whenever I go to concerts, I often study how the musicians play instead of sitting back and enjoying the music.
31. I have a secret desire to be a background singer.
32. When I was little, I wanted to be a playground architect and design playground equipment. I had a notebook of designs…I think I still have it.
33. I have to eat my skittles, jelly beans, and often times my mms by color. I pour the whole bag out and split them up into color groups. Then I make each group an even number, eat the odd ones first and start with the group with the least amount in it first and go up from there. I eat each group by twos. I guess you could say I’m a little OCD.
34. More often than not, I have a list of things that I have to figure out or name off in my head before I can go to sleep at night. Sometimes it’s the states…sometimes it’s what class and teacher I had for each period, each year of high school. Another weird quirk.
35. When I was little I would say that ham gave me a headache. It really actually did. The smell was horrid. Sometimes I still say it so that I won’t have to eat it at Thanksgiving. Turkey, please!
36. I hated Oreos all my life until about April 2007.
37. I have a fear of drowning yet I am a lifeguard and saved people from drowning.
38. I don’t care what Sheryl Crow says, I will never, ever be able to use just one piece of toilet piece to wipe my hiney!
39. Jeremiah 29:11 is my motto for life. I take it seriously. It’s not a cliché. That and the line from 10 Things I Hate About You, “Never let anyone make you feel like you don’t deserve what you want.”
40. Tulips are my favorite flower. Shrimp and Crawfish are my favorite foods.
41. I used to think that I couldn’t play outside past 7 on Saturday and Sunday evenings because there was a monster that would come and get me if I did.
42. I want to wear my mom’s wedding dress (updated) if I ever get married. And I want my sister to sing The Lord’s Prayer (even it is has to be previously recorded.)
43. My dad is my hero. I used to think that he competed in those Strongest Man competitions that they show on ESPN.
44. I get a migraine every two weeks. It lasts for about two days. I’ve had this problem for a little over a year now. It’s getting kind of annoying.
45. I can’t wait to be an aunt in November!
46. I miss doing plays and Colonel’s Classics when I was in high school.
47. I have a list of “Things I Want To Do In My Life” – the list includes going to the Kentucky Derby, visiting Australia and surfing, and learning how to fly.
48. I have to admit, I kind of, a little bit, miss Derby Days. I think I miss dancing the most.
I love when people play with my hair.
49. I love when Kyle comes to visit me because we always go to Cheesecake Factory.
50. I’ve never been more comfortable with my life and my surroundings that I am right now.
51. I love my job. I’m a sports information director. My job is watching sports. What could be better?!?
52. I loved going to a school my mother worked at. I could always go to her room and act like I needed something if I was late to a class and she would give me a pass. Also the coaches were always looking out for me. It was like having nine dads around for eight hours of the day.
53. My dad used to be a soccer coach when he taught science at Peeple’s Junior High. His team was the first and only state championship soccer team the school (or any JPS school) has ever had.
54. In eighth grade, my friends who were Mississippi State fans decided to roll our other friend’s mom car (who was an Ole Miss fan and just happened to be our English teacher). We did it during third period, which was art class. We had the teacher wrapped around our finger and could talk him into letting us do pretty much anything. We once talked him out of detention. We rolled the car, and then “got called” to the principal’s office. (FYI: The principal was like our dad. He was cool.) They had drawn up suspension papers for all five of us. Fake suspension papers. They told us that we were suspended for three days and I laughed. The principal called my dad – he went along with it. Long story short – no suspension…just a good ole laugh.
55. I had a horrible case of chicken pox when I was four. I was in the hospital for a week. The doctors said it was the worst case they had ever seen. They were inside my body – down my throat, in my ears, everywhere. When I got out of the hospital my dad overheard the doctors say, “Well, Miss Katie, we almost lost ya there.” He wasn’t happy.
56. I can relate any situation in life to an episode of Friends, The Cosby Show, Saved By The Bell, or Full House.
57. I was the kid in kindergarten who wouldn’t wake up from naptime. They would take my blanket from me, then my pillow, then pull my mat out from under me. One day, we had a substitute. She tried to wake me up by pulling my up by my arm. The result was the my arm was pulled out of socket and I had to go to the doctor and get it popped back in. I got ice cream on the way home, as was our usual post-doctor visit ritual. We went back to the daycare to get my stuff and I walked up to the teacher and said, “I got ice cream. Na na-na-na na!” (Immediately followed by the sticking out of my tongue.)
