Category: Life

101 for 1,001

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What are you doing for the next two years? Mackenzie Horan has it all figured out. Check out her list here. She is the author of the adorable blog Design Darling.

She came up with 101 things for 1,001 days. That’s about 2.75 years to get 101 goals, dreams, and tasks completed. Sounds good, right?

Of course, I love a good list so I started trying to come up with 101 things that I want to do in the next 2.75 years…

This is a lot harder than I thought. Here’s what I have thus far:

1. Join a professional association for Leadership Educators.
2. Invest in a new camera.
3. Take someone I want to learn from out to coffee/dinner/lunch at least once a month.
4. Run/Walk a 5K.
5. Do more guest blogs.
6. Send email to leadership friends for insight into their world.
7. Get personal business cards.
8. Take on a Board/Council position within the Junior League of Nasvhille.
9. Be nominated for and apply again for Nashville Emerging Leader Awards.
10. Participate in a Nashville based leadership development program.
11. Go to Bluebird Cafe.
12. Be an extra on ABC’s Nashville.
13. Contribute to a new charitable cause on a bimonthly basis for 1 year.
14. Eat at 1 new restaurant per month.
15. Make it to the gym 3X per week for at least 3 months.
16. Join Toastmasters.
17. Drink at least 2 bottles of water per day for at least a month.
18. Pick an exercise class and stick to it for at least 3 months.
19. Send 2 random cards to friends at least twice a month.
20. Do Karaoke in Nashville.
21. Go to Gatlinburg, TN and Memphis, TN.
22. Take a trip every 8 months to a new destination in the US.
23. Make plans to go abroad and go!
24. Pay off debt.
25. Clean my house at least 1x per week. I live alone. I’m messy.
26. Get my car detailed.
27. Grocery shop every month. I eat out A LOT!
28. Join CABLE.
29. Go on a date.
30. Cook 1 meal per week.
31. Recommit to a small group.
32. Take a trip to W&M.
33. Read at least 1 new book per month.
34. Send my mom more cards. She keeps them all.
35. Find my signature scent.
36. Buy a great pair of tailored black pants.
37. Take time alone with God in the mornings at least 3X per week.
38. Read the entire Harry Potter series.
39. Get a massage.
40. Find a primary physician.
41. Go on a hike.
42. Clean up my computers (work/home).
43. Decorate my home like a grown up. Curtains? Coffee Table? New TV?
44. Throw a dinner party/supper club in my home.
45. Send out Christmas Greetings.
46. Seriously, plan my return to school for my Ed.D.
47. Plan and have a classy 30th birthday party.
48. Professionalize my closet.
49. Invest in big girl heels.
50. Return to learning the Spanish language.
51. Go home at 5 as often as I possibly can.
52. Leave at least 1 night per week during the weekday that I don’t have any evening plans.
53. Be a lead facilitator or Keynote Speaker at more events.
54. Be accepted as a LeaderShape Cluster Facilitator.
55. Host a book collection event for Book ‘Em.
56. Make more 1:1 connections with students at Vandy.
57. See a therapist.
58. See at least 1 live musical performance a month.

eek! Still 43 more things to go…I’m working on it. Of course, many things that I want to do are at odds with each other but it is all about prioritization and doing things on a budget. Planning is such a joke, right? Life happens in ways that tends to kill most of our plans but at least I can use this to orient me and help me make a first step. We’ll just have to see what He has in store from there. What God has for me is for me and it might not be anything on this incomplete list :).

Later y’all.

So, this was fun…

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Me, on Back Down South

Thanks to the lovely Caroline Fontenot for having me as a part of Back Down South. I’ve enjoyed this blog from the day I began reading it in 2012 and it is quite cool to actually be featured as a part of the lovely, stylish, and southern crew that makes it so special. Also great to know that Caroline is just as cool in person as she is on the Internet.

Nashville just keeps handing out special moments. Blessed!

Later y’all.

“Happy Hour”

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We are the “after work” generation.

I was with a friend at Valentine’s Day dinner and she inquired about the latest happenings of my life. What I noticed was that Monday- Friday was jam packed but I reserved Saturday/Sunday–“The Weekend” to do absolutely nothing. We both laughed at the backwardness of my schedule but realized that is has become the norm for us single in the city 20-30 somethings.

