Natalie Bryson

Would I accept the rose?

2010-07-13T08:50:00.000-07:00

Hey friends! I'm sure most people who read this also see my Facebook, so this may not come as a surprise...I am applying for the Bachelor! Yep, that's right. I applied online and got a call asking to fill out another questionnaire and send a video. It has taken me a month to decide, but I am going for it! Why not? The worst thing to happen would be to hear nothing back, and if so, I've lost nothing. It sure doesn't hurt to try. Lately, I have been talking about wanting something to change, wanting something exciting, just anything new, so I figured this could be really fun and random. I may not make it all. I may make it and make a fool of myself. I may get the first impression rose...ha you never know. Soooo...I'm filming my application video tomorrow on the football field at State. I may be sweating out there, but I thought it would be creative! Wish me luck!

"Why not go out on a limb? Isn't that where the fruit is?"

Water skiing at it's best!

2010-06-03T06:17:00.000-07:00

For Memorial Day, I went with some friends to the river. My two friends (Meg & Jess) and I decided it'd be a great day to try skiing for the first time. Needless to say, it took us all several times to get the hang of it, but we all three made it up at least once! I was so proud of myself for trying! I've always had a mental block on anything in the water due to a scary tubing experience when I was younger. Here are a few pictures of my first skiing adventure!

What would I do without TV?

2010-05-26T10:52:00.000-07:00

Isn't that sad? I just like TV. I always have. My family used to call me the walking TV Guide. I just tell myself that when I have kids running around, maybe I won't have time for TV, so why not enjoy that down time? Whatever works. Anyway, I am naturally a fan of Dancing with the Stars...I'm pretty sure I blogged once that there should be a Dancing with normal people, and I would sign up, NO DOUBT! Nicole and Derek won, which wasn't a big surprise. She's just AMAZING. Bachelorette started Monday, and I swore after Jake's gooberific season, I wouldn't watch another. However, I know one of the contestants, so of course I HAVE to watch! Mississippi's own, Ty Brown is on this season! I have met Ty, but I know his twin brothers much better. We were all at Northeast and State together. I've heard some rumors already about Ty's experience, but whatever, I'm gonna watch anyway. Go Ty! I can't write a TV blog and not mention GLEE....I am obsessed. I am convinced it's one of the greatest shows that I've ever seen. I love it and look forward to Tuesday nights every week!! Incredible. If you haven't watched it, you should try it, but you have to be open-minded. Pretty soon you'll be a "gleek" like me!

Tiny Dancer

2010-05-17T06:12:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday! The weekend went by too fast, as usual, but I had a really fun weekend. Mom and Morgan came to town on Friday just in time for Jackson's ballgame. (Jackson is my older sister's boyfriend's son) We had a great time watching Jackson play, and his team is #1! We're so proud of him! Saturday Caroline had her first dance recital. She did such a good job, and of course, she made us laugh. At the end of the recital, all of the dancers were sitting on stage receiving their medals, and Caroline just happened to be sitting centerstage. Apparently she got pretty bored and decided to break out into some pushups! So funny!! She actually was really good at them too! A great way to end the night.

I Like Quotes

2010-05-05T09:11:00.000-07:00

Lately, I've been into searching for good quotes. I thought I'd share a few.

-"We all need a place where we can go and feel over the rainbow..."
This is from an Amos Lee song called, "Keep it Loose, Keep it Tight". Such a great song, and who doesn't need a place to go where you feel over the rainbow? I don't even know where this place would be for me. I'm thinking it's somewhere on a beautiful beach with a cute boy beside me and a fruity drink in my hand...I don't know...

-"God match me with a good dancer."
Who knew Shakespeare would say something like this? I just love it, and I want the SAME thing! haha. At least I'd love to be with someone who likes to dance. :)

-"Trust your hopes, not your fears."
I actually have read this is a devotion before, and it was in my devotion last night. I think it is important to have hope. Romans 12:12 says, "Be joyful in hope..." No matter how tough times are or how discouraged we may become, we must hold on to our hope in the Lord and in His plan for our lives! How encouraging.

-"Pick the day. Enjoy it - to the hilt. The day as it comes. People as they come... The past, I think, has helped me appreciate the present - and I don't want to spoil any of it by fretting about the future."
Ahh...Audrey Hepburn. What a great outlook on life. I can certainly say that my past has made me who I am today! I am thankful for every person, every situation..

-"There's nothing fancy about the way I love you...It's as simple as the stars in the sky and the blue in the sea. There's nothing fancy about the way I love you, but it sure is fancy how you love me."
Dave Barnes, one of my favorite singers ever. How sweet are these lyrics. That's all.

Apples & Wine :)

2010-04-29T12:04:00.001-07:00

My sister sent me this email, and I thought it was cute.

Women are like apples on trees. The best ones are at the top of the tree. Most men don't want to reach for the good ones because they are afraid of falling and getting hurt. Instead, they sometimes take the apples from the ground that aren't as good, but easy. The apples at the top think something is wrong with them, when in reality, they're amazing. They just have to wait for the right man to come along, the one who is brave enough to climb all the way to the top of the tree.

Now men...men are like fine wine. They begin as grapes, and it's up to women to stomp the shit out of them until they turn into something acceptable to have dinner with. :)

A real fine place to start...

2010-04-27T17:11:00.000-07:00

Well hello friends! I decided to try getting back into the blogging world. I came across a friend's blog via facebook, and it was so cute and inspired me to have another go at it! It is so funny/strange to go back and read some of my old posts and remember what all was going on in my life. It is crazy how time flies by and how quickly things can change. Since I last wrote, I'd say some things have changed and gears have shifted..let's see here...

The athletic department is still my beloved workplace. That hasn't changed. Things are going well there although faces change there like crazy. I guess that's part of that line of work, but it does make me sad at times. I'll be there 4 years in June...wow. I've been a grown up for far too long now.

I'm a whopping 27 years old. Living the single life, and trying to remember to thank God for that daily. It can be tough to watch friends get married, have babies, and move on in life when I'm still at this stage. However, I am actually having the time of my life right now. I have the best friends in Starkville that I couldn't be more thankful for. They are so much fun, keep me laughing and encouraged, and even more..they are a great range in age (younger, same, and older!), and that keeps life so entertaining. God has done some great things in my life. It has just taken me a little while to realize that through the pain, there is healing. And man, I've really grown in my faith. My preacher asked me recently, "Have you ever been content with just you and God?" I had to stop and really think. My answer at the time was no. It is AMAZING what He will do in your life when you realize He's truly all you need.

I'll leave with posting a few pics of friends and my sweet little (getting bigger!) niece Caroline. Hope to keep this blogging thing up.

"The biggest risk in life..."

2009-09-22T12:19:00.000-07:00

One of the last times I was at home in New Albany, I bought a Memory Maker bracelet. Mine says on one side, "The biggest risk in life" and on the other side "is the one you don't take". I felt like that was very appropriate for me at this point in my life!! I still haven't figured out what that risk will be, but we'll see one day I guess! These are really cute. Check them out!

Beach Pictures Cont...

2009-09-21T06:35:00.000-07:00

Can we go back to the BEACH?!!

2009-09-21T06:23:00.000-07:00

My sisters, niece and I took a vacation back in August to Destin. We had so much fun!! We didn't want to leave of course! Here are just some of the great pictures we took. Can't wait til next year...

Go STATE!

2009-09-08T12:10:00.000-07:00

It was a great weekend with the start of a new football season. I'm so proud of our big win over Jackson State and looking forward to the games to come!

Man! What a week!

2009-08-07T13:48:00.000-07:00

Hey friends! Hopefully somebody out there still looks at my blog to see if I might have finally updated it! Yall...what a week it's been for me. You make read this and think TOO MUCH INFORMATION! But it is what it is, so here goes!

