The Challenge!

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I’ve wanted to do Kendi Everyday’s 30×30 Challenge since I read about it a couple of years ago. Take 30 pieces of clothing and make 30 days of outfits. The initial rules of this Challenge included not shopping for those 30 days but Kendi has since made things a bit less relaxed. I’m not even sure if she does the Challenge anymore, which might be a reason for me to stop this train of thought ASAP!

Why do this?

1. I spend too much money on clothes.

2. I have clothes that I don’t get my money’s worth out of in the current way that I wear them.

3. Creativity is a muscle that needs to be exercised.

4. I need to stop thinking that I don’t have anything to wear.

5. I spend too much money on clothes.

6. I need to better appreciate what I have in my closet.

7. I spend too much money on clothes.

8. I need a fresh style perspective.

9. It could be fun!

10. I spend too much money on clothes.

Get the point? 1,5,7,10 pretty much sums it up for me. I just returned a boat load of clothes after realizing that I’d totally gone beyond my budget for the month. It is plane ticket time and nothing can stand between me and my mommy. Though it pained me to return those dresses and that jacket, I had to go with my values and I love my family way more than polka dots, lace, and leopard print. Clothes serve so many purposes in my life and it has led to my obsession of adding more and more to my closet. Slight addiction but I promise I can stop…I think :/.

If I did the challenge my start date would be tomorrow and November 1 would be my last day. Hmm…

30 pieces of clothing…eek! This could take a moment.

Chambray is neither cham nor bray. Discuss!

Later y’all!

Babel.

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Mumford & Sons.

I don’t need to say much else about that matter.

His (Marcus Mumford) voice burrows its way deep down inside of me. I am transported to the core of my feelings and am made to face them head on. This is quite a powerful impact to have on a person, especially on her morning commute to work. “Music is what feelings sounds like.” Amen! I don’t like to be made to think about how I feel but for some reason I keep coming back to this music and going on that journey. It is actually healthy but hard.

In case you were wondering my favorite songs (so far) from Babel are “Holland Road”,  “Ghosts That We Knew”, “Lovers’ Eyes”, “Reminder”, “Not With Haste”. For those of you, like me, who never really know song titles anymore, that woud be #4,  #5, #7, #8, and #12.

I would like to be Carey Mulligan for a day. I mean, in the past it was because of her haircut and style, but now I must add to the list that she is married to This Voice.

Jon Acuff wrote this blog, “God or Girlfriend” about “I Will Wait.” Just adds to my love of the band and the song. Seeing them live was quite the privilege. I hope I get to do it again. Fingers crossed!

That is all for now.

Later Y’all.

 

 

 

 

Well, if it isn’t October.

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October has rounded the corner and is standing on my doorstep.

I love fall. I love the colors of fall. The leaves. The clothes. I how much more beautiful long drives become in the fall. I love true football weather (and describing air as crisp). I love the holiday spirit that begins to bloom at the beginning of fall. Fall also reminds me of William & Mary (my beloved alma mater) because it is the most beautiful in the fall. In fact, it is downright breathtaking (see below).

How could you not want to be here in the fall? Perfection! God’s hands left a special mark on this campus.

Here’s a couple of things I’m looking forward to in the 10th month of the calendar year.

1. My aunt Brenda arrives on October 5th. Can’t wait to have some Virginia in the state of Tennessee. I love playing tourist in Nashville and she was made to be a tourist. Gotta work on our itinerary. She’s a planned person (I get it honestly, folks). I also get my love of books and work from her. She’s a nerd; I’m a nerd, and together we drive my mom, who is not a nerd, nuts.

2. Hopefully going to see Delta Rae at 3rd & Lindsley. Listen up! An ultra talented Blue Devil is a member of the  band’s roster.

3. McHugh’s wedding in Athens, GA and while there visiting my bestie Darren Pierre. Super blessed to have both men in my life. Proud of them both for different reasons. Ready for a southern, fratty wedding! Still have to find a dress ;).

That’s all for now. Enjoy the last few moments of September.

Later y’all.

K

Music to My Ears

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These seems to be the songs that my Spotify finger wanders to these days. Enjoy!

1.  Spectrum- Zedd & Matthew Koma

2. I Will Wait- Mumford & Sons

3. R.I.P- Rita Ora

4. One More Night- Maroon 5

5. Tongue Tied- Grouplove

6. No Lie- 2 Chainz ft. Drake

7. Over When It’s Over- Eric Church

8. Ho Hey- The Lumineers

9. Bottom of the River- Delta Rae

10. It’s Time & Radioactive- Imagine Dragons

11. One Last Kiss (Blow Me)- Pink

Tomorrow night I get to see Carrie Underwood at Bridgestone Arena! Can’t wait! My boots are fired up and ready to go. Ready to be Blown Away! See what I did there? You love it ;).

Later y’all.

Hotty Toddy!

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Are you ready?
Hell yea!
Damn right!
Hotty Toddy, gosh almighty,
Who the hell are we?
HEY!
Flim Flam, Bim Bam, OLE MISS BY DAMN!

No, I didn’t go to Ole Miss.