58. When I was in kindergarten, I would kiss all of my guy-friends goodbye when my mom came to get me. One time she came and I forgot to do it. She started to pull away and I said, “Wait! I forgot something!” My mom stopped the car, I jumped out and my boys were lined up at the fence, waiting for their smooches! I kissed each one of them through the fence, jumped back in the car, and said “Okay, we can go now.” My mom found it funny. I was the harlot of Raymond Road Baptist Daycare and my mom thought it was funny!
59. My roommate is amazed by the fact that I can snooze for two hours. I just don’t like waking up!
60. I hate pantyhose!
61. I'm incredibly good at Wheel of Fortune and will be on the show someday.
62. I’m contemplating looking into doing fantasy teams for next year. Anybody want to explain the process to me?
63. I really want to go to Africa.
64. I think Blood Diamond is THE best movie I’ve seen in a while.
65. I almost got arrest in Paris for putting my feet on the subway seat in front of me.
66. I can't wait to go to Honduras in June!
67. One day I will attend the Summer Olympics. The Winter Olympics are just too cold.
68. I also think it would be cool to go to the XGames…maybe even the Winter XGames. At least those are more exciting than figure skating.
69. I’ve lived in only two states – Mississippi and Alabama.
70. I’ve visited only 12 states…if you count the airports I’ve had layovers in – AL, TX, MO, AR (drove through it on the way to MO and pretty sure I ate at a Sonic), LA, FL, GA, SC, NY, IL (or O’Hare International Airpot in Chicago), MA (or the airport in Boston on the way back from Paris), and TN.
71. I love the little square “Fresh Ink” cards that they have at Hallmark. I buy at least five whenever I go in there, and it racks up points on my Hallmart Gold Crown Card!
72. I love to paint. My mom says that I should sell my paintings. I don’t think I’m that good.
73. I’m very good at remembering people’s birthdays.
74. I have never smoked a cigarette or taken any kind of drugs.
75. My dad gave me my first taste of alcohol at a distance cousin’s wedding when I was in 11th grade. He had me taste wine and champagne. I didn’t like either one. He liked that fact very much.
76. I love Christmas music. I could listen to it all year.
77. Cookie cakes are my FAVORITE!
78. I was never really grounded when I was a kid. I was told I couldn’t watch TV for a day one time.
79. I wonder where the term “grounded” came from.
80. I lived on campus for all four years of college – Rice Hall (freshman), McKey Hall (sophomore), and the KD House (junior and senior).
81. I was lame enough to think that my mom would be mad at me if I didn’t pledge Chi O. I pledge KD. My mom and I are still on speaking terms.
82. I absolutely LOVE fountain cokes from Sonic and coke ICEEs.
83. I’m way too sarcastic. Most people can’t take me seriously at all.
84. Ironically, I couldn’t stand Ben the first time I meet him because he was so sarcastic. My sarcasm has increased since we started working together.
85. I am the grammar natzi I swore I would never become.
86. I hated wearing dresses when I was little. I semi love it now.
87. Whoever created pantyhose should be shot and killed. Okay, that was a little harsh. Maybe just hurt a little.
88. I have never broken a bone, but I’ve had three semi-injuries. Numero uno: The afore mentioned arm-out-of-the-socket disaster (see #58). Number two: I twisted my ankle once in first grade and made my parents take me to the emergency room. However, I think I was more excited about going to the emergency room than worried about my ankle. We ended up leaving because I was jumping around in the emergency room. Obviously I was okay. Numéro trois: I “jammed” my knee in cheeleading practice my sophomore year. This was probably my worst incident. I fell from a liberty onto my knee. I’m pretty sure it was a sprain. I couldn’t walk for two days.
89. My dad, my mom and my sister all work in education. I’m the let down. I ruined the tradition. I decided to work in the boring field of sports.
90. I have an obsession with Australian things…especially koalas. I used to want one for a pet. I still kinda do.
91. I share this with Heather T. Skaggs: I love to vacuum. I’m not really sure why. I also love using the Swiffer.
92. I miss the Carebears more than you could ever know.
93. I love monogrammed things and polka dots.
94. I’m a people-watcher. I could sit in a restaurant, mall, airport, whatever and watch people walk by.
95. I have this thing where I have to sit facing the door in most places like restaurants and stuff. I attribute it to my people-watching obsession.
96. I often look at people and wonder what their story is. I rarely ask though.
97. I love flying. Have I said this before? 9/11 had no affect on my love of flying.
98. Has anyone seen Carlos Mencia’s “No Strings Attached”? It’s actually quite good and he makes some very good points. He kinda spread the Gospel a little bit. It would be great if he didn’t curse so much though.
99. I love to pop my knuckles.
100. I can't believe it took a week for me to get to 100.