If you remember, I had a nice long week visit to the hospital last October. (Can't believe it's almost been a year). After surviving that horrible experience, I had hoped I was on the road to recovery. For those who don't know or don't remember, I had colitis. Blah! Lately, I've been having a few recurring issues and had to go back to the doctor last week. With no hesitation whatsoever, he said you gotta have a colonoscopy. If you're lucky, you don't have to have one til you're like 50 or so....So lucky me I had this done on Wednesday. As everyone says, the actual procedure is a piece of cake since you're put to sleep. It's the day before that is TERRIBLE! I hope I don't have to do this again for a looooooooong time. Thankfully, the report has been a positive one so far.

On a lighter note (or darker, if you will), while I was home I got my sis to color my hair. I decided I was tired of the highlights, so she darkened me up. You can't tell in my self-made picture here, but it really is darker! It's more natural. I just haven't seen my darker hair in a long time. Everyone at work today has noticed...and that says a lot since it's mostly a bunch of men! haha.

I'm BAAAAACK! Well, for today at least

2009-06-15T19:51:00.000-07:00

Hmm..since last time I posted, not too much has changed actually. I have been doing the usual: work, hanging out with friends, and visiting with Johnny when I can. He moved back to Clinton for his new job. I guess I don't have too much to say, so I'll post some new pictures. :)

Fun with Friends

2009-02-03T13:19:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!

2009-01-09T09:12:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's 2009 already. Last year was a good year, very tough at times, but I survived, and I'm looking forward to what this year has in store! The last couple of months have been so much fun!! My friend Rachel got married, I spent most of my Christmas at home with the family, turned 26 (yikes!), spent New Year's at Lake Bruin...it's been great. Here are some recent pictures...New Albany friends at our annual Christmas dinner (We're missing some!)Em and Me on our way to my Birthday dinnerMy wonderful friends had a surprise birthday dinner for me when we got back to Starkville!
New Year's with Johnny :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, EM!!!

2008-11-25T09:18:00.000-08:00

Today's my big sister's birthday. She's 29..only one more year, Em! Love you :)

MY Turn!

2008-11-25T09:06:00.001-08:00

Keely tagged me to this little game of listing 6 interesting facts about myself. This is going to be hard! I'm possibly the most boring person on EARTH!

1. I can write with both hands. I think I have mentioned this in previous blogs, but it's a fun fact about myself. I wrote with my left hand until about 3rd grade, and then I started realizing that I was "different" from my peers. I worked really hard and taught myself how to write with my right hand. Now I do both. I actually write with my right hand more than the left. I think it's cool to be left-handed now though. I also have the weird trick of writing with both hands at the SAME time!

2. I'm scared of bridges. I get really nervous when I see one coming and I know I have to cross it. Little ones over land aren't as bad, but the ones over water...HATE those! I have this fear that I'm going to fall off it one day. I dream about bridges all the time...seriously.

3. Speaking of dreams...I have a recurring dream that my teeth are falling out. What a random fact, but it's TRUE! If you've never had a dream similar to this, be glad! It's the worst dream in the world. Such a terrible feeling!!

4. My name means, "Child born at Christmastime." When's my birthday? December 27 :)

5. I am still obsessed with Dawson's Creek. I wanted that show to last forever. I have all the seasons on DVD, and I wish Pacey and Joey were a real-life couple that I could follow everyday. Ha. Great show.

6. I hate feet and belly buttons. Enough said.

An Interesting Couple of Weeks...

2008-10-28T08:59:00.000-07:00

So...this time 3 weeks ago, I sure wasn't thinking about getting sick, much less going to the HOSPITAL!! However, that's exactly what happened. I went to eat dinner with my friend Haley and while we were later hanging out with friends, I started to feel sick. Even though it was out of character for me, I interrupted the conversation and told them I needed to leave quickly. Little did I know, I would be getting a friend to take me to the ER just a few hours later! After spending about 3 hours in the ER on an iv, going through tests, and answering a million questions, they thought I was better and were about to send me home...nope! I get sick again, another IV, and I'm sent to a room....another million questions to answer...

I spent about 2 and a half days with no diagnosis. Seems I'd stumped my doctors (who didn't impress me btw!!). I was unable to eat, and they'd hardly give me ice! Miserable. After CT scans, scopes, xrays, ultrasounds...finally, an answer. I had colitis..yes, colitis. Inflammation in my colon-YUCK!-fluid in my stomach and lungs. I've never been so sick in my life. So, after 5 days of eating NOTHING but chicken broth, being pumped full of fluid, 3 antibiotics, steriods, etc..I finally started to feel better.

I spent 6 days in that hospital room. Thank the good Lord for my MAMA and my wonderful friends who visited me and took care of everything. I went home to New Albany with my mom for a week so I could get some good care and get to feeling better. Went back to the doctor yesterday for blood work and got a great report..it all came back normal! Thank goodness.

What an interesting little change up in my routine ;)

Inspired by Jade Gaskin :)

2008-10-06T06:33:00.000-07:00

ABC fun...

A. Attached or single? Single!

B. Best friend? I have several: Renee, Mandi, Haley, Rachel...but I have many GREAT friends!

C. Cake or pie? Cake..birthday cake is the best!

D. Day of choice? Saturday for sure

E. Essential items? Cell phone and the CHI.

F. Favorite color? Green

G. Gummy bears or worms? SOUR gummy worms

H. Hometown? New Albany, MS

I. Favorite indulgence? Coffee and food....sad!

J. January or July? July. I love summer, even though my hair stays frizzy

K. Kids? Someday!

L. Life isn’t complete without? My mom and sisters, niece and nephew, dog Jack, laughs with Haley!

M. Marriage date? Ha..TBA.

N. Number of brothers and sisters? 3 sisters! Jenny, Emily, and Morgan

O. Oranges or apples? Um, neither really, but I'd have to go with oranges

P. Phobias? Frogs, Storms, Heights

Q. Quotes? "Life is short, but sweet for certain..." -DMB

R. Reasons to smile? God is good. There are so many reasons to smile..I forget that sometimes.

S. Season of choice? I'd have to say Fall. I love the weather, and I LOVE MSU football time. I'm a big fan of Spring too though!

T. Tag 5 people.- Tag yourself! Ha.

U. Unknown fact about me? I hate styrofoam. Hate it.

V. Vegetable? Almost everything, but especially squash, potatoes, and green beans

W. Worst habit? Messing with my hair and saying "um"

X. X-ray or ultrasound? I am not sure what to say there...

Y. Your favorite foods? Spaghetti, McDonald's fries, mama's mashed potatoes...

Z. Zodiac sign? Capricorn

Call me crazy...

2008-09-07T17:14:00.000-07:00

...but I really want Britney Spears to be on the road to recovery! I couldn't stand her for a while, but I have been rooting for her lately, and I hope she's gonna make a comeback. I LOVE this commercial with her. I think it's funny and reminds me of the old Britney. Can't wait to see her perform on the VMA's tonight!

Commercial

I can't live without my...

2008-08-19T06:27:00.000-07:00

1. My Chi! This is just a given. I straighten my hair every single day of my life. My poor hair is probably so damaged from this, but nobody would want to be seen with me if I hadn't used the straightener!

2. My cell phone. I hate to admit that, but who can really say they can live without their cell phone. I don't talk much on my phone anymore cause I TEXT all the time. Thank goodness AT&T decided to provide unlimited texts. Mama was threatening to take it away from me!! I remember my first cell phone..I barely used the thing. Times have changed...