The question is always, “What are you doing after work?” Every bar/restaurant has a “Happy Hour” that contrary to its name lasts for way longer than 1 hour. People plan full scale social events for weekday nights. By the time we get to Saturday, we are pooped. We spend that time catching up on sleep, exercise, grown-up household duties, work we didn’t finish while in the office, and low key friend fun, or personal time to just breathe.

Going home at 5 is a rarity and with the invention of DVR, Hulu+, Netflix, and reruns for the Bravo crew, it almost seems unnecessary to do so. We need something to look forward to when the clock strikes 5. It actually becomes an excuse so that we don’t stay any later at the office than we need to, “I have plans.” There exists a desire to have a goal or a game plan after a day of running the professional rat race. Plus, who actually wants to go home alone, again. We gotta put ourselves out there, right? Our walk to the parking garage becomes a stride of pride as we make our way to the nearest $2.00 rails and 1/2 off small plates. We’ve made it through another day and to celebrate we need to show others while wearing our “work clothes” that we’re champs. Let’s blow this popsicle stand that pays off our student loans. Life’s too short to take all of our awesomeness home at 5pm. Let’s feed the local economy and our egos at the same time. Let’s let off some steam and commiserate with our friends. Let’s invite folks we don’t know to an innocent happy hour. I mean, we can hold a conversation with almost anyone over one drink, right?

Next week alone I have the following: dinner with a co-worker/friend followed by a lecture by Melissa Harris Perry on Monday, drinks and my first hockey game on Tuesday, a session on Conference Placement Etiquette on Wednesday, student meetings on Thursday night, and a date night with a friend on Friday night. Saturday morning, I go out of town until Sunday evening and then I start all over again. If it wasn’t for that brief trip to Clemson University, you can bet I’d be on the couch catching up on primetime television.

I guess I should enjoy this “after work” life for as long as I can. Should I ever acquire any dependents, I can 100% guarantee that “after work” will have a totally different meaning. For right now, bring on the happy hours, the too long dinners, and the Nashville networking circuit. I’m game but I’m actually not free after work again until the 2nd week of March…

So, what are you doing after work this week?

Later y’all

One Sweet Day.

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excited

It amazes me the sheer amount of things that can happen in a day.

I’ve been moved to tears three times.

I’ve been giddy like a school girl due to the presence of an NFL Quarterback and most importantly NFL Cheerleaders.

I met a woman who instantly inspired me to continue tackling my life.

I had a lot more work dropped into my plate.

I was reminded of just how much I love my family.

I had a teachable moment.

I said “no” to an experience. I said “yes” to another.

I’ve been over the moon grateful for my life in and the people of Nashville, TN.

I’ve been reminded about how important volunteers are to the world.

It was affirmed for that though I can’t change the whole world, I can certainly do my part to change a small part of it for the better.

And to think it is only 9:28pm. The amount that God gives us in our day is staggering. I know that He’s giving it to me because with Him I can handle it all.

My sweet mom sent me Psalm 91 to read this morning. Tis a great way to begin the day.

Later y’all.

 

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OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

 

I looked at my calendar and realized that I have an event every night of the week for the entire month. I don’t have any “couch” time. A part of me is excited about my involvement and another part of me just wants to have time to watch Hulu Plus and sit in comfort while wearing oversized sweatpants and munching on Welch’s Fruit Snacks.

A buddy of mine helped me reframe the month by listing the three things on my calendar that I’m most excited about occurring. Sure, I’ll buy into that. Here we go:

1. My So-Called Band at Cannery Ballroom -90’s music, festive beverages, and friends. Nuff said.

2. Emancipation Proclamation Viewing- The actual document is coming to the Tennessee State Museum located in downtown Nashville. The history nerd in me is geekin’ out. Wait, you didn’t know that I was a history nerd? I went to college in Colonial Williamsburg and actually went to the exhibits. Shh! Don’t tell my friends.

3. Melissa Harris Perry is coming to Vanderbilt. She’s legit. I’m not a publically political person but she fires me up. Love strong women!

4. KAIROS Women- I love KAIROS at Brentwood Baptist Church. This is their first women’s night and I’m excited to be a part of the experience. Worship and the word with women in Christ. Sign me up!