No, I am not from nor have I ever lived in Mississippi.

I just wanted to Tailgate on The Grove and by golly that is what I did. Two of my new Nashville friends, The Bergs, invited me along to the Ole Miss v. University of Texas game on Saturday. I randomly mentioned that I would love to have the privilege of tailgating on The Grove and before I could count to ten I was in the car headed to Oxford, MS with a red dress in tow.

Uh, yes, a red dress and blue shoes to give me the full school colors vibe. The ladies at Ole Miss treat Tailgate like an event. Makeup and hair is DONE! Dresses are short and heels are high! Do they let unattractive women into that school? The answer is a resounding “No!” The major plus is that the men are just as handsome and sweet! Ma’am gets me every time and I never mind being called “sweet girl” by a southern gentleman. I know, I know, why don’t I just take women back to the 1900s? I just can’t help it, I love the charm.

From The Square to The Grove to AJax’s to Shipley’s Donuts I must say that Oxford has that charm that makes me want to visit again but never to call it my home. The people I met were sublimely lovely and I felt like I belonged instantly. The fans were nice no matter what side you were on and everyone offered to show you a good time. It seemed the entire states of TX and MS showed up to The Grove and I must say that I had fun across state lines.

This was such a worthwhile adventure and I thank my friends The Bergs for allowing me to tag along. I have an extreme desire to travel abroad but until then I must take advantage of the adventures I can have within a 4.5 hour drive of my home. America is beautiful. Hell yea!

I Love Nashville Nouns…3x

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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.

I’m a winner!

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Thanks to Volunteer Traditions I am the owner of this new snazzy “Football in the South Tee”!

Obvi, I choose it in Black & Gold because I hold season tickets for football games at Vandy. ANCHORDOWN! Really, my dear ‘Dores, just win!

Super amped to rock this tee at the next game against Auburn. Secretly, I want the right to yell War Eagle or even Roll Tide but for now ANCHORDOWN will have to make do. The former are much cooler ;).

Lucky for me I’m going to have a new football adventure at Ole Miss this weekend. My friends are taking me to Oxford to tailgate on   “The Grove”! I’ve got my red dress all picked out and I’m ready to roll. Hotty Toddy here I come!

This basketball baby is having fun in SEC land. The fashion, the tailgates, and the sheer passion for the game are right up my alley.  Don’t worry folks, I’m loyal to my Blue Devils and the ACC for basketball but I’m dating around and liking what I see on the football field in the SEC.

I’ll make sure to report back about my trip to Ole Miss. Wish me luck!

Oh, and don’t forget to check out Volunteer Traditions @Vol_Trad or on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/VolunteerTraditions. Great products to showcase your state pride. Feel free to send me anything with VA, NC, or TN. Thanks!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blech!

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I’m incredibly unmotivated to do anything. Everything these days seems to only gain my immediate attention when I’m under the gun. A deadline must be looming for me to spring into action. What is wrong with me? This is not my usual mode of work.

I make my to-do list and then I procrastinate. I find 18 other things to do besides what is on the list. My work doesn’t lack quality but it is lacking in passion and often creativity. I want to focus on my non-work commitments. My work in the Nashville community brings me more contentment and fulfillment than anything these days.

This mood makes me question my career path UNTIL I have a moment like I did yesterday. I spent four hours with 46 women who are serving as Gamma Chi for the Panhellenic community. I planned a very simple, educational, fun, and bonding experience for the women. To be honest, I was not particularly enthused by the day BUT I had an incredible time facilitating actvities and educating the women about sorority recruitment .The students were responsive and cared about the happenings of the day. They were funny and curious. I WAS ECSTATIC!

Regardless of how I’m feeling right now about the tasky aspects of my job there is one thing that always rings true. I love college students. That is a simple fact and I’m not looking to change that about my professional life.

I must reframe and obtain a new perspective on the day to day. Until then, I will just seek and bask in those moments when I get to connect face to face, one on one, mano y mano with the 18-22 years olds that clog my office and inbox.

Let’s hope I can give it the ol’ college try.

Summer in Nashville

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The summer is over! I think I just accepted that fact on Labor Day. It was my first entire summer in Nashville and I must say, that I had a great time.

I traveled to San Antonio, TX, Atlanta, GA, Oxford/Germantown, OH, Portsmouth, VA, and Bloomington, IN.

I went to an RC Cola and Moon Pie Festival in Bell Buckle, TN.

I saw Fiona Apple, Jason Mraz, and Who’s Bad? in concert.

I became involved with a new organization, Girls on the Run Nashville.

I was a finalist for a Nashville Emerging Leader Award.

I shopped. Made a smashing return to Zumba.

Did yoga and the Frist with my Little Sister.

I saw Savages, Magic Mike, the Bourne Legacy, The Dark Knight, and Sparkle at the movies.

Worked the Titans 5K and took part in National Dance Day with the Nashville Ballet. I saw a burlesque show at Marathon Music Works.

Took the GRE. Went to my first Steeplechase.

Whew! I’m pooped. This isn’t even everything. Super blessed to have had such a joy filled season in TN.

Let’s hope that God allows fall to bring more blessings my way.