3. My Jackers. (my dog, Jack) He's my buddy. Couldn't stand not having him around.

4. My high school cheerleading shorts. Yeah, it's true. I still wear the shorts from high school that I wore to cheer camp or the ones I bought for practicing. They are worn out, have paint stains, and just old..but I love them. I sleep in a pair nearly every night, and they are always my go-to clothes from comfort.

5. Starbucks. Never thought I'd say it, and I hate admitting it now. I do love it. The only hot coffee I'll get is white chocolate mocha..other than that it has to be iced white chocolate mocha or caramel frappe. I'm trying to back off..it's too expensive anyway! Thank goodness colder weather will be here before long..maybe I won't want it anymore.

My cousin, Lucy

2008-08-12T07:02:00.001-07:00

My cousin, Lucy Hale, has been living in LA (she's from Memphis) for about 5 years now. She's appeared on several TV shows and commercials and has recently done some pretty big things. She has a part in Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 and is also starring in the CW's new show, Privileged. The girl that plays Cheyenne on Reba is on the show too! I love her! I haven't seen Lucy since she first went to LA. I got the chance to go out and visit her while she was competing on American Juniors. (the kid version of American Idol). She's doing a great job!

Since last time...

2008-08-12T06:53:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted anything in a while. Guess I've been busy, or bored, or something. In mid-July I went to Tampa to visit Mandi. We had a GREAT time, and it was so good to get away for a few days! I wish I could've stayed an extra week. I got to visit Sea World for the first time EVER..we went to a Tampa Bay Rays baseball game..saw MC HAMMER!..went to the beach..had a fantastic time out on the town and shopping..ate way too much. As we were leaving Howl at the Moon one night, I saw these two familiar faces about to pass us. It was 2 guys I went to high school with! How random? We stopped and chatted and of course took a picture. Too funny. Can't wait til next time!

Happy 60th to my Daddy!

2008-07-22T18:23:00.001-07:00

July 23 is my daddy's birthday, and this would've been his 60th birthday!! Happy Birthday to my wonderful daddy!!

Rachel Ray, How I'll Miss You...

2008-06-23T11:39:00.000-07:00

I'm posting this about 6 days before Rachel is actually leaving, but if I don't do it now, I'm not sure if I can do it later! Rachel "Ray" and I became friends a little over 2 years ago while she was working in the ticket office. Since then, she has become one of my very BEST friends, and I have made through so many tough times with her help. She has listened to me whine, cry, pout, ha..everything you can think of. We have shared so many fun times too!! From the beach, to scanning tickets at games, to rolling off the exercise ball at the gym (Rachel!!), to snow cones after the pool..I could go on and on. I couldn't have asked for a better friend, and I can look back at these past 2 years with a huge smile--and a tear--and I am so thankful that I've had Rachel around.

However, now it's time for her to go. God has blessed Rachel with an amazing guy and and an even better opportunity to move to Meridian and experience the next phase in her life. I am so happy for you, Rachel, but I am going to miss you so SO much! Not sure what I'll do without you!

Happy Father's Day!

2008-06-13T07:06:00.000-07:00

This weekend will be a tough one, as Sunday (Father's Day) will be exactly one year since my daddy passed away. I am going home today to spend the weekend with my mom and sisters. I almost can't believe a year has gone by already. We couldn't have done it without our friends and family!!

Happy Father's Day to all my blog friends' dads! Hope it is a great weekend. And Happy Father's Day to my sweet daddy who I miss so very much. I love you!!

My Current Favorite Things

2008-06-11T06:20:00.000-07:00

Number 1 on my list would have to be Lifetime's Army Wives. Such a wonderful show! I watched it last season, and I was so excited for this past Sunday's Season 2 premiere. I look forward to it every week. I think every woman (and men too!) should watch this show. It is funny, sad, sweet, inspiring, touching...one of my favorite shows in a long time! I think my favorite character is Roxy. She's a southern girl from Alabama, and her husband is cute too! Ha.

My number 2 would have to be The Bachelorette. I go back and forth on watching the bachelor/bachelorette, but I am hooked on this season. I loved DeAnna when she was on the Bachelor, so I am definitely still a fan. My favorite guys on the show are Graham and Jason. I picked Jason from episode one!! He seems like such a sweetheart. I like Graham because he seems really cool and is so cute. I've got Casey watching it now-HA!

Sad to say, but my favorite things right now are TV shows!! I'm such a couch potato! Maybe next time, my favorite things will be running, working out, reading...HA, nah...

X is for XYZ..I'm done!

2008-06-04T06:02:00.000-07:00

I saw someone else do this with the alphabet game, and now I understand why. While this has been fun, it has also been a little more difficult than I first imagined. X,Y, and Z would be hard to figure out anyway, so I'm done!

I went to see Sex and the City last night. I have literally seen ONE episode of that show ever, but I really enjoyed the movie. I looked forward to each new scene to see what everyone was wearing..loved the clothes! I think every girl should watch this movie at least once.

Today is Wednesday, and I'm hoping it's better than the last few Wednesdays! For some reason the last few that have passed have been very stressful. I said a prayer this morning that I would stay positive today and work really hard. So I know today will be better. It's hump day--can't be a bad thing!

W is for Whoo Hoo..We survived Camp!!

2008-06-02T08:45:00.000-07:00

I did it!! I survived my first year at dance camp. It was very hard work, constant running around, and exhausting, but we had a GREAT time. I could not be more proud of my girls. They were great spirits and worked so hard. It is amazing to see how far we've come since last year. We brought home several awards! We got 2nd place in the home pom routine, an all-superior trophy (we had at least 85% in superior ribbons on evaluations), 4 of them made All-Star, and we were given the "rock star" award. The rock star award was given the first night by the staff. They chose a squad that just showed great spirit, worked hard, etc...Friday night that squad passed it to another, then they passed it on Saturday, and yesterday Brandon High School passed it to us. The girls were so excited. I am glad it's over and happy we had such a good time.

V is for VACATION...

2008-05-28T08:24:00.000-07:00

...and I NEED one!!! This weekend just wasn't long enough. I need a real vacation. Somewhere sunny and away from Starkville! I keep seeing everyone post pictures of their trips to the beach or the lake, and I must admit, I am getting pretty jealous. I have never worked as hard as I'm working these days. Don't get me wrong, I think it's good for me, but I'm getting tired! Anyone up for going to the beach?? Let's GO!!

U is for UDA Camp

2008-05-26T14:29:00.000-07:00

In just 3 short days I'll be taking my first trip to dance camp and the first trip to camp as a sponsor! I have gone to UCA camp before (5 times to be exact) but was always the cheerleader. On Thursday of this week, I'll be taking my small squad of 6 girls to camp. Thank goodness we are going to camp at State, so we are still at home! We'll compete the first night of camp. I'm getting nervous, but they have worked so hard and will do great! I am so ready for next Sunday though--I'll be done with camp, and dance won't start again until August!!

Wish us luck at camp!! We might need it...

T is for TGIF

2008-05-23T06:42:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I'm too tired to say anything else!

S is for Sing to Me!

2008-05-22T07:22:00.000-07:00

Which David were you for last night? (Duh, American Idol) My vote was definitely for David COOK! David Archuwhatever has a beautiful voice, but bless his heart, he just seems like a goofy little kid. I just think David Cook is more marketable and more entertaining. Wouldn't mind him singing to me! Ha. I really would've liked Syeisha (sp?) to win, but 3rd place isn't too bad!

I'm currently obsessed with the song "Out of My Mind" by Colbie Caillat. I really love all of her songs, but this one is my current favorite. Wonder if she's gonna play around here anytime. I wouldn't mind catching one of her concerts.