Okay, so I listed four things. My blog, remember? This is a great way to reframe the chaos of my everyday. I’m getting to do things that make me happy and grow me as a person. I’ll take it. I no longer tell people that “I don’t have time”. Instead, I tell them that I’ve prioritized my time elsewhere. We all have time when we really want to do something and for everything else we make tons of excuses. Admit it, if I asked you to help me move you’d totally be busy BUT if I asked you to go see Beyonce with me the same weekend you’d all of a sudden be free as a bird. Totes fine, no judgement.

 

“The bad news is time flies but the good news is you’re the pilot.” – Michael Altsuler

 

What are you up to this month?

Later y’all.

 

Ain’t No Mountain High Enough

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“There is nothing that will hinder you from being used by God.” –Mike Glenn

Ain’t that a blessing? No matter my mistakes, He can use me. He can tell His story and show His glory through me.

How long should we beat ourselves up for our past mistakes? How long should we hold on to our glory days?

God moves. He will not stay where we put him. We need to move too.

Whatever happened in 2012,2011,2010,2009, and so on and so forth has happened. There is nothing that you can do about it. You can’t change it and you can’t relive it.

“You can’t hold on to yesterday’s pain or yesterday’s trophies and receive tomorrow’s promise.” LET IT GO!

On our journey with God we must pack lightly. Drop all of that baggage! Whether it is Louis Vuitton or a Target special, you ain’t going to need it on your walk with God.

The promise is bigger than you think. We receive the promise, not because we are good people but because God is a good God.

Deuteronomy 1:6-8, “You have stayed at this mountain long enough.” It is time to get over the mountain and stop letting it be an obstacle in your journey.  Go over it, go around it, go through it–just have faith (the size of a mustard seed) and He will move it. Matthew 17:20.

mustard seed

Later y’all.

 

 

On Thursdays, We Give Thanks.

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pain-new to be born

Today is Friday. I know, I know.

To be honest, I just want to shut my office door, curl into a ball, and cry.

The tragedy in CT has broken my heart. Violence against children is just the worst of the worst. So innocent and so undeserving.

I ask you all to pray the hardest you’ve ever prayed. We have to find some peace within ourselves and in this world. I am sorry for the families who have to suffer loss. I am sorry that the holiday season will never be the same. I am sorry that the parents couldn’t be there to be the protective parents they are to save their children from this unnecessay end. I pray for all that are involved in this tragedy.

I don’t have strongly developed political views about gun control (I’ve never even shot a gun) but I do know that it is harder to kill people when you don’t have access to guns. A gun alone is not a problem; a gun in the wrong hands is a problem. We’ve got to do better to keep guns out of the wrong hands. We’ve got to do better in finding a level of peace that does not lead to guns having to be used to injure and kill others. I don’t have answers for that but people way smarter than me have figured out some pretty large problems in this world and I think they need to get in a room and hash this out immediately.

School used to be a safe haven. Parents could send their kids to school and their child would receive an education, meals, encouragement and intentional from a teacher, and hopefully friendship. All of this leading towards an holistic developmental experience. Now, parents are probably scared out of their minds to send their children anywhere. Not only is school a volatile place but so is church, the movie theater, the mall, and almost anywhere else you can think of. There aren’t anymore “safe places” or “safe parts of town”.

So, what do we do?

We pray. We call on God to lay his hands on the people of Newtown, CT. We pray that He surrounds them with all of the love and support they need from this day forward. We pray that this does not harden their hearts or make them question their faith. We pray that the Lord leads them away from anger and retribution but towards peace, resolution, and forgiveness. We pray that they understand that their earth angels are now heavenly angels and will be waiting for them when that day comes. We pray. We go home, call, Skype, or FaceTime, and we tell our family and friends that we love them and if possible give them the biggest hug EVER. We engage ourselves in conversations with others about how to make this world a better place and we engage in self reflection to make sure that we are being the best version of ourselves.

What am I thankful for?

– My Faith.

-My family.

– My true friends.

-The life God has given me. The grace he has bestowed upon me though I fail him everyday.

I just keep reflecting on the Bible verse above, Isaiah 66:9. Pain is not without purpose. I know it is hard not to question God in moments like these but I believe in His word.

Later y’all.

Oh hey!

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I haven’t posted in so long! Yeesh!

