Category: Nashville

One Sweet Day.

Leave a comment

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.

 

Leave a comment

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.

 

The List

Leave a comment

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.

On Thursdays, We Give Thanks.

Leave a comment

No,  I didn’t forget that I have a blog. I just haven’t felt blog worthy lately. These posts must be authentic or they lose their relevance.

Luckily, being thankful is always relevant.

Ready.Set.Go!

 

1. The Nice People of Nashville. Seriously, I’ve met some of the kindest people in the whole world in this city and when I reach out to them they reach back. I’ve been feeling a bit anti-social lately but had just made the decision to get back on the social horse for another ride. I now have friend dates for this weekend and early next week. I had a lunch date with an inspiring young woman who works through her heart for the YWCA and gives me hope that one day my professional life is going to once again bring me personal happiness and satisfaction. People Power is alive in Nashville and I’m so grateful for the blessing of being a part of this place.

2. Those counseling classes I took in graduate school. Oh, have I been using those lately. I’m not sure what happened but word on the street is that I’m a great person to talk to. Eek! Such pressure! The students are coming in droves to relax in my comfy green chairs and share their woes. 99% of the conversation has nothing to do with Greek Life –we are talking REAL LIFE in all capital letters. Fortunately, the University of Maryland CSP Program is Counseling Based therefore I’ve done my share of active listening, paraphrasing, using silence, and avoiding jumping into action too quickly. These kids don’t want answers; they want someone to listen and I’m all ears.

 

3. The election is OVER! Whew! I don’t like politics and I’m still under the rule that you don’t discuss it at the dinner table, on a first date, and especially not in sorority recruitment. Also, let’s not discuss it over social media. Both sides were just outright mean this year and there was little respect from anyone including the candidates. I don’t like questioning friendships, virtual or real, over some snarky political comment. At the end of the day, no matter who is president, all we have is each other and God. Let’s remember that and keep fighting the good fight of making this world a little bit better everyday.

 

How about you? Thankful much?

Later y’all.

 

 

I Love Nashville Nouns…3x

Leave a comment

Nashville Greek Festival–Celebrating Greek culture at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Brentwood, TN. Say what? Delicious Chicken Gyro, Greek doughnuts (Loukoumades), dancing, a fantastic tour of the church by a woman who is totally number 1 on my list of people I want to adopt me, friends, laughs, and lots of “Oopah!” It is such a colorful and beautiful church. The feeling that comes over you when you walk into any House of God is peaceful. It was lovely being around people celebrating their culture and sharing it with others. They love being Greek! There was such a beautiful family atmosphere. The Church has been holding the festival for 20 years and all of the money goes to the upkeep and enhancement of the facility.

Undie Sunday supporting the YWCA Domestic Violence Shelter–Have you ever stood outside of an NFL game asking people for their underwear? I have and it was awesome! The YWCA collects new underwear and pajamas for women and children who flee their homes due to domestic violence. Often the mothers arrive at the shelter with only the clothes on their back and their children. They need the essentials and the YWCA helps fill that need. An overwhelming amount of Titans and Patriots fan brought bags of goodies with them to the game all for this great cause. Their generosity made my heart swell up and plastered a smile on my face the whole day long. There are some awesome people in this world! Never forget that!

F. Scott’s Restaurant & Jazz Bar is another of Nashville’s 70 Best Restaurant that I can cross off my list! Thank God for Nashville Originals Restaurant Week! This is probably the only time I can actually afford a 3- course meal at F.Scott’s. Delicious food and great ambience. The piano player was fantastic especially when be tapped out “Overjoyed” by Stevie Wonder. Food, music, atmosphere, and fulfilling conversation with my food friend. Great way to spend a Tuesday evening after work.

Let’s see what else life has to bring in the next few days. No matter what, I am truly blessed and everyday I must remind myself to take it all in and be grateful for all that God has given me.