And last today, but CERTAINLY not least, is Dave Barnes. LOVE him! I think I found him on MySpace one day, and I've been hooked ever since. I found out he is going to be in Houston really soon, so I gave Casey grief for moving. Ha. The day he is near Starkville, I am there. He is amazing! I have one of his songs as Casey's ringtone, I have him on my playlists at work and home. Check out his music if you haven't already. You'll love it. He can "sing to me" any time of day!

R is for Remember When...

2008-05-21T06:50:00.000-07:00

I know I am kinda slackin at this game right now. I am running out of fun titles and topics, but I'm about ready for this alphabet game to be over! I'm going to finish it out though. ;)

So my R is for remember when, and I'm posting some old pictures from college!

Q is for quotes

2008-05-19T11:36:00.000-07:00

I wasn't sure what to do with my "q", so thanks to Mandi for giving me this idea. There are so many quotes that I love, and I forget to always write them down. I will share some of my favorites...

Grey's Anatomy:
-"We're adults. When did that happen? And how do we make it stop?"
-"At some point, you have to make a decision. Boundaries don't keep other people out. They fence you in. Life is messy. That's how we're made. So, you can waste your lives drawing lines. Or you can live your life crossing them."

"Me? I'm scared of everything. I'm scared of what I saw, I'm scared of what I did, of who I am, and most of all I'm scared of walking out of this room and never feeling the rest of my whole life the way I feel when I'm with you." -Dirty Dancing

"This is one doodle that can't be un-did, homeskillet." - Juno

"If was life was easy, it wouldn't be worth living!" - Matthew Gaskin

"Hey, Kiddo" - Casey P.

"Looks aren't everything, money is." - my friend Keely

P is for Practice, Practice, Practice!

2008-05-16T07:06:00.000-07:00

I feel like that is all I'm doing these days is going to dance practice! It's that time of year though. We're getting ready to go to dance camp at MSU on May 29, so we are preparing for our first competition! I have them practicing whenever we can get it in. They are doing a good job and getting better each time. Their dance is so cute thanks to our choreographer, Ashley. I am going to be so proud of them once we're done. Come see us perform May 29 if you can!

O is for OHR NOR!

2008-05-14T06:18:00.000-07:00

HaHa. I'm sure you're wondering, what in the world is ohr nor?? Well, this post is for my little sister, Morgan. Morgan moved to Starkville a while back for about 6 months and lived with me. We had so much fun together...playing, laughing, trying to cook, and developing our own "language". It all started with Morgan mocking Celine Dion and the guy from Creed and how they pronounce words when they sing. It was hilarious. We started talking that way to each other..pretty much putting random R's in words. (hard to explain, but it works). We've been doing this ever since. We've even gotten mama and Em to do it at times and even friends! The greatest thing was when daddy would hear us and start copying us! "OHR NOR" is our favorite thing to say. Ha!

I forget Morgan is going on 22 years old. I still call her my "little" sister. I guess she'll always be that to me. Morgan is so full of life, and I believe she gets prettier every time I see her. Nobody makes me laugh like she does. We can turn the most boring day into something so much fun. She is almost finished with cosmotology school and is SO good at it! I would definitely trust her with my hair and nails! She's awesome. With Morgan, I learn to not always take life so seriously and just enjoy it. So thanks, Mo. I LROVE YROU!!

N is for New

2008-05-13T07:23:00.001-07:00

I say "new" because I feel like I am experiencing some new beginnings...

This past weekend was great. Casey and I packed up the Uhaul and his truck (and let me tell you, you couldn't have fit a toothpick in that uhaul) and drove to Mississippi. We stopped in Monroe and visited with his dad and stepmom. It was my first time to meet them, and I really enjoyed being around them. We spent the night with his mom, and then drove Sunday to Columbus to his NEW apartment downtown. It is really cute, and soon it will feel more like home to him. So...he's finally here and that is very NEW to us. It's going to be a lot of fun getting to see each other on random nights of the week and just whenever we feel like it.

I'm also learning a lot of NEW things this week at work as Mrs. Judy ("The Judy" hahaha) is retiring and will be gone after Friday. I am getting my first promotion, and for a while I'll be adjusting to the NEW responsibilities. I'm a little nervous, but I'm sure it'll be good for me.

So here's to some things NEW and exciting in my life :)

M is for Moving!

2008-05-08T07:37:00.000-07:00

Yep, it's that time. I'll be leaving in the morning for the last time headed to Houston. I'm kinda sad! But not that sad! Casey's last day of work is today, so tomorrow we'll finish packing up some of his things and spend the rest of the time enjoying Houston. We plan on eating lunch somewhere and then going to dinner..my choice. I'm thinking about Churrascos, the first place we ever went cause it's been my favorite so far. We're getting up Saturday morning and heading out in the Uhaul! We're stopping in Monroe, LA to stay with his mom and then we'll be in Starkville on Sunday. Casey has decided on a place in Columbus, and we are looking forward to being A LOT closer! Pray for our safety as we travel! :)

L is for Love you, Renee!!

2008-05-07T06:07:00.001-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my best friend, Renee!! She's the big 2-5 today and getting on up there like me! I hope you have a wonderful day and that your students don't act up!! :)

K is for Krispy Kreme

2008-05-07T06:04:00.000-07:00

And who doesn't love some krispy kreme..especially when the sign outside says HOT. My favorite place to get krispy kreme is at the beach. Wish I had some right now...

J is for Juno

2008-05-05T06:47:00.001-07:00

I loved this movie! It's out on DVD now, and I think everyone should rent it. I'll definitely be buying it! That's all I've got to say about that!

J is also for my dog, Jack. I had to drop him off at the vet school this morning with Dr. John (Emilia's fiance). I think he hurt his lower back or something, so let's hope he's ok!

I is for Interesting Quiz

2008-05-04T13:37:00.000-07:00

Thank you, Jade, for tagging me to this quiz! I needed something to do for "I".

maybe i should - get back to cleaning my apartment, but I needed the break

i love the smell of - my mom's cooking and Fierce cologne (Abercrombie & Fitch)

people would say that i’m -tender-hearted. Maybe TOO tender-hearted sometimes. I can't stand to see someone eating out alone. It makes me really sad.

i don’t understand why - MSU donors like to tell me how "stupid, ridiculous, unfair,..." our fundraising system is. If you don't like it, then get over it. We're like next to last if not last in the SEC as far as money goes. Deal with it and quit fussing at ME!

i lost my willpower to - run on the treadmill. I am not a runner, but I really want to be. I set goals when I first started going to the gym to run longer each time. Not sure where those goals went...

life is - too short

my past made me- stronger and more protective of myself. It also brought me out of my shell!

I get annoyed when I - am cutoff mid sentence at the drive thru (me too, Jade!), hear people smacking, can't quit saying "um", get behind a slow walker

parties are not a good time to - act like a hooker

dogs are - my favorite animal. I couldn't imagine life without my Jack!

tomorrow - is Monday and dance practice starts...

i have low tolerance for - people who can't be nice

i’m totally terrified of - frogs. They are creepy and gross. I know Hell is full of them.

i wonder why I thought my life would be... like I planned when I was little. I planned to be married at 22! Ha..

I always knew I would - still have a crush on one of my best friend's cousins..hahaha

never in my life have i - seen Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, been skiing (water or snow), gone to Europe, learned to drive a stick shift...

high school was - fun, adventurous, busy, a long time ago! I miss my junior year!

when i’m nervous- I pop my knuckles and my face turns red. But my face turns red all the time even when I'm not nervous or embarrassed

one time at a family gathering... hmm..that's a tough one. I bet if I thought long enough, I could come up with something funny daddy did...

take my advice- don't try the Caramel Frapps at Starbucks...you'll never quit!

making my bed - doesn't happen enough

i'm almost always - distracted..or texting

i’m addicted to - tv..sad, but true

i want someone to - give me an idea for "J"

I now tag Brenner, Renee, and Rachel.