Life is moving these days at warped speed. You plod along on this journey until someone pushes the hyper speed button and before you know it your life as you once knew it has totally disappeared. It is like one of those juiced up cars from Fast and the Furious with Paul Walker at the wheel. My inner dialogue as I type Paul Walker completely goes off the deep end. Let’s just say, I appreciate all that he brings to the table. Ya know?

1. I got a new job.
2. I get to submit a blog for a site I truly love and respect.
3. I get to do IMPACT at WUSTL.
4. My mommy sent me the most amazing card that made my heart swell and my eyes tear up. She’s proud of me and that makes me so glad.
5. I am on the board of a life changing nonprofit called Girls on the Run Nashville.

Despite all this awesomeness, there are some things that keep digging at my self conscious. I turn 30 in April and I am trying to figure how what to do to celebrate. A part of me wants to have a blowout extravaganza, a part of me wants to take a trip,and another part of me wants to sit at home in my comfy Duke pants, eat a tub of ice cream and Chinese Food while crying over various movies. There has to be a way to mix all of that into one event, right?

Okay, so obviously I’m blessed but as usual I am questioning what’s next and praying for the next shoe to drop. If you’re a praying type of person then please pray for me and ask God to help me live in the moment as it is the only moment of its kind that I will ever have. I seek to be happy instead of just constantly seeking happiness. Pray that He will keep me continuously grateful. I want to be less of me and more of Him.

That’s all for now. I promise to be better about writing. More details to come about the awesome 5 up top.

Later Y’all

On Thursdays, We Give Thanks.

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How appropriate as today is Thanksgiving. Gobble Gobble!

Keeping the post short today as I am on Holiday and I am doing this from my iPhone.

1. Smooth travels–not one hiccup at the airport yesterday. Thanks Delta! The Jamaican lady working my flight from ATL was AMAZING! Those cookies in the red wrapper and my Cranapple Cocktail Juice made it a sweet time.

2. Social Media– Love how it helps me stay in contact with those I love from afar. I am blessed with the best people in my life and I love being able to send a quick message and even view images from their lives. Connection and Community are so important. Twitter and Facebook help me keep those elements central in my life.

3. Delta Delta Delta! We celebrated Founders’ Day yesterday. 124 years of steadfast love for one another. I became a member at 26 and the layer of sisterhood it has added to my life is amazing. DLAM to all my sisters! 1888 – FOREVER! Still in awe of what our founders created 124 years ago.

4. My new read, Calm My Anxious Heart, which is helping me to explore my tendency to worry and to control things that are beyond me. I have to remember to look to Him and trust that all that comes my way, good or bad, is a gift from Him and therefore is good as it is a part of His plan. I must pray and not worry!

Happy Thanksgiving!! Gobble Gobble!!

Later Y’all!

The List

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I have a monthly habit of making a “I’d Love To Do That List.” These lists include things like starting a blog, writing a guest post on a blog, joining a new organization, volunteering with a particular non-profit, and planning an event for people in my social circle, etc.

This  list is often short  and after I write the list I immediately take action on making them come to life. The actions might include sending out an email inquiry, filling out an application, and doing in depth research on the item, etc.

Most of the things on these lists have to do with my professional development but in the last year or so they’ve also included items that are “just for me”.

These lists help me feel accomplished and like I am always working towards a goal. Because the lists are short and the only pressure to complete the lists is from me then I don’t feel as stressed about them. Cool things make up the lists and though these things have been quite helpful to me in my life, if I didn’t do them then it would not be the death/termination of me.

November’s List

– Write another guest blog for Sorority Ever After –submitted request and 2 ideas for posts

– Be a guest writer for Levo League –submitted an idea

– Join Toastmasters –found a place close to my home and that can fit into my schedule

– Keep working towards lead facilitating a UIFI session (on my way with doing IMPACT in January)

– Take a more active role in the Nashville Delta Delta Delta Alumnae Association

– Get more involved with professional organizations that focus on college student leadership development

– Dinners/Lunches/HH/Brunches with a list of Nashville friends –Lots of plans on the rise for the week of Dec. 10th! Classes are over and I’ll have more free time to act my age.

– Run again…eek! My knees! –1 night run under my belt!

Checking something off this list will be a blessing. I look forward to making that happen. All of these things are helping me move in the direction that I feel my life is pulling me. Let’s hope my compass is on track ;).  What would be on your “I’d Love To Do That List”?

Later y’all.