H is for my...HAIR!

2008-05-01T07:53:00.000-07:00

Yep, my hair. If you know me at all, then you know my hair pretty much has a personality of its own. I schedule things around washing/straightening my hair. It's sad, but true. Up until 2nd grade, I had "normal" hair. Straight, not too thick, easy to dry. And then, something changed. From then on out, my hair got thicker, curlier, frizzier..just miserable. While in the auditorium as a 2nd or 3rd grader, this guy behind me (who we all had crushes on), taps me on the shoulder and said, "can you scoot over, you know, your hair's kinda big". I've NEVER forgotten that moment!! It used to take an hour to dry and mama would pull and pull and fight and sweat drying it and trying to satisfy me. I have always been so self-conscious about it! I used to get chemical straighteners ALL the time. They never helped that much, but they did help my self esteem! Thank the good Lord for Chi irons now! Seriously, my hair has changed a lot now and is A LOT calmer. It's still trouble for me when it's humid and when I'm swimming or whatever, but I have to deal with it and yall have to look at it! HA.

G is for GREAT picture

2008-04-30T07:28:00.001-07:00

That's really all I've got this morning...a GREAT picture of my daddy that one of his best friends sent to my mama. Back in the 70s, daddy and a couple other people owned the "Cotton Street Fountain" in downtown New Albany. I absolutely love this picture.

F is for Frappuccino, Facebook, and French Toast

2008-04-29T06:07:00.000-07:00

Jack decided to get up 30 minutes early this morning, so I've been up since about 6:20 which is fairly early for us. I was ready for work a little after 7, so I had plenty of down-time. I have been debating lately on whether or not to join Facebook again. I've been in "facebook rehab" a couple times, but this time was the longest! I decided why not? I miss talking to friends from my major and girlfriends I made that live other places. Since I was up earlier, I had plenty of time to decide I was going to stop by Starbucks and get a caramel frappuccino. I used to not touch anything that was related to coffee, but I love these things. Just needed that extra kick this morning. Last but not least, the french toast. I have been craving it. Casey makes YUMMY french toast, so when he gets here, he'll have to make some for me.

E is for Extra Monday post (lame, sorry)

2008-04-28T13:46:00.000-07:00

As mentioned in the previous post, I had a great weekend. One I've been needing for a LONG time. Kayla was in town, so we did some hangin' out! Friday night I met her and Amanda up at the Veranda. Saturday afternoon we went to the movies to see Baby Mama...so cute by the way! Don't even get me started on my $2 ice water though! MAN! Saturday night we went to State Theatre and had a BLAST! We danced the night away and even hit up a late-night. Hadn't done that in forever! It really was one of the best weekends I've had in a while, so thanks, girls.

P.S. No, that's not the same shirt both nights ;) haha

D is for Dancing..and Darn Good Weekend

2008-04-28T06:47:00.000-07:00

You shouldn't be surprised my D is for dancing. It's only my favorite thing to do. I took dance lessons for about ten years and then found myself teaching dance for two years. I really miss teaching dance. And now, I always look forward to having friends in town that will go dance with me...hurry home Mandi, and what a DARN good time I had with Kayla and Amanda this weekend! Those pictures will be posted soon! Until then, here is a CLASSIC picture of Mandi and me dancing at the Veranda a loooooong time ago :)

C is for Community College

2008-04-25T06:45:00.000-07:00

Yes, Community College. I spent my first two years after high school at Northeast Mississppi CC, and I wouldn't trade those two years for anything! I had some of the best times ever there. Northeast is located in Booneville, MS..only about 45 minutes away from New Albany. So even though I was away from home, I really wasn't. It was just enough distance for my first college experience. My freshmen year I lived with Kayla in the dorm (Mississippi as it was called). It was actually really nice, and we loved it! Our neighbors on both sides were NA girls, so that made it even more fun. Two doors down were the Lann twins who I would later reconnect with! They are Gaskin's cousins :) Kayla, Renee, and I spent a lot of time making new friends at the BSU. I think we all three had a different guy to crush on! I made some great friends that year. Two of my best friends at NE were Matt Lott and Dave Stovall. They started a band called, Freshmen 15...and today they are becomming HUGE in the contemporary Christian music industry! They have some new band members and have changed their name to Wavorly. I am so proud of them!Northeast was a wonderful experience and one I will remember forever. This picture is from my freshman year. I look so young! I sometimes wouldn't mind being 18 again...

B is for BIG sister

2008-04-24T07:39:00.000-07:00

I decided to make today's post about my big sister, Em. (Her name is Emily, but that just sounds weird coming out of my mouth.) Em is three years older than me and has always been someone I admire and trust. When we were little she was so mean to me! Don't deny it, Em, you know you played pranks on me and convinced me to do stuff I shouldn't! We always had two barstools in the kitchen, and she got the "first" one--the one furthest from the wall. Why we thought this one was cooler, I'll never know. She got the front of the bathtub--closest to the faucet. She convinced me to open my mouth and close my eyes while she shoved the bar of soap in my mouth. She shoved minute steak up my nose. She convinced me to play the cheese game. That game will remain private!! haha. I will admit though, I did have fun with that one!

Em did "take charge" when we were younger, but as we've gotten older, I've needed her to be the one in charge. When I moved to Starkville, I was nervous and afraid to be away from home. Thank goodness she was here. She helped me adjust to living on my own. She fed me! and basically helped me earn my degree. She picked me up from the Kappa Sig house when you know who gave me the shaft! She came to my apartment in the middle of the night (9 MONTHS PREGNANT) to scare off an ex-boyfriend!! No matter what happens, she is ALWAYS there for me.

Em, you have taught me so much and allowed me to make mistakes and learn from them, all the while, guiding me to be the best I can be. I still look up to you and think you are one of the smartest people in the world. Thank you for being the BEST BIG sister! I love you.

A is for Alphabet Game

2008-04-23T08:20:00.000-07:00

I have made the decision (this could be a BAD one) to play the alphabet game with Mandi. I first got this idea from reading Emily Stringer's blog and thought it could be fun. You post something new everyday using the letters of the alphabet in order. So, here goes. We'll see if I can go all the way to Z!!!

HaPpY WEdneSdAY!

2008-04-23T07:41:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting at my desk a little while ago, and this guy comes around the corner holding some flowers. In my mind I'm saying, "Please be mine, please be mine!". YAY!! They were mine. It is so fun to be surprised with flowers. Since today is Administrative Professionals Day and I took my lunch hour yesterday to look at an apartment for Casey, the card says, "To my favorite administrative professional and real estate agent". Ha. Thanks, Case :)

Good Times

2008-04-21T09:13:00.000-07:00

I had a great weekend. Friday I picked Casey up at the airport, and we stopped at CiCi's Pizza for dinner. We had realized that we'd never eaten pizza together, so we hit up CiCis. It was fun. Friday night we went bowling with Renee, Stephen, and Austin who were in town for a softball tournament. We played 3 games, and I didn't win any of them but I DID beat Casey 2 out of 3, and that's all that matters!! Saturday Casey and I went apartment hunting but had no luck. He's moving in three weeks, so he might be bumming off people for a while. We had lunch at the Union with Renee and crew. Saturday night we went to eat at Old Venice with Emilia and John then hung out at the Veranda for a little while. After church on Sunday, we took Jack for a walk around the lake. He LOVED it. Before heading back to the airport, I made him watch Adventures in Babysitting from like 1987. One of my favorite movies ever! The weekend was a lot of fun, and I can't wait for Renee to come visit me again for a girls' weekend!!

Celeb Crush(es)

2008-04-18T12:00:00.000-07:00

Is it ok to be completely jealous of Shannon Elizabeth and Edyta Sliwinska? Well, I am, and I'll tell you why. They both dance with the hottest guys ever on Dancing with the Stars. Haha. Rachel and I were just discussing our secret love for Derek Hough (professional dancer), and we've previously admitted to drooling over Jason Taylor (pro football player). HA. But seriously, I think I'm gonna figure out who to contact about how to pitch my idea for, Dancing with the Normal People!! I think Derek and I would make great dance partners!! ;)

"Just cause I'm not there, doesn't mean I don't know!"

2008-04-17T08:30:00.000-07:00

Quote of the day! Thanks, Mandi, for all our chats over messenger. What would I do some days without them! I had so much going on in my head this morning, and I appreciate your advice. You're right, just cause you don't live here anymore, doesn't mean you don't understand what's going on!

You know me too well ;)

Man's Best Friend

2008-04-15T07:07:00.000-07:00

I was told this morning to "get to blogging!!". I was thinking back to older posts and realized I have not mentioned my dog Jack! I'm such a bad mother.

I've had Jack for about a year and a half. I had been thinking that I kinda wanted a dog, but I just couldn't make up my mind. Emilia had a friend that worked at the Columbus Humane Society, and she told me one day that her friend had taken home this dog but just didn't think she could keep him since she had two other dogs. She convinced me to take a look at some pictures of "Mr. Milo" and to go visit him. He was so skinny and cute, and I took the friend up on her offer to let this dog come home with me for a night or two. How did that go? Let's just say for the next couple of days I was BEGGING somebody, anybody, to take this dog away from me! He was so hyper and too much trouble. I felt sorry for him, but I just didn't think I could do it. Well, nobody wanted him...not even me. The poor thing had been sent back to the shelter a few times already, so something in me just wouldn't allow him to go back. I changed his name to Jack (Mr. Milo wasn't working for us). And here we are, a year and a half later. I don't know what I'd do without him! How could I have ever wanted to get rid of him. He's such a sweet dog and has calmed down a good bit! Who cares that he's ridiculously spoiled and slightly heavier than he once was?

Jack is a beagle/jack russell mix. He also goes by Jack Jack, Jackers, Stickers (from my niece), and Jack Cristil when he's in trouble.

Engagement Party & Honoring Matthew

2008-04-13T16:39:00.000-07:00

Another weekend has come and gone. Friday night I worked the baseball game and then went to an engagement party for my friend Emilia. We had a great time, but of course I was home by 10 and in bed by 10:30! This was just the beginning of all the parties and celebrations to come--I have THREE weddings in a row in October. (bridesmaid in two).

On Sunday I was so lucky to be invited to go with the Gaskin's to an organ/tissue donor recognition in Tupelo. Lots of families were gathered around, and we each had a balloon to represent our loved one. We released the balloons all together, and it was a very special, emotional moment. Then we all gathered at the GumTree Museum for a program where they showed a very sweet slideshow with donors' pictures. The picture of Matthew was so cute! I miss him so much!! I am so thankful to have been able to go and honor my wonderful friend.

Mission: Get "fancy"

2008-04-10T08:57:00.000-07:00

C'mon Mandi! We can do this.

Ok, we're trying to jazz up our blogs. I've done pretty well with adding good pictures and now the collages. I click around on other blogs and get so many great ideas...now it's just figuring out where they come up with it all!

So the mission, if we choose to accept it, is to be more creative and make these blogs more fun to look at!

Collage Happy

2008-04-10T07:57:00.001-07:00

I am experimenting with this collage thing. Thanks for the help, Jade!

How BLONDE Can I Be??

2008-04-09T19:08:00.000-07:00

Seriously! I do not know what my problem is when it comes to cooking. I told my mom tonight that the Lord just did not intend on me being able to cook. I decided the other day that I was finally going to put all these cookbooks to good use. (My friends and family have been giving me SIMPLE cookbooks for a few years now--I think they're trying to help me out!--It isn't working!) I got out my trusty, Any Blonde Can Cook, cookbook and wrote down a few recipes to try. Tonight, I decided to go with breakfast pizza. Simple, right? Not for me. How can you possibly screw up breakfast pizza? It had like maybe 5 ingredients! The last step was to beat 4 eggs and some milk and pour over the top. Ok, fine. I beat the eggs and milk and begin to pour...

...apparently I'm an idiot because when I go to put it in the oven, the egg and milk starts running over the sides. Yep, that runs into the bottom of the oven (the HOT oven). I take it out. It runs everywhere else. I just started laughing. It's all I could do. I clean it up and give it another go. Mind you, my apartment smells a bit like burnt something! I gave it a shot. It would've tasted good had I just done it all right in the first place. Wow, what an experience. I think tomorrow night I'll go with something else...We'll see how it goes!

Not much to say

2008-04-08T06:13:00.000-07:00

I don't have much to say this morning, but I do have some cute new pictures to share. OH! I filled out my first bracket this year, had NO CLUE what I was doing. I simply picked the teams at random, and guess who I picked to win it all? KANSAS! Go me. Haha. Enjoy the pics.

So long, Houston!!

2008-04-03T06:04:00.000-07:00

I have some very exciting news to share. Casey (my boyfriend) is finally moving back to Mississippi! We have spent our entire relationship at a distance. Even though we've only been dating a little over 7 months, I think it's time to finally be in the same town! We've built a solid foundation with LOTS of trust, FAITH, and commitment.

Currently Casey works for Exxon in Houston but has been thinking (unbeknownst to me) about switching gears. When he came to town last weekend a day early (surprise, Nat!) he informed me that he had a job interview in Columbus. I tried not to get my hopes up too much and just trust his judgment. For the last few days, we've prayed, talked, weighed his pros and cons, and prayed some more. He made the decision yesterday, and it's great news. Not only will he be closer so we can finally spend more than a weekend together, he'll be so much happier in his new job and will find much success!

I think I'm going to try to make one more trip out to Houston. It'll be a little bittersweet I'm sure, but I won't miss the flights out there! Casey will be here sometime in May. Congrats to Casey! and ME ;)

"As we forgive our dep-tors"

2008-04-01T16:30:00.000-07:00

Cutest thing I've seen in a while!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AR4PQ30VkBk&feature=email

"Hello, Em"

2008-03-30T16:37:00.000-07:00

My sister has a blog now too! Here is a link to her blog :)

Em's Blog

Super Bulldog Weekend and Mama's Birthday

2008-03-30T13:59:00.001-07:00

The weekend was a pretty good one filled with baseball, JV dance team tryouts (oh my!) and Mama's birthday. Kayla was in town, and it was great to see her! Wish we'd had more than ten minutes to visit. Casey was in town also, and we went Saturday night to Tupelo and ate dinner at Harvey's with Mama and my sisters. We had a great time. I just wish we'd had more time together! I've shared some pictures from the weekend.

YAY RENEE!

2008-03-27T19:46:00.000-07:00

I have officially recruited my fourth friend to the blogging world. Welcome, Renee! Check out her up-and-coming blog ;)

Renee M. Ewing

Thank goodness for CARAMEL BLENDS!

2008-03-26T11:49:00.000-07:00

Whew! If I didn't have this caramel blend (coffee blend w/caramel) from LJs, I don't know what I'd do today! Ha. Let me tell you, today is just overwhelming. From work, to dance team, to trying to get my car fixed from two, yes TWO accidents (neither were my fault btw, two different people backed into me), this day is just all-around CRAZY! I hardly had time for lunch, but I definitely made time for my caramel blend. It's full of sugar and caffeine. Just what I need :)

Mandi sent me a link to the cutest blog. I especially liked the post about the lady running on the treadmill. It is hilarious. So check this out when you have time!
Girls Write Out Blog

Super Bulldog weekend is coming up this weekend. I hope the weather is warm and beautiful, and I hope the Dogs can win some baseball against Georgia!

Say a prayer for my mom who is going to the doctor today. Won't go into details, but I know she is a bit nervous and hopes for a good report.

My New Albany friends--I miss them!!

2008-03-19T12:02:00.000-07:00

Praise You in this Storm

2008-03-18T08:28:00.001-07:00

I ran across this song on a friend's myspace, and I had to share some of the lyrics. I needed this today.

Praise You in this Storm by Casting Crowns

I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I need a title...

2008-03-16T15:26:00.000-07:00

Another weekend has come and gone. I spent the weekend working the baseball games (boo--I can't STAND Ole Miss). Watched the basketball game Friday night, and WOW! what an interesting game that was. All I can say is if I'd been in the Georgia Dome when that tornado came through, I probably would've been absolutely freaking out! I'm so glad all my friends are safe! Just hate the Bulldogs had to come home without the championship.

My wonderful friend Rachel bought me the book, 90 Minutes in Heaven. I have been wanting to read this book for a while now, so I'm really excited about it. I read a little bit last night, and I am already amazed. I can't wait to read the rest. If my daddy and Matthew are experiencing even half of what the author confesses to experiencing in Heaven, then I find comfort in that.

I didn't post anything after last weekend, but it was a pretty good one. Mandi was in town from Tampa, and Casey was here from Houston. It was so great to see Miss Mandi! We always have fun stories to tell and have a great time catching up.

I think that's all for now...

They're predicting snow...

2008-03-07T06:18:00.000-08:00

But will we really get snow? Who knows. I hope so except for the fact that I have to work baseball today, and it is going to be SO cold!!

I'm blogging this morning to hopefully get rid of my "blah" mood. Wow. How overwhelmed with emotion I've been lately. I guess we all go through some down time. I'll be glad when things start to brighten up around here. I have to try not to get anxious though. One of my favorite Bible verses is "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." (Phil. 4:6) I know the Lord has a great plan as always! I just ask that you pray for me as I'm dealing with some things and that I'll just trust in God in all I do.

On a lighter note~I look forward to a weekend full of COLD baseball, our last home basketball game, and hanging out with friends. :)

"Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the Lord is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other." Deuteronomy 4:39

"5 minutes til MSU baseball..."

2008-03-03T14:09:00.000-08:00

My weekend flew by as usual. I didn't do too much except work at the baseball games. Looks like many weekends to come will be filled with work. These pictures are of me, my friend Rachel, and the little girl is Anna Richey. I work with Anna's dad. (notice the wind-blown look I was obviously going for!)

I often visit biblegateway.com and read the verse of the day. I'll leave you with today's.

--"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55: 8-9

2 of my FAVES!

2008-03-01T15:01:00.000-08:00

Here are two of my favorite videos. One is the best McDonald's commercial ever made! The other is a video from So You Think You Can Dance. It's a contemporary dance by Mia Michaels portraying a father and daughter reuniting in Heaven. Enjoy :)

McDonald's Commercial

So You Think You Can Dance (the quality isn't the best)

Save me from myself!

2008-02-28T17:21:00.001-08:00

Yours truly here really woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning! I was just in a sour mood all morning..pretty much all day. I was so busy at work, people were getting on my nerves, I was tired, hungry..what else can I complain about?!

During my lunch break, I got a call from the Starkville Academy athletic director, and she offered me the coaching position again for the JV dance team. Since we had been going back and forth with me maybe coaching the Varsity, I was relieved to have the JV back, and I gladly took her up on her offer. This kinda lifted my spirits...kinda.

I spent the rest of the afternoon smothered in work. I took out a little aggression on the eliptical and bike at the gym. I'm now about to head to the Veranda for dinner with some friends. This will be fun, and I'm looking forward to closing out this BLAH day with a good time. The Veranda has an extremely bittersweet feeling to it. Gaskin and I had a really, really fun night there a few months ago, and he always texted me when he was up there. I know he'd be shocked to know I was actually going tonight! Gosh, I miss him so, so much. But here's to a good night with friends and maybe having a drink for my boy, Gaskin ;)

He Preserves Us

2008-02-26T16:38:00.000-08:00

I meant to post this last night, but I didn't get a chance. Jade's post today inspired me to make sure I wrote this one tonight. For Christmas, my mom gave me a daily devotional for women called, Walking with Christ Everday. This devotion came along exactly when I needed it...

"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will exist no longer; grief, crying, and pain will exist no longer, because the previous things have passed away." Revelation 21:4

Women of every generation have experienced adversity, and this generation is no different. But, today's women face challenges that previous generations could have scarcely imagined. Thankfully, although the world continues to change, God's love remains constant. And, He remains ready to comfort us and strengthen us whenever we turn to Him.

God's Word promises, "The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them. The Lord preservees all who love Him" (Psalm 45:18-20). This comforting passage reminds us that when we are troubled, we should call upon God, and in time, He will heal us. And until He does, we may be comforted in the knowledge that we never suffer alone.

You think you know, You have no idea...

2008-02-21T12:56:00.000-08:00

Ok, so Jade Gaskin has tagged me in this fun little activity to share 7 interesting facts about myself! I am not sure what to share--I think I am very boring! But I'm glad she tagged me--here goes!

1. This HAD to be my #1 fact--I can write with both hands..at the same time! With my right hand, I write normal and with my left I write backwards all at the same time. For example, I will write my name going the right direction with my right hand and then backwards with my left hand. I have NO clue how I discovered this talent. I was born left-handed, but I also write with my right hand a lot of the time. My sister says I'm a freak of nature.

2. I am terrified of storms. In fact, as I'm typing this, it's thundering, and I don't like it! I'm a big baby when it comes to a storm.

3. I, like Jade, have threatened to tryout for American Idol! I love to sing, but I'm nowhere good enough to win that competition. I was the lead in my high school play, but when I look back at the video, I get a little embarrassed!

4. I have this obsession with keeping my kitchen counter clean. I wipe the thing down just about everyday. I don't know why I care that much. I am not that great at keeping everything else clean, but you can bet that counter is gonna be spotless!

5. I'm scared of clowns. I mean REALLY scared of clowns. When I was a student worker for the football office, I had to clean out Coach Sherrill's office when he retired...he collected clowns..all kinds. Miserable! In fact, I'm scared of Halloween too. I don't do mask/costumes.

6. Ok, this one will sound really strange. I don't like to touch paper (newspaper, notebook paper, paper sacks, etc) Weird, huh? Obviously, I have to touch it cause I wouldn't make it through life, but I can't stand the way it feels on my hands!

7. If I could have one wish come true, I'd be a Broadway star. I wouldn't mind having a part in Hairspray, RENT, even High School Musical. I think that's what I'll do in my next life. :)

Thanks, Jade. That was fun. I'm gonna tag Mandi and Kayla now.

What a Thursday

2008-02-21T08:44:00.000-08:00

Lots going on today...

They are probably announcing the new athletic director today...lots of buzz around my office and people are beginning to ring our phones off the hook. It's an exciting day and lots of changes are in store for the MSU athletic department!

I made the "Phlog" on the athletics website today. Click the link below to view my phlog debut! HA--maybe I should try out for America's Next Top Model??

http://www.mstateathletics.com/Phlog.dbml?ATCLID=1394122&DB_OEM_ID=16800

I'm having lunch today with some of Gaskin's family, and I'm really looking forward to that. It means so much for them to take the time to get to know me. Talking to them helps me feel better. Wonder what ol' Matthew would have to say about it...

It's a rainy, dreary day, but I'm planning to make the most of it.

Shout out to TAMPA! :)

2008-02-20T06:48:00.000-08:00

My friend Mandi wrote the cutest, sweetest blog for me, and I had to share. Please take the time to check it out. Thanks, Mandi :)

http://mandidaniellethoughts.blogspot.com/2008/02/i-miss-things-that-used-to-be.html

My Daddy

2008-02-17T16:11:00.000-08:00

I have been meaning to write this post for a while now. I wanted to share the story of my daddy...

In August 2003, about a week before I moved to Starkville, my mom sat me down along with my little sister and told us news that would change my life forever. My dad had been diagnosed with Alzhiemer's Disease. He was 53 at the time. You rarely hear of this disease affecting someone so young. I couldn't believe what I was hearing, and it scared me to death. I knew dad had had something wrong for about two years before that, but never in my life did I expect that. What happened over the next four years would take a lot more than one blog post to describe. When they call Alzhiemer's the "long goodbye", they know what they're talking about. We slowly watched him forget how to do the simplest things (tie his shoe, walk the dog, fix a sandwich...) Such a saddening experience to see this man that was the smartest, most business-savvy, most outgoing man I'd ever known go through this. In November of 2006, we made the very difficult decision to move daddy out of our house. He had gotten to the point where my mom and little sister could no longer take care of him. Around last May daddy got really sick, and on June 15, 2007, the Lord took him home.

I could not ask for a better daddy, and I miss him as much today as I did yesterday. He taught me so much and set the greatest example of what a husband and father should be. God has been so good to my family. We have gone through so much in the last five years, but we could never have made it through without our faith. We may not always understand God's plan, but it is HIS plan. He is completely in control, and we have to trust.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7

Weekend in Texas

2008-02-17T15:49:00.000-08:00

I just got back from a weekend in Houston, TX. My boyfriend Casey lives there and works for Exxon Mobil. We had a good weekend. I got there Thursday night, and we just hung out at his apartment. Since he had to work on Friday, I enjoyed relaxing and having some peaceful time to myself. I really needed it. We went to a nice restaurant Friday night called The Oceanaire. (DECLICIOUS). Saturday we watched the State game--GO STATE!!. It was nice to not have to work and scan all those tickets! Saturday night we went to the Alamo Draft House. The Alamo is a movie theater close to Katy, TX where you can order food while watching a movie. There are waitors that come around and quietly take your order. It's really neat and was something new and different for us both.

I enjoyed my weekend. It was good to get out of Starkville for a few days and get my mind off some things.

I can't wait for the summer when I will head down to Tampa, FL to see my friend Mandi! I am looking so forward to seeing a part of Florida I have never seen before. It will be so much fun to hang out with her again! We have had some GREAT times together. :)

It's Hump Day (Thanks for the idea, Mandi)

2008-02-13T11:22:00.000-08:00

Well, it's Wednesday, my third favorite day of the week. (1st-Saturday; 2nd-Friday). Not much happening in the town of Starkville today, except that it's freezing! As I walked into work today, snow flurries hit my face. That was kinda fun. Work is exceptionally boring today. I have work I could probably be doing, but I'm just not in the mood!

I'm excited about tonight--My friend Rachel and I are going to eat MUGSHOTS! -After we workout of course- I've been wanting to eat there for a long time. Then, I gotta pack. I'm headed to Houston, Texas tomorrow until Sunday. Going to Houston is fun, but the flying, not so much. I DESPISE flying. I'm scared the entire time - from the driving to airport, to the sitting and waiting at the gate, to the flight itself, right up until we reach the terminal! I get that from my mama...

I miss my friend...

DANCE, DANCE!

2008-02-12T07:04:00.000-08:00

As mentioned in my "About Me", I'd rather be dancing. I LOVE to dance. I took dance for about ten years, and then I taught dance my first two years of college. I taught cheer-dance, clogging, and beginner tap. I don't go much anymore, but a couple years ago, if you needed me, you probably could've found me on the dance floor somewhere in Starkville! (Thanks MANDI and friends!) Good times...

Back in the fall, I coached the JV Dance Team at Starkville Academy. I had a very small squad of only seven girls, but we really had a great time. We worked really hard and came a VERY long way. I miss them! They were lots of fun.

Of course I watch all of the reality shows concerning dance: Dancing with the Stars, Dance War (with Carrie Ann and Bruno), America's Best Dance Crew (MTV)..I enjoy them all. I've always said I wish they made a show called Dancing with Regular People--I'd take home the trophy! :)

"Dance like nobody's watching..."

My weekend

2008-02-10T19:32:00.000-08:00

After a little rocky start, I ended up having a pretty good weekend at home. I finally got to see my niece this afternoon. I miss seeing her almost everyday. (They recently moved to Southaven.)

Today was fun. We went to the NA High School play--High School Musical. I haven't ever watched the movie, so I was a bit curious as to how this play might turn out. I'm only used to the school producing broadway plays. When I was a senior, we did South Pacific. (yes, I was the lead). That was probably the most fun time of my entire senior year. The play was really good today and lots of fun to watch. It really made me miss doing stuff like that. For those of you reading this that know me well--my passion in life is dance and performing. I LOVE it--enough said.

Got a pretty busy week ahead. I pray that the Lord will help me have a positive attitude. I've kinda had a bad (sad) attitude lately. God is good. Let us not forget that.

NA town

2008-02-08T14:30:00.000-08:00

I'm headed home to NA for the weekend. Haven't been in a couple weeks, and I'm ready to get there. Just wish my niece was going to be there!

Thanks to Jade for the link on her page. I appreciate it :)

Hope the weekend is a great one for all.

Don't forget the lyrics...

2008-02-08T06:20:00.000-08:00

I had a really random thought for a post this morning. I've decided to make a list of some of my favorite lines from songs. I'm sure I'll think of more later, so I'll come back and add them to the list.

-One more kiss could be the best thing, or one more lie could be the worst...
-On a night like this, I could fall in love...
-Can I get some fries with that shake shake booty!
-I don't want no scrub...
-I wanted you to know, that I love the way you laugh...
-How great is our God. Sing with me, how great is our God...
-It starts in my toes, makes me crinkle my nose, wherever it goes, I always know...
-I smell T-R-O-U-B-L-E!
-Light 'em up and watch them burn, teach 'em what they need to learn HA!
-Yall gon' make me lose my mind, up in here, up in here
-Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound...
-I'm bringing sexy back...
-So I CREEP, yeah, just keep it on the down low...
-My God He was, my God He is, my God He's always gonna be...

My Sweet Friend, Gaskin

2008-02-07T08:09:00.000-08:00

Recently, I lost a very special friend, Matthew Gaskin. Gaskin and I were neighbors last year, and we had developed a close friendship. He NEVER failed at making me smile. The last time I saw him, he was smiling his great big smile and joked with me about being old--something he liked to remind me of often ;) I am so thankful for that night.

I will miss my friend so very much, but thankfully the Lord had a much greater plan for him than I did. We are not promised tomorrow, and I hope that I will continue to live as Matthew did--living life to the fullest, never worrying about what might come.

About a month after my dad passed away, I sent Gaskin a text saying how much I missed him. What he texted back I will remember forever, as it is now true about him.."I know you miss him, but you will see him again. He is part of you, he's in you."

See you soon, Gaskin. :)

My very first blog

2008-02-07T07:45:00.000-08:00

Well, after a little push from my friend, Mandi, I decided to try this out. My initial thoughts on blogging were, hmm..weird. I didn't think I'd ever do it, but I enjoyed reading a few random blogs every now and then. I'm gonna give it a try. Maybe it'll help relieve some stress. Bare with me. I'm not the best writer...